Pa Environment Digest Oct. 15, 2018

Issue #746 Harrisburg, PA Oct.
15, 2018
PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+
The Economic Value Of Green Infrastructure: Calculating A Return On Investments In

Parks, Watershed Restoration, Farmland BMPs, Open Spaces
By Brenda Wilt, Assistant Editor, PA Township News
Nearly everyone appreciates nature, but

few of us can put a specific dollar value
on a trail or park. Conservation
organizations have developed a new
model for evaluating natural resources
that shows exactly how much impact they
have on a local economy.
Townships can use this data to prioritize
conservation activities, save taxpayer
dollars, and provide a better quality of
life.
Most people, when asked about the value of open space, forests, streams, and other
natural resources in their community, would probably talk about the aesthetic and recreational
benefits of nature.
Few, if any, would try to put a dollar value on environmental resources. Is it even
possible to gauge the economic value of a riparian buffer or a creek or stream, for example?
According to John Rogers, president of Keystone Conservation Trust, it is not only
possible to quantify the dollar value of natural resources but also imperative that communities do
so to ensure their future health and sustainability.
Failing to understand how natural systems support the municipal budget and contribute to
the local economy can lead to land development decisions that end up costing more than they
generate in tax revenue.
“Because Mother Nature doesn’t write receipts, nature’s financial value is often
overlooked or undervalued in policy debates, business decisions, and personal choices,” Rogers
says.
All is not lost, though. By looking at natural resources from an economic perspective and
1
then using that information to inform policy decisions and promote environmentally sound
practices, townships can balance growth with open space to achieve the best of both worlds.
What Is Nature Worth?
How, exactly, do you determine the economic value of natural resources, though? After
all, most open spaces, creeks, wetlands, and so on aren’t generating any revenue.
The Keystone Conservation Trust and its environmental partners look at the services that
natural systems provide free of charge.
For example, open lands provide water supply, stormwater and flood control, pollination,
aquatic resources, nutrient absorption, erosion control, air pollution removal, and habitat. Open
space also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise.
The financial value of these services is based on what people and governments have been
willing to pay to replace these services when land has been developed, Rogers says. This
includes replacement costs, tax benefits, regulations, and fines.
“Placing a dollar value on natural system services helps policymakers, businesses, and
residents see open space and nature as a portfolio of financial assets, rather than a commodity or
added expense,” he says.
Natural system services work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Once lost, Rogers says,
these services are difficult to replace and must be paid for by taxpayers.
Consider trees and forests, for example.
Will Rogers, president of the Trust for Public Land, writes in “Economic Benefits of
Parks and Open Spaces” that trees control erosion, help remove air pollution, mitigate global
warming by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and help cool homes and
other buildings.
Citing the nonprofit organization American Forests, Rogers says that trees in metro areas
are estimated to contribute $400 billion in stormwater retention alone.
To begin putting these economic realities into use, the Keystone Conservation Trust and
various environmental groups have created return-on-environment (ROE) studies.
Just as return on investment studies gauge the impact of banks’ and businesses’ financial
practices, return on environment studies evaluate the economic impact of natural resources on a
community.
So far, the trust and its partners have conducted return-on-environment studies in seven
Pennsylvania counties — Berks, Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lehigh, Monroe, and
Northampton — and hope to do five more counties this year.
The ROE studies suggested that natural systems provide nearly $1 billion in services each
year for each county.
According to John Rogers, these ROE studies:
-- Explain nature’s financial value in easy-to-understand terms;
-- Convey the economic significance of protecting and restoring nature to policy makers,
investors, and homeowners;
-- Underscore nature’s connection to quality of life, public health, cost of living, economy, and
sense of place; and
-- Can be immediately applied to policy decisions involving land use, economic development,
infrastructure, water resources, tourism, and recreation.
Quantifying Economic Value
Let’s examine a few of the ROE studies performed by the Keystone Conservation Trust
2
and its partners.
A study for the Lehigh Valley looked at the value of open space in four areas: natural
system services, air quality, outdoor recreation, and property value.
-- Natural System Services — The study showed that the highest natural system services come
from wetlands,
riparian corridors, and forests, which provide roughly $355.5 million in economic value every
year.
Green infrastructure along streams, for instance, allows local governments to avoid
expenditures of more than $110 million a year on water supply ($45 million), flood mitigation
($50.6 million), and water quality ($14.7 million).
Natural areas in the Lehigh Valley also provide more than $22.4 million a year in
pollination and $2.5 million in biological control to agriculture, backyards, and landscapes.
They also contribute $219.5 million each year in habitat for insects, birds, animals, and
flora, plus nearly $800,000 in soil fermentation and retention.
-- Air Quality — The ROE study estimated that the air quality services provided by
pollutant-removing trees total $48.2 million a year.
Tree-covered areas store 5.5 million tons of carbon over the life of the forest, saving
municipalities about $2.2 million each year in costs to mitigate damage by carbon emissions.
Photosynthesis also removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, releases oxygen, and
sequesters an additional 181,000 tons of carbon each year, providing about $3.6 million in health
and other benefits to residents.
All told, the Lehigh Valley avoids health care costs and air quality damage to the tune of
about $54 million a year, thanks to open space.
-- Outdoor Recreation — The study found that about $795.7 million is spent on outdoor
recreation each year in the Lehigh Valley, which includes the actual amount spent on outdoor
activities plus their total impact on the economy.
Recreational activity in open spaces creates more than 9,600 jobs inside and outside the
region and generates about $58.9 million in state and local taxes.
-- Property Value — Studies have shown that proximity to open space, parks, trails, and other
natural areas can raise home values. In the Lehigh Valley, homes within a quarter-mile of
protected open space enjoy an average premium of $14,600 in value.
The premium ranges from $2,600 in rural townships to $28,200 for homes in cities and
boroughs, which typically have less open space overall.
In Cumberland County, data collected in 2015 for an ROE suggested the following values
for the county’s natural assets:
-- $739.1 million in annual savings for natural system services;
-- $521 million in outdoor recreation revenue;
-- $174.8 million in annual avoided expenditures for water supply; and
-- $53.3 million in avoided health care costs due to air pollution.
An ROE study conducted for Dauphin County in 2016 showed a total of $939.2 million
in economic impact, including:
-- $537.7 million in avoided costs through natural system services, such as habitat ($246.7
million), flood protection ($195.4 million), water quality ($53.2 million), water supply ($39.1
million), pollination ($36.5 million), and air pollution removal ($1.9 million) and carbon
sequestration ($7.2 million) by trees; and
3
-- $359.4 million in annual revenue through outdoor recreation expenditures, $16.5 in state and
local taxes associated with outdoor recreation activities, and 3,440 jobs in outdoor recreation.
Natural assets in townships
Keystone Conservation Trust has also done return-on-environment studies for some
townships, including Kidder Township in Carbon County.
The 70-square-mile community encircles Hickory Run State Park, with thousands of
acres of State Game Lands, and acts as a gateway to the Pocono Mountains.
The ROE estimates that the township’s open spaces provide economic value to the tune
of $166.91 million each year in benefits and avoided costs. These include:
-- $139 million in natural system services, such as habitat ($73.6 million), pollination ($7.4
million), erosion control ($203,000), and biodiversity ($89,000);
-- $39.6 million in stormwater and flood protection, plus $8.6 million in water quality, $5.5
million in water supply, and $1.6 million in aquatic resources;
-- $2.4 million in avoided health care costs for air pollution removal by trees, including $1.6
million in carbon dioxide and $725,000 in other air pollutants; and
-- $11 million in economic impact from outdoor recreation.
Bob Dobosh, Kidder Township’s code official and environmental advisory council
member, says the municipality is planning to do an updated natural resources inventory for its
comprehensive plan to see if any adjustments need to be made.
“We’d like to get some Wilkes University students to help do some on-site inspections
this summer,” he says.
Outdoor recreation is the main industry in the Poconos, and visitors and seasonal
residents of the township come to enjoy the forests and high-quality trout streams, Dobosh says.
Consequently, natural resources are at the top of the township’s list for preservation.
“We identified areas that need to be protected, especially wetlands,” he says. “People
think it’s a swamp and of no value. Actually, a wetland is a natural sponge that holds runoff;
without it, you don’t have clean water.”
As a result of the ROE, the township made natural resource protection a priority in its
zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances and included riparian buffer
regulations in its official map.
Putting ROEs To Work
Updated ordinances and enhanced comprehensive plans are the intended results of
return-on-environment studies, Keystone’s John Rogers says. They are not intended to inhibit
growth but help counties and municipalities achieve a balance between development and open
space.
Keystone Conservation Trust suggests the following 10 actions to put ROEs to work in a
community:
-- Include ROE data in decision making and begin every land use, economic development,
tourism, and recreation planning process with a clear understanding of the financial value of the
current natural assets.
-- Map the relative financial values of natural system services and develop strategies to
maintain, restore, and enhance them.
-- Protect and restore riparian buffers and wetlands from disturbance and connect and restore
open space corridors.
-- Develop a balance sheet for all new development that reflects the full cost of benefits, as well
4
as the loss, in natural system services that will be paid by taxpayers.
-- Estimate the annual return on environment for all new proposed ordinances, greenways, and
open space referenda.
-- Develop stewardship buffer zones along riparian areas and around parks, trails, and natural
preserves.
-- Teach the principles of good stewardship to landowners. Create a habitat benefits calculator to
help residents understand the value of backyard stewardship.
-- Offer stormwater fee abatements and free trees to encourage citizens to protect and restore
critical natural system services. Offer free training for landscaping with native plants.
-- Involve schools by initiating environmental education programs to help students appreciate the
value of nature.
-- Create nature literacy programs for schools and libraries that explain the value of nature and
what people can do to make a difference.
Townships with a lot of open space may have an easier time of putting these ideas into
practice. Even urbanized townships, however, can recapture some of the natural system services
they may have lost through development, Rogers says.
“Find areas where you can plant native trees and plants next to parks, streams, or trails,”
he says. “Educate homeowners about landscaping with native plants, especially if they live along
a creek or stream. Naturalize passive park areas by turning them into meadows to support
wildlife and pollinator habitats.”
The work of Keystone Conservation Trust and its environmental partners shows that it is
difficult to have a strong economy without a healthy environment and plenty of open space,
Rogers says.
More and more businesses want to locate in areas with access to natural resources and a
focus on sustainability.
Making natural resources a factor in land use decisions simply makes good economic
sense, he says.
“Use open space as green infrastructure to provide services that nature often does much
better to begin with, such as stormwater control and pollution reduction,” he says. “You will not
only save taxpayer dollars but also provide a better quality of life.”
Environmental Groups Use 'Eco-Pricing' To Put Value On Natural Resources
Knowing the economic impact of its natural resources can help a township make smart
land use decisions. How, exactly, do you determine the dollar value of the services provided by
trees, streams, and wetlands, though?
The value of the services that natural systems provide, such as clean water, pollution
reduction, and stormwater control, is the amount that people have been willing to pay for these
services in the past and in other places.
Environmental groups use a process called “eco-pricing” to determine what that amount
is.
For example, one of the environmental challenges many townships in the Chesapeake
Bay watershed face is reducing the amount of nitrogen that enters waterways. The cost of paying
for this can be expressed as the cost per pound of nitrogen that is removed.
Different natural systems, such as wetlands, forests, and riparian buffers, remove nitrogen
at different rates per year.
Using the average cost of nitrogen reduction practices, an annual eco-price value can be
5
calculated for each natural system.
Similar calculations have been done on a variety of natural systems and the services they
provide, allowing environmental groups to estimate the economic impact of a community’s
natural resources on the local economy.
(Reprinted from the April issue of PA Township News as “The Value of Nature: Can Parks,
Streams, And Open Spaces Help Boost A Township’s Economy?” For information on how you
can get your own copy, visit the PSATS PA Township News webpage.)
Afterword
The return on environment studies mentioned in this article are an initiative of Keystone
Conservation Trust and Audubon Pennsylvania as part of the Kittatinny Ridge and Appalachian
Trail Conservation Project.
The Kittatinny Ridge curves with the mountain ridge starting at the Mason-Dixon line in
Fulton and Franklin counties, moving northeast through Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon,
Berks, Schuylkill, Lehigh, Carbon, Northampton, Monroe and ending at the Delaware River.
So far, the Keystone Conservation Trust has completed or is about to complete 8 county
return on environment studies within this area-- Berks, Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lehigh,
Northampton, Monroe and Perry-- as well as 8 townships.
The ROE studies for several of these counties have been supported by a combination of
sources, including the William Penn Foundation, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
and individual counties.
The Lehigh and Northampton county studies, for example, were an initiative of the
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
When the Trust completes an ROE study, it not only makes available a written report
summarizing its findings, but also lots of background data and GIS information.
That data can then be used by the county or township to analyze various options for
making investments in green infrastructure in the future.
Examples include Warrington Township, Bucks County which is using the information to
evaluate options for 50 or 100 foot wide riparian stream buffers.
In Northampton County, the data was used to help justify a $2.2 million investment in
open spaces preservation.
For more background on the ROE process, read “Can Money Grow On Trees?” by John
Rogers, Keystone Conservation Trust, PA Recreation And Parks Magazine, December 2016.
For more information on this initiative, contact Jeanne Barrett Ortiz, Kittatinny Ridge
Program Manager, 215-519-5648 or send email to: jortiz@audubon.org. or John Rogers,
Keystone Conservation Trust, or send email to: jrogers@keystoneconservation.org.
Green Infrastructure Related Stories:
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
Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion,
Flooding, Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More
New Statewide Partnership Launches Major Effort To Plant 10 Million Trees To Cleanup
Pennsylvania’s Streams, Rivers
Renew The State's Commitment To Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
6
Meeting The Challenge Of Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
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 Story This Week:
2008-2018: What Happened To Pennsylvania’s Environment In The Past 10 Years?
NewsClips:
WITF Smart Talk 10th Anniversary: The Environment, What’s Changed In 10 Years
Bay Journal: Morelli: PA Coalition Spells Out Key Conservation Issues Before Election
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
Scott LaMar, host and executive producer of

WITF’s Smart Talk Program, asked an interesting
question Wednesday-- What happened to
Pennsylvania’s environment over the last 10
years his program has been on the air?
Click Here to listen to the program to find out
how former Sen. Franklin Kury, and author of the
Environmental Rights Amendment, answered the
question.
Here is more background to answer the
question gleaned from the pages of the PA
Environment Digest in bullet form. It’s
organized in 5 parts--
1. Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Development - brought fundamental change to Pennsylvania’s
energy sector, economy, landscape and to DEP programs
2. Support For Local Environmental Improvement Projects - Cut 75 percent
3. State General Fund Support To Run Environmental Programs - Cut 40 percent, staff cut
30 - 40 percent
4. Threats To Natural Resources, Wildlife, Humans-- Multiplying
5. Basic Environmental Measures-- Improving, Mixed
Marcellus Shale Natural Gas
Clearly, and by any measure, the biggest single agent of change in Pennsylvania’s
environment from 2008 to 2018 was the development of Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas.
Consider--
-- In 2008 DEP’s Oil and Gas Regulation effort was a sleepy little program with maybe a couple
of dozen staff overseeing conventional oil and gas drilling since 1984. Things fell into a routine.
-- In 2003 the first exploratory Marcellus Shale well was drilled in Washington County,
-- By 2008 the Marcellus boom was just starting to really ramp up, DEP bragged about issuing
257 Marcellus drilling permits that year, in 2009 1,984 permits were issued, in 2013 2,965, the
peak year for permits so far. As of end of June 2018 Pennsylvania had 11,327 unconventional
7
gas wells.
-- In 2008 permit fees were still $100/well like they had been since 1984 to support the cost of
the Oil and Gas Program, clearly inadequate. Recently, DEP proposed a $12,500 per well permit
fee to support what is now DEP’s largest permitting and enforcement program with 190+ staff.
-- In 2008 DEP had no comprehensive, updated regulations covering the much more complicated
unconventional wells and fracking and no standards for safe disposal of wastewater. Both DEP
staff and the unconventional drilling industry were learning on the fly how to safely drill wells in
a climate and geology much different than Oklahoma or Texas.
-- Mistakes happened, most notably an improperly constructed Cabot shale gas well that allowed
natural gas to affect 13 private water supplies in a 9 square mile area near Dimock, Susquehanna
County. Ultimately, some water supplies were restored and others hooked up to public water
supplies.
-- It wasn’t until 2012 that Pennsylvania had comprehensive law to regulate Shale gas
development and a drilling impact fee (tax) to support a variety of environmental programs (Act
13, signed on Valentine’s Day).
-- $1.4 billion in drilling impact fees (taxes) were paid by the drilling industry to the state since
2013.
-- Shale gas drillers paid over $5.3 billion in royalties to landowners leasing their land for
drilling between 2012 to 2016, according to the Independent Fiscal Office.
-- The state also benefited financially from the Shale gas boom. Gov. Rendell leased 138,866
acres of state forest land for gas drilling beginning in 2008. In 2009 and 2010 a $478 million
windfall from this leasing was used to balance the state budget, rather than being reinvested in
restoring and improving the environment.
Today, there are about 653 wells drilled on state forest land, about one-third of the
potential, that generate about $80 million annually in royalties, much of which goes to pay
administrative costs of DCNR. Recently, DCNR released its second environmental monitoring
report on state forest drilling.
-- In 2010, just a few days before the gubernatorial election, Gov. Rendell imposed a moratorium
on drilling in state forest land. Gov. Corbett then followed with a no surface impacts moratorium
on state forest land drilling. Gov. Wolf renewed the Rendell moratorium when he took office in
2015. Various lawmakers have wanted to lift the moratorium to allow more drilling to get more
money to balance the state budget, not to put toward making the environment better.
-- Between 2007 and 2016 natural gas production in Pennsylvania increased over 2,800 percent--
from 198.2 billion cubic feet (9.7 billion shale) to over 5.6 trillion cubic feet in 2017 (5.1 trillion
from shale). The result of this abundance fundamentally changed the energy sector in
Pennsylvania, regionally, nationally and internationally.
-- The build out of natural gas infrastructure continues throughout Pennsylvania. Over the next
decade there are estimates another 30,000 miles of new pipelines will be built to carry natural
gas to markets. As a result, the General Assembly is wrestling with how or if it should regulate
the siting of pipelines and deal with the conflicts, spills and other issues these projects bring.
-- Because of abundant natural gas, residential and commercial natural gas consumers in
Pennsylvania saved over $30.5 billion 2006-2016, according to an industry estimate, because
natural gas prices fell.
-- Because cheaper natural gas could generate electricity at less cost, between 2010 and the end
of 2017 one-third of coal-fired capacity for electric generation in Pennsylvania shut down.
8
FirstEnergy just announced the closure of its last and Pennsylvania’s largest coal-fired power
plant in the state and more are slated to close.
-- Because of cheaper natural gas, some nuclear power plants could not compete in the wholesale
electric power marketplace. Exelon announced it would close the Three Mile Island Nuclear
Power Plant in September 2019 and FirstEnergy announced the 2021 closure of Beaver Valley
(interestingly on March 28, the date of the TMI accident in 1979). Both companies are
requesting the state, PJM and federal governments to “properly” price electricity generated from
these facilities to take into account their climate and other pollution reduction benefits.
-- In 2010 coal accounted for almost half of electricity generated in Pennsylvania and natural gas
15 percent.
-- By 2017 coal had declined to 25 percent and natural gas increased to almost one-third.
-- Between 2010 and end of 2017 the number of natural gas power plants in Pennsylvania grew
by nearly two-thirds, all funded by private investment. In July, one group estimated there were
no less than 48 new or planned natural gas-fired power plants being developed in Pennsylvania.
-- In 2018 alone, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported 5.2 gigawatts of natural
gas electric generation will be connected to the grid in Pennsylvania.
-- The switch from coal to natural gas caused by energy market conditions caused Pennsylvania’s
greenhouse gas emissions to drop significantly, so much so the state is actually very close to or
in fact meeting EPA’s original Clean Power Plan carbon emission reduction goals without the
state doing anything else.
-- Pennsylvania has also seen significant energy efficiency savings from a variety of initiatives
since 2008, including the Act 129 Energy Conservation Program covering electric utilities. In
2017, the Public Utility Commission estimated Act 129 initiatives over the previous 3 years by
utilities saved customers $2.2 billion and 3.3 million megawatt hours of electricity use.
-- Updates to the state’s Uniform Construction Code that went into effect October 1 will save up
to 25 percent of energy costs for new residential and a similar amount for commercial
construction.
-- The economic impact of energy efficiency and clean energy projects is also growing in
Pennsylvania. In June a report found 86,000 Pennsylvania work in clean energy and energy
efficiency jobs across the state.
-- Legal challenges to Act 13 of 2012, the comprehensive law regulating oil and gas drilling, and
the revenue generated by drilling on state forest land, resulted in two landmark PA Supreme
Court decision involving the Environmental Rights Amendment to the state constitution--
-- The 2013 Robinson decision said clearly all levels of government have a fundamental
responsibility to implement the Environmental Rights Amendment which says-- “The people
have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and
esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common
property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the
Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”
-- The 2017 PA Environmental Defense Fund case went further saying the state and other
governments, as a matter of principle, must act as a “trustee” for the environment under the
Environmental Rights Amendment and specifically in the way the General Assembly used Oil
and Gas Lease funds derived from gas drilling in state forest land to balance the state budget.
This legal battle continues.
Support For Local Environment Improvement Projects Cut 75%
9
-- State support for local, community-based green infrastructure and environmental improvement
projects-- water quality improvement (mine reclamation, nonpoint source pollution), land
conservation, recreation, water and wastewater infrastructure-- has been cut 75 percent during
the last decade and more.
-- In 2017 state lawmakers also proposed raiding $450 million in state monies set aside to pay
the cost of already approved local, community-based environmental improvement projects. It
would have been the single largest cut in local environmental project funding ever proposed.
There was no plan to pay the money owed to communities.
-- This project funding is at the heart of environmental restoration efforts and a huge part of how
Pennsylvania meets its clean water, Chesapeake Bay and other environmental cleanup
obligations.
-- Funding cuts have also left communities to cobble together funding to deal with local
stormwater pollution reduction and flooding threats as Pennsylvania experienced this past
summer. And that has meant communities adopting stormwater and other fees to support the
green infrastructure projects that are uniquely suited to providing cost effective ways to deal with
many of these threats.
-- And threats from stormwater pollution and flooding are only likely to increase. A Penn State
study done for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania in 2017 (and updated this year) found very
heavy precipitation events have increased 71 percent over the last 50 years and the frequency is
likely to keep increasing.
-- Heavy rain events have also resulted in an increase in landslide and sinkhole formation in
areas of the state affected by heavy rains.
State Budget To Run Environmental Programs - Cut 40%
-- State General Fund support to pay the costs of running environmental protection programs at
DEP has been cut 40 percent and staff in those programs by 30 to 40 percent.
-- State funding cuts have resulted in several federal agencies finding DEP does not have the
resources to administer the Safe Drinking Water, Stormwater, Air Quality, Mining and other
programs for the feds in Pennsylvania.
-- As a result of these cuts by lawmakers and Governors since 2003, DEP has had to significantly
raise permit review and other fees imposed on the local governments and businesses it regulates.
-- About 30 percent of DEP’s funding now comes from the feds, 20 percent from the state
General Fund and now 50 percent from fees and some fines. State funds used to make up 50
percent of DEP’s budget.
-- There have only been 2 years in the last 15 or so where DEP’s budget did not contain cuts or
simply provided enough money to carry the existing DEP programs. One was this year when the
General Assembly approved the 35 new positions at DEP Gov. Wolf asked for and in 2014 when
Gov. Corbett asked for a $10 million increase for DEP.
Legacy environmental programs like curbside Recycling and Hazardous Sites Cleanup
have both turned 30 years old and are in need of a refresh.
-- Recycling in Pennsylvania has turned into a $22.6 billion industry since the recycling law was
passed in 1988, but the program now faces challenges in terms of marketing collected materials,
an electronics waste recycling effort that is foundering and a recycling funding model that may
be out of date. Click Here for more.
-- When the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program was established in 1988, it was supported by over
$41 million in annual funding, now that has been cut to just over $16.6 million this year. The
10
need, however, to fund the state’s share of federal Superfund cleanups, to cleanup hazardous
waste sites Superfund does not cover and to respond to emergencies involving hazardous
materials has not decreased. Click Here for more.
Threats To Natural Resources, Wildlife, Humans - Multiplying
-- Starting in the 1970s, it used to be the threat of Gypsy Moths eating our forests was the only
threat they faced (map). Now threats are multiplying.
-- The threat from the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid from Japan and first identified in eastern
Pennsylvania in 1960s has significantly grown since 2004 (map). This critter is even more
insulting because it is attacking our state tree.
-- The Emerald Ash Borer from Asia and first identified in Western Pennsylvania in 2007 has
grown into an aggressive new threat to the state’s forests.
-- The Spotted Lanternfly first identified in 2014 as a threat to agriculture and forests has forest
and other products quarantined in 13 counties in Pennsylvania.
-- The growing threat of non-native and invasive plants are “ecologically castrating” our
landscapes, causing significant declines in pollinators and insects that are critical to agriculture,
the survival of birds and other wildlife. As a result this and loss of habitat, the number of insects
have declined by 45 percent worldwide and 432 bird species (one-third) in North America risk of
extinction. Click Here for more.
-- West Nile Virus first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2000, carried by mosquitoes and once
thought of as a tropical disease, is now a growing threat to people, horses, birds and even the
state’s official bird-- the ruffed grouse. This year there have been 72 human cases so far and 2
deaths. West Nile has been followed by another mosquito-borne disease-- the Zika Virus--
another tropical disease.
-- Lyme Disease from deer ticks was first identified in the 1970s and Pennsylvania has been
ground zero for the most cases in the nation. There were 10,000 cases in Pennsylvania in 2017.
A 2015 Task Force made significant recommendations on how to deal with this public health
threat.
-- Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and elk first documented in 2012 has been called by the
Game Commission an “ecological disaster unfolding before our eyes.”
-- Another threat to deer-- Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease-- has seen outbreaks in 2002, 2007,
2011 and suspected cases this year.
-- White-Nose Syndrome in bats was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2008 and has resulted in
significant declines in bat populations across the state. Lots of resources from wildlife agencies
have been focused on the cause and cure for this deadly disease.
-- This does not detail issues with aquatic invasive species as well.
Basic Environment Measures Improving, Mixed
Many basic measures of environmental quality have improved over the last decade--
-- Air quality, in particular, continues to improve both because coal-fired power plants have been
shutting down and more effective air pollution reduction measures have been put in place. In
2008, Pennsylvania had 17 counties in nonattainment ozone pollution, in 2018 there are 5
counties all in the Southeast. There is more work to be done.
-- Improving water quality is perhaps Pennsylvania’s most significant challenge. Abandoned
mine drainage, agricultural and stormwater runoff are still the number 1, 2 and 3 sources of water
pollution in the state.
In 2008 Pennsylvania had 16,000 miles of streams that did not meet federal standards
11
water quality standards. In 2016 there were 19,900 miles of impaired streams. (Click Here for
interactive map.) In between the numbers went up and down.
-- In the 43 counties making up the Chesapeake Bay drainage in Pennsylvania and where more
resources are concentrated to improve water quality, there has been more documented
improvements.
-- A focused, data-driven effort is now underway to develop plans to reduce water pollution in
Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams leading to the Chesapeake Bay. A draft strategy just released
by Lancaster Clean Water Partners gives some idea of the scope of the task ahead, not only in the
Bay watershed but throughout the state.
The Future
However much people get wrapped up in what “Harrisburg” is doing or not doing, the
fact is tens of thousands of people and organizations all across the state-- business people,
farmers, land trusts, watershed groups, students, local officials, volunteers and many more-- are
working every day or in their spare time to make Pennsylvania’s environment better.
Those efforts to build local partnerships to achieve those goals will continue.
It’s “Harrisburg’s” job to support those local, community-based efforts and in that regard,
the record over the last 10 years hasn’t been good and in fact has been going backwards in many
ways.
It’s up to groups engaged in green infrastructure, energy, land conservation, recreation
and other projects to educate members of the General Assembly on the value, in particular
economic value, of these initiatives.
Return on investments studies at both the county and local level are now underway to
document the economic-- as well as environmental-- benefits of green infrastructure projects.
An initiative in the 10-county Kittatinny Ridge area of the state is aimed at developing
“return on environment” studies by counties and townships to help guide investments where they
will do the most good for the fewest dollars.
Recently, the PA Township News had an article that described the studies and how they
are being used by local governments.
Armed with new tools that captures the true value of green infrastructure investments to
individual people, farmers, communities and businesses, groups should be better equipped to
engage legislators on the benefits of investing in these projects.
The state of Pennsylvania’s environment is getting better, but huge challenges remain.
Working together, as Pennsylvanians have done in the past to adopt world-class programs
to protect the environment, the Commonwealth can’t help but continue to make progress.
(Written By: D avid E. Hess, Former Secretary of DEP. He can be contacted by sending email
to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.)
Related Stories:
The Economic Value Of Green Infrastructure: Calculating A Return On Investments In Parks,
Watershed, Restoration, Farmland BMPs, Open Spaces
Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion,
Flooding, Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More
Renew The State's Commitment To Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
Meeting The Challenge Of Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater Pollution,
Reducing Flood Damage
12
Inside Pennsylvania's Strategy For Healthier Local Streams In The Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Related Stories This Week:
Watershed Restoration, Farmland BMPs, Open Spaces
Business Groups Call For PA Energy Czar To Take Advantage Of Pennsylvania's Natural Gas
Resources
WITF Documentary: Generations Yet To Come: Environmental Rights In Pennsylvania, Oct. 25
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
Business Groups Call For PA Energy Czar To Take Advantage Of Pennsylvania's Natural
Gas Resources
Forge The Future, an initiative of Pennsylvania

businesses across the state, Thursday called for a
new era of economic growth in Pennsylvania,
releasing Ideas for Action, a report that highlights
specific actions the Commonwealth can and
should implement to capitalize on its world-class
energy assets and grow its way to more revenue,
population and job growth.
Among the recommendations are--
-- Cabinet-Level Energy
Executive:Pennsylvania should create a cabinet-level leadership position (Energy Secretary,
Executive, or “Czar”) with exclusive responsibility for driving energy-enabled economic
development in the state. This would give appropriate status to the energy economy and its
potential to create significant GDP, jobs, wages and population growth impact.
-- Pennsylvania Energy Investment Office: Create a new Pennsylvania Energy Investment
Office, led by a cabinet-level executive, to be the Commonwealth’s one-stop resource for
helping streamline the process of doing energy business in PA – serving as an ombudsman to
coordinate regulatory, permitting and other needs. The office should be staffed and funded
appropriately, with the goal of leveraging economic growth, which, as this and other
studies/reports have estimated, could be more than $60 billion.
-- Create Statewide Energy Investment Strategy: This new office would be charged with
creating and leading a well-defined statewide energy business and investment strategy. This
could include an energy-focused business attraction/investment resource kit for local and
regional economic development agencies, and regular interaction to coordinate and collaborate
on energy-related economic development.
-- Streamline Pipeline Permitting Process: Developing Natural gas transmission and
distribution is vital to utilizing the abundant resource across the state, and delivering NGLs and
LNG to export terminals, including a potential Penn America LNG facility in Chester County.
Many regulatory hurdles exist, including oversight at both the state and federal level for natural
gas infrastructure projects.
13
-- Expand Pipeline Investment Program: which currently provides grants to construct the last
few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks and existing manufacturing and
industrial enterprises, to include residential uses.
-- Natural Gas Micro-Grids: Create partnerships with organizations and institutions that
operate large physical plants (government, universities, health care institutions) to build
gas-fueled micro-grids for power generation
-- New Distributed Energy Technology: Develop partnerships between industries and STEM-
focused colleges and universities to explore new technologies in distributed energy
-- Encourage CHP, Fuel Cells: Leverage utility ratemaking policy to facilitate adoption of
natural gas as a heating and power source (such as CHP and fuel cells)
-- Convert Transit Fleets To Gas, Support Fueling Infrastructure: Seek federal and state
assistance to convert all major transit fleets to gas powered buses; Support installation of natural
gas fueling stations at all PA Turnpike service plazas; Develop port infrastructure for natural gas
fueling on cargo ships in Philadelphia to take advantage of the eventual move from high-sulfur
diesel.
-- District Energy Zones: where long-term Power Purchase Agreements would incent use of
natural gas-fueled micro-grids for manufacturing facilities and support the work of the CHP
working group within the Public Utility Commission to identify additional ways to help
manufacturers adopt CHP solutions for their facilities.
“Among Pennsylvania’s greatest attributes are our vast energy resources, which includes
some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world,” PA Chamber President and CEO Gene
Barr said. “Unfortunately, the Commonwealth’s uncompetitive tax structure and a lack of
infrastructure that would get the gas to market are causing us to lose out on economic
opportunities. Pennsylvanians deserve better and this report puts forth an active, strategic agenda
to make energy-enabled growth a reality. It should serve as a catalyst for a much-needed
statewide effort to help advance a stronger economy and ensure that Pennsylvania remains a
world-class energy hub for generations to come.”
“Right now, only a fraction of Pennsylvania’s natural gas reserves have been captured.
The state is currently sitting on untapped opportunities that could propel its economy and turn
the Commonwealth into a leader in the 21st century global economy,” said Rob Wonderling,
President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “Forge The Future
convened 100 business, academic and economic development leaders from across the state to
identify definitive strategies for optimizing the economic opportunity at hand and generating
broad-based prosperity for all Pennsylvanians.”
“With Pennsylvania’s established reputation for innovation in energy, manufacturing,
materials science, software and automation/robotics, it can look ahead to a diversified economy,”
said David N. Taylor, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association.
“Pennsylvania’s vast energy resources can help our state become an epicenter of next-generation
advanced manufacturing and drive significant job growth across the Commonwealth. But the
window of opportunity for Pennsylvania to realize this vision is short. We must take action
now.”
Click Here to review PA Forge The Future overview and recommendations.
NewsClips:
Business Coalition Launches New Shale Gas Promotional Campaign
Study: PA Shale Gas Industry Could Transform State’s Economy
14
After A Year, Shell Ethane Plant Taking Shape In Beaver County
AP: Appalachian Commission Awards $26M To Struggling Coal Towns
Related Stories:
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
PA Sea Grant Program Receives John C. Oliver Award From Tom Ridge Environmental
Center Foundation In Erie
The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program

Friday received the John C. Oliver III
Environmental Leadership Award, presented
by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Foundation.
The Foundation will also recognize Isabelle
Southard of McDowell High School with the
2018 Mixed Media Student Art Award and
the Water/Sand Wheelchair Award to the
Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.
Named for John C. Oliver III, the first
Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the first Board Chair of the
Friends of TREC, and a lifelong environmental leader with the Western PA Conservancy and
other groups, the award recognizes significant environmental leadership in the Erie,
Pennsylvania region.
“Together, with our partners at TREC, DCNR, and other regional programs, our efforts
help community leaders make better decisions for healthier waters, communities and the
environment,” said Sarah Whitney, PA Sea Grant Director. “On behalf of the staff and advisory
board, I would like to thank the TREC Foundation Board for this award and recognition.”
For 20 years, PA Sea Grant has been working in the Lake Erie and Susquehanna and
Delaware River watersheds to help ensure healthy communities, vibrant economies, and a
diverse and sustainable environment.
The Pennsylvania program is one of thirty-three national Sea Grant programs, which
promote the ecological and economic sustainability of our nation’s coastal and watershed
resources through science-based extension, education, and research.
“Pennsylvania Sea Grant supports science-based research to expand our understanding of
aquatic ecosystems, coastlines, and watersheds, all identified as priority concerns for the
Commonwealth,” said Sean Rafferty, Research Director for PA Sea Grant. “Through our
research and outreach programs, PA Sea Grant offers solution-based results that contribute to
enhanced water quality and the local communities.”
Through the years, PA Sea Grant has worked to improve Presque Isle Bay, conserve
ecologically sensitive lands, restore degraded streams and increase access to fisheries, develop
response and management plans for aquatic invasive species, better understand harmful algal
15
blooms, provide hands-on education for teachers and students, and much more.
PA Sea Grant staff, many of whom work at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center,
collaborate with a variety of regional and national partners on issues like coastal erosion, impacts
of a changing climate, the economic value of PA Lake Erie’s sport fishery, plastic and
microplastic pollution, and environmental threats to drinking water and the potential negative
impacts to human health.
The effort is a collaboration between NOAA, Penn State University, and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Past winners of the John C. Oliver Award include-- Purple Martin Conservation
Association (2017), S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Fishing Club (2016), Harry Leslie, former Operations
Manager, Presque Isle State Park (2015), Naturalist Gerald “Jerry” McWilliams (2014),
Environment Erie (2013), Sister Pat Lupo and Dr. Ed Masteller (2012), Dr. James K. Bissell,
Curator of Botany and Director of Conservation at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
(2011), Jean Stull Cunningham (2010), (no 2009 award), Biologist Dr. Robert W. Light (2008).
For more information on the program, visit the Pennsylvania Sea Grant website.
Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation website for more on their
programs and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
(Photo: PA Sea Grant, Benedictine Sisters Sevenmile Creek Stream Restoration Walking
Workshop.)
NewsClips:
PA Sea Grant Program To Be Honored By Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Phipps Conservatory In Pittsburgh Celebrates 125 Years Of Wonder
Chesapeake Bay Program Celebrating 35 Years Of Restoration
Related Stories:
PA Lake Erie Environmental Forum Oct. 23, Tom Ridge Environmental Center
PEC Urges Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Council, Regional Body To Have A More
Transparent Process For Considering Water Decisions
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
DEP Launches Chapter 105 General Electronic Permit System For New Projects Affecting
Wetlands, Waterways
The Department of Environmental Protection

Wednesday launched an electronic permit system to
provide landowners a more efficient way to request
General Permit registrations for new projects that
affect wetlands and waterways and get a faster
response from DEP.
“As part of Gov. Wolf’s commitment to improve the
permitting process, DEP is committed to improving
customer service by employing the best technologies
we can, while also understanding the needs of the permit applicants,” said DEP Secretary Patrick
16
McDonnell. “We’ve launched this new system at the request of those who want the convenience
and speed of a web-based permit process.”
A variety of projects are covered by Chapter 105 Wetland and Waterway Obstruction and
Encroachment General Permits, including stream crossings, small docks and boat ramps,
streambank rehabilitation or protection, gravel bar removal, intake and outfall structures,
agricultural crossings and ramps, minor road crossings, agricultural activities, and fish habitat
enhancement structures.
DEP processes at least 2,500 Chapter 105 registration requests for business, municipal,
and individual landowners each year.
[DEP NOTE: It is important to note that only application/registrations for Chapter 105
General Permits through e-permitting will be accepted. Prospective applicants for projects
requiring a standard permit, a small project application, or an Environmental Assessments (EA)
will continue using the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Army Corps
of Engineers (Baltimore, Philadelphia, And Pittsburgh Districts) Joint Application for
Pennsylvania Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit and U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Section 404 Permit, Document # 3150-PM-BWEW0036A.]
The Chapter 105 e-permit, which is accessed through DEP GreenPort (registration is
required for first-time users), will save time for applicants and department reviewers, include
online permit payment, reduce the expense of printing complex design drawings, and make
information available in real-time to the public, for increased transparency.
DEP will also continue to accept paper registrations to accommodate applicants whose
only option is a paper form.
The Chapter 105 e-permit is the latest electronic tool in DEP’s continuing efforts to use
technology solutions to improve customer service, reduce paper-driven processes, and further
protect the environment.
Stakeholders can now use online tools to file permit applications for surface coal mining,
storage tank renewals, and radiation protection renewal, and other regulated activities.
In addition, DEP has developed online processes to digitize grants systems, modernize
facility inspection processes, and archive content for access by both staff and the public.
As DEP continues to seek ways to modernize and increase efficiency, the agency
encourages applicants to use the Chapter 105 e-permit and provide feedback on it.
“We value the community’s insights on using the e-permit. They’ll be very helpful as we
work to perfect a tool that enables improved service, efficiency, response time, and
transparency,” said McDonnell.
Applicants are encouraged to send comments and suggestions on the e-permit to a
dedicated email account: ra-epbweweperdwet105@pa.gov. All messages will be reviewed and
considered for future improvements.
Applicants will also be invited to participate in a web-based conference call to learn more
about the functionality of the new tool and provide recommendations for potential
enhancements.
Applicant Education
DEP held a webinar on September 17 to provide applications with information on how to
apply for a Chapter 105 e-permit. Click Here for a recording of the webinar and other
background materials and instructions.
Applicants with questions about e-permitting as you are applying, should contact DEP’s
17
Service Desk at 717-787-4357.
For more information on Chapter 105 requirements, visit DEP’s Water Obstruction
Permits webpage.
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
Oct. 16 DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meeting To Focus On Chesapeake Bay Program
The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled

to meet on October 16 to hear an update on efforts
to clean up rivers and streams in Pennsylvania to
meet local water quality goals and the Chesapeake
Bay pollution reduction milestones.
Veronica Kasi, Director of DEP’s
Chesapeake Bay Program Office, will provide an
overview of the data-driven planning process used
by the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning
Steering Committee, county-level water pollution
reduction action plans, initiatives with county conservation districts and funding provided so far
applied to this effort.
Click Here for a copy of Kasi’s presentation.
Also on the agenda is a discussion of the transition paper the Council will present to the
person taking over as Governor in January.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s 21-page October Report to Council covering a host of
issues in the agency.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 10:00. There
is a Conference Call-In option available: Bridge #: 717-612-4788, Toll Free #: 855-734-4390,
PIN #: 192791.
The next scheduled meeting of the Council is November 13.
Don Welsh, former EPA Region III Administrator, President of the PA Environmental
Council, DEP Deputy Secretary for State/Federal Relations, among other positions, serves as
Chair of the Citizens Advisory Council.
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council
webpage. Questions should be directed to Keith Saladar, Executive Director, ksalador@pa.gov
or call 717-787-8171.
NewsClips:
Editorial; Hellbent On Saving The Hellbender
Judge Rejects Exelon Lawsuit Over Conowingo Dam Cleanup, Other Appeals Pending
MD Governor Responds To Conowingo Dam Case
Editorial: Flood Of Zilch On Stormwater Issue In Scranton
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
18
Related Stories:
Next Meeting Of PA Chesapeake Bay Steering Committee Moved To Nov. 20
One Court Rejects Exelon’s Challenge To Maryland’s Conowingo Dam Cleanup Requirements
Lancaster Clean Water Partners Release Draft Plan To Clean Up 11 Million Pounds Of Pollution
From County Streams
Farmland Preservation Board OKs Preserving More Than 2,600 Acres In 17 Counties
Penn State Extension: Understanding Dairy Business For Conservation Professionals Dec. 7 In
Lancaster
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee is now scheduled to meet on
November 20, instead of October 24.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building from 9:00 a.m. to
Noon. Click Here to pre-register to join the meeting by webcast. Participants will also need to
call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 643 952 548.
The date of the following Steering Committee meeting remains December 17 from 1:00
to 4:00 also in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building. Click Here to pre-register to join the
meeting by webcast. Participants will also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 644 895
237.
For more information and available handouts, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Planning Steering Committee webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
From County Streams
Lancaster
19
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
One Court Rejects Exelon’s Challenge To Maryland’s Conowingo Dam Cleanup

Requirements
The Baltimore Sun Thursday reported a Baltimore

Circuit Court Judge rejected a lawsuit filed by
Conowingo Dam owner Exelon challenging the cleanup
conditions Maryland imposed on the state Section 401
Water Quality Permit allowing the Dam to operate.
The challenge was rejected on procedural grounds
with the Judge saying Exelon could not fight the permit
conditions in court until it had exhausted administrative
appeals under Maryland law.
Exelon’s appeal of the same Conowingo Dam
permit conditions is pending with the Maryland Department of the Environment and in a
companion lawsuit in federal court.
Exelon officials said the permit condition set “a precedent of assigning sole responsibility
for pollution to the Conowingo Dam.” Conowingo Dam does not create the pollutants, they are
in the Susquehanna River when it gets to the Dam, Excelon said.
Maryland officials have demanded Exelon find a way to solve that problem. They
imposed new water quality requirements in a permit that the company needs to secure a renewed
federal license to operate the Conowingo.
The fact Conowingo Dam is no longer effective at holding back sediments washed into
the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania and New York is not news. Concerns about the issue go
back decades.
States in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, including Pennsylvania, have been working
together to develop a joint strategy for dealing with the sediment load the Conowingo Dam not
longer traps.
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Committees held a joint fact-finding hearing on the issue in April 2016 that laid out the entire
issue.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a study of sediment flow impacts to the
Chesapeake Bay from Conowingo Dam also in 2016.
A 2010 study done for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documented the
sediment trapping capacity of the Susquehanna River dams and their effect on the Chesapeake
Bay.
The Pennsylvania members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission provided a grant to the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission in 1999 to organize a multi-agency Sediment Task Force
to review the loss of capacity on the Susquehanna River dams to trap sediment.
Studies at that time by SRBC and the U.S. Geological Survey said Conowingo would
reach its sediment capacity trapping limits in 20 to 30 years. They were about on target with 20
20
years because it’s full now.
For information on Pennsylvania’s efforts to meet its Chesapeake Bay cleanup
obligations, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Op-Ed: Don't Blame The Conowingo Dam For Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Feature: Conowingo Dam No Longer Holds Back PA Nutrients Going To Chesapeake Bay
Conowingo Dam On PA-MD Border Releasing Pollutants At More Frequent Rate
MD Governor Announces Pilot Project To Dredge Behind Conowingo Dam To Help
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Journal: States Collaborate On Implementation Plan For Conowingo Dam On Susquehanna
What To Do With 130 Million Tons Of Sediment Behind Conowingo Dam On Susquehanna
Dams On Susquehanna Are Undoing Progress In Reducing Pollution To Chesapeake Bay
Bay Journal: Exelon, Maryland Come To Legal Blows Over Conowingo Dam Cleanup
Requirements
Bay Journal: Exelon Sues Maryland Over Unfair Burden Posed By Conowingo Dam
Requirements
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Backs Maryland In Conowingo Lawsuits
Related Stories This Week:
From County Streams
Lancaster
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018
Court Overturns PUC Approval Of Aqua Purchase Of New Garden Twp Wastewater
System In Chester County Saying It Must Consider Impact Of Future Rate Increases
Commonwealth Court Thursday ruled the Public Utility Commission did not consider the impact
21
of future rate increases on customers of the New Garden Township, Chester County wastewater
system during its consideration of its acquisition by Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater and that
consideration of rate impacts cannot be pushed to future rate proceedings.
This decision, if left standing, has implications for future purchases of public water and
wastewater facilities by private water and wastewater companies.
The challenge to the PUC action was brought by the PUC’s Office Of Consumer
Advocate.
The ruling involved the approval process the PUC uses to approve the ratemaking rate
base, acquisition price and costs for the New Garden wastewater system assets and a rate
stabilization plan when a public system is sold to an investor-owned entity.
“Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Aqua would pay the Township $29.5
million for the assets. That is, $10.9 million or 59 percent more than the depreciated original cost
of the system.
“Aqua also asked the Commission to establish the purchase price of $29.5 million as the
rate base for the acquired assets to be included in its next rate base proceeding based on two fair
market value appraisals obtained by Aqua and the Township.”
Aqua also agreed to: “Not to increase the current rates charged to the New Garden
customers for 730 days after closing; That for the first 10 years of Aqua ownership, Aqua agreed
to limit rate increases for the New Garden customers to no more than a compounded 4 percent
per year; Aqua agreed to fund approximately $2.5 million in projects in the acquired territory.”
“Aqua did not submit a rate stabilization plan.”
During the PUC proceedings-- “Aqua, however, provided no evidence regarding the
effect on rates by increases on the rate base or the rate impact of the rate freeze provision or
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) limitation to New Garden on existing ratepayers.”
“The OCA [Office of Consumer Advocate] offered witnesses and evidence showing that
rates would substantially increase for Aqua’s customers if the sale were approved.
“Those witnesses testified that Aqua’s existing 19,784 wastewater customers have an
average rate base cost per ratepayer of $3,714. However, the $29.5 million rate base for the
2,106 New Garden ratepayers would mean that the average rate base cost per New Garden
customer would be $14,007.
“Because that average rate base is nearly four times Aqua’s existing rate, the OCA
contended that once the costs of New Garden’s new rate base are spread to all existing Aqua
ratepayers, the rate base attributed to them would increase by 27 percent.
“Aqua also agreed to fund approximately $2.5 million in projects in the acquired territory
that would also be added to Aqua’s existing rate base which would have a further effect on rates.
“The OCA contended that its undisputed evidence showed that those rate limitations
meant that Aqua’s costs of acquiring the New Garden system would far exceed the revenues
from the New Garden customers, necessitating that Aqua ratepayers’ rates will be further
increased.
“The OCA contended that in Aqua’s next rate base case, limited to the new rate base
only, if the increase in rate bases are allocated to: Aqua’s existing wastewater customers, their
rates would increase by 19 percent; New Garden customers, their rates would increase by 101
percent; All wastewater customers (existing and acquired), their rates would increase by 16
percent.
“Though finding a proposed rate base value of $29.5 million for the required assets was
22
reasonable, the ALJ [PUC Administrative Law Judge] denied the request for a Certificate
because “Aqua has failed to show . . . that all affected parties, including its existing customers,
will realize any affirmative public benefits as a result of approval of Aqua’s application.”
The ALJ denied Aqua’s request for approval of the acquisition, but laid out several
suggested conditions, if the full PUC decide to approve the sale.
“Aqua appealed the determination to the Commission, which reversed the ALJ,
approving a $29.5 million ratemaking rate base for the New Garden system and directing that a
Certificate be issued to Aqua for New Garden’s previous service area.
“The Commission concluded that Aqua proved that the acquisition would affirmatively
benefit the public, contrary to the ALJ’s conclusion that the public benefits were too general in
nature.
“It reasoned that further consolidation of the water and wastewater industry in
Pennsylvania might also result in greater economic and environmental benefits to customers.”
The PUC did attached conditions to its approval of the acquisition, principally that
information on the impact of ratemaking on customers be considered in future ratemaking
proceedings.
The Court found-- “Simply, by approving the sale and then putting off the consideration
of the impact on rates to a later rate base proceeding, the Commission cannot do the balancing
test required by Section 1102 of the Code to weigh all the factors for and against the transaction,
including the impact on rates, to determine if there is a substantial public benefit.
“It is in this proceeding that the Commission is charged with deciding whether the impact
on rates based on the OCA’s undisputed evidence was outweighed by the other positive factors
that the acquisition served a substantial public benefit.
“Because it did not do so, this matter is remanded to the Commission to make that
determination, including the propriety of the rate restriction on New Garden ratepayers set forth
in the APA.
“Finally, the OCA contends that Aqua and New Garden ratepayers’ due process rights
were violated because they had no opportunity to be heard prior to the Commission’s approval of
the $29.5 million rate base for the New Garden system under Section 1329 because adequate
notice was not provided to those ratepayers simply by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as a
newspaper of general circulation in the New Garden service territory.”
The Court agreed with OCA on notice requirements.
“Accordingly, because notice is required to all ratepayers, we vacate the Commission’s
order, direct it to provide notice to all ratepayers in accordance with 52 Pa. Code § 53.45, and
receive additional evidence from ratepayers regarding the acquisition and then enter a new order
consistent with this opinion.”
Click Here for a copy of the Commonwealth Court opinion.
NewsClips:
Maykuth: PUC Approves $29.5M Privatization Of Chesco Sewer System (June)
Commonwealth Court Halts Twp Sewer System Sale Over Possible Rate Hikes
Op-Ed: A Day Without Water, Why Infrastructure Matters
Tyrone Holds Nov. 13 On Sewage Sludge Digester Project In Blair
Trump Poised To Sign Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill
Bipartisan Water Resources Bill Passes Congress, President Expected To Sign
23
Related Stories:
Comments Invited On PUC Procedures For Acquisition Of Publicly-Owned Water, Sewage
Systems
PUC Sets Schedule For Considering Pittsburgh Water Authority Water, Wastewater
Infrastructure Improvement Plan
DRBC, DEP Team Up To Train Water Suppliers How To Improve Water Conservation,
Efficiency, 2 More Scheduled
Register Now! PA Water & Wastewater Summit Nov. 1-2 In State College
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Infrastructure Improvement Plans
The Public Utility Commission published formal notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin laying out
the process it will follow in considering the long-term water and wastewater infrastructure plans
submitted by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.
The Pittsburgh Authority submitted the plans on September 28.
The schedule of consideration includes (all dates from October 13 notice)--
-- Within 20 Days: Stakeholders can file comment prior to the assignment to an Administrative
Law Judge, but they will not be included in the evidentiary record.
-- Within 45 Days: Assign case to Administrative Law Judge
-- Within 8 Months: ALJ will submit a recommended decision to full Commission
-- Within 20 Days: After ALJ recommendation, exceptions may be submitted
-- Within 15 Days: Thereafter, replies to the exceptions
The plans were filed under separate dockets-- water (Docket No. P-2018-3005037) and
wastewater (Docket No. P-2018-3005039). The procedures for considering the plans were
established as a result of Act 11 of 2012 (Docket No. M-2012-2293611).
Contact persons for this proceeding are Daniel Searfoorce, Bureau of Technical Utility
Services, at 717-783-6159 and Shaun Sparks, Law Bureau, at 717-787-3464.
Click Here to read the entire PA Bulletin notice.
NewsClips:
Pittsburgh Controller Cautions Against Privatization Of Pittsburgh Water Authority
Op-Ed: Pittsburgh Should Say No To Water Privatization
Philadelphia Housing Authority Complete Lead Assessment Of Homes With Young Children
Power To Save: Water Education Day For All Of Columbia County
Related Stories:
Court Overturns PUC Approval Of Aqua Purchase Of New Garden Twp Wastewater System In
Chester County Saying It Must Consider Impact Of Future Rate Increases
24
[Posted: Oct. 12,2018]
22 PA Counties Now Have Confirmed 72 Human Cases Of West Nile Virus, More Than
Triple Last Year
The Department of Health said Tuesday in an online

report there are now 72 human cases of West Nile
Virus in 22 counties in Pennsylvania. The death toll
remains at 2 so far this season-- one each in
Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
The counties with human cases this year
include-- Adams 1, Allegheny 4, Berks 4, Bucks 6,
Cambria 3, Centre 2, Chester 2, Clinton 1,Dauphin
1, Delaware 3, Fayette 1, Franklin 8, Lancaster 5,
Lebanon 5, Lehigh 1, Monroe 2, Montgomery 7,
Montour 1, Philadelphia 11, Tioga 1, Westmoreland 1 and York 2 (1- Saint Louis Enchephalitis
(SLE) illness). (Click Here for latest list.)
In 2017, the Department of Health reported 20 human cases of West Nile and 3 deaths.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract
West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to
the Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at
risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.
Weeks of unusually wet weather this summer has led to almost perfected conditions for
mosquito breeding, and breeding season will not be over until the first, hard killing frost.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help
eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
-- Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold
water.
-- Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most
mosquitoes breed.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
-- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a
tendency to plug drains.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
-- Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on
pool covers.
If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy Bti (short for
Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home
improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is
safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people
who are most at risk:
-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
25
-- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when
mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of
mosquitoes.
-- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods,
usually April through October.
-- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will
contain DEET, picardin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician
for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children
under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control
program, please visit the West Nile Virus website. [Note: Unfortunately this website is not being
updated.]
NewsClips:
PA Is Having Worst Outbreak Of West Nile Virus In 15 Years
Cases Of West Nile Virus Skyrocket In PA After Wet Summer
[Posted: Oct. 9, 2018]
DEP Awards $37 Million In Recycling Implementation Grants To 195 Local Governments
The Department of Environmental Protection Friday

announced the award of $37 million in Recycling
Implementation Grants to 195 county and municipal
governments.
Grants were awarded for recycling collections and
education, as well as leaf litter pickup.
“By providing these grants, we are helping bolster
recycling in communities all over Pennsylvania, and
reduce the amount of material going into our
landfills,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
“Whether it’s from increased education for residents or an entire facility for sorting recyclables,
these grants are making a difference.”
Many of the grants are for community leaf collection programs. Leaf litter cannot be sent
to landfills, and many municipalities prohibit open burning.
“Composting leaf waste from residential areas is a good practice,” said McDonnell. “It
allows a beneficial use of the leaves that fall every year, and cuts down on air pollution from
burning leaves.”
Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for
up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs.
Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed
Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10 percent of approved costs.
Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands
for recyclable goods.
Examples of eligible projects include operating leaf compost facilities; developing
web-based programs on recycling for consumers; expanding recycling processing facilities;
installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles; continuing and creating curbside
26
recycling programs; and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly
recycle.
Click Here for a list of grants awarded.
For more information on financial assistance to local recycling and waste reduction
programs, visit DEP’s Recycling Financial Assistance webpage.
[Editor’s Note: DEP’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Recycling Fund Advisory
Committee will hold a special meeting on November 5 to wrap up discussions by its Act 101
(1988 Recycling law) Workgroup to finalize recommendations on updating the state’s recycling
law. Stay tuned for more details.]
NewsClips:
PRC Educator: Composting Turns Waste Into Garden Gold
Lackawanna County Collects 430,000 Pounds Of Electronics To Be Recycled
Op-Ed: Banning Plastic Straws, Bags Isn’t Enough To Save Our Oceans
Related Stories:
Op-Ed: Is It Time To Recycle Recycling?
PA Township News: The Recycling Crash, Foreign Markets Take A Toll On Local Recycling
Programs
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
PA Parks & Forests Foundation: Winners Of 2018 Through The Seasons Photo Contest
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday

announced the winners of the 2018 Through The
Seasons Photo Contest.
The PPFF contest included six categories: The Built
Environment, Beauty All Around, Fun In the
Outdoors, Off the Beaten Path, Dogs In the Outdoors,
and Young Photographers ages 12-17. The winning
photos were chosen from over 550 entries.
Winning photographers were:
-- Popular Vote --
-- Popular Vote, Best In Show: Jennifer Esken,
Lackawanna State Park
-- Popular Vote The Built Environment, 1st Place: Crystal Hunt, Pine Grove Furnace State Park
-- Popular Vote The Built Environment, 2nd Place: Liz Mickley, Caledonia State Park
-- Popular Vote Beauty All Around, 1st Place: Patrick Firment, Black Moshannon State Park
-- Popular Vote Beauty All Around, 2nd Place: Kyle Yates, Clear Creek State Park
-- Popular Vote Fun in the Outdoors, 1st Place: Phyllis Terchanik, Prince Gallitzin State Park
-- Popular Vote Fun in the Outdoors, 2nd Place: Jill Cook, Ricketts Glen State Park
-- Popular Vote Off the Beaten Path, 1st Place: Steven Valinski, Locust Lake State Park
-- Popular Vote Off the Beaten Path, 2nd Place: Clare Kaczmarek, Linn Run State Park
-- Popular Vote Dogs in the Outdoors, 1st Place: Brian Hare, Nockamixon State Park
-- Popular Vote Dogs in the Outdoors, 2nd Place: Joseph Bove, Tuscarora State Forest
-- Popular Vote Young Photographers, ages 12-17, 1st Place: Lilly Zhang, Marsh Creek State
Park (Photo)
27
-- Popular Vote Young Photographers, ages 12-17, 2nd Place: Caitlin Wert, Fort Washington
State Park
Click Here to view Popular Vote Award Winners (Facebook).
-- Critics’ Choice --
-- Critics’ Choice Best In Show: Bruce Walkovich, Susquehannock State Forest
-- Critics’ Choice The Built Environment: Linda Stager, Colton Point State Park
-- Critics’ Choice Beauty All Around: Jimmy Marz, Presque Isle State Park
-- Critics’ Choice Fun In the Outdoors: Rusty Glessner, Forbes State Forest
-- Critics’ Choice Off the Beaten Path: Colin Xu, Pinchot State Forest
-- Critics’ Choice Dogs in the Outdoors: Jennifer Ulmer, Bald Eagle State Forest
-- Critics’ Choice Young Photographers, ages 12-17: Trent Stross, Sinnemahoning State Park
-- Critics’ Choice Humor: Steven Sybert, Pymatuning State Park
Click Here to view Critics’ Choice Award Winners (Facebook).
All photos had to be taken in a Pennsylvania state park or forest. Judging was done by
popular vote on Facebook and a panel to choose critics’ choice winners.
Click Here to see all entries (Facebook).
This photograph taken by Bruce Walkovich in the Susquehannock State Forest, along
with the other winning photos, will be a part of PPFF’s traveling photo tour. The tour will be on
display at many locations across the state in 2019, including the Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to become a member of the
Foundation.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
DCNR Schedules Last 4 State Forest District Management Plan Meetings
DCNR's Keystone Fund Supports Local Recreation Projects In Allegheny, Berks, Blair,
Bradford, Chester, Montour Counties
DCNR Awards $646,891 To 132 Local Volunteer Fire Companies Fighting Wildfires
Retailers, Producers, Public Invited To 3rd Annual PA Wilds Buyer’s Market March 2 At
Clarion University
Week 3 - Fall Foliage Report: Warmer Temps Slowed Transition, But Next Week Should Begin
To Pop!
Week 3 - Fall Foliage Report: Warmer Temps Slowed Transition, But Next Week Should
Begin To Pop!
Above-average temperatures last week again stunted

the foliage transition, however; decreasing day length
has spurred noticeable changes throughout the state,
according to the latest Fall Foliage Report from the
28
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Pockets of color have been observed in all Pennsylvania counties and peak foliage has
been reported in the northeast.
The cool, seasonal temperatures predicted to envelope the state beginning tomorrow
should spur a fantastic and relatively rapid foliage change statewide.
Next week’s Fall Foliage Report (and hence, the landscape) should be popping with
color!
Click Here for this week’s map and all the details! Visit DCNR’s Fall Foliage Report
webpage for more information.
Visitors can get suggestions about the best spots to view fall foliage on the Penn's Woods
Fall Foliage story map and on the Pennsylvania Tourism Office website.
NewsClips:
Erie Region Could See Peak Fall Color Next Week
Crable: Once-A-Year Chance To Drive On Railroad Bed To Look At Fall Foliage In Lancaster
Game Commission Holds Annual Fall Foliage Tour In Berks County
DCNR, Allegheny National Forest Sign Agreement On Forest, Watershed Restoration Activities
6 Westmoreland Fire Companies Get Wildland Fire Suppression Grants
DCNR Grants Awarded To Crawford, Warren County Fire Departments
Oct. 12 Take Five Fridays Without Pam (Temporarily), PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Bloomberg: America Isn’t Ready For The Lanternfly Invasion
Lyme Disease Plagues Northeast U.S., In Rare Cases It Can Be Fatal
Related Stories:
Clarion University
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
WITF Documentary: Generations Yet To Come: Environmental Rights In Pennsylvania,

Oct. 25
WITF-TV in Harrisburg will air a new documentary on October 25

at 8:00 p.m. called Generations Yet To Come: Environmental Rights
In Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is one of only a few states to recognize environmental
quality as a basic civil right-- much like the U.S. Constitution
protects the right to free speech and freedom of religion.
Article 1, Section 27, known as the Environmental Rights
Amendment, was added to Pennsylvania’s constitution in 1971, but
its powerful language was ignored for decades. That’s starting to
change.
In recent years, state Supreme Court decisions are giving it renewed
29
life. People who once felt bulldozed by energy companies now have a powerful new way to fight
back, according to WITF.
This has sparked fresh interest, among environmental advocates, in the concept of
“environmental constitutionalism”-- the idea that getting similar provisions amended into other
state constitutions, or the federal constitution, could be the key to reshaping not only policy, but
public opinion about how humans relate to the natural world.
The documentary will feature former Sen. Franklin Kury, the author of the
Environmental Rights Amendment, and others involved in this issue.
The program will also be available for viewing online at a later date.
(Photo: Sen. Kury.)
Environmental Rights Amendment Case Stories:
PA Supreme Court Rules Act 13 Drilling Law Municipal Preemption Unconstitutional
PA Supreme Court Declares Law Diverting Oil & Gas Lease Funds To General Fund
Unconstitutional
Related Story:
Now Online: WQED Downstream Documentary Looks At Pollution In Pennsylvania’s
Waterways
NewsClip:
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
Now Online: WQED Downstream Documentary Looks At Pollution In Pennsylvania’s

Waterways
On Thursday, WQED in Pittsburgh premiered a new

documentary “Downstream” that looks at the issues
surrounding the pollution and protection of
Pennsylvania’s waterways.
“Downstream” is a half-hour documentary written and
produced by Gina Catanzarite, Emmy Award winner and
part-time faculty at Point Park University’s School of
Communication Environmental Journalism program.
The documentary was produced in association with
WQED Multimedia and made possible through a grant
from Heinz Endowments.
Click Here to watch the documentary online.
(Photo: Allegheny Front.)
NewsClip:
Downstream Documentary Looks At Pollution In Pennsylvania’s Water
Related Story:
WITF Documentary: Generations Yet To Come: Environmental Rights Amendment, Oct. 25
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
30
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
House
Price Gouging: Senate Bill 1172 (Vulakovich-R-Allegheny) further providing for enforcement
of price gouging provisions during an emergency declaration (House Fiscal Note and summary)
was amended on the House Floor, referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee
and was passed by the House. The bill returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote.
Naval Base Cleanup Fund: House Bill 2638 (Stephens-R- Montgomery) establishes the
Military Installation Remediation Authority to address cleanup costs at the former Willow Grove
Naval Air Station funded by redirecting Sales Tax revenue from the redevelopment of the facility
(House Fiscal Note and summary) was amended on the Floor, referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.
Flood-Resilient Infrastructure: House Resolution 1112 (Barrar-R-Delaware) calling on federal

government to recognize the importance of durable, flood-resilient infrastructure (sponsor
summary) was reported from the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness
Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
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--
ATTENTION! These are the last 3 scheduled days of voting session in the Senate and House for
this year. Anything can happen, and does.
Bill Calendars
House (Oct. 15): 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 Bill 2105 (Fritz-R-
Susquehanna) abolishing certain “obsolete” boards and commissions; House Resolution 284
(Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MS4
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary); House Resolution 943
(Tallman-R-Adams) urging the federal Food And Drug Administration to promptly consider
candidates for Lyme disease vaccinations; House Resolution 1112 (Barrar-R-Delaware) calling
on federal government to recognize the importance of durable, flood-resilient infrastructure
(sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Oct. 15): Senate Bill 820 (Aument-R- Lancaster) providing liability protection for
owners and operators of on-farm agritourism activities (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 930
31
(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 214 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) urging Pennsylvania natural gas producers to export
gas to European countries in an effort to curtail the monopoly that Russia has on supply to that
region (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 86 (Lawrence-R-Chester)
eliminating tailpipe emissions testing for 1992-1995 vehicles in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
areas (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); House Bill 2154 (Causer-R-Cameron) which would weaken
environmental standards for conventional (not Shale) oil and gas drilling. <> Click Here for full
Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: Keep Watching. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider 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 1284 (Peifer-R-Pike) directs DCED to develop a
one-stop-shop online business formation and permitting portal for business (House Fiscal Note
and summary), House Bill 2075 (Charlton-R-Delaware) authorizing rate recovery for
customer-owned lead water service lines; the Transportation Committee meets to consider
House Bill 2638 (Stephens-R-Montgomery) which would authorize new local authorities to
cleanup former military installations or land having water, sewer or stormwater pollution
identified by the Department of Environmental Protection or the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency financed by tax refunds by businesses and individuals working in the remediation area
(House Fiscal Note and summary); the Health and Human Services Committee meets to
consider Senate Bill 1270 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) requiring universal lead testing for children
(sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Other: the Joint House-Senate Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee holds an Environmental Issues Forum on biogas and bioenergy.
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.
32
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
October 15, 16, 17
November 14 (leadership elections)
House
October 15, 16, & 17.
November 13 (leadership elections)
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.
The Feds
New Federal Disaster Recovery Reform Bill Signed Into Law Establishing First Federal
Pre-Disaster Infrastructure Resilience Program
On October 5, the federal Disaster Recovery Reform

Act was signed into law that for the first time
establishes a National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for states and make
other changes. The reforms would--
-- Provide a greater investment in mitigation before
a disaster: Authorizing the National Public
Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program, which will be funded through the Disaster
Relief Fund that would allocate 6 percent of the
combined obligations estimated following a major disaster (unemployment assistance, assistance
to low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers and crisis counseling assistance and training)
to mitigation assistance (Section 1234).
-- This program will focus on funding public infrastructure projects that increase community
resilience before a disaster occurs.
-- Previously, funding for pre-disaster mitigation grants relied on congressional appropriations
which varied from year to year. Now, with a reliable stream of sufficient funding, communities
will be able to plan and execute mitigation programs to reduce disaster risk nationwide.
--According to a 2017 National Institute of Building Sciences report, the nation saves six
dollars in future disaster costs for every one dollar invested in mitigation activities.
-- Reducing risk from future disasters after fire: Providing hazard mitigation grant funding in
33
areas that received Fire Management Assistance Grants as a result of wildfire. Adding fourteen
new mitigation project types associated with wildfires and windstorms.
-- Increasing state capacity to manage disaster recovery: Allowing for higher rates of
reimbursement to state, local and tribal partners for their administrative costs when
implementing public assistance (12 percent) and hazard mitigation projects (15 percent).
Additionally, the legislation provides flexibility for states and tribes to administer their own
post-disaster housing missions, while encouraging the development of disaster housing
strategies.
-- States, tribes, territories and local governments bear significant administrative costs
implementing disaster recovery programs. Often these costs can be high and substantially
burdensome for the impacted entity to meet. Increasing the funding for administrative costs will
enable faster, more effective delivery of vital recovery programs to communities.
-- State and tribal officials have the best understanding of the temporary housing needs for
survivors in their communities. This provision incentivizes innovation, cost containment and
prudent management by providing general eligibility requirements while allowing them the
flexibility to design their own programs.
Click Here for a copy of the new law (begins on page 11).
(Photo: Flood damage in York County from earlier this year.)
NewsClip:
Barletta’s Disaster Recovery Reform Act Signed Into Law
Fox Chapel Releases Staggering $400,000 Cleanup Costs From Summer Flooding
Bradford County: Residents Angry At Lack Of Progress On Flood Mitigation
Monroeville Passes Fee To Pay For Stormwater Flood, Pollution Reduction Program
Carnegie Residents By Chartiers Creek Losing Backyards To Flooding
All York County Residents Live In Flood Zone, Experts Warn
West Pittston Couple Sues Borough Over Flood Buyout Program
Crable: Flooded Mobile Home Park Owners In Lancaster Receive Damage Money From Atlantic
Sunrise Pipeline If They Don’t Sue
Flooding - Hurricanes
Murphy: PA National Guard Members Return Home From Assisting With Hurricane Florence
Response
Western PA Red Cross Volunteers Heading To Florida As Cleanup Continues In Carolinas
45 Members Of PA Search & Rescue Team Help In Michael Aftermath
FirstEnergy Utility Crews Mobilize To Assist With Hurricane Power Restoration Efforts
FirstEnergy Sends Additional Workers To Assist With Hurricane Michael Restoration Efforts
AP: Changed Forever: Florida Panhandle Devastated By Michael
Hurricane Michael Smashes Florida Panhandle, At Least 1 Dead
Hurricane Michael Slams Into Florida With 155 mph Winds
AP: Florida Panhandle Braces For Hurricane Michael, Now A Category 4 Storm
Gulf Coast Bracing For Monstrous Hurricane Michael
As Storms Keep Coming, FEMA Spends Billions In Cycle Of Damage And Repair
Hurricanes
34
Hurricane Michael To Bring Rain To PA Ahead Of Big Cooldown
Hurricane Michael Could Trigger Heavy Rain, Flooding In Lehigh Valley
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf Announces SBA Flood Disaster Aid For Westmoreland, Surrounding Counties
PA Task Force 1 Deployed To Alabama For Hurricane Michael Search, Rescue
PA National Guard, Fish & Boat Commission Rescue Teams Return From Hurricane Florence
Relief Efforts In South Carolina
House Committee OKs Resolution Urging Federal Government To Recognize Importance Of
Flood-Resilient Infrastructure
New Federal Disaster Recovery Reform Bill Signed Into Law Establishing First Pre-Disaster
Infrastructure Resilience Program
Congress Sends Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill To President
71% Increase In Very Heavy Precipitation In Last 54 Years, 831,000 Pennsylvanians Living At
Risk On Floodplains
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate gave final approval to the $6 billion America’s Water
Infrastructure Act providing federal funding for inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection,
ecosystem restoration, drinking water systems, promotes hydropower, funds for wastewater
projects and other water infrastructure sending it to the President for his action.
Click Here for a summary overview, a section by section summary and the text of the bill
prepared by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
NewsClips:
Response
35
Related Stories:
Risk On Floodplains
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Appalachian Regional Commission Awards Over $3.6 Million In Grants To Help Diversity
PA Coal Communities
The Appalachian Regional Commission Thursday

announced $26.5 million in grants to expand and
diversify the economy in Appalachia’s coal-impacted
communities through the Partnerships for Opportunity
and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER)
Initiative.
Six Pennsylvania projects were awarded over $3.6
million in grants. They included--
-- $1,227,447 to the Southern Alleghenies Planning &
Development Commission in Altoona, Blair County to expand the Alleghenies
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem - Startup Alleghenies.
Startup Alleghenies seeks to recognize, encourage, and guide entrepreneurs to create new
businesses or expand existing businesses, ultimately generating new jobs and investments in the
Alleghenies Region.
The project will identify innovative, entrepreneurial individuals and connect them with
coaches/mentors who will link them with resources and training to facilitate their success.
Startup Alleghenies first received a POWER grant in 2017, with the work focused on
Blair, Cambria, and Somerset Counties.
The new grant will help the Alleghenies Entrepreneurial Ecosystem increase the number
of new business starts by expanding the geography served to include Bedford, Fulton, and
Huntingdon Counties and by enriching the offerings provided through the four existing pillars of
the ecosystem including: providing coaching, creating places for entrepreneurs, establishing a
network of resources, and producing events, gatherings, and trainings.
The expansion is expected to create 30 new businesses, improve 20 existing businesses,
leverage $2 million in private investment, and create 150 new jobs. Additional funding for the
36
work of Startup Alleghenies is provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration
(EDA) and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
-- $1,035,000 to Innovation Works, Inc. in Pittsburgh, for the Western Pennsylvania Small
Business Services For Coal-Impacted Communities Program.
The project focuses on the revitalization of western Pennsylvania's coal-impacted
communities through innovation and entrepreneurship by providing opportunities for those
negatively impacted by contractions in the coal economy, including displaced individuals
looking for new jobs or opportunities to start their own businesses, main-street businesses in
need of business-support services, and new and existing manufacturing and technology
businesses.
The SBS is a joint initiative of Innovation Works/Ben Franklin Technology Partners of
Southwestern Pennsylvania, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern
Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh's Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE).
Together, they will provide opportunities through co-working spaces, accelerators, and
incubators to service business owners, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs in
communities where there are limited resources.
Targeting 24 coal-impacted counties in western Pennsylvania, the project is expected to
help create 32 new businesses and 156 new jobs, retain 260 existing jobs, and leverage $20
million in private investment.
-- $670,000 to Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh for PA MAKES (Pennsylvania
Manufacturing Assistance for Keystone Entrepreneurial Success).
This initiative will be implemented in over 48 coal-impacted counties across
Pennsylvania and use mini grants that will support small and medium manufacturing enterprises
(SME’s) in an “economic gardening approach” that provides targeted and direct assistance to
companies.
Catalyst Connection is the region’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP),
providing technical assistance to help businesses increase their competitiveness. PA MAKES’
efforts to diversify and grow SMEs will include building SMEs’ capacity, improving efficiencies
and demand locally, stimulating job creation, and driving economic impact.
To help SMEs become more competitive, PA MAKES will help these enterprises make
strategic business investments that will foster market and product diversification and growth.
Outcomes of the initiative are expected to include 42 businesses improved, 120 new jobs
created, 1,200 jobs retained, and $15 million in leveraged private investment.
-- $587,950 to the Community College of Beaver County in Beaver for the Tristate Energy
and Advanced Manufacturing (TEAM) Consortium in order to launch a three-part, regional
(Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia) workforce development initiative.
The initiative’s goal is to increase enrollment and graduation from education and training
programs to provide a supply of skilled workers for energy and advanced manufacturing
(E&AM) industries that are critical to the resurgence of the tristate region.
The initiative’s first step is to align relevant curricula among higher education institutions
in the three states to facilitate the creation of seamless pathways to jobs.
The second is to provide the necessary online access to information and referrals to
programs within E&AM, and the third builds on the success of outreach and engagement
practices that raise awareness of, change perceptions about, and increase interest in pursuing
occupations in targeted STEM manufacturing sectors.
37
Within three years of completion of this project all 120 participating businesses will be
improved by upskilling their current workforce and/or hiring new workers, 600 jobs will be
created, 402 students will obtain employment, 752 workers will have higher skills, and eight new
programs will be implemented.
The grant builds on work funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and
Chevron and takes advantage of an agreement for developing the region’s shale resources signed
in 2015 (and subsequently renewed) by the Governors of the three participating states.
-- $72,000 to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in Pittsburgh for a feasibility study
assessing the uncompleted sections of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail and the PA Wilds Loop.
These two trails are a part of the Industrial heartland Trails Coalition, which utilizes
existing natural and cultural assets in the region to diversify the local economies.
Work will include right-of-way acquisition assessments, community outreach, segment
prioritizations, and identifying funding sources that will help cover the costs of completing the
final 210 miles in the trail system.
The local communities have already seen the benefits of a burgeoning tourism sector
from recently completed trail sections. A previous POWER grant is supporting entrepreneurship
activities in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
-- $40,000 to SEDA-Council of Governments in Lewisburg, Union County for a feasibility
study of broadband access in four central Pennsylvania counties (Clinton, Lycoming,
Northumberland, Union).
The study will assess current broadband needs in the four-county region and review
existing infrastructure assets, both public and private.
With this data, three communities in each county found to likely benefit the most from
increased access to broadband will be selected for further implementation projects. The study
will also help create a model Request For Proposals (RFP) that can be used for future
implementation projects.
Click Here for a complete list of grants awarded.
For more information on this program, visit the Appalachian Regional Commission’s
Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative
webpage.
[Editor’s Note: The Appalachian Regional Commission was targeted for elimination by the
Trump Administration in 2017.]
NewsClips:
Coal Miners Memorial Unveiled In Blakely, Lackawanna County
Westmoreland Coal, One Of Nation’s Oldest, Files For Bankruptcy
PJM To FERC: Market-Based Rule Preferred To Coal, Nuclear Power Bailout
Study That Failed To Back Trump’s Coal Rescue Plant Kept Under Wraps
Trump’s Coal Bailout Moves To The Back Burner
Trump’s Coal Export Bid Runs Into Headwinds Next Year, DOE Says
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Gov. Wolf: President Trump Should Stand Up For Pennsylvania Refinery Workers On
Ethanol Standard
38
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday again urged President Trump to protect Pennsylvania refinery
workers by reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the wake of the president directing
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to benefit ethanol producers in other states.
The Trump Administration has repeatedly ignored calls to support two major refiners in
Pennsylvania that are struggling to remain profitable due to the burden of the RFS on their
operations, even as it has taken numerous actions to benefit ethanol producers.
“President Trump needs to do the right thing for Pennsylvania’s refinery workers and
stop only catering to major ethanol producing states,” Gov. Wolf said. “Since last year, I have
been asking the Trump administration to come to the aid of Pennsylvania refineries that are
burdened by unfair rules which make it impossible for them to compete. The Trump
Administration’s failure to act puts thousands of good jobs and middle-class families in
Pennsylvania at risk."
The Governor also announced that he will be filing an update to his prior petition to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, again requesting that the EPA administrator exercise
waiver authority due to the economic harm the RFS standard is imposing on the region.
The governor will be updating the petition with a recent study noting that the number of
East Coast refineries has dropped from 16 to 8 over the last two decades, and production has
fallen by over half over the same period.
The report concludes that if the Trump Administration does not take action, the RFS
requirements are likely to substantially exacerbate the financial difficulties of these refiners,
potentially pushing profitable refiners into unprofitability.
In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Energy Solutions employs approximately 1,500 workers
and Monroe Energy employs nearly 500 workers. According to a Department of Labor and
Industry study, these direct jobs support over 35,000 indirect jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Gov. Wolf has directly contacted the Trump Administration multiple times regarding this
issue. In October 2017, Gov. Wolf sent a letter on this topic to President Trump. In November
2017, he personally appealed to then EPA administrator Scott Pruitt.
No action has been taken to date.
NewsClips:
Trump Lifts Restrictions On Higher Blends Of Ethanol In Gasoline
Trump To Allow More Ethanol In Summer Gasoline Tuesday
In Boon For Farmers, Trump Lifting Restrictions On Ethanol
Trump Plans Ethanol Boost Amid Farm Belt Voters In Iowa, Sources Say
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
PEC Urges Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Council, Regional Body To Have A
More Transparent Process For Considering Water Decisions
The PA Environmental Council Wednesday submitted

comments to the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River
Basin Water Resources Council and Regional Body
urging them to adopt procedures to make their decision
making process for water transfers more transparent.
"PEC was heavily engaged in the adoption of the Great
Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources
39
Compact in Pennsylvania, and remains committed to its success.
"We support and commend the Great Lake - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resource
Regional Body and the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council’s
collaborative effort to review and update their decision-making procedures for future proposals
to divert Great Lake Basin water."
PEC recommended six general areas of change--
-- A member of the public or public interest organization should not have to bear the
administrative cost to appeal a decision made by the Regional Body/Compact Council. Currently
the rules explain that an appellant is to share the cost of the appeal, except when the Compact
Council waives those fees.
-- The public should have access to a comprehensive record of the decision-making process, and
the reasons why the decisions were made.
-- During the review of a diversion request by the Compact Council and Regional Body, a public
hearing should be held by each state and province to provide for thorough public participation
within the basin. Each hearing, along with all comments made, should be recorded and sent to
the Regional Body and Compact Council for consideration.
-- Before the Originating Party and the Compact Council and Regional Body votes on a modified
draft declaration of findings, the public should have an opportunity to provide comments.
-- All comments made by the public should be part of the Regional Body and Compact Council
administrative record.
-- The procedures should provide a reasonable time for each jurisdiction to review an application
before the state/province where the diversion is proposed submits a formal application for
Regional Review. This would allow more time to find potential issues and a more cost-effective
outcome.
Click Here for a copy of PEC's recommendations.
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.
(Photo: Presque Isle, Erie.)
Related Stories:
DEP Invites Comments On Rules, Procedures Implementing The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence
Sustainable Water Resources Agreement
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
News From The Capitol
House Environment Committee Meeting Postponed On Natural Gas Royalty Bill
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee announced Monday the October 9
meeting to consider Senate Bill 138 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) providing oil and gas royalty interest
landowners access to records of drilling companies to verify proper payment of royalties
(sponsor summary) would be postponed to a later date to be announced by the Committee
Majority Chair Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny).
40
No Committee meetings are scheduled for next week, the last 3 scheduled voting days of
session until all bills die on November 30.
The General Assembly has been wrestling with the issues surrounding Act 60 of 1979
which set a guaranteed minimum royalty of not less than 12.5 percent for royalty interest
landowners and whether post-production costs should be deducted from that amount.
Click Here for more background on the issue.
Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair of the House Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-783-1522 or sending email to:
jmaher@pahousegop.com. Rep. Mike Carroll serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by
calling 717-787-3589 or sending email to: mcarroll@pahouse.net.
House Committee OKs Resolution Urging Federal Government To Recognize Importance

Of Flood-Resilient Infrastructure
On Wednesday, the House Veterans Affairs and

Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously
approved and reported out House Resolution 1112
(Barrar-R-Delaware) calling on federal government
to recognize the importance of durable,
flood-resilient infrastructure (sponsor summary)
“I believe it is important for the federal government
to recognize the impact that rising population
changes have on our infrastructure along with land
use patterns and severe weather,” said Rep. Stephen
Barrar (R-Delaware).
Pennsylvania's numerous rivers and creeks make it one of the most flood-prone states in
the nation. Flooding in this Commonwealth is the single greatest cause of property loss due to
natural disasters
Between 2000 and 2015, 20 Federal disasters and emergencies were declared for floods,
hurricanes and severe storms in Pennsylvania that exceeded $750 million in total assistance from
the United States Government
Over 250 elected officials from across the U.S. signed a Statement of Principles
supporting Resilient Infrastructure that will reduce risk and meet our economic, environmental,
and social needs.
The resolution asks the federal government to strongly consider the following when
addressing infrastructure priorities in the coming year--
-- Improve resiliency requirements for buildings and infrastructure systems built before and after
flood-related catastrophes;
-- Enhance the use of natural defenses in planning and preparedness; and
-- Reduce unsustainable development in high-risk areas.
The resolution is now on the House Calendar for action.
Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee, and can be
contacted by calling 717-783-3038 or by sending email to: sbarrar@pahousegop.com. Rep. Chris
Sainato (D-Lawrence) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717- 772-2436
41
or by sending email to: csainato@pahouse.net.
(Photo: Flooding in Bloomsburg, Columbia County in 2011.)
NewsClips:
Response
Related Stories:
Risk On Floodplains
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
Senate Committee Considers Universal Lead Testing For Children Oct. 16
The Senate Health and Human Services

Committee is scheduled to meet October 16 to
consider Senate Bill 1270 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne),
(Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring universal lead testing
for children (sponsor summary).
42
Senators John Yudichak and Lisa Baker said this about introducing this bipartisan bill,
“[The] effects of lead poisoning are irreversible and severe, including neurological and
developmental disabilities. No level of lead is safe for children, and symptoms may not present
themselves until it is too late.
“Based on the Department of Health’s most recent Childhood Lead Surveillance Annual
Report, only 28 percent of Pennsylvania children under the age of two were screened for blood
lead levels in 2015.
“However, testimony presented at a recent public hearing of the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee informed us that ALL children may be at risk—based on
exposure in their homes or relatives’ homes, in care and educational facilities, or in playgrounds,
among other areas.
“Recent discussions and research demonstrate that universal lead testing is a practical and
effective protective measure to reduce instances of lead poisoning. Accordingly, our legislation
seeks to ensure that all children at ages one and two, as well as pregnant women, are tested.
“Similar legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives as House Bill 666
(Cruz-D-Philadelphia).
“Ten other states and Washington D.C. have already implemented similar laws, and it is
important that we act to do the same. We hope you will join us in co-sponsoring this measure.”
The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1, North Office Building starting at 10:00.
Click Here to see if the hearing will be webcast.
Senate Lead Task Force
In June of 2017 the Senate passed Senate Resolution 33 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) creating a
bipartisan task force to investigate the scope of Pennsylvania’s lead exposure problem. The Task
Force report is due at the end of this year.
In October of 2017, the task force members were named and the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee held a hearing in Luzerne County on the issue.
Gov. Wolf has also called for the universal testing of blood-lead levels in children.
In February of this year, Senators Yudichak and Baker held a roundtable in Wilkes-Barre
on lead exposure and lead testing.
For more information on lead exposure, intervention and education, visit the Department
of Health’s Lead Poisoning webpage. For more information on lead in drinking water, visit
DEP’s Lead In Drinking Water webpage.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Health and Human
Services Committee, and can be contacted by calling 717-787-7428 or sending email to:
lbaker@pasen.gov. Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) serves as Minority Chair and can be
contacted by calling 717-787-8925 or sending email to: SenatorSchwank@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Joint State Government Commission Seeking Members For Advisory Committee On Lead
Exposure
Senate Environmental Committee OKs Resolution Creating Lead Exposure Task Force
Senate Environmental Committee Holds Hearing On Lead Exposure In Northeast PA
Roundtable By Senators Yudichak, Baker Discusses Lead Exposure & Lead Testing
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
43
Senate Transportation Committee Meets Oct. 15 To Consider House Bill 2638 Creating
New Local Authorities To Cleanup Polluted Land
The Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on October 15 to consider House Bill
2638 (Stephens-R-Montgomery) which would authorize new local authorities to cleanup former
military installations or land having water, sewer or stormwater pollution identified by the
Department of Environmental Protection or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency financed
by tax refunds by businesses and individuals working in the remediation area.
The bill authorizes new special “qualified authorities” formed after the effective date of
the legislation and made up of 5 members from the area affected-- one Senator or his/her
designee, one House member or his/her designee, one member appointed by a school district,
one appointed by the authority established to redevelop the former military installation and one
resident appointed by the municipality.
A “qualified authority” is authorized to submit an application to the Department of
Revenue covering specific parcels requiring remediation of 100 acres or less listing all the
businesses and residents employed in those businesses located within the remediation area.
The application is requesting the Department of Revenue and State Treasurer to refund
the state paid by those businesses and residents in the remediation area to the “qualified
authority” for the purpose of remediating the parcels included in the application.
The taxes covered include corporate, personal and sales taxes paid by businesses and
personal income taxes paid by individual employed by these businesses within the remediation
area. Also included are realty transfer taxes and any local taxes designated by local taxing
entities.
Requests for any local tax refunds are to be accompanied by a certification by the local
governments involved designating the local taxes for this purpose.
The bill limits the transfer of any qualifying state taxes refunded to the “qualified
authority” to 500 percent of the local taxes and any additional money transfered to the authority
by the local taxing authorities.
Tax money refunded to the “qualified authority” can be used for remediation projects,
payment of debt service on bonds issued or refinanced for the acquisition, development,
construction, including related infrastructure and site preparation, reconstruction, renovation or
refinancing of remediation projects or operational costs for the authority.
The application approved by the Department of Revenue can remain in effect for a period
no later than 30 years from the effective date of the bill.
A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.
The Transportation Committee meeting will be held in the Rules Room, Off the Floor,
which means there is no set time for the meeting. It can happen any time after the Senate breaks
after it convenes at 1:00 on Monday..
Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can
be contacted by calling 717-787-1398 or by sending email to: jrafferty@pasen.gov. Sen. John
Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling
717-787-2162 or by sending email to: john.sabatina@pasenate.com.
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
44
October Joint Conservation Committee Newsletter Now Available
The October edition of the Joint Legislative Air and

Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee
newsletter is now available featuring stories on--
-- Local Electric Utilities, Conservation Groups Work
To Protect Nesting Osprey
-- Determining Who’s Responsible For Federal
Superfund Site Cleanups
-- Best Management Practices For Dairy Farmers,
Watersheds, Spring Creek, Centre County Study
(photo)
-- DEP’s 2017 Oil & Gas Annual Report
-- Impacts Of Oil Spill Responses On Wildlife
-- Asthma & Cities: Which Cities Rank Worst
-- Roundtable On The Future Of The Anthracite Coal Industry In PA (Video)
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
News From Around The State
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his
request to declare a disaster in Westmoreland County after significant flood damage to homes
and businesses from a severe storm on Sept. 9, 2018.
“Historic storms have damaged property and disrupted lives across the commonwealth,”
said Gov. Wolf. “Low-interest loans are an important first step toward helping those affected by
the storms to move on.”
Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the storm in Westmoreland County, as
well as neighboring counties Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset and
Washington may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan
Programs.
Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed
buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are
based on each applicant’s financial qualifications.
The SBA will establish a Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist anyone who wishes to
apply for a loan. The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:
45
-- West Newton Public Library, 124 North Water Street, West Newton
Opening: Friday, October 12: 11 a.m.
Days: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 13: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday, October 14
Closing:Friday, October 19: 4 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center
to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the
application process and help individuals to complete their applications.
Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information
and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s
secure website. Completed applications should be returned to the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small
Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort
Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is December 10,
2018. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is July 9, 2019.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Risk On Floodplains
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
46
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced approximately 45 members of PA Task Force 1 left last
night for Alabama as a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team to assist with Hurricane Michael.
The team will include highly trained search and rescue personnel as well as support staff.
“Some members of this team recently returned from nearly three weeks in North Carolina
to help with the response and recovery from Hurricane Florence,” said Gov. Wolf. “We are
proud that we have dedicated personnel who train regularly for this type of work and who are
ready to go when called upon, and we are incredibly grateful for the loved ones and employers
who support them on these missions.”
The team reported to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama to await more
specific mission instructions.
PA Task Force 1 is one of more than two dozen federal urban search and rescue teams
overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is not known how long this
deployment will last.
For more information on this program, visit the PA Task Force 1 website.
(Photo: PA Task Force 1 respond to Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas. )
NewsClips:
Response
Related Stories:
Risk On Floodplains
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
PA National Guard, Fish & Boat Commission Rescue Teams Return From Hurricane
Florence Relief Efforts In South Carolina
Pennsylvania National Guard helicopter crews
47
along with Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) members from the Fish and Boat
Commission recently returned from South Carolina where they spent more than two weeks
assisting the South Carolina National Guard and local emergency responders with flood relief
efforts after Hurricane Florence.
“The Pennsylvania National Guard combined with the Fish and Boat Commission rescue
teams once again to provide critical support to our neighbors in other states during yet another
record storm in Hurricane Florence,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant
general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We were very proud to
combine forces with other National Guard units and community agencies to help save and
protect South Carolina residents.”
The crews flew two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
completing 22 missions as assigned by local authorities. A total of 28 PNG and eight PA-HART
members supported the missions.
The Pennsylvania teams were some of the first to arrive in South Carolina and
participated in early rescue operations to assist evacuations of local citizens to safe areas where
medical attention could be provided.
The crews were also called on to identify damaged infrastructure; ensure flooded
roadways were barricaded; determine areas prone to future flooding; transport emergency
supplies; and fly life-saving and communications equipment to various locations throughout
South Carolina.
“This has been a particularly busy summer for the PNG supporting numerous
commonwealth and national flood operations,” said Carrelli. “We have tremendous professionals
in our Guard who continue to answer the call to help others in our own communities and
throughout the United States.”
(Photo: PA National Guard rescues 2 South Carolina Flood victims. )
NewsClips:
Response
Related Stories:
48
Risk On Floodplains
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Environmental Hearing Board Dismisses Challenge To Exceptional Value Designations For

4 Streams In Monroe County
The Environmental Hearing Board Thursday dismissed a challenge to the designation of four
streams in Monroe County as exceptional value.
The case was brought by a coalition of Monroe County developers and businesses,
spuriously calling themselves the Monroe County Clean Streams Coalition, who challenged the
Department of Environmental Protection’s independent analyses and conclusions that four
streams in Monroe County had an existing use of “Exceptional Value,” which affords those
streams the highest protections from degradation.
“In the Brodhead watershed, we are blessed with exceptional streams, which are known
to our residents and visitors to this region,” said Bob Heil, executive director of Brodhead
Watershed Association. “Even more importantly, protections for these streams are provided
through DEP’s existing use process after rigorous scientific evaluation. Those that deny such
things must now recognize this, and we can and will have smart economic growth in step with
environmental protections.”
“Today, clean water advocates and businesses that rely on clean water for their existence
– the true protectors of Pocono’s streams – prevailed,” said Jacquelyn Bonomo, PennFuture
president and CEO. “PennFuture knows that clean streams are important to our environment,
our health, and our economy. We will continue to stand up against those who threaten our most
pristine Pennsylvania resources.”
Intervenors PennFuture and BWA joined DEP’s motion to dismiss the legal challenge,
arguing that merely putting a waterbody on DEP’s “Existing Use List” does not amount to a final
agency action for which the EHB has jurisdiction.
The EHB agreed and dismissed the coalition’s case in its entirety.
“With this decision, we protected not only exceptional streams in Monroe County, but
waylaid an attack that could have jeopardized the very procedures in place to protect our waters
throughout Pennsylvania,” added PennFuture Staff Attorney Abigail M. Jones. “PennFuture and
BWA will remain vigilant to ensure that these streams – and many others in the headwaters of
the Delaware – remain ‘exceptional.’”
Click Here for a copy of the EHB order.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association. Click Here to become a member.
NewsClip:
Jaramillo: Environmentalists Wind Battle To Protect Exceptional Streams In Poconos
Related Story:
Coalition Launches Effort To Protect Exceptional Value Waters In Poconos Region
[Posted: Oct. 11, 2018]
49
Penn State Extension: Understanding Dairy Business For Conservation Professionals
Workshop Dec. 7 In Lancaster
Penn State Extension will host a Workshop for

Conservation Professionals on Understanding the
Dairy Business December 7 at the Lancaster Farm and
Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
When you visit a dairy operation to talk about
potential conservation practices, do you feel
comfortable when the conversation turns to the dairy
business itself?
Brush up on your dairy business lingo and
vocabulary and gain an improved understanding of the priorities, challenges, and considerations
that a dairy operator is thinking about while you are talking best management practices for water
and soil conservation.
Who should attend? County Conservation District and NRCS Staff; Conservation
Planners; Ag Consultants; Conservation Organizations and Land Trusts; and
Current students in conservation and environmental resources who might work with the Ag
community
Click Here to register and for all the details.
NewsClips:
Crable: E-Town Starts High School Apprenticeships To Combat Ag Technician Shortage
Related Stories:
From County Streams
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
DEP Invites Potential Contractors To Oct. 30 Meeting On Mine Drainage Treatment Site
Maintenance Projects In Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin

inviting potential contractors to a meeting on October 30 on mine drainage treatment site
maintenance projects in Bedford, Cambria, Indiana and Somerset counties. (P A Bulletin page
6626)
The meeting will be held at DEP’s Cambria District Mine Office, 286 Industrial Park,
Ebensburg, Cambria County starting at 10:00 a.m.
50
Proposal documents will be available after October 22nd and at the pre-proposal meeting.
Contractors must obtain a Coal Mining License in order to qualify for the award as per 25 Pa.
Code Chapter 86.189.
Questions should be directed to Malcolm Crittenden by calling 814-472-1908 or by
sending email to: mcrittende@pa.gov.
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.
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
On October 23, the Department of

Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania
Sea Grant invite interested members of the
public to attend a meeting of the PA Lake Erie
Environmental Forum at the Tom Ridge
Environmental Center in Erie from 1:00 to 4:00
p.m.
PA-LEEF forums are open to the public and
feature topics related to local and regional Lake
Erie issues, and larger-scale policies affecting
all of the Great Lakes. Citizens are encouraged to attend and engage in the process of
environmental protection by providing local insights, information, and opinion.
The Forum will feature two “special focus” presentations to address hot topics in the
Pennsylvania Lake Erie Basin:
-- Penn State Behrend researcher, Dr. Anthony Foyle, who will discuss “Coastal Bluff
Erosion” and his work to increase the knowledge of Lake Erie bluff erosion.
Leading the group through cutting-edge methods of remote sensing such as digital
orthophotography, LiDAR, and change detection, this presentation will be of interest to
lakeshore property owners, real estate professionals, and municipalities responsible for
management of Lake Erie bluff setbacks.
-- PA Sea Grant staff, Marti Martz and Anna McCartney, will lead “Plastic in Our Public
Waters,” an examination of the impacts of plastic pollution on our waters and the social science
behind consumer behavior.
Joined by Ohio Sea Grant staff, Jill Bartolotta and Sue Bixler, the group will present a
regional opportunity for groups to collaborate on a plastics outreach campaign.
-- Tim Bruno, Chief of the DEP Great Lakes Office will provide updates on rulemaking
regarding the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Waterway, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and
51
the Pennsylvania State Water Plan.
Citizens, policy makers, local stakeholders, and municipal officials are encouraged to
attend.
Please call or email Mart Martz at 814-217-9011 extension 104 or send email to:
mam60@psu.edu to reserve a seat.
For more information, visit the PA Sea Grant PA Lake Erie Environmental Forum
webpage.
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
PA Sea Grant Program Receives John C. Oliver Award From Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Foundation In Erie
PEC Urges Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Council, Regional Body To Have A More
Transparent Process For Considering Water Decisions
The Delaware River Basin Commission and the

Department of Environmental Protection held the first
of three training sessions for local water suppliers on
water loss management at the Bucks County
Community College. Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks),
who represents the area, provided opening remarks at
the session.
“Even though we live in an area with plentiful
water resources, water conservation is still important
from the source to the tap,” said Rep. Warren. “Thank
you for participating in this training and for working to keep our faucets running and our water
clean.”
Water efficiency is a core DRBC resource management initiative.
The Commission has a robust water conservation program, of which one crucial
component is the requirement for public water suppliers to complete an annual water loss audit
utilizing the American Water Works Association’s Free Water Audit Software© program for
data collection and reporting.
The software tracks how effectively water is moved from its source to customers' taps,
helping suppliers quantify and account for water losses, which may result from: leaking pipes
and services, unauthorized uses, and/or inaccuracies with meters that record water delivered from
sources and water used by customers.
“As the challenges that face water resource management in the Basin increase, it is
essential to ensure that the use of our finite water supplies is efficient and sustainable,” said
DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini. “DRBC’s water audit program is part of the
commission's ongoing water resource management efforts to enhance water conservation in the
basin and achieve benefits for both the resource and the users.”
52
The training teaches participants how to use the AWWA Free Water Audit Software© to
better understand and mitigate water losses.
All sessions are provided to water managers for free, thanks to funding from the DEP,
and are being led by George Kunkel, P.E., Principal of Kunkel Water Efficiency Consulting and
co-author of the software program.
Next Training Sessions
There are two more water loss training sessions scheduled, both to the held at the Bucks
County Community College Newton Campus in the Gateway Center Gallagher Room--
-- October 23: Metering and Billing. Click Here to register
-- November 28: Leakage Management. Click Here to register
For more information about the Water Loss Management Training Series, contact Dr.
SeungAh Byun, P.E. at 609-883-9500 x237 or send email to: SeungAh.Byun@drbc.nj.gov. Visit
DRBC’s Water Audit Program webpage for more information on that program.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Delaware
River Basin Commission website. Click Here to sign up for regulator updates. Follow DRBC
on Twitter. Visit them on YouTube.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
Register Now! PA Water & Wastewater Technology Summit Nov. 1-2 In State College
The PA Section American Water Works

Association, PA Water Environment Association,
and the PA Municipal Authorities Association will
host the PA Water and Wastewater Technology
Summit November 1-2 in State College.
There are many ways that the new technology can
add value to the facilities, including faster
53
efficiency of inspections, reduced cost, and increased safety of workers. These technologies will
be highlighted at this Summit.
The Summit is being held at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.
To register and for more information, visit the PA Water and Wastewater Technology
Summit webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hearing Nov. 1, Business Meeting Dec. 6
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a hearing on proposed water withdrawal
permits and other actions on November 1 in Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in
Harrisburg starting at 2:30. (Click Here for notice and agenda) (formal PA Bulletin notice)
The items on the hearing agenda are intended to be on the next SRBC business meeting
to be held on December 6 at a location to be announced. (Click Here for notice and agenda)
(formal PA Bulletin notice)
For more information and other upcoming events, visit the SRBC Meetings and Events
webpage. Questions about the hearing and meeting should be directed to Ava Stoops,
717-238-0423.
Related Stories:
54
From County Streams
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Keep PA Beautiful: Never Too Late To Clean Up! Participate In The International Coastal
Cleanup
There is still time to participate in the 2018

International Coastal Cleanup. Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful invites residents, civic organizations and
businesses to coordinate a cleanup or join an existing
cleanup as part of the initiative.
The health of our planet is dependent upon the health
of our oceans. Help our oceans by cleaning up your
corner of the planet.
“Cleaning up your local park or street that you live on
might seem unrelated to healthy waterways,
especially when there isn’t any water in sight, but I
think we have all seen litter blocking storm drains.
Cleaning up that litter before it has a chance to be washed down any storm drain or blown into
any creek will significantly reduce the amount of trash that reaches our oceans,” explained
Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “Please do your part and register a
cleanup in your neighborhood today.”
All cleanup sites, land or water, are eligible. A significant portion of waterway pollution
originates on land.
When it rains, trash on sidewalks and streets accumulates in the gutter and is swept into
storm drains. Most storm drain systems discharge directly into the nearest creek or river,
eventually flowing to the ocean taking all the trash with it.
The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer effort to improve the
health of our oceans. ICC events can be held from September 1st through October 31st.
Gloves and bags are available for registered events while supplies last.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is proud to coordinate this effort in Pennsylvania. In 2017,
nearly 14,000 volunteers from 35 counties canvassed their communities to remove 861,655
pounds of trash and debris from Pennsylvania’s lands, waterways and coastal regions during the
International Coastal Cleanup event.
The Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup engages hundreds of
thousands of volunteers from around the world to remove millions of pounds of plastics and
debris from beaches, lakes and waterways.
This event has grown to include participation by all 50 states and U.S. territories and 90
countries with the number growing each year.
Click Here for tools and resources to help organize a safe and successful cleanup.
For questions regarding the International Coastal Cleanup, should be directed to Michelle
55
Dunn, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s International Coastal Cleanup Coordinator, at
1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
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
communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
NewsClips:
400 Volunteers In Harrisburg Remove 1 Million Pounds Of Trash From Streets
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
PennDOT Accepting Applications For Green Light-Go Program To Upgrade Traffic

Signals, Including To LED Lights
The Department of Transportation published notice in

the October 13 PA Bulletin announcing it will be
accepting applications between October 15 and
January 11 for its Green Light - Go Program for
upgrading traffic signals.
The upgrades include replacing existing lights with
LED signals.
Click Here to apply and for more information.
Questions should be directed to Stephen Gault, PE, PTOE, Statewide Traffic Signal Operations
Engineer, by calling 717-783-6988 or sending email tO: RA-PDSIGNALFUNDING@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: Energy Efficiency Incentives Equal Savings, Jobs For Pennsylvania
U.S. DOE: Efficiency Partnership With U.S. Manufacturers Is Saving Billions
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
September - In Case You Missed It Now Available From PA Environmental Council
The In Case You Missed It In September is

now available from the PA Environmental
Council featuring stories on--
-- Effort To Reauthorize Federal Land &
Water Conservation Fund Continues
-- October 30: Clean Streams, The Poconos
And You
-- November 7: Northeast PA Regional
Watershed Group Workshop
-- November 14: Western PA Regional
56
Watershed Group Workshop
-- PEC Opposes Bill Weakening Environmental Protection Standards For Conventional Drilling
-- Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC
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.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding Thursday

announced Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land
Preservation Board approved the preservation of
2,609 more acres on 40 farms in 17 counties for
agricultural production now and in the future.
“Yesterday we preserved dairy, beef, crop, and
other farms – all examples of the diversity of
production in our agriculture industry,” said
Redding. “No matter the differences in production
styles or backgrounds or regions of our
commonwealth, those farmers share a commitment to their communities, their families, and our
food supply. In turn, we make this covenant with them, ensuring that their prime land will
always supply food for Pennsylvanians and a growing world.”
The 41 farms preserved today are found in Adams, Allegheny, Blair, Bucks, Carbon,
Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Perry, Schuylkill,
Tioga, Union, and Westmoreland counties.
Click Here for a list of where farmland was preserved.
Since the Commonwealth’s program began in 1988, federal, state, county, and local
governments have purchased permanent easements on 5,399 farms totaling 557,613 acres in 59
counties.
Since taking office, the Wolf administration has preserved 668 farms totaling 54,951
acres of prime farmland across Pennsylvania.
In some cases, federal funding helps to preserve these lands. In 2016, the department
signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service that allows Pennsylvania’s program to submit farms for consideration by
the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
The department secured more than $2 million under its most recent cooperative
agreement to preserve eight farms totaling 1,097 acres.
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as it is
formally known, is dedicated to slowing the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses.
Funding allows state, county, and local governments to purchase conservation easements,
from owners of quality farmland. State, county, local, and federal funds committed at today’s
meeting, and allocated to county programs, will secure the purchase of development rights to
preserve farms waiting on the county backlog lists.
For more information on the program, visit Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation
57
webpage.
(Photo: Lancasteronline.com. )
NewsClips:
Crable: Nearly 1,000 Acres Of Lancaster Viewscape Across Susquehanna Saved
WITF Smart Talk 10th Anniversary: The Kittatinny Ridge Project
Allegheny Land Trust, Regional Partners Launch Interactive Mapping Tool For Features,
Hazards
North Branch Land Trust Keeping It Green
Related Stories:
From County Streams
Lancaster
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Manada Conservancy: Climate Change And Penn’s Woods: What Does The Future Hold?
Oct. 23, Hershey
Manada Conservancy, in partnership with the

Hershey Gardens, will host a free educational
program about climate change on October 23
at 7:00 p.m, at the Hershey Gardens
Conservatory, 170 Hotel Road in Hershey,
Dauphin County.
As the climate changes, plants and
animals have three options: adapt, move, or
die. This is already beginning to happen in
many places across the globe, including here
in Pennsylvania.
Greg Czarnecki, climate change and research coordinator for the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, will share his vast understanding of the effects of a
changing climate.
His presentation will look at the current and projected impacts of climate change on our
native species and forests, and the challenges and opportunities conservationists face in helping
to ensure their survival.
This program is free and open to the public. Please register by contacting the Manada
Conservancy office by sending email to: office@manada.org or call 717-566-4122. Click Here
to add to your calendar.
Visit the Manada Conservancy website to learn more about their programs, initiatives and
58
upcoming events. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (mid-page).
Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
AccuWeather: Winter Will Come In With A Bang In January
Philly Warming: How Residents Can Combat Climate Change
Letter: Stop Climate Change By Putting A Price On Carbon
Editorial: If Steps Aren’t Taken To Combat Climate Change, There May Be No Tomorrow
Editorial: Take Global Warming Seriously
Editorial: UN’s Dire Climate Warnings Should Be Met With Serious Action
Carbon Tax Gets Renewed Attention But Still Faces Resistance
Carbon Taxes Get Renewed Attention, But Still Face Political Resistance
Climate Change Will Get Worse. These Investors Are Betting On It
New UN Climate Report Says Put A High Price On Carbon
Tipping Points Could Exacerbate Climate Crisis, Scientists Fear
UN Calls For Far-Reaching Actions To Stop Climate Change
AP: UN Report On Global Warming Carries Life-Or-Death Warning
Energy Sector’s Carbon Emissions To Grow For 2nd Year Running
Related Stories:
Manada Conservancy Offers Native Plant Landscape Design Service
Senate Hearing: Non-Native, Invasive Plant Species Ecologically Castrating The Landscape, But
There Is A Solution
The Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Tuesday awarded $646,891 in U.S. Forest
Service Grants to 132 local volunteer fire companies
that help fight wildfires across the state in recognition
of Fire Prevention Week.
“Across the state, these funds will benefit 132
volunteer fire companies serving rural areas and
communities where forest and brush fires are
common,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
“To appreciate the value of well-equipped and highly
trained wildfire fighters, one only has to look outside
Pennsylvania to the horrific fires that sometimes plague other states.”
Speaking to community volunteer and Bureau of Forestry firefighters gathered at Lower
Swatara Fire Department headquarters, acting state Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego praised their
service to communities close to home – and many others far beyond Pennsylvania’s borders.
“The dangers associated with wildfires continue to pose a growing threat to our state’s
forests and rural communities,” Trego said. “Grant programs like these are vital tools for state
government to ensure volunteer firefighters get the equipment and the training they need to
perform their jobs as professionally and safely as possible.”
In 2017, more than $592,000 was awarded to 129 volunteer fire companies. The grant
59
program, offered through DCNR and paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Forest Service, has awarded more than $12.5 million since it began in 1982.
“The readiness of these men and women is demonstrated every spring and summer when
they answer assistance calls coming from other states, while also responding regularly to local
woodland and brush fires,” Dunn said. “These grants allow firefighters from smaller companies
to concentrate more on public safety and training while easing their fiscal constraints.”
Click Here for a list of grants awarded.
To learn more about fighting wildfires, visit DCNR’s Wildfire webpage and the PA
Forest Heritage Association website. You can also visit the PA Forest Heritage Association
Discovery Center in Franklin County at Caledonia State Park. Click Here for the Association’s
newsletter.
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: Northern Bucks Wildland Fire Crew (2016)- Video)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Clarion University
To Pop!
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]

Resources has scheduled 4 more public meetings
across the state to help the agency chart the future
course of Pennsylvania’s state forest districts.
The public meetings will focus on district specifics of
the plan and aid the bureau in revising its District State
Forest Resource Management Plans. A State Forest
Plan is written for each of the Bureau’s twenty forest
districts across the state. Individual Plans can be found
on each forest district webpage.
DCNR has completed meetings in 11 of the Forest Districts and has the remaining 9
District meetings scheduled.
60
The meetings coming up include--
-- October 16-- NEW. Cornplanter State Forest District, Drake Well Museum and Park Historic
Site (Multipurpose Room), 202 Museum Lane, Titusville, Venango County. 1:30 to 3:00.
-- October 17-- Buchanan State Forest District, District Office, 25185 Great Cove Road,
McConnellsburg, Fulton County. 6:00 to 8:30;
-- October 20-- NEW. Delaware State Forest District, District Office, 2174A Route 611
Swiftwater, Monroe County. 1:00 to 3:30.
-- October 30--Clear Creek State Forest District. District Office, 158 South Second Ave.,
Clarion, Clarion County. 6:30 to 8:00;
-- November 1-- NEW. Loyalsock State Forest District, Resource Management Center,, 6735
Route 220, Dushore, Sullivan County. 6:00 to 8:00
-- November 8-- Rothrock State Forest District, Shaver’s Creek CFD Community Building,
8707 Firemans Park Ln, Petersburg, Huntingdon County. 6:30 to 8:00;
-- November 8-- Weiser State Forest District, District Office, 16 Weiser Lane, Aristes,
Columbia County. 6:00 to 8:00
-- November 13-- Pinchot State Forest District. District Office, 1841 Abington Road, North
Abington Township, Lackawanna County. 6:00 to 8:00.
-- December 12-- NEW. Bald Eagle State Forest, District Office, 18865 Old Turnpike Road,
Millmont, Union County. 6:00 to 8:00.
For a listing of meetings and more information, visit DCNR’s State Forest Resource
Management Plan webpage.
NewsClips:
Large State Grant To Carve Out New Trail In Blair County
Schneck: 34 Ways Fall Will Try To Kill You
Related Stories:
Clarion University
61
To Pop!
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Preserves 118 Acres In Chester County
Imagine these fields filled with fifty houses instead

of hay. Another hundred cars sitting in traffic on
Charlestown Road. Thanks to the Epstein Family,
Charlestown Township in Chester County, and
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, you
don’t have to.
This land, the view, and its natural resources are
now protected in perpetuity for everyone to enjoy
today and for our children to enjoy tomorrow.
The 118 acres of Hailand Farm—‘hai’ meaning
‘life’ in Hebrew—will remain as open space, allowing for plant and animal life to thrive and
expanding the conservation corridor through Charlestown Township.
Siblings Charles Epstein and Barbara Epstein Sivan—whose parents purchased the farm
in the early 70’s—expressed, “We are proud to immortalize our parents’ values by placing the
farm under a conservation easement with the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust &
Charlestown Township. Instead of a large development of 50 homes, residents will continue to
enjoy a beautiful view-shed in historic Charlestown.”
Working with landowners and public and private partners, this new easement adds to the
1,100 acres French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has permanently preserved in
Charlestown Township.
Call 610-933-7577 or visit the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust to support
local land preservation and learn about conservation.
NewsClips:
Hazards
Clarion University
The third annual PA Wilds Conservation Shop

Buyer’s Market will be held on March 2 in the
Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room
at Clarion University.
This one-day trade show connects retail
establishments with quality wares, gifts, foods
62
and beverages crafted in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Orders for PA Wilds Made products can be
placed in bulk at wholesale pricing for qualified buyers.
Hosted by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and the Wilds Cooperative of
Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Clarion University Small Business Development Center,
the Buyer’s Market is a “made local, sell local” themed event.
“The Buyer’s Market is a great opportunity for retailers to meet local artisans from the
PA Wilds and purchase unique handcrafted items. As a retail manager I see firsthand how much
customers appreciate the value of locally-made goods,” said Libby Bloomquist, who oversees the
PA Wilds Conservation Shop. “This event also allows the public to shop for products from
artisans who may be from more remote locations in the Wilds that they may not normally have
access to. In addition, the Buyer’s Market enables us to make decisions on new items that we
will be carrying in the PA Wilds Conservation Shop.”
The trade show format allows buyers to browse products and make selections on the spot
if desired.
The show is open exclusively to retailers from 9:00 a.m. to Noon for wholesale buying
(registration is required). A free public showcase will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (no
registration required).
Retail and small business statistics support the shop local movement for rural
communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
On average 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses was recirculated
locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores, according to the research
firm Civic Economics and the American Independent Business Alliance.
In addition, the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics found that local business
generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail.
The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk, Potter,
McKean, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield, Jefferson, Cameron and Clarion, Northern
Centre.
Who Should Attend
-- Retailers: Wilds Cooperative Trading Posts, retailers, gift shops and other small businesses
interested in carrying locally-made products from the Pennsylvania Wilds. The market will be
open exclusively to buyers from 9:00 to Noon, allowing for one-on-one time to review product
lines and meet the makers.
Retailers can also learn about joining the Wilds Cooperative as Trading Posts. Retailers
can pre-register using the code online through February 18, 2019, to receive free admission and
one complimentary travel mug per registration while supplies last, or register at the door. The
cost at the door is $10/retailer.
-- Shoppers: Members of the general public can attend for free and purchase goods crafted in the
PA Wilds from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
-- Producers: Producers in the PA Wilds making art, wares, gift items, food and beverage that
want to sell their goods to retail outlets. Producer exhibitors must be members of the Wilds
Cooperative of Pennsylvania. If not yet a member, producers can apply for membership to The
Wilds Cooperative first. Event registration due by February 18, 2019.
Learn More
For more information or to register for the Buyer’s Market, visit the PA Wilds
Conservation Shop Buyer’s Market webpage.
63

Resources Tuesday announced grants from the
Keystone Fund to support local recreation projects
in Allegheny, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Chester and
Montour counties.
Allegheny County
A $200,000 Keystone Fund grant will help
rehabilitate Townsend Parklet in Pittsburgh and
link natural resources to community revitalization
and improve well-being for residents by
revitalizing recreation opportunities.
“Local parks improve the everyday lives of people of all places, ages, and backgrounds,
while serving as a primary venue for outdoor recreation for Pennsylvanians,” DCNR Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are happy to assist Pittsburgh by investing in the renovation of a
basketball court and new play equipment with safe surface material and new lighting at
Townsend Parklet.”
Townsend Parklet is almost 2 acres of community space at 817 Chartiers Ave. in
Pittsburgh.
Berks County
An investment of $300,000 to rehabilitate two park sites in the City of Reading-- Baer
Park and the 6th and Amity Street Playground-- will help the city link natural resources to
community revitalization and improve well-being for residents by revitalizing recreation
opportunities in the city.
while serving as a primary venue for outdoor recreation for Pennsylvanians,” DCNR Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are happy to assist Reading by investing in new basketball courts
and spray pad areas for summer fun at Baer Park and the Sixth and Amity Streets Playground.”
Baer Park is 9 acres in northwest Reading that is a center of community activity housing
a lighted baseball field, tennis courts, a playground, and a concession stand. The grant will fund
the renovation of a basketball court, construction of a spray pad water feature, and new
walkways.
Work at the Sixth and Amity Streets Playground will include renovation of a basketball
court, construction of a spray pad, new playground equipment, and walkways.
Blair County
A $155,500 grant from the Keystone Fund for the Logan Valley Streetcar Trail in Blair
County is envisioned as part of a rail trail network that will support the community’s connection
to good health, and its history.
The grant to Antis Township for the construction of about a mile of the Logan Valley
Streetcar Trail from Main St. in Bellwood Borough to Becker Road in the township. The Logan
Valley Streetcar Trail is proposed to connect to the approximately 6-mile Bells Gap Rail Trail
64
that offers several covered benches on which to rest and enjoy the scenery.
“Trails provide a close-to-home connection to nature and recreation that is always free or
affordable,” Dunn said. “We are happy to provide this grant to support the community’s vision
that future generations will use the Logan Valley Streetcar Trail for recreation, exercise, a greater
appreciation of our natural beauty and resources, and a new understanding of the fascinating
history behind Bellwood-Antis and Blair County.”
Bradford County
A $80,000 grant from the Keystone Fund will support a new boat launch in Creekside
Park, Wyalusing Borough, Bradford County to help the borough link natural resources to
community revitalization and improve well-being for residents by increasing recreation
opportunities.
“Through our DCNR grant program we are happy to be able to support a new access
point for people to connect to their local waterway and have fun on the water,” DCNR Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn said.
The project will include the installation of the boat launch, pathways, parking area, and
landscaping at Creekside Park along the Wyalusing Creek, which is a tributary to the
Susquehanna River.
Chester County
DCNR provided grants from the Keystone Fund for two recreation projects in Chester
County-- the John O. Green Memorial Park in West Chester, and Hershey’s Mill Dam Park in
East Goshen Township.
The $200,000 grant to West Chester for the rehabilitation of the John O. Green Memorial
Park will include stormwater management measures that will help the Chester Creek watershed.
The half-acre park is located at S. Matlack and E. Miner streets. It includes a play area
and a water feature that people from all over the borough use in the summer to keep their
children cool.
The $380,000 grant for the Hershey’s Mill Dam Park includes the construction of a
fishing pond, a waterfront access area, waterfalls, trails and a parking area. The six-acre park is
located on Greenhill Road.
The investment is supported by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. A key
purpose of the LWCF Act is to help preserve, develop, and assure universal access to outdoor
recreation facilities, and to provide recreation and strengthen the health of U.S. citizens in close
to home venues.
In a letter to Congress, Gov. Wolf urged support for permanent reauthorization of the
Land and Water Conservation Fund, which expired at the end of September. The Governor noted
that LWCF grants have improved thousands of communities throughout the Commonwealth and
have helped fund significant improvements in our award-winning state parks.
Montour County
A $290,000 Keystone Fund grant will help develop the parcel located in Canal Park in
downtown Danville Borough in Montour County that is in the midst of a revival, to link natural
resources to community revitalization and improve well-being for residents by increasing
recreation opportunities.
while serving as a primary venue for outdoor recreation for Pennsylvanians,” said DCNR
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We are happy to assist Danville by investing in the development
65
of Canal Park to include a new amphitheater, trails and measures to assist with controlling
stormwater built in to the park design.”
In September 2012, the Borough of Danville purchased a blighted commercial property
located adjacent to the municipal building in order to eliminate its influence in the center of the
business district. The borough razed the dilapidated structure and now maintains the lot as green
space.
The community plans to close Canal Street and combine several parcels to create a
recreational jewel in the heart of a quaint downtown at 436 Mill St. Canal Park will have café
tables and seating in a plaza beckoning people off of Mill Street (the borough’s main street), an
amphitheater facing a covered performance stage, plus a mural and landscaping.
Funding will support the construction of pedestrian walkways, amphitheater and
stormwater management measures, installation of lighting and utilities, ADA access,
landscaping, park signage, and additional site improvements.
The project also received a $261,028 grant through the Department of Community and
Economic Development’s Keystone Communities program.
Keystone Fund
The Keystone Fund is currently celebrating 25 years of supporting thousands of
community improvements in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, outdoor recreation generates $29.1 billion in consumer spending, $1.9
billion in state and local tax revenue, $8.6 billion in wages and salaries, and sustains 251,000
direct Pennsylvania jobs.
DCNR Grant Workshops
To learn more about other available grant opportunities to support trail and recreation
projects, attend one of the upcoming workshops on DCNR’s Community Conservation Grant
Program. Click Here for more.
A new grant round is opening soon.
(Photo: 6th and Amity Street Playground in Reading, 6 9 News. )
NewsClips:
Colorful, Historical Mural Greets Mt. Pleasant, Trail Visitors
Emergency Response Teamwork Leads To Rescue Man From Centre County Cave
Man Pulled From Submerged Truck At Frances Slocum State Park Lake
Nature Park, Trail Coming to West Manchester Twp, York County
Op-Ed: Growing Greener Could Be Model to Fix Our National Parks
Friends Of Flight 93 Expand Education Outreach Efforts At National Memorial
66
Related Stories:
Clarion University
To Pop!
[Posted: Oct. 10, 2018]
New Report Highlights Upper Delaware River's Emerging Economy, Finds Community
Collaboration Vital For Its Future
The National Parks Conservation Association

along with local community partners Wednesday
released a new report, Making Connections: Roots
of Prosperity in New York and Pennsylvania’s
Upper Delaware River Region, to highlight success
stories from the area’s emerging economy.
This five-county region stretches from Hancock,
New York downstream to Port Jervis, New York
and Matamoras, Pennsylvania and is anchored by a
national park site – the Upper Delaware Scenic and
Recreational River.
Collectively, community leaders featured in the report focus on efforts underway that will
build long-term prosperity while supporting the region’s natural, cultural and recreational assets.
“The stories in the Making Connections report illustrate a vision for growing the region’s
economic vitality – building on area traditions that value scenic beauty, clean air and water and
small friendly communities,” said Joy Oakes, senior regional director for National Parks
Conservation Association. “The decline of manufacturing industries across the country has
pushed communities to invest in new strategies for economic development and growth. Strong
partnerships and productive collaboration among community leaders are vital for the region’s
bright future and for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.”
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River welcomes nearly 255,000 visitors
annually who spend nearly $11 million in surrounding communities. It is a unique national park
site in that the National Park Service owns only 31 of the park’s more than 55,000 acres.
The Park Service and community leaders work together collaboratively to manage the
narrow river corridor, which serves as a working landscape for many local businesses.
Fresh air, clean water, abundant wildlife and a rural landscape remain key parts of the
Upper Delaware River region’s deep appeal for visitors, residents and business owners alike.
The region’s natural resources, including the national scenic and recreational river,
supports and attracts opportunities related to ecotourism, recreational outfitters, fishing, hiking
and more.
The Upper Delaware River also supports one of the nation’s best wild trout fisheries,
bringing $350 million in economic activity each year.
67
“For the Upper Delaware region to recover and thrive economically, there needs to be a
significant investment in a river-based economy that benefits people and communities,” said Jeff
Skelding, executive director for Friends of the Upper Delaware River. “Tourism is the lifeblood
of this community. We need to seize every opportunity to maximize the recreational value of the
watershed and support responsible and sustainable use of the resource for the long term.”
Recommendations in the report for expanding upon existing opportunities and for the
future of the region include but are not limited to:
-- Update the Land and Water Use Guidelines, developed collaboratively more than 30 years
ago, which help guide local development decisions within the Upper Delaware Scenic and
Recreational River’s narrow 73-mile-long corridor;
-- Invest in the river’s long-term ecological vitality and compatible economic activities that
benefit local businesses and communities;
-- Develop and market a regional brand for the area’s natural resources to reach new
audiences and;
-- Support collaborative community forums to promote storytelling, idea-sharing and to
curate experiences and destinations for visitors.
“We can attract more visitors together than we do separately,” said Nancy Furdock,
creator of DestinationHancock.com and vice chair of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway. “We
can learn from other parts of this region about understanding and properly marketing to our
visitors. Hancock can leverage the things we all love about living here to attract new businesses
and a demographic with money to spend and invest here. While tourism can bring us a lot, in the
winter when all the visitors go home, it’s the locals that make the economy tick.”
“Honesdale is seeing a bit of an influx of young people who left and came back,” says
Ryanne Jennings, executive director for The Cooperage Project, a nonprofit organization that
aims to strengthen community through a variety of local events. “Building ways for the local
community to connect with enjoy the Lackawaxen River, a tributary of the Upper Delaware that
runs through town, will open doors for economic benefits and boost the area’s appeal to visitors,
new residents and business owners.”
The report is informed by research by the Harbinger Consultancy and NPCA including a
survey and interviews with local residents.
Click Here for a copy of the report.
For more information on this project, visit the National Parks Conservation Association’s
New York and Pennsylvania Upper Delaware River Region webpage.
NewsClips:
68
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Take A Fall Hike With The Pocono Heritage Land Trust Oct. 14, 21 In Monroe County
Enjoy the Pocono Mountains Fall weather

and foliage with two outings hosted by the
Pocono Heritage Land Trust in Monroe
County--
-- October 14: Autumn Leave Peeping
On Long Pond - Guided Kayak/Canoe
Paddle on Tunkhannock Creek and after
paddle picnic. Long Pond wetlands is one
of those magic places that keeps paddlers coming back time after time and is especially alive as
the sights and sounds of autumn begin to transition in the Pocono landscape from the greens of
summer through the fires of autumn to the whites of winter. (BYO kayak/canoe and lifejacket)
-- October 21: Walk-n-Talk Wetland Trail Hike. Hikers will explore the autumn upland
woods and wetlands edge on the Fern Ridge Trail and newly protected Weiss farm tract of the
Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve.
Space on hikes is limited so reservations are required. Please call the PHLT office at
570-424-1514 or send email to: info@phlt.org to reserve your place.
Anyone interested in joining any of these hikes is encouraged to visit the website or call
the office-- 570-424-1514-- for more information, confirmation of the hike status and last minute
suggestions for footwear.
All hikes are open to the public and free of charge to Pocono Heritage Land Trust
members. A $5 donation per person or $10 donation per family is suggested for non-members.
Pocono Heritage Land Trust is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1984, dedicated to
protecting the natural heritage of our Pocono Mountains region by conserving land and inspiring
people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world.
Receive monthly notifications of hikes and other outdoor events offered at PHLT nature
preserves in Monroe County by texting the word “POCONOS” to 42828.
For more information, visit the Pocono Heritage Land Trust website or call
570-424-1514.
(Photo: Long Pond, Tannersville Bog.)
Related Stories:
Week 2 - Fall Foliage Report: Warmer Temps Slowed Foliage Transition
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Hosts 2 Hikes In Monroe County On Oct. 21 Chestnut Mountain,
Oct. 27 Stars At Skywood, A Water Wiser Kids Event
Workshop On Ways Projects Can Avoid Endangered Indiana Bats Nov. 6 In Harrisburg
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals and the

Capital Chapter - Society of Women Environmental Professionals
69
will host a Workshop on Ways Transportation Projects Can Avoid Endangered Indiana Bats at
the Radisson Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass in Camp Hill, across the river from Harrisburg
11:30 to 1:30.
Ryan Leiberher of RK&K will be presenting on the endangered Indiana Bat and ways
that transportation projects can be designed to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive bat
species.
The cost of the workshop for members is $30 and non-members $40.
Click Here to register and for more information.
NewsClips:
Removing The Invasive Red-Eared Slider Turtle From Presque Isle State Park
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives Grant From PPL Foundation
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County

Tuesday announced it has received continued
support from the PPL Foundation with a generous
sustaining grant of $2,500.
“This type of grant supports everything we do at
Hawk Mountain, from global training and
research to leading school groups to welcoming
hikers,” says Director of Development Mary
Linkevich. “We couldn’t be more grateful.”
This grant comes just in time for autumn
migration season. Funds will contribute to
weekend programs, educational workshops, and
the fall lectures that are offered on weekends through early November, in addition to maintaining
the eight-mile trail system and supporting long-term raptor migration monitoring and other
global research.
“Whether it’s helping our customers learn how to save energy or working with
organizations like Hawk Mountain to protect endangered species and educate the public, PPL is
focused on environmental stewardship,” said Carol Obando-Derstine, PPL Electric Utilities’
regional affairs director. “We commend Hawk Mountain for helping to create lasting change in
the environment and contributing positively to the region by providing a great outdoor
destination for visitors.”
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates
from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of
their Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel. Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.
(Photo: HMS Director of Development Mary Linkevich, PPL Electric Utilities Regional Affairs
Director Carol Obando-Derstine, HMS Educator Andrea Ambrose, and HMS President Sean
Grace.)
70
Game Commission: Oct. 24 Webinar On Lead Toxicity In Bald Eagles In PA
The Game Commission will host a webinar on

October 24 on the issue of Lead Toxicity In Bald
Eagles In Pennsylvania from Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania has lost a number of bald eagles due to
lead poisoning.
During this webinar, Game Commission
Veterinarian Justin Brown will explain how lead
produces disease in avian scavengers and how eagles
and other scavengers obtain lead from the
environment.
He will also provide details about existing
surveillance for causes of bald eagle morbidity and mortality.
Click Here to register.
For more information on bald eagles, visit the Game Commission’s PA Bald Eagle
webpage.
Related Story:
Lead Poisoning In Pennsylvania Bald Eagles On The Rise
[Posted: Oct. 12, 2018]
Natural Lands Welcomes Drew VandenBrul To Board Of Trustees: https://goo.gl/rFjmZF
Natural Lands, a Delaware County based regional land

conservation organization, Tuesday announced the addition of
Drew VandenBrul to its Board of Trustees.
Mr. VandenBrul is managing director with Grant Thornton LLP,
an independent audit, tax, and advisory firm. He specializes in
providing state and local tax consulting, compliance, and
transaction planning across a variety of industries. He also serves
as an adjunct professor in the Villanova Graduate Tax program.
“Drew’s expertise and business acumen—paired with his
enthusiasm for nature and spending time outdoors—are strong
complements to our Board of Trustees,” said Natural Lands
president Molly Morrison. “We are delighted to welcome him.”
Mr. VandenBrul’s community and nonprofit involvement
includes various roles with the Garnet Valley High School Performing Arts Association; serving
as Chairman of the Garnet Valley School District Tax Study Commission; undertaking
fundraising activities at the Nicholas Newlin Foundation; and being a Little Free Library
Steward.
“I am excited to join Natural Lands at this time of tremendous growth and activity, and
look forward to connecting more people with nature across both the urban and rural parts of our
region,” said Drew VandenBrul.
Mr. VandenBrul received his B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Lehigh University
and his master’s in Taxation from Villanova University. He lives with his wife and two teenaged
71
children in Glen Mills, Delaware County, PA.
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.
In Memoriam: Terry Fabian, Fmr DEP Deputy For Field Operations
Terry R. Fabian, 73, who held a number of senior management positions

at the Department of Environmental Protection, passed away on October
2 at his home.
As Deputy For Field Operations from 1995 to 2002, he oversaw
DEP’s 6 regional environmental protection offices which implemented
many of Pennsylvania’s basic environmental regulatory programs,
including water management, water supply, environmental cleanup, air
quality, waste management, radiation protection and oil and gas
management.
Prior to serving as Deputy for Field Operations, Fabian served as
Deputy Secretary for Mineral Resources, as Director of DEP’s
Southwest Regional Office in Pittsburgh for 10 years, and held several positions in DEP’s
Southeast and Southcentral Regional Offices, including Regional Water Quality Manager in
Southcentral.
Fabian helped make fundamental changes in agency management through the
Money-Back Guarantee Permit Review Program, the introduction of watershed-focused
decision-making, and he was a champion of the Environmental Futures Planning Process.
“Terry was an outstanding public servant and a skilled environmental professional who
served in positions all over the state,” said former DEP Secretary David Hess. ”He had an
innovative spirit and an enthusiasm for his job that served the people and the environment of
Pennsylvania well for many years.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be sent to: Philadelphia
Shriners Hospital for Children - 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Click Here to read his entire obituary.
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.
Air
72
Alternative Fuels
Awards & Recognition
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Budget
Editorial: Federal Funding Priorities Speak Louder Than Words On Energy Policy
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
AccuWeather: Winter Will Come In With A Bang In January
Philly Warming: How Residents Can Combat Climate Change
Letter: Stop Climate Change By Putting A Price On Carbon
Editorial: If Steps Aren’t Taken To Combat Climate Change, There May Be No Tomorrow
Editorial: Take Global Warming Seriously
Editorial: UN’s Dire Climate Warnings Should Be Met With Serious Action
Carbon Tax Gets Renewed Attention But Still Faces Resistance
Carbon Taxes Get Renewed Attention, But Still Face Political Resistance
Climate Change Will Get Worse. These Investors Are Betting On It
New UN Climate Report Says Put A High Price On Carbon
73
Tipping Points Could Exacerbate Climate Crisis, Scientists Fear
UN Calls For Far-Reaching Actions To Stop Climate Change
AP: UN Report On Global Warming Carries Life-Or-Death Warning
Energy Sector’s Carbon Emissions To Grow For 2nd Year Running
Coal Mining
Westmoreland Coal, One Of Nation’s Oldest, Files For Bankruptcy
Study That Failed To Back Trump’s Coal Rescue Plant Kept Under Wraps
Trump’s Coal Export Bid Runs Into Headwinds Next Year, DOE Says
DCNR
AP: Treasure Hunters In Elk County Challenge FBI Over Dig For Legendary Gold\
Delaware River
PA, DE Slaughterhouses Illegally Dumping Wastewater, Pollution Report Finds
Delaware RiverKeeper Oct. 12 RiverWatch Video Report
Drinking Water
Economic Development
Education
WQED Downstream Documentary Looks At Pollution In Pennsylvania’s Water
Asbury Woods Nature Center Renamed In $5.2 Million Fundraising Campaign
Emergency Response
Editorial: Fire Companies Need More Helping Hands
74
Energy
U.S. EIA: Home Heating Bills Could Be Slightly Higher This Winter
U.S. EIA: Home Heating Bills Likely To Be Slightly Higher This Winter
Letter: This Winter Use Natural Gas To Heat Homes
Op-Ed: PA And The Nation Need Nuclear Energy
PPL Utilities Grid Reliability In Top 10 Percent Nationally
Editorial: Federal Funding Priorities Speak Louder Than Words On Energy Policy
Energy Conservation
Op-Ed: Energy Efficiency Incentives Equal Savings, Jobs For Pennsylvania
Environmental Heritage
Farming
Crable: E-Town Starts High School Apprenticeships To Combat Ag Technician Shortage
Flooding
Response
Forests
75
Geologic Hazards
Lack Of Stormwater Controls, Oversight To Blame For Landslides In Washington County Twp
Says
Are Western PA’s Proliferating Landslides Just The Start?
Bethlehem Township Sinkhole Swallows SUV
Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Sites Cleanups
Could A Toxic Site Be On Your Philly Block? New Research Reveals Hidden Hazards
Hazardous Substances
PPG, AutoZone Halt Sale Of Paint Strippers With Toxic Chemicals
Land Conservation
Hazards
Lake Erie
Litter/Illegal Dumping
400 Volunteers In Harrisburg Remove 1 Million Pounds Of Trash From Streets
Oil & Gas
EARTHblog: Conventional Oil & Gas Wells Leaking Methane In Allegheny National Forest
U.S. EIA: Home Heating Bills Could Be Slightly Higher This Winter
U.S. EIA: Home Heating Bills Likely To Be Slightly Higher This Winter
Letter: This Winter Use Natural Gas To Heat Homes
Oakmont Residents Demand Stricter Gas & Oil Well Regulations
Op-Ed: Natural Gas Utilities Doesn’t Need A Subsidy, Why Are Lawmakers Trying To Give
Them One? - Kulik
76
Pipelines
Op-Ed: The Case For A Moratorium On Pipeline Construction
Radiation Protection
Op-Ed: PA And The Nation Need Nuclear Energy
First Westinghouse AP1000 Nuclear Reactor Up And Running In China
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Stormwater
Lack Of Stormwater Controls, Oversight To Blame For Landslides In Washington County Twp
Says
Wastewater Facilities
Watershed Protection
WQED Downstream Documentary Looks At Pollution In Pennsylvania’s Water
Jaramillo: Environmentalists Wind Battle To Protect Exceptional Streams In Poconos
77
PA, DE Slaughterhouses Illegally Dumping Wastewater, Pollution Report Finds
Delaware RiverKeeper Oct. 12 RiverWatch Video Report
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
Game Commission: It’s Hunting Time
Ham: Mentoring The Next Generation Of Berks County Hunters
Hayes: Knowing Why, Where Deer Bucks Rub Antlers Can Improve Your Hunt
4 Ways To Avoid Crashing Into Deer This Fall
EHD Disease Raises Concern For Farmed Deer
Kummer: What Is Killing 100s Of Deer In SE PA Just Before Hunting Season?
Crable: After Decades Of Debate Tracking Dogs Can Be Used To Find Wounded Deer, Bear
No Animal Rabies Cases Reported In Lycoming, But Still Cause For Concern
Game Commission: Bear Mange Problem Appears To Be Moving East
Pro Fisherman Goes Fishing In Philly Storm Drains With Hot Dogs, Soft Pretzel Bait
Enhancing Aquatic Habitat In Presque Isle Bay
Aquatic Habitat Structure Update Misery Bay, Erie
Frye: Hibernating Bats Focus Of New White-Nose Syndrome Efforts
A Seal In The Lackawaxen River?
West Nile/Zika Virus
PA Is Having Worst Outbreak Of West Nile Virus In 15 Years
Cases Of West Nile Virus Skyrocket In PA After Wet Summer
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.
NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
ATTENTION! These are the last 3 scheduled days of voting session in the Senate and House for
this year. Anything can happen, and does.
78
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 13-- Tree Pittsburgh. Free Tree Give Away In Allegheny County. Pittsburgh Zoo
parking lot, 7370 Baker Street in Pittsburgh. 10:00 to 2:00. Click Here to register.
October 13-- PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture. Transition Truths - Taking Over an
Established Farm Business Workshop. Quiet Creek Herb Farm, 93 Quiet Creek Lane,
Brookville, Jefferson County. 1:00 to 4:00.
October 14-- Lacawac Sanctuary. Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run & Family/DOG Woods Walk.
Lacawac Sanctuary, Wayne County.
October 14-- NEW. Pocono Heritage Land Trust Autumn Leaf Peeping On Long Pond. Monroe
County.
October 15-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider 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 1284 (Peifer-R-Pike) directs
DCED to develop a one-stop-shop online business formation and permitting portal for business
(House Fiscal Note and summary), House Bill 2075 (Charlton-R-Delaware) authorizing rate
recovery for customer-owned lead water service lines. Rules Room. Off the Floor.
October 15-- NEW. Senate Transportation Committee meets to consider House Bill 2638
(Stephens-R-Montgomery) which would authorize new local authorities to cleanup former
military installations or land having water, sewer or stormwater pollution identified by the
Department of Environmental Protection or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency financed
by tax refunds by businesses and individuals working in the remediation area (House Fiscal Note
and summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor.
October 15-- Environmental Issues Forum by Joint House-Senate Legislative Air and Water
Pollution Control and Conservation Committee on biogas and bioenergy. Room 8E-A, East
Wing Capitol Building. Noon. Click Here for more.
October 15-- Performance-Based Budget Board meeting. Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building. 4:00.
October 16-- NEW. Senate Health and Human Services Committee meets to consider Senate
Bill 1270 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) requiring universal lead testing for children (sponsor
79
summary). Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. 10:00. Click Here to see if the hearing will
be webcast.
October 16-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is
November 13. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 16-- Agenda Posted. 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. Conference Call-In: Bridge #: 717-612-4788, Toll Free #: 855-734-4390, PIN #:
192791.
-- Presentation On Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan Efforts
-- Transition Documents For Governor Taking Office In January
-- October DEP Report To Council
October 16-- CANCELED. DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. The
next scheduled meeting is on December 5. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger, 717-346-8212 or send
email to: aaalger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 16-- NEW. DCNR State Forest District Management Plan Meetings - Cornplanter State
Forest District. Drake Well Museum and Park Historic Site (Multipurpose Room), 202 Museum
Lane, Titusville, Venango County. 1:30 to 3:00.
October 16-- Penn State Extension Webinar: Role Community Forest Managers Can Play In
MS4 Stormwater Pollution Reduction. Noon to 1:00.
October 17- Senate State Government Committee holds a hearing on several resolutions calling
for the amending of the U.S. Constitution - Senate Resolution 133 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) to
require a balanced budget and member term limits (sponsor summary), Senate Resolution 134
(Eichelberger-R-Blair) to add a Regulation Freedom amendment to require the adoption of a
regulation by Congress when one quarter of its members object to a regulation (sponsor
summary), Senate Resolution 254 (Costa-D-Allegheny) Free and Fair Elections amendment
requiring campaign finance disclosure (sponsor summary). Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building. 9:00. Click Here to see if the hearing will be webcast.
October 17-- Agenda Posted. 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.
October 17-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. L&I Building, Room E-100 First Floor, 651 Boas Street, Harrisburg. 10:00.
L&I Contact: Cindy Holtry, 717-783-4560. (f ormal notice)
80
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 17-18-- Professional Recyclers of PA Recycling Certification Courses. Bellefonte,

Centre County.
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-- CANCELED. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board
meeting. Next scheduled meeting is November 9. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner 717-787-9633 or
send email to dhissner@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
October 18-- PA State Assn. Of Township Supervisors. PA Stormwater Conference [Western].
Butler County.
October 18-- York County Master Watershed Stewards Rain Barrel Workshop. Penn State
Extension Office, 112 Pleasant Acres Road, York. 6:30 to 8:00
October 18-- PA Resources Council. Recycling Awareness Workshop. Sewickley Public
Library, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
October 18-- 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-- NEW. DCNR State Forest District Management Plan Meetings - Delaware State
Forest District, District Office, 2174A Route 611 Swiftwater, Monroe County. 1:00 to 3:30.
October 20-- Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation. Fall Cleanup In
Centralia, Columbia County.
October 20-- Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly Public Meeting. Lebanon Community
Library, 125 North 7th Street, Lebanon, Lebanon County. 10:00 to 11:00
October 21-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Get Outdoors Poconos Chestnut Mountain Hike.
Monroe County. 10:00.
October 21-- NEW. Pocono Heritage Land Trust Walk-N-Talk Wetland Trail Hike -
Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve. Monroe County.
81
October 22-- Professional Recyclers of PA Recycling Certification Courses. Enola, Cumberland
County.
October 23-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Next scheduled
meeting is December 4. DEP Contact: Lindsay Byron, 717-772-8951, lbyron@pa.gov. (formal
notice)
October 23-- NEW. PA Lake Erie Environmental Forum. Tom Ridge Environmental Center,
Erie. 1:00 to 4:00.
October 23-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Montgomery County
Fire Academy, 1175 Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken. 9:00 to Noon. Click Here for more.
October 23-- Penn State Extension Webinar On Addressing Orphan & Abandoned Wells From
DEP, Industry Perspectives. 1:00.
October 23-- NEW. Manada Conservancy. Climate Change And Penn’s Woods: What Does The
Future Hold? Hershey Gardens Conservatory, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, Dauphin County. 7:00.
October 24-- NEW. House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing with Rep. Mary Jo
Daley (D-Montgomery) on environmental education programs. Riverbend Environmental
Education Center, 1950 Spring Mill road, Gladwyne, Montgomery County. 2:00.
October 24-- CANCELED. PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee
meeting. The next scheduled meeting is November 20.
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-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board Regulation, Legislation and
Technical Committee conference call. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden 717-783-8846 or
send email to: dsnowden@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
October 24-- CANCELED. DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Clear Creek State
Forest District. Scheduled for October 30.
October 24-- NEW. Game Commission Webinar On Lead Toxicity In Bald Eagles In
Pennsylvania. Noon to 1:00.
October 24-- Academy Of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University Hosts Voting For The
Environment Program. Academy, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. 6:30 to 8:00.
October 24-- CEOs for Sustainability. Sustainability Speaker Series: Partnering With Suppliers
For A Competitive Edge Workshop. Pittsburgh. 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
82
October 24-25-- Penn State Extension: Biochar & Torrefied Biomass Short Course. Penn State
University Agricultural Engineering Building, Shortlidge Road, University Park.
October 25-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden 717-783-8846 or send email to:
dsnowden@pa.gov.
October 25-- DEP Webinar On Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charging Projects Grant
Program. 10:30.
October 25-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Luzerne County
Community College, Educational Conference Center (Building #10), 1333 South Prospect Street,
Nanticoke. 9:00 to Noon. Click Here for more.
October 25-- Brandywine Conservancy, PA Equine Council. Trail Stewardship Workshop.
Private property at 6 Castlebar Lane, Malvern. Chester County. 8:30 - 4:30.
October 26- Brandywine Conservancy, PA Equine Council. Trail Stewardship Workshop.
Natural Lands’ ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Chester County.. 8:30–4:30.
October 27-- PA Resources Council, PA American Water. Drug Take-Back Event - 3 Locations
in Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00--
-- Green Tree Borough Building, 10 W. Manila Ave.
-- Medical Rescue Team South, 315 Cypress Way, Mt. Lebanon
-- The Mall At Robinson (parking lot near Dick’s Sporting Goods), 100 Robinson Centre Dr.
October 27-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Water Wiser Kids: Stars At Skywood Park
Hike. Monroe County. 7:30 to 9:00.
October 30-- NEW. DEP Meeting With Potential Contractors On Proposed Mine Drainage
Treatment Site Maintenance Projects In Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset Counties. DEP’s
Cambria District Mine Office, 286 Industrial Park, Ebensburg, Cambria County. 10:00
October 30-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Clear Creek State Forest District.
District Office, 158 South Second Ave., Clarion, Clarion County. 6:30 to 8:00. Click Here for
more.
October 30-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In King of Prussia.
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,
83
717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
November 1-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission hearing on proposed water
withdrawal permits and other actions (Click Here for agenda). Room 8E-B East Wing, Capitol
Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. SRBC Contact: Ava Stoops, 717-238-0423. (f ormal notice)
November 1-- NEW. DCNR State Forest District Management Plan Meetings - Loyalsock State
Forest District, Resource Management Center,, 6735 Route 220, Dushore, Sullivan County. 6:00
to 8:00.
November 1-- U.S. Green Building Council Central PA Chapter Forever Green Awards
Ceremony. Civic Club of Harrisburg.
November 1-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Giant Food Store
Community Room, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, Cumberland County. 9:00 to Noon. Click
Here for more.
November 1-- Pike County Conservation District Celebrates Natural Resources Annual Dinner.
The Waterfront Room at Silver Birches Resort, Lake Wallenpaupack. 6:00 to 8:00.
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 3-- Tree Pittsburgh. Free Tree Give Away In Allegheny County. North Park Ice
Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford. 10:00 to 2:00. Click Here to register.
November 5-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee Act 101 Workgroup meets. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713 or send email to:
lahenry@pa.gov.
-- Finalizing recommendations on Act 101
November 5-- Penn State Extension Protect Your Springs, Wells, Septic Systems & Cisterns
Workshops (2). Terre Hill Community Center, 131 West Main Street, Terre Hill, Lancaster
County . 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00
November 6-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. North Park Rose Barn,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
November 6-- NEW. PA Association of Environmental Professionals, Capital Chapter Society
of Women Environmental Professionals. Workshop On Ways Project Can Avoid Endangered
Indiana Bats. Radisson Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill (across the river from
Harrisburg). 11:30 to 1:30.
84
November 7-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden 717-783-8846 or send email to:
dsnowden@pa.gov.
November 7-- CANCELED. 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 7-- DEP Hearing (If Needed) on RACT II Air Quality Plan for a Tennessee Gas
Pipeline Compressor Station In Howe Township, Forest County. DEP Northwest Regional
Office, 230 Chestnut Street in Meadville, Crawford County. 9:00
November 7-- DEP Meeting/Hearing On Proposed NPDES Stormwater Permit For A Biosolids
(sewage sludge) processing facility In Pen Argyle, Northampton County. Wind Gap Middle
School, 1620 Teels Road, Pen Argyle. 6:00 to 9:30.
November 7-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Unitarian

Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, 780 Waupelani Drive Ext., State College, Centre
County. 9:00 to Noon. Click Here for more.
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 9-- NEW. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner 717-787-9633 or send
email to dhissner@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
November 13-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
November 13-- 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.
[Note: The last meeting of 2018]
November 13-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Pinchot State Forest District.
District Office, 1841 Abington Road, North Abington Township, Lackawanna County. 6:00 to
8:00. Click Here for more.
November 13-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Trinity Point
Church of God, 180 W. Trinity Drive, Clarion, Clarion County. 9:00 to Noon. Click Here for
85
more.
November 14-- CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting.

Rescheduled to November 29. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
November 14-- PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. South Park Buffalo Inn,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
November 14-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Collier township
Community Center, 5 Lobaugh Street, Oakdale, Allegheny County . 9:00 to Noon. Click Here
for more.
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 15-16-- PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Penn State. Northeast Cover
Crops Council Conference. Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, State College.
November 16-- PA State Assn. Of township Supervisors. PA Stormwater Conference [Eastern].
Montgomery County.
November 20-- NEW. PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting.
Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building. 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Click Here to pre-register to join
the meeting by webcast. Participants will also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 643
952 548.
November 20-- South Mountain Partnership Trails Workshop - Building Strong Community
Connections. Shippensburg University, Cumberland County. 8:30 to 5:00.
November 29-- 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)
November 29-- Stroud Water Research Center Water’s Edge Gala - Freshwater Excellence
Award Celebration. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Winterthur, Delaware.
November 29-- Academy Of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Delaware Watershed

Research Conference. Academy Offices in Philadelphia.
December 4-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Lindsay Byron, 717-772-8951, lbyron@pa.gov. (formal notice)
December 4-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Ebensburg Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Margaret Scheloske, 724-404-3143,
86
mscheloske@pa.gov.
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.
(formal notice)
December 5-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Laboratory
Building, 2575 Interstate Dr. Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger, 717-346-8212 or
send email to: aaalger@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
December 6-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Michael Maddigan, 717-772-3609, mmaddigan@pa.gov.
December 6-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission business meeting on proposed
water withdrawal permits and other actions (Click Here for agenda). Location To Be
Announced.. SRBC Contact: Ava Stoops, 717-238-0423. (f ormal notice)
December 6-- 10,000 Friends Of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Awards Dinner. ArtsQuest,

Bethlehem.
December 7-- NEW. Penn State Extension Understanding Dairy Business For Conservation
Professionals Workshop. Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.
10:00 to 2:00
December 12-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar
Chescattie, 717-772-2814, eshescattie@pa.gov.
December 12-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee & Recycling Fund Advisory Committee
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713,
lahenry@pa.gov.
December 12-- NEW. DCNR State Forest District Management Plan Meetings - Bald Eagle
State Forest, District Office, 18865 Old Turnpike Road, Millmont, Union County. 6:00 to 8:00.
December 13-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436 or send email to:
kdalal@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
-- Draft regulations setting methane emission limits for oil and gas operations
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.
December 18-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
87
9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
January 27-30-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. 2019 Delaware Estuary Science &
Environmental Summit. Cape May, NJ.
March 2-- NEW. PA Wilds. Retailers, Producers, Public 3rd Annual PA Wilds Buyer’s Market.
Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room, Clarion University.
March 9-- 2019 Watershed Congress Along The Schuylkill River. Montgomery County
Community College campus in Pottstown.
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.
October 15-- DEP Coastal Zone Grants

October 15-- NRCS-PA Emergency Watershed Protection Assistance Grants
October 19-- NRCS-PA Farm, Forest Conservation Assistance (EQIP, AMA)
October 31-- PA Resources Council Gene Capaldi Lens On Litter Photo Contest
October 31-- Axalta, Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Teachers Program
88
October 31-- Dept. of Agriculture Spotted Lanternfly Student Calendar Contest
November 9-- Chesapeake Bay Land And Water Initiative Grants
November 15-- Delaware River Basin Commission Fall Photo Contest
November 16-- PA Housing Finance Agency RFP For Housing Proposals
November 20-- PA Visitors Bureau Scenic Beauty Photo Contest In 5 Counties
December 1-- USDA Rural Community Water Infrastructure Funding (Rolling Deadline)
December 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
December 14-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come)
December 14-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 15-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants
December 21-- ORSANCO Ohio River Sweep Student Poster Contest
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
January 11-- NEW. PennDOT Green Light-Go Program, LED Light Upgrades
January 25-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
March 31-- DEP Level 2 Electric Charging Station Rebates (First-Come)
July 15-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
December 16-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
March 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
June 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
December 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund 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 - October 13, 2018
Technical Guidance -------------------
No new technical guidance documents were published this week.
Permits ------------
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 37 pages of public notices related
89
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the October 13 PA Bulletin -
pages 6589 to 6626.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin of
actions taken during its September 7 meeting.
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 92 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
90
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
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.
©2018 PA Environment News LLC, All Rights Reserved
91

Pa Environment Digest Oct. 15, 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 Oct. 15, 2018

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Issue #746 Harrisburg, PA Oct.

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

The Economic Value Of Green Infrastructure: Calculating A Return On Investments In

By Brenda Wilt, Assistant Editor, ​PA Township News

Nearly everyone appreciates nature, but

2008-2018: What Happened To Pennsylvania’s Environment In The Past 10 Years?

Scott LaMar, host and executive producer of

Forge The Future​, an initiative of Pennsylvania

The ​Pennsylvania Sea Grant​ College Program

The Department of Environmental Protection

The ​DEP Citizens Advisory Council​ is scheduled

Next Meeting Of PA Chesapeake Bay Steering Committee Moved To Nov. 20

One Court Rejects Exelon’s Challenge To Maryland’s Conowingo Dam Cleanup

The ​Baltimore Sun Thursday reported​ a Baltimore

The Department of Health said Tuesday in ​an online

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday

The ​PA Parks and Forests Foundation​ Monday

Above-average temperatures last week again stunted

WITF Documentary: Generations Yet To Come: Environmental Rights In Pennsylvania,

WITF-TV in Harrisburg​ will air a new documentary on October 25

Now Online: WQED Downstream Documentary Looks At Pollution In Pennsylvania’s

On Thursday, ​WQED in Pittsburgh​ premiered a new

Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

Flood-Resilient Infrastructure:​​ ​House Resolution 1112​ (Barrar-R-Delaware) calling on federal

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

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Bills Pending In Key Committees

On October 5, the federal ​Disaster Recovery Reform

Congress Sends Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill To President

The ​Appalachian Regional Commission​ Thursday

The ​PA Environmental Council​ Wednesday ​submitted

News From The Capitol

House Environment Committee Meeting Postponed On Natural Gas Royalty Bill

House Committee OKs Resolution Urging Federal Government To Recognize Importance

On Wednesday, the ​House Veterans Affairs and

Senate Committee Considers Universal Lead Testing For Children Oct. 16

The ​Senate Health and Human Services

The ​October edition​ of the ​Joint Legislative Air and

News From Around The State

PA Task Force 1 Deployed To Alabama For Hurricane Michael Search, Rescue

Pennsylvania National Guard​ helicopter crews

Environmental Hearing Board Dismisses Challenge To Exceptional Value Designations For

Penn State Extension will host a ​Workshop for

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin

On October 23, the Department of

The ​Delaware River Basin Commission​ and the

The​ ​PA Section American Water Works

Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hearing Nov. 1, Business Meeting Dec. 6

There is still time to participate in the ​2018

PennDOT Accepting Applications For Green Light-Go Program To Upgrade Traffic

The Department of Transportation ​published notice​ in

September - In Case You Missed It Now Available From PA Environmental Council

The ​In Case You Missed It In September​ is

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding Thursday

Manada Conservancy​, in partnership with the

The Department of Conservation and Natural

DCNR Schedules Last 4 State Forest District Management Plan Meetings

The Department of Conservation and Natural

Imagine these fields filled with fifty houses instead

The third annual ​PA Wilds Conservation Shop

The Department of Conservation and Natural

The ​National Parks Conservation Association

Enjoy the Pocono Mountains Fall weather

The ​PA Association of Environmental Professionals​ and the

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

By Brenda Wilt, Assistant Editor, PA Township News

Forge The Future, an initiative of Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled

The Baltimore Sun Thursday reported a Baltimore

The Department of Health said Tuesday in an online

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday

WITF-TV in Harrisburg will air a new documentary on October 25

On Thursday, WQED in Pittsburgh premiered a new

Flood-Resilient Infrastructure: House Resolution 1112 (Barrar-R-Delaware) calling on federal

On October 5, the federal Disaster Recovery Reform

The Appalachian Regional Commission Thursday

The PA Environmental Council Wednesday submitted

On Wednesday, the House Veterans Affairs and

The Senate Health and Human Services

The October edition of the Joint Legislative Air and

Pennsylvania National Guard helicopter crews

Penn State Extension will host a Workshop for

The Delaware River Basin Commission and the

The PA Section American Water Works

There is still time to participate in the 2018

The Department of Transportation published notice in

The In Case You Missed It In September is

Manada Conservancy, in partnership with the

The third annual PA Wilds Conservation Shop

The National Parks Conservation Association

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals and the

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County

Natural Lands Welcomes Drew VandenBrul To Board Of Trustees: https://goo.gl/rFjmZF

Natural Lands, a Delaware County based regional land

October 17-18-- Professional Recyclers of PA Recycling Certification Courses. Bellefonte,

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

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

November 7-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Grants Workshop. Unitarian

November 14-- CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting.

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

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

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

October 15-- DEP Coastal Zone 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