PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates

Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward

Harrisburg,PaDecember1,2014

GeneralAssemblyEndsLegislativeSessionWithFewPositiveEnvironmentalBills

TheGeneralAssemblyformallyadjournedthe201314legislativesessionNovember12and
endedalegislativeyearwithfewpositiveenvironmentalbillssignedintolaw.Allbillsnot
reachingtheGovernorsdeskstartoveronJanuary6whenthenewGeneralAssemblyconvenes.
Theenvironmentalbillssignedintolawin2014included

AntiStreamBuffers:HouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)thatenvironmentalgroupssay
weakensDEPrequirementsforstreambuffersinSpecialProtectionWatersheds.Asummaryof
theHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ItwassignedintolawasAct162.ClickHereformore
background.

VetoOfClimatePlan:HouseBill2354(SnyderDFayette)whichauthorizesaoneHouseof
theGeneralAssemblytovetoanygreenhousegasemissionreductionplanrequiredbytheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Itwas
signedintolawasAct175.ClickHereformorebackground.

GeneralFundBudgetRequiringMoreDrillingOnDCNRLands:HouseBill2328
(AdolphRDelaware),a$29billionGeneralFundbudgetwithnotaxincreases,butwhichis
basedon$246.5millionintransfersfromspecialfunds,$95millioninadditionalnonimpact
naturalgasleasinginStateParksandForests,$20millioninDCNRtimbersalesand$75million
fromaPhiladelphiacasinolicensethatmayormaynothappen.AsummaryandHouseFiscal
Noteareavailable.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.ClickHereforacopyofthe
lineitemspreadsheet.ClickHereforthebudgetbalanceandtransferssheet.Thebillwassigned
intolawasAct1Awithlineitemveto.ClickHereformorebackground.

FiscalCode:RegulatingConventionalOilandGasWellsDifferentlyThanMarcellus
Wells:HouseBill278(BakerRTioga),theFiscalCodebillthatfollowstoimplement
provisionsintheGeneralFundbudgetwithprovisionscreatingnewprograms,including
requiringDEPtoregulateconventionaloilandgaswellsdifferentlythanMarcellusShalewells
whichneverpassedeithertheSenateorHouse,providesfortransfersfromspecialfundsand
otherchanges.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillwassignedintolawas
Act126.ClickHereformorebackground.

StormwaterManagement:SenateBill1255(EricksonRDelaware)providingadditional

stormwatermanagementoptionsformunicipalauthoritieswasremovedfromtheTable,referred
intoandoutoftheHouseAppropriationsCommitteeandpassedbytheHouse.Asummaryand
HouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct123.ClickHereformore
background.

LeadPlumbingBanUpdate:SenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)amendingthePlumbing
SystemLeadBanandNotificationAct.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.The
billwassignedintolawasAct55.ClickHereformorebackground.

LowRVPGasolineInPittsburgh:SenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)eventuallyeliminating
thelowRVPgasolinerequirementinPittsburghRegion.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteare
available.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct50.ClickHereformorebackground.

NuclearReactorFees:SenateBill1355(YawRLycoming)increasingnuclearreactorand
nuclearfueltransportationfees.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Itwassigned
intolawasAct190.ClickHereformorebackground.

LymeDiseaseTaskForce:SenateBill177(GreenleafRMontgomery)creatingtheLyme
DiseaseTaskForce.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillwassignedinto
lawasAct83.ClickHereformorebackground.

PublicDisasterGrants:SenateBill720(BakerRLuzerne)establishingthePublicDisaster
AssistanceGrantProgram.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Itwassignedinto
lawasAct187.ClickHereformoreinformation.

EnergyEfficiencyTechnology:HouseBill1672(MillerRYork)providingfortestingof
energyefficiencytechnologies.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Itwassigned
intolawasAct165.ClickHereformorebackground.

Oil&GasRoyalties:HouseBill402(PickettRBradford)furtherprovidingfortherecordingof
oilandgasleases.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Itwassignedintolawas
Act152.ClickHereformorebackground.

Oil&GasWellProductionReporting:HouseBill2278(PickettRBradford)requiring
monthlyreportingofoilandgasproductionfromunconventionaloilandgaswells.Asummary
andHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ItwassignedintolawasAct173.ClickHereformore
background.

GeospatialBoard:SenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingtheStateGeospatial
CoordinatingBoard.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Itwassignedintolawas
Act178.ClickHereformorebackground.

NewDEPAggregateAdvisoryBoard:SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)creatinga
AggregateAdvisoryBoardwithinDEP.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.The
GovernorsignedthebillintolawasAct137.ClickHereformorebackground.


LocalRecreationFees:HouseBill1052(FreemanDLehigh)furtherauthorizesusesforlocal
recreationfees.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.TheGovernorsignedthebill
intolawasAct135.ClickHereformorebackground.

AppalachianTrailLicensePlate:HouseBill770(MillerRYork)authorizinganAppalachian
TraillicenseplateandotherchangestotheVehicleCode.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNote
areavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct23.ClickHereformorebackground.

WhatCanWeExpectForTheEnvironmentNextLegislativeSession?

WiththeincreaseintheRepublicanmajoritiesinboththeSenateandHouse,inparticularmore
conservativemembers,wecanexpecttoseethereintroductionandconsiderationofseveral
environmentalbillsfromlastsession,includingthebillstoeliminatecertainprotectionsfor
endangeredspecies,createanunaffordableschemetofundunsustainablenutrientreduction
technology,legislationtorollbacktheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsandabilltofocus
moreattentionondevelopingthestatesoilindustry.
OfcoursetheprioritiesanddynamicswillbealittledifferentwithDemocratTomWolf
intheGovernorsOffice.
Wolfpromisedtointroduceanaturalgasseverancetax,expandtheuseofcleanenergy,
accelerateinvestmentinenergyefficiencyretrofits,takeresponsibleactiononclimatechange
andreducegreenhousegasemissionsandsetgreenbuildingstandardsforstatebuildings.Click
Hereformorebackground.
CommitteeChairs
TheChairsoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteearelikelyto
remainthesameSen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)asMajorityChairandSen.JohnYudichak
(DLuzerne)asMinorityChair.
TherewillbeanewMajorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
CommitteewiththeretirementofRep.RonMiller(RYork).Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware)is
expectedtoremainMinorityChair.
RepublicanBillsToBeReintroduced
TheconservativeRepublicanbillsexpectedtobereintroducedinclude
EliminatingProtectionsForEndangeredSpecies:SenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson)
andHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)thatwouldeliminatesomeprotectionsforendangered
speciesandsetadditionalrequirementsforadoptingWildTroutStreams.TheHouseBilldied
ontheHouseCalendar.TheSenateBillremainedintheSenateGameandFisheriesCommittee.
ClickHereforbackgroundonthebill.
NutrientReductionWatershedScheme:SenateBill994(VogelRBeaver)wouldconstruct
anunaffordableschemetofundonetechnologythatclaimstoreducenutrientsfrommanure.The
billdiedontheSenateTabledCalendar.ClickHereforbackgroundonthebill.
PAGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncil:SenateBill1310(HutchinsonR
Venango)creatingthePAGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncilwithinDEPdiedinthe
HouseStateGovernmentCommittee.Sponsorsummary.
RollbackOfAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards:HouseBill1912(SankeyR
Clearfield)whichwouldrepealtheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsadoptedin2004that

requireselectriccompaniestoobtain15percentoftheirpowerfromrenewablesourcesby2023.
Sponsorsummary.
NaturalGasSeveranceTax
WithanaturalgasseverancetaxhighontheagendaofGov.ElectWolf,proposals
introducedinthepastmayserveasamodelforthefuture.Theyinclude
SenateBill1370,introducedbynowLt.Gov.ElectMichaelStack,isacomprehensive
packagemakingchangestotheMarcellusShaleregulatoryprogramaswellasimposinga5
percentseverancetax.Sponsorsummary.
SenateBill1333(HughesDPhiladelphia,YudichakDLuzerne)wouldenacta5percent
severancetaxonnaturalgasproductionwiththeproceedsgoingtofundeducation,
environmentalandeconomicdevelopment.ClickHereformorebackground.
SenateBill1349(EricksonRDelaware)imposingafourpercentseverancetaxonnaturalgas
productionanddevotesalloftherevenueitgeneratestofundingbasiceducation.ClickHerefor
morebackground.
SenateBill1359(FerloDAllegheny)themostcomprehensiveproposaltofundenvironmental
andotherconservationprogramsusinganewseverancetaxonnaturalgasproduction.Click
Hereformorebackground.
HouseBill2358(DiGirolamoRBucks)providingfortheimpositionofa4.9percentnatural
gasseverancetaxtoreplacethedrillingimpactfees.ClickHereformorebackground.
LegislationLikelyToBeReintroduced
OtherlegislationthatdidntmakeitthroughboththeSenateandHousewillalsolikelybe
introduced
AlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards:HouseBill100(VitaliDDelaware)would
increasethesolarmandateintheAEPSandmakeotherchanges.ClickHereforasponsor
summary.
GreenStateBuildings:HouseBill34(HarperRMontgomery)[sponsorsummary]and
SenateBill1061(RaffertyRMontgomery)[sponsorsummary]settinggreenbuildingstandards
forstateownedorleasedbuildingsbothdiedintheSenate.
BackupGenerators:HouseBill1699(RossRChester)settingairqualitystandardsfor
backupgeneratorsdiedintheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.Click
HereforHousesummary.
ShaleGasHealthAdvisoryPanel:SenateBill555(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishaHealth
AdvisoryPanelonShaleGasExtractionandNaturalGasUse.Sponsorsummary.
LeasingDCNRLandForAlternativeEnergyDevelopment:SenateBill684(WozniakD
Cambria)furtherprovidingfortheleasingofDCNRlandsforwind,solarandotherenergy
projectsdiedintheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.Sponsorsummary.
LeasingStateLandsForMineralDevelopment:SenateBill1443(WhiteRIndiana)
amendingtheIndigenousMineralResourcesDevelopmentActtoauthorizedstateagencies
(otherthanDCNR)toreleasemineralrightswhethertheyownedthesurfacerightsornotdiedin
theHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
NaturalGasRoyalties:Severalbillsdealingwithnaturalgasroyaltyissuesarealsoexpected
tobereintroduced
HouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimumroyalty
paymentinstatelawdiedontheHouseCalendarforaction.ClickHereformorebackground.
SenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)wouldexpandupontheOilandGasLeaseActby

allowingroyaltyinterestownerstheopportunitytoinspectrecordsofnaturalgascompaniesto
verifyproperpayments.Inaddition,thebillrequiresallroyaltypaymentsbemadewithin60
daysofproductionunlessotherwisestatedinthecontract.Anydelinquentpaymentsaretobe
paidwithinterest.ThebilldiedintheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
Sponsorsummary.
SenateBill1237(YawRLycoming)wouldprohibitagascompanyfromretaliating
againstanyroyaltyinterestownerbyterminatingtheirleaseagreementorceasingdevelopment
onleasedpropertybecausearoyaltyinterestownerquestionstheaccuracyofcurrentroyalty
payments.Companiesfoundtohaveviolatedtheprovisionsofthisactfacecivilpenaltiesofup
to$1,000perday.ThebilldiedintheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
Sponsorsummary.
SenateBill1238(YawRLycoming)wouldrequireagascompanytorecorda
surrenderdocumentinthecountyRecorderofDeedsofficewheretheoilandgaswellislocated
within30daysuponexpiration,termination,orforfeitureofanoilandgaslease.Thesurrender
documentwillreleasethegascompanysinterestsintheoilandgas.Thisissimilartowhata
mortgagecompanywouldberequiredtodoafteramortgagewaspaidinfull.Thebilldiedin
theHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.Sponsorsummary.
Sewer/WaterP2Partnerships:HouseBill2239(EvankovichRArmstrong)authorizing
publicprivatepartnershipsforsewer,water,schooldistrictprojectsdiedontheHouseTabled
Calendar.Sponsorsummary.
DrinkingWaterWellStandards:Lesscertainiswhetherthelegislationtosetdrinkingwater
wellstandardswillbereintroduced.HouseBill343(MillerRYork)andanotherversionofthe
legislationSenateBill1461(VanceRCumberland)bothdiedintheSenateEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommittee.ClickHereformorebackground.
OtherStuff
AsaresultoftheHouseadoptionofHouseResolution925(RappRForest)in
September,theJointStateGovernmentCommissionwillbeconductingayearlongstudyofthe
environmentalimpactofwindturbines,ascomparedtocoal,naturalgas,oilandnuclearpower,
inPennsylvania,inparticularonmigratorybirdsandofforestremoval.
Thefactorstobeanalyzedinclude
NumberofwindturbinesoperatinginPennsylvaniaandtheirowners
Agenciesthatoverseetheoperationofwindturbines
Sourcesandamountsofsubsidiesforwindturbines
Windturbinesimprintacreageandeffectsonwildlifeand
Windturbinesimpactontheelectricgrid.
NewsClips:
StateFiscalTroublesComeEarly
NoDecisionYetOnOpening201516LegislativeSession
OfficialNoticeIncreasingSalariesOfPAPublicOfficials
LeavingOffice,RonMillerPondersFamilyFarm,TomWolf

Gov.ElectWolfNamesBudgetTaskForceMembers,InauguralCommitteeChairs

GovelectTomWolfunveiledthemembersofhisBudgetDeficitandFiscalStabilizationTask
ForceTuesday.ThegroupisassignedtodealwiththestatesbudgetdeficitandwillbeChaired

byMarySoderberg.JoshShapirowillserveasViceChair.ClickHereforafullmembership
list.
Pennsylvaniaisfacingchallengingeconomictimes,amultibilliondollarbudgetdeficit,
andnegativecashflowprojections,saidGov.electTomWolf.MyBudgetDeficitandFiscal
StabilizationTaskForcewillgettoworktodeterminethescopeofthechallengesfacing
PennsylvaniaandbegintodiscusshowwecangetPennsylvaniasfiscalhouseinorder.
WolfalsoannouncedGov.EdRendellasHonoraryChairofhisInauguralCommittee
andMaryIsenhour,asenioradvisortohiscampaign,andReidWalsh,DirectorofOperationsfor
hiscampaign,asCoChairs.ClickHereformorebackground.
ClickHereforamapshowingthelocationofWolfstransitionappointmentssofar.
ClickHereforprevioustransitionteamappointments.Formoreinformation,visittheWolf
Transitionwebsite.
NewsClips:
StateFiscalTroublesComeEarly
NoDecisionYetOnOpening201516LegislativeSession
OfficialNoticeIncreasingSalariesOfPAPublicOfficials

SenateGOPLeadersAnnounceChangesInLeadershipStaff,NoDecisionOnSession

ChangestoSenateRepublicanLeadershipseniorstaffwilltakeplacewiththebeginningofthe
201516legislativesession,accordingtoSenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati
(RJefferson),Sen.JakeCorman(RCentre),Sen.PatBrowne(RLehigh)andSen.John
Gordner(RColumbia).
DrewCromptonwasnamedGeneralCounseloftheCaucusandwillcontinueasChief
ofStaffforSen.Scarnati.MarkMeyerwilltakeonthepositionofChiefofStafftothe
MajorityLeader,acontinuationofhisroleasChiefofStafftoSen.Corman.
ThepositionofChiefCounseltotheMajorityLeaderwillbefilledbyDaveThomas.In
additiontomanaginglegalresponsibilitieswithinSen.Cormansoffice,hewillalsoserveas
FloorCounseltotheMajorityLeader,aswellastheCaucus.
ServingasDeputyChiefCounseltotheMajorityLeaderwillbeKathyEakin.Ms.
EakinhasworkedfortheCommonwealthforover35years,includingasDeputyGeneral
CounselforLegislationandSecretaryofLegislativeAffairsforGov.RidgeandCounseltothe
SenateRepublicanCaucusandSenateJudiciaryCommittee.
JoiningthelegalteamasDeputyCounseltotheMajorityLeaderwillbeDianeAcri.
Shebringsmorethan23yearsofexperienceworkinginstategovernmentandgovernment
relations.
ClickHereforthecompleteannouncement.
TherehasbeennodecisionyetbySenateandHouseRepublicansonwhethertherewill
bearealvotingsessionbeforeGov.CorbettleavesofficeJanuary20.
NewsClips:
SenateGOPLeadershipFillsSeniorStaffPositions
NoDecisionYetOnOpening201516LegislativeSession
OfficialNoticeIncreasingSalariesOfPAPublicOfficials
OpEd:LameDuckSessionRisky,ButCouldBeBeneficial
OpEd:LameDuckSession?NoThanks

Editorial:PALeadersRaiseNotAMeritIncrease

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle

PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour
Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditor
DavidHess,andletusjoinyourCircle.
Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,
Weekly,Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource.
YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,daily
NewsClipsandlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos.

AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates

PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.

PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
andannouncementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupand
receiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupfora
oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.NEW!Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.

PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
includingNewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveasthey
arepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedaily
emailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.

PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigest
TwitterfeedtogetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaState
Capitol.

Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule

HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestas
wellasalistofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

BillCalendars

House(AdjournedSineDie):TheHouseadjournedandnomorevotingsessiondaysare
scheduled.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar.

Senate(AdjournedSineDie):AllbillsleftontheSenateCalendarwereTabledwhenthe
SenateadjournedasisthecustomintheSenate.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar.

CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek

House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.

Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.

SessionSchedule

HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse

House
January6201516SessionoftheGeneralAssemblyconvenes

Senate
January6201516SessionoftheGeneralAssemblyconvenes

NewsFromTheCapitol

Sen.YawAppointedToChesapeakeBayCommission

Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming),MajorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommittee,hasbeenappointedbySenatePresidentProTemporeJosephScarnatito
serveasamemberofthetristateChesapeakeBayCommission.
IampleasedtoappointSen.YawtoserveasamemberoftheChesapeakeBay
Commission,SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnatisaid.AsChairmanoftheSenate
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,Sen.Yawhasbeenachampionforadvancing
numerousimportantenvironmentalprotectionmeasures.Iamconfidentthathewillprovide
stronginsightandgoodperspectiveasamemberoftheCommission.
Formorethantwodecades,theCommissionhasbeenaleaderinBaywideenvironmental
protectionandrestorationeffortsthroughoutMaryland,PennsylvaniaandVirginia.The
Commissionhaspromotedpolicyinitiativesintheareasofnutrientreduction,fisheries
management,toxicsremediation,pollutionprevention,habitatrestorationandlandmanagement.
PennsylvaniaplaysanimportantroleinmeetingthegoalsoftheChesapeakeBay
Program,Sen.Yawsaid.IamhonoredtoreceivethisappointmentbySenatorScarnatiand
lookforwardtoservingalongsidemycolleaguefromLycomingCounty,Rep.GarthEverett
(R84),ontheCommission.
InadditiontoSen.YawandRep.GarthEverett(RLycoming),nineteenothermembers
definetheCommissionsidentify,determineitsdirectionandshareitsworkload.
FifteenarestatelegislatorsandincludeSen.RichardAlloway(RFranklin)Rep.Ron
Miller(RYork)(retired)andstateRep.MichaelSturla(DLancaster)threearecabinetlevel
secretaries,includingPennsylvaniaEnvironmentalProtectionActingSecretaryDanaAunkstand
threecitizenrepresentatives,includingG.WarrenElliottofChambersburg.
Thefullrangeofurban,suburbanandrurallifeenjoyedinthewatershedisrepresented
onthebipartisanCommission,witheachmembercontributinghisorheruniqueperspective
knowledgeandexpertise.

TheChesapeakeBayCommissionwasestablishedin1980toassistthestatesin
cooperativelymanagingtheChesapeakeBay.TheCommonwealthofPennsylvaniabecamea
memberin1985.PartoftheChesapeakeBayCommissionsultimategoalistocleanup
pollution,restorehabitatsandprotectfishandwildlife.
ThesenatedistrictIamproudtorepresentisuniqueinthatitincludesboththeNorth
BranchandtheWestBranchoftheSusquehannaRiver,thelargesttributaryoftheChesapeake
Bay,Sen.Yawadded.Itisveryimportantthatwecontinuetoworkwitharealandowners,
farmers,conservationistsandlocalofficialstoachievethebestpossibleresultsforacleaner
ChesapeakeBay.
NewsClips:
Report:MidstateDamsSendPollutantsToChesapeakeBay
MillionsInUpgradesNeededToAddressHGBCleanWaterViolations
DrillCuttingsApprovedForHazletonReclamationProject
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

NovemberEnvironmentalSynopsisNowAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee

TheNovembereditionofEnvironmentalSynopsisisnowavailablefromtheJointLegislative
AirandWaterPollutionandConservationCommitteefeaturingarticleson
PANationalLeaderInRailsToTrails
NewEPAMercuryEmissionStandard
WaterConsumptionFallsAcrossTheU.S.
DukeExaminesLocalRevenueFromOilandGas
GreenCeilingInsideEnvironmentalOrganizations
HurricaneSandyWasNotTheBigOne
SummaryOfKeepPABeautifulEnvironmentalIssuesForum
ToreceiveyourowncopyofSynopsis,sendyouremailto:MichaelNerozziat:
mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheJointConservation
Committee.AlsofollowtheJointCommitteeonFacebookandTwitter.

NewsFromAroundTheState

DEPHoldsDec.17WebinarOnImplementingNewBufferLegislation

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannounceditwillholdawebinarat11
a.m.onDecember17todiscusstheimplementationofAct162.
OnOctober23,2014,Gov.CorbettsignedHouseBill1565intolaw,creatingAct162.
Theactchangeswhatprojectsaresubjecttothemandatoryriparianbufferrequirementsin
Chapter102.ThewebinarwillprovideanoverviewofDEPsproposedimplementationofthe
act,includingbufferequivalencydemonstrationsandoffsettingguidance.
Thewebinarisgearedtoward,butnotlimitedto,countyconservationdistricts,
developers,transportationengineersandminingoperators.
Act162willgointoeffectonDecember21.DEPplanstoissueinterimtechnical
guidancerelatedtotheequivalencydemonstrationandtheoffsettingguidanceinadvanceofthe

effectivedate.Theseguidancedocumentswillconcurrentlygothroughthepublicparticipation
process.
Preregistrationisrequiredtoparticipateinthewebinar.Toregister,visitDEPswebsite.
ThewebinarwillberecordedandpostedontheDEPwebsiteforfutureviewing.
Formoreinformation,call7177873411.

DEPCelebrates10thAnniversaryOfPotomacRiverPartnership

OnNovember20,ActingDEPSecretaryDanaAunkstjoinedfederal,stateandlocalofficialsin
Gettysburg,AdamsCounty,attheannualmeetingand10thanniversaryofthePotomac
Partnership,auniquepublicprivatepartnershipformedtosafeguarddrinkingwatersourcesfor
morethanfivemillionpeopleinthePotomacRiverBasin.
Duringthemeeting,Aunksttoutedtherecent30thanniversaryofPennsylvania'sSafe
DrinkingWaterActandreaffirmedthestate'scommitmenttothePotomacPartnership.The
meetingalsohighlightedthe40thanniversaryofthefederalSafeDrinkingWaterActand
includeddiscussiononkeysuccessesandemergingchallengesinthewatershed.
ThePotomacPartnershipiscomprisedofmorethan20governmentagenciesandwater
suppliers.Formoreinformation,visitthePotomacPartnershipwebpage.

(ReprintedfromtheNov.26DEPNews,ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy,readback
issues.)

ApplyNowForWRENWatershedEducationOpportunityGrants

ThePALeagueofWomenVotersWaterResourcesEducationNetworkisnowaccepting
applicationsforitsWatershedEducationOpportunityGrantsoffrom$100to$300.The
deadlineforapplicationsisDecember30.ClickHereforallthedetails.

SuccessfulStormwaterManagementTrainingHeldInHarrisburg

StafffromDEPsSouthcentralRegionalOfficeWaterwaysandWetlandsProgramconducteda
successfulstormwatermanagementtrainingonNovember13inHarrisburg,DauphinCountyas
partofanongoingoutreachinitiativeamongtheregulatedcommunity.
Participantslearnedabouthowtofocusonpostconstructionstormwatermanagementin
theinitialsiteplanningofadevelopment.Thetrainingalsotaughtattendeeshowtoidentifythe
appropriatepermitsforconstructionanddesignactivitiesandhowDEPreviewsapplicationsfor
thosepermits.
About120peopleattendedthedaylongworkshopwhichincludedrepresentativesfrom
consultingfirms,butalsoincludeddevelopersandcontractorsandfromasfarawayassouthern
VirginiaandOhio.
ThePAAssociationofConservationDistrictsworkedwithDEPtoprovidethistraining.
Thedepartmentisconsideringthepotentialforfuturetrainingsduetothehighattendanceand
positivefeedback.
Formoreinformationonstormwatermanagementplanning,visitDEPsMunicipal
Stormwaterwebpage.


(ReprintedfromtheNov.26DEPNews,ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy,readback
issues.)

NationalCoastalOceanScienceCenterHelpsPAPrepareForLakeErieBlooms

WhenGov.TomCorbettlearnedofthelargetoxiccyanobacteria(bluegreenalgae)bloomthat
disruptedthedrinkingwatersupplyforhundredsofthousandsofOhioscitizens,heexpressed
confidencehisstatewasproactivelyplanningtomitigateanypotentialhumanhealthimpacts
fromtoxiccyanobacteriablooms.
ThisconfidencegrewfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionleadinga
PennsylvaniaLakeErieHarmfulAlgalBloomTaskForceandMonitoringandResponse
Strategypilotedinthesummerof2014.Bothstemmedfroma2013NationalCentersforCoastal
OceanScienceHABEventResponseproject.
ThestrategyliststheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationasapossible
partnercontributingresearchonenvironmentalconditionsthatpromoteHABdevelopmentfor
predictivepurposesandsupporttoaddressHABsciencepriorities.

(ReprintedfromtheNov.26DEPNews,ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy,readback
issues.)

WilliamsportDrinkingWaterTreatmentPlantEarnsPresidentsAward

TheCityofWilliamsportrecentlyreceivedthePresidentsAwardfromthePartnershipforSafe
Water,analliancetoimprovethequalityofwaterdeliveredtoconsumers.ThePresidents
Awardrecognizesachievingstringentindividualfilterperformancegoalsforturbidity.
WilliamsportisthefifthwaterplantinPennsylvaniatoreceivethisaward.Therearefour
phasestothePSW.ThePresidentsAwardisanintermediateawardbetweenPhasesIIIandIV
andisintendedtobeasignificantsteppingstonetowardaccomplishingthehighestpossiblelevel
ofperformancethatcanbeachievedintheprogram,whichisPhaseIV.Onlytwoplantsin
PennsylvaniahaveachievedPhaseIV.
ThePSWincludesDEP,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,thePASection
AmericanWaterWorksAssociationandotherdrinkingwaterorganizations.Itsgoalisto
implementpreventativemeasuresthatarebasedonoptimizingtreatmentplantperformance.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPsSurfaceWaterFiltrationwebpage,orcontactKevin
Andersonat7177839764orsendemailto:keanderson@pa.gov.

(ReprintedfromtheNov.26DEPNews,ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy,readback
issues.)

SRBCMeetsDec.5ToConsiderDrillingWaterWithdrawalRuleChanges

TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionisconductingitsnextbusinessmeetingDecember5
at9:00a.m.,MillerSenateOfficeBuilding,PresidentsConferenceRoomEast,11Bladen
Street,Annapolis,Maryland21401.Themeetingisopentothepublic.

Thecommissionerswillactonseveralagendaitems,including21projectapplications(1
involvinganintobasindiversion)arulemakingactiontoclarifythewaterusesinvolvedin
hydrocarbondevelopmentthataresubjecttotheconsumptiveuseregulations,asimplementedby
theApprovalByRuleprogramaresolutionurgingtheU.S.Congresstoprovidefinancial
supporttotheNationalStreamflowInformationProgramaresolutionconcerningdelegationof
authorityregulatorycompliancematterswithLionBrewery,Inc.,LHPManagement,LLC,and
SouthwesternEnergyProductionCompanytransferofapprovalfromSunburyGenerationLPto
HummelStationLLCrequestforwaiverfromFuturePowerPA,LLCandcontractsandgrants.
SRBCwillalsoofferapresentationonrecentwaterqualityandbiologicalcharacterizationsthe
CommissionhasundertakenforthereservoirsonthelowerSusquehannaRiver.
Opportunitiesforpubliccommentontherulemakingactionandprojectapplicationswere
providedpreviouslyhowever,SRBCmayacceptgeneralpubliccommentsattheconclusionof
themeeting.
SRBCsrulesofconductforquarterlybusinessmeetingsinclude:
Allpersonsmustsigninandshowphotoidentification.
Signage,posters,bannersorotherdisplaymediawillbepermittedonlyindesignatedareas.
Thepresswillbepermittedtosetupandusevideoandrecordingdevicesinadesignatedarea.
Thepublicwillbepermittedtousesmall,handhelddevicesthatremainintheirpossession
andareusedinanondisruptivemanner.
Toviewthecompleteagendawiththelistofprojectapplicationsandthefullsetofrules
ofconductaswellasparkingoptions,visitSRBCsPublicParticipationwebpage.

NovemberWaterPolicyNewsFromWaterResourcesEducationNetwork

TheNovembereditionofWaterPolicyNewsisnowavailablefromthePALeagueofWomen
VotersWaterResourcesEducationNetworkfeaturingarticleson
ASWEETYearForDrinkingWaterProtectionPartnerships
DrinkingWaterProtectionProjectsGetBoostFromWRENGrants(ProjectProfiles)
ProtectingForestedWatershedsIsSmartEconomicsForWaterUtilities
Business&Water,APerfectPartnershipThroughAdoptAStreamsite
RegisterYourVoteForThe2015RiverOfTheYear
AWWA:WaterQualityAndTreatmentCostSurveyIsNowOpen
OpportunitiesToCommentOnDrinkingWaterRelatedProposals
WRENWatershedEducation/SourceWaterProtectionGrantsOpeningInJanuary
FundingOpportunitiesAvailableRelatedToProtectingDrinkingWater
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy.

DEPSetsDec.3SewageAdvisoryCommitteeWorkgroupMeeting

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionhasscheduledameetingoftheSewageAdvisory
CommitteeWorkgroupforDecember3startingat9:00inthe12thFloorConferenceRoom,
RachelCarsonBuildinginHarrisburg.(formalnotice)
Noagendaforthemeetingwasposted.ContactJohnDiehl,BureauofPointand
NonPointSourceManagement,at7177832941orsendemailtojdiehl@pa.govformore
information.


CallForPresentationsForPennsylvaniaBrownfieldsConferenceInErie

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheEngineersSocietyofWestern
PennsylvaniaMondayannouncedacallforpresentationsforthenextPennsylvaniaBrownfields
ConferencetobeheldMay1315,2015,attheErieBayfrontConventionCenterinErie.
PresentationproposalsareduebyDecember12.ClickHeretosubmitpresentation
proposals.
TheConferenceisalsosolicitingnominationsfortheBestOfTheBestLandRecycling
Contest.SubmittalsaredueJanuary31.
Presentationsshouldaddresstopicssuchaslanduseplanning,communityrenewal,
remediationtechnology,andpublicengagementtoeducateengineers,stakeholdersandlocal
governmentofficials.
The2015conferencewillcommemoratethe20yearanniversaryofPennsylvaniasLand
RecyclingAct,thelawthatencouragedthevoluntarycleanupandreuseofcontaminated
commercialandindustrialsites.
Theconferencewillalsoincludemobileworkshopsavideoshowcaseofsuccessstories
technicalupdatesonmarkettrendsandtreatmentoptionsandatieredtrackofcoursesthatwill
providecontinuingeducationcreditsforprofessionalsattendingtheconference.
ThisyearsconferencewillalsoincludeanewBestoflandrecyclingcontest.
Stakeholdersareencouragedtonominatesuccessfulbrownfieldsredevelopmentprojectsforthe
contest.Alltypesofbrownfieldprojectsareencouragedtheycanbeupto20yearsold.
Organizersholdtheconferenceindifferentregionsofthestateeachyearanddevelop
conferencecontentwithinputfromanadvisorypanelofindustryexperts.Thisisthetenth
PennsylvaniaBrownfieldsConference.
Brownfieldsarepropertiesthatareinneedofexpansion,redevelopmentorreuse,but
becauseofactualoranticipatedhazardoussubstances,pollutantsorcontaminants,thatworkis
mademorechallenging.
Pennsylvaniasapproachtobrownfieldsredevelopmenthasproventobeanationalmodel
fortransformingabandoned,idlepropertiesintoplacesofenvironmentalprotectionand
economicopportunity.
Generalregistrationfortheconferencewillopeninthewinter.Interestedpersonsshould
visittheEngineersSocietyofWesternPennsylvaniasFacebookandwebsiteforconference
updates.
Formoreinformation,visittheConferencewebpage.Tolearnmoreaboutbrownfields
redevelopmentgenerally,visitDEPsLandRecyclingwebpageorcall7177831566.

DEPMakesRequestToImplementFederalMedicalWasteIncineratorsPlan

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofitsrequestfordelegationof
authoritytoimplementthefederalhospital,medicalandinfectiouswasteincineratorsplanand
noticeofaJanuary6publichearingintheNovember29PABulletin.ClickHereforacopyof
therequest.

PennDOTInvitesPrivateIndustryToSubmitQualificationsForCNGFuelingStations


ThestatesPublicPrivateTransportationPartnershipOfficeisinvitingtheprivatesectorto
submittheirqualificationstocompetefortheopportunitytodevelopcleanburningcompressed
naturalgas(CNG)fuelingstationsatpublictransitagenciesaroundthestatethatwouldalsobe
availableforusebythepublic.
Naturalgasisavaluableresourcethatprovidesaffordable,cleaneroptionsforvehicles
inPennsylvania,saidPennDOTSecretaryBarryJ.Schoch.Thisprojectwillensurewecan
capitalizeonthisresourceandalsobenefittheauthoritiesthatprovidevitaltransportation
services.
Theselectedprivatepartnerwilldesign,build,finance,operateandmaintainCNGfilling
stationsatupto37transitfacilities.EachfuelingsitemustprovideaccesstoCNGforpublic
transitandotherCNGvehicles.
Inaddition,PennDOTwillenterintoaCNGsupplycontractwiththeselectedpartneras
wellaspurchaseagreementswitheachofthetransitagencies.PennDOTwouldreceiveaportion
ofthefuelsalesrevenue,withthemoneybeingreturnedtotransitagenciestoassistwithfuture
capitalprojects.
TheprojectwasapprovedbythestatesP3BoardonSeptember29andPennDOThas
hostedanindustryforumtoeducatepotential,privatesectorstakeholdersonthescopeand
requirements.
Interestedproposersmustsubmitinhardcopytheirstatementsofqualificationstodesign,
build,finance,operateandmaintainCNGfillingstationstothePennDOTPublicPrivate
TransportationPartnershipOffice,P.O.Box3545,Harrisburg,PA17105,by11a.m.on
December23.
PartiescanviewsubmissionrequirementsontheUpdates,CurrentAdvertisements
webpage.
In2013,Pennsylvaniabecamethesecondlargestnaturalgasproducingstateinthe
nation.Theabundanceoflowcostnaturalgashasdrivenelectricandnaturalgaspricesdown
nearly40percentsince2008,savingtheaveragePennsylvaniaresidentnearly$1,200annuallyin
lowerenergycosts.Afterimporting75percentofitsnaturalgasjustfiveyearsago,
Pennsylvaniahasbecomeanetexporterofgasforthefirsttimeinmorethan100years.
Tolearnmore,visittheP3inPennsylvaniawebpage.

PUC:Electric,NaturalGasUtilitiesToHelpConsumersPrepareNowThisWinter

AsthePublicUtilityCommissionmarksthe12thyearofitsPrepareNowinitiative,todayit
issuedresponsesfromseveralelectricandnaturalgascompaniesthatrepliedtothe
CommissionsOctober24letterurgingutilitiestoreachoutandeducateconsumersthiswinter.
ThecompaniesresponsesareavailableonthePUCwebsite.
TheOctober24letter,whichwassignedbyallfivePUCCommissioners,wassentto
electricandnaturalgasutilitiesunderthePUCsjurisdictionaskingtheutilitiestojointhePUC
inreachingoutandeducatingconsumers,especiallythoseonlimitedandfixedincomes.
Thelettercontainedspecificsuggestionsastohowtheutilitiescanhelpbecausethe
utilitieshavemoreflexibilitytomakeallowancesforpaymenttroubledcustomersthanthePUC
doesunderthelaw.TheutilitiesareaskedtoinformthePUCofanyofthesuggestedactions
theyimplement.

ThePrepareNowcampaignprovidesconsumerswithsimpletipstolowertheirenergy
bills,includingshoppingforelectricityandnaturalgas,aswellastipstoconserveenergyaround
thehouse.Italsooffersinformationaboutlowincomeprogramsthathelpconsumersrestoreand
maintainservice.
Theletterencouragesconsumersonlimitedorfixedincomestocalltheirutilityabout
programstohelpheattheirhomesorpaytheirenergybillssuchasCustomerAssistance
Programs(CAPs)andLowIncomeUsageReductionPrograms(LIURP).
Italsoappealstothecompaniestoincreaseeffortstoeducateconsumerswithlimitedor
fixedincomesaboutspecialprogramssuchasCAPS,LIURPandbudgetbilling,whichassist
consumersinpayingtheirenergybillsandcontrollingtheirenergyusage,andatthesametime,
remindsthemoftheprovisionsunderChapter56ofthePublicUtilityCodethatimposean
obligationofgoodfaith,honestyandfairdealinginitsperformanceandenforcement.
ThePUCsmessageissimple:PrepareNowforwinterenergycosts.Learnmoreabout
conservation.Checkyourelectricandnaturalgasbillsandsuppliercontracts.Use
PAPowerSwitch.comtoshopforservice.Lookintoprogramsthathelplowincomecustomers
maintainservice.
Formoreinformation,visitthePUCsPrepareNowwebpageorcallthePUCat
18006927380orfollow#PrepareNowonTwitter.

DEPExtendsCommentPeriodForNorthamptonCountyCompressorStationAirPermit

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannouncedithasextendedthepublic
commentperiodfortheairqualityplanapprovalontheproposedEastonCompressorStationin
NorthamptonCountybytwoweeks.DEPwillacceptwrittencommentsuntil4p.m.on
December8.
TheplanapprovalapplicationwassubmittedinJanuaryof2014byColumbiaGas
TransmissionCorp.tomakemodificationstoitsexistingEastonCompressorStation.The
companyisproposingtoreplaceitstwoexistingturbineswithtwonewnaturalgasfired
compressorturbines,anemergencygeneratorandancillaryheatingsources.
ThedraftplanapprovalapplicationisavailableforreviewbythepublicatDEPs
NortheastRegionalOfficeinWilkesBarreandBethlehemDistrictOffice.Tomakean
appointment,residentsshouldcontacttheNortheastRegionalOfficeat5708262523,orthe
BethlehemDistrictOfficeat6108612070.
CommentsshouldbesubmittedtoMarkWejkszner,AirQualityProgramManager,2
PublicSquare,WilkesBarre,PA18701.
OnNovember10,DEPhostedapublicmeetingandhearingabouttheplanapproval
applicationatEastonAreaMiddleSchool.Residentsweregiventheopportunitytosubmitoral
andwrittencommentsduringthatmeeting.
Formoreinformation,call5708262511.

DEPSubmitsCommentsOnEPAsProposedGreenhouseGasRegulation

OnWednesdaytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsubmitteditsformalcommentson
EPAsproposedSection111(d)cleanpowergreenhousegasemissionreductionregulations
sayingwhileitrecognizestheauthorityforEPAtoreducecarbonemissions,EPAsproposed

regulationdoesnotdoititalawfulwayandinappropriatelydirectsnationalenergypolicy.
AcopyofDEPscommentsisavailableonline.Otherbackgroundinformationis
availableonDEPsCleanPowerPlanCommentswebpage.
NewsClips:
Sen.CaseyIsToTheRightOfMichaelKrancerOnClimate
CompanySeeksToReopenCoalMineInWashingtonCounty
OpEd:ACaseForMoreFossilFuelUse
OpEd:ClimateChangeViewsDiffer,WeMustEvolve
OpEd:WillCuttingCarbonKillCoal?OnlyIfIndustryFailsToAdapt
OpEd:CoalWastePowerPlantsCouldCloseOfEPARuleAdopted
EPAProposesStricterLimitsOnOzonePollution
ObamaToAnnounceSweepingNewOzoneStandards
SupremeCourtToHearArgumentsOverObamasWarOnCoal
SupremeCourtWillHearChallengeToEPAsMercuryRule
MillionsInPollutionFinesWentUnusedInAlleghenyCounty
FirstEnergySaysDemandResponsePutsPowerPlantsOutOfBusiness
PAsElectricityMarketBracesForAnotherWinter
DefaultRatesGoingUpForPPLCustomers
PPLRateUpAsBetterDealsMultiply
KingsCollegeBrighter,GreenerWithSolarDonation
Dec.3MeetingOnProposedWindmillInFosterTwp

4PACountiesWouldViolateNewOzoneStandardProposedByEPA

TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyWednesdayproposedtoreducetheozonepollution
standardtowithinarangeof65to70partsperbillion(ppb)tobetterprotectAmericanshealth
andtheenvironment,whiletakingcommentonalevelaslowas60ppb.
TheCleanAirActrequiresEPAtoreviewthestandardseveryfiveyearsbyfollowinga
setofopen,transparentstepsandconsideringtheadviceofapanelofindependentexperts.EPA
lastupdatedthesestandardsin2008,settingthemat75ppb.
InPennsylvania,fourcountieswouldnotmeettheproposed6570pp.standard:
Allegheny,Beaver,IndianaandPhiladelphiapotentiallyrequiringDEPtoadoptadditional
controlmeasuresonvolatileorganiccompoundsandnitrogenoxideemissionstomeetthe
standard.
Commentsontheproposalaredue90daysaftertheproposalarepublishedintheFederal
Register.EPAplanstoholdthreepublichearingsontheruleinJanuary.
Formoreinformation,visitEPAsOzoneStandardswebpage.
NewsClips:
EPAProposesStricterLimitsOnOzonePollution
ObamaToAnnounceSweepingNewOzoneStandards
SupremeCourtToHearArgumentsOverObamasWarOnCoal
SupremeCourtWillHearChallengeToEPAsMercuryRule
CompanySeeksToReopenCoalMineInWashingtonCounty
MillionsInPollutionFinesWentUnusedInAlleghenyCounty
Sen.CaseyIsToTheRightOfMichaelKrancerOnClimate

OpEd:ACaseForMoreFossilFuelUse
OpEd:ClimateChangeViewsDiffer,WeMustEvolve
OpEd:WillCuttingCarbonKillCoal?OnlyIfIndustryFailsToAdapt
OpEd:CoalWastePowerPlantsCouldCloseOfEPARuleAdopted
FirstEnergySaysDemandResponsePutsPowerPlantsOutOfBusiness
PAsElectricityMarketBracesForAnotherWinter
DefaultRatesGoingUpForPPLCustomers
PPLRateUpAsBetterDealsMultiply
KingsCollegeBrighter,GreenerWithSolarDonation
Dec.3MeetingOnProposedWindmillInFosterTwp

Nov.26DEPNewsNowAvailable

TheNovember26editionofDEPNewsisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protectionfeaturingarticleson
DEPCelebrates10thAnniversaryofPotomacRiverPartnership
DEPAwardsContractToExtinguishCoalRefuseFireInLackawannaCounty
DEP,EngineersSocietyCallForPresentationForPABrownfieldsConference
SuccessfulStormwaterManagementTrainingHeldInHarrisburg
NationalCoastalScienceCenterHelpsPAPrepareForLakeErieBlooms
Nearly$3MAwardedForReclamationProjectsInArmstrong,ClearfieldCounties
WilliamsportWaterTreatmentPlantEarnsPresidentsAward
TroutUnlimitedScoresVictoryForBrookTroutInTwomileRun
NRCSAcceptingApplicationsForFarmConservationPrograms
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy,readbackissues.

DCNRStateForestDistrictsOpeningAdditionalRoadsToHunters

WhenanewseasonopensMondayforPennsylvaniadeerhunters,newhuntinggroundswillbe
availabletothemaswelliftheytakeadvantageofadditionalstateforestroadaccessin18ofthe
20stateforestdistricts.
Whenhuntersseekingwhitetaileddeerheadforthehardwoodsfortheopeningofthe
statestraditionalseason,theywillfindmorethan90percentofallstateforestlandisnowwithin
onehalfmileofanopenroad,saidConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllen
Ferretti.SincethestartofarcheryseasoninearlyOctober,theBureauofForestryhasopened
morethan400additionalmilesofstateforestroadsthatnormallyaregated.
Throughthestatesarcheryseason,whichclosedNovember15,andthestatesotherdeer
huntingseasons,runningintoJanuary2015,morethan3,000milesofroadwaywillbeopento
huntersinstateforestlands.
Selective,temporaryopeningofstateforestroadsenablesourforestryexpertsto
channeldeerhuntingpressurewheretheythinkitisneededtobenefitforestregeneration,said
Ferretti.Werealsoofferinghunterswhoweviewasinvaluabletoolsandpartnersinboth
wildlifemanagementandforeststewardshipeasieraccesstosometimesremoteareasinthis
winwindecision.
Withthehunterinmind,DCNRrecentlyhaslaunchedanewinteractivemapofstate

forestlandsacrossthestateofferinginformationonnewlyopenedroads,timberharvesting
activity,forestryofficecontactnumbersandmore.Themapcanbeviewedonline.
Ferrettinotedsomeoftheadditionalroadswillbeopenonlyduringdeerseasonandat
thediscretionofthedistrictforester.Othersonlywillbeopenedforthesecondweekofthe
traditionalrifleseasonbecausetheycannotwithstandtheexpectedheavytrafficofthefirst
week.Twoorthreemonthlongopeningswillbeineffectonlywherethereisminimalthreatof
damageordeteriorationtoroadsurfacesorforestsurroundings.
Manystateparks,especiallythoseinthe12countyPennsylvaniaWildsregion,offer
inexpensivecampingandaccesstotopqualityhuntinginnearbypublicforestlands.
Primitivecampingonstateforestlandsalsoisanoption,givinghuntersabackcountry
campingorhuntingexperience.Campingpermits,issuedbythemanagingforestdistrict,are
requiredwhencampingonstateforestlands.
ManyofthesecampsitesareclosetostateparksandforestlandsenrolledintheGame
CommissionsDeerManagementAssistanceProgram,permittinghunterstotakeoneantlerless
deerormorewhenproperlylicensed.Huntersareadvisedtocheckwithstateforestsdistrict
headquartersorstateparkofficesaboutavailability.
Hunterstravelingtosomenorthcentralareasofthestateareremindedsomehunting
areasandtravelroutesmaybeimpactedbyMarcellusShalerelatedactivities.Somestateforest
roadsmaybetemporarilyclosedduringdrillingoperationsorotherpeakperiodsofheavyuseto
reducepotentialsafetyhazards.
Toavoidpotentialconflictsonstateforestroadsduringtimesofhighpublicuse,DCNR
attemptstolimitorrestricttrucktrafficattheoutsetofmajorhuntingandfishingseasons.
Also,huntersinSproulStateForestareremindedalargescaleacidmineremediation
projectisunderwaynearRenovowithheavytrucktraffic.A1.5milesectionofBoyerRoad,a
stateforestroad,willbeclosedbuttheprojectsmajorimpactistheclosureofTwoMileRoad,a
publicroad,fromtheHulingBranchParkingLottoRobbinsFarmRoad.Accessintothatarea
willbefromRoute144oneitherBigBasinorQuarterMileroads.
Moreinformationandadetailedmapofthe100acreHulingBranchreclamationproject
canbefoundonDCNRsStateForestRoadsandTrailsAdvisorieswebpage.
Acompletelistingofopenroads,effectivedatesanddistrictofficetelephonenumbers
canbeobtainedonDCNRsWhitetailedDeerinPennsylvaniasForestswebpage.
MarcellusShaleinformationcanbefoundontheNaturalGasDrillingonStateForests
webpage.
CampingopportunitiesanddetailscanbefoundonboththeForestryandStatePark
webpages.

NewFossilDiscoveredByDCNR'sGeologicSurveyStaff

PennsylvaniahasanewgenusandspeciesoffossildiscoveredbyDCNRBureauofTopographic
andGeologicSurvey.Beforethisdiscovery,theoldestknownfossilofthisinfraorder
Stenopodidea,knownasbarberpoleshrimpwasthoughttobe99millionyearsold.
Thenewdiscovery,Devonostenopuspennsylvaniensis,pushestheexistenceofthis
shrimpback260millionmoreyears,nowtheoldestexampleofaStenopodidean.
CongratulationstoDCNRsKristenHandandRoseAnnaBehrwhorecognizedthefossil
inarockcoredrilledforamappingprojectinTiogaStateForestinnorthcentralPennsylvania.

Theshrimpwasfound502feetbelowthelandsurfaceina2inchdiametercoreholethatwas
drilledincooperationwithBureauofForestry.
Itposesasignificantimpactnotonlytotheworldofpaleontology,butalsotowhatwe
thoughtweknewabouthowtheearthlookedhereinPennsylvania360millionyearsago,said
Hand.TheHuntleyMountainFormation,basedonearlierresearch,issupposedtobeanareaof
braidedstreamdeposits,butthepresenceofthissaltwatershrimptellsuswithoutadoubtthat
forthistimeperiodwehadasignificantfloodingeventthatbroughtsealevelupandinlandquite
far.
Thisfloodingwasprobablybroughtonbyclimatevariations.
Formoreinformation,readthearticleaboutthediscoveryintheJournalofPaleontology.

(ReprintedfromtheNovember26issueofDCNRsResourcenewsletter.)

Nov.26DCNRResourceNewsletterNowAvailable

TheNovember26issueoftheResourcenewsletterisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResourcesfeaturingarticleson
DCNRUnveilsConservationPlanForPAsThreatenedHemlock
ControlledDeerHuntsToBeHeldAtRidleyCreekStatePark
TroutUnlimitedScoresVictoryForBrookTroutInTwomileRun
VenisonDonationsSoughtByHuntersSharingTheHarvest
PointStateParkHostsSteelCitySalutesTheTroops
DiverseGroupRalliesAroundBridgeSpanningSlateRun,LycomingCounty
EnhancePennsWoodsReplaces3BridgesInForbesStateForest
NewFossilDiscoveredByDCNRsGeologicSurveyStaff
DCNRAppointsManagerAtCaledoniaStatePark
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy(bottomofthepage).

NowYouCanCommentOnPAEnvironmentDigestDailyBlogPostings

YounowhavetheopportunitytoofferyourconstructivecommentsoneachpostingonthePA
EnvironmentDigestDailyBlog.Thisuptotheminutesourceofinformationonenvironmental
issuesaffectingPennsylvaniaisnowmoreinteractivethanever.Youcanalsosignuptoreceive
adailyemailofpostingsmadethatdayontheBlogoraddtheBlogtoyourRSSfeed.Formore
information,visitthePAEnvironmentDigestDailyBlog.
YoucanalsosubscribetothePAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeedifthatismore
convenient.

PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents

Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredin
upcomingadvisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased.Italsogivesyou
aheadsuponHouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,conferencesandotherinterestingevents.
MeetingsareinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.
NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.[AgendaNotPosted]meansnotpostedwithin2weeks

oftheadvisorycommitteemeeting.GototheonlineCalendarwebpageforupdates.

December2CANCELED.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice)

December3NEW.[AgendaNotPosted]DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteeWorkgroup
meeting12thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)

December4DEPOpenHouseOnRadonIssuesInLehighValley.UpperSauconTownship
MunicipalBuilding,5500CampMeetingRd.,CenterValley.4:00to8:00p.m.

December4PlasticsSymposiumSustainableManufacturing&RecyclingMarketsSummit.
BestWesternConferenceCenter,800EastParkDr.,Harrisburg.

December5NewMeetingLocation.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.Miller
SenateOfficeBuilding,President'sConferenceRoom,11BladenStreet,Annapolis,MD.9:00.
(formalnotice)(formalnotice)

December9[AgendaNotPosted]DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12th
FloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December9CANCELED.DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,
286IndustrialParkRoad,Ebensburg.10:00.(formalnotice)

December910DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearing/meeting.WashingtonCrossing
HistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRd.,WashingtonCrossing,PA.(formalnoticeagenda)

December10AgendaPosted.DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewater
SystemsOperatorsmeeting10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December10DEPMeeting,HearingonProposedHazardousWasteStorageandTreatment
Facility,FalslTownship,BucksCounty.FallsTownshipBuilding,188LincolnHighway,Suite
100,FairlessHills,Pa.7:00.(formalnoticePABulletinpage6715)

December11CANCELED.DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room
105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:15.(formalnotice)

December11[AgendaNotPosted]DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.
14thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)

December11AgendaPosted.DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.
Room206BureauofLaboratoriesBuilding,2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:00.(formal
notice)
LaboratoryAccreditationProgramUpdate
DiscussionofChapter252DraftFeeTable

SafeDrinkingWaterActQualifiedDataDiscussion
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts

December11EnergyForThePowerOf32Counties,4States,1EnergyFuture.Pittsburgh.

December16CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.

December16DEPhearingonproposedredesignationofPittsburghBeaverValleyAreaas
attainingthePM2.5standard.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDr.,Pittsburgh.
1:00.(formalnotice)

December17NEW.DEPwebinaronimplementationofAct162changestostreambuffer
requirements.11:00.Preregistrationisrequiredtoparticipateinthewebinar.Toregister,visit
DEPswebsite.ThewebinarwillberecordedandpostedontheDEPwebsiteforfutureviewing.

December17DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,
909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00.

December17DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoard.14thFloorConference
Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)

December18DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room
105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December22DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOperatorsmeeting.
11thFloorConferenceRoomB,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

January6201516SessionoftheGeneralAssemblyopens.

January6NEW.DEPhearingonrequestfordelegationofauthoritytoimplementthefederal
hospital,medicalandinfectiouswasteincineratorsplan.ClickHereforacopyoftherequest.
12thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.1:00.(formalnotice)

January1620NorthAmericanResidentialEnvironmentalLearningCenterConference.
PoconoEnvironmentalEducationCenter,PikeCounty.

January20GovernorsInaugurationDay.

January21NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
9:00.(tentative)

January21NEW.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.(tentative)

March3GovernorsBudgetAddress.(tentative)


May68PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionalsAnnualConference.ToftreesResort,
StateCollege.

May1315DEPandEngineers'SocietyofWesternPennsylvania2015Pennsylvania
BrownfieldsConference.ErieBayfrontConventionCenter,Erie.

October28302015PartnershipforSafeWater2015WaterSystemOptimizationConference
hostedbythePennsylvaniaSectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociation.

VisitDEPsPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage

DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePA
CenterforEnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY
201112statebudget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedto
thePAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators'website.

SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule

YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Grants&Awards

Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandother
recognitionprograms.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.

December1PHMCHistoricalMarkerNominations
December8PAGreenRibbonSchoolsNominations
December11EPACleanDieselGrantsForPorts
December15DCNR2015RiverOfTheYearVoting
December19ColdwaterHeritageConservationGrants
December19DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants
December19PAStateParks&ForestsAwardNominations
December30NEW.WRENWatershedEducationOpportunityGrants
December31DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates(oruntiltheylast)
December31EPAPresidentialGreenChemistryAwards
January2NaturalLandsTrustChester/MontgomeryGrowingGreenerAwards
January9WPC,DominionWatershedMiniGrants
January29SustainableEnergyFundEnergyEfficiency,RenewableEnergyFinancing
January31DEP,ESWPBestOfBestLandRecyclingProjects
April15DEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants(oruntilfundsrunout)

VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancial
assistanceforenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

GeneralEnvironmental/BudgetNewsClips

Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate

ChristmasTreeArrivesAtWhiteHouseFromPA
Nov.26DEPNews
Nov.26DCNRResource
Budget
StateFiscalTroublesComeEarly
OfficialNoticeIncreasingSalariesOfPAPublicOfficials
Other
LeavingOffice,RonMillerPondersFamilyFarm,TomWolf
LittersGettingHarderToFindInPittsburgh
LawmakersWeighInOnLandfillExpansion
DunmoreApprovesKeystoneLandfillAgreement
DunmoreTrashPactWorstInLackawannaCounty
CaseyAsksEPAToCheckLandfillsCleanWaterCompliance

Editorial:DumpGrows,PoliticalVisionWithers
Editorial:KeystoneLandfillsEconomicCaseWeakened
LowerMerionAwardsDisposalContractToCovantaEnergy
WilkesBarreToRecycleTelephoneBooks
PittsburghConvertingToLEDStreetLights
EPAProposesStricterLimitsOnOzonePollution
ObamaToAnnounceSweepingNewOzoneStandards
SupremeCourtToHearArgumentsOverObamasWarOnCoal
SupremeCourtWillHearChallengeToEPAsMercuryRule
CompanySeeksToReopenCoalMineInWashingtonCounty
MillionsInPollutionFinesWentUnusedInAlleghenyCounty
Sen.CaseyIsToTheRightOfMichaelKrancerOnClimate
OpEd:ACaseForMoreFossilFuelUse
OpEd:ClimateChangeViewsDiffer,WeMustEvolve
OpEd:WillCuttingCarbonKillCoal?OnlyIfIndustryFailsToAdapt
OpEd:CoalWastePowerPlantsCouldCloseOfEPARuleAdopted
FirstEnergySaysDemandResponsePutsPowerPlantsOutOfBusiness
PAsElectricityMarketBracesForAnotherWinter
DefaultRatesGoingUpForPPLCustomers
PPLRateUpAsBetterDealsMultiply
KingsCollegeBrighter,GreenerWithSolarDonation
Dec.3MeetingOnProposedWindmillInFosterTwp
DEPCantPinpointCatUrineSmellInMahoningtown
PAOilProducersStungByLowPrices
153YearOldVenangoWellPumpsOutOil,History
Geologist:SiteOfIdyllic1833PaintingOfLancasterFound
JohnMuirsLegacyQuestioned
OpEd:HowBikeSharingCanWorkInPhilly
PanelOffersWaysToReduceDeerPopulationInNorthPark
Flight93ChapelClosedAfterBeingStruckByCar

DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

MarcellusShaleNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling

TopsyTurveyLegalLandscapeAfterDrillingLawDecision
CoupleSueRangeResourcesClaimingWaterContamination
RoyaltyFraudAllegationsMountAgainstChesapeakeEnergy
CourtDecisionCouldChangeStakesInRoyaltyLawsuits
PennEastPipelineFoesCheeredByDRBCReview
OpEd:OverplayingKeystoneXLPipelineIssue

InterestGrowingInUticaShaleInNorthcentralPA
PUCDecisionOnMarinerEastPipelineOpensDoorToEnergyHUB
AlleghenyCountyFrackingMoratoriumOnCouncilAgenda
DrillCuttingsApprovedForHazletonReclamationProject
UGIRateUpOverLastYear
PAOilProducersStungByLowPrices
153YearOldVenangoWellPumpsOutOil,History
Geologist:SiteOfIdyllic1833PaintingOfLancasterFound
ButlerFirmTacklesToughGasWells
LocalGovernmentsOftenNotAwareOfCrudeOilTrainDangers
GovtDataSharpensFocusOnCrudeOilTrainRoutes
Financial/OtherStates
OilPricesTumbleTo5YearLows
PlungingCrudePricesHammerEnergyCompanies
OilFallsAsOPECFailsToCutProduction
OPECMaintainsOutputOfOil
MarylandGovernorProposesStringentFrackingRegs
MostNaturalGasNowComesFromShaleInU.S.
NaturalGasPricesHoldingSteady,CrudePricesTumble
PAsElectricityMarketBracesForAnotherWinter
FirstEnergySaysDemandResponsePutsPowerPlantsOutOfBusiness

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Watershed/FloodingNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate

Report:MidstateDamsSendPollutantsToChesapeakeBay
MillionsInUpgradesNeededToAddressHGBCleanWaterViolations
DrillCuttingsApprovedForHazletonReclamationProject

LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits

Nonewregulationspublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinNovember29,2014

DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage

DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofitsrequestfordelegationof
authoritytoimplementthefederalhospital,medicalandinfectiouswasteincineratorsplanand
noticeofaJanuary6publichearing.ClickHereforacopyoftherequest.

DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!and
GetInvolved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

CLICKHEREToPrintEntirePAEnvironmentDigest

CLICKHEREtoPrintTheEntirePAEnvironmentDigest.

StoriesInvited

Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesor
programsforpublicationinthePAEnvironmentDigestto:DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

PAEnvironmentDigestiseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartment
ofEnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceofCrisciAssociates,a
HarrisburgbasedgovernmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500
companiesandnonprofitorganizations.

Didyouknowyoucansearch10yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozens

oftopics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose?Justclickonthesearchpage.

PAEnvironmentDigestweeklywasthewinnerofthePAAssociationofEnvironmental
Educators'2009BusinessPartneroftheYearAward.

AlsosignupfortheseotherservicesfromCrisciAssociates

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.

PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
andannouncementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupand
receiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupfora
oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.NEW!Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.

PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
includingNewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveasthey
arepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedaily
emailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.

PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigest
TwitterfeedtogetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaState
Capitol.

SupportingMemberPAOutdoorWritersAssn./PATroutUnlimited

PAEnvironmentDigestisasupportingmemberofthePennsylvaniaOutdoorWriters
Association,PennsylvaniaCouncilTroutUnlimitedandtheDocFritcheyChapterTrout
Unlimited.