PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates

Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward

Harrisburg,PaMay5,2014

AprilStateRevenues$328.3MBelowEstimate,RevenueProjectionsWorse

Pennsylvaniacollected$3.4billioninGeneralFundrevenueinApril,whichwas$328.3million,or8.8
percent,lessthananticipated,SecretaryofRevenueDanielMeuserreportedThursday.
FiscalyeartodateGeneralFundcollectionstotal$23.9billion,whichis$424.5million,or1.7
percent,belowestimate,withoutadjustingforlastmonthsearly$80millionliquorprofitstransfer.
TheIndependentFiscalOfficeThursdayreleasednewrevenueestimateswhichforFY
201314is$608millionlessthanearlierestimatesandforFY201415is$990millionlessthan
previousIFOestimatesresultinginnearly$1.6billionlessrevenuethananticipatedearlier,accordingto
directorMatthewKnittel.
TheIFOestimatesforFY201314are$569millionlessthantheGovernorsestimateandfor
FY201415were$778millionlessthantheGovernorsestimatesresultinginanearly$1.35billionless
revenuethananticipated,accordingtodirectorMatthewKnittel.
Bystatute,theofficeissuesaninitialrevenueestimatebyMay1andanupdatedrevenue
estimatebyJune15.
SenateRepublicanChairoftheAppropriationsCommitteeJakeCorman(RCentre)saidon
theSenateFloorWednesdaynewtaxrevenuesfromanaturalgasseverancetax,taxessmokeless
tobaccoorothermeasureswillnotbeenoughtofillthegaps.
Sen.CormansaidthereneedstobechangesinthestatespensionsystemsandMedicaid
spendingtoeliminateautomaticgrowthinthebudget.
NewsClips:
PARevenueOffBy$425MillionAndGrowing
AnemicTaxCollectionsAddToStateBudgetWoes
NaturalGasSeveranceTaxGetsNewLife
TaxGasDrillersToPayForEducationGubernatorialCandidatesSay
Editorial:CouldSeveranceTaxHelpFundPASchools?
11GameLandsInNEPAHaveGasLeases

Sen.FerloIntroducesBillToEnactASeveranceTax,OverhaulOilAndGasRegulations

Sen.JimFerlo(DAllegheny)TuesdayannouncedtheintroductionofSenateBill1359thatwilloverhaul
keyrequirementsofthestatutewhichregulatesoilandgasdrillingintheCommonwealth,enacta
severancetaxandimposeatwoyearmoratoriumonadditionaldrillinginStateForests.
Sen.Ferloslegislationincludesseveralimprovementstotheexistinglaw,includingamendments
thatwillimposeareasonableMarcellusShaleseverancetax,strengthenenvironmentalandpublichealth
protectionsandprotecttherestorationoflocalzoningpowersandatwoyearmoratoriumonfurther
leasingofStateForestsfordrilling.
Act13of2012hasnumerousshortcomings,someofwhichhaverecentlybeensuccessfully
challengedincourt,andmybillhopestorightsomeofthesewrongs.Thecurrentlawfailstoprotect
publichealthandsafety,fallsshortoncoveringtheactualcostsofdrilling,andundervaluesthenatural
gastheCommonwealthcanproduceallissuesthatmybilladdresses,Sen.Ferloexplained.
Mylegislationwillbringin$775millioninbadlyneededrevenue,estimatedbasedonthe
Commonwealthsnaturalgasproductionnumbersfromlastyear.Pennsylvaniahasthelowesteffective
taxrateofanystateinthenation,andtheRepublicanmajorityisleavingrevenueonthetable,Sen.
Ferlosaid.
Sen.Ferloexpressedadditionalconcernswiththecurrentimpactfeechargedonoilandgas
drillers.Act13of2012leftPennsylvaniapoorlyprotectedfromtheeverydayimpactsofthegas
industry.TheexistingfeedoesnotcompensatetheCommonwealthappropriatelyforthelocaleffectson
roadsandsocialservices,norpayforthedamagedonetotheenvironment.Theinfrastructureall
Pennsylvaniansrelyoniscrumblingasaresultoftheindustry.
ThelocalfeecomponentinthelawisinsignificantandgrosslyundersellsPennsylvanias
Marcellusshaleresources,Sen.Ferlosaid.Mylegislationwoulddoawaywiththisinadequatefee
structure,andimposeamorerobustseverancetaxsimilartoeveryothermajorgasproducingstatein
America.
ThebillalsorepealstherecklessstatewidezoningprovisionsimposedbyAct13.Thebillwould
onceagainempowerlocalmunicipalitiestocontrollandusepolicies.
Lastyear,thePennsylvaniaSupremeCourtoverruledthelocalzoningportionofAct13as
unconstitutionalbecauseitviolatedtheEnvironmentalRightsActamendment.Thebillwouldreestablish
whathadbeenpracticefordecadesallowinglocalresidentsandgoverningbodiestomakethebest
decisionsfortheircommunities.
Sen.Ferlosplanalsoincludesrequirementsthatdrillersmustnotifyanexpandedareaoflocal
propertyownersandmunicipalitiespriortodrillingcreatesnewboundariesatdrillingsitestobeused
formeasuringdistancesfromresidences,educational,andmedicalfacilitiesprovidesthatwater
managementplansmustincludeconsiderationsforwildlifeandecosystemsclarifiesthatdoctorsshould
haveimmediateaccesstoanyandallinformationpertainingtopatientsmedicalconditionsandcan
sharethatinformationincreasescriminalpenaltiesforviolatingtheactandcreatesatwoyear
moratoriumonanyadditionalleasingofstateforestlandsfordrilling.
AcompleteanddetailedlistoftheamendmentsproposedinSenateBill1359isbelow.Thebill
iscurrentlyawaitingreferraltotheappropriateSenatecommittee.
1.Eliminatestheimpactfeeandreplaceitwithafairseverancetaxof$0.25perthousandcubicfeetof
gas.ThetaxratewilladjustupasthepriceofgasincreasesandwillbecollectedbytheDepartmentof
Revenue.Ifthetaxhadbeeninplacein2103itwouldhaveraised$750million.
2.Theexistingfundingdistributionformulawillremainthesameforthefirst$200million.Alladditional
fundingwillbedirectedtotheGeneralFund.
3.Requirethatadrillerofanunconventionalwellprovidenoticetosurroundingpropertyownersand
municipalofficialsthatarewithin5,000ftofthewellsitepriortothewelldrillingpermitapplicationbeing
submittedtotheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.
4.Utilizestheedgeofthewellpadastheboundarytobeginallmeasurementsforrequireddistancesfor
notificationinsteadoftheborehole.
5.Providesthat,inawatermanagementplan,potentialdamagetoecosystemsandwildlifemustbea
considerationintheapprovalprocess.
6.Providessetbacksfromtheedgeofthewellpadof1,500feetfrombuildings,2,500feetfrom
drinkingwatersources,1,000feetfromexceptionalvaluewatersources,and500feetfromanyother
bodyofwaterandeliminatestheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsabilitytowaivethese
requirements.Italsoprohibitsdrillingwiththeboundaryofawetland.
7.Addsproximitytowatersources,includingtroutstreamsandwetlands,asconditionsfortheDEPto
considerwhenreviewingawellapplicationandwouldfurtherallowtheDepartmenttodenyorcondition
thepermitbasedon7possibleimpacts.
8.Improvesthestandardsofdrinkingwaterthatadrillermustobtaintoreplacelostdrinkingwaterthat
iscontaminatedduetodrillingactivity.
9.AmendshowtradesecretsarehandledbytheDepartmentinrelationtopublicaccess.
10.Clarifiesthatdoctorsshallhaveimmediateaccesstoanyandallinformationthatmightberelatedto
apatientscondition,andthatthedoctorisfreetosharethatinformationwiththepatient,acountyor
statedepartmentofhealth,orotherhealthagencyorassociation.
13.Requiresthatfirstrespondersmayobtainthedrillingreportinformationforanywelltowhichthey
arerespondinginanemergency,includingproprietaryinformation,regardingthefrackingsolution.
14.Increasesbondingrequirements.
15.Increasescriminalpenaltiesrelatedtoviolationsoftheact.
16.DeletesChapter33(LocalOrdinancesRelatingtoOilandGasOperations)andrestoreszoningand
landusedecisionstomunicipalities.
17.Createsamoratoriumonanyadditionalleasingofstateforestlandfor2years.
NewsClips:
NaturalGasSeveranceTaxGetsNewLife
TaxGasDrillersToPayForEducationGubernatorialCandidatesSay
Editorial:CouldSeveranceTaxHelpFundPASchools?
11GameLandsInNEPAHaveGasLeases
PARevenueOffBy$425MillionAndGrowing
AnemicTaxCollectionsAddToStateBudgetWoes
Sources:CorbettLookingFor$1.2BillionInBudgetCuts

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Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced

HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa
listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

BillCalendars

House(May5):HouseBill202(HarperRMontgomery)prohibitingstandbywaterservicecharges
forfirecompaniesHouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimumroyalty
paymentinstatelawHouseResolution796(VitaliRDelaware)designatingMay410DrinkingWater
Week.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar.

Senate(May5):SenateBill1255(EricksonRDelaware)authorizingmunicipalauthoritiestoestablish
programsthatallowpropertyownerstoreducetheirstormwaterratesandchangesbyimplementing
bestmanagementpracticessponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar.

CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek

House:theAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)
eliminatingthelowRVPgasolinerequirementinPittsburghRegiontheEnvironmentalResources
andEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)makingchanges
tothePlumbingSystemLeadBanandNotificationActsponsorsummary,HouseResolution426
(MillerRYork)directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteetoconductastudythe
beneficialuseofsewagesludgebylandapplication.<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.

Senate:theConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureCommitteemeetstoconsider
HouseBill939(GodshallRMontgomery)eliminatingthesunsetdateforChapter14billcollections
requirements,HouseBill1188(PayneRDauphin)furtherprovidingfornaturalgassupplycompetition.
<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.

Other:theEnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointConservationCommitteefeaturinganoverviewofthe
TreeVitalizeProgram.

BillsPendingInKeyCommittees

HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach

House
Appropriations
Education
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerAffairs
GamingOversight
HumanServices
Judiciary
LiquorControl
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees

Senate
Appropriations
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment
Education
Judiciary
LawandJustice
PublicHealthandWelfare
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees

BillsIntroduced

Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek

SeveranceTaxForEducation:SenateBill1349(EricksonRDelaware)imposinga4percent
severancetaxonnaturalgasproductionwiththeproceedsgoingtopubliceducation.

SeveranceTax:SenateBill1359thatwilloverhaulkeyrequirementsofthestatutewhichregulatesoil
andgasdrillingintheCommonwealth,enactaseverancetaxandimposeatwoyearmoratoriumon
additionaldrillinginStateForestssponsorsummary.

NuclearFacilityFeeIncrease:SenateBill1355(YawRLycoming)increasingtheannualfeeon
nuclearfacilitiesandtransportationfeesundertheRadiationProtectionActsponsorsummary.

DrinkingWaterWeek:SenateResolution366(YudichakDLuzerne)designatingMay410as
DrinkingWaterWeekwasintroducedandadoptedbytheSenatesponsorsummary.

EarthDay:SenateResolution363(HughesDPhiladelphia)designatingApril22EarthDaywas
introducedandadoptedbytheSenate.

ExtendingNaturalGasVehicleProgram:HouseBill2209(SaylorRYork)amendingAct13to
extendthenaturalgasvehicleprogramsponsorsummary.

NoticeOfGameCommissionLandPurchases:HouseBill2229(CauserRCameron)providing
forpublicnoticeandfiscalimpactanalysisforlandpurchasesbytheGameCommissionsponsor
summary.

DrinkingWaterWeek:HouseResolution796(VitaliRDelaware)designatingMay410Drinking
WaterWeeksponsorsummary.

RegulatingPowerPlants:HouseResolution815(SnyderDFayette)urgingEPAtorespectthe
primacyofPennsylvaniaindevelopingregulationsreducingcarbondioxideemissionsfromexisting
powerplantssponsorsummary.

SessionSchedule

HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse

House
May5,6,7
June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

Senate
May5,6,7
June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

Senate/HouseBillsMoving

ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate

House

PittsburghSummerGasoline:SenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)directingtheEnvironmental
QualityBoardtoeliminatethelowRVPgasolinerequirementforWesternPennsylvaniawasremoved
fromtheTableandreferredtotheHouseAppropriationsCommittee.

VariableRateElectricContracts:HouseBill2104(GodshallRMontgomery)furtherprovidingfor
consumerprotectionsinvariablerateelectricsuppliercontractswasamendedandreportedfromthe
HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeandTabled.

DrinkingWaterWeek:HouseResolution796(VitaliRDelaware)designatingMay410Drinking
WaterWeekwasreportedoutoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandis
onetheHouseCalendarforaction.

Senate

DrinkingWaterWeek:SenateResolution366(YudichakDLuzerne)designatingMay410as
DrinkingWaterWeekwasintroducedandadoptedbytheSenatesponsorsummary.

EarthDay:SenateResolution363(HughesDPhiladelphia)designatingApril22EarthDaywas
introducedandadoptedbytheSenate.

NewsFromTheCapitol

SenateHouseCoalCaucusSaysCoalStillVitalSourceOfEnergy,Jobs

Sen.TimSolobay(DWashington)MondaystoodwithothermembersofthelegislativeCoalCaucus
andindustryleaderstohighlightanewstudyshowingcoaltobeavitalsourceofenergyandjobsin
Pennsylvania.
Thestudy,releasedMonday,wasconductedbythenonpartisanPennsylvaniaEconomy
LeagueandwascommissionedbythePACoalAlliance.Itshowedthatthecoalindustrysupports
morethan36,000Pennsylvaniajobsandcarriesmorethan$4billionineconomicimpact.
Thisstudyprovesunequivocallywhatwevebeensayingallalong,Sen.Solobaysaid.Coal
isstillacriticalpartofoureconomyandremainsavitalsourceofenergy.Publicpoliciesthatdiminish
coalinourenergyportfolioareshortsightedandirresponsible.
Sen.Solobay,whocochairstheCoalCaucus,saidcoaljobspaywellabovemedianwages
andsustainnotonlyfamilies,butentirecommunities.
Theseareyourneighbors,yourcommunityleaders,yourGirlScoutleaders,yourbaseball
coaches,hesaid.TheyhavebeenpartofthefabricoflifeinPennsylvaniaandtodaysstudyshows
thesizeoftheholeoverregulationcouldleave.
Thereportemploysstandardmethodologytoexaminetheeconomicimpact,usingdata
collectedbyfederalagencies.Findingsfromthereportinclude:
Thecoalindustryisresponsibleforalmost36,200fullandparttimejobsinPennsylvania.Ofthose,
about13,900aredirectcoalindustryjobs,eachofwhichcreates1.6additionaljobsoutsidethecoal
industry.
Coalminingandrelatedactivitiescontribute$4.1billionannuallytoPennsylvania'sgrossdomestic
product.
Thereportnotesthatminingwagesaresignificantlyhigherthantheaveragesalaryforprivatesector
jobsinPennsylvania,byabout$30,000peryear.
In2011,themostrecentyearinwhichdatawereavailable,Pennsylvaniaproduced68milliontonsof
coal,makingitthenation'sfourthlargestproducer.
OfPennsylvania's67counties,30arehometocoalminingactivitiesandassociatedjobs.
"TheeconomicimpactofthecoalindustryinPennsylvaniareachesfarbeyondtheindustryitself
bygeneratingjobsacrossallsectorsoftheeconomy,"saidallianceCEOJohnPippy."It'simportantfor
residentsandlegislatorstobemadeawaretheseeffects,especiallyinthemidstofpressuretoeliminate
coalfromournation'senergymix.
"Thefamilysustainingjobsthecoalindustrysupportsarecriticaltothehealthofoureconomy,"
Pippystated."That'swhyweneedtolookcarefullyatemissionstandardsthatwouldclosehundredsof
coalfiredpowerplantsandeliminatethousandsofjobs,anddeterminewhetherthereisamorerational
approach."
Inthemadrushtoeliminatecoalfromournation'senergymix,nobodyislookingatthe
economicconsequences,"Pippysaid."Cleancoaltechnologyhassignificantlyreducedemissions,yet
peoplechoosetoignorethefacts.
"Ironically,itwouldhavelittleornoimpactintermsofreducingglobalgreenhousegas
emissions,becauseothercountriesareincreasingtheirrelianceoncoal,"hesaid."Itamountsto
unilateraleconomicdisarmament,anditwouldhandothercountriesacompetitiveedge."
Sen.Solobayrecentlyintroducedabillthatwouldforcestricterreviewofplanstoshutter
coalfiredpowerplants,afterenergyshortagesduringthewintercausedwarningsofinvoluntarypower
cutbacks.
SenateBill1273,wouldestablishtheCoalFiredElectricGenerationDeactivationCommission,
whichwouldbechargedwithreviewingandinvestigatingthepotentiallyadverseimpactsthatplant
closureshaveontheeconomy,electricreliability,andtheenvironment.
Solobaysaidthedevelopmentofalternativefuelsourcesispartofsoundenergyplanning,butstability
fromthosesourcesremainselusive.
Werestillalongwayoffandwegotacoldlessononthatlastwinter,hesaid.Consumers
acrossPennsylvaniaenduredbittercolddaysonlytobeslappedwithshockingelectricprices.
Alternativeenergyisnoalternativeifitcantdeliverwhenweneedit.Naturalgasisemergingasa
strongsourceofdomesticenergy,butthedeliverysystemstillneedswork.Wemusthavecoalifwe
wantstabilityinsupplyandprice.
Acopyofthestudyisavailableonline.

NewsFromAroundTheState

CBF:BattleLinesDrawnInAppealOfChesapeakeBayRestorationEfforts

Withthedeadlineforengaginginthecasenowpast,thefinalbattlelines
havebeendrawninthefightoverChesapeakeBayrestorationefforts.
ThecasepitstheAmericanFarmBureauFederationanditsalliesagainst
thefederalEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,theChesapeakeBay
Foundation,andtheirallies.
TheFarmBureaurecruited21stateattorneysgeneraltofileanamicus
briefinoppositiontocleanupefforts.Ontheotherside,amicibriefswere
filedby:thestatesofVirginia,andMaryland,Delaware,andtheDistrictof
Columbiasevencities,includingBaltimoreagroupofprominentlawprofessorsandenvironmental,
andconservationorganizationsfromacrossthecountry.
ClickHereforalistofplaintiffsanddefendants.
ThebroadsupportforBayrestorationfromacrossthecountryunderscorestheimportanceof
cleanwatertothenation,saidChesapeakeBayFoundationPresidentWilliamC.Baker.Manyeyes
arewatchingwhatwearedoingintheChesapeakeregion.Mostpeopleunderstandtheeconomic,
environmental,andhumanhealthcostsofpollutedwaters.Theybelievethatallofus,includingthe
plaintiffs,shoulddoourfairsharetoreducepollution.Sadly,theplaintiffsstandalone,andsay,'Not
me.'
AtissueistheTotalMaximumDailyLoad(TMDLorpollutionlimits),developedbyEPAand
theBaystates,whichsetsthemaximumnitrogen,phosphorus,andsedimentpollutionthatthewater
bodiescanwithstandandremainhealthy.Takentogether,thoselimitsandtheindividualstateplans
designedtoachievethepollutionreductiongoalscreatetheChesapeakeCleanWaterBlueprint.
OpponentsoftheBlueprintcontendthatEPAhasusurpedthestatesauthorityoverlanduse
anddevelopment.ThosesupportingtheBlueprintpointoutthatthestatesandEPAcooperatedto
developthepollutionlimitsandthateachstatedevelopeditsownimplementationplan.Theseare
exactlytheactionscalledforundertheCleanWaterAct.
ThecasewasoriginallyheardbyfederalJudgeSylviaRamboinHarrisburg,Pennsylvania,in
Octoberof2012.InSeptemberof2013sheupheldthecleanupeffortsanddismissedtheclaimof
EPAoverreach.TheFarmBureauanditsallieshaveappealedthatdecisiontotheThirdCircuitCourt
ofAppealsinPhiladelphia.Oralargumentsareexpectedthissummer.
Thejointeffortislegallysoundandhasoverwhelmingsupportfromtheregionsresidentsand
frommanyothersfromaroundthecountrywhovaluetheChesapeake,saidJonMueller,CBFVice
PresidentforLitigation.ItisunfortunateandcounterproductivethattheFarmBureauanditsallies
continuetofightthiscooperativeefforttorestorecleanwatertoanationaltreasure.
Wearealreadyseeingprogress,demonstratingthatwhencitizens,businesses,and
governmentsworktogetherwecansucceedinrestoringthehealthoftheregionsrivers,streams,and
theChesapeakeBay,Bakersaid.ThisisthemomentintimeforBayrestorationandtheBlueprintis
thebestchancetosavetheBay.
NewsClips:
ChallengeToChesapeakeCleanupTestsEPAPower
ChesapeakeBayFoundation:AmicusBriefsBackCleanup
WorkToImproveBlacklegsCreekEarnsManOfYearNod
AlertSystemSetUpForAlgaeBloomsInErie
ForThoseAboutToRock,FloodplainRestoration
ArmstrongWatershedGetsBoostToBuildFishHabitats
WatershedGroupsReceiveGrantsInWashingtonCounty
MountainWatershedAssn.Marks20Years
VolunteersRollUpSleevesAtHarveysLake
AquaPAUpsInfrastructureExpendituresFor2014
FogelsvilleDamFixProgressingWell

PennsylvaniaFarmBureauOpposesEPAsWatersOfTheU.S.Proposal

PennsylvaniaFarmBureauvoiceditsoppositionMondaytoarecentlyproposedrulejointlyissuedby
theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandArmyCorpsofEngineersthatattemptstoexpand
federalregulationoflandareasaswatersoftheU.S.,duringahearingbeforetheU.S.Houseof
RepresentativesCommitteeonTransportationandInfrastructureinAltoona.
SpeakingonbehalfofPennsylvaniaFarmBureau,CambriaCountyFarmBureauPresident
TommyNagletestifiedthatfarmersareconcernedaboutthepossibleconsequencesoftheproposalon
farmsandthefutureviabilityoffamilybusinesses,especiallywhenyouconsiderthatlandfeatures
identifiedintheproposalarefoundextensivelyonfarmsallacrossthenation.
Whatiftheultimateeffectofthisrulepreventsfarmersfrompassingtheiroperationsontotheir
children,orpreventsyoungpeoplelikemefrombecomingfarmers?askedNagle.
FarmBureaumaintainsthatCongressclearlyintendedregulationsundertheCleanWaterActtofocus
onnavigablewaters,notponds,ditchesorpuddlesthatoccuronlandduringaheavyrainstorm.In
addition,twoSupremeCourtrulingshaveaffirmedthatthefederalgovernmentislimitedtoregulating
navigablewaters.
ThoseofusinagriculturebelievethattheauthorsoftheCleanWaterActincludedtheterm
navigableforareason,saidNagle,whowithhiswifeTracy,raisesaherdofbeefcattleandgrows
corn,soybeansandothergrainson775acresnearSaintAugustineinClearfieldTownship.
FarmBureaunotesthatthe370pagesofregulatorylanguageeffectivelyerasecurrentlimitations
onEPAandArmyCorpsauthority.Theproposedruleissupposedtobeaclarification,butitseemsto
onlyprovidemoreconfusionandlessclarityforfarmfamilieswhoselandwillbejudgedbythese
agencies.
IfIguesswrongontheirjudgment,Icouldfacefinesofupto$37,500perday.Iftheyguess
wrong,Ihavetogotocourttocorrectit.Thatsascarythought,addedNagle.
PFBisalsoquestioningthevalidityofEPAclaimsthatagriculturalexemptionscurrently
providedunderthefederalCleanWaterActshouldrelievefarmersofanyneedtoworryaboutthe
proposedrule.
ExemptionsprovidedintheActaremostlylimitedtoplowingandearthmovingactivities,and
donotapplytotheuseoffertilizersorsimilarfarminputsonfarmfields.Manypracticesinfieldscould
requiregovernmentapprovalthroughacomplexprocessoffederalpermitting,iftheproposedrule
becomesfinal.
FarmBureauisaskingEPAandtheCorpstoextendthecommentperiodfrom90daysto180
daysinordertoprovidefarmers,whoareactivelyengagedinplantingtheircrops,tofullyreviewhow
theproposedchangeswillimpacttheirbusinessesandgivethemtimetoprovidefeedback.
Additionally,FarmBureauiscallingonEPAandtheCorpstovoluntarilywithdrawtheir
proposedrule.Inabsenceofvoluntarywithdrawal,FarmBureauisseekingthehelpofCongressto
takepoliticalandlegislativeactiontohaveEPAandtheCorpsditchtherule.
PennsylvaniaFarmBureauisthestateslargestfarmorganizationwithavolunteermembership
ofmorethan58,300farmandruralfamilies,representingfarmsofeverysizeandcommodityacrossthe
state.
NewsClips:
ChallengeToChesapeakeCleanupTestsEPAPower
ChesapeakeBayFoundation:AmicusBriefsBackCleanup

ScrantonGetsEPASupportForGreenInfrastructureInIronArtsDistrict

TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyWednesdayannouncedtheCityofScrantonisoneof14
communitiesnationwidetoreceiveEPAsupporttoexpandtheuseofgreeninfrastructuretoreduce
waterpollutionandboostresiliencetotheimpactsofclimatechange.
TheScrantonSewerAuthoritywillreceivetechnicalsupportof$25,000tohelpincorporate
greeninfrastructureintoacomprehensivemasterplanforthenewlydevelopingScrantonIronArts
District.Thegreenfeaturesareincludedinthecityslongtermplantocontrolcombinedsewer
overflows.
TheEPAfundingisinsupportofPresidentObamasClimateActionPlan,whichdirectsfederal
agenciestoidentifyclimateresilientinvestmentssuchasagencygrantsandtechnicalassistancefor
communitiesacrossthecountry.
TheEPAassistancewillhelptheScrantonSewerAuthorityrealizeitsgoalsofreducingsewer
overflowsandincreasingeconomicrevitalizationintheIronArtsDistrict,saidEPARegional
AdministratorShawnM.Garvin.GreeninfrastructurebenefitscitieslikeScrantonbyreducingwater
pollutionandenergyconsumption,improvingeconomicactivity,andbuildingresiliencetotheimpactsof
climatechange.
Accordingtothesewerauthoritysapplication,theprojectmergesmasterplangoalsforthe
lowincomeIronArtsDistrictwiththecitysstrategiestoreduceandtreatcombinedseweroverflows
andupgrademunicipalstormwatercompliance.
TheEPAassistancewillsupportthefirstlargescaledevelopmentprojectintheGreater
ScrantonAreathatincorporatesgreeninfrastructureinthedesign.Thedemonstrationprojectwillhelp
theSewerAuthoritymeasureandassessimpactsofgreeninfrastructureonaneighborhoodwidescale.
Theprojectisexpectedtoleverageadditionalfundingtocontinuerevitalizationinitiativesinthe
neighborhoodthatwillimproveaesthetics,directrunoffawayfromthecombinedsewersystemand
improvewaterquality,accordingtotheapplication.
Inthelastthreeyears,EPAhasprovided$2.2millionto37communitiesforgreen
infrastructure.Thisnewfundingcontinuestheagencyssupportforcommunitiesusinggreen
infrastructuretoreducewaterpollutionandprotecthumanhealthwhileincreasingeconomicactivity,job
creation,energysavingsandopenspace.
Greeninfrastructurebuildsresiliencetotheimpactsofclimatechange,particularlybyreducing
theburdenonlocalwaterinfrastructure.
Greeninfrastructuredecreasespollutiontolocalwaterwaysbytreatingrainwhereitfallsand
keepingpollutedstormwaterfromenteringsewersystems.
Formoreinformationonthegreeninfrastructureassistance,progressreportsandstrategy,visit
EPAsGreenInfrastructurewebpage.

LowerSusquehannaLand&WaterConservationSummitAttractsOver90

OnMarch31over90professionalscametogethertosharetheirexperiencesworkingonlandand
waterconservationissues.
TheLowerSusquehannaLandandWaterConservationSummit,aForumPlusevent,washeld
onthePennStateHarrisburgCampusandhostedbythePennStateAgricultureandEnvironment
Center,TheAlliancefortheChesapeakeBayandtheChesapeakeBayFoundationunderthedirection
oftheLowerSusquehannaCenterforLandandWaterSteeringCommittee.
Thedaylongeventattractednonprofitgroups,municipalandcountyleaders,environmental
consultants,farmers,MasterGardeners,andregulatoryagencypersonnel.Thiseventwasmade
possiblethroughagrantbytheNationalFishandWildlifeFoundation.
ThemorningportionofthedayfocusedonsharingsuccessstoriesfromtheLowerSusquehanna
regionofDauphin,Lebanon,Lancaster,York,andCumberlandCounties.Thesesuccessstories
featuredbothagriculturalpracticesandmunicipalstormwaterprograms.
Duringabreak,apresentationwasgivenontheHomeownersGuidetoStormwater,a
publicationandonlinetooldevelopedbytheLittleConestogaPartnershipinLancasterCounty.
LinfordGood,thelunchbreakKeynoteSpeaker,istheVicePresidentofPlanningand
MarketingatLandisHomesinLititz,PA.Thestreamthatflowsthroughtheretirementcommunityhas
recentlyundergoneextensivefloodplainrestorationandMr.Goodsharedhisexperienceasan
environmentalnovicegoingthroughthistypeofproject.
Therestorationisnotonlyhelpingtoimprovewaterqualitybutithasalsobenefitedthe
companyfinanciallybyeliminatingtheneedforstormwaterdetentionbasins.
TheafternoonsessionstartedwithaCountyPanelwhererepresentativesfromeachofthe5
countiesdiscussedtheactionsbeingtakenintheirregiontoprotectwaterquality.Anopendialogue
betweenthepanelistsandattendeesdiscussedwaysforeachcountytolearnfromeachother.
RoundtablediscussionsfollowedonavarietyoftopicsrangingfromagBMPadoptionto
influencingthebehaviorsandattitudesofthepublic.Challengesandsolutionswereidentifiedforeach
topicintheshorttimeperiodgiven.
ThedaywrappedupwiththeunveilingoftheConservationProjectTrackerTool,anonlinetool
beingdevelopedbyViableIndustriesundertheguidanceoftheLSCLW.
Thetool,whichisbeingfundedbyTheFoundationforPennsylvaniaWatersheds,willallow
userstoinputspatiallyrelateddataaboutprojectsthatareproposed,ongoing,andcompleted.With
searchcapabilities,thetoolwillhelppeopleandorganizationsfindprojectsthattheycanpartneronto
shareresources,expertiseandfunding.
Overall,theSummit,whichwillbeusedasmodelforsimilarForumPluseventsbytheAlliance
fortheChesapeakeBay,wasahugesuccess.Itbroughttogetherthosewhohaveworkedtogetherfor
yearsbutalsointroducedmanynewfaces.
Itisstronglybelievedthatwaterqualitygoalswillonlybereachedthroughpartnershipsand
collaborativeapproachesandthiseventcreatedanetworkingenvironmentforthesenecessary
partnershipstoform.
TheLowerSusquehannaCenterforLandandWaterisacoalitionofover30organizations
whosecollaborativeeffortsareconservingland,improvingwaterqualityandaquaticresources,
improvinglandusepractices,andensuringeconomicvitalitythroughouttheLowerSusquehannaregion.

(WrittenBy:KristenKyler,ProjectCoordinator,LowerSusquehannaInitiative,PennState
ExtensionandreprintedfromPennStateExtensionsWatershedWindsnewsletter.)

PAAmericanWaterAwardsEnvironmentalGrantsTo6WatershedProjects

PAAmericanWaterWednesdayannouncedsixwatershedinitiativesacrossthestatehaveearned
financialsupportthroughthecompanys2014EnvironmentalGrantProgram.Therecipientswillreceive
ashareofgrantfundstotalingnearly$35,000fortheircommunitybasedprojectsthatimprove,restore
orprotectwatersheds.
Apanelofjudgesselectedthewinnersfromapproximately30grantapplications,whichwere
evaluatedonsuchcriteriaasenvironmentalneed,innovation,communityengagementandsustainability.
PAAmericanWaterawardedits2014EnvironmentalGrantstotheAbingtonAreaJoint
RecreationBoard(LackawannaCounty),BrandywineValleyAssociation(ChesterCounty),Western
PennsylvaniaConservancy(WashingtonCounty),LondonderryTownship(DauphinCounty),
PennsylvaniaResourcesCouncil(AlleghenyCounty),andPlainsTownship(LuzerneCounty).
Thisyearsgrantrecipientsaremakingarealdifferenceintheircommunities,andweare
excitedtopartnerwiththemtoturntheirplansintoareality,saidKathyL.Pape,president,PA
AmericanWater.ShenotedthattheEnvironmentalGrantProgramisinits10thyearsupportinglocal
watershedimprovementprojectsacrosstheCommonwealth.
ThewinningEnvironmentalGrantprojectsareasfollows:
AbingtonAreaJointRecreationBoard,LackawannaCounty:Withthefunding,the
organizationwillhostanEarthCampthatfocusesonenvironmentaleducation,artandfitnessfor
schoolchildreningradesfifththroughseventh.Studentswillexperienceenvironmentalstudiesandlearn
moreaboutthewaterissuesfacingtheworldtoday.
WesternPennsylvaniaConservancy,WashingtonCounty:Theorganizationplanstoprotect
andrestoresectionofDutchFork,atributaryoftheBuffaloCreek,bystabilizingstreambanks,
enhancingfishhabitatandinstallingriparianbuffertoimprovewaterquality.
BrandywineValleyAssociation,ChesterCounty:Theorganizationwillusethefundingto
developenvironmentaleducationalprogramsforstudentsintheCoatesvilleAreaSchoolDistrict.
Childrenwillgainabetterunderstandingofthewatershedandlearnstewardshippracticestosustainthe
qualityofthecommunityswaterresources.
LondonderryTownship,DauphinCounty:Thegrantwillsupportrestorationoftheriparianbuffer
alongsectionsoftheSwataraCreek,withlocalvolunteersplantingnativetreesandshrubstovegetate
therestoredfloodplain.
PennsylvaniaResourcesCouncil,AlleghenyCounty:Withthefunding,PRCwillimplementa
seriesofhouseholdchemicalcollectioneventsinwesternPennsylvania,aswellaseducateresidents
aboutminimizingtheamountofwastegeneratedandthehealtheffectsofusingtoxicmaterials.
PlainsTownship,LuzerneCounty:Thegrantwillenablethetownshiptoconstructaraingarden
andnaturehabitatinitsmunicipalpark.Theprojectwillprovideaneducationalandeducational
experienceforallagestolearnaboutsustainability,watershedprotection,stormwatermanagementand
pollutioncontrol.
PAAmericanWaterisasubsidiaryofAmericanWater,whichinitiatedtheEnvironmentalGrant
Programin2005inPennsylvaniatosupportprojectsthatprotectorrestoredrinkingwatersourcesand
surroundingwatersheds.Sincethen,AmericanWaterhasexpandedtheannualprogramtomanyofits
statesubsidiariesacrossthenation.
Formoreinformation,visitthePAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgramwebpage.

MassiveStreamBufferPlantingEffortWrapsUpOrganizedByWesternPAConservancy

TheWesternPennsylvaniaConservancyiscompletinganundertakingthatresultedintheplantingof
thousandsoftreesandshrubsalongsomeoftheregionsstreamsandcreeks.
WPCsWatershedConservationProgramcelebratedtheplantingof20,000saplingsinriparian
zones,thelandadjacenttocreeksandstreams.Healthyriparianzonesimprovewaterquality,create
habitatforanimals,reducestreambankerosionandleadtootherenvironmentalimprovements.Todate,
thisprojecthasimprovedmorethan6milesofcreeksidepublicandprivatelandin17watersheds
throughoutWesternPennsylvania.
ConservancystaffandvolunteersparticipatedinthisspecialplantingonThursdayonaprivate
propertyinRochesterMills,IndianaCounty.Thegroupplantedhundredsofsaplingsonthe
acreandahalfspot.WPCtypicallyusesnativetreesandshrubs,suchaswhiteoak,riverbirchand
witchhazel,toenhancethebuffers.
Thehopeisthattheseriparianbufferswillpreventstreambankerosion,createwildlifehabitat
andcoolwatertemperaturesforaquaticorganisms,explainedAlyshaTrexler,theprojectmanagerat
theWesternPennsylvaniaConservancy,wholedThursdaysplanting.Streambanksthatlack
vegetativecovercanerodeexcessivelyandcontributetoexcessivesedimentationinthecreek.
TheRichardKingMellonFoundationprovidedfinancialsupportfortheproject.
Inadditiontothisundertaking,watershedconservationstaffmembershavebeenplantingtrees
andshrubsonfarmland,pastures,mowedlandandotherpropertieswithstreambankssince2001.
Thelocationsareselectedusinggeographicinformationsystem(GIS)analysistoidentify
watershedsheavilyimpactedbysedimentationfromstreambankerosion.Riparianplantingswill
continueaspartofthegroupsongoingwork,asfundingpermits.
Aftertheplanting,visitorstosomestreamsmayseeanumberoftubesdottinga75footwide
stripalongthewaterway.Thesetubesprotectthetreesaplingsfromharshweatherandanimalgrazing.
TheConservancysWatershedConservationProgram,locatedinIndianaCounty,offersafull
rangeofservicestothecommunityincludingwatershedassessments,watershedconservationplans,
streambankrestorationprojects,aquaticspeciessurveys,aswellastechnicalassistanceforlandowners
andlocalwatershedorganizations.

(ReprintedfromtheMayWater,Land,LifenewsletterfromtheWesternPAConservancy.)

DEPInvitesCommentsOnStonyRun,FayetteCountyWaterQualityStandardsReview

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitescommentsonthewaterqualitystandardsreviewfor
StonyRuninFayetteCounty.(formalnotice)

WaterResourcesEducationNetworkApril/MayWaterPolicyNewsAvailable

TheApril/MayissueofWaterPolicyNewsfromthePALeagueofWomenVotersWaterResources
EducationNetwork.

DEP,DCED,PennDOTParticipateInCouncilOfGreatLakesGovernorsMeeting

RepresentativesfromthedepartmentsofEnvironmentalProtection,CommunityandEconomic
DevelopmentandTransportationjoineddignitariesfromIllinois,Indiana,Michigan,Minnesota,New
York,Ohio,Washington,D.C.andWisconsinaswellasOntarioandQuebecattheCouncilofGreat
LakesGovernorsmeetingonApril25to26.
ThisannualexecutivemeetingoftheCouncilofGreatLakesGovernorsfocuseson
environmentalandeconomicissuesimpactingtheGreatLakes.Thethemeofthisyearsmeetingwas
acceleratingprogress.
Duringthemeeting,thestatesandprovincesagreedtocontinuetoadvanceseveral
environmentalandeconomicinitiativesresultingfromresolutionssignedlastyearbythecouncil
members.Theseinitiativesinclude:
Amaritimeinitiativethatismovingforwardonataskforcesrecommendationsforimprovingthe
GreatLakesSt.LawrenceRivermaritimesystem.Thisincludesfinancingoptionsforthemaintenance
orreplacementofaginginfrastructure.PennsylvaniahasnamedHerbPacker,DirectorofPennPORTs,
torepresentPennsylvaniainthisarea.
Tradepolicyprioritiestoimprovestatetradeandexportpromotionimplementationandeffectiveness.
TradefacilitationbetweenCanadaandtheU.S.toincreasetradebetweentheU.S.andCanada.
Agreementtocontinuetopartneronwatermonitoringandaddressingnutrientenrichmentandother
waterqualityissuesintheGreatLakes.
AquaticInvasiveSpeciesPartnershipInitiativethatwillformalizeapartnershipbetweentheU.S.and
CanadatoworktogetheronAquaticInvasiveSpecies(AIS)throughthedevelopmentofaMutualAid
Agreement.
AproclamationdesignatingthefirstweekofJuneasBeachSafetyAwarenessWeek,areminderof
theimportanceofrecognizingpotentialwaterhazardsasthesummerrecreationalseasoncommences.
Mostnotably,aMutualAidAgreementforcombatinginvasivespeciesthreatswassignedby
councilmembers.Thismutualaidagreementwillbethefirstofitskindpledgingmutualaidbetween
statesandprovincestocombatAISintheGreatLakes.
TheMutualAidAgreementwillnotonlyhelpprotecttheenvironment,itscreativethinkingthat
willallowustomoreeffectivelyaddressinvasivespeciesbysharingthecapacitythatweveallbuilt
individually,DEPSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzosaid.
AhighlightofthemeetingwasaroundtablediscussionledbyformerU.S.TreasurySecretary
HankPaulsonthatfocusedonGrowingRegionalManufacturing,maximizingcompetitivenessand
furtherattractingadditionalinvestmentsthatsupportmanufacturingjobs.
Withaflexibleandproductiveworkforce,lowerenergycostsandaresilientcorporatesector,
theU.S.,andspecificallyPennsylvania,isbecomingamoreattractiveplacetomanufacturegoods
consumedinNorthAmerica.Thedemandforhighquality,U.S.madeproductsisalsocreating
opportunitiesabroadandopeningdoorstonewexportmarkets.
TheGreatLakesregionishometosomeofthenationslargestmanufacturers,abundant
naturalresourcesandprovidesaccesstosomeofthelargestmarketsassetsthatareakeytobringing
manufacturersbacktotheU.S.,DepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentSecretaryC.
AlanWalkersaid.WorkingasaGreatLakesregionwillstrengthenourcollectiveeffortstobringnew
investmentandmanufacturingjobstotheregionwhichwillresultinastrongerPennsylvania.
TheCouncilofGreatLakesGovernorswasestablishedin1983tomanagetheenvironmental
andeconomicchallengesoftheGreatLakesstates.Thecouncilencouragesandfacilitates
environmentallyresponsibleeconomicgrowththroughacooperativeeffortbetweenthepublicand
privatesectorsamongtheeightGreatLakesStatesandwithOntarioandQubec.
Formoreinformation,visittheCouncilofGreatLakesGovernorswebsite.

WildlandsConservancyLehighRiverSojournJune2023

TheWildlandsConservancywillhostthe2014LehighRiverSojournJune2023.Thisannual28mile
guidedpaddlingtripbeginsinthePoconoMountainsandendsinNorthamptontravelingthroughthe
regionsmetrowilderness.ClickHereformoreinformation.

DEPExtendsCommentDeadlineOnAquaticResourcesInLieuOfFeeProposal

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionWednesdayextendedthecommentdeadlinetoJune23
onanewinlieufeeprogramcalledthePennsylvaniaIntegratedEcologicalServices,Capacity
EnhancementandSupportProgram.(formalnotice)
Theprogramwouldallowapplicantsthatarerequiredtooffsettheiraquaticresourceimpacts
forbothstateandfederalpermitrequirementstocontributemoniestoaprogramthatmeetsthefederal
requirementsforsuchactivitiesinsteadoftryingtorestoreorenhanceaquaticresourcesthroughcostly
andineffectiveindependentefforts.
TheprogramwouldbesimilartotheprogramforwetlandsDEPhashadinplacesince1996.
Thefourrelateddrafttechnicalguidancewereissuedforpubliccommentinclude:PAFunction
BasedAquaticResourceCompensationProtocol,LacustrineConditionLevel2RapidAssessment
Protocol,RiverineConditionLevel2RapidAssessmentProtocolandaWetlandConditionLevel2
RapidAssessmentProtocol.
ClickHereforcopiesoftheproposedtechnicalguidance.
RelatedFederalAction
TheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineerspublishedanoticeApril11openingapubliccomment
periodonaproposalbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionanewinlieufeeprogramcalled
thePennsylvaniaIntegratedEcologicalServices,CapacityEnhancementandSupportProgramtooffset
theiraquaticresourceimpacts.CommentsaredueMay11.

DEP:CertainSizesOfTylerMountainBottledWaterCouldBeContaminated

DEPsPittsburghRegionalOfficeMondayissuedawarningtoconsumersthatTylerMountainwater,
bottledonApril17,2014,andApril18,2014,inthree,fourandfivegallonsizesshouldnotbeused
andconsumersshouldcontactAquaFilterFreshat18008648957forfurtherinstructions.
OnlythosecustomersthatrecentlyreceivedanewdeliveryofwaterfromAquaFilterFresh
needtobeconcernedaboutthisrecall.
AquaFilterFresh,acompanythatproducesTylerMountainwater,isintheprocessof
replacingallsuspectwater.Peoplewithseverelycompromisedimmunesystems,infants,andsome
elderlymaybeatincreasedrisk.Ifyouhavespecifichealthconcerns,youshouldconsultyourdoctor.
PresencesofE.colibacteriaindicatethatthewatermaybecontaminatedwithhumanoranimal
wastes.Microbesinthesewastescancausediarrhea,cramps,nausea,headaches,orothersymptoms.
Theymayposeaspecialhealthriskforinfants,youngchildren,someoftheelderlyandpeoplewith
severelycompromisedimmunesystems.
Ifyouexperienceanyofthesesymptomsandtheypersist,youmaywanttoseekmedical
advice.Peopleatincreasedriskshouldseekadviceaboutdrinkingwaterfromtheirhealthcare
providers.
GeneralguidelinesonwaystolessentheriskofinfectionbymicrobesareavailablefromEPA's
SafeDrinkingWaterHotlineat18004264791.
NewsClip:CompanySaysRecalledTylerMountainBottledWaterNotContaminated

ApplicationsForDEPSection902RecyclingGrantsDueAugust15

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionannouncedSaturdayitisnowacceptingapplicationsfor
Section902recyclinggrants.ThedeadlineforapplicationsisAugust15.(formalnotice)
Thefollowingwillreceivepriorityforfunding:
Newlymandatedmunicipalitiesbasedonthe2010decennialcensusbytheBureauoftheCensusof
theUnitedStatesDepartmentofCommerce.
Applicantsproposingincentivebasedpricingandcollectionprogramsdesignedtoincreasethe
quantitiesandtypesofrecyclablematerialsandreducethequantityofwastecollected.
Applicantsproposingmultimunicipalcollection,processingoramaterialsmarketingprogramwhere
capitalcostsarereducedorarecyclingmarketabilityisenhancedduetointergovernmentalcooperation,
orboth.
Applicantsproposingneworexpandedcollection,educationandoutreachforcommercialand
institutionalestablishments,includingschoolrecyclingprograms.
Inaddition,communitieswhoseexistingrecyclingprogramscontainthefollowingcomponentswill
receiveadditionalconsideration:
Municipallyoperatedormunicipalcontractedwasteandrecyclingservicesthatprovideconsistency
anduniformityofthewasteandrecyclingprograms.
Thecollectionofsixormoreofthefollowingmaterials:newsprint,officepaper,corrugatedpaper,
othermarketablegradesofpaper,aluminumcans,steelorbimetalliccans,coloredglasscontainers,
clearglasscontainersandplastics.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPsRecyclingGrantswebpageorcontactMarkVottero,
RecyclingGrantsCoordinator,DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,RachelCarsonStateOffice
Building,BureauofWasteManagement,DivisionofWasteMinimizationandPlanning,P.O.Box8472,
Harrisburg,PA171058472orsendemailto:mvottero@pa.gov.

HouseholdHazardousWasteCollectionEventMay23InCentreCounty

Here'syourchancetoridyourhomeofoldorunwantedhazardouschemicalsandbesuretheyare
properlydisposedof.
Bringyourinsecticides,weedkillers,poolchemicals,cleaners,poisons,corrosives,flammables,
oilbasedpaints,CFLBulbs&tubesandmanyotherhouseholdhazardouschemicalstotheCentre
CountyRecycling&RefuseAuthorityonMay2,(10:00am6:00pm),andonMay3,(8:00am
2:00pm).
Wewillnotbeacceptingusedmotoroil,antifreeze,batteries,tires,latexpaint,radioactiveor
medicalmaterial,explosivesorammunition.Pleasecallourofficeifyouhaveaquestionaboutyour
material.
Foradditionalinformationabouttheevent,calltheCentreCountyRecycling&Refuse
Authorityat2387005orvisitourwebsite.

DEPSoutheastRegionHostsTossed&FoundRecycledArtExhibit

DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzoWednesdayjoinedstudents
andfacultyfromeightNorristownareaschoolsintheopeningofTossed&Found,anexhibitof
studentworkmadefromrepurposedandrecyclablematerials.
AtanopeningreceptiononApril29inDEPsSoutheastRegionalOffice,Abruzzotold
students,theirteachers,andlocalgovernmentandrecyclingindustryofficialsthatthestudentswork
reflectsamindsetthatisneededtodevelopinnovativeapproachestomanagingwaste.
Asasociety,wehavetogetseriousaboutreducingtheamountoftrashwegenerate,andwhat
wecanandshouldreuseorrecycle.Thestudentshadfunwiththischallenge,whilelearningreallessons
aboutthechoicesweallmake,Abruzzosaid.
Theexhibit,whichwillbeondisplaythroughJuneat2E.MainSt.,Norristown,hasreceived
publicandprivatesupportfromavarietyofenthusiasticpartners.Sponsorshipfortheopeningof
Tossed&FoundandeventcoordinationwasprovidedbyWasteManagementofPA.
TheprojectwasembracedbyartteachersfromPaulFlyElementary,ColeManorElementary,
GotwalsElementary,HancockElementary,WhitehallElementary,EisenhowerScience&Technology
LeadershipAcademy,EastNorritonMiddleSchoolandNorristownAreaHighSchool.
ManyoftheparticipatingclasseswerevisitedbyMontgomeryCountysRecyclingManager,
VeronicaHarris,toproviderecyclingeducationtocomplementtheartexperience.
Theskillsthatthesestudentslearnfromtheirartclassescreativity,confidence,
problemsolving,perseverance,focus,collaborationandaccountabilityarethesameskillsthatwill
helpallofusimproveourdailylives,Abruzzonoted.
ThestudentsworkprocessandtheirfinalproductshavebeenfilmedbyNorristownAreaHigh
SchoolsEagleEyeandwillbeavailabletoviewontheSchoolDistrictseducationchannel.

MayIssueOfePRCNewsletterNowAvailableFromPAResourcesCouncil

TheMayissueoftheePRCnewsletterisnowavailablefromthePAResourcesCouncil.

VolunteersCleanUpHarrisburgsMorrisonPark

VolunteersfromthedepartmentsofEnvironmentalProtectionandTransportation,alongwithmembers
ofthelocalU.S.CoastGuardAuxiliaryparticipatedintheMorrisonSunshineParkCleanuponApril
27inHarrisburg,DauphinCounty.
DEPSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzoaswellasSecretaryofAdministrationKellyLogan
pitchedinduringthecleanup.
Cleaningupyourcommunityandworkingtoimproveoutdoorrecreationareas,likeparks,is
whatEarthMonthisallabout,Abruzzosaid.Ifyouhaventalreadyparticipatedinacleanupinyour
community,Iencourageyoutodoso.
Morethan50volunteersremoved70bagsoftrashfromtheparkandsurroundingareas.
Volunteersalsoremovedfourcartiresandabumper.
DEPsregionalofficesalsoparticipatedincleanupeventsthismonth.Ofthethree
DEPsponsoredcleanups,83staffersretrievedninetiresandpickedup124bagsoftrashfrom
roadsides,parksandwaterwaysacrossthestate.
TheDEPsponsoredcleanupwasheldinhonorofEarthMonth.ThethemeforEarthMonthis
PickitupPA,toencourageresidentstotaketimetopickuplitteraroundtheirhomesandinpublic
areas.
ThiscleanupwasregisteredwiththeGreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvania.TheGreat
AmericanCleanupofPennsylvaniarunsthroughMay31.
Tofindalocalcleanupeventortoregisteranevent,visittheGreatAmericanCleanupofPA
website.

KPBSurveillanceSupportsAntiDumpingActionsInArmstrong,IndianaCounties

AsaresultofincreasedenforcementmeasuresinArmstrongandIndianacountiessupportedbyKeep
PABeautiful,thereweretwocitationsissuedrecently.
OnApril3,ThomasJayBuchnerofLutheranChurchRoadinSpringChurch,Armstrong
County,wascitedforscatteringrubbishuponlandandstreamwithinArmstrongCounty.Buchnerplead
guilty,wasorderedtocleanupthedumpedtrash,payforproperdisposal,andwasfined$241.
TheotherincidentoccurredinIndianaCounty.Theperpetratorwasajuvenile.
ThroughKeepPABeautifulsIllegalDumpSurveillanceSupportProgram,camerasarebeing
rotatedthroughoutArmstrongandIndianacountiestohelpcaptureevidenceatactive,illegaldumpsites.
Thechallengesaremanywhenitcomestoenforcementoflawsagainstillegaldumping,and
muchofitcomesdowntolimitedresources.explainsShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPABeautiful.
Ourgoalwastofindaneconomicalwayforlocalauthoritiestocapturephotographicevidence
efficiently.
Themotionactivated,covertsecuritycamerapackageprovidesinstantwirelesstransmissionof
siteactivity,photodocumentationoflicenseplatesatspeedsupto50MPH,andclearphotosof
activity,dayornight.
Sofar,theprogramhasbeeninstrumentalintheprosecutionandconvictionofindividualsfrom
Allegheny,Armstrong,Elk,andIndianacounties.
Surveillancecamerasandstrengthenedenforcementpartnershipswillmakeitdifficultto
anonymouslydumpandescapeprosecution,saidReiter.
FundingforsurveillancesupportintheKiskiConemaughbasinwasprovidedtoKeepPA
Beautifulbyaregionalnonprofit.
Forcamerainformation,visitKPBsEnforcementwebpage.

TreeVitalizeSupportsNewTreesInTheCityOfHarrisburg

OnEarthDay,agroupofvolunteersincludingDCNRUrbanForesterEllenRoane,planted43new
treestobeautifyandshadetheNorthThirdStreetcorridorinHarrisburg.
ManyofHarrisburgsoldtreesareinpoorcondition,whilemanyothershavebeenremoved
andnotreplacedovertime.
NorthThirdStreetisnowlinedwithavarietyofspeciesincludingredoaksserviceberries
accoladecherriesaEuropeanhornbeamandagingko.
FundingforthetreeswasprovidedbyaTreeVitalizegrantfromDCNRandmatchedwithcash
donationsandvolunteerandinkindservices.Assistancewithappropriatetreeselectionwasprovided
bytheBureauofForestry.
Treeswereselectedforeachlocationtakingintoconsiderationlengthandwidthofthepublic
rightofwayavailableforplanting,overheadservicelinesandtypesoftreesthataresuitableforurban
streetsettings,Roanesaid.
CapitalRegionWater,incooperationwiththePennsylvaniaUrbanandCommunityForestry
Council,theChesapeakeBayFoundationandDCNRcommissionedPennStateUniversityto
undertakeastreettreeinventoryfortheCityofHarrisburginthesummerof2013.Theinventory
providesthefoundationfromwhichannualworkplanscanbedeveloped.
Theresultsoftheinventoryhavebeenpublishedinareportwhichdiscussestheresponsibilities
ofthecityandresidents,providesrecommendationsfortreeremoval,guidelinesforpruningand
planting,andrecommendationsandthoughtsforthefuture.TheNorthThirdStreetTreePlanting
Projectisthefirstamongseveraltreeplantingprojectsusingthisstudy.
AflourishingurbantreecanopyiscriticaltothesustainabilityandvitalityoftheCityof
Harrisburgforanumberofreasons.Studiesshowthattrees:
Improvewaterquality,resultinginlessstormwaterrunoffintoPaxtonCreekandtheSusquehanna
River,andallowformorerechargeofthegroundwatersupply
Helpreduceenergyconsumptionbyprovidingshade
Beautifythecommunity
Stimulateeconomicdevelopment
Increasepropertyvalues
Absorbcarbondioxideand
Reducestress,blightandcriminalactivity.
JeanCutler,VicePresidentforProgramsandDevelopmentforTheCovenantCommunity
Corporation,whoisleadingthisprojectsays,Treeplantingisawonderfulwaytogettoknowallof
yourneighborsandbringcommunitytogetheraroundacommongoal.
CovenantCommunityCorporationhastakentheleadinorganizingandcoordinating
neighborhoodswillingtohelprestorehealthytreesthroughoutthecity.
TreeVitalizeisaDCNRpublicprivatepartnershipefforttoincreasepublicawarenessofthe
importanceofcommunitytrees,andtoreversethelossoftreecoverinthestatescommunities.
Formoreinformation,visittheTreeVitalizewebsite.
NewsClip:DCNRProvidesSeedlingsForFlight93MemorialTreePlanting

(ReprintedfromtheApril30ResourcenewsletterfromDCNR.)

CleanPittsburghCommissionAnnouncesWinnersOfTheBobAwards

Anumberofvolunteers,communitygroupsandneighborhoodswerehonoredThursdayattheClean
PittsburghCommissionsMeetandGreetMixerwiththeBobAwardsfortheireffortstobeautifycity
neighborhoods.
TheAwards,atributetothelateMayorBobOConnorandhisdedicationtocleaningupthe
city,werecreatedtorecognizelocaleffortstocleanup,preventandeliminatelitterinCity
neighborhoodsandwerepresentedbyCouncilmanCoreyOConnorandJudyOConnor.
Awardspresentedattheeventincludedthefollowing:VolunteeroftheYeartoMinette
VasccarielloforherworkinGarfield,NeighborhoodoftheYeartoGarfieldfortheneighborhoods
workeliminatingblightandstartinganumberofcommunitygardensonvacantproperty,ReddUpZone
oftheYeartoPittsburghSterrett68,andYouthLeaderAwardtoLoganByers,organizerofLogans
LitterLeague.
BorisWeinsteinwasalsoawardedaBobAwardforhislifetimeofservicetotheCityof
PittsburghandkeepingitcleanthroughhisCitizensAgainstLittergrassrootslitterpreventionprogram.
TheBobAwardswereahighlightoftheCPCsannualMeetnGreetMixerhonoring
neighborhoodleaderscalledCleanPittsburghStewards.TheStewardswereabletominglewithCity
departmentheads,Councilmembers,andotherleadersfromlocalcommunityorganizationsinorderto
engageeachotheronbeautificationeffortscitywide.MayorPedutowasalsoscheduledtobeonhand
toaddressthestewards.
TheCPC,acommissionoftheCitywhosemissionistoimprovetheenvironmentalqualityoflife
forPittsburghresidents,alsotooktheopportunitytopresentits2013AnnualReport.
TheAnnualReportdetailsactivitiesinvolvinglitterprevention,illegaldumping,vacantlotsand
buildings,abandonedcars,graffiti,greening,finesandenforcement.
Formoreinformation,visittheCleanPittsburghCommissionwebsite.

CorbettIssuesProclamationForAirQualityAwarenessWeek,SignUpForAirAlerts

Gov.TomCorbettMondayissuedaproclamationrecognizingApril28throughMay2,2014,asAir
QualityAwarenessWeekinPennsylvaniaandthebeginningofairqualityforecastsbytheDepartment
ofEnvironmentalProtection.
Thisyearmarksthe9thanniversaryofthefirstAirQualityAwarenessWeek,whichcelebrates
theimportanceofcleanairandlearningaboutairquality.
EachpersoncanmakeapositiveimpactonimprovingPennsylvaniasairquality,Corbett
said.
DEPisaskingPennsylvanianstorenewtheircommitmenttoprotectairqualityandlearnhowair
qualitycanimpacttheirhealthinhonorofAirQualityAwarenessWeek.
DEPsenvironmentalprofessionalsarecommittedtostudyingandmonitoringairqualityin
Pennsylvania,DEPSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzosaid.ThedataDEPreceivesassiststhe
departmentinformulatingsoundpoliciesandguidanceaswellasforecastingairqualitysopeoplecan
makeinformeddecisionsabouttheiroutdooractivities.
Asaresultofairqualityinitiativesandmeasuresaimedatreducingemissions,cumulativeair
contaminantemissionsacrossthestatehavecontinuedtodeclinesince2008.Inparticular,sulfurdioxide
emissionsfromelectricgeneratingunitshavebeenreducedbyapproximately73percent.Theemissions
ofnitrogenoxidesandparticulatematterhavealsobeenreducedbyapproximately23percentand46
percent,respectively,fromthissector.
Thesereductionsrepresentbetween$14billionand$37billionofannualpublichealthbenefit,
basedonU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencymethodologies.
AirqualityisimprovinghereinPennsylvaniaandwecanalldoourparttohelppreserveour
environmentforfuturegenerations,Abruzzosaid.
ThroughoutAirQualityAwarenessWeek,airqualitypartnershipsacrossthestatewillhold
eventsteachingthepublichowtostaysafeonairqualityactiondaysandhowtoreduceairpollution.
EachdayoftheweekhasathemedevelopedbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency:
Monday,comeupwithaplantoreducecontributiontoairpollution
Tuesday,learnabouthowairqualityisimportantnomatterwhatage
Wednesday,payattentiontoairqualitybylearningaboutparticlepollutionandozone
Thursday,checkouttheairqualityindexanduseitbeforeplanningoutdooractivitiesand
Friday,findoutabouttheairqualitybeforemakingavisitsomewhereortakingavacation.
AirQualityForecasts/Alerts
AirQualityAwarenessWeekbeginstheozoneforecastingseasoninPennsylvaniafor2014.
DEPmakesairqualityforecastsforfineparticulatematteryearroundandforozoneinthespringand
summermonths.
Theforecasts,developedwithlocalairqualitypartnerships,useacolorbasedairqualityindex.
Greensignifiesgoodyellowmeansmoderateorangerepresentspollutionlevelsthatcouldtriggerhealth
effectsforsensitivepeople,suchastheveryyoung,theelderlyandthosewithrespiratoryailmentsand
redwarnsofpollutionlevelsthatcouldtriggerhealtheffectsforallmembersofthepopulation.
TheseforecastsareprovidedinconjunctionwiththeAirQualityPartnershipoftheDelaware
Valley,theSouthwestPennsylvaniaAirQualityPartnership,theLehighValley/BerksAirQuality
PartnershipandtheSusquehannaValleyAirQualityPartnership.Inaddition,DEPforecastsforozone
ineightareas:Altoona,Erie,Johnstown,Scranton/WilkesBarre,StateCollegeandWilliamsportcities
andMercerandIndianacounties.
Individualscansignuptoreceiveairqualityforecastsviaemail.
ThetextoftheGovernorsProclamationfollows
PROCLAMATION
AIRQUALITYAWARENESSWEEK
April28toMay2,2014
WHEREAS,Airisimportantforbreathingandessentialforthesurvivalofhumanbeings,
animalsandplantsand
WHEREAS,thewellbeingofourenvironment,aswellasourhealth,comfortandstandardof
living,dependsuponairqualityand
WHEREAS,twoofthemostcommonairpollutantsareozoneandparticlepollutionwhichcan
beharmfultothehealthofPennsylvaniansand
WHEREAS,weareallstewardsofairqualityuponwhichfuturegenerationsdependand
WHEREAS,dedicatedenvironmentalprofessionalsstudy,monitorandassessdailyairqualityin
Pennsylvaniaand
WHEREAS,theAirQualityIndexisatooltoinformthepublicofelevatedairqualitylevelsand
itsimpacttooneshealthand
WHEREAS,PennsylvaniasDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionisstrivingtoprotectour
airqualityandtoprovideforthehealthandsafetyofPennsylvaniascitizensthroughacleaner
environment.
THEREFORE,I,TomCorbett,GovernoroftheCommonwealthofPennsylvania,do
herebyproclaimApril28toMay2,2014,asAirQualityAwarenessWeekinPennsylvaniaand
encourageallPennsylvanianstolearnhowtheirdailyhabitsinfluenceairqualityandhowtheycanfurther
protectairqualityinPennsylvania.
Formoreinformation,visittheDEPPAAirQualityPartnershipsandAirQualityAwareness
Weekwebpages.
NewsClips:
Report:AirQualityImprovesSlightlyInNEPA
LehighValleyGetsPoorGradeForAirQuality
WesternPAStillGetsPoorMarksForAirPollution
MidstateCountiesFlaggedForFailingAirQuality
ErieCountyFlunksOzoneInNewReport
U.S.SupremeCourtUpholdsEPAAirTransportRule
Editorial:EPACourtRulingDangerousFreelancing
RevisitingStudyOnShaleGasAndMethaneLeaks
MethaneBecomesPartOfAirQualityDebate

May6WebinarOnDEPWhitePaperOnControllingCO2EmissionsFromPowerPlants

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdawebinarstartingat9:30a.m.onMay6on
Pennsylvanias111(d)AirEmissionsWhitePaperoutliningourproposaltoreduceemissionsfrom
existingpowerplants.
TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyisdevelopingcarbondioxide(CO2)pollution
standardsforbothnewandexistingfossilfuelfiredpowerplants.Thefederalagencysproposalfor
existingfossilfuelfiredplantsisexpectedbybeavailableJune1,2014,withafinalrulemakingdueby
June2015.
InanticipationofEPAsproposal,Pennsylvaniasubmittedaplanforconsiderationthatwould
achieveloweremissionsfromexistingpowerplantsbyremovingobstaclesandencouragingefficiency
projects.AttheheartofPennsylvaniasplanisefficiencyandthepreservationofstatesauthorityand
discretioninthedevelopmentandimplementationofemissionscontrolprograms.
ThewebinarwillprovideanoverviewofPennsylvaniasproposaltoreducenotjustCO2
emissions,butallpollutants,whilecreatingcleanerair,lowerpricesandmorejobs.Thewebinaris
gearedtoward,butnotlimitedto,environmentalgroups,industrygroupsandthegeneralpublic.
ClickHeretoregisterforthewebinarwhichislimitedto200participants.ClickHerefora
copyoftheWhitePaper.ClickHereforafactsheet.

DEPFinesErieEnvironmentalLaboratory$220,000ForViolations

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionWednesdayannouncedithassignedaConsentOrderand
AgreementwithMicrobacLaboratories,Inc.,ErieDivision,whichrequiresthelabtopayacivilpenalty
of$220,000forvariousviolations.Thelabisalsorequiredtotakeactionstocorrecttheviolations.
Accredited,independentlaboratoriesarethecenterpieceuponwhichallenvironmental
protectionprogramsdepend,DEPBureauofLaboratoriesDirectorMartinaMcGarveysaid.
Ensuringthatlabsareofthehighestqualityandintegrityiscrucialtothedecisionswemaketoprotect
publichealthandtheenvironment.
DuringanonsiteassessmentinJune2013,DEPdiscoveredthatMicrobacEriefailedtomeet
severalstandards.Thelab,whichwasaccreditedunderDEPsNationalEnvironmentalLaboratory
AccreditationProgramtotestandanalyzedrinkingwater,nonpotablewater,andavarietyofsoils,
chemicalsandliquids,wasfoundtobeconductingimpropersampleanalysisandreporting.
DEPfoundthattheimproperanalysismayhaveledtofalsenegativebacteriologicalresultsfor
drinkingwatersamples.DEPalsofoundseveralinstancesofthefailuretoproperlyreportpositive
bacteriologicalresultsindrinkingwater.AsaresultofDEPsfindings,inAugust2013,MicrobacErie
voluntarilyrelinquisheditsaccreditationsfordrinkingwaterbacteriologicalparameters.
DEPpromptlyprovidednoticeoftheviolationstothelaboratoryspublicwatersystemclients.
Thedepartmentrequestedthatthewatersuppliersresampleandanalyzeatleastonedrinkingwater
sampleassoonaspossibletoensurepublichealthwouldnotbeimpacted.DEPisnotawareofany
waterborneillnessesreportedduringthistimeframe.
AccordingtotheEnvironmentalLaboratoryAccreditationAct,anenvironmentallaboratory
mustbeaccreditedbyDEPinordertogeneratedataorperformanalysestobeusedtocomplywithan
environmentalstatute.
MicrobacprovidestestingandanalyticalsupportforavarietyofclientswhoseekDEPpermits
andauthorizations.Thecompanyoperatesotherenvironmentaldivisionallaboratorieswhichthe
departmentaccredits,thatarenotsubjecttothisCOA.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPsLaboratoryAccreditationProgramwebpage.

PAManufacturersWorkWithPennTAPToAchieveEnergySavings

TwomanufacturersworkingwiththePATechnicalAssistanceProgram(PennTAP)atPennStatehave
receivedcertificationfromtheU.S.DepartmentofEnergyforsignificantlyreducingtheirenergyuse.
MackTrucksMacungieCabandVehicleAssemblyplant,andGeneralDynamicsOrdnance
andTacticalSystemsScrantonoperationsaretwoofonly14manufacturersintheUnitedStatesto
receiveSuperiorEnergyPerformance(SEP)certification.
SEPcertificationincludescertificationtoISO50001,theenergyefficiencystandardcreatedby
theInternationalOrganizationforStandardization,additionalrequirementssetbytheAmericanNational
StandardsInstitutionanddemonstrationofverifiedenergysavings.
ThesetwoPennsylvaniacompanieshavemadesignificantinvestmentsandimprovedoperations
toachieveimpressivereductionsinenergyconsumptionandimprovedenergyefficiency,aswellas
longtermcostsavings,saidRaleneMolinaKreiserofPennTAP.PennTAPisproudtobeapartof
thisnationalandglobalefforttoimproveenergyperformance.
MackTrucksachievedSEPPlatinumcertification,thehighestavailablecertification,withenergy
reductionsof41.94percentattheMacungieplantovera10yearperiod.Plantinvestmentsincluded
lightingupgradesandcontrols,abuildingautomationsystem,aircompressormanagement,changesin
heatrecoveryduringthemanufacturingprocessandheating,ventilationandairconditioningsystem
efficiencyupgrades.
GeneralDynamicsachievedgoldlevelSEPcertificationbyachievingenergyreductionsof11.9
percentoverthreeyearsatitsScrantonplant.GeneralDynamicswasabletoidentify$536,000in
overallsavingsinthefirstyearofimplementation,withapaybackperiodofjustsixmonths.
Thefacilityimplementedoperationalandmanagementchangesincludingweekendshutdowns,
coordinatedproductionschedules,employeecooperativeprogramsandcoolingtowertemperatureset
points.
ThecompaniesworkedwithPennTAPaspartofademonstrationprojectfundedbythe
DepartmentofEnergyandtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.
TobecomeSEPcertified,companiesmustimproveenergyperformanceby5percentovera
threeyearperiodor15percentovera10yearperiod.ArecentDOEstudyshowedthatfacilitieswith
annualenergycostsofmorethan$1.5millionwouldrecouptheirinvestmentinlessthantwoyears,
whilefacilitieswithenergycostsgreaterthan$3millionwouldrecouptheircostsinoneyearorless.
FormoreinformationonhowPennTAPcanhelpbusinessesreduceenergyuse,visitthe
PennTAPwebsite.

May1DEPNewsletterNowAvailable

TheMay1editionoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionnewsletterisnowavailable.Click
Heretogetyourowncopy.

PennsylvaniansInvitedToCompleteOnlineOutdoorRecreationSurvey

DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettiWednesdayencouraged
Pennsylvanianstosharewhattheyliketodooutdoorsina5minute,onlinesurveythatwillassistwith
planning.
DCNRisworkingwithexpertsacrossthestatetodevelopthenextStatewideComprehensive
OutdoorRecreationPlanwhichwillhelptoguidefuturerecreationinvestments,policiesandfacilities.
FiveyearsafterthecurrentPennsylvaniaOutdoorRecreationPlanwaswritten,recreation
interestsandtrendsmaybedifferent,Ferrettisaid.Wedlikedtoknowifwalkingisstill
Pennsylvaniansfavoriteoutdooractivity?Dopeoplestillwanttrailsandonroadbikelanes?
Citizenfeedbackisanimportantcomponenttobuildingthegoalsoftheplan.Inadditiontoa
scientificallyconductedsurveyearlierthisyearbyPennStateandasurveyofrecreationproviders
currentlybeingperformed,ageneralonlinesurveyisnowopenforPennsylvanianswantingtosharetheir
opinionsaboutoutdoorrecreation.
Thesurveyiscompletelyconfidentialandwilljusttakeafewminutes.ClickHeretotakethe
survey.
Afterfeedbackfromallthreesurveysisanalyzed,adraftplanwillbewritteninlatesummerand
willbeavailableforreviewandcommentontheplanswebsite.
Feedbacksessionswillallowcitizens,providersandinterestedstakeholderstogivetheirinput
beforeafinaldocumentispresentedtotheNationalParkServicelaterthisyear.
Pleasemakesureyourvoiceisheardbytakingthesurvey,Ferrettisaid.
AnewplaneveryfiveyearskeepsPennsylvaniaeligibleforfederalLandandWater
Conservationfunding.
Thecurrentplanidentifieswalkingforpleasureorfitnessasthemostpopularoutdoorrecreation
activityinPennsylvania.Otherpopularactivitiesincludesightseeing,drivingforpleasure,nature
watching,swimming,picnickingandbicycling.
Pastsurveyrespondentslistedbikelanes,dogparks,rentalcabinsandwildlifeviewingareasas
thefacilitiestheywouldmostliketoseeincreased.
Studiesshowgreateraccesstooutdoorrecreationfacilities,particularlyclosetohomewalking
andbikingopportunities,makesourcommunitiesbetterplacestolivecanassistincombatingobesity
aserioushealththreattoadultsandchildrenandalsoincreasetourismpotential,whichcanincrease
economicopportunities.
VisitthePAOutdoorRecPlanwebsitetolearnmoreabouttheoutdoorrecreationplanand
process.
NewsClips:
PPLConveysRiversideTractsToConservancyForGreenway
OilRiverTrailCouncilPlans41MileRoute

PAParks&ForestsFoundationKicksOffGreatPennsylvaniaOutdoorChallenge

ThePAParksandForestsFoundationThursdayinvitedPennsylvanianstojoinitssixthannualGreat
PennsylvaniaOutdoorChallenge.
TheGPOCencouragesparticipantstoseekadventure,achievebetterfitness,tryhealthiereating
oranewoutdoorpursuit,orjustcommittosimpleenjoymentofPennsylvaniasstateparksandforests.
Participantscanmeetchallengesontheirownorasagrouptheideaistogetoutthereand
seewhatyoucanaccomplish,PPFFPresidentMarciMowerysaid.TheGPOCisdesignedtobefun
forindividualsofallagesandabilities,aswellasfamilies.Itsagreatwaytolearnmoreaboutyourstate
parksandforests.OurgoalistosupportandmotivatePennsylvanianstogetoutandgetmoving.
TheChallengerunsfromMay9toOctober24,butparticipantscanjoinatanytime.Itsfreeto
joinregistrantsreceiveacopyoftheGetMovin'PAbrochuretotracktheirprogressandaweekly
emailwithtipsandideasonhowtosucceed,funplacestogoandthingstodo.Althoughtheresnocost
toparticipate,acopyofthePennsylvaniaStateParksandStateForestsPassportisagreatcompanion
totheChallenge.
ThePassportalsoisaterrificguidetoourstateparksandforestsandtheirassetsand
features,Mowerysaid.
Theinteractivewebsiteincludesinformationabouttheweeklythemes,astatewideevents
calendar,andaforumtoconnectwithotherparticipantsandsharephotographs.Challengerscanalso
winprizesforparticipating,includinggiftcards,fitnessequipment,caps,Tshirtsandotheritems.
PennsylvanianscanregisterfortheChallengeattheGreatPennsylvaniaOutdoorChallenge
website.
NewsClips:
PPLConveysRiversideTractsToConservancyForGreenway
OilRiverTrailCouncilPlans41MileRoute

ErieToPittsburghTrailGenerates$7MillionInEconomicActivityAnnually

ArecentsurveyoftrailusersalongtheErietoPittsburghTrailbetweenTitusvilleandParkerbythe
RailstoTrailsConservancyshowedatotaleconomicimpactofmorethan$7millionannuallyinlocal
communities.
Datawascollectedthatshows158,507usersvisitedthecombinedtrailsin2013.
Theeconomicimpactcomesfromtheamountofmoneytrailusersspendonfoodandlodginginthe
area.Theaverageamountspentperuservisitwas$21.62.
Whencyclistsaretraveling20milesorfurthertheytendtoeithertakesomefoodwiththemor
stopalongthetrailtopurchasesomething,saidPatriciaTomes,ProgramManagerfortheRTC
Northeastandprojectmanagerforthesurvey.Themoreatowncaninformthetrailuserofwhat
servicestheyhaveavailable,themorelikelythetrailuseristogetofftrailtoparticipate.Thisworks
equallyforattractionsliketheDrakeWellMuseumtheconveniencestoreindowntownFranklin,orthe
icecreamshopinEmlenton.
Usesofthetrailrangedfrombikingtowalkingtofishingtogeocaching.
Thesurveyalsocollecteddatatodeterminewherethetrailusersarecomingfrom.Theyare
residentsfrom25differentcountiesinPennsylvania,NewYorkandOhiowiththemajorityofusers
residinginVenangoCounty,ButlerCounty,AlleghenyCounty,ClarionCountyandCrawfordCounty.
Another10percenttravelledfrom14differentstates.Thirteenpercentpaidforovernightlodginginthe
area,withanaveragestayof2.6nights.
Thenewsurveyconfirmsa$3millionincreaseintheannualeconomicimpactbetweenTitusville
andParkersince2006.
ThissurveyandreportistheeighthinaseriesofsurveysthatRTChascompletedontrailsin
Pennsylvania.Everytrailsurveyedhasdemonstratedapositiveeconomicimpactfromalowof$8.35
peruservisittoahighof$33.50peruservisit.TheresultsfromthissectionoftheErietoPittsburgh
Trailareamongthehighestinthestateandcorrelatetothetremendouspopularityofthetrail.
WithassistancefromtheCouncilonGreenwaysandTrailsandtheAlleghenyValleyTrails
Association,infraredcounterswerelocatedalongtherailtrailsthatparallelOilCreekandthe
AlleghenyRiver.Thecountersdetectpassingheatsignaturesandprovidedanhourbyhourcountof
activityonthetrail24/7.
Aselfselectingpapersurveywasusedinconjunctionwiththecounterstosolicitfeedbackfrom
trailusersthroughoutthevalley.ThesurveywasdesignedbyRailstoTrailsConservancyspecificallyto
collectandanalyzedatathatreflectstheeconomicimpactofthetrailusersinlocalcommunities.
Formoreinformationortoseetheentirereport,contactDebraFrawley,Greenways
Coordinatorat8146773152Ext.116orsendemailto:dfrawley@oilregion.org,orvisittheErieto
PittsburghTrailwebsite.
NewsClips:
PPLConveysRiversideTractsToConservancyForGreenway
OilRiverTrailCouncilPlans41MileRoute

(ReprintedfromtheApril30ResourcenewsletterfromDCNR.)

DCNRSeekingInformationInBedfordCountyWildfire

TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesisseekingthepublicshelpintheprobeofa
sprawlingBedfordCountywildfirelastweekthatinvestigatorshavelabeledarson.
DiscoveredApril19,theblazescorchednearly1,000acresofstategamelandsandprivate
woodlandsintheWillsMountainareanearCenterville,BedfordCounty.Hamperedbyterrainand
weather,morethan100firefightersbattledthewildfireforsixdays.
Circumstancessurroundingthiswildfireleadustobelieveitwasintentionallyset,saidBureau
ofForestryForestFireProtectionDivisionChiefRandallWhite.Weknowitstartedabout2p.m.
April19intheinteriorofthetract.Anyinformationofferedonanyoneobservedinthatareanearthat
timewillbetreatedwithutmostimportanceandstrictestconfidence.
InformationcanbeforwardedtobureauSpecialInvestigatorTerrySmithbycalling
7173621472orsendemailto:terrsmith@pa.gov.
Utilizinghandlaborandbulldozerstocreatefirebreaksandaircrafttodropflameretardant,fire
crewswerehamperedbydry,windyconditionssteepterrainthickvegetationanddensesmoke.
SpeedlimitsonasectionofnearbyRoute220werereducedto35mphattheheightoftheblaze
becauseofsmoke.
Firefightersincludedpersonnelfromlocalvolunteercompanies,thebureauandthePennsylvania
GameCommission,whichownsStateGameLandsNo.48.Asidefromthegamelands,someprivate
woodlandsalsoburned.Noinjuriesorpropertydamagewerereported.
TheBedfordCountywildfirewasthelargestwoodlandfirestatewideinaweekthatprovedto
beverybusyforbureauandvolunteerfirefighters.Morethan100fireswerereportedApril1926.
Eventhoughweatherconditionsmayseemtohavetemporarilymoderated,thepublicis
remindedthatthethreatofwildfiresstillexists,Whitesaid.TheBureauofForestryasksthepublicto
beespeciallycarefulwithanyoutsideburning,whichisoneoftheleadingcausesofwildfires.
Formoreinformationonwildfireprevention,visitDCNRsWildlandFirewebpage.

DiverseAudienceFollowsEmeraldAshBorersDestructivePath,2WorkshopsPlanned

Someofthedeadlayfelledandsectioned.Othersstoodleafless,lifeless,contrastedagainstthevibrant
bluethatistheHuntingdonCountyskyinearlymorning.Togethertheyserveastoorealpropsinthe
tragedythatisplayingoutinstandsoftreesacrossPennsylvania.
Imsuremostofyounoticedthedownedashtreesasyoudroveintotheofficeparkinglotthis
morning,saidGreenwoodFurnaceStateParkManagerMichaelDinsmore,andyoucantmissthe
cut,stackedwoodthroughouttheparkgrounds.Thisisjustonewayweredealingwiththeemeraldash
borer.
Hisaudiencewasadiversegathering,indeedforesters,stateparkmanagers,arborists,
municipalofficials,homeownersalldrawntogethertotakestockofthemassivedamageonevery
smallinvasiveinsecthaswrought.
TheycrowdedintoaparkbuildingforActTwoofaBureauofForestryproductionthatis
playingtopackedhousesacrossthestate.Theycametohearwhattheycandoor,assomespeakers
emphasized,mustdowhentheemeraldashborertargetstreesclosetohome.
EmeraldAshBorerManagementPlanforPennsylvaniaCommunitieswasthetitleofthe
daylongworkshophostedApril16atGreenwoodFurnaceStatePark.Therewerenoemptyseats.
Sametopic,sameinterestamonthearlierinWestChester,ChesterCounty.Similarinterestalreadyhas
beengeneratedinTiogaandAlleghenycountieswherefutureworkshopswillbeheld.
Andthatsnotsurprising,workshoporganizerssay,whenoneconsiderscostlytreatment
options,dangersposedbyborerkilledtrees,andtheinsectsrapidspreadeastwardandnorthacross
thestate.Indeed,sincetheGreenwoodFurnacemeeting,threecountiesSusquehanna,Berksand
Lebanonreportedfirsttimeemeraldashborerinfestations.Itnowisfoundin51ofthestates67
counties.
Itcouldverywellbeineverycountynow,butwehavenotyethaditreported,bureauForest
EntomologistDr.HoupingLiutoldhisworkshoplisteners.Onethingiscertain,ifyouhavealotofash
trees,youwillhavealotofissues.
Andwiththoseissuescomesaneedforpreparedness,saidthemanspearheadingthebureaus
emeraldashborereducationeffort.Whetherasmallgolfcourseorasprawlingmunicipality,Liusaid,
deadanddyingashtreeswillposeproblemsforthosewhoownthem,trytotreatthem,orareforcedto
takethemdown.
Whatoptionsdowehavetoremovetheemeraldashborer?askedtheentomologist
spearheadingtheworkshopseries.Foraproblemofthissize,notverymany,really.
ThatswhyLiuandotherbureauForestPestManagementstaffhavebeenworkingcloselywith
municipalitiestoencourageinventoryingofashtrees,weighingofoptions,andconsiderationofsafety
andcostsconcerns.TheBureauofStateParkshasbeenheedingthatcallforyearsnow,sincethe
emeraldashborerfirstreareditsdeadlyheadin2007inCranberryTownship,ButlerCounty.
Asyouhaveseenandheardheretoday,theBureauofStateParksistryingtogoatthiswitha
selectivepace,saidParkManagerRachelWagoner.Wecertainlyarenotgoingtobeabletosave
everytree,norarewegoingtoremoveeverythingthatsdead,ordiesinthefuture.
Instead,allstateparksaretakinginventoryoftheirashtrees,saidWagoner,aparksresource
managerresponsibleforforesthealthandplantcommunities.Also,theyareidentifyingwhattreesshould
comedown,othersthatshouldandcanbetreatedbyinjectionwithminimalcost.
Thisisanevolvingbutuniformprocessthatisconstantlyundergoingaprocessofevaluation,
theparkmanagersaid.
Andwhatfillsthefuturevoidofdeadash?GuestspeakerDr.JamesFinley,aPennState
Universityforestryprofessorurgedhislistenerstothinkaheadtowardviablereplacementspeciesand
possibleretentionofashtreeseedsources:
Ifyouareaforestownerorlandownerandyouloveyourforest,startthinkingnowhowyou
canbesttakecareofit,Finleysaid.Takecareofitnowsothatitwillbethereforthosewhocome
afteryou.
ThinkashtreesareimportanttothediversityofPennsWoods?TheymayrankNo.8in
numberacrossthestateabout304milliontreessaidtheBureauofForestrysShawnLehman,but
theyareNo.1whenitcomestothemanufacturingofbaseballbats.Andthatsnotall.Pennsylvaniaash
isusedforflooring,molding,andinthemanufactureofpallets,toolhandles,drumshells,canoepaddles,
evensnowshoes.Lehmansutilizationlistgoesonandon.
Hishopeforthespeciesfuturedoesnot:
Weknowthatashtreesacrossthestateareregeneratingbutwearenotsurewhatsgoingto
happenafterthat.
Andwhatdoesthedeadordyingashtreemeantothepassingparkvisitor,golferormotorist?
Ortheworkingtreesurgeon?Sometimes,asafetythreat,saidDr.AnandPersadofTheDaveyTree
ExpertCo.,whodetailedhowanashborertargetedtreeisamuchweakenedtreethatdoesvery
unusualthingswhenrockedbywindorbeingfelledbyatreesurgeonorarborist.
Badbreaks,includingtheinfamouswidowmakers,ordroppingoverheadlimbs,anddead
treespoppingatthebase,allhaveaccountedforaspikeininjuriestoworkmenininfectedtrees,
Persaidnoted.Still,heurgedrestraintinfellinganyashtreethatmaynotbedeadordying:
Letsnotchasetheambulanceyet,theDaveyrepresentativesaid.Donotletfearmanagewhatyou
cut.Ihaveseeninstanceswhereperfectlyhealthytreeswerefelled.
Andthesilverliningifany?
Tothemanmanagingaparkwhere85ashdeadashtreesweretakenoutin201325sofar
thisyearwithmanymoreexpected,thereisauniqueteachingtoolthatenablesparkstafferstobetter
overcomepublicperceptionthatisnotalwayspositive.
Itsnoteasyforparkvisitorstoseeatreetakendownthattheyweremarriedunder20years
ago,saidDinsmore,GreenwoodFurnacesmanager,butwhenweexplainthescientificreasoningand
thesafetyfactors,theyusuallyunderstand.
And,perhapsseeandhearnewsightsduringparkvisits:
Icantgoadayaroundherewithoutseeingapileatedwoodpecker,Dinsmoresaid,notingthe
wingedvisitorsfondnessforborerlarvainthedeadash.Woodducksaredrawntothem,too,and,of
course,thesalamandersutilizethecoveroffallenlimbs.
Thereisapublicperceptionthatadeadtree,afallentree,isawastedspeciesandthatreallyis
notthecase.
TwoMoreWorkshops
TworemainingworkshopsaddressinganEmeraldAshBorerManagementPlanforPa.
CommunitiesareplannedinMayandJune.Admissiontothedaylongsessionsisfree,but
preregistrationisrequired.
Attendeeswillleavetheseworkshopswithawealthofnewfoundknowledgeonwhattheycan
dopersonallytochallengetheemeraldashborersspread,saidDCNRSecretaryEllenFerretti.Do
youhaveashtreesinyourcommunity?Istheemeraldashborerinyourareaornearby?Doyouwantto
saveyourashtrees?Theseareamongthemanyquestionsexpertsandtreecareprofessionalswillbe
askingandanswering.
Panelswillfocusonthebiologyoftheashtreeanditsinsectenemydamagedetectionand
controlandashtreeinventoriesandmanagementstrategies.
Attendeesalsowillbeintroducedtourbantreebenefitsinsectmanagementtoolsutilizationof
deadashtreescostsofmanagementoptionsandspeciesselectiontoreplacedeadashtrees.Field
tripstolocalmanagementareasandchemicaltreatmentdemonstrationsareplanned.
Municipalofficials,urbanforesters,arborists,conservationists,pesticideapplicators,treecare
professionals,landscapersandhomeandwoodlotownersareexpectedtoattend.Scheduledbetween
8:30a.m.and4p.m.,workshopsareplanned:
May14,NorthParkLodge,NorthPark,Pittsburgh,AlleghenyCountyand
June18,AllenHall104,MansfieldUniversityofPennsylvania,Mansfield,TiogaCounty.
Reservationsmustbemadefivedaysinadvanceoftheworkshopsbytelephoning
7177832066orsendingemailto:cshafer@pa.gov.Workshopswillbeheldregardlessofweather
refreshmentswillbeprovidedatthesessions.
TrainingisfundedbytheUSDAForestServicethroughagranttothePennsylvaniaUrbanand
CommunityForestryCouncil.OthersupportersincludeDCNR,WestChesterUniversityof
Pennsylvania,thePa.HorticultureSociety,PennsylvaniaStateUniversity,TheNatureConservancy,
AlleghenyCountyDepartmentofParks,TreePittsburghandMansfieldUniversityofPennsylvania.
NativetoAsia,theemeraldashborerfirstwasdetectedintheUnitedStatesinMichiganin
2002.Beetlelarvaeborethroughashtrees,disruptingflowofwaterandnutrientsthroughthetree,and
eventuallykillingit.TreeownersfearinginfestationshouldbealertfortheMayandearlyJune
emergenceofadultinsectsthroughDshapedexitholesinthebark.
DetailsontheemeraldashborerandotherPennsylvaniaforestpestscanbefoundonline.

(ReprintedfromtheApril30ResourcenewsletterfromDCNR.)

WesternPAConservancyProtects466AcresInClintonCounty

HundredsofacresinClintonCountyareopentohiking,hunting,fishingandotherrecreationalactivities
nowthattheWesternPennsylvaniaConservancyhaspermanentlyprotectedapropertyalongtheWest
BranchoftheSusquehannaRiver.
WPCacquired466acresinChapmanandGrugantownships,about20milesnorthofLock
Haven,Pa.,theConservancyannouncedMonday.Thepropertystretchesalongaboutamileandahalf
oftheWestBranch,providingaconnectionfromBucktailStateParkNaturalAreatotheriver.The
propertywillshortlybeaddedtothenaturalarea.
Thepropertyisacombinationofsteepforestedslopesandlowlyinglandneartheriverit
includesanumberofsmall,highqualitytributariesthatarefullofwildbrooktrout.
TheWestBranchisthelargesttributarysystemoftheSusquehannaRiver.Theregionaroundit
isdefinedbyvastexpansesofforestland,whichsupportasignificantblackbearpopulationandnesting
habitatforforestinteriorbirds.
BucktailStateParkNaturalAreastretchesthroughtheSinnemahoningandWestBranch
SusquehannavalleysinCameronandClintoncountiesandfollowstheBucktailTrailScenicByway
(StateRoute120)for75miles.
TheConservancywillconveythepropertytothePennsylvaniaDepartmentofConservationand
NaturalResourcesBureauofForestry,whichwilladdthelandtoSproulStateForest,whereitwill
becomepartoftheBucktailNaturalArea.
Duetogreateffortsofmanystakeholders,theWestBranchSusquehanna,longimpairedby
acidminedrainage,isrecoveringandisbecomingknownasaPennsylvaniaWildsdestination.Were
fortunatetohavereceivedgeneroussupporttopurchasethisexceptionalproperty,whichprotectsforest
andriparianareasandprovidesmorerecreationalopportunities,saidMatthewMarusiak,land
protectionmanagerattheConservancy.
DCNR,theNationalFishandWildlifeFoundation,TroutUnlimited,theRichardKingMellon
Foundationandprivatedonorsfinanciallysupportedtheacquisition.

(ReprintedfromtheMayWater,Land,LifenewsletterfromtheWesternPAConservancy.)

AmericanFarmlandTrustHonors2BerksAgLandPreservationBoardMembers

AmericanFarmlandTrustandthePennsylvaniaFarmlandPreservationAssociationThursday
announcedDr.RobertC.ZiegenfusandVictoriaKintzer,twochartermembersoftheBerksCounty
AgriculturalLandPreservationBoard,arewinnersofthisyear'sLocalHeroAward.
Theaward,whichrecognizessignificantcontributionstofarmlandpreservationinPennsylvania,
waspresentedbyAndrewMcElwaine,AFTPresidentandCEO,duringtheAssociation'sSpring
ConferenceinReading.
"Thisyear'swinnersoftheLocalHeroAwardhavehelpedprovidetheleadershipneededto
preserveover67,954acresoffarmlandand679farmsinBerksCounty,"saidMcElwaine."Their25
yearrecordisextraordinary.Botharededicatedvolunteersandpassionateaboutprotectingtheone
irreplaceableresourceweneedtogrowfoodourfarmland."
Dr.Ziegenfus,whohasheldavarietyofcollegeteachingpositionsandworkedfortheNew
JerseyDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,
volunteerednotonlyhistime,buthisprofessionalexpertiseingeography,landuse,environmental
planninganddigitalmappingtohelpbuildBerksCounty'sfarmlandpreservationprogram.
VictoriaKintzer,whowasrecentlyappointedaDirectorfortheGreaterBerksFoodBank,
helpedtonotonlyguidetheCounty'sofficialfarmlandpreservationprogram,buthelpdevelopa
complementaryAdoptAnAcreProgramforprotectingfarmlandthatdidnotmeetallofthe
requirementstobepartofthecounty'spreservationprogram.
BothKintzerandDr.Ziegenfussupportedmajorinitiativestoacceleratefarmlandpreservation
inBerksCountybyhelpingtosecurepassageofa$33millionbondissuein1999anda$24millionline
ofcreditin2006devotedtofarmlandprotection.
"MuchofthesuccessofPennsylvania'sfarmlandpreservationprogramisduetothe
commitmentandexpertiseofvolunteerBoardMembers,"saidMattKnepper,PresidentofthePA
FarmlandPreservationAssociation."BerksCountyisaleaderinfarmlandpreservationandamodel
andresourceforotherpreservationprogramsacrossthestateandnation.ThePAFarmland
PreservationAssociationisproudtohonorDr.ZiegenfusandMs.Kintzerfortheircontributionsas
CharterMembersoftheBerksCountyAgriculturalLandPreservationBoard."
"Since1988Pennsylvaniahaspermanentlypreservedover489,400acresoffarmlandinvesting
over$1.2billioninstateandlocalfundsandisanationalleaderinfarmlandprotection,"said
McElwaine."Whilewehaveseenarecentuptickinfarmlandpreservationfundingacrossthecounty,an
AFTsurveyinJanuaryfoundwearestill39percentbelowwherewewerein2008."
"WeneedmoreleaderslikeVictoriaKintzerandDr.Ziegenfusallacrossthecountrytodraw
attentiontotheneedtoinvestinfarmlandprotection,becausetheworldisfacingachallengeitcannot
ignoretheneedtodoubleourfoodproductionby2050,"saidMcElwaine.
TheAmericanFarmlandTrustisthenation'sleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto
protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland.
AmericanFarmlandTrustwillhosttheFarmland,FoodandLivableCommunitiesnational
conferenceinLexington,KentuckyonOctober2022.

SusquehannaGreenwayPartnershipAprilNewsletterNowAvailable

TheSusquehannaGreenwayPartnershipAprilnewsletterisnowavailable.ClickHeretoreadacopy.

MayIssueOfWater,Land,LifeNewsletterNowAvailableFromWesternPAConservancy

TheMayissueoftheWater,Land,LifenewsletterisnowavailablefromtheWesternPAConservancy.

April30ResourceNewsletterNowAvailableFromDCNR

TheApril30issueoftheResourcesnewsletterfromtheDepartmentofConservationandNatural
Resources.

StatewideMentoredYouthFishingDaySetForMay10

ExcitementisbuildingamonganglersandkidsfortheFishandBoatCommissionspopularMentored
YouthFishingDay,whichwillbeheldonMay10on41watersacrossthestate.
Sofar,nearly1,800kidshaveobtainedafreepermittofishontheday,andanother1,300have
purchasedavoluntaryyouthfishinglicense.
Wereexcitedthatsomanymentorsandkidsaremakingplanstoparticipateintheprogram,
saidPFBCExecutiveDirectorJohnArway.Thisprogramisdesignedtoencourageadultstotakekids
fishing,toshowthemthatfishingisfun,andtopromoteactive,outdoorrecreation.Withwarmer
weathernowhere,wearepreparedtodeliveragreatexperience.
Theprogramwasoriginallyscheduledovertwodays,March22andApril5,butwas
rescheduledintoonestatewidedaybecauseofunusuallycoldweatherandunexpectedicecover.
Thepilotprogramlastyearwasahugehitwithanglersandtheirfriendsandwehavereceived
nothingbutpositivecommentsaboutit,Arwayadded.Adultsandkidsareexcitedandwewantto
keepitthatway.
ToensurekidsandtheirmentorshaveanoutstandingchancetocatchfishonMay10,wewill
stockafreshloadoftroutateachwateronMay9,headded.Thenthewaterswillbeclosedtoall
fishingfromnoononMay9until8a.m.onMay10.
TheprogramwaterswillbeopenonMay10onlyformentoredyouthdayparticipantsfrom8
a.m.to7:30p.m.,andanglersmaykeeptwotrout.After7:30p.m.thewaterswillbeopentoall
anglersandthestandardregulationsonthosewaterswillapply.
Toparticipate,adultanglers(16yearsorolder)musthaveavalidfishinglicenseand
trout/salmonpermitandbeaccompaniedbyayouth.YouthanglersmustobtainafreePFBCissued
permitoravoluntaryyouthfishinglicense.
BothareavailableatGoneFishingPAoratanyofthemorethan900licensingagentsacross
thestate.
Also,thePFBCisremindinganglersthattheprocesstoparticipatethisyearhaschanged.Last
year,participantsregisteredonline.
Becausetheprogramisexpandingstatewidethisyear,andwithaneyetothefuture,thePFBC
isnowusingthePennsylvaniaAutomatedLicenseService(PALS)toissueyouthpermitsandvoluntary
licenses.
IssuingpermitsandlicensesthroughPALSallowsustocollectandmanageinformation
regardingyouthanglers,saidCarlRichardson,PFBCeducationsectionmanager.Specifically,this
processprovidesuswithmorecustomerdataforbetterassessmentoflifelongfishinglicensebuying
habitsandtodevelopprogramsdesignedtoretainanglers.
Asaresult,anglersmustcreateaseparatecustomeraccountforeachchildinthePALSsystem.
Inordertoobtainthepermitorvoluntarylicense,theyouthsaddress,socialsecuritynumber,dateof
birth,heightandeyecolormustbeprovidedatthetimeofthetransaction.Phonenumberandemail
addressareoptional.
Thesemaybeaddedtothecustomersprofileatalatertimebyfollowingtheinstructionsin
GoneFishingPA.Clickherefordetailedinstructions.
Foreveryvoluntaryyouthlicensesold,thePFBCwillreceiveapproximately$5infederal
revenuefromtheU.S.FishandWildlifeServicesSportFishRestorationActprogram,whichprovides
fundstostatesbasedonaformulathatincludesthenumberoflicensesastatesells.Allrevenuesearned
fromavoluntaryyouthfishinglicensewillbededicatedtoyouthfishingprograms.
Also,vouchersforthevoluntarylicensewillbeavailableatthe900licenseissuingagentsand
online.Avoucheractsasagiftcardanddoesnotrequireanypersonalinformationatthetimeofsale.
Clubs,organizations,businesses,andindividualswhoareinterestedinpromotingyouthanglingcan
purchasequantitiesofvoluntaryyouthlicensevoucherstodistributetochildren.Personalinformationis
requiredatthetimethevoucherisredeemedandacustomeridentificationnumberisissued.
Basedonlastyearsevent,weexpectthatlotsoffishwillbecaught,manymemorieswillbe
madeandtherewillbeplentyoffuntogoaround,saidArway.Dontmissoutonthisspecial
opportunity.
Moreinformationabouttheprogram,includingalistofthewaters,isavailableatGoneFishing
PAwebsite.

2FamilyFishingProgramsSetForMay17InLycomingCounty

TheFishandBoatCommission,withthehelpfromseveralpartners,areoffering2differentFamily
TroutFishingProgramsonMay17.Bothprogramswillbefrom12:00p.m.to5p.m.andheldat
TombsFlatalongPineCreek,LycomingCounty.
Oneprogramwillintroducefamiliestotheuseofspinninggeartocatchtrout.Participantswill
havetheopportunitytousespinnersandotherlurestocatchtroutonPineCreek.Theotherprogram
willintroducefamiliestotheuseofflyfishinggeartocatchtrout.Participantsinbothprogramswillhave
theopportunitytocatchtroutusingtheirnewskills.
TheseprogramsresultfromapartnershipbetweenSlateRunTackleShop,PFBC,Department
ofConservationandNaturalResourcesBureauofForestry,localTroutUnlimitedChapters,and
severallocalvolunteers.Participantswillreceivehandsoninstructionfromthepartners.Allequipment
isprovided.
Bothprogramswillincludeinstructiononequipment,casting,lures/flies,knottyingandonwater
skills.Usingtheirnewskills,participants,willhavetheopportunitytoflyfishorspinnerfishoverfreshly
stockedbrowntroutstockingcourtesyofSlateRunTackleShop.SlateRunwillalsobeproviding
voluntaryyouthfishinglicensevouchers,hotdoglunch,andafishinggoodiebag.
Thefishinglicenserequirementiswaivedforparticipantsage16andolder.Childrenmustbe
sixyearsofageandoldertoparticipateandbeaccompaniedbyanadult.Childrenmustaccompany
adults.
Preregisterby4p.m.May12isrequired,asspaceislimited.VisittheGoneFishingPA
websiteformoreinformationandtoregister.

HawkMountainSanctuaryUnveilsSeasonsOfHawkMountainExhibitMay15

HawkMountainSanctuaryunveils"SeasonsofHawkMountain,"anexhibitoforiginaljuriedworksby
membersoftheBerksArtAllianceduringanopeningreceptionheldMay15from6to8pminthe
HawkMountainVisitorCenter.
TheexhibitisfreeandwillbeondisplayMay1throughAugust24,tohonorthe80th
anniversaryofthefoundingofHawkMountain.
TheBerksArtAlliancecoordinatedseveralgrouptripstoHawkMountainoverthepast18
monthswhereartistscapturedinpleinairorfromphotographythescenes,feelingsandmessages
inspiredbytheSanctuary,itsconservationlegacyanditsprograms.
Fromthesevisitscameworksinavarietyofmediaincludingwatercolor,oil,collage,acrylic
mixedmedia,pastel,pencil,ceramic,compositephotography,mixedmedia,encausticmixedmedia,
mixedmediaonsilk,andmixedmedialettering.
HawkMountainPresidentJerryRegansaystheexhibitisgreatshowofpartnershipand
illustratestheSanctuaryslegacyinBerksCounty.
DozensofartistsfromtheBerksArtAlliancemadeaconnectionatHawkMountainand
translatedtheirimpressionsintoawidevarietyofmediums.Wereexcitedtodisplaythisdiversityof
workduringour80thanniversaryandIencourageeveryonetostopbyduringtheopeningreception,
hesays.
Duringtheopening,drinksandlightrefreshmentswillbeserved,andattendeeswillhavea
chancetomeettheartists,toseeupcloseandlearnaboutaliveraptor,andtohearashortprogramby
ReadingEaglereporterSusanMiersSmithwhofollowedagroupofartiststhroughouttheyear.
Morethan50entrieswereexhibitedearlierthisspringattheYocumGallery,Wyomissing,
wherejurorRichardResselselected30piecesforatravelingexhibition.ThissmallerexhibitopensMay
1toAugust28atHawkMountain,andconcludesinSeptemberattheSchmidtGalleryat
GoggleWorksCenterfortheArts,Reading.
ThoseinterestedinattendingtheopeningMay15areaskedtoRSVPtoMarybysendingemail
to:info@hawkmountain.orgor6107566961.
Celebrating80yearsinraptorconservation,HawkMountainSanctuaryistheworld'sfirst
refugeforbirdsofpreyandaninternationalcenterforraptorconservation.The2,500acreSanctuary,
8miletrailsystemandVisitorCenterisopentothepublicyearround.Atrailfeeormembershipdues
supportslocaltoglobalconservationprograms,includingpubliceducation,professionaltrainingand
scientificresearchprograms.
Tolearnmore,call6107566961orvisittheHawkMountainSanctuarywebsite.

OpEd:Sen.RayMusto,ALegacyOfEnvironmentalLeadership
ByD.MichaelFisher

Overacareeroralifetimethereareahandfulofpeopleyouareprivilegedto
knowandworkwiththathavehadanimpactnotonlyonyou,butonsolving
problemsinwaysthatmakeourlivesbetter.
RayMustowassomeonelikethatforme.
Inthe1980sIservedwithRayinthestateSenateandonthe
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteewherehewasthe
DemocraticChairandIwastheRepublicanChair.
Thepoliticalatmospherewasmuchdifferentthenthanitisnow.Yes,
wehadourpartisandifferencesandpositions,butonmostissuesthatreally
counted,weworkedtogether,inabipartisanway,tosolvethem.The
environmentwasoneofthoseissues.
Whenafourmilliongallonstoragetanksplitopenandspilledamillion
gallonsofthick,blackoilintotheMonongahelaRiver,weworkedtogethertopasstheStorageTank
andSpillPreventionActtoestablishspillpreventionandconstructionstandardsforabovegroundtanks
andcreatedaprogramtocleanupleakingundergroundtanks.
WhenPennsylvaniaslocalgovernmentsfacedacrisisinwheretosafelydisposeofhousehold
andotherwaste,weworkedtogethertopasstheMunicipalWastePlanning,RecyclingandWaste
ReductionActtocreatethefirststatewide,curbsiderecyclingprograminthecountryandsetdisposal
standardsthatclosed1,000dumpsitesacrossthestate.
Whencommunitieshaddifficultyinfindingthemoneytofundimprovementstolocaldrinking
waterandwastewatersystemstoprotectwaterquality,assuresafewatersuppliesandattractnew
business,weworkedtogethertocreatethePennsylvaniaInfrastructureInvestmentAuthoritytoprovide
grantsandloanssothestatewouldsharethatfinancialburden.
Facedwithhowtocleanuphundredsofcontaminatedsitesacrossthestatefromalegacyof
industrialdevelopment,weworkedtogethertopasstheHazardousSitesCleanupActtoprovidethe
necessaryenforcementtools,fundingandprovisionsallowingthestatetopayforthingslikewater
supplyreplacementtokeepourcitizenssafe.
Thesefourlaws,thekeystonesofPennsylvaniasenvironmentalprotectionandrestoration
programs,wereallenactedwithinthesamethreeyearwindowandtheywouldnothavebeenpossible
withoutRayMusto.
AfterIlefttheSenatetobecomeAttorneyGeneral,Raycontinuedhisgoodworkinthesame
bipartisanwaybyhelpingtopasstheoriginalGrowingGreenerProgramtorestorewatershedsand
reclaimabandonedmines,theLandRecyclingProgramtocleanupbrownfieldsandestablishthe
KeystoneRecreation,ParkandConservationFundtosupportStateParks,Forestsandlocalrecreation
projects.
Agentleman,afriendandagreatSenatorforhisdistrict,RayMustolefthisimprinton
Pennsylvaniaandwillbelongrememberedasatruepartnerinmakingthingsbetter.

D.MichaelFisherwasamemberoftheSenatefrom19801996,ChairedtheEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommitteefrom19801990,wasPAAttorneyGeneralfrom19962003
andhasbeenaCircuitJudgeontheU.S.CourtofAppeals,ThirdCircuitsince2003.

HannahDowdMcPhelinElectedToCentralPAU.S.GreenBuildingCouncilBoard

PepperHamiltonLLPisproudtoannounceHannahDowdMcPhelinhasbeenelectedtotheBoardof
DirectorsoftheUSGBCCentralPA,aChapteroftheU.S.GreenBuildingCouncil.TheUSGBC
CentralPAelectedfivenewindividualstotheBoardofDirectors.
Ms.McPhelinisanassociatewithPepperHamiltonLLP,residentintheHarrisburgand
Philadelphiaoffices.Sheconcentratesherpracticeinrealestatemattersandotherbusinesstransactions,
includingtheacquisition,saleandfinancingofcommercialrealestatepropertiesandleasingofoffice,
retail,warehouseandindustrialspace,representingbothlandlordsandtenants.
SheisaLEED(LeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign)AccreditedProfessionaland
amemberofthefirmsSustainability,CleanTechandClimateChangeTeam.Ms.McPhelinisa
graduateofEmoryUniversitySchoolofLaw.Shereceivedherundergraduatedegree,cumlaude,from
Franklin&MarshallCollege.

HelpWanted:PAResourcesCouncilWasteDiversionSpecialist

ThePAResourcesCouncilisseekingcandidatestofillthepositionofWasteDiversionSpecialistinits
PittsburghOffice.ClickHerefordetails.

OpportunityToBidOnDEPWellPluggingProjectsInErie,McKeanCounties

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeoftheopportunitytobidonawell
pluggingprojectinErieCountyandMcKeanCounty.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas

Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming
advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased

May6DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardlisteningsessionintheCityofChesterCityHall,
Chester.5:00p.m.(formalnotice)

May7AgendaReleased.DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentral
RegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30.(formalnotice)
PresentationonhowtoreducecostsJimShortle
EPAUpdates
ProgressRunWatershedupdate
MilestonesUpdate
NewWatershedAgreementUpdate
NextSteps
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.

May7DEPhearingsessiononHilcorpEnergyGasWellSpacingUnitsapplication.AlbertP.
GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernmentCenter,AssemblyRoom,
349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.10:00a.m.

May8DEPhearingsessionsonHilcorpEnergyGasWellSpacingUnitsapplication.AlbertP.
GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernmentCenter,AssemblyRoom,
349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.9:00a.m.and6:00p.m.

May8DEPholdsahearingonaairqualityredesignationrequestfortheAllentownMaintenance
Area.DEPRegionalOffice,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre.1:00.(formalnotice)

May8AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionholdsapublichearingonwater
withdrawalrequests.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formalnotice)

May14AgendaReleased.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:30.
2014IntegratedWaterQualityMonitoringandAssessmentReport,Methods
ChesapeakeBayUpdates
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.

May21EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

May21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

May27EnvironmentalQualityBoardholdsahearingonproposedchangestoChapters121&129
RACTrequirementsformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400
WaterfrontDr.,Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice)

May28EnvironmentalQualityBoardholdsahearingonproposedchangestoChapters121&129
RACTrequirementsformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2East
MainSt.,Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice)

May29EnvironmentalQualityBoardholdsahearingonproposedchangestoChapters121&129
RACTrequirementsformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs.DEPOffice,Room105RachelCarson
Building,Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice)

June3DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.

June4DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:30.

June4NEW.DEPhearingonproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,SchuylkillRiver
Room,2EastMainSt.,Norristown.10:00a.m.tonoon.(formalnotice)

June4NEW.DEPhearingonproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton
Ave.,Harrisburg.10:00a.m.tonoon.(formalnotice)

June4NEW.DEPhearingonproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400Waterfront
Dr.,Pittsburgh.10:00a.m.tonoon.(formalnotice)

June5DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June10DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialParkRd.,
Ebensburg.10:00.

June12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom,
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)

June12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:15.

June16DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton
Ave.,Harrisburg.10:00.

June17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

June17DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June18DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.

June18DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting.
10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June24DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

June25DEPStateBoardforCertificationOfSewageEnforcementOperatorsmeeting.Conference
Room11B,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June26DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

July30DCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.LTBA.

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

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Grants&Awards

Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition
programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.

May9CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram
May9CFARenewableEnergyProgram
May9CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram
May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing
May15PhiladelphiaWaterSpokesdogCompetition
May16Fish&BoatCommissionStateWildlifeGrants
May16CFAPASmallWaterAndSewerProgram
May22DCNRVolunteerFirefighterGrants
May23KPBGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest
May30DEPAlternativeEnergyVehicleConversionGrants
June10DEPPennsylvaniaCleanDieselGrantProgram
June27SRBCConsumptiveUseMitigationProjectProposals
June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram
June30PennDOTMultiModalTransportationProjects
July11CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram
July11CFARenewableEnergyProgram
July11CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram
July14ARIPPAAbandonedMineReclamationGrants
July21CFASewageFacilitiesProgram
July21CFAAbandonedMineDrainageAbatement
July21CFAWatershedRestorationProtection
July21CFABaselineWaterQualityDataProgram
July21CFAGreenways,TrailsandRecreation
July21CFAOrphanorAbandonedWellPlugging
July21CFAFloodMitigationProgram
August15NEW.DEPSection902RecyclingGrants
September22CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram
September22CFARenewableEnergyProgram
September22CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram
October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest
October31PRCLensOnLitterPhotoContest

VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance
forenvironmentalprojects.

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Budget/QuickNewsClips

Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate

HundredsPayRespectsToMusto
Sen.RayMustoRememberedAsPublicServant
OpEd:RayMusto,ALegacyOfEnvironmentalLeadership
By:D.MichaelFisher
April30DCNRResourceNewsletter
Budget
PARevenueOffBy$425MillionAndGrowing
AnemicTaxCollectionsAddToStateBudgetWoes
Sources:CorbettLookingFor$1.2BillionInBudgetCuts
NaturalGasSeveranceTaxGetsNewLife
TaxGasDrillersToPayForEducationGubernatorialCandidatesSay
Editorial:CouldSeveranceTaxHelpFundPASchools?
11GameLandsInNEPAHaveGasLeases
Other
LenapeTechTeamTakesHonorsAtArmstrongEnvirothon
TurtleTalksComingToCrookedCreekInBethel
EnvironmentalCharterSchoolSeeksToAdd2SchoolsInPittsburgh
CompanySaysRecalledTylerMountainBottledWaterNotContaminated
ArchbaldCleanUpDayMay10
VolunteersRollUpSleevesAtHarveysLake
LandBankOrdinanceToBoostLotCleanupsInPittsburgh
NewHersheyWrappersToSaveNearly2,000TreesAYear
Report:AirQualityImprovesSlightlyInNEPA
LehighValleyGetsPoorGradeForAirQuality
WesternPAStillGetsPoorMarksForAirPollution
MidstateCountiesFlaggedForFailingAirQuality
ErieCountyFlunksOzoneInNewReport
U.S.SupremeCourtUpholdsEPAAirTransportRule
Editorial:EPACourtRulingDangerousFreelancing
RevisitingStudyOnShaleGasAndMethaneLeaks
MethaneBecomesPartOfAirQualityDebate
JudgeRulesAgainstSchoolDistrictInCoalTaxCase
SwitchgrassGrowsIntoBiofuelComponents
Editorial:BiofuelsExposed,Again
GasolinePricesContinueToClimbInPittsburghRegion
MidstateGasoline40CentsHigherThanLastYear
ThreeMileIslandAndNuclearHopesAndFears
EarthDaySymposiumShowcasesSustainabilityInAction
PhillySustainabilityOfficeCouldBePutToVoters
DCNRProvidesSeedlingsForFlight93MemorialTreePlanting
PPLConveysRiversideTractsToConservancyForGreenway
OilRiverTrailCouncilPlans41MileRoute
ColdWeatherWontHelpWithMosquitoes
TracesOfInvasiveCarpDiscoveredInSWOhio
GameCommissionPlanningBurnToPromoteOakGrowth
StrikingABalanceToProtectPAWildlife

DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

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MarcellusShaleNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling

NaturalGasSeveranceTaxGetsNewLife
TaxGasDrillersToPayForEducationGubernatorialCandidatesSay
Editorial:CouldSeveranceTaxHelpFundPASchools?
ShaleGasAdvocatesHoldRallyInHarrisburgMay6
HealthImpactOfGasFrackingLeftInTheDark
PUCReliesOnIndustryLawFirmForOil&GasAdvice
HBGLawFirmWithdrawsFromPipelineCase
PipelineCaseRaisesQuestionsAboutPUCChairsTies
LancasterResidentsCriticizePipelineProposal
PipelineCompanySuspendsProjectToConnectAppalachianGas
Editorial:MakeCallOnKeystoneXLPipeline
AppealsFiledAgainstFrackWaterStorageSite
DEPContinuesToMonitorNaturalGasDehydrationFacility
MostDrillersIgnoreLawRequiringInclusionOfMinorities,Women
RevisitingStudyOnShaleGasAndMethaneLeaks
MethaneBecomesPartOfAirQualityDebate
11GameLandsInNEPAHaveGasLeases
AlleghenyCouncilOKsVoteOnDeerLakeDrilling
TranquilSceneBeliesDeerLakesParkDrillingDebate
DeerLakesParkDrillingMeetingsContinuing
DeerLakesSchoolDistrictConsidersDrillingOnProperty
OpEd:RangeResourcesPlanForDeerLakes
OilTankerCriticsWarnOfTroubleOnTheTracks
OilTrainWreckInVirginiaBringsDemandsForRegulation
HotelsASignOfGasIndustrysImpact
NationalFuelGasRatesToJump
OpEd:ShaleGasBoomHasTransformedWilliamsportRegion
Financial/OtherStates
RangeResourcesPosts$32.5M1stQuarterProfit
ConsolPosts$116MProfitIn1stQuarter
RexEnergyReportsFirstQuarterOperational,FinancialResults

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Flooding/WatershedNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate

Flooding
CleanupContinuesInPhiladelphiaAfterStorm
OtherWatershedNewsClips
ChallengeToChesapeakeCleanupTestsEPAPower
ChesapeakeBayFoundation:AmicusBriefsBackCleanup
WorkToImproveBlacklegsCreekEarnsManOfYearNod
AlertSystemSetUpForAlgaeBloomsInErie
ForThoseAboutToRock,FloodplainRestoration
ArmstrongWatershedGetsBoostToBuildFishHabitats
WatershedGroupsReceiveGrantsInWashingtonCounty
MountainWatershedAssn.Marks20Years
VolunteersRollUpSleevesAtHarveysLake
AquaPAUpsInfrastructureExpendituresFor2014
FogelsvilleDamFixProgressingWell

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Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommissionThursdayapprovedtwofinalEnvironmentalQuality
Boardregulations,onecoveringairemissionsfromflexiblepackagingprintingpressesandothersimilar
operationsandtheoilandgaswellfeeincreases.

PennsylvaniaBulletinMay3,2014

ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeextendingthecommentperiodforthe
inlieuoffeeprogramforaquaticresourcestoJune23andnoticeofproposedchangestotheblasters
licensesuspensionandrevocationproceduretechnicalguidance.

DEPalsopublishednoticeofcertificationrequestsundertheNutrientCreditTradingProgram,noticeof
hearingsandcommentperiodforproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.

TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionpublishednoticeoffinalregulationsforreviewofwater
withdrawalrequests.

DEPID: 5622402501.Title: Blaster'sLicenseSuspensionandRevocationProcedure.

Description: Thisguidanceisasubstantialrevisiontoanexistingguidancedocumentandexplainsthe
new,moretransparentprocedureforthesuspension,modificationorrevocationofblaster'slicenses
and/orpenaltyassessmentactions.
WrittenComments: InterestedpersonsmaysubmitwrittencommentsonthisDraftTechnical
GuidanceDocumentsbyJuly4,2014.Commentssubmittedbyfacsimilewillnotbeaccepted.
Comments,includingcommentssubmittedbyelectronicmailmustincludetheoriginator'snameand
address.WrittencommentsshouldbesubmittedtoRichardLamkie,P.O.Box8461,Harrisburg,PA
171058461,rlamkie@pa.gov.
Contact: QuestionsregardingthisactionshouldbedirectedtowardsRichardLamkieat
8144721885orsendemailto:rlamkie@pa.gov.

TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

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CalendarOfEvents

Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings
areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar
webpage.

ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek.

May5NEW.HouseAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1037
(VogelRBeaver)eliminatingthelowRVPgasolinerequirementinPittsburghRegion.Room140.Off
theFloor.

May5NEW.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill
1254(YudichakDLuzerne)makingchangestothePlumbingSystemLeadBanandNotificationAct
sponsorsummary,HouseResolution426(MillerRYork)directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinance
Committeetoconductastudythebeneficialuseofsewagesludgebylandapplication.RoomB31
MainCapitol.11:00.

May5LocationAdded.EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointConservationCommitteefeaturingan
overviewoftheTreeVitalizeProgram.Room8EAEastWing.Noon.

May6DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardlisteningsessionintheCityofChesterCityHall,
Chester.5:00p.m.(formalnotice)

May68PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociationConference.SandsCasinoResort,
Bethlehem.

May7NEW.SenateConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureCommitteemeetstoconsider
HouseBill939(GodshallRMontgomery)eliminatingthesunsetdateforChapter14billcollections
requirements,HouseBill1188(PayneRDauphin)furtherprovidingfornaturalgassupplycompetition.
SenateMajorityCaucusRoom.9:30.

May7HouseProfessionalLicensureCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill997(PetriRBucks)
establishingalicensingprogramforsoilscientistssponsorsummary.Room60EastWing.9:30.

May7CANCELED.JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControlandConservation
CommitteeholdsahearingonPAsWasteTireRecyclingProgram.Room8EB,EastWingCapitol
Building.9:00.

May7AgendaReleased.DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentral
RegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30.(formalnotice)

May72014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium.RamadaInnConferenceCenterinState
College.

May7DEPhearingsessiononHilcorpEnergyGasWellSpacingUnitsapplication.AlbertP.
GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernmentCenter,AssemblyRoom,
349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.10:00a.m.

May8DEPhearingsessionsonHilcorpEnergyGasWellSpacingUnitsapplication.AlbertP.
GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernmentCenter,AssemblyRoom,
349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.9:00a.m.and6:00p.m.

May8DEPholdsahearingonaairqualityredesignationrequestfortheAllentownMaintenance
Area.DEPRegionalOffice,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre.1:00.(formalnotice)

May8AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionholdsapublichearingonwater
withdrawalrequests.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formalnotice)

May89NEW.AgendaReleased.ChesapeakeBayCommissionmeeting.BeaconHotel,1615
RhodeIslandAve.,NW,Washington,D.C.ClickHereformoreinformation.

May14AgendaReleased.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:30.

May1518PAOutdoorWritersAssociationSpringConference.InandaroundShippensburg
University.ClickHeretoreadanarticleontheconferenceinthePOWAnewsletter.ClickHerefora
registrationform.

May21EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

May21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

May27EnvironmentalQualityBoardholdsahearingonproposedchangestoChapters121&129
RACTrequirementsformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400
WaterfrontDr.,Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice)

May28EnvironmentalQualityBoardholdsahearingonproposedchangestoChapters121&129
RACTrequirementsformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2East
MainSt.,Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice)

May29EnvironmentalQualityBoardholdsahearingonproposedchangestoChapters121&129
RACTrequirementsformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs.DEPOffice,Room105RachelCarson
Building,Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice)

June3DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.

June4DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:30.

June4NEW.DEPhearingonproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,SchuylkillRiver
Room,2EastMainSt.,Norristown.10:00a.m.tonoon.(formalnotice)

June4NEW.DEPhearingonproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton
Ave.,Harrisburg.10:00a.m.tonoon.(formalnotice)

June4NEW.DEPhearingonproposedrevisionstotheInfrastructureStateAirQuality
ImplementationPlansforthe8hourozonestandard.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400Waterfront
Dr.,Pittsburgh.10:00a.m.tonoon.(formalnotice)

June5DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June10DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialParkRd.,
Ebensburg.10:00.

June12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom,
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)

June12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:15.

June16DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton
Ave.,Harrisburg.10:00.

June17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

June17DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June18DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.

June18DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting.
10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June24DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

June25DEPStateBoardforCertificationOfSewageEnforcementOperatorsmeeting.Conference
Room11B,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

June26DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

June2627PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConference.RamadaInnandConference
Center,StateCollege.

July30DCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.LTBA.

July2325PROPRecyclingandOrganicsConference.DoubleTreePittsburghMeadowLands,
Washington,PA.

September25PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland
ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg.

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor
EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state
budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof
EnvironmentalEducators'website.

SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule

YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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