Pa Environment Digest April 27, 2015

PAEnvironmentDigest
AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009
PAEEBusinessPartner
OfTheYearAward
Harrisburg,PaApril27,2015
SenateCommitteeSetsConfirmationHearingsForDEP,DCNRSecretaries
The
SenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
Committee
isscheduledtoholdconfirmationhearings
forActingDCNRSecretaryCindyDunnMay13and
forActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleyonJune2.
TheMay13hearingwillbeheldinRoom461
at9:00a.m.TheJune2hearinginHearingRoom1
NorthOfficeBuildingstartingat9:30a.m.
June9isthedeadlinefortheSenatetovoteon
bothnominations,however,Gov.Wolfcanalways
recallandresubmitthenominationsiftheSenateneeds
moretime.TheSenatehas25legislative(notcalendar)daystoconsidernominations.
Thehearingsshouldbecarriedliveonline
throughtheSenatewebpage
.
Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)servesasMajorityChairandSen.JohnYudichak
(DLuzerne)servesasMinorityChair.
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA:SB724CouldDerailCleanWaterEffortsInPA
The
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA
says
SenateBill724
(VogelRBeaver)threatenstoderail
currentcleanwaterrestorationeffortsanddivertcriticalfundingfromprovensciencebased
practices,whilefavoringproprietary,corporatebackedandcostlymanuretechnologies.
CBFisdisappointedthatSenateBill724wasintroducedApril14,asareconstituted
versionoftheflawedandfailedSenateBill994fromthelegislatureslastsession.Sen.Elder
Vogel(RBeaver)wastheprimesponsorofbothbills.
AlthoughsomephrasesaredifferentinthelatestSenateBill724,itisstilla
fundamentallyflawedbill,saidCBFsPennsylvaniaExecutiveDirectorHarryCampbell.
Pennsylvaniamustaccelerateprogressifitistohave60percentofthepollution
reductionpracticesinplaceby2017,thefirstformaldeadline.
TheCommonwealthsnitrogenandsedimentpollutionreductioncommitmentsfrom
agricultureandurbanpollutedrunoffareconsiderablyofftrack.Pennsylvaniaappearstobeon
tracktomeetitsphosphorusreductiongoal.
ArecentreportbythePAAuditorGeneralontheCommonwealthseffortstomeetits
pollutionreductiongoalsfortheChesapeakeBay,urgedgreatersupportfortheuseoflowcost
solutionsandtechnologiesasalternativestohighercostpublicandinfrastructureprojects.
CBFagreeswithAuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualethatthereis
nosilverbullet
for
achievingtherequirednitrogen,phosphorusandsedimentreductions,andCBFdoesnotview
SenateBill724asthepanaceasomeareportrayingittobe.
Thereisawelldefined,scientificallysupported,approved,andachievableblueprintfor
cleanwaterinPennsylvania,Campbelladded.Pollutionreductionpracticeslikeforested
buffers,covercrops,andnotillfarmingarelowcostbuthighlyeffective.Theyaddressnutrient
andsedimentpollution,andmanyreduceflooding,improvetrouthabitat,andbeautify
communities.
Manuretreatmenttechnologiesdonotofferacomprehensivesolutionforpollution
reduction,particularlyfornitrogen.
ManureisonlyaportionofthetotalnutrientpollutionenteringPennsylvaniastreams,
rivers,andtheChesapeakeBay.Thesystemsalsodonotreducesedimentpollution,theleading
causeofimpairmentof19,000milesofCommonwealthstreams.
SenateBill724doeslittletohelpthemorethan59,000farmsacrossPennsylvania,who
mustdevelopandfollowplanstomanagemanureandchemicalfertilizersandpreventerosion
fromfarmfields.Thesepracticeshelpfarmskeepsoilandnutrientsontheland,andoutof
waterways.
ManyfarmersneedsupporttoputbestmanagementpracticesinplaceandSenateBill
724threatenstosyphonresourcesawayfromfarmers,Campbelladded.
Thebillwouldestablishanundefinednutrientcredittradingprogram.Suchaprogram
allowsthosemeetingasetofbaselinerequirementstosellpollutionreductioncreditstothose
needingthem,likesewagetreatmentplants.
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandthePAInfrastructureInvestment
Authorityalreadyoffercertifiednutrientcreditsthrougha
marketbasedonlineexchange
and
auction.
IfthecoststructureofSenateBill724parallelsthatofitspredecessorbill,CBFseesits
alternativesystemasneithercosteffectivenoraffordable.ThemostrecentauctioninJune2014,
nitrogencreditsweresoldfor$2.27percredit.
ADecember2012reportbytheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteeestimatedthe
sustainablecostpercreditfortechnologyincludedintheearlierbillwas$11percredit.
CBFiscallingontheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteetoconduct
ahearingonSenateBill724,sothecomplexityoftheissueandbillsfiscalandregulatory
implicationscanbeconsideredbeforeitisbroughttoavote.
Pennsylvaniamustcontinuetomoveforwardinitscommitmenttocleanwater.To
backtrackonsavingtheChesapeakeBaymeanstheCommonwealthwillcontinuetohave
pollutedwater,humanhealthrisks,andlostjobs.Cleanwaterisalegacyworthleavingfuture
generations.
NewsClips:
MorePollutionFlowingIntoChesapeakeBayThanExpected
Analysis:CompanyPromotingSB724CreatingRealityDistortionField
Congressman:ItsAllAboutDelawareRiverConservation
ConococheagueCreekRehabToGetAward
ConococheagueCreekCleanupWinsGovernorsAward
ArmstrongsRoadsGetFundingForDrainageImprovements
PittsburghSeeksProposalsForWater,SewerLineInsurance
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal
RelatedArticle:
Analysis:WhyBionIsTheForceBehindSB724ItCantPayBackA$7.7MPennVESTLoan
OpEd:BudgetDebate:Accelerate,DontNegotiatePAsCleanWaterCommitment
Analysis:WhyBionIsTheForceBehindSB724ItCantPayBackA$7.7MPennVEST
Loan
Manypeoplehaveaskedwhy
BionEnvironmentalTechnologies
,thecompanywhowroteandis
heavilypromoting
SenateBill724
(VogelRBeaver)asasolutiontoreducingpollutiontomeet
PennsylvaniascommitmentstotheChesapeakeBaycleanup,hasbeenpushingsohardforthe
lastthreeyearstohavetheGeneralAssemblypassSenateBill724.
Theanswerissimpleithasnorevenuestreamtopaybacka2010$7.7million
PennVESTloanforitsonlyfacilityinPennsylvania,a
manuretreatmentfacilityinLancaster
County.
Infact,PennVESTsaidithasnotmadeapaymentsinceJanuary2013.Coincidentally,
SenateBill724spredecessorSenateBill994wasintroducedinJuneofthatyear.
BiontoldPennVESTinwritingthestatehastochangeitsrulestoallowittohavethe
moneytopaybacktheloan,andithasbeentryingtodojustthatbywritingSenateBill724and
pushingthebillrelentlesslyfortwolegislativesessions.
BionhasbeenworkingwithPennVESTtoidentifyarevenuestreamtopaybacktheloan,
butsofartheonlyideaithasisfortheGeneralAssemblytoenactSenateBill724andhave
taxpayersfootthebill.
Heresthebackground.
>>SenateBill724CreatesADistortedMarketInFavorOfBionLikeTechnology
InSenateBill724,BioncreatedaflawedRFPprocessthatfavorsbig,capitalintensive
technologiestodelivernutrientreductioncreditsthatitsayswillsolvetheBaysproblems.
Coincidentally,Bionsbusinessisdevelopingcapitalintensive,expensivemanure
treatmentfacilities.
Whencomparedtoothercapitalintensivepollutionreductionprojects,thisoption
certainlydoeslookcheaper.
Dressedupasamarketbasedsolution,theprocessappealstomanylegislatorsasthe
HolyGrail,thesilverbullet,theyarelookingfor.
OnceyoulookbeyondtheheavypromotionbyBion,thefactstellamuchdifferentstory.
Theprocessoutlinedinthebillactuallysqueezesoutsmallfarmerswhowanttoput
muchmorecosteffectiveconservationpracticesontheground.
Wouldthousandsofindividualfarmers,withmuchlessexpensiveoptions,putinabidin
responsetothisRFP?No.Theydonthavethetimeormoneytodoit.
TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysaysmanureaccountsforabout
16percent
of
thenitrogenpollutioninPennsylvaniawaterways,butjustover20percentisattributableto
sedimentcarryingchemicalfertilizersnotaddressedbymanuretreatmenttechnology.
Thatmeans86percentofthenitrogenproblemand328millionpoundsofsediment
Pennsylvaniamusteliminatetomeetthe2017milestonesarenotaddressedbymanuretreatment
technology.
Astakeholdergroup
convenedin2013inresponsetolastyearsversionofSenateBill
724representingtheagriculturecommunity,LycomingandYorkcounties(whohavetheirown
innovativenutrientreductionplans),conservationdistricts,municipalities,BionandRep.Ron
Miller(RYork),atthetimeMajorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
Committee,discussedtheissueofmeetingChesapeakeBaycleanupmilestones,thelegislation
andtheroleofmanuretreatmenttechnology.
TheconsensusofthegroupwasSenateBill724addedcomplexitytothealreadyvery
complexChesapeakeBaycleanupprogram,MS4stormwatermanagementprogramandTMDL
watershedcleanuprequirements.
Theydidnotseeitasausefultoolandatworstitdivertedresourcesawayfrompractices
weknowworkatlesscost.
Theconsensuswasthatmanuretechnologyonlydealtwithpartofthenitrogenproblem
Pennsylvaniafacesandthatother,morecosteffectivemethodsexistedtodealwiththepollution
issuesinthetimeframePennsylvaniaisrequiredtoact.
ManuretreatmenttechnologyandBionstechnologyisalsonotapracticethatisnow
approvedbytheU.S.EPAaspartoftheChesapeakeBayProgramandthereisnotimelinefor
approval.
Asaresult,anynitrogenreductionsachievedbythistechnology
wouldnotcount
toward
meetingPennsylvaniascleanupcommitmentsfor2017andbeyond.
Thatcouldchangeinthefuture,ofcourse,ifoneormoremanuretreatmentsystemsis
approvedorevenBions,butPennsylvanianeedscertaintygivenourdeadlines,notafuzzy
future.
Pennsylvaniahas607days(asofApril27)toputpracticesonthegroundtomeetEPAs
2017ChesapeakeBaycleanupmilestones.
Ifthesemilestonesarenotmet,the
U.S.EPAispreparedtostepin
andimplement
backstopmeasuresthatwouldimposeavarietyofdirectmeasureslikerequiringmorefarm
permits,reducingdischargelimitsonwastewaterplantsandotherstomeetthemilestones.
TheotherglaringomissionfromSenateBill724isfunding.ThereisnofundingforDEP
tosetupthecomplexprogramandnofundingtobuyanyofthecreditscreatedbythebill.
>>DoTaxpayersNeedToFundMoreWhiteElephantsThatCantPayForThemselves?
was
notifiedonSeptember25,2014
thatitwouldbean
EventofDefaultifitdidnotpayoffits2010$7.7millionloanfromPennVESTforits
LancastermanuretreatmentfacilitybyOctober24,2014.
BionmadenopaymentsonthetaxpayerfundedloansinceJanuary1,2013,PennVEST
said,andadded,...BionabandonedtheprojectintheCommonwealth.
InBionsresponsetoPennVEST
onOctober23,2014
,officialstoldPennVEST,The
problemremainsthatthesourceofrepaymentisandhasalwaysbeennutrientcreditsalesanda
creditmarketforverifiedcreditsinPennsylvaniaisnotadequatelydevelopedtoproducethe
neededcreditsales(basedonbothvolumeandprice)tosupportsuchloanrepayment.
Inotherwords,Bionhadnoincomefromthefacilitytopayitspubliclyfunded
PennVESTloan.Bionalsosaidintheletterithadtoborrowmoneyfromitsparentcompanyto
paymaintenancecostsonthefacility.
Thetotalcostofmaintenanceisbetween$175Kand$200Kannually,andthatdoesnot
includeanyallocationforG&A(GeneralandAdministrativeExpense),includingsenior
managementtime,administrativeandSECaccountingandreportingcostsassociateswiththe
project,etc.
Thelettercomplained,ThedefaultnoticefromPennVESTandrelatedloanacceleration
isanimpedimenttoBionscontinuingtoprovidefinancialsupporttoPA1(theLancaster
facility)forassetpreservationandenhancements.
Bionblamedstategovernmentforasecondtimefornotmakingtherightpolicydecisions
tosupportitsrepaymentofitsloanoftaxpayermoney.
Itservesneitherofourintereststoberequiredtodefendwhythisloanisindefault.The
reasonresideswithstategovernmentsfailuretoactinimplementingthepolicychangesand
initiativesthatwouldhavesupportedtheuseoftheselowcostreductions.
ThepolicychangesBionisreferringto,ofcourse,isSenateBill724andSenateBill
994beforeit.ThebillsetsupanRFPprocessthatfavorscapitalintensive,highcostnutrient
reductiontechnologies,likethemanuretreatmentfacilityBionnowcannotpayforbecauseithas
noincome.
ThecloserelationshipbetweenBionssurvivalandSenateBill724isclear.SenateBill
994,lastsessionsSenateBill724,wasintroducedonJune5,2013,sixmonthsafterBion
stoppedpayingbackPennVEST.
Asofthiswriting,Bionisstilltryingtoidentifyasourceofrevenuetopayback
taxpayersforthePennVESTloan.
Inits10Kreport
tothefederalSecuritiesandExchangeAdministration(page37),Bion
said,TheCompanyisnotcurrentlygeneratinganysignificantrevenues.Further,the
Companysanticipatedrevenuesfromexistingprojectsandproposedprojectswillnotbe
sufficienttomeettheCompanysanticipatedoperationalandcapitalexpenditureneedsformany
years.(T)hereisnoguaranteethatwewillbeabletoraisesufficientfundsorfurthercapital
fortheoperationsplannedinthenearfuture.
Sowhatwentwrong?
ThesimpleanswerisBionguessedwrongaboutthemarketfornutrientcreditsandnow
wantstochangetherulesinitsfavorandlettaxpayerspaythebill.
BionandaDecember2012reportbytheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommittee
estimatedthesustainablepricepercreditneededtosupportitstechnologyisintheneighborhood
of
$11percredit
.
InmosttherecentmarketauctionfornutrientcreditsbyPennVESTinJune2014,
nitrogencreditswere
soldfor$2.27percredit
.
Asanyonecansee,$2.27islessthan$11percredit.Themathjustdoesntwork.
Inaddition,theTMDLparametercreditprocessoutlinedinSenateBill724doesnot
stipulatethatcreditsmustcomefromU.S.EPAapprovedpracticesormeetexistingregulatory
standardsunder25Pa.Code96.8foramarketablenutrientcreditandbeconsistentwithU.S.
EPAnutrienttradingguidance.
SonotonlywouldSenateBill724creditsnotcountinmeetingPennsylvanias
ChesapeakeBaymilestones,thecreditshavenomarketvalueinPennsylvaniabecausethey
cannotbetradedorsoldtomeetwaterqualityrequirementsbyotherfacilities,likewastewater
treatmentplants,onejustificationBionusesforthebill.
TheonlythingSenateBill724creditsaregoodforarepayingthewinnersoftheRFP
process,likeBionhopestobe.Itsacleverfundingmechanism,whichwouldbenefitneither
taxpayers(whohavetopay),norotherfacilitiesthatcouldnotactuallyusethecreditsfor
anything.
TheonlybenefitofSenateBill274wouldbetoBionorsimilarcompaniesinanRFP
processthatfavorsthem.Unfortunately,SenateBill274wouldleavetaxpayers,whowould
havetopayforthecredits,withworthlesspapercreditstheycannotsellortrade.
>>BionMakesTheLinkBetweenPassingSB724AndRepayingItsPennVESTLoan
Ifitwasntclearbeforeitisnow.
,thecompanywhowrote
andisheavilypromoting
SenateBill724
(VogelRBeaver)asasolutiontoreducingpollutionto
meetPennsylvaniascommitmentstotheChesapeakeBaycleanup,isreallypushingthebillto
helpitpaybackitsPennVESTloans.
ThelinkbetweenpassageofSenateBill724andrepaymentofthe2010$7.7million
PennVESTloanbyBionwasmadeclear
inanemailexchange
betweenPennVESTanda
representativeofBioninFebruaryofthisyear.
StillpressingPennVESTtoavoidaformaldeclarationofdefaultonthePennVESTloan,
Bionwaspushingforamodificationofitsloanagreementtostretchouttherepaymentschedule
toallowtimeforthebilltopass.
TheBionrepresentativesaidinaFebruary17,2015email,Ourclienthasbeenwilling
toenterintoa(loan)modificationsince2013toallowittimetopasslegislationandfindaway
torepayyou.Ourclienthasalsoofferedtocontinue(to)pushlegislationandtomaintainthe
asset.
PaulMarchetti,ExecutiveDirectorofPennVEST,saidinanemailofthesamedate,Ido
havearesponsibilitytodowhateverIthinkisnecessaryandreasonabletoeffectrepaymentof
ourloans.Whilelegislationmayofferonewaytoaccomplishthat,IhavetolooktoBionfor
repayment.Inthatcontext,Ifeelthatitismyresponsibilitytotakeanyactionthatcould
encouragerepaymentontheirpart,andthisissimplyonesuchaction(placingBiononthestates
debarmentlist).
ThedebarmentlistMarchettiwasreferringtoisalistthestatemaintainsofcompanies
thatfailtopaythestatemoneytheyowe.ListingBionwouldlimittheabilityofthecompanyto
enterintocontractswiththeCommonwealth,andcoincidentallyrespondingtotheRFPprocess
underSenateBill724.
Thepotentialofthedebarmentlistactionwasincludedinthe
PennVESTlettertoBion
onSeptember25,2014asonestepPennVESTcouldtaketobringpressureonthecompanyto
repaytheloan.
Interestingly,thereisnothinginSenateBill724thatwouldprohibitBionfrompaying
backits2010$7.7millionPennVESTloanwithnewmoneyitreceivedforwinninganRFP
underthebilladministeredbyPennVEST.SoBioncouldbeinthepositionofpaying
PennVESTbackwithPennVESTsownmoney.
PennVESTisstickingtoitsgunsandwantsthetaxpayersmoneyback.
Acopyoftheemailexchange
isavailableonline
.
>>SenateBill724SoCriticalToBionsSurvivalItNotifiedTheSECApril22
Thepassageof
SenateBill724
(VogelRBeaver)issoimportanttothefinancialsurvivalof
thecompany
filedan8K
withtheSecuritiesandExchange
CommissiononApril22notingthebillhadbeenintroduced.
>>SoAreThereAlternatives?Sure,AndMuchCheaperThanBionTechnology
Interestingly,changingthewaylivestockarefedcanhavesignificantimpactsonthenitrogen
andphosphorusintheresultingmanure.
PennStatesCollegeofAgriculturalSciencesestimatesa
40to60percentreductionin
nitrogen
anda30to50percentreductioninphosphorusareachievablebyprecisionfeeding
programsforpoultry,dairycattleandswine.
Perhapstreatingthenitrogenpollutionproblemfromthefrontendratherthanthe
backendisthemostcosteffectiveoption,ratherthanbuildingacostlymanuretreatment
operationtotreatthemanureafteritsproduced.
StroudWaterResearchCenter
andtheU.S.EPAChesapeakeBayProgramestimatedthat
forestedstreambuffersremove
1965percentofnitrogen
,3045percentofphosphorusand
4060percentofsedimentthatwouldotherwiseenterastream.
Pennsylvania,thefederalgovernmentandavarietyofnonprofitorganizations,likethe
,nowprovidelandownerswithfinancialassistanceininstalling
buffersandevenannualpaymentsfortakingfarmlandoutofproductionthroughthe
ConservationReserveEnhancementProgram
.
Since2000,Pennsylvaniahasrequiredcertainfarmswithlivestockoperationstohave
manuremanagementandnutrientmanagementplans
.Theseplansrequirefarmerstodevelopa
planformanagingonfarmmanuretoavoidoverapplicationandprovideforsafestorage,
barnyardimprovesanduse.Theplanalsohastoaccountforapplicationsofchemicalfertilizers.
Goodfarmmanagementpracticeslikecontrollinglivestockaccesstostreamsandusing
stabilizedstreamcrossingarealsogoodtoolstolimitnutrientandsedimentpollution.Thereare
manymore.
Oh,andallthesepracticescounttowardourcommitmentsnow.
Noneoftheseoptionsarenowbeingimplementedliketheyshouldbetomeet
ChesapeakeBaymilestones,buttheycouldbeifgiventherightattention.
>>SummarySenateBill724CreatesDistortedMarket,BionCantPayBackItsLoan
Soletssummarize.SenateBill724would
1.SqueezeOutSmallFarmersWithMuchCheaperSolutions:
DesignsanRFPprocess
favoringcapitalintensive,highcosttechnologytodeliverpollutionreductions,whilesqueezing
outsmallfarmerswhowanttoinstallconservationpractices.
2.NotAddressAHugePartOfTheProblem:
Manuretreatmenttechnologyleaves86percent
ofthenitrogenproblemandnoneofthe328millionpoundsofsedimentreductionproblem
needssolvedtomeetthe2017milestone.
3.ManureTechnologyDoesntCount:
ManuretreatmenttechnologyisnotaU.S.EPA
approvedpracticeandthereisnotimelineforapproval,asaresultitdoesnotcounttoward
PennsylvaniasChesapeakeBaycleanupmilestones.
4.StakeholdersFoundTheBillWasNotAUsefulTool:
Theconsensusofabroadly
representativestakeholdersgroupfoundthelegislationaddedcomplexitytoallalreadycomplex
ChesapeakeBaycleanupprogramandmanuretechnologyonlydealtwithaportionofthe
problemPennsylvaniafacesandnotinthetimeframeweneedtofaceit.
5.MuchCheaperAlternativesCountNow:
Other,muchcheaper,acceptedpracticesare
availableandarebeingimplementatsomelevelthatdealeffectivelywiththemanureissue.
6.UnfundedMandate:
Thereisnofundingprovided.DoesPennsylvaniareallyneedanother
unfundedmandate?
7.BionDidntPayItsPennVESTLoan:
BionEnvironmentalTechnologieswasnotifiedby
PennVESTinSeptember2014itwouldbeaneventofdefaultofits$7.7millionloanifitdidnot
paytheentireamountbyOctober24,2014.Itdidntpay.
8.BionToldTheSECItHasNoIncome:
BiontoldtheSECin2014thecompanywasnot
generatinganysignificantrevenues,infact,(T)hereisnoguaranteethatwewillbeabletoraise
sufficientfundsorfurthercapitalfortheoperationsplannedinthenearfuture.
9.BionBlamesStateGovernmentForItsFailures:
Bionblamedstategovernmentforit
predicamentbysayingstategovernmentfailedtomakethepolicychangesSenateBill724
neededtosoitcouldgeneraterevenue.
10.BionGuessedWrongAboutNutrientCreditMarket:
Bionguessedwrongaboutthe
nutrientcreditmarketinPennsylvaniaandnowwantstaxpayerstopaythebill.Itneeded$11
percredittooperatetheplant.PennVESTsmarketauctionsoldcreditsfor$2.27.Themath
doesnotwork.
11.SB274IsAFundingMechanismForBion,NotACleanupTool:
SenateBill274is
simplyafundingmechanismsoBion.andsimilarcompanies,canpayoffitsdebtsbecausethe
creditscreatedinthebilldonotmeetstateorfederalrequirements,norcantheybetradedor
sold.TheonlythingtheyaregoodforismakingPennsylvaniataxpayerspaycompanieslike
Bion.
Yes,meetingChesapeakeBaycleanupmilestonesaredifficult,andmanuretreatment
technologymayhavealimited,nicheroleinthateffort,butdoesitjustifycreatingmorewhite
elephantsthatcantpayforthemselves?
Thereisntasilverbullet
asAuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualereportedApril10.
Letssee,lowtech,lowcostsolutionsthatworkandcountnowtowardourChesapeake
Baycleanupmilestones,orbuildingacomplexmanuretreatmentsystemthatrequirestrucking
manuretoacentralfacility,peopletooperate,maintenanceandupkeepandhasalimited
lifespan?
AnoldPennsylvaniaDutchsayinghasityoucanmilkaneighborscowthroughafence,
butwouldyoureallywantto?
PassingSenateBill724tobailoutonecompanyBion?Itsbeenknowntohappenin
theGeneralAssembly.
Butwouldyouwantto?
NewsClips:
RelatedArticles:
ByHarryCampbell
PennsylvaniaOfficeDirector
ChesapeakeBayFoundation
Amidbudgetdiscussionsaboutanaturalgasseverancetax,increasing
personalincomeandsalestaxes,escalatingeducationspending,and
infusingdistressedpensions,Rep.GarthEverett(RLycoming)wanted
toknowhowthenewWolfAdministrationplanstomeetPennsylvanias
obligationforcleaninguptheChesapeakeBay.
AttheHouseAppropriationsCommitteelaterlastmonth,Acting
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionSecretaryJohnQuigleyagreed
thattheCommonwealthisofftargetforachievingitscleanupmilestonesandacknowledgedthe
needtorebooteffortsonbehalfoftheBay.
Gov.TomWolfsproposedbudgetincludesfundingincreasesforthedepartmentsof
EnvironmentalProtection,ConservationandNaturalResources,andAgriculture.The
ChesapeakeBayFoundationisanxioustolearnhowthoseinvestmentswillbeprioritizedand
progressacceleratedtowardmeetingtheCommonwealthswaterqualitycommitments.
Nowpartoftheappropriationsdialog,thecriticalnatureofmeetingmilestonessetforth
inthe
ChesapeakeCleanWaterBlueprint
mustbemorethananafterthought.TheChesapeake
BayFoundationurgestheGovernorandlegislatorstohonortheCommonwealthscommitment
whenimminent,toughdecisionsaretobemade.
TheCleanWaterBlueprintforroughlyhalfoftheriversandstreamsinPennsylvaniathat
makeuptheChesapeakeBaywatershed,isacombinationofsciencebasedpollutionlimitsfor
waterwaysandstatedevisedcleanupplans,andtwoyearmilestones.
Bytheendof2017,theCommonwealthmusthave60percentofthepollutionpractices
outlinedintheBlueprintinplace.Unfortunately,anumberofrecentassessmentsbythe
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),CBF,andtheChooseCleanWaterCoalitionhaveall
concludedthatPennsylvaniaseffortstomeetcommitmentsarefallingshortinkeyareas
agriculturalandurban/suburbanpollutedrunoff.
ButPennsylvaniasdeficienciesonreducingpollutionfromagricultureareparticularly
worrisome.
Letsbeclear:Pennsylvaniasfarmershavemadesubstantialprogressinreducing
pollutioninthelast30years.Wecommendthemforthat.Butthescienceindicatesthatmore
needstobedonetocleanupourriversandstreams.
Infact,agriculturalactivitiesarethelargestsourceofpollutiontotheCommonwealths
rivers,streams,andtheBay.Butonaverage,itsalsotheleastexpensivesourceofpollutionto
reduce.
Still,thereareestimatesthatnomorethan30percentoffarmersarecurrentlymeeting
Pennsylvaniasexistingcleanwaterlaws.Someoftheseruleshavebeeninplacefor20ormore
years.
ArecentEPAreport
concludedthatensuringfarmsaremeetingexistingcleanwaterlaws
wouldsubstantiallyincreasepollutionreduction.ButtheagencyalsofoundthatPennsylvania
doesnothaveaconsistentapproach,acomprehensivestrategy,orsufficientresourcestoensure
farmsaremeetingexistingrequirements.
EnsuringfarmsmeetorexceedPennsylvaniascleanwaterlawsrequiresmorethanjust
resourcesforinspectors,however.Itrequiresinvestingresourcesinoutreachandeducationto
farmersabouttheirobligationsand,critically,thetechnicalassistancetodesignandimplement
pollutionreducingpracticeslikestreamsideforestbuffersorbarnyardrunoffcontrols.
Inhisinquiry,Rep.EverettaskedwhyGov.Wolfsproposed$675millionbondissue
wasnotdedicatedtowaterqualitycleanup,insteadofforalternativeenergyandotheruses.Ata
SenateAppropriationsCommitteehearing,Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming),askedthesame
question.
WhilePennsylvaniasleadersconductbudgetnegotiations,itisdistressingthatelected
officialsinCongressareproposingdeepcutstotheveryinvestmentstheCommonwealthandour
farmersarecountingon.Thisissimplyunacceptable.
WecallontheGovernor,legislature,andPennsylvaniasfarmersandconservation
communitytourgeourrepresentativesinWashingtonnottogodownthatpath.
SavingtheBayandrestoringlocalwaterqualitywillnotjustbenefituscleanwater
meansahealthierSusquehanna,lessflooding,purerdrinkingwater,betterhealthforusandour
children,andalegacyforfuturegenerations.
Economically,apeerreviewedreportproducedforCBF
documentsa$6.2billionreturn
oninvestmentiftheCommonwealthachievestheBlueprint.
Pennsylvaniacannotaffordtobacktrackontherightofitspeopletohavecleanwater.
Cleanwatercounts.Thereareramificationsshouldthefederalgovernmentdecidetointervenein
ordertoachievethecleanupgoals.
Ratepayersandtaxpayerscouldbeartheconsequences.
CBFurgesourleaderstoprovidetheresourcesandthewilltomeetPennsylvaniascommitment
tocleanwater.
Formoreinformation,visit
webpage.
NewsClips:
RelatedArticles:
Analysis:WhyBionIsTheForceBehindSB724ItCantPayBackA$7.7MPennVESTLoan
DEPMayExploreOtherFundingOptionsForOil&GasProgramWithDecliningPermits
ScottPerry,DEPDeputySecretaryforOilandGasManagement,toldthe
DEPCitizens
AdvisoryCouncil
onTuesdaytheagencymayexploreotherfundingoptionstosupportDEPs
oilandgasregulatoryprogramsinceapplicationsfornewoilandgaspermitshavedeclinedby
about30percentsofarthisyear.
PerrysaidlastyearDEPprocessedsome4,278applicationsfornewwells.Sofarin
2015,theagencyreceivedjust491.
DEPreliesonpermitfeestofundthebulkofitsregulatoryprogramforoilandgaswell
drilling,bothconventionalandunconventional(MarcellusShale).
Theagencylast
increasedpermitfeesin2014
hopingtogenerateanadditional$4.7
millioninrevenue,butwiththesignificantdeclineinnewwellpermits,itwillnotgenerate
nearlythatkindofrevenue.
InhisFY201516proposedbudget,Gov.Wolfhas
proposedusingaportion
ofa
proposednewnaturalgasseverancetaxtofund50additionaloilandgasandrelatedprogram
inspectors,iffundsareavailable.
Perryalsoprovidedastatusreportonthedrillingprogram,includingtheChapter78
(conventional)andChapter78A(unconventional)drillingregulations,numberofwell
inspectionsandanoverviewofthenumberofviolationsbeingfoundbyDEPduringinspections.
Perrynotedthenumberofviolationsfoundonconventionaloilandgaswellsiteswere
morethandoublethosefoundonunconventional(MarcellusShale)sites.17percentof
inspectionsfoundviolationsatconventionalwellsites,whiletherateofviolationson
unconventionalwellsiteswas8percent.
[SeeAlso:
Analysis:MythConventionalOilAndGasDrillingIsBenign
]
AcopyofPerryspresentationwillbepostedonthe
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil
webpage.
ThePowerPointpresentationdoescontainadisclaimer:Thesematerialsdonot
necessarilyreflectviewsoftheCommonwealth,the(Governors)OfficeofGeneralCounselor
theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.
NewsClips:
AheadOfBudgetTalks,WolfSaysPAFacesStarkFiscalRealities
MomentumBuildingToExpandMarcellusFundedHousingProgram
DEPPhotosShowProblemsAtConventionalWellSites
Editorial:ConventionalDrillersMustObeyStandardsToo
DEPRejectsDrillingIndustryPressureToRemoveBoardMembers
PublicInterestMembersToRemainOnOil&GasBoard
PAEnvironmentDigestGoogle+Circle,Blogs,TwitterFeeds
PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+Circlecalled
GreenWorksInPA
.Letusjoinyour
Circle.
Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,
Weekly,Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource.
YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,daily
NewsClipsandlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos.
Alsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfrom
CrisciAssociates
PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed
:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.
PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:
providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
andannouncementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupand
receiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupfora
oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
NEW!
Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.
PACapitolDigestDailyBlog
togetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
includingNewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveasthey
arepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedaily
emailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed
:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethe
PACapitolDigest
Twitter
feedtogetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaState
Capitol.
Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/GovsSchedule/BillsIntroduced
HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestas
wellasalistofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced
BillCalendars
House(May4):
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseBillCalendar.
Senate(May4):
.<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateBillCalendar.
CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek
House:
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.
Senate:
<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.
BillsPendingInKeyCommittees
HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingin
each
House
Appropriations
Education
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerAffairs
GamingOversight
HumanServices
Judiciary
LiquorControl
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees
Senate
Appropriations
ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment
Education
Judiciary
LawandJustice
PublicHealthandWelfare
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees
BillsIntroduced
Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek
WasteFeeForAutism:
HouseBill991
(MurtRAdams)establishingafeeonwastedisposalto
fundanautismprogram(
sponsorsummary
).
FloodInsuranceAssistance:
HouseBill1029
(MurtRAdams)establishingtheFlood
InsurancePremiumAssistanceProgram(
sponsorsummary
).
PermitExtension:
HouseBill1071
(WarnerRFayette)amendsprovisionsextendingexisting
approvedenvironmentalpermitsapprovedbyJuly2,2013tobeextendedwithouttheneedto
reapply(
sponsorsummary
).
GreenhouseGasRegulationStudy:
HouseResolution259
(NeumanDWashington)
establishingtheJointSelectCommitteeontheImplementationoftheEPAsGreenhouseGas
Regulation(
sponsorsummary
).
EarthDay:
HouseResolution267
(MurtRAdams)encouragingallresidentstoobserveEarth
DayonApril22(
sponsorsummary
)waspassedbytheHouse.
FundingEnergySavingsContracts:
SenateBill758
(WozniakDCambria)providing
assistanceundertheAlternativeEnergyDevelopmentProgramforenergysavingscontracts
(
sponsorsummary
).
LymeDiseaseAwareness:
SenateResolution82
(GreenleafRMontgomery)designatingMay
LymeDiseaseAwarenessMonth(
sponsorsummary
).
SessionSchedule
HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse
Senate
May4,5,6,11,12,13
June1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,29,30
House
May4,5,6,11,12,13
June1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
GovernorsSchedule
Gov.TomWolf'sworkcalendarwillbepostedeachFridayandhispublicschedulefortheday
willbepostedeachmorning.
ClickHere
toviewGov.WolfsWeeklyCalendarandPublic
Appearances.
Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate
House
EarthDay:
HouseResolution267
(MurtRAdams)encouragingallresidentstoobserveEarth
DayonApril22(
sponsorsummary
)wasadoptedbytheHouse.
ArborDay:
HouseResolution226
(MarsicoRDauphin)recognizingApril24asArborDay
(
sponsorsummary
HonoringFranklinKury:
HouseResolution223
(McCarterDMontgomery)honoringformer
legislatorFranklinKuryforhisroleindraftingtheEnvironmentalRightsAmendmentto
Pennsylvaniasconstitution(
sponsorsummary
LandfillLeachate:
HouseBill398
(KillionRDelaware)toallowforvehiculartransportationof
landfillleachate(
sponsorsummary
)wasreportedoutoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommitteeandTabled.
Senate

TransitDistricts:
SenateBill385
(PileggiRDelaware)updatingandencouragingtransit
districtswaspassedbytheSenate.ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.
FloodInsuranceReport:
SenateBill494
(WardRWestmoreland)eliminatingtheannual
reportoftheFloodInsuranceProgramwaspassedbytheSenate.Asummaryand
SenateFiscal
Note
areavailable.ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.
EarthDay:
SenateResolution97
(YudichakDLuzerne)recognizingApril22asEarthDay
(
sponsorsummary
)wasadoptedbytheSenate.
DrinkingWaterWeek:
SenateResolution91
(YawRLycoming)designatingtheweekofMay
3DrinkingWaterWeekwasadoptedbytheSenate.
NewsFromTheCapitol
HouseCommitteeMay12HearingSetOnWaterWellStandardsBill
The
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
isscheduledtoholdahearingon
HouseBill48
(GodshallRMontgomery)settingdrinkingwaterwellconstructionstandards(
sponsor
summary
)onMay12.
ThebillrequirestheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontoadoptrulesand
regulationsrecommendedbytheNationalGroundwaterAssociationtoensuredrinkingwateris
protectedfromcontaminationresultingfrompoorlyconstructedwaterwells.
Rep.Godshallnotedthelegislationclearlyprohibitsthemeteringorotherwisetaxingthe
useofprivatewaterwells.
ThehearingwillbeheldinRoomB31intheMainCapitolinHarrisburgstartingat9:15
a.m.
Rep.RobertGodshall(RMontgomery)servesasMajorityChairandRep.PeterDaley
(DWashington)servesasMinorityChairoftheCommittee.
SenateCommitteesHoldJune1JointHearingOnSeveranceTaxProposals
TheSenate
and
Finance
Committeesarescheduledtohold
ajointhearingonnaturalgasseverancetaxproposalsonJune1.
Thereare5severancetaxbillspendingintheSenate,twoRepublicanandthree
Democrat
SenateBill395
(BrewsterDAllegheny)adoptinga5percentseverancetaxalldevotedto
educationfunding,whilekeepingtheimpactfee,butcreditingwhatproducerspaytothe
severancetax(
sponsorsummary
).
SenateBill415
(HaywoodDMontgomery)providingforan8percentnaturalgasseverance
taxwiththeproceedsdedicatedtotheseuses:$100milliondollarsoffthetopwouldgotothe
GrowingGreenerProgram60percentofthemoneywouldgotofundPublicSchoolsand40
percentwouldgotowardsreducingtheunfundedpensionliability(
sponsorsummary
).
SenateBill519
(McGarrigleRDelaware)whichwouldimposea4percenttaxonthevalueof
naturalgasatthewellhead.Alltherevenuefromthetaxwouldbedevotedtofundbasic
educationandnothingforanyenvironmentalrestorationprogram(
sponsorsummary
).
SenateBill719
(TomlinsonRBucks)providingfora5percentnaturalgasseverancetaxwith
proceedsdedicatedtostateemployeeandschoolemployeepensionfunds(
sponsorsummary
).
SenateBill741
(LeachDMontgomery)imposinga5percentnaturalgasseverancetaxto
createthePayItForward,PayItBackPennsylvaniacollegescholarshipfund(
sponsor
summary
).
The
severancetaxproposedbyGov.Wolf
hasnotyetbeenintroducedintheSenateor
House.
ThehearingwillbeheldinHearingRoom1oftheNorthOfficeBuildingstartingat
10:30a.m.
Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)servesasMajorityChairoftheEnvironmentalCommittee
andSen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne)servesasMinorityChairoftheCommittee.
Sen.JohnEichelberger(RBlair)servesasMajorityChairoftheFinanceCommitteeand
Sen.JohnBlake(DLackawanna)servesasMinorityChair.
NewsClips:
WolfFindsMoreOppositionToSeveranceTax
LocalOfficialsUnitedInOppositionToHigherEnergyTaxes
NewsFromAroundTheState
PAEnvironmentalProfessionalsHonorBernardMcGurl,JohnArway
The
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionals
Thursdayannouncedtheselectionof
BernardMcGurl,LackawannaRiverCorridorAssociation,fortheWalterLyonAwardandJohn
Arway,Fish&BoatCommission,fortheKarlMasonAward.
BernardMcGurl
HehaschampionedtherebirthoftheLackawannaRiveranditswatershedforover25
years.Hehaspartneredwithawiderangeofindividuals,nonprofitorganizations,businesses,
localmunicipalitiesandstate/federalagencies,resultinginimprovedwaterqualityandaquatic
diversityintheriver,anetworkofrailtrails,acresofreclaimedabandonedminelands,andan
engagedpublic.
BernieMcGurlwasoneoftheover200citizenswhofoundedthe
LackawannaRiver
CorridorAssociation
in1987.
TheLRCAisanotforprofit,communitybased,riverandwatershedconservation
organizationestablishedin1987topromotetheconservation,protectionandappropriate
managementoftheLackawannaRiveranditsWatershedresources.
HeservedinavolunteercapacityasitsPresidentfrom1989to1991.Duringhistermas
PresidentheledthewatershedplanningeffortthatresultedintheLackawannaRiverCitizens
MasterPlan.
Overthepast25yearsthroughBerniesefforts:
Thewaterquality,inmanymilesoftheLackawannaRiveranditstributaries,hasimprovedto
thepointthattheRiverisnowrecognizedasadestinationfortroutfishermen.
Acyclistcannowpedalalongtheriverforover15miles,fromTaylorthroughScrantonto
PeckvilleandJermyn,onanetworkofrailtrailsandtheriverlevees.
TheimportanceofwatershedlandsandopenspaceswasdocumentedintheLackawanna
CountyLuzerneCountyOpenSpacePlanandcriticalareasarenowprotectedbynationaland
locallandtrusts.
Thecommunitynowseestheriverasanaturalresourcetobeprotectedandenjoyed,asseen
bythehundredsparticipatingyearlyintheLRCAsannualCanoeAThonandRiverFest.
Berniehasforgedpartnershipswithlocal,stateandnationalgovernmentbodies,with
businesses,withcivicorganizationsandwithindividualstoimplementtheMasterPlan.
Throughhisefforts,parentsnolongertelltheirchildrentostayawayfromthatdirty
riverinsteadtheyalltakeabikeridealongtheriverontheLackawannaRiverHeritageTrail,
watchingthemallardswimby.
JohnArway
Throughouthis35yearwaterresourcefocusedcareer,Johnhastirelesslydemonstrated
exemplaryleadershipinprotectingandenhancingthesurfacewaterresourcesofthe
Commonwealthandthenation.Heiswidelyrespectedbyhispeers.
InhisroleasChiefofEnvironmentalServicesforover30yearsheledthedevelopment
andimplementationforthePFBCofmanyinnovativewaterresourcemanagementmeasures
including:
Theannualreviewof2500waterwaypermitapplicationstoprotectaquatichabitatfrom
physicalencroachmentsofstreamsandwetlandsbyproposedhighways,pipelines,peat
extractionsites,sandandgraveldredging,housingprojectsandotherdevelopmentactivities.
PFBCpioneeredtheuseofGeographicInformationSystems(GIS)tospatiallyorganize
naturalresourceinformationinordertopromoteinformationtransferamongagencystaff,other
agenciesandthepublic.
FunctionedascontactforFishandWildlifeCoordinationAct,16USC661etseq.
consultationsforwaterresourcedevelopmentprojectswiththeU.S.EnvironmentalProtection
Agency,U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers,FederalEnergyRegulatoryCommission,Natural
ResourceConservationService,U.S.GeologicalSurvey,FoodandDrugAdministrationandthe
U.S.FishandWildlifeService.
JohnfunctionedasagencycontactandagencyseniorexpertwitnessforNaturalResource
DamageAssessmentclaimsfordamagestoaquatictrustspeciesasregulatedbytheDepartment
ofEnvironmentalProtectionandU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyunderstateandfederal
Superfundlaws.Establishresourcedamagepenaltiesandassistinsettlementnegotiations.
SuccessfullynegotiatedclaimsfortheAshlandOilSpill($1.75million),PCBcontamination
fromTexasEasternPipelinesites($1.25million),andbrinedischargesfromPennzoilsoilwells
($150,000)amongmanyothers.Thesefundswerespecificallyrestrictedtobespenton
remediatingdamagestoaffectedwaterways.
ThePFBCmanagestheAdoptastreamandAdoptalakehabitatimprovementprogramsthat
involvetheplanning,design,constructionandmonitoringofover200streamand1100lake
structures.
ThePFBCreviewedandcoordinatedcommentsonmanagementplansforDCNRStatePark
andStateForestlands.
ThePFBCwithJohnascurrentExecutiveDirector,isanoutstandingenvironmental
professionalorganizationwithacommitmenttostewardshipoftheCommonwealth'ssurface
waterresources.ThePFBCfocusesonprotectingandenhancingourfisheriesforcurrentand
futuregenerations.
PAEPwouldliketothankallthenominationsthatwerereceived,asthiswasavery
difficultchoice.
Theawardswillbepresentedatthe
30thAnnualPAEPConference
atToftreesResort,
May68,withtheAwardsluncheonscheduledforMay7.
Formoreinformationandpastrecipientsoftheseawards,visitthePAEP
KarlMasonand
WalterLyonAwards
webpage.
WolfAnnounces$130.7MillionInWaterInfrastructureProjectsIn8Counties
Gov.TomWolfWednesdayannouncedtheinvestmentof$130.7millionfortwelvenonpoint
source,drinkingwaterandwastewaterprojectsacrosseightcountiesthroughthe
PA
InfrastructureInvestmentAuthority
.
"TheseprojectsarevitaltoimprovingPennsylvania'scleanwaterinfrastructure,leading
toahealthierandmoresustainableenvironmentforallPennsylvanians,"saidGov.Wolf."These
willleadtoexpandedjobgrowth,whichiscriticaltothefutureofthecommonwealth."
Ofthe$130.7million,$107.5millionisallocatedforlowinterestloansand$23.1millionis
awardedthroughgrants.
Thefundingcomesfromacombinationofstatefundsapprovedbyvoters,federalgrants
toPennVESTfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandrecycledloanrepayments
frompreviousPennVESTfundingawards.Fundsfortheprojectsaredisbursedafterbillsfor
workarepaidandreceiptsaresubmittedtoPennVEST.
Theprojectsinclude:
ArmstrongCounty:
FordCityBoroughreceiveda$3,196,800loantoconstructanew720
thousandgallonsperdaydrinkingwatertreatmentplant,installwatermetersandrehabilitatea
finishedwaterstoragetanktoprovideasafeandreliabledrinkingwatersupplytosystemusers.
ArmstrongandClarionCounties:
HawthornRedbankRedbankMunicipalAuthority
receiveda$1,184,254loananda$2,835,596granttoreplacemorethaneightmilesofwater
distributionlines,waterserviceconnections,watermeters,firehydrantsandotherfacilitiesin
ordertoimprovefiresafetyaswellaswaterservicetocustomers.
ClintonCounty:
RenovoBoroughreceiveda$386,071loananda$3,679,687granttoreplace
twomilesofwaterdistributionmainsaswellasvariousservicelines,firehydrantsandother
facilities,aswellasrehabilitateanexistingfinishedwaterstoragetank,allofwhichwillimprove
servicetotheborough'scustomers.
LuzerneCounty:
HazeltonCityAuthorityreceiveda$2,210,181granttoinstallatwomile
waterdistributionlineconnectingtheauthority'ssystemtoanexistingunfilteredsysteminthe
VillageofStockton.Thiswillallowfortheabandonmentoftheexistingsystemandwillprovide
areliableandsafesourceofdrinkingwaterforthevillageresidents.
BerksCounty:
GeigertownAreaJointAuthorityreceiveda$1,997,810loananda$3,335,428grantto
constructmorethansixmilesofnewsewagecollectionlinesandinstallotherfacilitiesinorder
toeliminatetheuseofmalfunctioningonlotsepticsystemsthatarecontaminatinglocaldrinking
waterwells.
ReadingCityreceivedan$84,586,034loantoupgradeitssewagetreatmentplantandrelated
facilitiesinordertoeliminatethethreatofwetweatherdischargesofuntreatedsewageintothe
SchuylkillRiver.
CambriaCounty:
JohnstownCityreceiveda$1,860,500loantoconstructsanitarysewersandlaterallinesto
individualhomesandmakeotherimprovementsinordertoeliminatewetweatherdischargesof
untreatedsewageintotheLittleConemaughandConemaughRiverse.
JohnstownRedevelopmentAuthorityreceiveda$6,717,000loantoinstallalmosttwomiles
ofsewagecollectionlinesandotherfacilitiesthatwilleliminatewetweatherdischargesof
untreatedsewageintotheLittleConemaughandConemaughRivers.
WestmontBoroughreceiveda$6,380,000loantorehabilitateitsexistingsewagecollection
systembyliningalmostninemilesofcollectionlinesaswellasupgradingrelatedmanholesand
lateralinspectionports.TheprojectwilleliminatewetweathersewagedischargesintoStony
Creek.
ClarionCounty:
KnoxBoroughreceiveda$7,891,800granttoreplacetheborough'seighty
fiveyearoldwastewatertreatmentplantwithanew,largertreatmentplantthatwilleliminate
wetweatherdischargesofrawsewageintoCanoeCreekandallowtheboroughtocomplywith
otherregulatoryrequirements.
GreeneCounty:
DryTavernSewerAuthorityreceiveda$741,500loananda$2,710,000
granttoconstructmorethanfourmilesofsanitarysewercollectionlinesinordertoeliminatethe
useofwildcatsewersandmalfunctioningonlotsepticsystemsthataredischargingrawsewage
intoPumpkinRun.
MercerCounty:
GreenvilleBoroughreceiveda$497,500loananda$497,500grantto
upgradetheborough'sdeterioratedstormwatercollectionsystemthatgetsoverloadedduring
heavyrains,resultinginsinkholesanddischargesofsedimentintoShenangoRiver.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
PennVEST
website.
PAAmericanWaterMarksEarthDayByAwardingEnvironmentalGrants
PennsylvaniaAmericanWater
announcedWednesdaysevenwatershedinitiativesacrossthe
statehaveearnedfinancialsupportthroughthecompanys2015
EnvironmentalGrantProgram
.
Therecipientswillreceiveashareofgrantfundstotalingnearly$35,000fortheir
communitybasedprojectsthatimprove,restoreorprotectwatersheds.
ThewinningEnvironmentalGrantprojectsareasfollows:
HabitatforHumanity,WashingtonCounty:
Thegrantwillbeusedtoreducestormwater
runoffataHabitatforHumanityconstructionsite.Theprojectincludesinstallingraingardens
andnativeplantsinthelandscapingtoabsorbandreducestormwaterrunoffintoatributaryof
ChartiersCreek.
KeystoneCollege,LackawannaCounty:
Theprojectaimstoidentifytheimpactofa
decliningpopulationofEasternHemlocktreesonthewatershed,aswellasimplementbest
practicesinlandscapingandstreamrestorationtoprotecttheSouthBranchofTunkhannock
Creek.
MontgomeryCountyConservationDistrict:
Theorganizationwillusethefundingto
developpermanentdisplaysonwatershedstewardshipandwaterqualityatNorristownFarm
Park.Thedisplayswillbeintegratedintothecountyseducationalprogramsatthepark.
EconomicDevelopmentSouth,AlleghenyCounty:
Withthefunding,theorganizationwill
developaSawMillRunWatershedStewardsProgram,avolunteerprogramtoconnectcitizens
toissuesaffectingthewatershed.Thegroupwillalsolaunchamobileapplicationallowingusers
toreportwaterqualityissuesinthewatershed.
ColumbiaCountyConservationDistrict:
Thegrantwillfundawatereducationprogram
foreighthgradestudentsacrossthecounty.StudentswilllearnaboutthehistoryofBriarCreek
Lake,aswellaslearnaboutgroundwater,watershedsandwetlands.
BrandywineValleyAssociation,ChesterCounty:
Theorganizationwillusethefundingto
developenvironmentaleducationalprogramsforstudentsintheCoatesvilleAreaSchoolDistrict.
Childrenwillgainabetterunderstandingofthewatershedandlearnstewardshippracticesto
sustainthequalityofthecommunityswaterresources.
DunmoreHistoricalSociety,LackawannaCounty:
Withthegrant,theorganizationwill
renewandenhancethreeexistingbutterflygardensandprovidesoilerosionprotectionthrough
plantingsattheDunmore#1Reservoir.
AsweobserveEarthDay,wearepleasedandinspiredbytheorganizations
commitmenttoenvironmentalstewardshipandhowthewinningprojectswillgenerate
enthusiasmandvolunteerisminourcommunities,saidKathyL.Pape,president,Pennsylvania
AmericanWater.ShenotedthattheEnvironmentalGrantProgramisinits11thyearsupporting
localwatershedimprovementprojectsacrosstheCommonwealth.
Apanelofjudgesselectedthegrantrecipientsfromnearly40applications,whichwere
evaluatedonsuchcriteriaasenvironmentalneed,innovation,communityengagementand
sustainability.
PennsylvaniaAmericanWater
webpage.
NewsClips:
ErieAdvocatesSayEarthDayStillNeededAfter45Years
EarthDay2015:History,Facts,DateForGreenHoliday
CelebrateEarthDay2015WithThesesCleanups,Hikes,More
VolunteerGroupsAcrossWesternPAMarkEarthDay
PhiladelphiaEaglesCelebrateEarthDay
OpEd:CelebrateEarthDayBySupportEPACleanPowerRule
OpEd:ThisEarthDayRememberThreatOfEWaste
Editorial:PlanetGetsItsSayOnEarthDay
SRBCHoldsHearingOnWaterProjectApplications,ProposedFeeChangesApril30
The
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
willreceivepubliccommentatanApril30hearing
onprojectapplicationsforseveralwaterwithdrawalandconsumptivewateruseapplicationsa
requestbyAugustaWater,Inc.forwaiverofapplicationandtransferandproposedfeechanges.
ThehearingwillbeheldattheHolidayInnHarrisburgHershey,Grande1Room,604
StationRoad(Exit80offI81),Grantville,Pa.Thehearingwillbeginat7:00p.m.andendat
9:00p.m.orwhenpublictestimonyconcludes,whichevercomesfirst.
Thelistof25projectapplications,requestforapplicationwaiverandtransfer,proposed
feechangesandoptionsforsubmittingcommentselectronicallyareallavailableonSRBCs
PublicParticipationCenter
.
Personsplanningtopresentoraltestimonyatthepublichearingareencouragedtonotify
SRBCpriortothehearingoftheirintenttotestifyandtoindicatethesubjectoftheircomment.
ThenoticesaretobedirectedtoMr.JasonOyler,RegulatoryCounsel,SusquehannaRiverBasin
Commission,4423NorthFrontStreet,Harrisburg,PA17110,Telephone:7172380423,ext.
1312,Fax:7172382436.
SRBCwillalsoacceptwrittencommentsuntilMay11,2015.Commentsmaybe
submittedelectronically
ormailedorfaxedtoMr.Oyler.
TheSRBCCommissionersarescheduledtovoteontheseandotheractionitemsatits
nextbusinessmeetingonJune4,2015,inBaltimore,Maryland.
SRBCsrulesofconductforpublichearingsinclude(seefullsetofrulesonthewebsite):
Allpersonsmustsigninandshowphotoidentification.
Signage,posters,bannersorotherdisplaymediawillbepermittedonlyindesignatedareas.
Thepressispermittedtosetupandusevideoandrecordingdevicesinadesignatedarea.The
publicispermittedtousesmall,handhelddevicesthatremainintheirpossessionandareusedin
anondisruptivemanner.
Formoreinformation,visittheSRBCs
webpage.
CapitalRegionWaterAnnouncesCityBeautifulH2OCampaign,Contest
ForEarthDay,
CapitalRegionWater
announced
CityBeautifulH2O
,ahistoriccampaignto
improvethehealthofHarrisburgslocalwaterwaysbyreducingcombinedseweroverflowsand
reducingstormwaterpollutants.
Amajorfocusofthecampaignwillbecommunityengagementandeducation.
Justoveracenturyago,theCityofHarrisburgwassufferingterribleconditions
includingrawsewagealongtheriverbank,dirtydrinkingwater,andsanitationissues,said
CapitalRegionWaterCEOShannonWilliams.Theseconditionspromptedcivicleaderstorally
thecommunitytogethertodevelopaplantoimproveconditionsthroughoutthecitythrough
whatisknownastheCityBeautifulmovement.Wewanttoagainuniteourcommunitytogetthe
mostoutofourworkfortheCityandourlocalwaterways.
ShannonwasjoinedbyTinaSell,EducationManagerattheSusquehannaArtMuseum,
CherylCapozzoliSTEMCoordinatorattheHarrisburgSchoolDistrict,andstudentsfrom
MarshallMathScienceAcademyatthelaunchevent.
Theinitiativeincludes
CityBeautifulH2O:
CapitalRegionWatersCityBeautifulH2Ocampaignwillactively
engagetheHarrisburgcommunitywhilemakingplanstoreducecombinedseweroverflowsand
stormwaterpollutioninHarrisburg.
ArtContest:
Tohelpspreadthewordandincreaseinterestinwaterissues,CapitalRegion
WaterannouncedaCityBeautifulH2OArtContestinpartnershipwiththeSusquehannaArt
Museum.
ClickHere
tolearnmoreorcall8885100606.
CommunityAmbassadorCommittee:
CapitalRegionWateralsoannouncedtheformation
ofaCommunityAmbassadorCommitteetogaininsightfromcommunitystakeholders.This
committeewillmeetwithstaffmonthlytodiscussissuesinmoredetailandwillbeaskedto
providefeedbacktoCapitalRegionWater.Interestedparticipantsareaskedtosubmitaresume
andcoverletterbyemailto:
info@capitalregionwater.com
ortocall8885100606formore
information.
GreenInfrastructure:
CapitalRegionWateralsoannouncedthattheirGreenStormwater
InfrastructureMasterPlanwouldbeginlaterthissummer.Publicmeetingswillbescheduled
soonforcommunityeducationandfeedback.
Formoreinformation,visitCapitalRegionWaters
CityBeautifulH2O
webpage.
VoteNowPennsylvaniaInSaveTheChesapeakeBayPhotoContest!
VotenowthroughMay1forthewinningphotointhe2015
SavetheChesapeakeBayPhotoContest
.Pennsylvaniaisthe
biggestpartoftheChesapeakeBayWatershed,letsmakeour
voicesheard!
ClickHere
tovote(PAphotosatthebottomof
thepage).
Photo:
RickettsGlenStatePark
.
RegistrationNowOpenFor2015DelawareRiverSojournJune2027
The
DelawareRiverSojourn
,thisyeartobeheldJune2027,isoneoftheoldestriversojourns
inthenation,combinestheexperiencesofguidedpaddlingexcursionswithinterpretive
programs,camping,andcamaraderie.
"TheDelawareRiverisoneofournation'smostimportantwaterways,andthisyear's
theme,BirthplaceofAmerica,willcelebratetheriverandregion'srichhistory,"saidIanKindle,
EnvironmentalEducatorwith
DelawareCanalStatePark
,Dept.ofConservationandNatural
Resources,andcochairofthe2015Sojournsteeringcommittee.
Closeto75milesofthemainstemDelawareRiverwillbepaddledin2015,splitinto
dailytripsrangingfromeightto13miles.Thisyear'ssojournwillalsovisitCrosswicksCreek,a
N.J.tributarytotheDelawareRiver.
Inbrief,thesojournwillincludethefollowingstretches:
June20:BallsEddy,Pa.toBuckingham,Pa.
June21:Lordville,N.Y.toHankins,N.Y.
June22:Narrowsburg,N.Y.toLackawaxen,Pa.
June23:DingmansFerry,Pa.toBushkill,Pa.
June24:Bushkill,Pa.toWorthingtonStateForest,N.J.
June25:Easton,Pa.toRiegelsville,N.J.
June26:Bordentown,N.J.toCrosswicksCreek,andbacktoBordentown
June27:IndependenceSeaportMuseum,Philadelphia,Pa.toFortMifflin,Philadelphia.
Participantsmaysignupfortheentireeightdaytriporfortheday(s)oftheirchoice.
"TheDelawareSojournisawonderfulwaytoseetheDelawareRiverfromtheriverand
toexperiencefirsthanditsbeautyandtheinherentdiversityofitsdifferentsections,"saidSteve
Tambini,ExecutiveDirectorofthe
DelawareRiverBasinCommission
."DRBChasbeen
workingformorethan50yearstomanagethissharedwaterresource.Weencouragethepublic
toconsiderenjoyingthisfamilyfriendlypaddlingandlearningadventure."
ThecostforsojournerswhoregisterbyJune13is$80perdayforadultsand$60perday
forchildren(ages15andunder).Thereisanadditionalonetimeinsurancefeeof$5perperson
forthis
AmericanCanoeAssociation
sanctionedevent,exceptforcurrentACAmembers.
Furtherdiscountopportunitiesareavailableonafirstcome,firstservedbasisforadult
paddlersnewtotheDelawareRiverSojourn.Add$10tothedailyratesforregistrationsmade
afterJune13.
Registrationfeescovertheguidedrivertrip,singleortandemkayakrental(withpaddle
andlifejacket),shuttletransportation,educationalprograms,mostmeals,asouvenirTshirt,and
optionalovernightcampingsites.Participantsmaybringtheirownriverworthyboat,butplease
notethataluminumcanoesarenotrecommended.
Severalexcitingprogramsarebeingofferedthisyear,includingatourofthe
Fort
DelawareMuseum
inNarrowsburg,N.Y.,avisittothenew
TulpehakingNatureCenter
,partof
theAbbottMarshlands,inHamiltonTownship,N.J.,andanovernightstayatthe
Independence
SeaportMuseum
inPhiladelphia,Pa.
Sojournersmayhavetheoptiontoparticipatein
TallShipsPhiladelphiaCamden
,the
largestsailingeventofitskindintheU.S.in2015,whileinPhiladelphiaJune27.
"Thisyear,theDelawareSojournreceiveddonationsfrommanyindividualsandseveral
corporations,includingShopRite,S.J.Shrubsole,andPPL,aswellasgrantsfromthe
PA
OrganizationforWatershedsandRivers
andthe
LowerDelawareNationalWildandScenic
RiversProgram
,"saidJohnMauser,DirectoroftheMartinsJacobyWatershedAssociationand
cochairofthesteeringcommittee."Thesefundshelpsubsidizesojournexpenses,keepingcosts
aslowaspossibleforparticipants,andthesteeringcommitteeisveryappreciativeofthis
support,"hecontinued.
Thisnonprofit,annualeventisorganizedbyasteeringcommitteecomprisedof
representativesfromfederal,state,andlocalagencies,nonprofitorganizations,andindividual
volunteers.
TheDelawareRiverBasinCommissionhasproudlyservedonthesteeringcommittee
sincethesojourn'searlyyearsCommunicationsAssistantKateSchmidthasservedasDRBC's
representativeonthesteeringcommitteesince2006.
Spaceislimited,sopleaseregisterearly!Registrationdetails,itineraryoverview,and
sojournguidelinesareavailableatthe
DelawareRiverSojourn
website.
SojournersareagainofferedtheoptiontoregisteronlineusingPaypal.
RegistrationrelatedquestionsanddiscountavailabilityinquiriesmaybedirectedtoDejay
Branchat6462052724orsendemailto:
info@riversojourn.com
.
Checkthe
PAOrganizationforWatershedsandRivers
websiteinthenearfuturefora
statewide2015sojournschedule.
RegisterNowForLehighRiverSojournJune2629
The
WildlandsConservancy
willholdits2015
LehighRiverSojourn
June2629offering
participantsa28mileguidedpaddlingtripontheLehighRiver.
TheeventbeginsinthePoconoMountainsandendsinNorthampton.Sojournerstravel
throughourregionsmetrowildernesstreasuringscenicviews,visitsfromresidentwildlife
andasharedappreciationforpreservingtheLehighRiver.
Formoreinformation,visittheWildlandsConservancy
LehighRiverSojourn
webpage.
Checkthe
PAOrganizationforWatershedsandRivers
websiteinthenearfuturefora
statewide2015sojournschedule.
BrodheadWatershedAssn.NativePlantSaleMay89InMonroeCounty

Thismothersday,giveagiftthatMotherNaturecanappreciate:purchasenativeplantsatthe
BrodheadCreekWatershedAssociations
NativePlantSale
.Whilethere,shopperscanget
expertcleanwatergardeningadvicefromBWAmembersaswellasdesignsandplantsforrain
gardens,bufferstripsandstreambanks.
Nativeplantsareimportantbecausetheybenefitthesoil,water,nativeinsectsand
wildlifeinourlandscape,andbecausetheyreplaceaggressive,nonnativeinvasiveplants.
Replacinginvasiveswithnativeplantsreturnstheenvironmenttoamorenaturalstate,where
plantsandwildlifeevolvedsuccessfullytogether.
Receive10percentoffplantsalepurchasesattheMembersonlyPresaleonMay8from
5:30p.m.7:30p.m.BecomingaBWAmemberiseasy:signuponlineorpayatthePresale.To
becomeamemberonline
.
TheMay9NativePlantSaleisopentothepublicfrom9a.m.to3p.m.
Someofthenativeplantsforsaleinclude:Fringetree,FloweringDogwood,Flame
Azalea,Elderberry,BlackeyedSusan,AmericanWisteria,AmericanHazelnut,Smooth
Hydrangea,PussyWillow,PurpleConeflower,PawPaw,NorthernBushHoneysuckle,Lowbush
Blueberry,KalmsSt.JohnsWort,JacobsLadder,Goldenseal,WitchHazel,WildPetunia,
WinterberryHolly,WildGinger,WildBleedingHeart,WildBergamot,SweetbayMagnolia,and
SugarMaple
Comejoinusandgonativewithnativeplants!Formoreinformation,visittheBWAs
NativePlantSale
webpageorsendemailto:
info@brodheadwatershed.org
orcalltheBWA
officeat5708391120.
VisittheBWAswebsitefora
sunnyraingarden
plan.Raingardensusenativeplants
tointerceptandfilterrunoffbeforeitentersthewaterways,ensuringcleanerdrinkingwater.
DEPAwards110GrantsForEnvironmentalEducation,Stewardship
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayawarded$304,137in
environmental
educationgrants
to110schools,universities,nonprofitorganizations,andconservationdistricts
acrossPennsylvania.
Fundingenvironmentaleducationprojects,likethese,isanimportantfunctionof
governmentthatworks,ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleysaid.Iampleasedthatwecan
supporttheseinitiativesthatnotonlyeducateouryoungpeopleabouttodaysenvironmental
issues,butalsorealizetangibleenvironmentalbenefits.
Grantrecipientswillusethefundingforvariousinitiatives,includingfarmfielddays,
summercamps,exploratorylearningactivities,professionaldevelopment,andexplanatory
signagealongwatersheds.
Throughtheseinitiatives,students,teachers,farmers,andotherswilllearnaboutavariety
ofenvironmentalissuesrangingfrompollination,stormwatermanagementandhydroponicsin
agriculture,toMarcellusShaleandtheChesapeakeBay,amongothertopics.
ThegrantprogramwasestablishedbytheEnvironmentalEducationActof1993,which
mandatessettingaside5percentofthepollutionfinesandpenaltiesDEPcollectsannuallyfor
environmentaleducationinPennsylvania.
Alistofgrantsawarded
isavailableonline
.
Formoreinformationaboutenvironmentaleducation,visitDEPs
Environmental
EducationGrants
webpageorcall7177721828.
NewsClips:
DEPAwardsEnvironmentalEducationGrants
U.S.Dept.OfEducationRecognizesPAGreenSchools
TheU.S.DepartmentofEducationWednesdayrecognizedtwoPennsylvaniaschoolsaspartof
its
GreenRibbonSchoolsProgram
CharlesF.PattonMiddleSchool,ChesterCounty,and
NorthamptonCommunityCollege.
ThePennsylvaniawinnersofthisprestigiousnationalrecognitionarewellknownforthe
educationalprogramstheyhavedesignedtoengagestudents,andfortheinvestmentstheyhave
madetotheirphysicalplantandoperations.
BillSutton,PartnershipExecutiveCommitteememberandChairoftheCentralPA
chapteroftheUSGreenBuildingCouncilofferedhiscongratulationstotheGreenRibbon
awardees.
OnbehalfofthePartnership,IofferourcongratulationstoCharlesPattonMiddle
SchoolandNorthamptonCommunityCollege.Weknowthatgreenandhealthyschoolsare
essentialtohavingvibrantcommunitiesacrossPennsylvaniaandaroundtheworld,said
Sutton.Wehopethateverysinglechildinthisstateisaffordedtheopportunitytoattendagreen
schoolandlearntobeinharmonywiththisEarth,andmaximizetheirpotentialinlifethrough
learning,hecontinued.
CharlesF.PattonMiddleSchool
CharlesPattonMiddleSchool
hasbeenstrivingtowardallthreeEDGRSaims.Inthe
areaofreducedenvironmentalimpactandcosts,PattonhasinstalledHVACsystemswithair
changes,automatictemperaturecontrols,solararraysthatpoweragreenhouse,lowflowtoilets
andfaucets,andadriplineirrigationsystem.
NativeplantsandtreesareplantedaroundthePattonschoolbuildingandtheschoolhas
workedtoshortenandrescheduleschoolbusrunstobemoreefficientandreduceenergyuse.
Theformationofadistrictgreenteamencouragesstudentsandstafftoreduce,recycle,
andreuse.Overallrecyclingeffortshavesteadilyimproved,andlightinghasbeenupdatedtobe
morecosteffective.
Toimprovethehealthofstudentsandstaff,Pattonusesgreencleaningproducts,reduces
hazardouswaste,andimplementsIPM.Crossingguardsensurethesafetyofthemanystudents
whowalkfromneighboringdevelopments.
Awellnesscommitteefocusesonthementalandphysicalhealthofstudentsandfaculty.
Snackssoldinthecafeteriamustnothavesugarasfirstingredienttheyalsomustcontainless
than30percentfat,havelessthan250calories,andbeofasingleservingsize.Nosodaorfoods
ofminimalnutritionalvaluearesoldinthevendingmachinesorinthecafeteria.
Pattonsupportslocalfarmersbypurchasinglocallygrownproduce,implementingthe
farmtotableconcept,harvestingandusingvegetablesfromschoolgardens,andparticipatingin
healthytastetestsatalllevels.
Ninetypercentofgroundsaredevotedtovegetableandflowergardens,including30
raisedbeds,agreenhouse,wildlifeandnativeplanthabitats,asolararray,composting,pervious
trails,protectedwetlands,andplantingsbyalocalfarmerwhoengagesinannualcroprotation.
Twooutdoorclassroomsprovidespaceforlearninginanaturalenvironment.Students
learnandobservenatureandinvestigatevegetationandwildlife.Hightunnelsareatenminute
walkaway,andanaccessiblewalkwaytothehightunnelsisbeingbuiltofrecycledcomposite
materials.
Scienceclassesgooutsideregularlytoexplorenature,conductexperiments,learnabout
thegrowingprocess,water,andharvest.Physicaleducationclassesplayavarietyofsports
outdoorswhentheweatherallows.Orienteeringclassesteachstudentshowtouseacompass
andcalculatedistance,aswellashowtofindanobjectusingcoordinates.
Teachersareprovidedwithmultipleprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesthroughthe
StroudWaterResearchCenter
,
LongwoodGardens
,the
BrandywineRiverMuseum
,andthe
TylerArboretum
.
Teachersparticipateinprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesaddressingstandards
associatedwiththeenvironment,energy,andecologystandards.Ateamofadministratorsand
teachersattendedtheK12EnergyEducationProgram(KEEP)throughthePennsylvania
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,wheretheylearnedaboutrenewableenergysources.
Pattonhasabeeandgardencurriculum,andteachesstudentsaboutrenewableand
alternativeenergies,aswellaswaterconservationandquality.Scienceandgeographyclasses
embedactivitiesthatrequirestudentstoreflectandevaluateconnectionsbetweenthephysical
environmentandhumanactivities,suchasaschoollunchinvestigationprojecttomeasurewaste.
Studentscalculatetheirecologicalfootprintsandtheeffectofhumanactivity.They
investigatetheimpactanddevelopproblemsolvingsolutionstolocalandglobalissues.Eighth
graderschooseanenvironmentalprojectfortheschoolortheircommunity.
FieldtripstositessuchasStroudWaterResearchCenterteachstudentsaboutwater
conservationandtheenvironmentalimpactwatercanhaveonlocalstreamsandrivers.
Partneringorganizationsprovidesupportthroughgrants,donations,time,andmaterials.
AlocalenvironmentalarchitecturalfirmprovidesSTEMfunding.
AverymeaningfulaffiliationiswiththeChesterCountyFoodBank,throughwhich
studentslearntheimportanceofgrowing,eatinghealthyitems,andhelpingthefooddeprived.
LongwoodGardensNationalInstituteforGardenBasedLearningshowcasesPatton
gardenstootherschools.
TriMdonatedasolararraytopowerthegreenhousethatnotonlyreduceselectricity
costsforthedistrict,butteachesPattonstudentsthebenefitsofusingrenewableenergythrough
aninteractivedashboard.Pattonpartnerswithlocalfarmers,beekeepers,andWholeFoods,
amongothers.
NorthamptonCommunityCollege
LocatedinnortheasternPennsylvania,
NorthamptonCommunityCollege
isapublic
twoyearinstitutionofferingover100creditandnoncreditprogramstomorethan30,000
studentseachyear.
NCC'sStatementofValuesspeakstotheschoolscommitmenttothelongtermhealth
oftheinstitution,thecommunity,theeconomyandtheenvironment.
NCCsMonroecampusistheforemostexampleofthiscommitment,embodyingthe
schoolsfocusonreducingenvironmentalcostsandimpact.Itisthefirstcollegecampus
constructedentirelytomeetSilverLEEDcertification.
Buildingplacementwaslimitedtomeadowgrassareas,poorsoilareas,androckoutcrop.
Excavatedrockwasprocessedonsiteintostoneforbaseimprovements.Buildingsflowwiththe
naturallandcontours.Floortoceilingwindowsmadeofhighperformanceglassmaximize
southernexposureandnaturallight.Nativevegetationreducesstormwaterrunoff.
The205,500squarefootcampusisfourtimeslargerthantheNCCsoriginalsite,but
incursenergycostsofonly$87,000ayearduetogeothermalsystem,highefficiencyHVACand
lightingsystems,andasolarcanopythatprovidesabout40percentofthecampuselectricity.A
digitalmeteringandmonitoringsystemprovidesrealtimeenergyperformanceinformation.
NCCsmaincampusoffersfurtherexamplesofhowgoodenvironmentalstewardship
intertwineswithimprovinghealthandwellnessandofferingstrongsustainabilityeducation.
Here,40acresofunused,wooded,andgrassylandarenowalivinglaboratory.
Schoolleadershaveworkedtoreducetheeffectofmowingandgroundsmaintenanceby
allowingaportionofthelandtogotosuccession,overtimeincreasingtheamountofwooded
areaoncampus.
AcommunitygardenknownastheEast40connectsgardenersfromthecollegeandthe
communityforservicelearning,sustainablegardening,ecologicalawareness,andhealthyliving.
Biologystudentsconductfloraandfaunainventories,andIrishLiteraturestudentsplant
cropstolearnaboutthevalueoflandownershipinthecontextof19thcenturyIrishlandlaws.
Culinarystudentspracticefarmtotablecookingstrategiesandparticipateincomposting.
Northamptonprogramsempowercommunitymemberstogrowtheirownfoodthrough
theavailabilityofindividualgardenplotsandcommunityeducationcreateopportunitiesfor
partnershipswithareaschools,foodbanks,andnonprofitorganizationspromoteenvironmental
andspiritualwellbeingandmaintaintheintegrityandhealthoftheland.
NCCswalkingtrails,outfittedwithmileageanddirectionalsignage,encouragewalkers
andrunnersthroughouttheyear.Bothcampusesfeaturestateoftheartfitnesscenterswith
personaltraining.Facultyandstaffhavefreeaccesstocreditandnoncreditfitnesscourses.
TheHealthandWellnessCenterprovidesfirstaidtreatment,healthcounseling,and
programmingtostudents.AfacultyandstaffcommitteedubbedtheWellnessWarriors
encouragescoworkerstoadopthealthylifestylesbysponsoringwellnessseminars,cooking
demonstrations,andawalkingprogram.
Fromanacademicperspective,thecollegesenvironmentalscienceassociatesdegree
preparesstudentsforcareersinwildlifeconservation,resourcemanagement,law,andhuman
ecology,andcoursesinspirestudentstobeginmakingadifferencerightaway.
Followingalectureonplasticpollution,studentsbeganamovementtoreduce,and
eventuallyeliminate,theuseofdisposableplasticsinfoodservices.STEMfacultymembers
haveusedfederalEPAgrantstopartnerwithalocalcommunitysupportedagricultureprogram
andanavianresearchcenterandtoprovideexperientiallearningforMonroestudents.
In2015,NCCsNationalEndowmentfortheHumanitiesfundedprogramming,called
AgricultureandtheAmericanIdentity,isexploringhowU.S.cultureisevolvingandfood
relationshipsarerelocalizing,throughanexaminationoffood,whogrowsit,andhowand
whereitisgrownandconsumed.
Alsonewin2015aretheschoolssinglestreamrecycling,communitygarden,
designatedparkingspacesforlowemissionvehicles,andcampuswidereductionofprinterpaper
use.Inshort,environmentaleducationleadstoactionatNorthampton.
PreviousPennsylvaniaschoolsrecognizedin2012,2013and2014withtheGreen
RibbonSchoolsawardwere:RadnorMiddleSchool,A.W.BeattieCareerCenter,Thaddeus
StevensElementary,BroughalMiddleSchool,NazarethAreaMiddleSchool,Springside
ChestnutHillAcademy,WesttownSchool,AlbertM.GreenfieldElementarySchool,Council
RockSchoolDistrictandLowerMerionSchoolDistrict.
Formoreinformationonhowtoadoptgreenschoolpractices,visitthe
PAGreenSchools
website.
NewsClip:
EPALaudsBethlehemAreaSchoolDistrictForEnvironmentalLeadership
IncelebrationofEarthWeek2015,U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyRegional
AdministratorShawnM.GarvinThursdayvisitedSpringGardenElementarySchoolin
Bethlehem,PA,topraise
BethlehemAreaSchoolDistrict
administrators,facultyandstudentsfor
takingactiononcuttingcarbonpollutionthatfuelsourchangingclimate.
TheBethlehemAreaSchoolDistrictisanenvironmentalleaderandEPAcommends
youfortheactionsyouretakingtoaddressoneofthemostsignificantpublichealththreatsof
ourtimeclimatechange,saidRegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvin.Bycommittingto
operateyourschoolsusingmoresustainablepractices,makingthemgreenerandenergyefficient,
whileincorporatingenvironmentallearningandawarenessintoyourcurriculum,theDistrictis
empoweringitsstudentstobuildamoresustainablefuture.
TheSchoolDistricthascommittedtotakingactiononclimatechangebyreducingenergy
useanddevelopingaplanforreducinggreenhousegases.Solarpanelssupplyninepercentof
theDistrictstotalpowerneeds.
SincebecominganEPAEnergyStarpartnerin2010,BethlehemAreaSchoolDistricthas
achievedEnergyStarcertificationat16ofits22schools.RegionalAdministratorGarvin
presentedanEnergyStarcertificatetoschoolofficialstodayrecognizingSpringGarden
Elementaryforearningthe2015EnergyStarrating.
TheDistrictsBroughalMiddleSchoolisatopratedLEEDPlatinumschool,andin2013
wonaU.S.DepartmentofEducationGreenRibbonawardforenvironmentalexcellence.
FormoreinformationonEPAsrelatedprogramsvisitthe
HealthySchools
,
EnergyStar
,
ClimateChange
and
StudentGuideToClimateChange
webpages.
NewsClip:
AirEmissionsUpFromNaturalGasDrillingOperations,ReportingRequirementsExpand
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayreleasedthe2013airemissionsinventory
forthenaturalgasdrillingindustrythatshowsincreasesinseveralcategoriesofcontaminants.
ThedataisrequiredtobereportedtoDEPunderPennsylvaniasAirPollutionControl
Act.
Theinventoryrepresents2013emissionsfromMarcellusShalenaturalgasproduction
andprocessingoperationsaswellascompressorstationsthatreceivegasfromcoalgasand
conventionaloilandgaswellsites.
Theincreaseswerenotunexpected,ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleysaid.The
industryisgrowing,andeachyearweareexpandingthetypesandnumberoffacilitiesfrom
whichwecollectdatasothatwehaveamorecomprehensiveunderstandingofairquality
issues.
In2013,thenumberofwellsitesincludedintheemissionsinventoryincreasedby18.3
percent.Thenumberofmidstreamfacilitiesthatsubmitteddataincreasedby8.2percent.
Thedatareportedforsixmajorcategoriesofcontaminantsareprovidedbelow:

NATURALGASEMISSIONSBYYEAR
ExpressedinTonsperYear
Year
WellSites
Midstream
Carbon
Nitrogen
Particulate
Sulfur
Volatile
Methan
Reporting
Facilities
Monoxide
Oxides
Matter
Dioxide
Organic
Reporting
(CO)
(NOx)
(PM10)
(SO2)
Compounds
(VOCs)
2011 8,976
140
6,852
16,542
577
122
2,820
NA
2012 8,687
400
7,350
16,361
600
101
4,024
123,884
2013 10,277
433
6,606
17,659
670
159
4,790
107,945
The2013datashowsthefollowingdifferencefrom2012levels:
Sulfurdioxide57percentincrease
VolatileOrganicCompounds19percentincrease
Particulatematter12percentincrease
Nitrogenoxides8percentincrease
Methane13percentdecrease
Carbonmonoxide10percentdecrease
DEPbegancollectingemissionsdatafromownersandoperatorsofunconventional
naturalgassourcesin2011.For2012,DEPexpandedthedatareportingrequirementtoinclude
midstreamcompressorstationsthatsupporttheconventionalnaturalgasindustry.DEPagain
expandedthereportingrequirementsin2013toincludedatafrommidstreamcompressor
stationsthatsupportcoalbedmethaneformations.
Inadditiontocompressorstations,othersourcesandactivitiesofnaturalgasoperations
thatDEPidentifiedaspartoftheinventoryincludedehydrationunitsdrillrigsfugitives,such
asconnectors,flanges,pumplines,pumpsealsandvalvesheaterspneumaticcontrollersand
pumpsstationaryenginestanks,pressurizedvesselsandimpoundmentsventingandblow
downsystemswellheadsandwellcompletions.
Whileweareexperiencingsomeincreasesinemissionsfromthenaturalgassector,
overall,ourairqualitycontinuestoimproveduetoemissionsreductionsfromotherpoint
sourcessuchaselectricgeneratingunits,Quigleysaid.Weremaincommittedtodeveloping
andimplementingthemosteffectivewaystocontrolandreduceemissionsfromPennsylvanias
naturalgassites.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPs
OilandGasFacilitiesEmissions
webpage.
NewsClips:
AirPollutionIncreasesAtPAsNaturalGasSites
AirPollutionFromNaturalGasProductionSurgedIn2013
MethaneLeaksReportedlyDecreaseInPennsylvania
PluggingMethaneLeaksCouldBeCheapWayToFightClimateChange
DEPIssuesViolationToBruceMansfieldCoalPowerPlant
LungCancerAlliancesPlansEarthDayEventAtTCMC
DEPOKsAirQualityPlanForEastonCompressorStationInNorthampton
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayannounceditwillissueanAirQuality
PlanApprovaltoColumbiaGasTransmission,LLCtomodifytheirexistingnaturalgas
compressorstationinForksTownship,NorthamptonCounty.
Thecompanywillreplacetwonaturalgasfiredturbinesandanemergencygenerator.
TheairqualityplanapprovalapplicationunderwentathoroughreviewbyourAir
QualityStaffandthedepartmentdeterminedthattheprojectsatisfiesallapplicablerequirements,
includingthebestavailabletechnologyforreducingemissions,saidDEPNortheastRegional
DirectorMikeBedrin.
DEPheldapublicmeetingandhearingontheplanapprovalonMonday,November10,
2014atEastonMiddleSchoollocatedat1801BushkillDrive,Easton.Duringthemeetingand
hearing,thedepartmentansweredquestionsandtooktestimonyfromresidentsregardingtheplan
approval.RepresentativesfromColumbiaGasattendedthehearingandmeeting.
Thedepartmentalsoacceptedwrittencommentsfromthepublicduringaninitial
commentperiodthatbeganonAugust23,2014,andduringacommentperiodthatfollowedthe
publicmeetingandhearing.
DEPpreparedacomment/responsedocumenttoaddressboththeoralandwrittenpublic
commentsitreceivedaboutthisproposal.Residentsmayviewacopyoftheplanapprovaland
comment/responsedocumenton
DEPswebsite
.
Forthosewhodonothaveinternetaccess,copiesoftheplanapprovaland
comment/responsedocumentareavailableatDEPsNortheastRegionalOfficeat2Public
Square,WilkesBarre.
Formoreinformation,call5708262511.
NewsClips:
NaturalGasProvidesTruckFleetsWithCleanFuelAlternativesInPA
PenskeTruckLeasing
andPenskeLogisticswereamongthecompaniesthatcelebratedEarth
Day2015Wednesdayandsustainabilityadvancementsbeingmadeinthetransportationsector.
ThesettinginPottsville,SchuylkillCounty,wasthegrandopeningofaTrilliumCNG
fuelingstation,with
WegmansFoodMarkets
NFI
,asupplychainsolutionsproviderand
Gladstein,NeandrossandAssociates
,cleantransportationandenergyconsultants.
TrilliumunveiledaClass8publicaccessiblecompressednaturalgas(CNG)fueling
stationintheHighridgeBusinessPark.Atotalof23PenskeTruckLeasingleasedCNG
alternativefuelheavydutytruckswillbefueledby
PenskeLogistics
,NFIandWegmansatthis
location.
Thereplacementof23dieselpoweredtractorswithCNGpoweredtractorswillresultin
a1.25millionpoundannualreductioninCO2emissions.Thissignificantreductioninemissions
isequivalenttotheannualemissionsofover150homes.
Thestationison1.6acresandwillbeopencontinuously.Itacceptsallmajorcreditcards
andfleetcards.Theseparatedualhosedispenserwillallowtwotruckstofuelsimultaneously
andfeaturesTrilliumCNG'sproprietaryfastfillhydraulicintensifiercompressor.
Toaccommodatenaturalgastruckdemand,PenskeTruckLeasingmodifieditsnearby
10,400squarefootHighridgeBusinessParkfacility(1304KeystoneBlvd.)thatopenedin
November2013sothateachofitsfourtruckmaintenancebayscanservicenaturalgasvehicles.
Publicfundingwassecuredforthisproject.
HerearetheGNAsecured2014CommonwealthgrantsbeingutilizedinSchuylkill
County:
PenskeTruckLeasing:
$499,997inAct13fundingfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protection(NaturalGasEnergyDevelopmentProgram),tosubsidizethepurchaseof23
FreightlinerCascadiatractorsequippedwithCumminsWestport12literengines.NFIis
operating15ofthetractors,whilePenskeLogisticsismakinguseoffiveunits,andWegmansis
runningthreetrucks.
TrilliumCNG:
$824,000viatheDepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopment
(AlternativeCleanEnergyProgram)tosubsidizetheconstructionoftheirfuelingstation.
"Todayisanexcellentexampleofhowseveralorganizationscanworktogetherand
createasuccessstoryforthetransportationindustrytotransitiontoalternativefuels,"stated
DrewCullen,PenskeSeniorVicePresidentofFuelsandFacilitiesServices."Weappreciatethe
opportunitytotakealeadroleinmakingthisdayareality."
"TrilliumCNGisexcitedtobepartneringwithNFI,PenskeandWegmansFoodsto
makeCNGavailableinthearea,"saidMaryBoettcher,TrilliumCNGPresident."We're
confidentotherfleetoperatorsinthetristateregionwilltakeadvantageoftheenvironmentaland
economicbenefitsthatnaturalgasprovides."
"Withthenewnaturalgasfuelingstation,NFIwillbeabletofurtheritsmissionto
improveitsenvironmentalimpact,"saidBillBliem,SeniorVicePresidentFleetServicesatNFI,
an
EPASmartWayTransportPartner
."Thisalsoallowsustosharethesebenefitswithour
customersthatalsoprioritizeexpandingtheirsustainabilityefforts."
"Weareproudtobepartofthiseventandtobeworkingwithpartnerswhoshareour
commitmenttosustainability,"saysDavidDeMascole,Wegmans'DirectorofNetworkPlanning.
"Ifourhighexpectationsforenvironmentalandfinancialperformancearemet,thesewillbethe
firstofmanytractorsusingCNGatWegmans."
EPAUnveilsUniqueParkBenchInPhiladelphiaThatMeasuresAirQuality
TheresanewwaytochecktheairqualityinPhiladelphia.Itcomesintheformofaninnovative
parkbenchthattheU.SEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyhasplacedin
IndependenceNational
HistoricalPark
.
Knownasthe
VillageGreenStation
,thebenchwasdevelopedbyEPAasauniqueway
togetthepublictoparticipateinthemeasurementofairqualityandweatherinformation.Itwas
introducedinPhiladelphiaontheeveofEarthDay2015.
ThemostimportantpartoftheVillageGreenStationistocommunicateairquality
informationtothecommunityandengagethepublicontheimportanceofairquality,saidEPA
MidAtlanticRegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvin.Datacollectedatthisparkbenchwill
beusefulforresearchandeducation,anditwillpostedeveryminutetoaninteractivewebsite.
Climatechangeisprovingtobeachallengefornationalparksinwayswe'veneverseen
before,IndependenceNationalHistoricalParkSuperintendentCynthiaMacLeodsaid.But
withabetterunderstandingofthedata,withimprovedknowledge,wecandomoretorespondto
thischallenge.
Theparkbenchincludesabuiltinmonitoringstationequippedwithasolarpowerand
windpowercomponentthatchargesabatterytoruntheentiresystem.Therenewablepower
supportsanumberofinstrumentsthatprovidecontinuous,minutebyminutemeasurementsof
airpollutionandweatherthataremonitoredbyPhiladelphiaAirManagementServices.
TheVillageGreenstationisanexcitingnewresourceforhelpingPhiladelphia's
residentsandvisitorsbetterunderstandtheconnectionbetweenairqualityandtheirhealth,said
PhiladelphiaHealthCommissionerDr.JamesBuehler.Wearethrilledtohavebeenselectedas
arecipientcityandwillbeworkingcloselywithEPAandNPSoverthenextyearaspartofour
educationandoutreach.
Theairpollutionsensorsmeasuretwotypesofairpollutants:ozoneandfineparticle
pollution,alsoknownasparticulatematterorPMbothofwhichcanbeharmfultohuman
health.
Weatherconditionsmonitoredbythestationincludewindspeedanddirection,
temperature,andrelativehumidity,whichareimportantfactorsforunderstandinglocalair
qualitytrends.
Datacollectedatthebenchisdisplayedonamonitorandautomaticallystreamedtothe
VillageGreenProject
webpageforthepublictosee.Thedataisreviewedinstantlytoensureits
qualityandaccuracypriortoitbeingdisplayedonline.
ThestationinPhiladelphiaisoneoffivestationsnationwidetotestthenewtechnology.
OtherlocationsareWashington,D.C.,KansasCity,Kan.,OklahomaCity,andHartford,Conn.
EPAspartnersforthePhiladelphiaVillageGreenStationincludePhiladelphiaAirManagement
ServicesandtheNationalParkService.
Formoreinformation,visitEPAs
VillageGreenProject
webpage.
DEPReOpensCleanDieselGrantProgram,ApplicationsDueMay1
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeonApril24ithasreopenedthe
applicationperiodfor$106,022infundingundertheCleanDieselProgram.
(
formalnotice
)
ApplicationswillbeacceptedbetweenApril25andMay1.
Eligibleprojectsincludethosethatreplace,repowerorretrofitfleetdieselpowered
highwayandnonroadvehicles.Fundingisavailableforpublicandprivateentitiesthatoperate
dieselpoweredfleetsthroughoutthisCommonwealth.
Theseentitiesmayincludeschooldistricts,municipalauthorities,politicalsubdivisions,
otherStateagencies,nonprofitentities,corporations,limitedliabilitycompanies,orpartnerships
incorporatedorregisteredinthisCommonwealth.
ProjectsmustusetechnologiescertifiedorverifiedbytheEPAortheCaliforniaAir
ResourcesBoardtolowerdieselemissions.Thetechnologymaybeasingletechnologyora
combinationofavailabletechnologies.Themajorityofthefleet'sannualoperationtimemust
occurwithinthisCommonwealth.
MoreinformationwillbepostedonDEPs
BureauofAirQuality
webpage.
PUCStudy:PotentialForSolar,CombinedHeat,PowerTechnologiesUnderAct129
ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayreleasedthe
StatewideEvaluatorsDistributed
GenerationPotentialStudyforPennsylvania
highlightingthepotentialrolethatdistributed
generationtechnologiessuchassolarandcombinedheatandpower(CHP)canplayin
PennsylvaniaelectricdistributioncompaniesAct129PhaseIIIEnergyEfficiencyand
Conservation(EE&C)Plans.
IamparticularlyexcitedbythestudysidentificationofCHPasacosteffective
measureforPennsylvaniasEDCsgoingforward,saidPUCChairmanRobertF.Powelson
duringastatementattodaysPublicMeeting.Iencouragestakeholderswhoplantofile
commentsonthe
PhaseIIIEE&CProgramTentativeImplementationOrder
todiscusshow
PennsylvaniaEDCscanutilizeCHPandtheotherdistributedgenerationresourcesaddressedin
thestudyintheirPhaseIIIEE&CPlans.Theseresourcescanprovidetremendousvalueto
PennsylvaniautilitycustomerswhileallowingEDCstoreduceenergydemandinacosteffective
manner.
CommentsontheTentativeImplementationOrderaredueMonday,April27,2015.
ReplyCommentsaredueMay12,2015.
InMay
and
Octoberof2014
,theCommissionhostedtwoenbanchearingstoexamine
thedevelopmentandapplicationofCHPtechnologiesintheCommonwealth.Panelistsand
presentershighlightednumerousbenefitsandapplicationsofCHPinPennsylvaniainthe
commercialandindustrialsectors.
Asdiscussedingreaterdetailinthestudy,theCommonwealthcancaptureapproximately
$36millioninnetbenefitsandaTotalResourceCostratioof1.2bysecuringthevolumeofBase
AchievableCHP,inadditiontothenonenergybenefitstocustomerssuchasCO2emission
reductions,gridresiliency,andenergysecurity.
ThePhiladelphiaregion,inparticular,presentsgreatpotential,withapproximately$17
millionoftheachievable$36millioninnetbenefitspossibleundertheBaseAchievable
Potentialscenario.
Formoreinformation,visitthePUCs
CombinedHeatandPower
and
Act129
webpages.
NewsClips:
PUCAmendsRulesSettingElectric,NaturalGasSupplyFees
PUCWantsNaturalGasCustomersToHaveMoreInfo
PUCWantsScrutinyOnPECORateHike
SwarthmoreSitInEndsWithFossilFuelDivestmentSupport
NorthamptonPowerPlantAsksForHigherLeadEmissionsLevel
TalenEnergyMayPickPhilipsburgOverAllentownForHQ
Editorial:PPLGetsOKForNuclearPlantTransfer
WindTurbineToutedAsGreenToPowerBarnInWestmoreland
FutureGreenEnergyProjectsToBeLessRewardingForFarmers
May21DEPMeetingOnChangesToPowerPlantLandfillInGreeneCounty

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdapublicmeetingonanapplicationto
modifytheHatfieldFerryPowerStationcoalcombustionbyproductlandfillinGreeneCounty
onMay21.
(
PABulletinpage2107
)
ThemeetingwillbeheldattheCarmichaelsJunior/SeniorHighSchool,300W.Greene
St.,Carmichaelsfrom6:00to8:00p.m.
DEPHearingOnCleanupOfBeaverCountyHazardousWasteSiteMay5
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillhostapublichearingat5:00p.m.onMay5to
outlineaproposalforaninterimresponseattheGeneralAlloyCastingCompanySite.
Thesitecontainsoldfoundrywasteandislocatedonthesideofasteepravineabovea
streaminRochesterTownship,BeaverCounty.
ThepublichearingwillbeheldattheRochesterTownshipMunicipalBuildinglocatedat
1013ElmStreet,Rochester,PA.
ThesitehadbeenusedforthedisposaloffoundrywastebyGeneralAlloyCasting
Companystartinginabout1947.Thesitecontainstoxicconcentrationsofmetalsandchemicals
thatareathreattohumanhealthandtoMcKinleyRun,thestreamthatrunsbelowthesite.
DEP,workingundertheauthorityoftheHazardousSitesCleanupActhasdevelopeda
plantostabilizetheareaandprotectthestream.HSCAisthe1988lawthatauthorizestheagency
toperformcleanupofhazardouswastesitesandrecovercostsfromresponsibleparties,if
possible.
Membersofthepublicwillhaveanopportunitytoprovidetestimonyatthehearing.
Thosewishingtomakecommentsshouldregister,inwriting,withCommunityRelations
CoordinatorJohnPoister,incareofDEPsSouthwesternRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDrive,
PittsburghPA15222,orbyphoneat4124424203before3:00p.m.onthedayofthehearing.
Therewillalsobeanopportunitytoregisteronsiteatthehearing.
ThoseunabletoattendthehearingshouldsubmitwrittencommentstoTerryGoodwald,
ProjectManager,DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,400WaterfrontDrive,Pittsburgh,
PA15222.
WaterLineConstructionBeginsToProvideCleanWaterInLackawannaCounty
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannouncedtheconstructionofan
approximately$20millionpublic
waterdistributionandsupplysystem
beganthismonthto
serviceresidentsinfourLackawannaCountycommunitiesaffectedbygroundwater
contaminationthatimpactedprivatelyownedwaterwells.
Theworkispartofa2011agreementbetweenDEPandthecompaniesresponsiblefor
thecontamination:Bostik,Inc.andSandvik,Inc.,bothtenantsoftheIvyIndustrialParkinSouth
AbingtonandScottTownships.
Thenewsystemwillconsistofawatersupplypumpingstationandmorethan20milesof
maindistributionline,whichwillconnecttonewwaterservicelinesrunningtoapproximately
330propertiesinScott,Waverly,SouthAbingtonandNorthAbingtontownships.
Another70homesthathadthepotentialtobeimpactedbythecontaminationhave
alreadybeenconnectedtoexistingwaterlines.
Thisconstructionprojectisamajormilestoneingettingcleanwaterbacktoresidents
affectedbythiscontaminationsaidMichaelBedrin,DirectorofDEPsNortheastRegional
Office.TheworkisacollaborativeeffortbyBostikandSandvik,thelocaltownships,state
representatives,EPA,PennsylvaniaAmericanWaterandthedepartment.
In2005,DEPstaffdiscoveredthatgroundwaterneartheIvyIndustrialParkwas
contaminatedwithorganicsolventstrichloroethylene(orTCE)andtetrachloroethylene(orPCE).
DEPsubsequentlynamedbothfacilitiesasresponsibleforcontaminatinggroundwaterwith
volatileorganicchemicalsstemmingfromindustrialoperationsatbothsites.
Theconstructionworkwillbecompletedbytwolocalcompanies:PioneerConstruction
ofHonesdale,Pennsylvania,andTSE,ofDunmore.TheconsultingfirmGannettFlemingof
Harrisburgwillmanagedaytodayoperationsoftheproject.
Theworkontheprojectisexpectedtotakeabout18months.Thepipelineshouldbefully
operationalbylatespring2016,andallpropertiesshouldbeconnectedtoitbytheendofthe
summerin2016.
Onceconstructionofthewaterlinedistributionandsupplysystemiscompleted,
PennsylvaniaAmericanWaterwillbeginprovidingwaterservicetothehomeowners.
Aprojectwebsite
hasbeenestablishedformembersofthecommunityandthosealong
theroutetotrackprogressandstayinformed.Thewebsitewillbeupdatedregularlywiththe
constructionschedule.
MembersofthepublicmayalsocalltheProjectCommunityInformationLineat
8667818828withanyquestionsorconcerns.
Astheprojectprogresses,propertyownersalongtheroutealsowillbecontacteddirectly
byGannettFlemingwithdetailsandschedulesrelatedtotheworkthataffectstheirparticular
property.
Formoreinformation,call5708262511.
CentreCountyRecycling&RefuseAuthorityWinsNationalRecognition
The
CentreCountyRecycling&RefuseAuthority
hasbeenawardedGoldrecognitionbythe
StateElectronicsChallenge
anationalenvironmentalleadershipprogramforits
accomplishmentsingreenprocurement,energyandpaperconservation,andresponsible
recyclingofelectronicofficeequipmentin2014.
TheAuthorityhasnotonlymadecommitmentstoenvironmentalstewardship,buthas
actedonthosecommitments,commentedLynnRubinstein,StateElectronicsChallenge
ProgramManager.TheAuthorityisoneofonly12organizationsbeingrecognizedthisyear,
andtheonlyRecyclingAuthority.
Wearesoproudtoreceivethisaward.TheAuthorityhasbeenparticipatingin
electronicsrecyclingsince2002.Environmentalstewardshipatthefrontendisthenextlogical
step.Weencourageanyonethatwouldliketoknowhowsimplethisistopleasecontactus,
commentedJoanneShafer,CCRRAsRecyclingCoordinator.
Asaresultoftheseenvironmentalinitiatives,in2014CentreCountyRecyclingsaved
enoughenergytopower721householdsperyear,avoidedgreenhousegasemissionsequivalent
toremoving249carsfromtheroadperyear,avoidedthegenerationofmore365tonsoftrash
equivalenttothewastegeneratedby177households/year,aswellasavoidingthegenerationof
66tonsofhazardouswasteequivalenttotheweightof484refrigerators.
CentreCountyRecycling&Refusehascommittedtopurchasingcomputerandimaging
equipmentthatisqualifiedbytheElectronicProcurementEnvironmentalAssessmentTool
(EPEAT)standard.
EPEATisaninternationallyrecognizedsystemthatidentifiesofficeequipmentthat
meetsspecifiedenvironmentalperformancecriteria.TheAuthorityalsousespowermanagement
todecreasetheenergyloadofofficeequipment,usesdoublesidedprintingtodecreasepaper
usage,andensuresthatattheendoflife,equipmentisrecycledbyathirdpartycertified
electronicsrecyclereLoop,LLC.
TheStateElectronicsChallengeassistsstate,regional,tribal,andlocalgovernmentsto
reducetheenvironmentalimpactoftheirofficeequipment.Itannuallyrecognizesthe
accomplishmentsofPartnerorganizations.TheChallengeisadministeredbytheNortheast
RecyclingCouncil.Currently,150state,tribal,regional,andlocalgovernmentagencies,in37
states,collectivelyemployingmorethan196,000people,havejoinedtheSECasPartners.
StateElectronicsChallenge
website.
NewsClips:
Trails,RoadsidesGetPickMeUpInGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA
DauphinCounty:ProgressMadeInFightingIllegalDumping
MichauxStateForestTurnsIntoDumpingGround
OpEd:RidYourHomeOfExpiredMedicationsUsingCollectionProgram
KeystoneAsksToExpandLandfillParkingLot,MoveAccessRoad
SewerAuthorityHasNoRecordOfLandfillLeachateBypass
HousePanelApprovesLeachateTruckOption
HarrisburgPlansToRecycleMorePaper,Glass
$62MProjectUnderwayAtYorkCountySolidWaste
OneMansTrashIs,Well,Trash
PassingPlaneUnloadedUsedToiletPaperOnWestPittston
PAResourcesCouncilHosts6HouseholdChemicalCollectionEventsInWesternPA
Throughoutthespring,summerandfall,the
PennsylvaniaResourcesCounci
lwillhold
collectionevents
inAllegheny,Beaver,CambriaandWashingtoncountiestosoresidentscan
properlydisposeofhouseholdchemicalproductsknownashouseholdhazardouswaste.
Theseincludecleaners,paints,stainsandvarnishes,batteries,motoroil,pesticidesand
otherproductscontainingpotentiallyhazardouschemicals.
AccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,anaveragehomecaneasily
accumulate100poundsoftheseproducts.
ThefirstPRCdrivethruhouseholdchemicalcollectionof2015willtakeplaceon
Saturday,May2,from9a.m.to1p.m.attheNorthParkSwimmingPoolparkinglotin
AlleghenyCounty.Thecosttosafelydisposeofmaterialsatallcollectionswillbe$3/gallon,
cashonly.
Thecompletescheduleof2015PRChouseholdchemicalcollectioneventsinclude:
May2
AlleghenyCounty(NorthPark)
May16
CambriaCounty(ConcurrentTechnologiesCorporation)
July18
WashingtonCounty(WashingtonMall)
August15
AlleghenyCounty(BoycePark)
September12
AlleghenyCounty(SouthPark)
October10
BeaverCounty(BradysRunPark)
The2015householdchemicalcollectioncampaignisaprojectofthePennsylvania
ResourcesCouncilinconjunctionwithTheHeinzEndowments,UPMC,ColcomFoundation,
AAAEastCentral,PennsylvaniaAmericanWater,LANXESS,PADepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,NOVAChemicals,AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment,Beaver
County,CambriaCounty,WashingtonCountyandNewsRadio1020KDKA.
Since2003,eventorganizershavecollectedandsafelydisposedofmorethan4million
poundsofchemicalsfrom40,000+householdsduring70+drivethrucollectionsheldinnine
counties.Acertifiedcontractorprocessesthehazardouswastesforproperdisposal,and
materialsmayberecycled,incineratedorsafelyburiedinspeciallandfills.
Forinformationandacompletelistofitemsacceptedvisitthe
PAResourcesCouncil
websiteorcall4124887452.
NewsClips:
KeepPABeautifulAcceptingApplicationsForGrantsToCelebrate25thAnniversary
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful
Tuesdayannounceditisnowapplicationsfor25grantsofupto
$1,000tobeawardedtoorganizationsinthreefocusareasofPreventIt,CleanItorKeepItfor
cleanupandbeautificationprojects.
KPBAffiliatesandothertaxexemptgroupsacrosstheCommonwealthareeligible.
ApplicationsaredueMay22.
KPBplanstoannounceanewawardeverydayfor25daysviasocialmediafromJune
1stJune25th.
Wecouldntthinkofabetterwaytocelebrateour25yearanniversary.The25in25
GrantProgramallowsustogivebacktothevolunteers,communitiesandorganizationsthathave
contributedsomuchovertheyearstooursharedmissionofbuildingcleanandbeautiful
communities.statedShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPABeautiful.Wehopetohearfroma
diversepoolofapplicantsforthe25in25programincludingourlocalKPBaffiliates,watershed
groups,youthgroups,andtrailgroupsforequallydiverseprojects.
GrantwinnerswillbeannouncedfromJune1st25thviasocialmediasobesuretocheck
outthewinnersdailyon
Facebook
and
Twitter
.
VisitKPBs
GrantsandAwards
webpageformoreinformation.
NewsClips:
KPB:PAGroupsReceive$25,000inKAB/WasteManagementThinkGreenGrants
ThursdayannouncedPennsylvaniagroupsreceived$25,000in
grantawardsfromthenationalnonprofitKeepAmericaBeautiful,Inc.aspartofanationwide
effortsponsoredbyWasteManagementthatencourageslocalsolutionsthatimprovecommunity
environments.
FollowingisalistofPennsylvaniarecipients
$10,000toKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful:
"PleaseTouchGarden"
PleaseTouchMuseum
in
Philadelphiawillcreateasustainablelearningenvironmentspacecontainingbutterflyboxes,an
outdoorcookingareawithraisedplantersandagardenwithedibleplantsandmedicinalherbs.
$10,000toKeepYorkBeautiful:
Anorganic,urbanfarmingoperationwilladdressthe
complexinteractionsbetweennature,theeconomyandYorkCountysfoodsystemtofosteran
increaseincommunityandhomegardeninganduseofnativeplantstoreplaceconventional
gardenselections.
$5,000totheCityofGreensburg:
GreensburgSalemSchoolDistrictwillimplementasingle
streamrecyclingprogramthroughouttheDistrict.
WearethankfultoWasteManagementandKeepAmericaBeautifulformakingthis
grantprogramavailable.Handsonprojects,suchasthese,willhelptobuildgreatercivicpride,
createahealthierenvironment,improvethequalityoflifelocallyandultimatelyhelpbuild
sustainablelivablecommunities,saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPABeautiful.
TheThinkGreengrantsareopentoKeepAmericaBeautifulaffiliatesandnonaffiliate
partners,recognizeinnovativeorcomprehensiveprogramstobeautifyandimprovebusiness
areas,neighborhoodsorpublicspacesandtoincreaserecyclingorrecyclingeducationin
communities.
Grantcriteriaincludedevidenceofsustainabilityoftheprojectaftergrantfunding
terminatesandtheuseofpartnershipstoleveragethescope,sizeanddurationoftheproject.A
totalof$300,000wasawardednationwide.
WasteManagementsupportsKeepAmericaBeautifulonnumerousprogramsdesignedto
increaserecyclingandsupportcommunitysustainability.Thecompanyisalsoastrongsupporter
ofKeepAmericaBeautifulsGreatAmericanCleanup,thenationslargestcommunity
improvementprogram.
and
GreatAmerican
CleanupofPA
websites.
NewsClips:
SheetzCelebratesEarthDayApril22
Sheetz
Tuesdayannounceditscontinuedcommitmenttosustainability.Thecompanyhostedan
EarthDayCelebrationattheirDistributionCenterlocatedinClaysburg,BlairCounty,onApril
22togiveemployeesanopportunitytolearnabouthealthierlifestylechoicesforboththemselves
andtheenvironment.
Severallocalenvironmentalandhealthorganizations,including
CanoeCreekStatePark
,
RailstoTrails,
andthe
BlairCountyConservationDistrict
will
attendtheeventtodiscusswaysinwhichemployeescanlearnaboutenergyefficiencyand
conservation,nature,healthandwellbeing.
SheetzfamilymembersandtheSheetzExecutiveCommitteewillalsoplantatreeonthe
Claysburgcampustoshowthecompany'scommitmenttobecomingmore
environmentallyfriendly.
"Weareknownforourcommitmenttoourcustomers,ouremployeesandthe
communitiesinwhichweoperate,"saidPresidentandCEOJoeSheetz."OurEarthDay
celebrationisjustanotherwayinwhichwecanorganizeaneducationaleventtoshowour
concernfortheenvironmentandouremployees."
Sheetztakessignificantstepstoreduceitsimpactontheenvironment.Thecompany
incorporatesenergyandwaterefficienciesintotheconstructionofeachnewSheetzstoreand
rebuild,investsinalternativeenergyinfrastructures,donatessurplusfoodtolocalfoodbanksto
helpthoseinneedandpartnerswithKeepPABeautifultoremovelitterfromPennsylvania's
roadways,greenways,parks,forestsandwaterways.
NewsClips:
EPAHonorsPACollegeConsortiumForFoodRecoveryChallengeAchievement
TheU.SEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyThursdayhonoredthe
PAEnvironmentalResources
Consortium
forrecruiting22PennsylvaniacollegesanduniversitiestoparticipateinEPAs
Food
RecoveryChallenge
andhelpreduce,donate,andrecycleexcessfoodfrommorethan100,000
students.
AsaFoodRecoveryChallengeEndorser,PERChasjumpedtotheforefrontofFood
RecoveryeffortsinPennsylvania,saidEPAMidAtlanticRegionalAdministratorShawnM.
Garvin.Bytargetingcollegesanduniversitiesforfoodrecovery,weareeducatingourfuture
leaderstobecomebetterstewardsoftheenvironmentwhilealsoencouragingsustainabilityand
reducingtheenvironmentalimpactofexcesswaste.
RegionalAdministratorGarvinpresentedPERCExecutiveDirectorJoshHooperwith
EPAsprestigiousFoodRecoveryChallengeEndorseroftheYearAwardfor2014duringa
ceremonyatFranklin&MarshallCollege,oneofthe22participatingPennsylvaniaschools.
ThePennsylvaniaHigherEducationFoodRecoveryChallengeworksbecauseithelps
students,professorsandstaffsharetheirsuccessesinfoodrecoverywithparticipantsonother
campusesacrossthestate,saidHooper.Learningwhatworkedforothersinasimilarsituation
minimizesthelearningcurveandincreasestheamountoffoodwecanrecovertogether.
Since2013,EPAhasbeenworkingwithPERCtodevelopthePennsylvaniaHigher
EducationFoodRecoveryChallengeprogram.PERCprovidescollegesanduniversitieswith
technicalassistanceandhelpsfacilitatehowschoolscandivertsurplusfoodawayfromlandfills
andontothetablesofthoseinneedordesignateitforcomposting.
PERCsprogramsupportsEPAsFoodRecoveryeffortsandprovidesdatatoEPAon
fooddiversion,donationandcompostingoccurringatcollegesanduniversitiesacrossthestate.
Surplusfoodisoneofthelargesttypesofmaterialssenttolandfills.
Whilemuchofitisactuallywholesomefoodthatcouldpotentiallyfeedmillionsof
Americans,lessthanfivepercentofsurplusfoodiscurrentlybeingrecovered.
ThroughitsFoodRecoveryChallenge,EPAanditspartnersencourageorganizationsto
reduce,donate,andrecycleasmuchoftheirexcessfoodaspossible,whichsavesmoney,feeds
theneedy,andhelpsprotecttheenvironment.
TheFoodRecoveryChallengeencouragesorganizationstodonateanddivertasmuchof
theirexcessfoodaspossible.OrganizationsthatjoinEPAschallengefindthattheycansave
moneyondisposalcostswhilehelpingtofeedfamiliesinneedandprotecttheenvironmentby
reducinggreenhousegasemissions.
AcompletelistofparticipatingPennsylvaniacollegesanduniversities
isavailableonline
.
MechanicsburgBoroughPromotesRecyclingThroughAwardsProgram
MechanicsburgBorough,CumberlandCounty,recognizedresidentsMichaelandTerryHoffman
onApril17withthe
RecycleRightReward
fortheireffortstorecycletheirhouseholdwaste.
TheHoffmansawardmarkstheoneyearanniversaryoftherewardsprogram.
BoroughCouncilhasextendedtherewardsprogramforasecondyear,recommending
thatresidentsreceivefeedbackontheircurbsiderecyclingperformance.
TheBoroughofMechanicsburgextendsitsappreciationtoRuttersFarmMarketsand
elevenotherlocalmerchantsthatprovidedRecycleRightRewardprogramprizesinitsinaugural
year.
TheBoroughthankeditsresidentsfortheirproperrecyclingpracticesandencouragesall
residentstorecycleallofthealuminum,glass,paper,plasticandsteelitemslistedinthe
BoroughsRecyclingRegulations.
NewsClips:
PUCPublishesStaffReportOnPhiladelphiaGasPipelineReplacementProgram
ThePublicUtilityCommissionTuesday
publishedastaffreport
thatpresentssevenspecific
opportunitiestoacceleratethereplacementscheduleofPhiladelphiaGasWorksagingpipeline
infrastructure.
Weareallinterestedinpublicsafetyandminimizingthehazardsassociatedwitholder,
atrisknaturalgasdistributionpipelinesinPhiladelphiamanyofwhicharenotscheduledtobe
replacedfordecades,saidPUCChairmanRobertF.Powelson.Commissionstaffwastasked
withreviewingPGWspipelinereplacementprogramandidentifyingopportunitiestoaccelerate
itstimetable,whilemitigatingthefinancialimpactoncustomers.Thestaffhasproducedawell
thoughtoutandinsightfuldocument.
Thereportculminatesacomprehensivereviewandanalysis,initiatedinJanuaryofthis
year,andthatisaresultofaPUChostedenbanchearingonPGWspipelinereplacement
programheldonNov.14,2014.
Thestaffreport
identifiessevenopportunities
thatPGWshouldconsiderinorderto
acceleratetherateinwhichitsatriskpipeisbeingreplaced:
IncreaseitsDistributionSystemImprovementCharge(DSIC)abovethecurrent5percentcap:
ThroughapotentialPUCwaiverofprovisionsofthePublicUtilityCode,thiswouldallowPGW
tosecureadditionalrevenuestofundmoreinfrastructureimprovements.
AnnualizeDSICeligiblecosts:RatherthanadjustingDSICratesquarterly,whichcurrently
resultsinsignificantratefluctuations,PGWcouldpetitionthePUCtolevelizeandannualizeits
DSICcostrecovery.
Issuenewdebt:PGWshouldexploreissuingnewdebttoinvestinadditionalinfrastructure
improvements.
Improvecashmanagement:PGWshouldconsiderreducingitscashliquidityfrom$100
millionto$75million,thusfreeingupadditionalfundsforpipelinereplacement.
RequestthattheCityofPhiladelphiawaivesomeorallofitsannual$18millionpayment:The
Citycouldwaivealloraportionoftheannual$18millionpaymentitreceivesfromPGW,asit
hasdoneinthepast.Thesefundscouldbereinvestedtofurtherenhancetheexistingpipeline
replacementprogram.
Streamlineitscorporategovernancestructure:PGWhasanoverallgovernancestructurethat
includesthePUC,theMayorofPhiladelphia,PhiladelphiaCityCouncil,thePhiladelphiaCity
Controller,thePhiladelphiaGasCommissionandthePhiladelphiaFacilitiesManagement
Corporation.Reducingthenumberofgoverningentitiescouldreduceexpensesandcreate
additionalfinancialandmanagementefficiencies.
Consolidateitsfacilities:PGWshouldconsiderconsolidatingitswarehouses,metershops,
fieldservicesandfleetoperationstocreateadditionalefficienciesandcostsavings.
BasedonPGWs2014replacementrate,andassumingthatannualratecontinuedintothe
future,itwouldtake66yearstoreplaceallatriskpipelinesinitsdistributionsystem,including
bothcastironandsteel.
EachofthesevenopportunitiespresentedinthePUCstaffreportcouldpotentiallytrim
thepipelinereplacementtimeframebyanywherefromafewmonthsto30years.
Accordingto2013publicrecords,abouttwothirdsofPGWspipelines(1,994miles)are
consideredatriskandareinneedofreplacement.PGWhasthehighestpercentageofatrisk
pipeofanyPennsylvanianaturalgasutilitybyatleastafactoroftwo.
WecommendPGWforitscooperationthroughoutthisprocessandforprovidingthe
necessaryinformationtoconductourstaffreview,saidChairmanPowelson.However,we
stronglyurgePGWtocloselyreviewandcarefullyconsiderpursuingtheseopportunities,asthey
continuetoworkwithustoincreasesafetyandprotectthecitizenslivingandworkingin
Philadelphia.
TheCommissionwasgivenjurisdictionoverPGWin2000tosetratesandoverseesafety
andcustomerservicestandards.TomonitorPGWscompliancewithitsobligationtoprovide
safe,adequateandreasonableutilityservicetoconsumers,theCommissionenforcesfederal
pipelinesafetyregulationsregardingthedesign,operation,inspection,replacementand
maintenanceofpipelinefacilitiesinordertoprotectpeopleandtheenvironment.
PGWservesapproximately479,000residentialand25,600commercialandindustrial
customerswithinthecityofPhiladelphia.
Acopyofthereport
isavailableonline
.
NewsClips:
PUCInstructsPhiladelphiaGasWorksToAcceleratePipelineReplacement
PUCPlanForPGW:MostlyHigherRates
PhiladelphiaGasWorksUrgedtoReplaceAgingPipelines
MillionsNeededToReplaceAtRiskRetailNaturalGasPipelines
KeystoneXLPipelineDebatePartisan,UnlessYouLiveNearIt
PipelineOpponentsOnTheirOwnAgainstFERC
Sunoco,ChescoContinuePipelineTalks
DEPWantsSignificantSunocoFineForDrillingMudSpills
PUCProposalToProvideMoreNaturalGasSupplierInformationOnUtilityBills
ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayissued
atentativeproposal
thatwouldprovide
consumerswithmoreinformationfromtheirnaturalgassupplierontheirutilitybill.The
recommendedchangesfollowaregulationimplementedlastyearforelectricgeneration
suppliers,requiringmoreEGSinformationonutilitybills.
TheCommissionvoted50toadopttheTentativeOrderproposedbytheCommissions
OfficeofCompetitiveMarketOversight,whichwouldprovideforamoresupplieroriented,
consolidatednaturalgasbill.
TheadoptedchangesprovidefortheinclusionoftheNGSslogoonthebillthe
expansionofbillmessagingspaceallottedtoNGSsandtheinclusionofaShoppingInformation
Box.
TheCommissionsgoalistoincreasecustomerawarenesswhenparticipatinginthe
competitiveretailnaturalgasmarketandtoprovidemoreinformationfromNGSsin
utilityconsolidatedbills.
Acopyofthetentativeproposal
isavailableonline
.
OfficeofCompetitiveMarketOversight
webpage.
NewsClips:
PUCSeeksCommentsOnChangesToAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsRegulations
ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayissuedforcommentrevisionstoaproposedrulemaking
thatwouldamendcertainregulationsofthe
AlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsActof2004
pertainingtonetmetering,interconnectionandcomplianceprovisions.
TheCommissionvoted50toadopttheproposed
AdvancedNoticeofFinalRulemaking
Orderandtoreceivecommentsontheproposedchangestoexistingregulations.
Amongotherthings,theproposedrevisionswouldincreasecertainreporting
requirementsandstrengthenenforcementmeasuresreviseinterconnectionandnetmetering
rulesandclarifyCommissionproceduresandstandardsforcertificationsandverificationof
compliancewiththeAct.
TheAEPSAct,whichbecameeffectiveonFebruary28,2005,wasamendedontwo
previousoccasionsthroughAct135of2007andAct129of2008.
OnFebruary20,2014,theCommissionissuedforcommenta
NoticeofProposed
Rulemaking
.TheproposedrulemakingwaspublishedinthePennsylvaniaBulletinonJuly5,
2014,andthe30daycommentperiodwasextendedtoSeptember3,2014.
Basedonpubliccommentsreceived,Commissionstaffrevisedandclarifiedtheproposed
rulemakinginseveralcapacitiesbeforefinalizingtheAdvancedNoticeofFinalRulemaking
Order.
TheCommissionseeksadditionalcommentsontheserevisions,whichinclude:
Anincreaseintheproposedsystemdesignlimitofanewcustomergenerator,from110
percentto200percentofhistorical(orestimated,fornewconstruction)annualconsumption
Areviseddefinitionofcustomergeneratorandanaddeddefinitionofutilitytoclarify
thatthedefinitionappliestoelectricutilities,suppliersandmerchantgeneratorsandthat
nonelectricutilitiesareexcludedfromthebanofutilitiesqualifyingasacustomergenerator
Ashortenedresponsetimeforanetmeteringapplicanttoreceiveadeterminationfromthe
PUC
Areviseddefinitionofalternativeenergysourcestoreflecttheamendmentstothe
definitionforlowimpacthydropowerandbiomassfacilitiesfromAct129and
Addeddefinitionsforgridemergenciesandmicrogridinthecontextofthequalifications
requiredofacustomergenerator.
Commissioner
JamesH.Cawleyissuedastatement
regardingtheproposedincreasefrom
110percentto200percentforthegenerationdesignlimitfornewalternativeenergysystems.
Choosingbetween110and200percentappearstobelargelydrivenbyareviewofthe
outputofexistingcustomergeneratorsystems.Ontheonehand,ahigherpercentageprovides
greaterflexibilitytoearlyadoptersofthesedistributedgeneration(DG)systems,said
CommissionerCawleyinhisstatement.Conversely,whenandifDGsystemsbecomemore
commonplace,theseearly,highervolumeDGsystemsmaycrowdoutfutureDGsystemsiflocal
distributionsystemconstraintseithermakefuturenetmeterinterconnectapplicationsimpossible
ormorecostlytoaccommodateIwelcomefurthercommentsonwhattheoptimalsolutionis
regardingthisissue.
CommissionerCawleyalsosolicitedsupplementalcommentsontheneedforfurther
futurechangesoncustomergeneratorinterconnectionregulationsrelatedtosmartinverters.
Writtencommentsreferencingthedocketnumberoftheproposedrulemakingaredue
within20daysofpublicationinthePennsylvaniaBulletintothePublicUtilityCommission,
Attn:Secretary,P.O.Box3265,Harrisburg,PA171053265.
TheAEPSActrequiresthatacertainpercentageofallelectricenergysoldtoretail
customerswithintheCommonwealthbederivedfromalternativeenergysources.By2021,
electricdistributioncompanies(EDCs)andelectricgenerationsuppliersmustsupply18percent
ofelectricityusingalternativeenergyresources.
ThepercentageofTierI,TierIIandsolarphotovoltaicresourcesgraduallyincreasesover
thisperiod.TheActappliestobothEDCsandEGSs,whomustdemonstratetheircomplianceon
anannualbasis.
AlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards
webpage.
NewsClips:
NewApplicationsForAuthorizedCapitalBudgetProjectsBeingAcceptedMay4To18
ForatwoweekperiodMay4toMay18newapplicationsforfundingfromtheState
RedevelopmentAssistanceCapitalProgram(RACP)willbeacceptedbytheOfficeofthe
Budget,accordingtoSenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati(RJefferson).
RACPisaCommonwealthgrantprogramadministeredbytheOfficeoftheBudgetfor
theacquisitionandconstructionofregionaleconomic,cultural,civic,recreational,andhistorical
improvementprojects.
NewRACPbusinessplansfrompotentialcandidateswillbeacceptedfortheupcoming
roundoffundingbeginningMay4andmustbesubmittedbyMay18.Duringthiswindow,those
thathadpreviouslysubmittedbusinessplansduringcalendaryear2015mayalsoamendthose
submissionstocorrectanytechnicalerrorsoromissions.
Inthepast,grantsthroughtheRACPprogramhaveprovidedsignificantinvestments
withinourlocalcommunitiesandhelpedtobringmorejobsandservicestotheregion,Senator
Scarnatisaid.Istronglyencouragethosewitheligibleprojectstotakeadvantageofthis
submissionperiodandsendinbusinessplansfornewlocalimprovementprojects.
AllsubmissionsreceivedbytheCommonwealthbyMay18,willreceiveequal
considerationfortheRACPfundingavailableinthisround.
Beforecompletingabusinessplan,projecteligibilitymustbeverified.
Onlyprojects
alreadyauthorizedonaCapitalBudgetitemizeprojectlistpassedbytheGeneralAssemblyare
eligible.
Atemplateandguidetoverifyprojectscanbefoundonthe
RACPwebsite
.
Inordertoreceiveconsideration,theoriginaland2CDcopiesofallbusinessplan
materialsmustthenbesubmittedto:RedevelopmentAssistanceCapitalProgram:C/OBusiness
Plan,OfficeoftheBudget,333MarketStreet,18thFloor,Harrisburg,PA171012210.
DEPStudyRevealsLymeDiseaseRiskInAll67CountiesOfPennsylvania
Forthefirsttime,blacklegged(deer)tickshavenowbeenobservedinall67countiesof
Pennsylvania,accordingtoresearchersatTheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.
Therangeexpansiontookplaceinjustdecades,assimilarstudiesconductedinthe
mid1960sfoundnospecimens.
DEPsVectorManagementProgram,incollaborationwiththeIndianaUniversityof
Pennsylvania,
publishedthefindings
ontheriskoftickbornediseaseinPennsylvaniainthe
JournalofMedicalEntomologyonApril14.
ThestudywasauthoredbytheDEPVectorManagementteamofMikeHutchinson,
MariaStrohecker,AndyKyle,andMattHelwigandIndianaUniversityofPennsylvania
ProfessorofBiologyDr.TomSimmons.
TheresearchfoundIxodesscapularis,theblackleggedtick,andBorreliaburgdorferi,the
causativeagentofLymedisease,presentinall67countiesofPennsylvania.
Theresearchalsofoundthatinrecentyearstheblackleggedtickhasbecomeimbeddedin
westernPennsylvania,thoughtheprevalencerateofLymediseasestillremainsrelativelylower
thantherestofthestate.TheblackleggedtickistheprimarycarrierofLymedisease,an
infectiousdiseasecausedbythebiteofaninfectedtickthatcancausefever,fatigue,headache,
muscleaches,andjointpain.
DEPsVectorManagementteamsconfirmationofthehighriskofLymediseasein
everycountyoftheCommonwealthverifiesthateveryPennsylvanian,fromPhiladelphiatoErie,
musttakeprecautionstopreventthespreadofLymedisease,saidactingDEPSecretaryJohn
Quigley.
ThefirstlineofdefenseagainstLymediseaseandanyothertickborneillnessesis
avoidingtickinfestedareas.Weknow,however,thatastheweatherbecomesnicermany
residentsspendmoretimeoutdoors.Wesuggestthatpeoplewearprotectiveclothing,useinsect
repellent(i.e.DEET),anddoafullbodycheckafterspendingtimeoutdoors,saidacting
PhysicianGeneralDr.RachelLevine.
Thestudyalsoconfirmedthepresenceoftwootherhumanpathogendiseases,Babesiosis
andAnaplasmosis,inPennsylvaniablackleggedticks.Theprevalenceratesofthesetwodiseases
weremuchlowerthanLymedisease.
PennsylvaniahasreportedthemostcasesofLymediseaseinthenationforthepastfive
years.AllPennsylvaniansareencouragedtotakeprecautionstopreventthespreadoftickborne
illnesses.
Parentsshouldchecktheirchildrenforticks.Showeringwithintwohoursofoutdoor
exposuremayalsohelppreventtransmission.Ifanindividualhasbeenbittenbyatick,we
recommendthattheyremovethetickcarefullywithasetoffinetippedtweezers.Ifanindividual
developssignsandsymptomsofLymediseaseafteratickbite,weurgethemtoseekmedical
attention.EarlydiagnosisandtreatmentofLymediseasemaypreventlatestagecomplications,
Dr.Levinesaid.
Thestudy
isavailableonline
.TheDepartmentofHealthfactsheetonLymedisease
is
availableonline
.
NewsClips:
LymeDiseaseFoundInEveryCounty
LymeDiseaseWarningIssued
State:LymeDiseaseRiskNowPresentInAll67Counties
PennsylvaniaAdds32Farms,MoreThan2,500AcresToPreservationProgram
PennsylvaniasAgriculturalLandPreservationBoardsafeguarded2,509additionalacreson32
farmsin16countiesrecentlythroughthestatesnationleadingfarmlandpreservationprogram.
Sincetheprogrambeganin1988,federal,state,countyandlocalgovernmentshave
investednearly$1.3billiontopreserve506,761acreson4,782farmsin57countiesforfuture
agriculturalproduction.
ThismeetingdemonstratedPennsylvaniascontinuingcommitmenttopreservingour
bestandmostthreatenedlandforagriculturaluseforalltime,saidactingAgricultureSecretary
RussellRedding.
Theboardpreservedfarmsin16counties:Berks,Bucks,Carbon,Chester,Cumberland,
Franklin,Juniata,Lackawanna,Lancaster,Lehigh,Northampton,Schuylkill,Washington,
Wayne,WestmorelandandYork.
Followingthemeeting,theDepartmentofAgriculturehostedalisteningsession
addressingconcernsaboutfarmviability,particularlyforpreservedfarms.
TheafternoonincludedpresentationsfromtheVermontLandTrustandFarm&Forest
ViabilityProgram,DelawaresYoungFarmerProgram,andtheNationalYoungFarmers
Coalition,includingPennsylvaniasfarmerrepresentative.
ItconcludedwitharoundtablediscussionhostedbyKitchenTableConsultantsthat
developednextstepsforaddressingtheissuesoffarmviability.
Itsnotenoughtosaveourlandweneedtosavethefarmsthemselves,byensuring
theyhaveanewgenerationoffarmersreadytostepinandworktheland,Reddingsaid.Our
roundtableonfarmviabilityandlandtransitionallowedustoshareperspectivesonhowto
addressthedifficultiesfacingyoungandbeginningfarmers.
Pennsylvaniaishometonearly4,800preservedfarms,andbecauseourstatesprimary
farmoperatorsaverage56yearsold,werefacedwiththerealityofmanyfarmsturningover
eventhisyear,saidAgricultureDeputySecretaryforMarketandEconomicDevelopment
HannahSmithBrubaker.Byworkingwithourpartnerstodevelopincentivesforsuccession
planningandaddressingissuesoflandaccess,wecanstarttoensuresuccessforthenext
generationofPennsylvaniasproducers.
ThePAAgriculturalConservationEasementPurchaseProgramidentifiespropertiesat
riskofdevelopmenttoslowthelossofprimefarmlandtononagriculturaluses.Itenablesstate,
countyandlocalgovernmentstopurchaseconservationeasements,alsocalleddevelopment
rights,fromownersofqualityfarmland.
Insomecases,thefederalAgriculturalConservationEasementProgramprovides
additionalassistance.Lastfiscalyear,Pennsylvaniareceivedmorethan$541,000infederal
reimbursements.
Gov.Wolfsproposedbudgetforfiscalyear201516buildsonPennsylvanias
commitmenttopreservingvaluablefarmlandbyapprovinga$30millioninvestmentthroughthe
AgriculturalConservationEasementPurchaseFundlineitema$2.5million,or9percent,
increaseoverwhatisavailableinthecurrentfiscalyear.
Formoreinformation,visitAgricultures
FarmlandPreservationProgram
webpage.
PennDOT,DCNRPartnerToServiceMaintenanceVehicles
Startingthismonth,DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesvehiclesatsevenstate
parksandonestateforestwillbeservicedatnearbyPennDOTfacilitiesthroughanew
agreementexpectedtoreduceDCNRstafftimeandtravelcosts.
ByusingnearbyPennDOTlocationsforpreventivemaintenance,repairsandwhere
applicable,PAStateInspectionandEmissionstesting,DCNRwillsavetimeandresources.In
rurallocationsitissometimesdifficulttofindnearbyservicestationsthatarevendorswiththe
commonwealthtoperformtheseservices,resultinginadditionalstafftimeandtravelcoststo
havevehiclesserviced.
Inaddition,DCNRmowingequipmentatthesesitescanalsobeservicedatthe
designatedPennDOTgarages.
"Efficientgovernmentrequiresdepartmentstoworktogethertofindopportunitiestodo
thingssmarterandmoreeconomically,"DCNRActingSecretaryCindyAdamsDunnsaid."This
partnershipgivesDCNRtheopportunitytosavemoneyonvehiclerepairs,andPennDOTthe
chancetomakebetteruseofitsrepairfacilities."
ThesitesofDCNRequipmentandPennDOTfacilitiesintheagreementinclude:
BeltzvilleequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sCarbonCountymaintenancegarage
CanoeCreekequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sBlairCountymaintenancegarage
LittleBuffaloequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sPerryCountymaintenancegarage
Mt.PisgahequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sBradfordCountymaintenancegarage
OhiopyleequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sFayetteCountymaintenancegarage
ParkerDamequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sClearfieldandElkcountymaintenance
garages
RyersonStationequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sGreeneCountymaintenance
garageand
ForbesStateForestequipmentwillbeservicedatPennDOT'sFayette,Somersetand
Westmorelandcountymaintenancegarages.
"Wecontinuetoreviewouroperationstofindwayswecantransformhowwedo
business,andthatincludespartneringwithotheragencies,"actingPennDOTSecretaryLeslieS.
Richardssaid."Whilewemostdirectlyaffectthepublicbymaintainingourtransportation
system,througheffortslikethiswealsoreinforcethatwe'regoodstewardsoftheirinvestments."
Thepartnershipwasdevelopedthroughthestate'sMappingtheFutureinitiative,
involvingPennDOT,DCNR,theTurnpikeCommissionandotheragenciestosaveresourcesand
avoidduplicatingefforts.MappingtheFuturesupportstheGovernor'sOfficeofTransformation,
Innovation,ModernizationandEfficiency(GOTIME)'seffortstoidentifycostsavingsand
efficienciesinstategovernment.
DCNR,HarrisburgSenatorsBaseballTeamingUpToPlantTrees
TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesandthe
HarrisburgSenators
areteaming
uptoshowthevalueofplantingtreesinspecialArborDayactivitiesplannedApril24,atthe
teamsMetroBankParkinHarrisburg.
HeldincooperationwiththePennsylvaniaUrbanandCommunityForestryCouncil,a
seriesofArborDayeveningactivitieswillaccentanongoingDoublesforTreesprogramatthe
park.
SinceApril1,fanshavebeentoldwheneveraSenatorsplayerhitsadoubleduringa
homegame,twotreeswillbeplantedwithinthegreaterHarrisburgareaaspartofDCNR
TreeVitalizeProgram
.
Nothingsaysspringlikebaseballandtheplantingoftrees,saidBureauofForestry
DirectorDanielDevlin.DCNRismostappreciativeoftheSenatorssupportofArborDayand
thisgreatchancetoshowcasewhatTreeVitalizedoestoimprovetreecoverincitiesand
communitiesacrossthestate.
Onthisspecialnight,DCNRandTreeVitalizepersonnelwillhavetheopportunityto
highlighturbanandcommunityforestryinPennsylvaniabeforewhatshouldbealargecrowd.
Manyexcitingandinteractiveactivitieswillbeavailableforfansbeforeandafterthegame.
TheSenatorsaresoproudtobeapartoftheTreeVitalizeprogramthroughDoublesfor
Treeseachgame,saidHarrisburgSenatorsGeneralManagerRandyWhitaker.Thisistrulyan
issuethateveryonecanappreciateandembrace.
DuringtheHarrisburgSenatorsReadingFightinPhilsmatchup,DCNRandits
TreeVitalizeprogramwillbethepresentingsponsorofaMetroBankParkFridayNight
FireworksShow.
DCNRanditsTreeVitalizeeffortswillbefeaturedastheCommunityOrganizationof
theGame,withapregame,onfieldinterviewwiththeSenatorsgamehostthatwillappearon
thestadiumvideosystem.TheeventalsowillincludeaceremonialFirstPitchbyDevlin,who
alsoservesasPennsylvaniasStateForester.
Gameattendeescantourthenewlyredesigned
PAHardwoodsDevelopmentCouncils
PAWoodMobile,whichconnectstheDoublesforTreeseffortwithourstatesforest
resourcesandforestproductsindustry.TreeVitalizedisplaysalongthefieldsmainconcourse
willofferfansvariousoutreachandeducationalmaterials.
TreeVitalizeisastatewideurbanandcommunityforestryprogramdesignedtoincrease
andimprovetreecanopy,educatecitizensandincreasecommunityforestrycapacity.DCNR
offersmatchinggrantstocommunitiesandnonprofitgroupsseekingtoimproveandexpand
localtreecover.
Earlierthismonth,DCNRannounceditsurbanandcommunityforestprogramswillbe
awarding$492,220tocommunitiesthroughoutthestateinsupportoftreeplantingthisspring.
MetroBankParkgateswillopenat5p.m.withfirstpitchsetfor6:10p.m.MetroBank
ParkislocatedonHarrisburgsCityIsland,offMarketStreet.
Moreinformationonplantingtreesandcommunityinvolvement,visitthe
TreeVitalize
websiteoron
Facebook:TreeVitalizePA
.
NewsClips:
WildfiresBurnMoreThan100AcresOfBlueMountain
FirefightersGainControlOf400AcreBlueMt.Wildfire
Heat,SunPromptBrushFires
TreeGiveawayKicksOffEarthWeekInPittsburgh
ArborDay2015:History,Facts,Activities
April22ResourceNewsletterNowAvailableFromDCNR
The
April22issueoftheResource
newsletterisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResourcesfeaturingarticleson
DCNRHonorsLardnersPointParkWithGreenParkAward
DCNRWarningAnglers,OthersOfHighWildfireDanger
DCNRAssistsWithTreePlantingsAtFlight93Memorial
LandAcquisitionAddsToDelawareWaterGapNationalRecreationArea
HarrisburgSenatorsBaseballTeamTeamUpWithDCNRToPlantTrees
DCNRAnnouncesLocalChangesToHorsebackRidingInElkStateForest
ThreeRiversHeritageTrailHas$8.3MAnnualEconomicImpact
HarrisburgAreaTreeServicesCelebrateArborDay
Recreation,ParksGroupHonorsTwoDCNRWorkers
ChesapeakeBayProgramOpensCommentPeriodOnDraftManagementStrategies
PaddleWithoutPollutionsPresqueIsleWaterTrailFilmAvailable
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy(bottomofthepage).
2EggsHatchInHarrisburgPeregrineFalconNest
TwoofthreeeggshavehatchedinthePeregrineFalconnestontheRachelCarsonBuildingin
Harrisburg.
ClickHere
towatchthenestandgetthelatestupdate.
NewsClips:
HarrisburgPeregrineFalconsHatching
YorkHavenFishwayToAidFishMigration
WhatsNextForEagleNestCam?
OpportunityToBidOnDEPProjectsInBradford,Cambria,Clarion,ElkCounties
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeoftheopportunitytobidona
minereclamationprojectsin
CambriaCounty
and
ClarionCounty
,plugginganabandonedgas
wellin
BradfordCounty
andanabandonedgaswellin
ElkCounty
.
ContractorWanted:AllianceForChesapeakeBaySocialMarketingCampaign
The
AlliancefortheChesapeakeBay
issolicitingsealedproposalstodevelopa
communitybasedsocialmarketingcampaigntoencouragewatershedresidentstoadopt
practices,suchasraingardensand
BayScapes
,thatwillreducethenegativeimpactsof
stormwaterrunoff.Formoredetails,pleaseseetheattachedRequestforBids.Closingdateis
May1.
ClickHere
fordetails.
HelpWanted:PennStateYorkMasterWatershedStewardCoordinator
PennStateUniversityisseekingcandidatestofilltheYorkMasterWatershedSteward
Coordinatorpositiontooverseethegeneralfunctionandactivitiesofthe
PennStateMaster
WatershedStewardVolunteerProgram
inYorkCounty.ClosingdateisMay15.
ClickHere
for
details.
HelpWanted:HeadResourceConservationist,MontgomeryCountyConservationDistrict
The
MontgomeryCountyConservationDistrict
isseekingcandidatesforHeadResource
ConservationisttosupervisetheDistrictsTechnicalSection.
ClickHere
forallthedetails.
PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents
ThissectionlistsHouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,DEPandotherpublichearingsand
meetingsandotherinterestingenvironmentalevents.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
[AgendaNotPosted]
meansnotpostedwithin2weeks
oftheadvisorycommitteemeeting.Gotothe
onlineCalendar
webpageforupdates.
April27
WildlifeForEveryoneStudents!Explore,DiscoverWetlandsThruYourCamera
.
Gov.TomRidgeWetlands,Julian,CentreCounty.
April27
DEPopenhouseonproposedKeystoneLandfillexpansion.ThroopCommunityCivic
Center,500SandersonStreet,Throop.11a.m.to2p.m.andfrom4p.m.to8p.m.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
April28
PECGovernorsEnvironmentalExcellenceAwardsDinner
.Hilton,Harrisburg.5:00.
April29
CANCELED
.
DEPMineFamiliesFirstResponseandCommunicationsAdvisory
Council
meeting.DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
April29
DEPhearingonproposedfinal
Chapter78(conventional)andChapter78A
(unconventional)drillingperformancestandardregulations.WashingtonandJeffersonCollege,
RossinCampusCenterAllenBallroom,60S.LincolnSt.,Washington,WashingtonCounty.
6:00andendat9:00p.m.
(
formalnotice
)
April30
AgendaPosted.
DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
.
Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)
Presentation,DiscussionOfRevisedTotalColiformRule
<>
ClickHere
foravailablehandouts.
April30
(unconventional)drillingperformancestandardregulations.WarrenCountyCourthouse,2044th
Ave.,Warren,WarrenCounty.6:00andendat9:00p.m.
(
formalnotice
)
April30
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
hearingonwaterwithdrawalrequests.Holiday
InnHarrisburgHershey,Grande1Room,604StationRoad,Grantville.7:00p.m.
(
formal
notice
)
May4
(unconventional)drillingperformancestandardregulations.PennsylvaniaCollegeof
TechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,1CollegeAve.,Williamsport,LycomingCounty.6:00
andendat9:00p.m.
(
formalnotice
)
May5
DEPpublichearingonairqualitypermitsneededfortheShellethanefacilityinBeaver
County.CentralValleyHighSchool,160BakerRoadExtension,Monaca.6:00to8:00p.m.
(
PA
Bulletinpage1518
).
May5
NEW
.DEPpublichearingon
BeaverCountyhazardouswastesite
inRochester
Township.1013ElmStreet,Rochester.5:00p.m.
May6
2015PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium
.RamadaInnConferenceCenter,State
College.
May6
AgendaPosted.
DEPMineFamiliesFirstResponseandCommunicationsAdvisory
Council
meeting.DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
ReportoftheBureauofDeepMineSafety
MFFRACRecommendationInMineIncident
RecollectionsofSagoMineAccidents
<>
ClickHere
foravailablehandouts
May6
DepartmentofHealth
StatewideAdvisoryCommitteeforPreparedness
forpublichealth
emergenciesmeeting.FarmShowComplex,KeystoneConferenceCenter.8:30.
(
formalnotice
)
May68
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionals
AnnualConference
.ToftreesResort,
StateCollege.
May7
HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee
willholdahearingon
DEPs
handling
oftheproposedfinalversionoftheChapter78(conventional)and78A(Marcellus
Shale)drillingregulations.Room140MainCapitol.9:00.
May7
NEW
.
SenateFinanceCommittee
holdsahearingontaxcreditsforwaterfront
developmentanddatacenterinvestment.PointParkUniversity,LawrenceHallBallroom,212
WoodSt.,.Pittsburgh.1:00.

May79
PALandTrustAssn.
PALand&WaterConservationConference
.Wyndham,
Gettysburg.
May11
EnvironmentalIssuesForumbythe
JointConservationCommittee
featuringBrian
Wagner,
PACouncilofTroutUnlimited
talkingaboutstreamrestoration,educationandother
TroutUnlimitedprojectsinPA.Room8EAEastWingCapitolBuilding.Noon.
May12
NEW
.
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
holdsahearingon
HouseBill48
(GodshallRMontgomery)settingdrinkingwaterwellconstructionstandards(
sponsor
summary
).RoomB31MainCapitol.9:15.
May12
NEW
.
SenateAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommittee
considersthenominationof
RussellReddingasSecretaryofAgriculture.Room8EAEastWing.12:00.
May13
NEW
.
SenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee
willconsiderthe
nominationof
CindyDunnforSecretaryofConservationandNaturalResources
.Room
461at9:00a.m.
May13
DEPAggregateAdvisoryBoard
initialmeeting.6thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
May1315
DEPand
Engineers'SocietyofWesternPennsylvania
2015Pennsylvania
BrownfieldsConference
.ErieBayfrontConventionCenter,Erie.
May1417
PAOutdoorWritersAssociation
SpringConference.SevenSpringsMountain
Resort,Somerset.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
May17
PaddleWithoutPollution
NorthParkLake,AlleghenyCountyCleanup.VisitPWPs
Eventswebpage
formoreinformation.
May19
DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoard
meeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor,
RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30.
May1920
ChooseCleanWaterCoalition
6thAnnual
ChooseCleanWaterConference
.
HarrisburgHilton.
May21
NEW
.DEPmeetingonanapplicationtomodifytheHatfieldFerryPowerStationcoal
combustionbyproductlandfillinGreeneCounty.CarmichaelsJunior/SeniorHighSchool,300
W.GreeneSt.,Carmichaels.6:00to8:00p.m.
(
PABulletinpage2107
)
May28
DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.
June1
NEW
.Senate
and
Finance
Committeesjoint
hearingonnaturalgasseverancetaxproposals.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.10:30.
June2
NEW
.
SenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee
willconsiderthe
nominationof
JohnQuigleyforSecretaryofEnvironmentalProtection
.HearingRoom1
NorthOfficeBuilding.9:30a.m.
June2
DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom,
June3
DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.10thFloorConference,Rachel
June4
DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom,
June5
AppalachianTrailHallofFameBanquet
.AllenberryResort,BoilingSprings.
Click
Here
forbanquetinformation.
June9
RescheduledForJune23
.
DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambria
Office,286IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
June1112
PennStatePANaturalResourcesLeadershipInstituteWorkshop
.StateCollege.
June23
DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark
Rd.,Ebensburg.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
June24
DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommittee
.BureauofLaboratoriesBuilding,
2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.
June24
DEP
StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficers
meeting.
ConferenceRoom11B,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
June30
DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
meeting.Room105
July22
DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommitteeforWaterandWastewaterSystems
Operators
meeting.14thFloor,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)
August12
DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommittee
Building.9:30.
August25
DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105Rachel
(
formalnotice
)
September1620
NationalTroutUnlimitedMeeting.CenterCityHiltonHotelandConvention
Center,Scranton.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
September2022
2015GreenwaysandTrailsSummit
.HolidayInnandAllegheny
CommunityCenter,Warren.
September22
DEPSewageAdvisoryCommittee
Building.10:30.
September24
DEP
RecyclingFundAdvisoryCommittee
&
SolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
October2
DEPLowLevelWasteAdvisoryCommittee
.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
October27
DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105Rachel
(
formalnotice
)
October2830
2015PartnershipforSafeWater
2015WaterSystemOptimizationConference
hostedbythe
PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociation
.Hershey.
VisitDEPs
forinformationonhowyoucan
BeInformed!
and
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inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.
DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForComment
DEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriods
DEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulations
DEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdate
DEPwebpage
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocuments
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlines
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
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DEPwebpage
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DEPwebpage
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DEPwebpage
ClickHere
forlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.
DEPCalendarofEvents
DCNRCalendarofEvents
Note:
TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePA
CenterforEnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY
201112statebudget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedto
the
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators'
website.
SenateCommitteeSchedule
HouseCommitteeSchedule
Youcanwatchthe
SenateFloorSession
and
HouseFloorSession
liveonline.
AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle
Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandother
recognitionprograms.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
May1
NEW
.
DEPCleanDieselGrantProgram
May4
NEW
.
ApplicationPeriodOpensForCapitalBudgetProjects
May15
DominionHigherEducationGrants
May15
NRCSAgriculturalConservationEasementProgram
May18
NEW
.
DeadlineForCapitalBudgetProjectApplications
May21
DCNRVolunteerFirefightingGrants
May22
NEW
.
KeepPABeautifulCleanup,BeautificationGrants
June30
CFAWatershedRestorationProtectionGrants
June30
CFAAbandonedMineDrainageAbatementandTreatmentGrants
June30
CFABaselineWaterQualityDataGrants
June30
CFAOrphanorAbandonedWellPluggingGrants
June30
CFASewageFacilitiesGrants
June30
CFAFloodMitigationGrants
June30
CFAGreenways,TrailsandRecreationGrants
June30
DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates
(oruntilrebatesrunout)
July10
PROPRecyclingFilmFestival
July10
ARIPPAAbandonedMineReclamationGrants
July30
TreeVitalizeInventory,PlantingGrants
July31
CFABusinessInOurSites,Brownfields
September12
PPFFStateParksandForestsThroughTheSeasonPhotoContest
September30
DEPRecyclingPerformanceGrants
October31
PAResourcesCouncilLensOnLitterPhotoContest
Visitthe
DEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpage
formoreideasonhowtogetfinancial
assistanceforenvironmentalprojects.
EnvironmentalNewsClipsAllTopics
HereareNewsClipsfromaroundthestateonallenvironmentaltopics,includingGeneral
Environment,Budget,MarcellusShale,WatershedProtectionandmuchmore
Air
Budget
WolfFindsMoreOppositionToSeveranceTax
LocalOfficialsUnitedInOppositionToHigherEnergyTaxes
Climate
PhiladelphiaRoofsAreSproutingGreenery
WhatIsTheCarbonFootprintOfSteelers2015Schedule?
PittsburghBusinessLeadersFloatSustainabilityIdeas,Goals
DrinkingWater
AquaCEODeBenedictisTheresNoTreadingWater
Drought
CaliforniaDroughtMayBeFeltInPittsburghRestaurants
Education
Farmers
GreenBuildings
DrillingInFrickParkMnesHeatingSourceForNewCenter
Energy
HarrisburgsLEDStreetlightConversionGainsSteam
CCICenterInstrumentalInPittsburghsDevelopment
DemandForCoalPushingMiningCompaniesToLimitProduction
PennStateMiningProgramToTrainChileanStudents
PennStatesConversionFromCoalToNaturalGas
BidenAnnouncesEnergyInfrastructureModernizationPlanInPhilly
BillionsProposedToOverhaulEnergyInfrastructure
Forests
WildfiresBurnMoreThan100AcresOfBlueMountain
FirefightersGainControlOf400AcreBlueMt.Wildfire
Heat,SunPromptBrushFires
TreeGiveawayKicksOffEarthWeekInPittsburgh
ArborDay2015:History,Facts,Activities
Oil&Gas
DEPPhotosShowProblemsAtConventionalWellSites
Editorial:ConventionalDrillersMustObeyStandardsToo
DEPRejectsDrillingIndustryPressureToRemoveBoardMembers
PublicInterestMembersToRemainOnOil&GasBoard
FrackingVoteDelayedInMiddlesexTwp
SouthFayetteWorkingOnRevisionsToDrillingOrdinances
PUCInstructsPhiladelphiaGasWorksToAcceleratePipelineReplacement
PUCPlanForPGW:MostlyHigherRates
PhiladelphiaGasWorksUrgedtoReplaceAgingPipelines
MillionsNeededToReplaceAtRiskRetailNaturalGasPipelines
Sunoco,ChescoContinuePipelineTalks
DrillingActivistFined$1KForViolatingTrespassOrder
DEPWantsSignificantSunocoFineForDrillingMudSpills
KeystoneXLPipelineDebatePartisan,UnlessYouLiveNearIt
PipelineOpponentsOnTheirOwnAgainstFERC
PipelineFirmSuesNorthUnionTwpOverRoadWork
MonthlyNaturalGasReportImproveMarcellusData
Fracking,ClimateChangeAuthorToGiveKeystoneCollegeTalk
PennStatesConversionFromCoalToNaturalGas
LackawannaCollegeInvestsInVirtualWellControlTraining
UseOfContractorsCouldLeaveOil,GasOperatorsOpenToHackers
ThaiJapanesePartnershipSelectsOhioForEthaneCracker
OklahomaRecognizesRoleOfDrillingInEarthquakes
LowNaturalGasPricesCutIntoEQTProfits
HalfOfU.S.FrackingCompaniesWillBeDeadOrSoldThisYear
RobotCamerasLookForBlockagesInGasWells
EnergySpotlight:RyanPurpura,Oil&GasLegalWork
ReboundOfOilPushesUpGasolinePricesInPittsburgh
OilMakesAComebackInPennsylvania
PA,WVMarcellusLedU.S.NaturalGasProduction
Recreation
MontourTrailGetsNeededUpdates
BikeSharingWillFillPhillyWithSturdyCycles
WinterIceHelpsToProtectPresqueIsleBeaches
Recycling/Waste
Sustainability
PittsburghBusinessLeadersFloatSustainabilityIdeas,Goals
Vectors
LymeDiseaseFoundInEveryCounty
LymeDiseaseWarningIssued
State:LymeDiseaseRiskNowPresentInAll67Counties
WatershedProtection
Wildlife
HarrisburgPeregrineFalconsHatching
YorkHavenFishwayToAidFishMigration
WhatsNextForEagleNestCam?
Other
Q/A:GreenEriePACoordinatorAnnBomberger
DEPsNewsClipswebpage
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.
Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.
PennsylvaniaBulletinApril25,2015
DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForComment
DEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriods
DEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulations
DEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdate
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
publishednotice
offinal2015ozoneseason
nitrogenoxideemissionlimitsfornonelectricgeneratingunits.
ThePublicUtilityCommission
publishednotice
ofPhase2RegistryofConservationService
ProvidersunderAct129.
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocuments
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlines
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicComment
DEPwebpage
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DEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
VisitDEPsnew
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