Pa Environment Digest Sept. 10, 2018

Issue #741 Harrisburg, PA Sept.
10, 2018
PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+
Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion,

Flooding, Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More
A new study released Wednesday found just one

acre of riparian forested buffer results in more than
$10,000 in annual economic benefits, including
reducing erosion and flooding, increasing water
purification, wildlife habitat and property values.
The study-- The Economic Value of Riparian
Buffers in the Delaware River Basin-- was prepared
by ECONorthwest for the Delaware RiverKeeper
Network.
Specifically, the report looks at the value riparian
buffers provide in the areas of water quality, carbon
storage, air quality, flood prevention, property values, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.
The report shows the economic value provided by riparian buffers far exceeds the cost of
protecting and restoring these buffers.
According to the report, “Translated to a single acre, buffers provide over $10,000 per
acre per year in monetized benefits, with additional non-monetized benefits expected to increase
this total."
“Beyond their amazing environmental benefits, this analysis shows that each protected
acre of riparian buffer yields more than $10,000 every year in ecosystem services for our
economy,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper and leader of the Delaware
Riverkeeper Network. “Most reports and discussions regarding buffers preservations focuses on
the health, safety and environmental benefits, this report shows the incredible economic value
riparian buffers provide as well-- both in making money and saving money for communities.
Clearly, protecting and restoring these waterway corridors results in huge benefits to society.
“Combined with the ecological benefits from protected riparian zones, strengthening
buffers is one of the most important efforts we can make in every community and watershed to
simultaneously strengthen our economies while protecting and restoring our cherished aquatic
ecosystems,” said van Rossum. “This report also solidifies how incredibly foolish efforts to
1
minimize buffers protection at the local and state government level are-- we should be increasing
protections not reducing them.”
With 17 million people relying on the Delaware River watershed for drinking water, it is
important to protect and implement riparian buffers.
The report notes, “Almost half of the Basin’s historic riparian cover has been lost to
agriculture, shopping malls, housing developments, and highways.”
The report highlights how investing in watershed protections can save money. For
example, New York City invests $1.5 billion into watershed protection, thereby eliminating the
costs associated with a water filtration plant, which could cost as much as $8 billion initially with
an additional $300 million per year to operate.
Protecting buffers benefits both the environment as well as the economy, and failure to
do so could result in the loss of millions of dollars.
The report states, “Without more effective protection for riparian buffers, we estimate an
annualized loss of approximately $981 thousand to $2.5 million in the value of monetized
ecosystem services.”
Click Here for a copy of the report. Click Here for and overview of the multiple benefits
of green infrastructure-- Invest $1 Get Three, Four, Five Benefits.
Sept. 13 Webinar
A webinar about this study will be held on September 13 starting at 7:00 p.m. Click Here
to sign up for the webinar.
Green Infrastructure Related Stories:
Renew The State's Commitment To Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
Meeting The Challenge Of Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
Agriculture, Forestry Workgroups Present Key Recommendations To Meet PA’s Chesapeake
Bay Pollution Reduction Obligations
LancasterOnline: Lancaster Farmland Provides $676M In Annual Environmental Benefits
Estimated $939.2 Million Return On Investment In Protecting, Restoring Dauphin County’s
Natural Resources
Carbon County Has $800 Million Return On Investment From Natural Resources
Emma Creek Restoration Project Reduced Flood Damage, Sediment & Nutrient Pollution In
Huntingdon County
Another Green Infrastructure Project Reduces Flooding In Manheim, Lancaster County
Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater Pollution,
Reducing Flood Damage
Related Stories This Week:
Bay Journal: Washed Away By Sediment? Torrential Rains Threaten Chesapeake Bay
Restoration Gains, But Also Helped
Chesapeake Bay Program Releases Best Management Practice Guide
Woodland Stewardship Network Connects Neighbors And Forested Landscape In PA
Lancaster County Graziers Group To Host Founder Of Savory Institute Sept. 19
Renovated City Of Harrisburg Playgrounds Become Green Infrastructure To Address
Recreation, Stormwater Pollution, Flood Reduction Needs
Bay Journal Op-Ed: Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership Leads The Way In Lancaster County
Allegheny Mountain Woodland Assn. Stream Buffer Workshop Sept. 15, Cambria County
CBF-PA: 16 Student Groups In 6 Counties To Participate In Fall Susquehanna Watershed
2
Environmental Education Program
Sun-Gazette: Lycoming College Field Station Expands College Stream Biology Research Efforts
Pike Conservation District: Proactive Stormwater Management
PA Chesapeake Bay Planning Steering Committee Meets Sept. 10 On Outreach, Engagement
Add Your Name To Petition Urging House To Name The Hellbender Official State Amphibian
How You Can Help
Want To Find A Watershed Group Near You? Try The PA Land Trust Assn. Watershed
Association Finder
Take Action:
How Good Is The Water Quality In Streams In Your Community? Take A Look, Then Act
[Posted: Sept. 5, 2018]
By Jeremy Cox, Chesapeake Bay Journal
Up to her chest in muddy water, Cassie Gurbisz had a

clear realization.
“When I just went down, it was pitch-black at the
bottom,” said Gurbisz, a coastal ecologist with
Maryland’s St. Mary’s College, as she prepared for
another dive into the Upper Bay. “I’ve never been in
water this murky before.”
The chocolate-colored water was caused by an unusual
summertime deluge that dumped a foot or more of rain in
parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania over a five-day span
beginning July 21. Just as water levels began falling, a smaller sequel roared into northern
Pennsylvania and southern New York, adding another 2–6 inches of rainfall.
The health of the Chesapeake has shown signs of improvement in recent years, with
underwater grass beds reaching levels not seen in decades, and dissolved oxygen levels ticking
upward in deepwater areas.
The persistent storms could be a setback, at least in the short term, for recovery efforts,
though it will take weeks, if not months, of monitoring for scientists to fully assess the potential
damage-- or even know the amount of water-fouling nutrients and sediment that were flushed
into the Bay.
The pollution could spur late-summer algae blooms, bury bottom habitats in silt and
contribute to oxygen-starved “dead zones,” advocates fear. It is one of the biggest tests the
ecosystem has faced since the state-federal Bay Program partnership kicked off a new 15-year
restoration effort in 2010.
“We hope the Bay has recovered over the past 10 years, so that it can recover from these
types of [storm] events and not be set back this time,” said Doug Myers, a scientist with the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a nonprofit environmental group.
The July rains supercharged flows on the Susquehanna River-- which provides about half
of the freshwater entering the Chesapeake-- to a peak of 375,000 cubic feet per second at the
3
Conowingo Dam on July 26, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Exelon, the dam’s owner, opened 22 floodgates, triggering voluntary evacuation orders
for the Cecil County town of Port Deposit, about 6 miles downstream of the dam.
The August storm boosted flows to 211,000 cubic feet per second and prompted another
round of floodgate opening.
That peak came the day that Gurbisz and her fellow scientists were taking sediment and
grass samples within view of the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, which spans the
Susquehanna in Maryland just upstream from its confluence with the Bay.
The water was tinged the color of chocolate milk and either dotted or smeared, depending
on the spot, with tree trunks and branches.
Sediment, Not Debris Affects Bay
“It’s spectacular with all this debris, but what actually affects the Bay is the suspended
sediment,” said Cindy Palinkas, a University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
researcher also working on the study.
Since the spring, the researchers have been examining small patches of underwater grass
near the mouth of the Susquehanna. The team recently received additional funding from
Maryland Sea Grant to study how the grass responded to the rainfall in one of the largest patches
of them all: the Susquehanna Flats.
They plan to compare their findings with measurements they took of the Flats during a
separate study in 2014–15, which were comparatively dry years.
Grass beds in the Flats trap some of the sediment and nutrients as they flow out of the
Susquehanna, Palinkas said, helping to improve water quality in the area.
Those beds were wiped out after Tropical Storm Agnes-- the largest storm on record-- hit
in 1972. They have since bounced back to cover more than 9,000 acres of Bay bottom, making
the Flats one of the largest underwater beds in the Bay.
The grasses could use some dry weather this fall to recover, Palinkas said. The murky
water can block the sunlight, causing the plants to die off. The sediment particles can also settle
on the leaves themselves, spreading more shade.
The grass beds appear to be able to weather a heavy pulse of water now and then, but not
repeatedly, Palinkas said.
“You can withstand the occasional cold,” she said. “You can’t withstand 20 colds in a
row.”
Storm Size Not Unusual
The size of the storm was not particularly unusual.
River flows of 375,000 cubic feet per second at Conowingo would be expected about
every four years on average, said Joel Bloomquist, a USGS hydrologist. This was the first time
flow had approached the level since 2011, when a deluge from Tropical Storm Lee led to slugs
that were twice a high.
But the timing of the rain events — during typically dry midsummer months — is
unusual.
Very high stream flows are usually associated with spring rains and snowmelt as well as
tropical storms and hurricanes that strike in late summer or fall. (But Agnes, the most severe
storm on record, hit in June 1972.)
High flows in the summer can be more damaging than at other times because it’s the peak
of biological activity for many important Bay species, from underwater grass beds to juvenile
4
fish and crabs.
The July rainfall was especially heavy in a band extending north and south along
Maryland’s Western Shore into southern Pennsylvania. Storms dumped at least 10 inches of rain
in the area, with one spot in Baltimore County receiving as much as 15 inches, according to the
National Weather Service.
BWI Marshall Airport got inundated with nearly 11.2 inches of rain. Norfolk, at the base
of the Bay, received slightly more than 4 inches. Dulles Airport and the District of Columbia’s
Northern Virginia suburbs got hit with 5 inches of rain on July 21 alone, fueling a total of 7.7
inches over those five soggy days.
Bright Spot
One bright spot with the influx of water is that it flushed out to sea much of the water that
was in the Bay, including the deeper portions that had grown inhospitable to life, Myers said.
In June, scientists predicted that a larger than average “dead zone” would spread across
the bottom of the Bay this summer. They based their forecast on heavy spring rains, which sent
nutrients streaming down the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers. The nutrients feed algae blooms,
which, in the process of sinking and dying, deplete the water of oxygen.
By late July, though, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources was recording the
best oxygen conditions it had ever found for that time of year in the Bay. The recent rain and
wind had churned up the water so much that the only oxygen-starved areas were restricted to
depths of 65 feet or deeper.
But all of the freshwater pushed into the Bay could be bad news for some species, such as
oysters, which like higher salinities.
In Virginia, oysters beds were already dying in the James River and other tributaries, said
Ryan Carnegie, a researcher with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Salinity readings at the mouth of the York River plummeted to 10 parts per thousand,
about half of the normal value, according to VIMS. Researchers found that the unusually fresh
water was all but devoid of potentially harmful algal species in the wake of the July rains.
Young striped bass were venturing farther downstream than normal, taking advantage of
the saltwater’s retreat.
Unclear How Plant, Animal Life Will Respond
It’s unclear how the Bay’s plant and animal life will respond over the long term to the
lashing from sediment and nutrients, Carnegie said.
“Estuaries are inherently variable environments,” he said, “but extreme events can be
beyond what many inhabitants can manage. The 1972 Agnes event is a classic illustration. We
will just have to wait and see how detrimental this year’s event was to key resource species.”
Although rivers throughout the region were choked with debris, some pointed a finger at
the Conowingo Dam, which is up for relicensing.
They want Exelon to do more to control nutrients, sediment and debris being pushed
downstream of the dam. Maryland, as part of the condition for the new license, is pressing to
spend up to $172 million a year to control nutrient and sediment pollution and to more frequently
clean debris that builds up behind the 94-foot-high structure.
“None of that pollution would be building up and causing a danger or hazard but for the
dam,” said Betsy Nicholas, executive director of Waterkeepers Chesapeake, which has pressed
the state to go even further. She added that climate change is expected to make severe storms
more frequent.
5
Exelon has said it is not responsible for pollution originating upstream that flows past the
dam, and that the state’s proposal would cost more than it makes from the hydroelectric facility.
It has challenged Maryland’s requirements in court.
Back on the Upper Bay, the UMCES boat carrying Palinkas kept making unscheduled
stops because the motor was getting choked with grass growing in the Flats. The pattern repeated
itself more than a half-dozen times: remove, go, sputter.
But she was optimistic the Bay would bounce back. “It looks really dramatic now with all
the sediment and the water. But you give it time, I think it will recover.”
Karl Blankenship contributed to this report.
hoto: C
(P assie Gurbisz, St. Mary’s College Coastal Ecosystem Ecologist.)
NewsClips:
Washed Away? Torrential Rains Threaten Chesapeake Bay Restoration Gains
Dickinson Environmental Science Major Helps Restore Oyster Population In Chesapeake Bay
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Related Stories:
Op-Ed: Don't Blame The Conowingo Dam For Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Backs Maryland In Conowingo Lawsuits
EPA Releases Assessment Of Chesapeake Bay Restoration; Lack Of PA Progress Leaves A Hole
Bay Journal: Exelon, Maryland Come To Legal Blows Over Conowingo Dam Cleanup
Requirements
New Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Reducing Erosion, Flooding,
Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More
How You Can Help
6
Association Finder
Take Action:
By Joan Smedinghoff, Chesapeake Bay Program Blog
The Chesapeake Bay Program recently released the Quick

Reference Guide for Best Management Practices. This guide
distills information about the Bay Program’s hundreds of
approved best management practices (BMPs) into fact
sheets for farmers, landowners, planners, resource managers
and conservation districts.
[Note: The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning
Steering Committee is now in the process of recommending
Best Management Practices to address agriculture, forestry
and other sectors based on cost-effectiveness. The
Agriculture and Forestry Workgroups presented their initial
recommendations in July.
[The recommended BMPs for Agriculture include enhanced agricultural compliance,
forested and grassed buffers, improved soil health and enhanced manure storage facilities,
elimination of excess manure, enhanced nutrient planning and precision feeding.
[The next meeting of the Steering Committee is September 10 where the group will get
an update on the pilot county planning process that began over the summer in Adams, Franklin,
Lancaster and York counties.
[The process is test-driving the draft county clean water toolbox to develop county-level
plans for meeting specific nutrient and sediment reduction targets based in part on
cost-effectiveness data on BMPs provided by DEP and the Chesapeake Bay Program.]
BMPs are actions that people can take to prevent pollution from entering their local
waterways. This includes things like planting cover crops, managing manure, creating forest
buffers, not tilling and restoring urban streams.
Two major sources of pollution pose problems for the Chesapeake Bay.
Stormwater pollution comes from the water that runs off buildings, roads, parking lots
and other hard surfaces. It can wash pollution, chemicals and trash into nearby waterways.
Increased development has made stormwater runoff the fastest growing source of pollution to the
Chesapeake Bay.
Agriculture, while vital to our well-being, is the greatest source of nutrient and sediment
pollution to the Bay.
Farmers across the Chesapeake have already committed to implementing conservation
practices to help prevent pollution from flowing into local waterways, but, according to a recent
report by the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the technical resources they need to implement these
practices are not widely available.
On August 8, the Chesapeake Executive Council signed a directive supporting increased
7
funding for farmer technical assistance.
This BMP guide not only gives basic information about each of the Chesapeake Bay
Program-approved BMPs, but also explains how the six Bay states—Delaware, Maryland, New
York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia-- and the District of Columbia can receive credit
for them in the Bay Program’s Watershed Model.
The six states and D.C. can receive credit toward meeting their pollution reduction goals
under the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (Bay TMDL) when these BMPs are
implemented, verified and reported for input to the Watershed Model.
Knowing how BMPs are credited in the model is useful for state and local officials
putting together Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs).
The six states and D.C. develop WIPs, in consultation with local governments, in order to
plan how they will reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in order to meet goals laid out in the
Bay TMDL.
Click Here for a copy of the Quick Reference Guide For BMPs.
For more information and available handouts for the September 10 meeting of the
Steering Committee, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee
webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
PA To Pilot County-Level Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Planning Process In 4 Counties This
Summer
Students Push For House Action To Designate Eastern Hellbender Official Symbol Of Clean
Water; Become A Hellbender Defender!
8
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Bay Journal Op-Ed: Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership Leads The Way In Lancaster
County
By Jenna Mitchell, Alliance For Chesapeake Bay
Lancaster County, PA, is an astonishing county. Of the

650,000 acres that make up the county, 425,000 acres are
used agriculturally. The county is home to almost 6,000
farms, of which 99 percent are owned locally.
Lancaster is ranked No. 1 in the United States for
productivity on non-irrigated soil and the value of market
products sold annually is $1.5 billion. Farms in Lancaster
County provide pork, poultry, eggs and milk for millions of
consumers.
These great numbers do not come without a cost, though.
More than half of Lancaster County’s 1,400 miles of streams
are impaired.
Take a look at any pollutant-loading map and Lancaster is easy to find. Clearly outlined,
without any political boundaries, the county shows up bright red for nitrogen, phosphorus and
sediment.
Lancaster County, alone, is responsible for 21 percent of the nitrogen load in
Pennsylvania’s Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan.
While it has been a state requirement for all farms to have an Agricultural Erosion and
Sedimentation or Conservation plan since 1972, it is estimated that only about half of the
county’s 6,000 farms have a plan.
Increased pressure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection has resulted in a greater focus on compliance efforts
from conservation districts in the state.
Lancaster County has the largest conservation district staff in the state. But at current
capacity, it is estimated that it would take 30 years to support every farmer in the county in
obtaining a conservation plan.
Resources for implementation continue to be a challenge, but new leadership rising in the
9
private sector could be the game changer that is needed.
John Cox, the president of Turkey Hill Dairy, an ice cream distributor founded and
headquartered in Lancaster County, is stepping up.
Cox has been passionate about Lancaster’s waterways for quite some time, and serves as
the chair of the Lancaster Clean Water Partners, an organization that coordinates water quality
restoration work along with many other partners in the county.
After attending an Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Businesses for the Bay Forum that
urged companies to consider how they could change their operations to improve water quality,
Cox was inspired to think about Turkey Hill’s direct impact.
Knowing that Turkey Hill is Lancaster’s largest dairy distributor, and that dairy has one
of the largest footprints in Lancaster, it became clear that their focus needed to be on their
farmers.
Turkey Hill does not work directly with its farmers, though, and receives its milk from a
dairy cooperative. A dairy cooperative or co-op, is a business comprised of a collective of
farmers that market their milk together.
Timing was on Cox’s side, because Turkey Hill’s reconsideration of its environmental
footprint coincided with the rebidding of its contract with dairy cooperatives.
During their contract negotiations, Cox and his team added requirements that all farmers
providing milk to Turkey Hill would not only have a conservation plan, but would be
implementing the practices written into the plan.
Once all farmers achieved this, Turkey Hill would pay a premium for the higher quality
product.
The Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc., which has
members in Lancaster, PA, responded positively to the idea, and was selected as Turkey Hill’s
dairy co-op.
Meanwhile, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Turkey Hill had partnered to
receive a Conservation Innovation Grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service to
support the farmers who could not afford the cost of a plan and subsequent implementation.
Turkey Hill has prioritized helping and supporting their farmers in achieving this goal
together.
This leadership led to the Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership, which includes the
Turkey Hill team working alongside the Maryland & Virginia co-op and the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay, and has as its goal providing their farmers with the best support possible.
This partnership hit the ground running in the winter 2017–18, and started with
strategizing how to best inform and support Turkey Hill’s farmers.
Both Maryland Virginia field staff and the Pennsylvania office of the Alliance have met
with all of Turkey Hill’s 130 farmers to explain the new goal and discuss options for assistance.
The goal is for all of the farmers supported by the NRCS grant to have the required
conservation plans in place by winter 2019.
The Alliance is in the process of seeking additional funding and resources to support the
farmers’ implementation of conservation practices on these 130 farms.
The Alliance believes that the most impactful results come from diverse and collaborative
partnerships. We know that by working alongside our partners, we can accomplish much more
than we could alone.
Providing farmers with the technical assistance and resources to establish and implement
10
conservation plans supports them in improving their farm’s functionality while also improving
the health of Lancaster County’s streams, rivers and ecosystems.
The Alliance is thrilled to be involved in this project, which is a holistic partnership
between the public and private sector.
Turkey Hill is leading by example and impacting a systems-level change in how the dairy
industry operates in Lancaster. Their leadership is going to catapult the county forward in
achieving their conservation goals.
When the public and private sectors work together in partnership, our ability to scale up
implementation is tremendously enhanced. Leadership from within the private sector, like
Turkey Hill’s, is the catalyst that Lancaster County, the State of Pennsylvania and the
Chesapeake Bay have been waiting for.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events on the Alliance
for the Chesapeake Bay website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Alliance,
Like the Alliance on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+
and visit the Alliance’s YouTube Channel. Click Here to support the Alliance’s work.
Jenna Mitchell is Executive Director of the Alliance For Chesapeake Bay and can be contacted
by sending email to: jmitchell@allianceforthebay.org or call 717-517-8698.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
How You Can Help
11
Association Finder
Take Action:
(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.)

Westmoreland Conservation District To Recognize Award Winners Sept. 12
The Westmoreland Conservation District Tuesday

announced it will present two awards for outstanding
conservation service and induct a former District
director posthumously into its Hall of Honor.
Receiving recognition are:
-- The Forejt Family – Conservation Farmer of the
Year, and
-- Malcolm Sias – J. Roy Houston Conservation
Partnership Award
-- Albert Barnett is being inducted into the Hall of Honor.
Conservation Farmers of the Year - Forejt Family
The Forejts are being recognized for their use of best management practices on one of
Westmoreland County’s largest agricultural operations.
The Forejt’s operation, Windy Heights, was founded by Greg Sr. in 1993. When he
passed away last September, his sons Gregory and Garrett took over the operation, along with
their mother, Lesley.
“Our father cared for the land and people with a great intensity, so we’re going to do the
same,” Garrett said.
Windy Heights is an agriculturally preserved home farm of 149 acres in Ruffsdale and a
network of 52 rented parcels that brings the total acreage to more than 2,500.
The Forejts employ a variety of conservation practices on this land and produce a full
farm-stand variety of produce, along with chicken, beef, and pork. This year, they’re taking their
first venture into raising turkeys.
Gregory Forejt attributed much of the farm’s success to conservation.
“What’s good for the environment is good for the bottom line,” he said, noting the
operation’s use of a split application of nitrogen to lessen the chance that heavy rains will wash
this important nutrient away before the crops can absorb it,” said Forejts. “This conservation
practice also helps to protect water quality in the streams that run through the Forejt’s fields,
including two unnamed tributaries to Jacobs Creek.”
The Forejts also incorporate native grasses and legumes as a nitrogen source, practice
crop rotation, and use deep-rooted crops such as tilled radishes to relieve compaction. “They go
down about a foot and a half deep, and act like a post-hole digger,” Gregory explained.
Greg Forejt Sr. was an early proponent of no-till, a planting method that helps prevent
soil erosion, and his sons are, too. Every field crop they produce is done this way, with the
exception of the early sweet corn. Two 20’ X 72’ high tunnels yield tomatoes that arrive early to
12
market and keep producing all season long.
Sophisticated technology, including a GPS-guided planter/sprayer and drift-reducing
nozzles, also supports the Forejts’ conservation efforts by ensuring that chemicals aren’t
over-applied and lessening the chance for drift. On pastureland, weeds are controlled by mowing
instead of spraying.
The Forejts have a Natural Resources Conservation Service Grazing Plan, a Conservation
Plan, a Manure Management Plan, and participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program.
Their home farm was the first in the county to be preserved through the Westmoreland County
Agricultural Land Preservation Program.
J. Roy Houston Conservation Partnership Award - Malcolm Sias
In his 40 years of service to parks and recreation, Malcolm Sias has made a lot of
important things happen-- from expanding the acreage, amenities, and activities at Westmoreland
County’s 10 parks, to convincing Greg Phillips, district manager/CEO of the Westmoreland
Conservation District, of the conservation benefits of trails.
It was in the late 1980s when Malcolm first got interested in building trails and, between
his professional tenure with the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation and his
volunteer service to the Regional Trail Corporation, he has since helped to create 43 miles of
these popular walking and biking corridors throughout Westmoreland County.
“When Malcolm first started talking about trails they were a relatively new idea, and
there were only one or two small ones in all of Westmoreland County,” Phillips said. “Yet, he
was so intensely passionate about them that it didn’t take long before he convinced me of their
conservation potential, especially as streamside buffers to protect water quality, since many of
the trail routes were going to parallel the path of streams.”
The District has been a trail partner ever since. In fact, Malcolm and the District have
partnered on every one of the five major trails that have been built in the county.
A recent partnership involved a section of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail in
Murrysville where the slopes were especially steep and badly eroding. The partners successfully
created a solid base for the trail in this challenging spot and, at the same time, significantly
reduced the amount of sediment getting into Turtle Creek.
As Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation director, Malcolm has responsibility for
stewarding upwards of 4,000 county-owned acres of parkland, about 340 of which were added
during his tenure, primarily to make already existing parks larger.
But in the mid-1990s, Malcolm was central to an effort that added an entirely new park to
the county system – a unique park that is 100 percent a conservation measure: the Sewickley
Creek Wetlands.
This 26-acre park near New Stanton is a peaceful place to observe birds and wildflowers.
And it also is a hard-working conservation practice that continuously manages stormwater, filters
pollutants from the water, and helps to prevent flooding downstream.
Malcolm began his college career studying forestry, and so it’s natural that he has been a
major force in promoting healthy forests, including one of the largest wooded tracts in
Westmoreland County-- the 1,275-acre Loyalhanna Gorge.
Malcolm worked with our forester and others to develop a management plan for this very
special county park of second-growth timber and unique plant species.
He also put good stewardship practices in place on wooded portions of historic Hanna’s
Town and Ann Rudd Saxman Nature Park.
13
For 32 years, Malcolm and his staff have been a key partner in the District’s annual
Envirothon, a competition that has helped some 2,400 high school students develop an
appreciation for the natural world.
The J. Roy Houston Partnership Award is sponsored by Peoples Natural Gas Company.
Hall of Honor - Albert Barnett
Al Barnett was a long and loyal friend of the Westmoreland Conservation District,
steadfast in his support of our work and dedicated in Al served for more than 25 years on the
Westmoreland Conservation District board as a volunteer director.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Al represented the sportsmen to the District’s board, a
large segment of the local population with a keen interest in water quality, forest health, and
other areas where conservation plays an important role.
It was a long and beneficial partnership that, among other things, helped the District
reach thousands of people over the years through a conservation display in the sportsmen’s tent
at Westmoreland County Fair.
Al took his service on the District board very seriously, and always made an effort to
attend and participate in meetings, even in later years when his health made that more difficult.
In 22 years of active board service, Al’s attendance rate was more than 90 percent. He
could always be counted on to cast his support at those meetings behind initiatives that advanced
the best interests of the organization.
Al was one of the first to step up and volunteer his help when the District had a special
project, whether it was painting our campus facilities or planting flowers at the courthouse.
And he was there for other community organizations as well, lending his help in various
leadership roles with the Westmoreland County Sportsmen’s League, the state chapter of the
National Wildlife Federation, Westmoreland Cleanways, and the American Red Cross.
Although Al never talked much about all the things that he did for our community, his
briefcase told the story-- it was covered in stickers from his many volunteer activities.
In 2012, when it was becoming more difficult for him to regularly participate in District
activities, the board voted to name Al Director Emeritus so that he could continue to be an
advisor to the board. He was only the second director in the history of the District to receive this
distinction.
Al passed away in March of 2018. He is survived by his wife, Helen, a daughter and son,
five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
The Awards Program is scheduled for September 12 with an open-house reception, which
runs from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the District’s location on Donohoe Road in Greensburg
For more information on programs, initiatives, technical and financial assistance
available to landowners, visit the Westmoreland Conservation District website.
(Photo: Gregory, Lesley, Garrett Foreijt; Malcolm Sias (top) and Al Barnett.)
NewsClips:
Windy Heights Farm, Forejt Family Named Westmoreland Conservation Farmer Of The Year
Westmoreland Recreation Director Receives Conservation District Award
Related Stories:
14
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

officials Thursday joined Harrisburg and city resident
groups in the celebration of the state-supported
renovations at five neighborhood playgrounds across
the city.
Facilitated by an almost $700,000 investment from
DCNR, improvements were undertaken at Cloverly
Heights, Royal Terrace, Penn and Sayford streets;
Norwood and Holly streets; and Fourth and Dauphin
streets.
“Local parks and recreation opportunities contribute to a higher quality of life, attract and
sustain employers, and offer affordable options for close-to-home recreation for families,”
DCNR Deputy Secretary Lauren Imgrund told a gathering at Cloverly Heights Park, 1204
Rolleston Street. “We’re thrilled to partner with the city and local stakeholders to enhance the
city’s playgrounds.”
Improvements stem from a 2017 partnership formed among DCNR, the City of
Harrisburg, Impact Harrisburg, and Capital Region Water.
“This unique partnership involving the City of Harrisburg, Impact Harrisburg, and
Capital Region Water helped to make possible the renovation of playground equipment,
walkways, landscaping, and green infrastructure elements to manage stormwater and flooding,”
Imgrund said. “It demonstrates how DCNR works with suburban and urban communities to
create green and sustainable park systems, renovate recreation amenities, and improve water
quality, and storm-water management.”
“I extend my sincerest thanks to Capital Region Water, DCNR, and our own Department
of Parks & Recreation for their cooperation in this most important project for our city,” said
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “Our parks and playgrounds are vital to the quality of life for
our residents, and Harrisburg residents, both young and old, will benefit greatly from your hard
15
work.”
Work at the Fourth and Dauphin Streets Playground will be finished in 2019. The other
four completed projects employ rain gardens, porous basketball courts and other surfaces, and
landscaping that reflects a commitment to improving water quality, reducing flooding, and
maintaining water and sewer infrastructure. Feedback on design and amenities at each project
was sought from neighboring residents.
“Thanks to committed partners willing to innovate, these parks will provide water quality
benefits to the community for years to come,” said Capital Region Water Board Chairperson
Marc Kurowski. “We look forward to continuing this type of collaboration to address water,
wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure challenges more efficiently and with greater impact
for our customers.”
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: Students from S ylvan Heights Science Charter School test new porous basketball court
at Cloverly Heights Park. C lick Here to watch a short video of the test (Twitter).)
Related Stories:
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Add Your Name To Petition Urging House To Name The Hellbender Official State
Amphibian
16
A group of inspiring young people are attempting to
help clean Pennsylvania's waters with a
one-of-a-kind critter—the Eastern Hellbender.
Eastern Hellbenders rely on cold, clear, and
swift-running water for survival, but their primary
Pennsylvanian habitat is being destroyed.
Roughly 19,000 miles of Keystone State rivers and
streams are polluted, and, as a result, the largest
salamander in North America is quickly vanishing
from the region.
Now, students in CBF's Student Leadership Council
are drawing attention to the Hellbender's plight by
working to designate the salamander as Pennsylvania's official state amphibian.
After studying Hellbenders and meeting with legislators, the student-written Senate Bill
658 has passed the state Senate.
But the State House needs to pass the bill as well. Join the ranks of hellbender defenders
by urging your representative to support the hellbender bill.
The students' work to recognize this vanishing critter and highlight the fight for clean
water is inspiring.
But the job is only half done and there are only 9 scheduled voting days yet this year in
the House.
Click Here to add your name today to the petition and join the 5,255 other people urging
members of House of Representatives to designate the Eastern Hellbender the official amphibian
of the Keystone State.
Related Story:
House Returns To Session Sept. 12, Now’s The Time To Become A Hellbender Defender!
How You Can Help
17
Association Finder
Take Action:
10,000 Friends Of PA To Recognize Bethlehem With 2018 Commonwealth Awards Dec. 6
On December 6, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania will

recognize the winners of the 2018 Commonwealth
Awards for smart growth initiatives, including the
revitalization efforts of the City of Bethlehem.
The Bethlehem story sends a strong message to other
Pennsylvania cities that when public/private
partnerships creatively use local, state and federal
incentive programs, positive change can occur.
Bethlehem has benefited from the foresight of many
civic and business leaders, dating back to the historic 1959 six-month steel strike. There is a
spirit of grit and resilience underlying the city's redevelopment.
Growth and revitalization are apparent throughout the City, but no more so than in the
soaring glory of the SteelStacks campus. No industrial brownfield site of such magnitude has
ever been repurposed and redeveloped with such results.
But perhaps no gamble was larger than the City and RDA's decision to bring gaming to
downtown Bethlehem. The Sands Casino opened in 2009 - producing 2000 jobs at the height of
the recession. It continues to thrive. That is an achievement we can also celebrate.
Several individuals from Bethlehem will be also be recognized--
-- Jeff Parks / ArtsQuest will receive the Joanne Denworth Founders Award for visionary
institutional leadership in community revitalization. Jeff is a pioneer in leveraging the arts to
drive economic and community development.
Collaborating with private and public sector partners, he helped transform the Bethlehem
Steel plant into the multi-dimensional SteelStacks campus. This project reflects the impact that a
non-profit institution, teamed with visionary private and public sector partners, can have on a
city's future development.
-- Michael Perucci / Peron Development will receive the Louis J. Appell, Jr. Leadership
Award for outstanding private sector leadership and innovative investment. Mike led the effort
to acquire the Bethlehem Steel site and maximized its potential by bringing the Sands Casino to
downtown Bethlehem.
Mike's dedication to his hometown, innovative entrepreneurship and commitment to
enduring investment strategies epitomizes the spirit of the Appell Award.
-- John Callahan, Former Bethlehem Mayor will receive the Mark Schneider Friend of
Pennsylvania Award for individual leadership. Over his ten years as Mayor, John provided the
political and marketing energy that fueled his city's redevelopment.
Working with City officials and business leaders, John's administration is credited with
overseeing more than $2 billion in private development investment and the creation of more than
5,000 new jobs. John's work as Mayor and since leaving office make him a most deserving
18
honoree.
-- Tony Hanna / City of Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority will receive the Public Sector
Excellence Award for governmental entities and their executives who demonstrate visionary
leadership and political courage.
Tony's leadership of the RDA during the acquisition and repurposing of the Bethlehem
Steel site played a central role in the City's remarkable revitalization. This award also salutes the
key role the RDA played in leveraging critical tax incentive programs.
In addition to recognizing these major award recipients, 10,000 Friends' Commonwealth
Awards will be awarded to leading private sector companies, and public and nonprofit
institutions, whose projects and initiatives have made outstanding contributions to the City of
Bethlehem.
The recipients of these project-specific awards will be announced prior to the event.
The December 6 awards event will be held at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem. Click Here for
the latest information. Sponsorship information available. Questions should be directed to
Cassandra Romanowski at 717-234-6070 or send email to: cromanowski@10000friends.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania website.
Report: PA Residential, Industrial Consumers Saved Over $30.5 Billion Between 2006 -
2016 From Increased Natural Gas Production
A report by the Consumer Energy Alliance, an

industry energy group, Thursday reported
Pennsylvanians saved more than $30.5 billion
between 2006 and 2016 thanks to increased natural
gas production.
Residential users alone saved almost $13.3 billion,
while commercial and industrial users saved upwards
of $17.2 billion, the report, titled “Everyday Energy
for Pennsylvania,” said.
The report examined how the shale revolution across
the Marcellus region has provided benefits to the
Keystone State’s end-use energy consumers by boosting disposable income and economic
investment, as well as revitalizing communities.
Other highlights from the report include--
-- In 2008, at the beginning of the shale revolution, prices for natural gas in Pennsylvania peaked
at $10.39 per thousand cubic feet and steadily decreased to just $3.72 by 2016.
-- Half of all Pennsylvanians rely on natural gas as their primary heating fuel and a growing
number of electric generation facilities are utilizing natural gas to power the state. Electricity
accounts for nearly half of the natural gas consumed in Pennsylvania.
-- Nearly 1.6 million Pennsylvanians, or 12.9 percent of the population, live in poverty. On
average, Pennsylvanians spent $3,108 for their energy needs in 2016. For those living at or
below the poverty line, this translates to at least 25.6 percent of their income going toward
energy expenses.
19
-- Pennsylvania’s abundant energy resources have spurred economic investment and brought
jobs to the state. Studies have tallied nearly 322,600 jobs in Pennsylvania that provide nearly $23
billion in wages to Pennsylvanians.
-- In 2017, the median annual salary for an employee at one of Pennsylvania’s top oil and natural
gas producers exceeded $113,000. These wages support local economies and grow small
businesses. The report attributed almost $44.5 billion in economic impact from the state’s oil and
gas industry.
-- In 2017, high production rates in the Marcellus region generated high demand for pipeline
transport of natural gas supplies. Because of this increase, Pennsylvania saw the oil and gas
pipeline industry grow 153.5 percent – creating jobs for over 21,000 workers.
Click Here to read the report.
DEP-Related Initiatives Selected As Finalists For National Assn. Of State Chief

Information Officer Awards
Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich Thursday announced two state technology

initiatives have been selected as finalists by the National Association of State Chief Information
Officers (NASCIO) for its 2018 recognition awards.
This first is the electronic permitting system developed as part of an effort to reduce
permit backlogs and processing times in the Department of Environmental Protection.
The new system for DEP was unveiled in early 2017 for surface coal mining permits,
followed by permits for air quality, storage tank renewals, asbestos notification and radiation
protection renewal.
Applicants can now submit and track their permits through a paperless process. The
system has allowed DEP to cut review times by 30 percent and gain nearly $700,000 per year in
productivity, while continuing its mission of protecting the environment.
DEP continues to add new permits to the system.
The second project is a centralized electronic grants application portal in the Department
of Community and Economic Development being used to support over 120 programs
administered by 7 agencies, including DEP.
Applications that were previously submitted and reviewed on paper are being processed
50 percent faster in the electronic system, resulting in increased productivity of $18 million since
2017.
These projects were among 31 finalists selected from over 125 nominations. Winners in
10 categories will be announced at NASCIO’s annual conference this fall.
DEP: Aerial Mosquito Spraying Set For Luzerne County On September 10:
The Department of Environmental Protection Friday

announced it will conduct an aerial ultra-low volume
mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of
mosquitoes that cause West Nile Virus on September 10
over the City of Wilkes-Barre and surround communities in
20
Luzerne County.
DEP Vector Management staff have determined the spray be conducted in response to
high populations of nuisance and WNV infected adult mosquitoes that have been detected in the
Wyoming Valley, associated with the recent flooding in the area.
The aerial application will be done by Vector Disease Control (VDCI) International out
of Greeneville, Mississippi. The product that will be used is Dibrom concentrate applied at a rate
of .75 oz/ac and is registered by EPA. The event will encompass 45,000 acres over the Wyoming
Valley and take place later in the evening. The rain date for this application is Tuesday,
September 11, 2018.
Other Spraying Events
Other upcoming spraying events are listed on the West Nile Virus Program homepage
(lower right) or Click Here to check on spraying in other parts of the state.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control
program, please visit the West Nile Virus website.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Sept. 12): House Bill 107 (Godshall-R- Montgomery) providing a mechanism to cover
costs of extending natural gas distribution systems; House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks)
which amends Title 58 to impose a sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act
13 drilling impact fee, on natural gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and
includes provisions related to minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Bill 1446
(Quinn-R- Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles; House
Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 1172
(Vulakovich-R-Allegheny) further providing for enforcement of price gouging provisions during
an emergency declaration (Senate Fiscal Note and summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill
Calendar.
Senate (Sept. 24): Senate Bill 820 (Aument-R- Lancaster) providing liability protection for
owners and operators of on-farm agritourism activities (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 917
(Dinniman-R-Chester) amends Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling Act to include
spent mushroom compost under the definition of “compost materials to encourage its reuse
(sponsor summary); Senate Bill 930 (Dinniman-D- Chester) sets notification requirements
related to pipeline emergencies (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 931 (Dinniman-D-Chester)
requires the installation of automatic or remote controlled safety values in natural gas pipelines
in densely populated areas; Senate Bill 1199 (Rafferty-R- Montgomery) providing for a
landowners’ bill of rights in cases of eminent domain, including by private entities like pipeline
companies (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R- Washington) resolution
urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling
21
on state forest land (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 373 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) is a
concurrent Senate-House resolution to establish a Senate-House legislative Commission to Study
Pipeline Construction and Operations and to recommend improvements for the safe transport of
oil, natural gas and other hazardous liquids through pipelines; House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams)
further providing for liability protection for landowners opening their land for public recreation;
House Bill 927 (Rader-R-Monroe) amends Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling
Act to eliminate the mandate on smaller municipalities to have a leaf waste collection program
(House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1550 (Klunk-R-York) amending the Agricultural
Area Security Law to allow for a residence for the principal landowner (House Fiscal Note and
summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
PFOA Standard: Senate Bill 1242 (Haywood-D-Philadelphia) require a maximum contaminant

level for PFOA in drinking water (sponsor summary). House Bill 705 (Murt-R-Montgomery) is
companion bill.
Act 13 Pipeline Impact Fee: House Bill 2605 (Quinn-R-Delaware) dedicates a portion of the
Act 13 drilling impact fee to ensure pipeline safety (sponsor summary). Senate Bill 605
(Rafferty-R-Montgomery) is companion bill.
Risk Assessment Of Mariner East 2 Pipelines: House Resolution 1034 (Quinn-R-Delaware)

directing the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utility Commission to
prepare a comprehensive risk assessment of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline (sponsor summary).
Drive Electric Week: House Resolution 1035 (Marshall-R-Beaver) recognizing the week of
September 8 to 16 as National Drive Electric Week in Pennsylvania (sponsor summary).
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
22
Senate
Recessed to the call of the President Pro Tempore
September 24, 25, 26
October 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 17
November 14
House
Recessed to the call of the House Speaker
September 12 (non-voting), 13 (non-voting), 24, 25, & 26.
October 1 (Non-Voting), 2 (Non-Voting), 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17.
November 13
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Senate Environmental Committee Sets Sept. 25 Hearing On Foreign Influence On Natural

Gas Development In PA
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing
September 25 to discuss foreign influence on natural gas development in Pennsylvania.
In June The Caucus/LancasterOnline.com published a lengthy article on allegations
Russia, which depends on natural gas exports to Europe for cash, tried to preserve its dominance
by sowing discord and opposition to the development of natural gas in the United States,
Pennsylvania and to specific projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The article follows a report by the Republican staff on the U.S. House Committee on
Science, Space And Technology released in March of this year that concluded, “Russian agents
were exploiting American social media platforms in an effort to disrupt domestic energy
markets, suppress research and development of fossil fuels, and stymie efforts to expand the use
of natural gas.”
The Caucus/LancasterOnline.com article pointed to a series of stories published by the
RT website, which is owned by RTTV America, Inc. a registered foreign agent with the U.S.
Department of Justice, that highlighted protests to natural gas development in the state.
The example articles included “Pipeline To Move Fracked Gas Across Pennsylvania As
Critics Cry Foul” and “Protesters Resisting Mariner East 2 Pipeline In Pennsylvania Feeling
Intimidated.”
Caucus/LancasterOnline.com also cited the story by Amy Sisk, a reporter for StateImpact
PA, as she recounted how a photo she took at the Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrators site was
used by Russia’s Internet Research Agency to illustrate a story on the U.S. House Committee
staff report on Russian influence in the energy sector.
Sisk’s found out about the use of the photo from a story in the Washington Post on how
23
Russian Internet trolls sought to inflame the debate over climate change, fracking and the Dakota
Pipeline.
David Masur from PennEnvironment was quoted in the Lancaster article as saying,
“Certainly the case against fracking is clearly supported by the facts and doesn’t need ‘fake
news’ or any foreign interference to know that dirty drilling is bad for our air, water, health and
environment.”
He added he hadn’t heard of Russian interference in the energy debate before a reporter
emailed him.
Click Here to read the Caucus/LancasterOnline.com story.
The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building starting at
10:00. Click Here to check to see if the hearing will be webcast live.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-787-3280 or sending email to:
gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be
contacted by calling 717-787-7105 or sending email to: yudichak@pasenate.com.
(Photo: Mariner East 2 Pipeline construction in Lancaster County, LancasterOnline.com. )
NewsClips:
PA Natural Gas Boom Falls In Russia’s Crosshairs, Amplifies Discord In American Politics,
Energy Sector
How A Reporter’s Photo Wound Up In The Russia Investigations
Russian Trolls Sought To Inflame Debate Over Climate Change, Fracking, Dakota Pipeline
Rep. Quinn Introduces House Resolution To Require DEP, PUC To Do Mariner East 2
Pipeline Risk Assessment
Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware) this week

introduced House Resolution 1034 that directs the
Department of Environmental Protection and the
Public Utility Commission to prepare a
comprehensive risk assessment of the Mariner East 2
Pipeline (sponsor summary).
Rep. Quinn introduced the Resolution after hosting
a hearing on Mariner East 2 Pipeline issues on July 19
by the House Republican Policy Committee.
The risk assessment called for in the Resolution would require the agencies to identify
potential risks of construction and operation activities and address known public concerns about
the enforcement of associated permit protections and safety standards, including during
emergencies.
The Mariner East 2 Pipelines crosses the entire width of Pennsylvania and affects 17
counties with its route taking it close to homes, child-care facilities, schools, hospitals and senior
living facilities carrying natural gas and natural gas liquids the Resolution said.
The Resolution notes the project has been shutdown multiple times by DEP (and the
PUC).
The Resolution requires DEP and the PUC to report its findings and recommendations to
24
the Governor, House and Senate.
Rep. Quinn has also House Bill 2609 requiring the state Attorney General To provide a
Landowner Bill Of Rights to property owners subject to eminent domain related to the
construction of pipelines and other projects.
NewsClips:
Hurdle: Sunoco Pipeline Leaked 33,000 Gallons Of Gasoline Into Philadelphia Creek
Kummer: Sunoco Pipeline Spilled 33,500 Gallons Of As At Darby Creek In June
Activist Study Reveals Safety Risks From Mariner East Pipelines In Delaware, Chester Counties
Crable: Lancaster Nuns Take Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Case To U.S. Supreme Court, Plan Solar
Project
Federal Court Denies Challenge To DEP Permits For Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline
StateImpact Energy Explained Podcast: Discussion Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline Controversies
Activists Ask DEP To Reject Permits For Falcon Ethane Pipeline In Southwest PA
Letter: Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline Does Not Threaten Environment
WITF Smart Talk: What Happens When Smart Growth Policies Collide With Stakeholder
Interests?
Related Stories:
PUC, DEP: There Needs To Be A Serious Conversation On Legislation Controlling Pipeline
Siting
PA Supreme Court Denies Appeal Of Decisions Saying Local Zoning Ordinances Do Not Apply
To Mariner East Pipelines
DEP Issues Modified Permits For Mariner East 2 Pipeline In Chester County; PUC Lifts
Construction Ban At 2 Locations
News From Around The State
Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center Offers 4 Workshops On Holistic

Floodplain Management
The Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center

will offer 4 Workshops on Holistic Floodplain Management
in Western Pennsylvania during September and October.
Effective floodplain management goes beyond simply
enforcing a community’s floodplain management ordinance.
During this workshop you will learn how a strong floodplain
management program also includes informing your residents
and businesses of the risks they face and other flood-related
information.
In addition, information will be provided to communities on
how they can take steps to minimize the likelihood of a flood impacting structures in the
community, whether by making it less likely for a flood to occur or by improving existing
structures to better withstand floodwaters.
Finally, a municipality can develop emergency plans and procedures for what to do when
a flood does occur.
25
The workshops will discuss these best practices, so that attendees can decide which
practices could be implemented in their communities’ holistic floodplain management programs.
The workshops will be held 9:00 a.m. to Noon on the following dates--
-- September 27: City of Washington City Hall Council Chambers, 55 West Maiden Street,
Washington;
-- September 28: Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park, 1551 Mayview
Road, Upper St. Clair;
-- October 4: Fay-Penn Business Event Center, 1040 Eberly Way, Lemont Furnace; and
-- October 5: Allegheny township Community Building, 136 Community Building Road,
Leechburg.
CEC's will be offered from ASFPM. Presented by Tetra Tech, Inc
These workshops will be very helpful to Municipal Managers, Elected Officials,
Watershed Groups, Conservation Districts and Planning Organizations.
Click Here to register for the workshops or for more information. Questions should be
directed to Erin Kepple Adams, Water Resource Manager,412-391-5590 x374 or send email to:
ekepple@spcregion.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives, educational opportunities and more, visit
the SPC Water Resource Center website.
NewsClips:
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Prepare For Rain, Landslides That Plagued the Region In 2018
Gov. Wolf Gets First-Hand Look At Damage From Flooding In York, Lancaster
Cusick: Midstate’s Heavy Summer Rainfall In Line With Climate Predictions
4 Takeaways From Meteorologist Interview On Summer Of Floods, Look Ahead
Gov. Wolf Tours Areas Affected By Flash Flooding In York
FEMA To Assess York County Flood Damage Next Week
York County Residents Lose Livelihoods In Flood Disaster
This Is Far Worse Than Anything I Have Ever Seen: York County Flood Damage
York County Officials: Call 2-1-1 For Help Cleaning Up From Storm
Flood Aid Volunteers Tell Why They Came To Help In York County
York Community Rallies After Flood To Save History
Where Was The Flash Flood Warning Friday In York County?
Lancaster County Eyes Federal Funds For Repairing Flood Damage
In Flooding Aftermath, Comcast Opens WiFi Hotspots In Lancaster, York Counties
AP: Lancaster, York Counties Declare Disaster After Flooding
York County Declares Disaster After Flooding
Crable: Flash-Flooding Aftermath In Northwest Lancaster County (Photos)
Crable: Water Rescues From Friday’s Flash Flood Continue Into Saturday (Video)
Roads Washed Away By Flood Waters In York County
Homes Destroyed, Bridges, Roads Damaged After Flooding In York County
York Homeowner: Flooding Was Absolutely Terrifying
See Photos From York-Area Flooding Friday
Slow-Moving Storms Caused Flash Flooding In Central PA
Thompson: Every Road Near A Creek Is Closed, Downpours Leave Central PA A Mess
Flooding Caused Nearly 6-Hour Delay On Amtrak Between Harrisburg, Lancaster
How Much Rain Did Central PA Get?
26
West Pittston Flood Mitigation Project Gets Luzerne County Approval
Editorial: Flooding Concerns In Lycoming County Underscored By This Rain-Filled Summer
The Pike County Conservation District published this

overview of proactive stormwater management in their
most recent District newsletter--
Stormwater runoff is the portion of rainfall or snowmelt
that is not absorbed by the land’s surface or evaporated
into the air. It runs over land to storm drains or streams.
Natural ground, or soil, allows rain to be absorbed by
the earth. The soil’s surface is referred to as “pervious”
because it allows rain to infiltrate.
When the natural surface of the land is replaced with
hard surfaces such as paved roads, parking lots and
rooftops, the amount of runoff increases because these “impervious” surfaces do not allow rain
to infiltrate.
Negative Impacts
Major changes can occur within a watershed when the amount of stormwater runoff
increases. More surface water is delivered to streams more frequently and less water infiltrates
the soil to replenish groundwater supply and maintain stream base flow.
In addition, runoff washes a variety of pollutants (oil, gas, detergents, pesticides,
sediment) into streams.
These changes cause problems in watersheds and streams including:
-- Stream bank erosion
-- In-stream sediment deposits
-- Increased nuisance flooding
-- Property damage
-- Increased public cost to maintain infrastructure
-- Depleted groundwater levels for supplying wells
Proactive Measures
Rethinking how development is regulated through proactive land development
ordinances and utilizing best management practices (BMPs) throughout the site design will
improve the management of stormwater runoff.
BMPs are practices, structures and techniques that minimize the adverse effects of
increased runoff. Although a wide variety of BMPs exist, they can be generally categorized as
either detention (rate), infiltration (volume) or filtration (water quality) BMPs.
Some BMPs fulfill all these functions, however, most are designed with a primary
function. Selection of particular best management practices is based on site conditions and goals.
Early and effective stormwater planning and management by communities and
developers can provide significant long-term cost savings while supporting resilience, economic
development and quality of life.
Check out Pike County Conservation District’s Stormwater Management Resources.
27
And, our video series on Stormwater Best Management Practices.
-- Part 1 – Overview of BMPs
-- Part 2 – Installation Examples
-- Part 3 – Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program
Click Here to download the District’s Homeowners Guide To Stormwater Management.
For more information on programs, technical and financial assistance to landowners, visit
the Pike County Conservation District website.
NewsClip:
Monroeville Residents Express Concern Over Stormwater Management Fee
Green Infrastructure Related Stories:
Emma Creek Restoration Project Reduced Flood Damage, Sediment & Nutrient Pollution In
Huntingdon County
Another Green Infrastructure Project Reduces Flooding In Manheim, Lancaster County
Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater Pollution,
Reducing Flood Damage
Northampton County Parks & Rec Staff, Watershed Volunteers Repair Riparian Buffer At Fry’s
Run County Park Within Days Of Flash Flood
Penn State Extension: After The Flood - Riparian Buffers Need Maintenance
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
28
By Ryan Davis, PA Chesapeake Bay Forests Program Management
It can be challenging to sustainably manage

family-owned forests. Non-commercial treatments like
controlling invasive species or thinning competition can
be investments in future forest health that don’t pay off
for decades.
On their own, small-to-medium properties may not hold
enough potential for a contractor to conduct intermediate
or commercial management. In Pennsylvania, where 70
percent of forests are privately owned, these barriers
pose a risk to Penn’s Woods.
A general lack of sustainable management leads to a
forested landscape that is less diverse, less healthy, and
less useful to wildlife and humans alike.
To counter these issues, a new approach is emerging: neighboring landowners are
forming woodland stewardship networks, where landowners simultaneously work towards their
own management goals to improve the success of their fellow network members.
The approach doesn’t involve pooling resources, sharing profits, or necessarily working
across property lines, but by simply pushing toward sustainable forest management at the same
time, neighboring landowners are increasing their ability to attract forestry contractors at
reasonable rates and increasing the health of the wooded landscape.
The current status quo is a relatively homogenously-aged forest that is hardly managed,
but a group of neighbors working towards their management goals will result in a mosaic of
diverse stand ages.
This increases the health of the landscape and provides habitat for wildlife species that
require young forests, like golden-winged warblers, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse, or
mature forests with vigorous understory growth, like cerulean warblers.
This effort is being led by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Chesapeake Forests
Team, who is piloting a program to facilitate the building of these networks in central
Pennsylvania.
The Woodland Stewardship Network Program is a pilot project, funded by the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation, that helps landowners form stewardship networks and begin
managing their woods.
All members of a stewardship network receive a free forest management plan that is
compatible with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), so they can immediately
apply for forestry cost-share through the USDA program.
This helps speed up the forestry process; EQIP can cost-share the writing of management
plans, but the process can result in an extra year or longer that a landowner must wait before
conducting management, and plan writing and management activities don’t always get funded
the first time a landowner applies.
Once the forest management plan is written, landowners are assisted in applying for
EQIP funding for management implementation and also receive a voucher that reimburses them
for costs of implementing activities recommended in the plan.
29
The voucher is based on the amount of acres that a landowner contributes and the total
amount of acres in the network, to incentivize more neighbors to join.
It typically doesn’t add up to a huge amount, but allows landowners to continue to
manage past what EQIP will fund, like purchasing a backpack sprayer and herbicide to keep up
with infestations of invasive species.
Networks are currently being built through the program in Franklin, Mifflin, and
Cumberland Counties.
The approach and the Woodland Stewardship Network Program incentives are not only
helping stewardship-minded landowners to get more done in their woods, but are bringing their
neighbors, who have no forest management plans and conduct little to no management, into the
fold.
At the very least, there will be several large blocks of connected forest that have updated
forest management plans, decreasing the likelihood of high-grading in these areas.
At the most, it will result in improved forest health within these large blocks, and the
creation of habitat patches for imperiled wildlife like golden-winged and cerulean warblers that,
due to their proximity, are more beneficial for population growth and persistence in our state.
At this time, the Woodland Stewardship Network Program only covers a small area (see
the map) and only has funding to support a small number of networks.
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay hopes to scale the program up by increasing the
number of networks supported and by reaching further geographically, but there will never be
enough resources to assist every private forest landowner in the state.
The network approach, however, is valuable everywhere, and landowners could receive
immense benefits by banding together without programmatic assistance.
Helping your neighbors to engage in forest management can make the work more
efficient and effective, and will result in a healthier forest landscape that is more resilient,
enjoyable, and valuable.
For more information, contact Ryan Davis by calling 717-517-8698 or sending email to:
rdavis@allianceforthebay.org.
Visit the Forests for the Bay website for more valuable information on forest
management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Pennsylvania portion by the Chesapeake
Bay Watershed covers more than half the state and all or part of 43 counties.
(Map: Current boundaries of pilot Woodland Stewardship Network Program.)
(Reprinted from the September 5 Forests for the Chesapeake Bay newsletter from the A
lliance
for the Chesapeake Bay.)
NewsClips:
Researchers Hope To Learn What Makes Spotted Lanternflies Tick
DCNR PA Outdoor Corps Program Links Young Adults To The Outdoors
It’s Fungus, Not Fall That’s Causing Leaves To Drop In Western PA
Frazier: Bringing The Forest Back After Shale Gas
Forest Wildfires
AP: Trucks Abandoned As California Wildfire Shuts Down I-5
Wildfire Closes 45-Mile Stretch Of I-5 In Northern California
California Wildfires Cause $845 Million In Insurance Losses This Year So Far
Related Stories:
30
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Sun-Gazette: Lycoming College Field Station Expands College Stream Biology Research
Efforts
Mike Reuther of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Tuesday reported Lycoming College’s recent
acquisition of property to establish a biology field
station will mean expanded hands-on research for
students studying the environment, plant science and
vertebrate and invertebrate zoology.
“I see the field station as a living laboratory for the
advancement of knowledge through ecological
research, education and stewardship of the natural
world,” Dr. Mel Zimmerman, Lycoming College
professor emeritus of biology and director of the Clean Water Institute, said.
“The station will provide an opportunity for faculty and students to set up long-term field
projects related to their independent research or practical projects. This kind of experiential
learning is a top priority of biology, the CWI, and the Center for Enhanced Academic
Experiences.”
Click Here to read the article.
(Photo: Mel Zimmerman, L ycoming College Clean Water Institute. )
NewsClip:
Lycoming College Field Station Expands College Stream Biology Research Efforts
31
Related Story:
House Returns To Session Sept. 12, Now’s The Time To Become A Hellbender Defender!
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
The Lancaster County Graziers Group Wednesday announced

Allan Savory, cofounder of the Savory Institute, a wildlife
biologist and former farmer from Zimbabwe will be featured at
their September 19 meeting.
Mr. Savory is a renowned author and cofounder of the
Savory Institute, which is a driving force in the Holistic
Management approach to landscape management and
diversification.
The Savory Institute has helped countless farmers and
ranchers around the world come to an understanding of how their
management impacts the healing or destruction of the land on which we live, and all creatures of
the earth with whom we live.
The Lancaster Graziers Group has asked Mr. Savory to come to Lancaster to share with
us about himself, his inspirations, his successes, his failures, and ultimately how he came to
create his holistic approach to land management.
This event is a great opportunity to learn and discuss concepts taken from practical
experience with a globally-recognized lecturer.
32
Also speaking will be Chris Kerston, who has worked for the institute and is a facilitator
for Mr. Savory.
Mr. Kerston will be speaking about how holistic resource management works and why,
making it clear what the Savory Institute is and does, and how they endeavor to make farms and
ranches successful.
The Lancaster County Graziers, SpringWood Organic Farm and PA Grazing Lands
Coalition invite you to support this event with your attendance-- don’t miss the opportunity to
learn from masters in the science of grazing, improving soil and the environment.
The program will be held at the Martindale Reception Center, 352 Martindale Road in
Ephrata. Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. and the event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The
registration fee is $75. Exhibitor spaces are also available.
For more information or to "pre-register," please send name, address and/or question by
text to Roman Stoltzfoos at 717-278-1070 or fill out the paper form at the SpringWood Organic
Farm website.
NewsClips:
Luzerne County Farmland Preservation Reaches Milestone
Union County Takes Steps To Preserve More Farmland
Plans Advance For Lancaster Urban Farming Initiative Greenhouse In Downtown
Dr. Doug Tallamy, LandStudies Recognize The Value Of Native Plants for Pollinators
Related Stories:
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
33
The Allegheny Mountain Woodland Association will host a

Streamside Forest Buffers Workshop from 9 a.m. to Noon on
September 15 at the Ebensburg Borough Meeting Room, 300 W.
High Street in Ebensburg, Cambria County.
Participants will learn about streamside forest buffers, including
their benefits to wildlife, pollinators and the property; details on
successfully establishing them; and the resources available to
landowners to get the job done.
Ryan Davis, the workshop presenter, is a forests program manager
with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. He works to advance
forest and habitat conservation and restoration in the Chesapeake
Bay Watershed within Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland.
Contact Ryan Davis by calling 717-517-8698 or by sending email to:
rdavis@allianceforthebay.org.
There is no fee for this program, and registration is not required. Snacks and refreshments
will be available.
NewsClips:
Forest Wildfires
Related Stories:
34
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Feature: Recognizing The Value Of Native Plants For Pollinators
Dr. Doug Tallamy is the distinguished professor of

ecology at the University of Delaware renowned for
his research on the ecosystem services of plants.
His best-selling books Bringing Nature Home and
The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and
Biodiversity in the Home Garden, highlight the
impact of dwindling natural habitats and the
importance of our backyards as refuges for native
plants, wildlife, and insects.
During a presentation in March of 2018, Tallamy successfully persuaded a standing room
only crowd of municipal/legislative officials and the public at Franklin & Marshall College that
we need to be mindful of protecting and nurturing native plant communities that support our
ecosystem.
Through his research, he has documented that native plants are best suited to support the
insects necessary for survival of the natural world as we know it.
What does that mean for Pennsylvania?
Through his books and lectures, Tallamy encourages everyone to use more native plants
in their yards and landscapes to provide the food and shelter that butterflies, birds, and other
species need to survive.
For instance, most native caterpillars, the primary food source for birds, cannot eat the
exotic ornamental plants that dominate yards and gardens across the Commonwealth. Native
plants like milkweed, asters, and violets provide that food source to butterflies, bees, and other
insects, which then keep our birds well-fed and happy.
Unfortunately, due in large part to a reduction in native plant habitats, parasites, and the
use of pesticides native pollinators like butterflies and honey bees are on a decline.
Since nearly 35 percent of crops grown worldwide depend on pollinators this has become
a threat to the agricultural industry and food security, according to an article in The New York
Times.
Without pollinator species, our food choices would be cut dramatically, affecting millions
of jobs and billions of dollars annually.
LandStudies’ sustainable design services incorporates pollinator species into the design
of our projects through the establishment of native plants. (Read more in, Native Plants Are a
Valuable Addition to Your Landscape.)
We recently toured one of LandStudies’ projects, The Homes at Wyncote, with Dr
Tallamy as a demonstration for how native plant habitat could be better integrated into a
suburban development.
35
The project, developed over the past 20 years, provides a unique model for the integration
of meadows and reforestation into a conventional development.
On average, the lawn area has been reduced by 50 percent and over 20 acres of warm
season grass meadows and reforestation have been established.
Dr Tallamy was impressed with the biodiversity present on the site and was particularly
encouraged by the sighting of a Bobolink in one of the meadows. Bobolinks are a threatened
songbird species that requires bio-diverse open meadows and grasslands for survival.
LandStudies’ more than 20 years of involvement with The Homes at Wyncote includes
developing the initial master plan, developing the native landscape guidelines, working with
many of the individual homeowners, and designing and installing the initial meadows and
reforestation.
This has resulted in a unique model for sustainable development that could be replicated
within other conventional housing developments throughout the state.
This example illustrates how new neighborhoods do not have to be devoid of life and
follow the old suburban landscapes dominated by non-native ornamental plants and lawns. It
demonstrates that native landscaping can provide habitat without sacrificing function and beauty
as well.
Planting more native species is something that everyone can do to encourage pollinator
species establishment and its linkage to supporting other life forms that are crucial to our
ecosystems and communities as a whole.
For additional pollinator-friendly resources visit Penn State Extension’s Center for
Pollinator Research.
For more information, visit the LandStudies website or contact Laurel Etter Longenecker,
717-627-4440 or send email to: laurel@landstudies.com. Click Here to sign up for green
infrastructure updates. LandStudies is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE),
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) based in
Lititz, Lancaster County. Follow LandStudies on Twitter, Like them on Facebook.
(Photo: The Homes at Wyncote project.)
Additional Resource Links:
DCNR Landscaping With Native Plants
Gardening For Butterflies: Penn State Extension
Planting For Pollinators: Penn State Extension
Center For Pollinator Research, Penn State
Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan - Learn Why Pollinators Are At Risk In PA
Ernst Seeds - Pollinator Habitat Restoration
NewsClips:
Millersville Students: Swarming Mayflies May Be Fertilizer, Human Food Source
(Reprinted from the September 6 Green Infrastructure newsletter from LandStudies.)

[Posted: September 7, 2018]
EPA Settles Multi-Site Stormwater Case Resolving 209 Violations By PennDOT
36
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Wednesday announced they have agreed to settle a multi-site construction-related stormwater
case. PennDOT will also pay a penalty of $100,000.
The parties are resolving 209 alleged violations at PennDOT-owned construction sites
arising from PennDOT’s construction contractors failing to fully implement best management
practices (BMPs) as required by the Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Law.
In a consent agreement with EPA, PennDOT has agreed to implement a comprehensive
compliance management program and complete multi-million dollar environmentally beneficial
projects in several Pennsylvania watersheds, including Codorus Creek Watershed in York
County.
“This case is part of EPA’s effort to protect local waters by vigorously enforcing the
Clean Water Act.,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “Without appropriate
onsite pollution controls, sediment-laden runoff from construction activities can pollute our
rivers, lakes and streams. This agreement institutes a comprehensive program that will enable
PennDOT to better comply with discharge requirements, resulting in cleaner water for
communities across Pennsylvania.”
As part of the settlement, PennDOT has already begun to create a compliance
management program to ensure that their construction activities meet the requirements of their
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits. The major elements of
this program include:
-- Developing a compliance monitoring data system to track weekly visual self-inspections using
mobile devices and improve monitoring of construction contractors’ NPDES compliance,
including the status of actions to correct deficiencies;
-- Conducting stormwater inspection training – PennDOT will provide training to all current and
newly hired staff on proper stormwater inspection methodology;
-- Implementing periodic self-audits of construction sites to determine the effectiveness of the
compliance management program and its elements; and
-- Creating a public information webpage identifying PennDOT efforts to comply with NPDES
requirements
PennDOT’s environmentally beneficial projects will restore the quality of streams within
the Codorus Creek and other Watersheds.
PennDOT will also test an innovative procurement mechanism which requires contractors
to compete for a project from a sediment-reduction standpoint, with the contract being awarded
to the contractor whose project management plan will reduce the most sediment pollution for the
available funds.
Plans may include improvements like the construction of structural BMPs such as
stormwater management ponds, vegetated swales and buffer strips, and stabilizing stream banks
for reducing sediment loadings to surface waters.
This effort is a pilot project for coordination between PennDOT and local municipalities
regarding stormwater management and will serve as a model for other communities.
Under the federal Clean Water Act, the NPDES program requires construction sites to
obtain discharge permits. EPA has delegated the NPDES program to Pennsylvania.
In order meet these responsibilities, DEP has developed a program that includes
inspections by County Conservation Districts to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s NPDES
construction program requirements.
37
In this settlement, EPA has coordinated with the CCDs in Pennsylvania regarding
inspections of PennDOT construction sites and the sharing of compliance information. The
CCDs in Pennsylvania were instrumental in contributing to the success of this settlement.
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from highway construction sites often contains sediment
and other pollutants.
The Clean Water Act requires owners of certain industrial and construction operations to
obtain a permit before discharging stormwater runoff into waterways. These permits include
pollution-reducing BMPs such as spill prevention safeguards, runoff reduction measures, and
employee training.
For more information about EPAs Stormwater Program webpage.
NewsClip:
SRBC Small Water System Finances, Funding, Preparing For Emergencies, Regulatory
Updates Workshop Oct. 18
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a

System Finances, Funding, Preparing For Emergencies and
Regulatory Updates Workshop on October 18 at the SRBC
offices, 4423 North Front Street in Harrisburg from 8:40
a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
The workshop will cover these topics--
-- Hydrologic Extremes, The Elephant in the Closet--
Benjamin Pratt, P.E., C.F.M., SRBC;
-- Preparing Your Water System: Emergency
Preparedness and Resiliency-- Patti Kay Wisniewski, Drinking Water Security Coordinator,
US EPA Region III;
-- Water & Wastewater Emergencies: Help is Only a Phone Call (or text or email) Away--
Mike Snyder, PaWARN - Pennsylvania’s Water / Wastewater Agency Response Network;
-- Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Update-- Dawn Hissner, PADEP Bureau of Safe Drinking
Water, Environmental Program Manager, Operations, Monitoring & Compliance; Edgar
Chescattie, PADEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Environmental Program Manager, Training
and Technical Services Division;
-- Panel Discussion - Funding Considerations for Public Water Suppliers-- Pennvest (Brion
Johnson); USDA (Sue Gantz); SEDA-COG (Tyler Dombroski); Karen Fligger (USEPA) Water
Finance Clearinghouse (Sonia Brubaker, Acting Director, USEPA Water Infrastructure and
Resiliency Finance Center; and
-- Conducting AWWA Water Audits in PA DEP's Outreach Assistance Program: Initial
Findings and Progress-- George Kunkel, P.E., PADEP Public Services Institute Instructor;
Conference approved for two contact hours for Pennsylvania Certified Water Operators
(Drinking Water Contact Hours).
Remote online workshop participation is available; however, water contact hours are only
available to classroom attendees. If interested, please click “Attend by Webinar” on the
registration page.
38
Click Here to register or for more information. Questions should be directed to Brent
Bauman, Hydrogeologist, SRBC, by calling 717-238-0423 x1235 or send email to:
bbauman@srbc.net.
The workshop is part of SRBC’s Public Water Supply Assistance Program.
For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission website. Click Here to sign up for SRBC’s newsletter.
Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.
NewsClips:
Maykuth: PA Law Sets Off Feeding Frenzy For Public Water/Wastewater Systems, Who Pays?
Mayor Says Pittsburgh Water Authority At Financial Crossroads
Boil Water Advisories Issued For 2 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
Editorial: Lead In Pittsburgh Water A Continuing Threat
Hurdle: EPA Urged To Set Enforceable Health Standard For PFAS
Blair County Volunteers Help Drill, Repair Water Wells In El Salvador
Kummer: NJ First State To Regulate Toxic PFNAs In Drinking Water
New Jersey Water Systems Must Start Testing For PFNA In Early 2019
OSM Approves Removing 11 Sites From Alternative Bonding System Abandoned Mine
Sites Lists
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin

listing sites the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has approved
removing from the Alternative Bonding System Legacy Sites list..
ABS Legacy Sites are abandoned mining sites not covered by the federal Abandoned
Mine Lands Fund for sites abandoned or forfeited before 1977.
There were a total of 51 abandoned mining sites on the primary ABS Legacy Sites list as
of January 31, 2018.
There are 51 sites on the primary ABS Legacy Sites list; DEP proposed removing 2, but
there are other pre-1977 abandoned ABS Legacy sites lists DEP maintains.
` There are 29 sites on the potential ABS Legacy sites list; DEP proposed removing 12.
There are 11 bond forfeiture sites that need reclamation work; DEP proposed removing 5. There
are 27 ABS Legacy sites that need water treatment work; DEP proposed removing 13.
The September 8 notice indicated OSM approved the removal of 3 sites from the primary
ABS Legacy Sites list and 8 sites from the potential ABS Legacy Sites list.
Click Here for a copy of the September 8 notice. Click Here for a copy of the January
31, 2018 ABS Legacy Sites list report.
NewsClip:
Trump Nominee To Head Federal Office Of Surface Mining Withdraws
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Projects In Cambria, Luzerne Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the September 8 PA Bulletin

of opportunities to bid on mine reclamation projects in Cambria County and Luzerne County.
39
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
NewsClip:
West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition Quarterly Meeting Sept. 11 In Clearfield

County
The West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition

will hold its quarterly meeting September 11 at Irvin
Park, Irvin Park Road in Curwensville, Clearfield
County from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Coalition is a grassroots initiative of
approximately 60 groups consisting of watershed
associations, Trout Unlimited chapters, conservation
districts, municipalities and local businesses who have
come together to address abandoned mine drainage, the
largest single source of water pollution in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River
The Coalition supports the cleanup of acid mine drainage throughout the West Branch
Susquehanna watershed through the exchange of information, formulation of educational
initiatives, and building of widespread public support.
For more information on programs, initiatives, projects and other upcoming events, visit
the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition website. Click Here to contact the
Coalition or to join their efforts.
DEP Invites Comments On Rules, Procedures Implementing The Great Lakes-St.

Lawrence Sustainable Water Resources Agreement
The Department of Environmental Protection is

inviting public comments on new and proposed
changes to rules and procedures implementing the
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable
Water Resources Agreement developed by the Great
Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin Water
Resources Compact Council. (formal notice)
The Compact Council is made up of 8 states and 2
40
Canadian provinces.
These 4 documents are proposed to be adopted or amended--
-- Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact Rules of Practice and
Procedures. This document, proposed to be adopted by Council as a regulation, describes the
process for any administrative hearing, how modifications may be made to Council decisions,
and the process to be used for Council rulemaking. Comments are being accepted on all portions
of the proposed Rules of Practice and Procedure. (C lick Here for a copy.)
-- Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact Guidance. This
guidance document mirrors the Regional Body Procedures through Parts I and II with respect to
review of a diversion subject to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources
Compact. The Compact Council proposes amending Interim Guidance adopted on June 10, 2010.
Comments are being accepted on all portions of the proposed Compact Guidance. (C lick Here
for a copy.)
-- Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Resources Regional Body Procedures. This
guidance document contains the procedures that the Regional Body will follow during the review
of a diversion subject to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources
Agreement through the issuance of its Declaration of Finding. This document mirrors the
Compact Guidance for Parts I and II. The Regional Body proposes amending Interim Procedures
adopted on June 10, 2010. Comments are being accepted on all portions of the proposed
Regional Body Procedures. (C lick Here for a copy.)
-- Sequence of Events for Consideration of Proposals for Exceptions to the Prohibition on
Diversions that are Subject to Regional Review. This guidance document, proposed to be
adopted by the Council and the Regional Body, outlines the steps for review and
decision-making for a diversion proposal. Comments are being accepted on all portions of the
proposed Sequence of Events. (C lick Here for a copy.)
Hearing Oct. 3
A public hearing will be held on the proposals October 3, beginning no sooner than 1
p.m. at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Government Center South, 302
West Washington Street, Conference Rooms 1 & 2, Indianapolis, IN.
Remote participation for the public hearing is available by webinar. Click Here to
register.
Comments must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 10. Comments should
be submitted to the Council or Regional Body, or both, electronically at comments@gsgp.org or
by mail to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Resources Council, Great Lakes-St.
Lawrence Water Resources Regional Body, c/o Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Governors and
Premiers, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60606.
For more information or questions, read the entire PA Bulletin notice or contact Timothy
Bruno at the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of the Great Lakes, by calling
814-835-1477 or send email to: tibruno@pa.gov.
(Photo: Presque Isle, Erie.)
Agriculture Officials Visit Wilson College's Organic Fulton Farm, Center For
Sustainability Studies
41
Department of Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary Michael Smith and other officials Friday
toured Wilson College’s Fulton Farm, a working organic produce farm and environmental
education facility at the Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies in Chambersburg, Franklin
County.
The organic farm provides hands-on learning experiences to students and the community
and inspires future agriculturalists though full- and part-season internships in sustainable
farming.
“The Fulton Farm is an excellent resource, not just to Wilson College, but to the
surrounding community,” said Smith. “Its commitment to stewardship, sustainability, education,
and outreach provides students and their neighbors the chance to pursue and explore all of the
opportunities available in agriculture.”
Dedicated to environmental stewardship, Fulton Farm endeavors to use a minimal
amount of non-renewable resources; minimize pollution of the soil, water, and air on the farm
and “downstream;” promote biodiversity; ensure farm-worker safety and health; and provide
healthy, locally produced food for the campus and community.
The farm is part of a Community Supported Agriculture Program, providing produce to
more than 125 community members. It is open to the public and provides free community
learning events, cooking classes, and composting demonstrations.
The Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies teaches students how to promote
sustainability in food production, energy, transportation, and land stewardship.
“We are so pleased to have Deputy Secretary Smith visit Wilson College and Fulton
Farm,” Chris Mayer, director of Wilson’s Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies said. “Our
farm has been a model for community supported agriculture at since 1996, and as Wilson’s
hands-on home for environmental education, we continue to educate students of all ages for
humane stewardship of our communities and our world.”
Pennsylvania agriculture is a $135 billion industry with tremendous opportunities, but
one that is also facing several challenges, including an aging workforce. Attrition and advancing
technologies will result in a workforce deficit of nearly 75,000 over the next decade.
The Planting the Seed Tour aims to engage and educate the next generation about the
many education and career opportunities available in Pennsylvania agriculture.
Over the past three years, the Wolf Administration has invested more than $50 million in
agriculture-related economic development projects; increased support for workforce
development and agricultural education to help prepare students and workers for the thousands
of anticipated job openings in the industry over the next decade; and signed historic legislation
that has created new markets for farmers and lowered their tax burdens.
The administration is also working to expand broadband access to hundreds of thousands
of Pennsylvanians, creating jobs and improving infrastructure statewide, especially in rural
communities.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s programs and
services, or to learn more about the Planting the Seed Initiative.
NewsClips:
42
Related Stories:
Delaware River Watershed Initiative: Clean Water, Healthy Fish, Happy Kids In Chester County
Stroud Water Research Center: Get Slimed, Good Fences-Good Water, Educating Stewards Of
Tomorrow
DEP Teaching Green: Environmental Ed Grant Success Stories
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
The latest edition of DEP's Teaching Green

environmental education newsletter features a
collection of success stories about local education
projects funded through DEP's Environmental
Education Grant Program.
Since the grant program began in 1993, DEP has
provided more than $11 million in funding to
schools, municipalities, and community organizations
for environmental education projects in Pennsylvania.
The program is funded by a portion of the fines and
penalties collected for environmental violations by
DEP.
Other Features
Also featured in this edition of Teaching Green is--
-- Newest Falcons Soar The Skies In Harrisburg
-- How To Create A Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience
-- Help Your Community Understand Stream Maintenance Regulations
-- Join The New Environmental Education Providers Inventory
-- Workshops And Training Opportunities For Educators
-- New Environmental Education Program Coordinator Joins The Center: Lisa Meadows
Success Stories
Here are just a few of the success stories--
-- Getting Everyone in on Stream Water Quality Data
By Dr. Holly Travis, Western PA Watershed Collaboration Project, Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
This fall the Western PA Watershed Collaboration Project, based at IUP, begins its
second year of monitoring streams in the Stoney Run watershed in Indiana County. Our goals are
43
to develop student scientists and watershed-smart citizens and help get local streams off the
impaired-status list by doing so.
Elementary, secondary, and college students, in partnership with IUP faculty and grad
students, will monitor biological and chemical water quality, flow rates, stormwater events, and
the impact of remediation projects. They’ll submit the data to a shared database and perform data
analysis.
Not only does this project provide hands-on meaningful watershed education
experiences, but the data inform policy discussions by local governments and environmental
organizations, as participants share stream assessment findings with community groups through
the Stormwater Education Partnership.
We’ve also held two Act 48 teacher workshops to develop a standards-based curriculum,
and a third one this fall will see these classroom materials completed, incorporating new water
quality lesson plans into the local school curriculum.
-- Enabling Students to Create Safe Green Spaces
By Rachel Bowers, Grounded Strategies, Pittsburgh
Green Playces: Student Ambassadors is an in-school program that works with Allegheny
County secondary students to transform vacant and underused land on or near their school
grounds into safe and creative places.
In the 2017-2018 school year, student ambassadors in two fifth-grade classes at Twin
Rivers Intermediate School in McKeesport transformed an unused courtyard space into a
meditative space, with outdoor seating that observes a landscaped area with native pollinator
plants.
Fifteen students at Propel Andrew Street High School in Homestead transformed a vacant
lot that is home to the school's beekeeping class and apiary. They chose to make the space more
community-oriented by adding seating and gathering spaces, as well as to celebrate the bees with
a bee-themed mural and pollinator gardens.
Through Green Playces projects, students learn the process of designing, planning, and
building green spaces for their school community. They examine environmental justice issues,
such as land use, air quality, and water quality, and are introduced to the green economy.
Students leave the program with the tools to engage their community with a deeper
understanding of environmental justice issues.
-- Teaching Deep Local Connections to Climate Change
By Diane Motel, Wildlands Conservancy, Emmaus
Through the “Climate Change in Our Watershed” project, the Wildlands Conservancy
provided place-based climate education to middle school teachers and students to help them
develop a deep, local connection to environmental issues and the skills and knowledge to create
personally relevant collective actions.
Using Project Learning Tree’s Climate Change training, we provided a professional
development workshop to classroom teachers and naturalists. We delivered watershed-focused
climate change programs to over 500 middle school students, having groups rotate through 5
stations: climate change 101, a topo map/augmented reality box (Facebook), an eco-chamber lab,
a local effects hike, and a citizen science lab. We addressed the climate change literacy challenge
by weaving a social media component through this STEM-centered project focused on personal
efficacy.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s Teaching Green. Have questions and suggestions?
44
Contact Bert Myers, Director of DEP’s Environmental Education and Information Center, by
sending email to gimyers@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Ed Center To Reopen Saturday After Renovations
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Ed Center Reopens
Duquesne Among 3 PA Universities To Launch STEM Fellowship Program
Related Stories:
Tomorrow
Agriculture Officials Visit Wilson College's Organic Fulton Farm, Center For Sustainability
Studies
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

Tuesday announced 16 student
groups from 6 Pennsylvania counties
in grades 6 through 12 will
participate in the Fall Susquehanna
Watershed Environmental Education
Program.
Participating student groups come
from Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin,
Lycoming, Union and York counties..
SWEEP, one of CBF’s field education programs, has been providing hands-on
experiential learning programs in Pennsylvania for 28 years.
This fall, CBF-PA education staff will get students out on and in a local river or stream
doing what they do best – teaching students about the importance of water quality, how stream
systems work, and conducting hands-on experiments that engage and excite a student’s sense of
exploration.
SWEEP will guide students through a series of water quality programs designed to
45
reinforce in-class lessons and to emphasize the importance of clean water and enjoy the
opportunity to paddle a canoe.
Students will investigate the health of local waterways through a variety of hands-on
activities like up-close studies of the bugs and other species living in the waterway; studying the
physical characteristics of the waterway, the shoreline, and the adjoining lands; using water
chemistry tests to determine quality; and by using maps to orient students with their specific
watershed.
The purpose of the program is to provide field experiences that help students build a
critical connection to the natural world in which they live that will motivate their
decision-making as they develop into citizens and future leaders in Pennsylvania.
The programs will run from September 10 to November 9.
Click Here for a copy of the schedule and other background.
For more info or if media is interested in scheduling time on the water with students and
CBF's SWEEP team, contact B.J. Small, PA Media and Communications Coordinator, by
calling 717-200-4521, or send email to: bsmall@cbf.org.
Visit the Susquehanna Watershed Environmental Education Program webpage for
information on how to sign up for future events.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Tomorrow
Studies
46
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Delaware River Watershed Initiative: Clean Water, Healthy Fish, Happy Kids In Chester
County
A one-room schoolhouse in Honey Brook

Township, Chester County-- located between a
small stream and Amish farm-- is a fitting place
to nurture the next generation of stewards and
learn about the role fish and farming are playing
in local efforts to protect clean water.
Brandywine Conservancy, Brandywine Red Clay
Alliance and Stroud Water Research Center staff
spent an afternoon working with the school
children-- whose parents are Amish farmers-- to
stock trout in that section of the upper
Brandywine River.
As the children laughed and played on the way to the stream with trout-filled buckets in
tow, they learned about how trout breathe through the water, how trout don’t like it when water
is dirty, and how trees keep the water clean and cool and help to feed the trout.
These lessons were on display thanks in great part to neighboring Amish dairy farmers
who had fenced their cows out of the stream and planted trees along the streambank.
Fencing and tree planting make the stream healthier for fish, and protect clean drinking
water.
At the end of the day, each child understood a bit more about ecology, and took home a
sapling to plant.
The day stocking trout and working with Honey Brook school children was just one small
piece of a much larger effort to restore the health of the Brandywine River.
Local nonprofits working with the Delaware River Watershed Initiative are protecting
natural areas, helping farmers adopt river-friendly practices, and supporting municipalities in
protecting water resources.
The Delaware River Watershed Initiative is among the country’s largest
non-governmental conservation efforts to protect and restore clean water—a first-of-its-kind
collaboration involving 65 NGOs working together to protect and restore the Delaware River and
its tributaries, which provide drinking water for 15 million people in Pennsylvania, New York,
47
New Jersey and Delaware.
Already, in the Brandywine Christina basin, communities have used easements to
preserve 19 farms that span 1,243 acres.
Additionally, nonprofit staff and volunteers have installed nearly eight miles of stream
bank fencing and planted more than 19,000 trees along 12 miles of streams, creating more than
123 acres of stream-side buffers.
The partners have helped six municipalities to adopt streamside (or riparian) buffer
ordinances to preserve the trees that act as natural water filters for runoff from roads, roofs and
fields.
As part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, Brandywine-Christina partners are
expanding their geographic focus and stepping up assistance with local municipalities for clean
water protections.
It’s an ideal place to make a big impact on clean water: the Brandywine River, together
with the Red and White Clay creeks, provides over 100 million gallons of drinking water a day
to over 500,000 residents.
To learn more, visit the William Penn Foundation’s Delaware River Watershed Initiative
website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Tomorrow
Studies
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Stroud Water Research Center: Get Slimed, Good Fences-Good Water, Educating
Stewards Of Tomorrow
The latest newsletter from the Stroud Water Research

Center in Chester County includes articles on--
48
-- Getting Slimed: Scientists Investigate Biofilms In Streams Amidst Climate Change
-- Good Farm Fences Make Good Water
-- Training The Teachers Of Today To Educate The Stewards Of Tomorrow
-- Citizen Scientists - World Water Monitoring Day Celebration Sept. 19
-- Meet Mandy Nix: New Watershed Education Specialist (photo)
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website. Click Here to subscribe to Stroud’s Educator newsletter. Click Here
to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include
them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube Channel.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Studies
How You Can Help
Association Finder
Take Action:
Municipalities In 8 Counties Receive Fresh Paint Days Grants From Keep PA Beautiful,
Behr, The Home Depot
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced the

award of 2018 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Grants
to eight municipalities in Berks, Clarion, Erie,
Franklin, Monroe, Montgomery, Philadelphia and
Westmoreland counties.
Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania provides community
groups with paint and painting supplies to renew a
community structure in need into something beautiful
through the application of fresh paint and a lot of elbow grease.
This year’s event is held in partnership with support from Behr and The Home Depot.
49
The grants were awarded to--
-- Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Reading, Berks County: The playground shelter, bathrooms,
picnic tables and sidewalk games.
-- Nonprofit Development Corporation, Clarion, Clarion County: The Clarion County
Drop-in Center/Victory House, a consumer-run center that provides support for people in
recovery.
-- Borough of Union City, Union City, Erie County: A historic residence at the entrance to the
community.
-- Main Street Waynesboro Inc., Waynesboro, Franklin County: Zoe's Chocolate Company,
a family-owned destination restaurant and strong supporter of downtown activities.
-- Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, Stroudsburg, Monroe County: The Parish Hall
addition to the Stroudsburg United Methodist church used for community outreach programs.
-- Keep Norristown Beautiful, Norristown, Montgomery County: The Norristown Bandshell
Stage at Elmwood Park, an outdoor amphitheater that has been a landmark in the community
since 1936.
-- Association Puertorriquenos en Marcha, Philadelphia County: The Children's Mission
building that provides local children with interactive educational programs and health and
wellness services to adults and seniors.
-- West Newton Public Library, West Newton, Westmoreland County: The refurbished
two-story structure that houses the public library.
“We are very proud and honored to partner with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and The
Home Depot on this wonderful program,” Robert Kracker, Behr Paint and Kilz Primers,
Regional Sales Manager. “Giving back to our communities is at the very Core of our Corporate
philosophy, as well as being extremely important to those of us living in these communities,”
said
“Through our partnership with Behr and The Home Depot, Fresh Paint Days
Pennsylvania empowers community groups to take a direct role in community revitalization
efforts,” explained Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We know that
structures that are maintained cultivate community pride and we are excited to see so many
community members who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in their
communities.
“Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint on a community structure can help reverse
the negative effects of blight and sends a strong message that we care about our communities,”
Reiter added. “Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania
grants and thank you all for participating.”
During the month of September, the grant recipients will transform their structure
utilizing up to 20 gallons of exterior paints, courtesy of Behr and a gift card for painting supplies
courtesy of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
For more information on this program, visit the KPB’s Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania
Grants webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
50
communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness 10th Annual Allegheny River Cleanup Sept. 10-15
The Friends of Allegheny Wilderness and their partners will

hold the 10th Annual Allegheny River Cleanup from
September 10 to 15 along the western edge of the Allegheny
National Forest in Warren County.
This year FAW is planning to spend 2 days on the
Conewango Creek (2015 Pennsylvania River of the Year) and
3 days on the Allegheny River (2017 Pennsylvania River of
the Year).
Last year 317 volunteers donated roughly 2,536 hours of their
time while removing 5,350 lbs. of metal, 94 tires, and 35
cubic feet of trash from Allegheny and the Conewango Creek.
The volume of trash and metal collected in 2017 was lower than usual because of high
water on three days.
This brought the Allegheny River Cleanup recycled metal totals to more than 93,849
pounds, garbage to 421 cubic feet and the tire total to more than 1,428 over 9 years.
Click Here for a detailed schedule, locations and volunteer sign up and instructions.
For more information on programs, initiatives, and how you can get involved, visit the
Friends of Allegheny Wilderness website.
Professional Recyclers Of PA Offering Recycling Professional Certification Courses In

Sept., Oct.
The Professional Recyclers of PA will be

offering Recycling Professional
Certification Courses during September
and October. The courses will include--
-- September 13: Latrobe,
Westmoreland County
-- Recycling 462: Investigations & Prosecution Procedures
-- October 17-18: Bellefonte, Centre County
-- Recycling 110: Recycling & the Law
-- Recycling 115: Recycling Economics
-- Recycling 150: Recycling Public Policy
Click Here to register or for more information. Questions should be directed to Jason
Tobias by calling 717-441-6049 or send email to: jason@proprecycles.org.
To learn more about professional development courses, visit PROP’s Certification
Classes webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Professional
Recyclers of PA website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PROP. Click Here to
51
become a member.
NewsClips:
Armstrong Flooring Recycling Program Hits 100 Million Pound Milestone
Blair Multi-Municipal Group Gets Funds to Set Up Recycling Dropoff Site
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Bash The Philly Trash Cops
O’Neill: Talking Trash Before The Garbage Olympics In Pittsburgh
Improving The Environment One Fork At A Time
Editorial: Rules For Burning Trash, Leaves, Brush In Blair Communities Should Be Modernized
PA Superior Court Upholds County Court Ruling Dismissing SLAPP Suit Filed By A
Developer Against Delaware Riverkeeper
The PA Superior Court Thursday upheld the decision by Chester County Court of Common
Pleas to dismiss a lawsuit by the developer of the Bishop Tube Hazardous Waste Site seeking
damages for public comments made by the Delaware Riverkeeper about the project.
The PA Superior Court said there were no grounds to overturn the Common Pleas Court
decision.
The August 2017 Common Pleas Court decision found the Delaware Riverkeeper were
engaged in constitutionally protected free speech under the First Amendment of the United
States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution” and that the defendants are “immune
from Plaintiff’s tort claims.”
The Delaware Riverkeeper was represented by attorneys Mark L. Freed and Jordan B.
Yeager of Curtin & Heefner LLP.
“We’re pleased that the Court has vindicated the constitutional rights of residents to
speak up and advocate for a healthy environment without fear of retribution,” said Freed.
Click Here for a copy of the PA Superior Court decision.
NewsClip:
Hurdle: State Court Rejects Developer’s SLAPP Suit To Block Protest Against Development
Plan
DEP Receives Application Proposing Major Modifications To Closure Plan For Hatfield
Ferry Power Station CCB Landfill In Greene County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin it

has received an application for major modifications to the closure plan for the Hatfield Ferry
Power Station Coal Combustion Byproducts Landfill in Monongahela Township, Greene County
(Permit ID No. 300370). (PA Bulletin page 5625)
The application was submitted pursuant to a September 2017 Earthjustice and the Sierra
Club filed a legal settlement with the Environmental Hearing Board over allegations DEP's
permits were not protective enough and that the bond covering the cleanup of the site was not
adequate.
The legal settlement provides for more protective measures at the landfill. FirstEnergy
agreed to apply for new state permits regarding remedies to contain pollution on site, as well as
52
posting an adequate bond to cover pollution cleanup.
The settlement also contained an “Active Surface Improvement Plan” outlining steps for
addressing environmental concerns at the landfill.
Click Here for a copy of the 2017 settlement.
The application would remove the provision in the currently approved Closure Plan
allowing for deferral of placement of the cap and final cover system until completion of filling
operations, and would commit FirstEnergy to placing the cap and final cover in an ongoing
manner as site development proceeds.
The application also requests approval to utilize a completely synthetic final cover system
(i.e. ClosureTurf) in lieu of the membrane/soil system as currently approved.
DEP has determined the application is administratively complete, but has not yet started
its technical review.
Background
The landfill site was originally established to take CCB waste from the Hatfield Ferry
Power Station in 1984 and has gone through several repermitting cycles since then. In 2009 the
landfill was expanded under a permit revision to a total of 368 acres with 110 acres of disposal
area designed to hold 14.7 million cubic yards of waste.
In 2013 the Hatfield Ferry Power Station was closed, but the permit for the landfill was
extended by DEP until May 22, 2025.
In September 2015 DEP amended the landfill permit to allow for the disposal of 8 million
tons per year of CCB generated by the Bruce Mansfield Power Plant in Beaver County that had
previously been going to the Little Blue Run Disposal Impoundment.
The Little Blue Run Disposal Impoundment was closed in December 2016 as a result of a
Federal Court Consent Decree.
About 80 percent of the combustion-related waste from the Bruce Mansfield Plant had
also been going to West Virginia to reclaim mined areas near Moundsville. Another 20 percent
of the waste was going to National Gypsum to be used for raw material in its drywall
manufacturing plant right across the the power plant.
Earlier this month, FirstEnergy announced the Bruce Mansfield Power Plant would be
closing by June 1, 2021.
For more information, contact the DEP’s Southwest Regional Office at 412-442-4000.
PUC Hosts 8 ‘Be Utility Wise’ Consumer Education Events Across The State
The Public Utility Commission Wednesday

announced it will host eight consumer education
events across the Commonwealth as part of this
year’s “Be Utility Wise” campaign.
Integrating this year’s theme “Building Our
Collaborative Community – Connect, Contribute,
Communicate,” the annual series of statewide events
brings together front-line community partners, utilities and key stakeholders in highlighting
energy efficiency, conservation and customer assistance programs intended to help low-income
households maintain essential utility services.
53
“Be Utility Wise enables the Commission to bring together front-line community
building partners to learn new information, exchange ideas, and share tools and resources that
help us better serve the needs of struggling consumers,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown.
“The size and scope of these multi-faceted human services events underscore the personal
commitment many community-based agencies have in forging stronger families, healthier
communities and safer neighborhoods.”
The schedule of events follows--
--September 14 - Erie: Ambassador Conference Center, 7792 Peach St., Erie, PA, 8 a.m. – 3:30
p.m.
-- September 25 - Pittsburgh Area: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe, 1000 Corporate
Drive, Canonsburg, PA, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
-- October 5 - Lehigh Valley: Northampton Community College “Alumni Hall, Building Room
130A-D, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA, 8 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
-- October 17 - Philadelphia Area: PECO Energy – Energy Hall, 2301 Market St.,
Philadelphia, PA, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
-- October 22 - Berks County: Double Tree Hotel, 701 Penn St., Reading, PA, 7:30 a.m. – 4:15
p.m.
-- October 24 - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Area: Mohegan Sun Conference Center, 1280
Highway 315, Wilkes Barre, PA, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
-- November 1 - Johnstown: Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown, 250 Market St., Johnstown,
PA, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
-- November 16 - Harrisburg Area: Red Lion Inn, 4751 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, PA, 9 a.m. – 3
p.m.
The PUC’s Be Utility Wise events are intended to help local human service agencies and
assistance organizations better understand the utility programs and services available in their
communities.
The free “train-the-trainer” events feature presentations from state agencies, local utility
companies and other financial assistance programs to share ideas.
Presenters will discuss financial assistance programs for utility customers, career tools for
job seekers, energy conservation and weatherization, protecting against utility scams and more.
For more information on consumer education resources, visit the PUC’s Consumer
Outreach and Education Services webpage.
Related Story:
PUC Seeks Comment On Alternative Ratemaking Tentative Implementation Order
PUC Seeks Comments On Alternative Ratemaking Tentative Implementation Order
The Public Utility Commission published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin seeking
comment on a Tentative Implementation Order for Act 58 of 2018, which provides for
alternative ratemaking for natural gas distribution, electric distribution and water/wastewater
companies.
The Commission voted 5-0 on August 23 to solicit comments on the Commission’s
proposed interpretation and implementation of the new law, which allows public utilities to
petition the PUC to consider various alternative ratemaking mechanisms as part of utilities’ base
54
rate proceedings.
Act 58 of 2018 permits utilities to seek PUC approval of alternative rates and rate
mechanisms including, but not limited to: decoupling mechanisms, performance-based rates,
formula rates, multiyear rate plans, or a combination of these alternatives.
In the Tentative Implementation Order, the PUC has proposed that the alternative
ratemaking mechanisms authorized under Act 58 be proposed within the confines of a utility
base rate case under Chapter 13 of the Public Utility Code.
The Commission has a well-established process for reviewing base rate cases, which
provides for hearings concerning the lawfulness and appropriateness of proposed rates, including
proposed alternative rate mechanisms.
On June 28, 2018, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Act 58 of 2018, which amends
Chapter 13 of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code – specifically, adding Section 1330, 66 Pa.
C.S. §1330 (relating to alternative ratemaking for utilities) that permits the Commission to
approve an application by a utility to establish alternative rates and rate mechanisms.
Interested parties may submit written comments on the Commission’s proposal up to 30
days from the date the Tentative Implementation Order is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin
(October 8), and reply comments within 70 days of publication (November 17).
Written comments are to be submitted to Secretary Rosemary Chiavetta, Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission, 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120. Comments may also be filed
electronically through the PUC’s e-File System.
Click Here for a copy of the PUC’s tentative implementation order.
NewsClips:
Frazier: Repeal Of Clean Power Plan Could Mean More Pollution For PA
Kimberly-Clark Invests $150M In Chester Mill, Switches From Coal To Natural Gas
StateImpact PA Podcast: Energy, Explained, A New Podcast
Op-Ed: How More PA Residents Can Benefit From Abundant Natural Gas Supplies
Credit Downgrade Keeps Tarentum On Monthly Electric Deals
Editorial: Rewritten Climate Change Regulations Could Threaten Air Quality Progress
AP: Trump’s Pollution Rules Rollback To Hit Coal Country Hard
Utilities Reluctant To Invest In Coal Plants, Even After Trump Tries To Save Them
Nuclear Plant Closures Bring Economic Pain To Cities, Towns
Towns Prepare For Major Economic Loss As Nuclear Plants Shutdown
MIT: The Future Of Nuclear Energy In A Carbon-Constrained World
FERC Lets PJM Delay Next Capacity Auction From May To August 2019
Related Stories:
Alternative Utility Ratemaking Bill To Encourage Conservation, Infrastructure Investment
Signed By Governor
PUC Extends Comment Deadline On Proposed Policy Statement On Alternative Ratemaking
Related Story This Week:
PUC Hosts 8 ‘Be Utility Wise’ Consumer Education Events Across The State
Tech Startup Module In Pittsburgh Constructs First Adaptable, Energy Efficient Home
Module, a technology startup in Pittsburgh that
55
designs homes that can grow as the owner’s needs, family or lifestyle changes, has pre-sold its
first adaptable, energy efficient home to a customer in Pittsburgh, the company announced
Thursday.
The home, a single-story, 880 square foot, one bedroom one bathroom unit, is designed
using passive house principles and will be built in a semi-automated factory.
Module is also releasing a new line of home designs, which are priced from $150,000 -
$300,000 excluding land and site costs.
Incorporating a patent-pending wall system and design platform, Module home designs
allow residents to expand a one-bedroom starter unit into a three-bedroom house, providing just
the right amount of space at the right time.
The company has received approval to build a second home in Pittsburgh’s east end,
which it is seeking to pre-sell this fall. More information can be found on Zillow’s platform.
Groundbreaking for the first home will take place in approximately one month. Led by
Module, the project team includes Nelcon Inc, Bensonwood, and nk Architects.
“Delivering our first home to a customer will be a significant milestone for our young
company. We cannot wait to hand over the keys to a happy customer early next year,” says Brian
Gaudio, CEO of Module.
Module’s first customer is building on a vacant parcel adjacent to their current residence.
The home’s primary use will be for the customer’s parents, who were looking for a right-sized
house to spend more time with the grandchildren.
Module’s turnkey service guides customers through the entire process of building a new
home from start to finish.
The company helps customers find land and connect with a mortgage lender, manages the
local permitting and approvals process, and oversees construction of each new home.
The latest designs, now available online for purchase, feature a contemporary aesthetic,
concise floor plans, and are built to Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home
Standards.
Customers can view designs online and begin the process of building with Module by
placing a refundable $1,000 reservation.
For more information, visit the Module website.
To learn more about green innovation in the Pittsburgh Region, visit the Pittsburgh Green
Story website.
(Photo: Design for second Module home now for sale.)
Buchanan Forest District Resource Center Awarded LEED Silver Certification
The U.S. Green Building Council of Central

Pennsylvania recently awarded the Buchanan Forest
District Resource Management Center in
McConnelsburg, Fulton County with LEED Silver
certification.
The building includes enhanced daylighting,
automatic energy control systems, native plants, and
sustainable stormwater management features.
56
The center also has been awarded the USGBC Central PA Forever Green Award for
“improving the acceptance of green” for 2018.
This project is the 16th LEED-certified project for DCNR with four more currently in the
works! Click Here to learn more about DCNR’s sustainable practices.
Related Stories:
DCNR Highlights Importance Of Fire Towers To Wildfire Detection In Monroe County
DCNR Good Natured Blog: Pursue Your Trail!
Sept. 5 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
(Reprinted from the September 5 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In August Now Available
The In Case You Missed It In August is now

available from the PA Environmental Council
featuring articles on--
-- Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund To
Expire Without Congressional Reauthorization
-- Video: Nothing But Opportunity - Blairsville Area
Trails
-- Video: Ticket To Ride - Northeast PA Trails
Forum
-- PEC Podcast: Trash Talk
-- PEC Podcast: Checking In On The Chesapeake Bay
-- Events Coming Up-
-- Sept. 18: Laurel Highlands Trail Summit
-- Oct. 2-3: Industrial Heartland Trails Summit
-- Oct. 25: Northeast Environmental Partners Awards Dinner
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
Agriculture Encourages PA Students To Enter Spotted Lanternfly Calendar Contest
In an effort to continue to raise awareness about the threat of

the Spotted Lanternfly, the Department of Agriculture Tuesday
announced its 2018 youth calendar contest for students across
57
the state in grades 1 through 8. The deadline for entries is October 31.
“When an invasive species enters Pennsylvania, we need the help of our communities to
eradicate it,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding.” This contest will educate students
about the threat posed by this invasive insect, help Pennsylvanians better identify it, encourage
discussions amongst students and their families, and provide awareness and engagement across
the state.”
The contest is open to all Pennsylvania residents in eligible grades, and entries should
include:
-- One fact about Spotted Lanternfly;
-- Artwork created by the student;
-- 11” x 17” poster, horizontally oriented;
-- Original artwork, no copies will be accepted; and
-- A complete contest submission rule taped to the back of the poster.
Entries will be judged in four divisions: first and second grade; third and fourth grade;
fifth and sixth grade; seventh and eighth grade.
The top three winning entries per grade will be featured in a calendar, and the grand prize
winner will appear on the cover.
The grand prize winner will be announced during a recognition ceremony during the
2019 Farm Show, and his or her school will win a Spring assembly featuring prizes, activities,
and a special guest.
Contestants can enter by sending their artwork to the PA Department of Agriculture Press
Office, Room 210. 2301 N. Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110. All submissions must be
postmarked by October 31, 2018.
The Spotted Lanternfly is an inch-long, black, red, and, white spotted insect native to
Southeast Asia and first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014. The invasive insect feeds on
agricultural goods produced in the state, such as apples, grapes, hops, and hardwoods.
Visit the Department of Agriculture’s Lanternfly webpage for more information on the
threat posed by this invasive species.
NewsClips:
Penn State Extension, Tree Pittsburgh Offering 5 More Tree Tender Classes This Fall
If you would like to become a Tree Tender, Penn State

Extension and Tree Pittsburgh have scheduled 5 more
training sessions for this fall.
Tree Tenders is a training program that empowers
concerned residents to make dramatic strides towards
restoring and caring for the tree canopy in their
communities.
The course is designed for lay people and experts alike.
Become one of the Tree Tenders restoring and tending
58
your part of the forest.
Instruction is provided by DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, in partnership with Penn State
Extension, PA Horticultural Society, and other local urban forestry experts.
Training sessions will be held--
-- October 6: Johnstown Cambria County. (Registration Opening Soon)
-- October 17: LaPlume, Lackawanna County. Click Here to register.
-- October 20: Easton, Northampton County. Click Here to register.
-- October 20: Huntingdon, Huntingdon County. Click Here to register.
-- December 1: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (Tree Pittsburgh) Click Here to register soon.
Click Here for previously scheduled Tree Tender training sessions.
Forestry Resource Links:
Penn State Center For Private Forests
Penn State Extension Community Forests
DCNR Managing Your Woods
DCNR Community Tree Management
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Tree Tender
Western PA Conservancy TreeVitalize Pittsburgh
NewsClips:
Forest Wildfires
PA Forestry Assn: Managing & Conserving Pennsylvania's Forested Waters Oct. 6, State
College
The PA Forestry Association will hold its 132nd

Annual Meeting on October 6 with the theme
Managing and Conserving Pennsylvania's Forested
Waters at the Toftrees Resort in State College, Centre
County.
Join the members of the Association as they explore
the essential relationship between our forests and
waters.
The agenda packed full with high-quality speakers,
including representatives from Stroud Water Research
Center, Penn State Extension, Chesapeake Forests, Woods & Water Consulting and a luncheon
keynote address by John Arway, Executive Director of the Fish & Boat Commission.
Click Here for more information and a registration form. The deadline for registration is
September 22. Questions should be directed to 800-835-8065 or send email to:
59
thePFA@paforestry.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can become involved, visit
the PA Forestry Association website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Penn State Extension, Tree Pittsburgh Offering 5 More Tree Tender Classes This Fall
Pittsburgh's Landforce 2017 Annual Report: 13,000 Hours Of Land Stewardship Work,
Constructed, Maintained 26 Miles Of Trails
The Pittsburgh-based Landforce Thursday released its annual report

outlining accomplishments in 2017, including--
-- Hiring 26 people, providing 2,500 hours of workforce training,
500 hours of career coaching;
-- 93 percent of crew members had job offers at the end of their
work season;
-- Provided 13,000 hours of land stewardship work in Western PA;
-- Constructed or maintained 26 miles of trails; and
-- Planted 369 trees and shrubs.
Click Here read a copy of the annual report.
Example Projects
Landforce also provided examples of two recent projects--
-- Triumph Baptist Church: Repaired eroded banks of stormwater retention pond-- 16 tons of
Limestone, 10 tons of fill, 3 pounds of grass and wildflower seed, 280 ft of erosion control fabric
were installed by the Landforce Crew;
-- Crouse Run Nature Reserve: Trail and trail structure construction-- Built boardwalk to
traverse seasonally wet and sensitive native plant area, install box steps and check steps to
provide access over steep hillsides and to the rest of the nature reserve, 80 ft of boardwalk
constructed and installed, 21 box steps, 8 check steps, and 150 feet of new trail constructed.
For more information on programs and opportunities, visit the Landforce website. Click
Here to receive regular updates from Landforce (bottom of the page).
Related Stories:
16 New Landforce Crew Members Trained, Ready To Go In Pittsburgh Region
60
The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh
The Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources officials Wednesday visited the newly
constructed fire tower at Big Pocono State Park in
Monroe County to highlight readiness for wildfire
prevention and suppression in Pennsylvania.
“DCNR is responsible for prevention and
suppression of wildfires on Pennsylvanian’s 17
million acres of state and private woodlands and
brush lands, and mountain top fire lookout towers
continue to provide an excellent vantage point for
spotting wildfire smoke along the horizon and
conveying fire locations to firefighting crews,” Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
The 40-foot high Big Pocono Fire Tower was constructed last year. Because of its
historical significance, the original tower was moved to the grounds of Gifford Pinchot’s summer
residence at the U.S.D.A. Forest Service’s Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike
County where it will be used as an exhibit.
This year more than 1,800 acres have been impacted by wildfire in Pennsylvania in a
total of 686 fires.
In September 2017, DCNR began a $4 million project to replace 16 forest fire lookout
towers on state forestland. Many of the original towers were constructed in the 1920s through
1940 and needed to be replaced.
E2 Project Management out of Rockaway, N.J., designed the project; the contractor is
Lycoming Supply in Williamsport.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire
wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they are trained in the latest advances in fire
prevention and suppression.
The department owns 50 fire towers that are still standing. About 20 still are actively
staffed in periods of high fire danger, and that number is growing as replacements come online.
Pennsylvania also uses fire surveillance from planes and people on the ground, but fire
lookout towers continue to be the safest and most cost effective means to pinpoint wildfire
locations and notify crews without delay.
Visit DCNR’s Wildfire webpage for more information on forest fire wardens and the
Wildfire Program.
NewsClips:
61
Related Stories:
In Pennsylvania, we’re fortunate to have thousands of

miles of trails of all types to hike, ride, and paddle,
just waiting to be explored at little to no cost.
To recognize their many values, we’re celebrating
trails in September! Check out the trail and recreation
opportunities Pennsylvania offers.
Kicking Off Trails Month
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this week is
visiting three trails in northeastern Pennsylvania to
hear from stakeholders and local officials about the trails’ importance to healthy citizens and
attracting visitors.
“Trails connect places, they are one of the best guides to nature, and more than 75 percent
of Pennsylvanians believe that, along with parks, they are an essential component of our health
care system,” Dunn said.
Stops on the visit include:
-- A ribbon cutting for the Pocono Creek pedestrian bridge in Monroe County. The bridge and
trail connect Knights Park and local neighborhoods to Stroudsburg High School and the
Stroudsburg Borough Park. DCNR provided a $360,000 investment in the bridge.
-- Promised Land State Park in Pike County to highlight the opportunities for horseback riding.
Horseback riding is allowed on park roads and designated trails, and provide access to 26 miles
of equestrian trails in Delaware State Forest.
-- The trailhead for th Delaware and Hudson Trail, which runs two miles to the south and eight
miles to the north in Forest City in Susquehanna County. The trail section is a center for
organized events that attract participants, including a half marathon that will be held on
September 9.
“At these three locations in northeast Pennsylvania, we can see the exciting range of trail
opportunities that are examples of what you can find across the state -- trail connections between
schools and places to enjoy nature; a wide range of trail types including for those who like to ride
horses, bikes, or ATVs; and locations for events that draw visitors who reenergize towns along
the path,” Dunn said.
How To Find A Trail
Anyone who wants to visit a trail but is not sure where to go can find 12,000 miles of
trails on the recently refreshed Explore PA Trails website.
You now can search for trails in the way you prefer -- by trail name, county or zip code,
or the type of trail to find your perfect path! You also can find DCNR’s calendar of events, the
62
Pennsylvania Trail of the Year, and a featured trail.
Trail Partners Moving Efforts Forward
DCNR helps coordinate a 20-member Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee that
represents many different types of users and stakeholders. It advises the department of the use of
state and federal trail funding.
The committee recently published its 2017 Trails Report (PDF), which shares helpful
information about trail planning, closing trail gaps to reach the goal of having a trail within 15
minutes of every Pennsylvanian, and many great accomplishments for the year.
DCNR partners with various trail organizations to help maintain all the trails across the
state. You can help care for your favorite trails. Find upcoming trail events at DCNR’s calendar.
The Path To Good Health
Not only is hitting the trail usually free, trails also have a role to plan in maintaining good
health by:
-- Providing walkable access to appropriate sites to motivate people to participate in physical
activity and to do so more frequently
-- Encouraging physical activity that can improve heart health
-- Along with parks, providing safe spaces for people to play and exercise, away from busy
streets and commercial zones
Learn More About Trails
Visit Explore PA Trails to find a trail near you that suits you! Click Here to learn more
about trail experiences in a short video.
Learn more about staying safe while hiking, Leave No Trace ethics, and ways reduce
your chances of spreading invasive species (PDF) on the trail.
There's a PA trail for everyone. Pursue your trail!
Related Stories:
NewsClips:
Sept. 7 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
State Recognizes Bike Route Through Northeast
Water Rescue Team, Firefighters Help 2 Kayakers On Kiski River
Wyoming Valley Lee Trail Repairs Shift To Kingston-Edwardsville
New Park Holds Key Lessons For Erie’s Future
Summer’s Winding Down At Presque Isle In Erie
Millsboro Captain Ready To Ply The Waters Of The Monongahela With Renovated Riverboat
Pittsburgh Paddlefish Boat Club Celebrates 15th Season
Fallingwater Was Love At First Sight For Tour Guide
Half-Ton Cast Iron Sculpture Vandalized Along Lackawanna County Trail
Somerset Officials Caution Residents After Finding Leak In High Point Lake Dam
63
High Point Lake Dam Stable After Leaks, But Inspection Continues In Somerset
High Point Lake Residents In Somerset Warned About Dam Leak
Departing Steamtown Boss: Park Positioned For Future
At Flight 93 Memorial, A Dream Is Realized
AP: Trump To Attend 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony In Pennsylvania
Legislators, Outdoors Groups Urge Renewal Of Land & Water Conservation Fund
Letter: Help Preserve Our Places Of Natural Heritage: Reauthorize Federal Land & Water Fund
(Reprinted from the September 5 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
South Mountain Partnership Trails Workshop: Building Strong Community Connections

Nov. 20 In Shippensburg
The South Mountain Partnership, Capital

Resource Conservation & Development Area
Council and other partners invite you to attend
the South Mountain Partnership Trail
Workshop: Building Strong Community
Connections on November 20 from 8:30 a.m. to
5 p.m. at Shippensburg University in
Cumberland County.
Are you interested in funding, designing, constructing, and/or maintaining walking,
hiking, or biking trails?
During this workshop you will learn how to effectively work with landowners,
municipalities, and others to build better bike and pedestrian trails that connect communities,
enhance economic development, and improve quality of life.
Workshop topics to include: Building Municipal and Community Support for Trails;
Designing Trails for Local Needs; Bike Friendly Communities Panel; How to Work with
PennDOT; and many more!
Fewer than 100 tickets are available for this workshop, so early registration is
encouraged.
Funding for this project comes from a grant via the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network,
Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Thanks also to Volvo Construction, the Center for Land Use and Sustainability at
Shippensburg University, and the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau for their sponsorship.
The cost is only $10, which includes breakfast, lunch, and reception. An optional mobile
session on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is an extra $5, and spots are limited to 20 people.
Click Here to register or for more information.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the South
Mountain Partnership and Capital Resource Conservation & Development Area Council
websites.
NewsClips:
64
Related Story:
The September 5 edition of the Resource newsletter is

now available from the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources featuring articles on--
-- DCNR Blog: Pursue Your Trail!
-- DCNR Blog: Wild About Native Trout!
-- DCNR Highlights Importance Of Fire Towers To
Wildfire Detection In Monroe County
-- DCNR, Local Officials Celebrate Renovations At
Fireman’s Beach Park, Crawford County
-- Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Carl Kelemen, PA
Trails Advisory Committee (photo)
-- DCNR, The Conservation Fund Celebrate Adding 560 Acres To Michaux State Forest
-- State Rebates Available To Help Pennsylvanians Drive Cleaner Cars
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click
Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
Related Stories:
NewsClips:
65
Western PA Conservancy Protects 377 Acres Along Bald Eagle Mountain, Centre County
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Wednesday

announced the donation of a conservation easement from
landowners Denny and Joan Thompson to protect 377
acres of forestland along Bald Eagle Mountain in
Halfmoon Township, Centre County.
This easement safeguards important plant communities
and wildlife habitats found within a large 320-acre
contiguous forest.
This forest area, positioned high on the slopes of Bald
Eagle Mountain, is one of the largest areas of remaining untouched forest in Halfmoon
Township.
The Thomsons are also placing an agricultural conservation easement on 241 acres of
their farmland. That easement, to be held by the Centre County Agricultural Lands Preservation
Board, ensures that their agricultural land continues as a working farm.
Natives of Wisconsin, the Thomsons moved to central Pennsylvania in 1970 to work at
Penn State University and eventually raise their family. Over a period of 42 years, they added
adjacent properties to their now 618-acre Halfmoon Township homestead, hoping to reduce
threats from development and forest fragmentation in Centre County.
For the Thomsons, protecting their forest with a donated easement comes instinctively,
as they both were raised with a conservation ethic imparted from their parents.
Joan grew up on a dairy farm and Denny’s parents, who were botanists and nature
enthusiasts, introduced him to American author and conservationist Aldo Leopold. Denny says
that this donation is not only a gift to the Conservancy, but an investment in nature for the
region.
“It was important to us to create a legacy that contributed to the greater conservation
good and be a good example for others considering donating land,” he said. “I’m privileged to be
on this unique, precious, and beautiful spaceship Earth and I’d like to believe I’ll leave a little bit
of it in better shape than when I first arrived.”
In addition to the large forest and farmland, the property is interspersed with meadows
and wetlands. The vernal pools (temporary areas of water that occur seasonally on land) on this
section of the property are part of a complex of pools within the Gatesburg forest landscape.
This wetland complex is recognized by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program as
important habitats for distinctive plants, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that use vernal
pools at various stages of their life cycles.
Additionally, the surrounding forest landscape supports several rare and threatened
species, including eastern hognose snake, Appalachian cottontail, and golden-winged warbler.
66
The easement will also protect Warriors Mark Run, a tributary to Spruce Creek which
flows into the Little Juniata River and its headwater streams. This run originates on the property
and supports a population of native brook trout.
“This conservation project would not be possible without all of the partners in the region
working to ensure this land remains wild and a place for future conservation planning and
learning opportunities,” said Joan. “This land has been a big part of our lives, and it is satisfying
and special to know it will endure.”
Protecting land via conservation easements, which are permanent deed-restriction
agreements tailored to meet specific landowner needs and conservation goals, is not a foreign
concept to the Thomsons.
Before moving to Pennsylvania, they donated land to The Prairie Enthusiasts, a land trust
in the upper Midwest, which turned their donated land into a public nature center.
“Centre County is a spectacular place, with extensive forested ridges, beautiful farming
valleys and wonderful ecological resources. A donation of a conservation easement of this size
and significance is a wonderful gift from the Thomson family,” said Tom Saunders, president
and CEO of the Conservancy.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
88-Acre Historic Revolutionary War Site Protected In Chester County
Kummer: Friends Hospital Grounds To Be Preserved In Northeast Philly
Related Stories:
Natural Lands, Partners Preserve 88-Acre Historic Revolutionary War Site In Chester County
49 Acres Of Land At Friends Hospital In Philadelphia Permanently Protected By Natural Lands
Natural Lands, Partners Preserve 88-Acre Historic Revolutionary War Site In Chester
County
Natural Lands Tuesday announced it has completed

placing the 88-acre Osborne Hill Farm-- the
quintessential Chester County countryside with
rolling fields, early 19th century buildings, and
pastures-- under a conservation easement ensuring
its permanent protection.
The Osborne Hill Farm is most notable for its role
in American history as the promontory where British
General William Howe surveyed the Battle of
67
Brandywine during the Revolutionary War.
“It’s hard to imagine such a peaceful, beautiful spot being at the epicenter of the
Revolutionary War’s longest and largest battle,” said Natural Lands President Molly Morrison.
“Natural Lands is thrilled and honored to have helped ensure this historic property will have a
future free of development.”
Straddling Birmingham and Westtown Townships, the property contains farm fields and
pasture, a stone farmhouse built in 1809, and about 30 acres of woodlands. Osborne Hill Farm
was named for former owner Samuel Osborne who purchased the property in 1727.
Osborne Hill Farm is among nearly 500 battlefield acres that have been protected within
Chester County alone. The battlefield, however, measures 35,000 acres, and encroachment by
Philadelphia area development is always a threat.
In a 2007 report to Congress on the status of Revolutionary War and War of 1812
battlefields, the National Park Service identified Brandywine as a national priority for
preservation because of its historic significance and opportunities to preserve intact battlefield
landscapes.
The conservation easement was made possible with a $1.3 million grant from the
American Battlefield Protection Program’s Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants, which are
funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and administered by the National
Park Service; American Battlefield Trust members; Chester County – Preservation Partnership
Program; Mt. Cuba Center; Department of Community and Economic Development with funds
from the Marcellus Legacy Fund; the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation; and a donation from
the landowner.
"The American Battlefield Trust appreciates the opportunity to work with Natural Lands
and other partners to preserve Osborne Hill, from which British and German troops launched
their major attack in the Battle of Brandywine," said Trust President Jim Lighthizer. "We
applaud the landowner’s willingness to protect in perpetuity this sacred place where future
generations can understand and appreciate the sacrifices made to secure our independence."
In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone,
and Terence Farrell said, “Yet again, partnership has played a great role in the preservation of
this historic landmark.
We thank Natural Lands for its leadership in pursuing the conservation easement for Osborne
Hill Farm and are pleased to be part of it.”
“It is wonderful news that the Osborne Hill property, part of the historic Brandywine
Battlefield landscape, will now be preserved forever,” said Ann Rose, president of Mt. Cuba
Center. “Mt. Cuba Center is appreciative of the work that Natural Lands has done to bring
together a variety of partners to secure this important conservation achievement.”
“One of the most enduring tributes to those who made history at Osborne Hill Farm is to
preserve its rolling hills and natural features for generations to come,” said U.S. Rep. Ryan
Costello of West Goshen Township. “This collaborative effort led by Natural Lands
demonstrates how the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund continues to deliver significant
and lasting results for Chester County. From my first day in Congress, I have strived to protect
local historic gems, irreplaceable open space, and vital watersheds through unyielding support of
the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Moments such as this remind me how fortunate I’ve
been to work side by side with Natural Lands and other conservation allies while fighting to
protect this critical federal funding source.”
68
“Saving Osborne Hill Farm is critical to preserving both our history and our land. Future
generations will now be able to experience this beautiful landmark. Natural Lands is a leader in
our regional conservation efforts, and we are immensely grateful for their decades of important
work,” said Sen. Tom Killion.
“Molly Morrison once said preserving land is like assembling a complicated puzzle.,”
said Rep. Carolyn Comitta. “I want to thank Natural Lands together with the many individuals
and non-profits, local, county, and state agencies who have devoted time and resources to add
their key piece to the preservation of this heritage landscape—beautiful historic open space
preserved for posterity.”
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural
Lands website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on
Facebook. Click Here to support their activities.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Brandywine Conservancy Board Approves Purchase Of Brandywine Battlefield Land
49 Acres Of Land At Friends Hospital In Philadelphia Permanently Protected By Natural Lands
49 Acres Of Land At Friends Hospital In Philadelphia Permanently Protected By Natural

Lands
Natural Lands Thursday announced 49 acres of the

Friends Hospital campus have been placed under
conservation easement permanently protecting it
from development.
Preservation of this landscape safeguards historical
greenspace in Philadelphia and the scenic views
from nearby Tacony Creek Park. The easement also
formalizes public access to the property’s
woodlands, which the Tacony Creek Trail traverses.
Founded in 1813, Friends Hospital is one of
America’s oldest hospitals and the first private
nonprofit institution of its kind in the country.
Located in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, Friends Hospital is made up of historic
buildings, lawns, gardens, and a forest through which Tacony Creek meanders.
The property was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the
Interior in 1999.
69
"Urban green space is essential for the health and well-being of city residents, which
makes the permanent protection of Friends Hospital’s campus all the more significant,” said
Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands.
Joe Pyle, president of the Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation, added,
"The Foundation is thrilled to place the property under conservation easement with Natural
Lands. We are committed to being good stewards of the land and honoring our Quaker roots by
using the property to promote healing and recovery for all."
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified
conservation organization, such as Natural Lands, that permanently limits uses of the land in
order to protect its conservation values.
Conservation easements must provide public benefits, such as scenic views, water
quality, wildlife habitat, and historic preservation.
Funding for this project came from the Commonwealth Financing Authority with funds
from the Marcellus Legacy Fund; Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Keystone
Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation; and the William
Penn Foundation.
Support for the ongoing stewardship of the easement including annual monitoring of the
property was provided by the Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural
Lands website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on
Facebook. Click Here to support their activities.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Natural Lands, Partners Preserve 88-Acre Historic Revolutionary War Site In Chester County
Scenic Beauty Photo Contest Seeking Entries From Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest,
Cameron Counties
The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau

Tuesday announced it is now seeking entries in a new
Scenic Beauty Photo Contest for photos taken in
Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest, or Cameron Counties.
The deadline for entries is November 20.
“With the cameras in modern cell phones, people are
taking more and higher-quality pictures than ever
before,” says John Straitiff, executive director of the
Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau. “With
70
our Scenic Beauty photo contest, pictures taken in the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors region could
win cash prizes. This is just another way for us to connect with the traveling public and to share
the many wonderful things found in the region through their eyes.”
Finalists will be posted on VisitPAGO.com with the four entries with the most votes
receiving the following: 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, 3rd place $75, and 4th place $25. Online
voting will be held December 13-19, 2018.
Winter Fund-Captivating Critters Contests
The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau will also running two related photo
contests in the winter and spring in the same counties--
-- Winter Fun: December-February with voting March 14-20, 2019
-- Captivating Critters: March-May with voting June 13-19, 2019
For more information on how to enter, visit the Scenic Beauty Photo Contest webpage.
Fish & Boat Commission Statement On Leak In High Point Lake Dam, Somerset County
The Fish and Boat Commission Tuesday released this statement on the leak found in the
Commission-owned High Point Dam in Somerset County. The High Point Lake Dam is a
45-foot high dam that was constructed in 1965. The dam inundated the waters of Glade Run to
create a 300-acre, 37-foot deep lake.--
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on September 2nd, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(PFBC) staff was alerted by the Somerset County EMA that a local resident of the High Point
Lake Dam reported that they had heard a loud crash from within the dam.
A short time later, heavy flows were observed discharging from the dam's principal
spillway outlet pipe.
PFBC dispatched local law enforcement, maintenance and engineering staff to the dam
for evaluation and determined that a part of the dam's principal spillway intake structure had
suddenly failed.
The failure will result in a drawdown of the reservoir, a process that is expected to
continue gradually over the course of the next few weeks.
Although the volume of water being discharged through the dam is greater than normal,
areas downstream of the lake remain below flood levels. This includes Glade Run, McClintock
Run and the Casselman River.
PFBC staff will continue 24-hour surveillance of the dam until the situation is resolved.
If the situation escalates and the integrity of the dam is jeopardized, PFBC staff will alert
the Somerset County EMA, which will issue an alert to downstream residents.
Residents should remain cognizant of the situation, and heed any alerts issued by the
Somerset County EMA.
For those seeking information on potential flood impact in downstream areas, inundation
maps can be found at the following locations; Somerset County Emergency Management Office,
Confluence Borough Municipal Building, Addison Township Municipal Building, PA Fish and
Boat Commission Southwest Regional Office and the Fish and Boat Commission Centre Region
Office.
The Centre Regional Office is located at 595 E. Rolling Ridge Drive, Bellefonte, Centre
County. The phone number is 814-359-5142.
71
NewsClips:
Leaking Somerset County Dam Put Under 24-Hour Surveillance
Game Commission Participating In 10 Events Around The State To Help The Public
Understand Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer
To help the public better understand chronic wasting

disease and what it means for Pennsylvania’s deer and
deer hunting, the Game Commission is taking part in
informational events across the three areas of the state
where the disease has been detected and special rules are
in place. So far, 10 events have been scheduled.
Game Commission Executive Director Brian Burhans
told the House Game and Fisheries Committee in March
the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer “is an
ecological disaster unfolding before our eyes” that
threatens the state’s $1.6 billion industry tied to hunting and our hunting heritage.
These remarks underscore the seriousness of the issue for both hunters and the public.
The information events will be held--
-- September 8: Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation; Clearfield County, 6 p.m. This
presentation will consist of expert speakers followed by a short question and answer session.
Hyde Fire Company; Clearfield
-- September 18: Chronic Wasting Disease Open House; Jefferson County, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
CWD open houses are designed as stations to be self-navigated at your own pace with agency
staff on hand to answer questions about Chronic Wasting Disease. Feel free to arrive at any time.
Brookville Heritage House; Brookville.
-- September 19: Chronic Wasting Disease Open House; Clearfield County, 6 p.m. CWD open
houses are designed as stations to be self-navigated at your own pace with agency staff on hand
to answer questions about Chronic Wasting Disease. Feel free to arrive at any time. Mahaffey
Fire Hall; Mahaffey.
-- September 20: Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation; Sullivan County, 7 p.m. This
DCNR Forestry Building; LaPorte.
-- September 20: Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation; Lebanon County, 6:30 p.m. This
Myerstown Rod & Gun Club; Myerstown.
-- September 20: Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation; Lackawanna County, 5 p.m. This
Dickson City Borough Hall; Dickson City.
-- September 21: Chronic Wasting Disease Open House; Indiana County, 6 p.m.to 8:30 p.m.
72
Marion Center Park Hall; Marion Center, Pa.
-- September 22: Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation; Jefferson County, 9 a.m. This
Jefferson County Fairgrounds; Brookville, Pa.
-- September 27: Chronic Wasting Disease Open House; Jefferson County, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Brockway High School; Brockway, Pa.
-- October 18: Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation; Lancaster County, 6 p.m. This
(Location to be determined); Denver, PA.
Additional programs could be scheduled and, if so, they will be added to the Game
Commission’s Upcoming Events webpage.
For much more information, visit the Game Commission’s Chronic Wasting Disease
webpage.
(Photo: Current CWD management areas in PA.)
Related Story:
Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer An Ecological Disaster Unfolding Before
Our Eyes
Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease Rules Apply To Hunters Bringing Carcass Parts
Back To PA
Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease Rules Apply To Hunters Bringing Carcass
Parts Back To PA
The Game Commission Tuesday reminded

Pennsylvania hunters who harvest deer, elk, mule deer
or moose out-of-state likely can’t bring them home
without first removing the carcass parts with the
highest risk of transmitting chronic wasting disease
(CWD).
Game Commission Executive Director Brian Burhans
told the House Game and Fisheries Committee in
March the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer
“is an ecological disaster unfolding before our eyes”
that threatens the state’s $1.6 billion industry tied to
hunting and our hunting heritage.
Pennsylvania long has prohibited the importation of high-risk cervid parts from areas
where CWD has been detected. This prohibition reduces the possibility of CWD, which always
is fatal to the cervids it infects, spreading to new areas within Pennsylvania.
Earlier this year, the Game Commission strengthened its ban on importing high-risk
cervid parts by prohibiting any deer harvested in New York, Ohio, Maryland or West Virginia
73
from being brought back to Pennsylvania whole.
In previous hunting seasons, the prohibition applied only to deer harvested within
counties in those states where CWD has been detected.
With the change, Pennsylvanians who harvest deer anywhere in New York, Ohio,
Maryland or West Virginia either must have them processed in those states or remove the
high-risk parts before bringing the meat and other low-risk parts back into Pennsylvania.
There now are 24 states and two Canadian provinces from which high-risk cervid parts
cannot be imported into Pennsylvania.
The parts ban affects hunters who harvest deer, elk, moose, mule deer and other cervids
in: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian
provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
High-risk parts include: the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes);
spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord
tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root
structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal
cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides.
Hunters who are successful in those states and provinces from which the importation of
high-risk parts into Pennsylvania is banned are allowed to import meat from any deer, elk,
moose, mule deer or caribou, so long as the backbone is not present.
Successful hunters also are allowed to bring back cleaned skull plates with attached
antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; tanned hide or raw hide with no visible
brain or spinal cord tissue present; capes, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper
canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft tissue is present; and finished taxidermy mounts.
Hunters who harvest cervids in a state or province where CWD is known to exist also
should follow instructions from that state’s wildlife agency on how and where to submit the
appropriate samples to have their animal tested.
If, after returning to Pennsylvania, a hunter is notified that his or her harvest tested
positive for CWD, the hunter is encouraged to immediately contact the Game Commission
region office that serves the county in which they reside for disposal recommendations and
assistance.
Pennsylvania first detected chronic wasting disease in 2012 at a captive deer facility in
Adams County. The disease has since been detected in free-ranging and captive deer in a few,
isolated areas of Pennsylvania.
Presently, there are three active Disease Management Areas (DMAs) within
Pennsylvania where special regulations apply to help prevent CWD from spreading to new areas.
Deer harvested within DMAs also cannot be transported whole to points outside the
DMA.
For much more information, visit the Game Commission’s Chronic Wasting Disease
webpage.
(Photo: Current CWD management areas in PA.)
Related Story:
Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer An Ecological Disaster Unfolding Before
Our Eyes
74
Game Commission Participating In 10 Events Around The State To Help The Public Understand
Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer
Keith Salador Named Executive Director Of DEP Citizens Advisory Council
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell Tuesday announced the

appointment of Keith Salador to the position of Executive Director of DEP Citizens Advisory
Council.
“Keith has provided outstanding legal counseling to DEP for the past four years,” said
McDonnell. “His broad experience within DEP and his extensive knowledge of environmental
law will serve the Council very well as they explore big-picture issue areas affecting the
commonwealth.”
Salador has served as an attorney in DEP’s Bureau of Regulatory Counsel since 2014,
where he advised DEP staff in the Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields, Radiation
Protection, Storage Tanks, Clean Water, Compacts and Commissions, and Oil and Gas
programs.
He was involved in a broad range of agency activities that included the drafting of
regulations, enforcement actions, litigation, and major policy decisions.
As Executive Director, Salador will coordinate the council’s research and reviews related
to environmental protection, conservation, and resource management issues and its
recommendations regarding policies, procedures, plans, and goals for protecting the environment
and natural resources in Pennsylvania.
Before his career at DEP, Salador was an Assistant Regulatory Manager at Fox Chase
Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
He also served as a Law Fellow with the Center for International Environmental Law and
a Law Clerk for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, both in Washington, D.C.
He earned his law degree from Widener University School of Law in Delaware, where he
served on the school’s Law Review, and a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from the
George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C.
The Citizens Advisory Council was legislatively created in 1970 by Act 275, which also
established the Department of Environmental Resources, the predecessor to DEP. The Council
made up of 18 citizen volunteers appointed by the governor, president pro tempore of the state
Senate, and Speaker of the House.
Don Welsh serves as Chair of the Council.
The next meeting of the Council is on September 18 in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson
Building starting at 10:00.
For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage. Contact Keith
Saladar, Executive Director, by sending email to: ksalador@pa.gov or call 717-787-8171.
Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Announces Management Change, Seeks New Executive
Director
75
The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation Thursday announced a change in its management. The
Foundation’s recent growth and the wish to expand beyond central Pennsylvania has necessitated
a change in its operations.
Foundation President, Jerry Regan, whose term is expiring, will be appointed to a seat on
the Board of Directors, where he will oversee and chair the new $1.8 million Wildlife Center
project, planned for groundbreaking in the summer of 2019.
He will also continue to support various committees to ensure a seamless transition to the
new management structure.
“Jerry has been an invaluable asset to the Foundation as president and committee chair
for the last two years, and we look forward to his continued involvement as a board member,”
said Russ Schleiden, chairman of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation Board.
New Executive Director
The Executive Committee of Wildlife for Everyone Foundation is initiating a search for a
new Executive Director and will be releasing that information in the near future. “We plan to fill
that position in the next 90 days,” Schleiden advised.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Wildlife for
Everyone Foundation website.
Help Wanted: Headwaters Charitable Trust Intern, Process For Identifying Abandoned
Oil & Gas Wells
The Headwaters Charitable Trust, in partnership with Penn State University’s Methane and
Legacy Oil and Gas Infrastructure Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is
seek candidates for a paid intern or short-term fee for service opportunity.
The candidate will document a process for identifying undocumented orphaned and
abandoned oil and gas wells in Northwest and Northcentral Pennsylvania.
Headwaters Charitable Trust is based in Curwensville, Clearfield County.
Click Here for all the details and how to apply. The deadline for applications is no later
than September 21. Questions should be directed to Janie French by sending email to:
jfrench@hwct.org or by calling 814-236-4333.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Hurdle: State Court Rejects Developer’s SLAPP Suit To Block Protest Against Development
Plan
Air
Air Pollution Emissions Over Limit At Lackawanna Power Plant In Jessup
76
Editorial: New Study Links Air Quality And Cognition
Awards & Recognition
Beautification
Stroudsburg United Methodist Church Awarded Fresh Paint Days Grant
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Budget
Fisherman’s Luck Takes Turn For Worse With Resignation Of John Arway
Fish & Boat Commission Looks At Ways Of Addressing Budget Problems
School Budgets Hollowed Out By Dwindling Coal Reserves In Greene County
August State Revenues 1.2% More Than Anticipated, Year-To-Date 0.6% Above Estimates
Chesapeake Bay
Citizen Action
Climate
Cusick: Can Social Media Actually Help Curb Partisanship Around Issues Like Climate Change?
Editorial: U.S. Dept. Of Defense Tackles Climate Threat
Installing Air Conditioning In Pittsburgh Schools Would Cost Millions
Sweltering Schools Bring Up Age-Old Infrastructure Problem In PA
School Closings, Early Dismissals Continuing Through Thursday Heat
Heat Sets Record For 3rd Day In Philly, 3rd Heat-Related Death Reported
O’Neill: Heat Dismissal? Students Must Learn To Suffer
Op-Ed: How Philly’s Overheated Schools Show Disregard For Our Students
77
How Much Hotter Is Your Hometown Than When You Were Born?
Coal Mining
Major Anthracite Coal Mine Project To Be Financed By $1M State Grant
School Budgets Hollowed Out By Dwindling Coal Reserves In Greene County
Editorial: Market Speeds Coal’s Demise
Conservation Districts
Dam Safety
Delaware River
Delaware RiverKeeper Sept. 7 RiverWatch Video Report
Drinking Water
Mayor Says Pittsburgh Water Authority At Financial Crossroads
Boil Water Advisories Issued For 2 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
Editorial: Lead In Pittsburgh Water A Continuing Threat
Hurdle: EPA Urged To Set Enforceable Health Standard For PFAS
Kummer: NJ First State To Regulate Toxic PFNAs In Drinking Water
New Jersey Water Systems Must Start Testing For PFNA In Early 2019
Education
Emergency Response
Edinboro University To Be Recognized As StormReady
Energy
StateImpact PA Podcast: Energy, Explained, A New Podcast
Credit Downgrade Keeps Tarentum On Monthly Electric Deals
78
Farming
Federal Policy
Editorial: U.S. Dept. Of Defense Tackles Climate Threat
Flooding
Gov. Wolf Gets First-Hand Look At Damage From Flooding In York, Lancaster
4 Takeaways From Meteorologist Interview On Summer Of Floods, Look Ahead
Gov. Wolf Tours Areas Affected By Flash Flooding In York
FEMA To Assess York County Flood Damage Next Week
York County Residents Lose Livelihoods In Flood Disaster
This Is Far Worse Than Anything I Have Ever Seen: York County Flood Damage
York County Officials: Call 2-1-1 For Help Cleaning Up From Storm
York Community Rallies After Flood To Save History
Where Was The Flash Flood Warning Friday In York County?
Lancaster County Eyes Federal Funds For Repairing Flood Damage
In Flooding Aftermath, Comcast Opens WiFi Hotspots In Lancaster, York Counties
AP: Lancaster, York Counties Declare Disaster After Flooding
York County Declares Disaster After Flooding
Crable: Flash-Flooding Aftermath In Northwest Lancaster County (Photos)
Crable: Water Rescues From Friday’s Flash Flood Continue Into Saturday (Video)
Roads Washed Away By Flood Waters In York County
Homes Destroyed, Bridges, Roads Damaged After Flooding In York County
York Homeowner: Flooding Was Absolutely Terrifying
See Photos From York-Area Flooding Friday
Slow-Moving Storms Caused Flash Flooding In Central PA
Thompson: Every Road Near A Creek Is Closed, Downpours Leave Central PA A Mess
Flooding Caused Nearly 6-Hour Delay On Amtrak Between Harrisburg, Lancaster
How Much Rain Did Central PA Get?
79
West Pittston Flood Mitigation Project Gets Luzerne County Approval
Editorial: Flooding Concerns In Lycoming County Underscored By This Rain-Filled Summer
Forests
Forest Wildfires
Green Infrastructure
Hurricanes
What Are Chances Of Hurricane Impacting Lehigh Valley Yet This Season?
Will Hurricane Florence Affect PA?
Tropical Storm Lee In 2011 Was Devastating To Central PA
Tropical Storm Gordon Extending Most Expensive Summer At Gas Pumps In 4 Years
Major Hurricane Florence Gives East Coast Reasons To Track Progress
Enemy No. 1 For Puerto Rico’s Utility: Trees
Eroding Beaches Weaken Puerto Rico’s Storm Defenses
After Maria, Farmers In Puerto Rico Build Resilience Through Sustainability
Land Conservation
Land Use Planning
Interests?
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Air Pollution Emissions Over Limit At Lackawanna Power Plant In Jessup
DEP Oil & Gas Program Report Details Increased Inspections, Protections
$1.2M Project To Extend Gas Outside Chambersburg To Have Significant Impact
Power To Save: CNG Buses In Luzerne County
Maykuth: Delta Airlines Wants To Sell Stake In Trainer Refinery
Meadville High School, Middle Schools Closed Due To Natural Gas Leak, No Water
80
Tropical Storm Gordon Extending Most Expensive Summer At Gas Pumps In 4 Years
Pipelines
Hurdle: Sunoco Pipeline Leaked 33,000 Gallons Of Gasoline Into Philadelphia Creek
Kummer: Sunoco Pipeline Spilled 33,500 Gallons Of As At Darby Creek In June
Activist Study Reveals Safety Risks From Mariner East Pipelines In Delaware, Chester Counties
Crable: Lancaster Nuns Take Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Case To U.S. Supreme Court, Plan Solar
Project
Federal Court Denies Challenge To DEP Permits For Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline
StateImpact Energy Explained Podcast: Discussion Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline Controversies
Activists Ask DEP To Reject Permits For Falcon Ethane Pipeline In Southwest PA
Letter: Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline Does Not Threaten Environment
Interests?
Radiation Protection
Crable: Under Pressure, Exelon Promises to Dredge Susquehanna River Access At Peach
Bottom
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Armstrong Flooring Recycling Program Hits 100 Million Pound Milestone
Blair Multi-Municipal Group Gets Funds to Set Up Recycling Dropoff Site
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Bash The Philly Trash Cops
81
O’Neill: Talking Trash Before The Garbage Olympics In Pittsburgh
Improving The Environment One Fork At A Time
Editorial: Rules For Burning Trash, Leaves, Brush In Blair Communities Should Be Modernized
Renewable Energy
Jaramillo: Mixed Reviews For $120M Renewable Energy Plant At Philly Refinery
Stormwater
Wastewater Facilities
Watershed Protection
Biologist Composes Her Requiem Bushkill Creek As Insects Decline
Delaware RiverKeeper Sept. 7 RiverWatch Video Report
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
Fisherman’s Luck Takes Turn For Worse With Resignation Of John Arway
Fish & Boat Commission Looks At Ways Of Addressing Budget Problems
Crable: Under Pressure, Exelon Promises to Dredge Susquehanna River Access At Peach
Bottom
Watch The Sky For Migrating Common Nighthawks
Piping Plovers Raised 4 Chicks On Presque Isle
Frye: An Owl Prowl, Fund Way To Add Excitement, Mystery To Evening Hike
Sauro: Nuisance Bear Turns Into Education Tool In Cambria County
Crable: Lost New Holland Python Reunited With His Family
This Family Hunts Snapping Turtles With Their Bare Hands
Mountain Lions Are Showing Up In PA, While Unlikely, Sightings Aren’t Impossible
Lawsuit Alleges Eastern PA Man Harbored Dangerous Wolf-Dog Hybrid
Murphy: Rent A Pet? 2 Lawmakers Hope To Ban It Before It Comes Back To Bite Owners
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
82
NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards.
September 10-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 1:00. Click Here to register to join the meeting by webinar.
Participants also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 641 463 243. Click Here for
more.
September 10-15-- NEW. Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness 10th Annual Allegheny River
Cleanup. Allegheny National Forest, Warren County.
September 11-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps Garden
Center in Mellon Park, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
September 11-- NEW. West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition meeting. Irvin Park,
Irvin Park Road, Curwensville, Clearfield County. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
September 12-- CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Next meeting will
be announced in the PA Bulletin. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157,
jvollero@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
September 12-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Tiadaghton State Forest
District, Wheeland Center, 1201 Locust St., Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Click Here for more.
September 12-- Get Outdoors PA. GOPA Exchange - Lancaster. Climbers Run Nature
Preserve, 226 Frogtown Road, Pequea. 8:30 to 2:30.
September 12-- NEW. Westmoreland County Conservation District Awards Dinner.
September 13-- Delaware River Basin Commission Meeting. RiverWinds Community Center,
1000 RiverWinds Drive, Thorofare, New Jersey. 10:30. (f ormal notice)
September 13-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Sewickley Public
Library, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
September 15-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Water Wiser Kids - What’s Under That Log?
Program. Seven Pines Natural Area, Cresco, Monroe County.
September 15-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. PA Coast Day - Delaware River
Festival. Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and the Camden Adventure Aquarium. 10:00 to 4:00.
September 15-- NEW. Allegheny Mountain Woodland Association Stream Buffer Workshop.
Ebensburg Borough Meeting Room, 300 W. High Street, Ebensburg, Cambria County. 9:00 to
83
Noon.
September 16-- Harrisburg Area Bicycle Club. Three Creek Century Ride To Benefit American
Cancer Society. Starting at Penn Township Fire Department, 1750 Pine Road, Newville,
Cumberland County.
September 17-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Mt. Lebanon Public
September 17-19-- 11th Eastern Native Grass Symposium. Erie Bayfront Convention Center.
September 18-- Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee holds a
hearing on Senate Bill 1131 (Costa-D-Allegheny) establishing the Landslide Insurance and
Assistance Program (sponsor summary). Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Avenue,
Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 18-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting
is October 16. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
September 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Keith Saladar, Executive Director, ksalador@pa.gov or call 717-787-8171.
September 18-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting.
Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, Lancaster County. 1:00.
DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie, 717-772-9084 or send email to: gleslie@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice)
September 18-- Public Utility Commission Transource Transmission Line Proposal Franklin
County. New Franklin Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 3444 Wayne Road,
Chambersburg. 1:00 and 6:00.
September 18-- Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape. 2018 Laurel Highlands Trail
Summit. Ebensburg, Cambria County. 8:30 to 4:00.
September 18-- Get Outdoors PA. GOPA Exchange - Danville. Montour Preserve, 700
Preserve Road, Danville. 8:30 to 2:30.
September 18-- PA Resources Council. Not In Philly Meet-Up To Talk Trash & Combat Litter
Event. Pipeline Philadelphia, Graham Building, Dilworth Park, 30 S 15th Street, 15th Floor,
Philadelphia. 5:30 to 7:00.
September 18-19-- PA Association Of State Floodplain Managers Annual Conference. Central
Hotel & Conference Center, Harrisburg.
September 18-20-- Mid-Atlantic Chapter International Erosion Control Association. 25th
84
Annual Conference, Workshop and Trade Show. Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill, Cumberland
County.
September 19- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice)
September 19-- Stroud Water Research Center. Citizen Scientists World Water Monitoring Day
Celebration. Stroud Center, 970 Spencer Road in Avondale, Chester County. 4:30 to 8:00.
September 19-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. South Park Home
Economics Building, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
September 19-- NEW. Lancaster County Graziers Group Hosts Savory Institute Founder.
Martindale Reception Center, 352 Martindale Road, Ephrata. 8:00 to 4:00.
September 20-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee & Recycling Funding Advisory
Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry
717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
September 20-- Public Utility Commission Transource Transmission Line Proposal York
County. Airville Volunteer Fire Department, 3576 Delta Road, Airville. 1:00 and 6:00.
September 20-- Green Building Alliance. Honoring 25 Western PA Green Building Projects -
Emerald Evening Gala. Carnegie Science Center’s PointView Hall, Pittsburgh.
September 20-- Penn State Extension: Update On Shale Gas Rule Of Capture Court Decision
Webinar. 1:00 to 2:00.
September 21-- Schuylkill Action Network. 15th Anniversary Schuylkill Action Network Bus
Tour-Schuylkill & Berks Counties. 8:30 to 4:30.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 22-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Castle Shannon
Library, Allegheny County. 10:30 to Noon.
September 22-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
September 22-- Westmoreland Land Trust. 10th Anniversary Celebration - Wide Open Spaces
Party. Land Trust’s barn headquarters, 218 Donohoe Road, Greensburg. 4:30 to 7:30.
85
September 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Trees and Shrubs,
Supporting Wildlife In Winter Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville
Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 23-- Brodhead Watershed Association. East Stroudsburg University Tree Museum
Tour/Hike. Monroe County.
September 25-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing
on foreign influence on natural gas development in PA. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building.
10:00. Click Here to check to see if the hearing will be webcast live. Click Here for more.
September 25-- PA Resources Council. Recycling Awareness Workshop. Mt. Lebanon Public
September 25-26-- Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. 2018 Delaware River
Watershed Forum. Cape May, NJ.
September 26-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: William Penn Forest District [
LTBD ] Southeast PA. Click Here for more.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
September 28-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Members & Friends Celebration, Awards
Dinner. Camelback Resort’s Aquatopia in Tannersville, Monroe County.
September 29-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Construction

Junction, Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 11:00 to 12:30.
September 29-- PA CleanWays, Vector Control Of Cumberland County Tire Collection Event.
East Pennsboro Township Public Works, 645 Tower Road in Enola. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
NOTE: Pre-registration, Prepayment are requested.
September 29-- Gifford Pinchot’s Grey Towers. Free Ice Cream, Magic & Open House.
Milford, Pike County. 11:00 to 4:00.
October 1-2-- 2018 Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit. SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way in
Bethlehem.
October 1-3-- Engineers’ Society of Western PA. PA Brownfield Conference. Sands Bethlehem
Casino, Bethlehem.
October 3-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Harrisburg.
October 5-- Berks Conservation District Farm Conservation Tour. Deep Roots Valley Farm,
86
1047 Irish Creek Creek Road, Mohrsville. 11:00 to 2:30.
October 5-- Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay. 2nd Annual Sportsmen’s Forum. Middle Creek
Wildlife Area, Lebanon County. 8:00 to 6:00.
October 6-- PA Resources Council. Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Robinson Township, Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
October 6-- NEW. PA Forestry Association Annual Conference - Managing & Conserving
Pennsylvania’s Forested Waters. Toftrees Resort, State College, Centre County.
October 7-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Blueberry Hill
Park, Franklin Park, Allegheny County. 10:30 to Noon.
October 9-11-- PA Association of Conservation Districts. Annual Watershed Specialists

Meeting. State College.
October 10-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel Powered (Mining) Equipment.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloski, 724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
October 10- DEP Hearing (If Needed) On Georgia Pacific Plant RACT II Air Quality Plan in
Sergeant Township, McKean County. DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street,
Meadville. 9:00.
October 13-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. Ross Township Community
Center, Allegheny County. 12:30 to 2:00.
October 13-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
Beaver County. 9:00 to 1:00.
October 16-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
October 16-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Keith Saladar, Executive Director, ksalador@pa.gov or call 717-787-8171.
October 17-- DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar
Chescattle, echescattie@pa.gov.
October 17-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Buchanan State Forest District,
District Office, 25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Fulton County. 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Click Here for more.
87
October 17-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Mars, Butler County.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
October 18-- CANCELED. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting

rescheduled to November 15. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to:
jmelnic@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 18-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. DEP
Southcentral Regional Office, Susquehanna Room, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner 717-787-9633 or send email to dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 18-- PA State Assn. Of Township Supervisors. PA Stormwater Conference [Western].
Butler County.
October 18-- PA Resources Council. Recycling Awareness Workshop. Sewickley Public
October 18-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission Small Water System Finances,
Funding Preparing For Emergencies, Regulatory Updates Workshop. SRBC offices, 4423 North
Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:40 to 3:15.
October 20-- Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation. Fall Cleanup In
Centralia, Columbia County.
October 23-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: John Krueger, 717-783-9264, jkrueger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 24-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 1:00. Click Here to register to join the meeting by webinar.
Participants also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 643 952 548.
October 24-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269,
nherb@pa.gov.
October 24-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Clear Creek State Forest District
[LTBD ] Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, Mercer, Venango counties. Click Here for more.
October 24-25-- Penn State Extension: Biochar & Torrefied Biomass Short Course. Penn State
University Agricultural Engineering Building, Shortlidge Road, University Park.
October 30-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In King of Prussia.
88
October 30-31-- Northeast Recycling Council Fall Conference. Sheraton Hartford South Hotel,
Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
October 31-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen Szwajkowski,
717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
November 1-2-- PA Water And Wastewater Technology Summit. Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel, State College.
November 3-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. Construction Junction,

Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 11:00 to 12:30.
November 6-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. North Park Rose Barn,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
November 7-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov.
November 8-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Rothrock State Forest District,
Shaver’s Creek CFD Community Building, 8707 Firemans Park Ln, Petersburg, Huntingdon
County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here for more.
November 8-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Weiser State Forest District,
District Office, 16 Weiser Lane, Aristes, Columbia County. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here for
more.
November 14-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. South Park Buffalo Inn,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
November 15-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to: jmelnic@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
November 16-- PA State Assn. Of township Supervisors. PA Stormwater Conference [Eastern].
Montgomery County.
November 20-- NEW. South Mountain Partnership Trails Workshop - Building Strong
Community Connections. Shippensburg University, Cumberland County. 8:30 to 5:00.
November 29-- Academy Of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Delaware Watershed

Research Conference. Academy Offices in Philadelphia.
December 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kris Shiffer 717-772-5809 or send email to: kshiffer@pa.gov.
89
(formal notice)
December 6-- NEW. 10,000 Friends Of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Awards Dinner.

ArtsQuest, Bethlehem.
December 17-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 1:00. Click Here to register to join the meeting by webinar.
Participants also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 644 895 237.
January 27-30-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. 2019 Delaware Estuary Science &
Environmental Summit. Cape May, NJ.
April 29 to May 2-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2019 National Watershed and Stormwater
Conference. South Carolina.
May 8-10-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals. 2019 Annual Conference - Growth
Through Collaboration. State College.
Related Tools ----------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
Visit DEP Connects for opportunities to interact with DEP staff at field offices.
Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
September 12-- Allegheny Health Dept. Air Pollution Prevention Grants

September 15-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
90
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
September 27-- NFWF Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund
September 28-- Dept. Of Ag Research Grants: Lanternfly, Conservation Practices
September 28-- DCNR Multifunctional Riparian Forest Buffer Grants
September 28-- DEP Calendar 2017 Recycling Performance Grants
September 29-- Sinnemahoning Watershed Restoration Grants
September 30-- Fish & Boat Commission Clean Vessel Act Grants
September 30-- Duquesne Light, Nissan Electric Vehicle Rebate
September 30-- Project Learning Tree Environmental Ed Grants
September 30-- PPL Foundation STEM Educator Grants
October 1-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grants-Water Quality Projects (First-come)
October 15-- DEP Coastal Zone Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Gene Capaldi Lens On Litter Photo Contest
October 31-- Axalta, Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Teachers Program
October 31-- NEW. Dept. of Agriculture Spotted Lanternfly Student Calendar Contest
November 1-- Delaware River Basin Commission Fall Photo Contest
November 20-- NEW. PA Visitors Bureau Scenic Beauty Photo Contest In 5 Counties
December 1-- USDA Rural Community Water Infrastructure Funding (Rolling Deadline)
December 14-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-come)
December 14-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 15-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical

guidance and permits.
Regulations -----------------------
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 8, 2018
Technical Guidance -------------------
No new technical guidance was published this week.
Permits ------------
91
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 43 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the September 8 PA Bulletin -
pages 5611 to 5654.
Related Tools ----------------------
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
DEP Proposals Out For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 4, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4733
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2018)- DEP webpage
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire PA Environment Digest. This Digest is 94 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
92
About PA Environment Digest
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection. He can be contacted by sending email to:
PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
Did you know you can search back issues of PA Environment Digest since May 28, 2004 on
dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.
Also take advantage of these related publications--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant news updates.
Add PaEnviroDigest To Your Google+ Circle: Google+ now combines all the news you now get
through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly, Blog and Twitter sites into one resource.
PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. Add your constructive comment
to any blog posting.
PA Capitol News Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including
NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog.
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers

Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited.
93

Pa Environment Digest Sept. 10, 2018

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Pa Environment Digest Sept. 10, 2018

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Issue #741 Harrisburg, PA Sept.

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion,

A new study released Wednesday found just one

By Jeremy Cox, ​Chesapeake Bay Journal

Up to her chest in muddy water, Cassie Gurbisz had a

Chesapeake Bay Program Releases Best Management Practice Guide

By Joan Smedinghoff, ​Chesapeake Bay Program Blog

The Chesapeake Bay Program recently released the ​Quick

By Jenna Mitchell, ​Alliance For Chesapeake Bay

Lancaster County, PA, is an astonishing county. Of the

(Reprinted from the ​Chesapeake Bay Journal​.)

Westmoreland Conservation District To Recognize Award Winners Sept. 12

The ​Westmoreland Conservation District​ Tuesday

Renovated City Of Harrisburg Playgrounds Become Green Infrastructure To Address

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

10,000 Friends Of PA To Recognize Bethlehem With 2018 Commonwealth Awards Dec. 6

On December 6, ​10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania​ will

A report by the ​Consumer Energy Alliance​, an

DEP-Related Initiatives Selected As Finalists For National Assn. Of State Chief

Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich Thursday announced two state technology

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced last week--

PFOA Standard:​ ​Senate Bill 1242​ (Haywood-D-Philadelphia) require a maximum contaminant

Risk Assessment Of Mariner East 2 Pipelines:​ ​House Resolution 1034​ (Quinn-R-Delaware)

News From The Capitol

Senate Environmental Committee Sets Sept. 25 Hearing On Foreign Influence On Natural

Rep. Christopher Quinn​ (R-Delaware) this week

News From Around The State

Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center Offers 4 Workshops On Holistic

The ​Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center

Pike Conservation District: Proactive Stormwater Management

The ​Pike County Conservation District​ published this

Woodland Stewardship Network Connects Neighbors And Forested Landscape In PA

It can be challenging to sustainably manage

Mike Reuther of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Lancaster County Graziers Group To Host Founder Of Savory Institute Sept. 19

The ​Lancaster County Graziers Group​ Wednesday announced

The ​Allegheny Mountain Woodland Association​ will host a

Feature: Recognizing The Value Of Native Plants For Pollinators

Dr. Doug Tallamy​ is the distinguished professor of

(Reprinted from the ​September 6 Green Infrastructure​ newsletter from LandStudies.)

EPA Settles Multi-Site Stormwater Case Resolving 209 Violations By PennDOT

The ​Susquehanna River Basin Commission​ will hold a

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published notice​ in the September 8 PA Bulletin

Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Projects In Cambria, Luzerne Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the September 8 PA Bulletin

West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition Quarterly Meeting Sept. 11 In Clearfield

The ​West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition

DEP Invites Comments On Rules, Procedures Implementing The Great Lakes-St.

The Department of Environmental Protection is

DEP Teaching Green: Environmental Ed Grant Success Stories

The ​latest edition of DEP's Teaching Green

CBF-PA: 16 Student Groups In 6 Counties To Participate In Fall Susquehanna Watershed

The ​Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

A one-room schoolhouse in Honey Brook

The latest newsletter​ from the ​Stroud Water Research

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful​ Tuesday announced the

The ​Friends of Allegheny Wilderness​ and their partners will

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

By Jeremy Cox, Chesapeake Bay Journal

By Joan Smedinghoff, Chesapeake Bay Program Blog

The Chesapeake Bay Program recently released the Quick

By Jenna Mitchell, Alliance For Chesapeake Bay

(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.)

The Westmoreland Conservation District Tuesday

On December 6, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania will

A report by the Consumer Energy Alliance, an

House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

PFOA Standard: Senate Bill 1242 (Haywood-D-Philadelphia) require a maximum contaminant

Risk Assessment Of Mariner East 2 Pipelines: House Resolution 1034 (Quinn-R-Delaware)

Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware) this week

The Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center

The Pike County Conservation District published this

The Lancaster County Graziers Group Wednesday announced

The Allegheny Mountain Woodland Association will host a

Dr. Doug Tallamy is the distinguished professor of

(Reprinted from the September 6 Green Infrastructure newsletter from LandStudies.)

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin

The West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition

The latest edition of DEP's Teaching Green

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

The latest newsletter from the Stroud Water Research

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced the

The Friends of Allegheny Wilderness and their partners will

The Professional Recyclers of PA will be

The Public Utility Commission Wednesday

Module, a technology startup in Pittsburgh that

The U.S. Green Building Council of Central

The In Case You Missed It In August is now

The PA Forestry Association will hold its 132nd

The Pittsburgh-based Landforce Thursday released its annual report

In Pennsylvania, we’re fortunate to have thousands of

The South Mountain Partnership, Capital

The September 5 edition of the Resource newsletter is

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Wednesday

Natural Lands Tuesday announced it has completed

Natural Lands Thursday announced 49 acres of the

The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau

The Game Commission Tuesday reminded

September 12-- NEW. Westmoreland County Conservation District Awards Dinner.

September 18-20-- Mid-Atlantic Chapter International Erosion Control Association. 25th

September 29-- PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Construction

October 3-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Harrisburg.

October 9-11-- PA Association of Conservation Districts. Annual Watershed Specialists

October 18-- CANCELED. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting

November 3-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. Construction Junction,

November 29-- Academy Of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Delaware Watershed

December 6-- NEW. 10,000 Friends Of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Awards Dinner.

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

September 12-- Allegheny Health Dept. Air Pollution Prevention Grants

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers