Pa Environment Digest Jan. 14, 2019

Issue #759 Harrisburg, PA Jan.
14, 2019
PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed Facebook Page
DEP Changes Regional Boundaries, Shifts Workload, Provides Update On e-Permitting,

e-Inspections To Improve Permit Review Times, Reduce Costs
On January 10, the Department of Environmental Protection

announced a change in its regional office boundaries, the opening of
a new office to handle multi-county projects and provided an update
of ongoing e-permitting and e-inspection initiatives designed to
improve permit review times and reduce costs.
“The department receives more than 30,000 permit
applications a year, and each of these permits is important to a
project somewhere in the Commonwealth,” said DEP Secretary
Patrick McDonnell. “Over the past four years DEP has focused its
efforts on increased responsiveness, improved customer service, and
working smarter and more efficiently to improve operations.
Changes
Effective January 10, any new permit application, reporting
and compliance issues related to sites regulated by DEP in Armstrong and Indiana counties will
be handled from DEP’s Northwest Regional Office in Meadville, Crawford County.
Any permits under review in these counties as of January 9, will still be handled by
DEP’s Southwest Regional Office.
Mining and radiation protection programs are not affected by this regional office change.
This is the first time DEP's Regional Office boundaries have been changed in decades.
Other changes in the way the Southwest Regional Office reviews permits have resulted in
reducing it permit backlog by 75 percent and shortened its review time for erosion and sediment
control general permits by more than 220 days.
This week, DEP formally opened the Regional Permit Coordination Office, a centralized
permitting office to assist with construction permitting and coordination related to erosion and
sediment control (Chapter 102) and water obstruction and encroachment (Chapter 105).
Specifically, the RPCO will assist with construction permitting for large-scale,
multi-county or multi-regional infrastructure projects, such as pipelines and highways.
In addition to assisting with construction permitting for large-scale, multi-county or
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multi-regional infrastructure projects, such as pipelines and highways, the RPCO will work with
existing DEP bureaus to provide statewide technical support to regions and add additional
emphasis on project coordination and consistency.
The new Office can be contacted by calling Karrie Goudy at 717-772-5987 or sending
email to: kgoudy@pa.gov.
DEP will also be transferring some of its permitting functions from the regions to
streamline project development and permit processing, reduce redundant operations, and provide
effective service and project delivery.
Updates
DEP also provided an update on ongoing e-permitting, e-inspection and other initiatives
to improve efficiency and effectiveness--
-- e-Permitting: DEP now offers e-permitting for well drilling and erosion and sedimentation
control at oil and gas sites (ESCGP), surface coal mining, air emissions from certain natural gas
activities (GP-5 and GP-5A), Chapter 105 water obstruction and encroachment general permits,
storage tank renewals, radiation protection x-ray registration renewals, and other regulated
activities.
-- e-Inspections: DEP now performs e-inspection for oil and gas sites, erosion and
sedimentation, waterways encroachment, waste management, spill cleanup, and emergency
response. In the Oil & Gas program specifically, e-inspections have increased inspector
efficiency by 20 percent.
-- Digitize Regional Files: DEP is embarking on an effort to digitize regional files while also
requesting electronic submissions. Electronic files and databases housed on DEP’s website and
other operational changes are designed to improve the Right to Know Law and informal file
review processes, reinforcing DEP’s commitment to transparency.
-- Clearer Communication With Applicants/Consultants: DEP has significantly improved
permitting efficiency by meeting with and clearly communicating permitting and regulatory
requirements to the regulated community and consultants.
“As we move to more data-driven tools and resources, we’re also able to evaluate current
and anticipated staffing needs,” said McDonnell. “While we strive to increase efficiency, we’re
also making sure our professional staff have the resources and training necessary to carry out
regulatory oversight.”
With these changes, McDonnell said he would like to continue working with the
regulated community to determine their needs, and address opportunities to improve consistency
in applications.
For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website,
Click Here to sign up for DEP’s monthly newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up
for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit
DEP’s YouTube Channel.
Related Story:
Water Resources Advisory Committee Meets On Chapt. 102 ePermitting, Alternative To
TMDLs, Small Project Permit, Floodplain Restoration Jan. 24
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Meets Jan. 16
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The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee is scheduled to meet on
January 16 to hear updates from two of the counties involved in the County Clean Water
Planning Pilot Project and a presentation from the Penn State Agriculture and Environment
Center on more Farm Survey results.
Allyson Gibson and the Lancaster Clean Water Partners will give a presentation on the
status of Lancaster County’s proposed action plan for meeting nutrient and sediment pollution
reduction targets.
Felicia Dell, Pam Shellenberger and John Seitz from the York County Planning
Commission will provide a similar presentation for the York County action plan.
Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center Director Matt Royer will give a
presentation on the results of their deeper dive into the 2016 Farm Survey the Center undertook
to help identify additional conservation measures farmers adopted in the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed that were not previously counted.
The results from over 7,000 farms were reviewed again by the Center to determine trends
of adopting farm conservation measures based on size of farms, type of farms, funding
assistance, location in the watershed and other factors
The trends uncovered in the Center’s additional analysis will be presented to help guide
decisions about the best way to provide farmers with assistance to get more conservation
practices on the ground.
The meeting will be in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg from 1:00
to 3:30. Click Here to register to attend the meeting by webinar. Participants will also need to
call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE: 642 304 985.
For more information, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering
Committee webpage.
Related Story:
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Presented With Most Detailed
Recommendations Yet
Related Stories This Week:
Register Now! 2019 PA In The Balance Conference On Farm Conservation Feb. 6-8 Hershey;
Early Bird Rates End Jan. 26
Agriculture, DEP Launch Public-Private High Performance Farms Initiative For Health,
Environmental, Economic Benefits In Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: 2018 Bay Health Score Drops; EPA Must Hold PA Accountable
To Achieve Pollution Reduction Milestones
Bay Journal: Scientists Waiting To See If Record 2018 Rainfall Dampens Chesapeake Bay
Recovery
Bay Journal Op-Ed: 2019 Conservation Commitment Tied To Memories, Plans For Future
DEP Awards 14 New Grants In 12 Counties For Water Quality Improvement This Week; Over
$11.6 Million In Growing Greener Grants Announced So Far
DEP Awards Grants To Help Train Volunteer Master Watershed Stewards, Students In Farm
Conservation Practices
Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meetings Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
In Leesport
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
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On January 11, Department of Agriculture Secretary

Russell Redding and Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell joined six
public and private partners in launching the High
Performance Farms Initiative to help increase
environmental sustainability, economic benefits,
public health, and soil and water quality by
promoting innovative farming practices in
Pennsylvania’s part of the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed.
“The health of our farms, soil, and water is
inextricably linked to the health of our
communities,” said Secretary Redding at a ceremonial partnership signing event at the 103rd
Farm Show. “This initiative recognizes that stewardship of our farms and natural resources is
also linked to our dinner plates and farm gates.”
Joining the Department of Agriculture and DEP in the High Performance Farms Initiative
are the State Conservation Commission, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, the Rodale Institute, the
U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service-PA , and Bell and Evans Farms.
“In Pennsylvania, we want vital communities. We need healthy farms. We rely on
economic development that sustains jobs and thriving businesses,” said Secretary McDonnell.
“The High Performance Farms Initiative represents a growing energy across sectors for
expanding partnerships that generate innovative approaches to ensure this quality of life for
Pennsylvanians.”
Partners in the High Performance Farms Initiative will develop a program demonstrating
that:
-- Healthy waters rely heavily on the agriculture sector. Reducing pollution from stormwater
runoff requires a holistic, regional and watershed approach encompassing rural, urban, and
suburban sectors.
-- Practices that improve soil health also improve nutrient management and long-term
sustainability of farms.
-- Organic feed and food is a growth market with long-term environmental, health, and economic
benefits. This requires the development of market drivers and financial incentives to increase
farmers’ transition from traditional practices.
The Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed covers all or parts of 43 of
the state’s 67 counties.
For more information on efforts to improve water quality in the Pennsylvania portion of
the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering
Committee webpage.
hoto: Example of healthy soil from Rodale Institute.)
(P
Related Stories:
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Recovery
In Leesport
[Posted: Jan. 11 2019]
Harvest Home Farms In Northampton County Receives Sand County Foundation

Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award
On January 11, the Sand County Foundation

announced the DiFebo family’s Harvest
Home Farms of Northampton County has
been selected as the first recipient of the
2018 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation
Award®.
Click Here for additional
background on Harvest Home Farms and
the farm conservation practices they
adopted. Click Here to watch a short video
of the Harvest Home Farms award winner.
Sand County Foundation, the nation’s leading voice for private conservation, created the
Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional
farmers, ranchers and foresters.
The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is
given in 14 states.
The DiFebo family was presented with a $10,000 award and a crystal depicting Aldo
Leopold at the 2019 Farm Show, January 11 in Harrisburg. The award is presented in
Pennsylvania by Heinz Endowments, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Sand County Foundation.
The roots of Harvest Home Farms trace back to when Elton Ott purchased 100 acres in
the northeast corner of Northampton County in 1930. Its proximity to New York City was a
benefit as Elton’s son, Budd, began dairy farming in the 1940s.
Today, their ancestors, the DiFebos have created a following for their beef in several
states. The farm’s website educates consumers on the benefits of grass-fed beef and agricultural
conservation.
Richard DiFebo initially saw the former dairy farm as a hobby in the 1990s. If the family
farm was to be passed down to his children someday, he knew it was his turn to implement
sustainable conservation practices that would benefit its soil and water.
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Richard’s career in the lawn care business had equipped him with an extensive
knowledge of grasses and soil.
While researching the health benefits of grass-fed beef, he realized specializing in a niche
market would fetch premium prices. Done right, grazing beef cattle would also restore the farm’s
soil.
Highly-erodible, conventional corn and soybean fields were planted with permanent
grasses to provide pasture and reduce erosion.
Assistance from Ducks Unlimited fenced off streams and ponds so cattle would not erode
the banks.
Over time, 175 acres were divided into 70 grazing paddocks. A rotation system would
allow for long rest periods between each grazing. Another 130 acres grow hay, and 30 acres
grow non-traditional, diverse forages like sorghum, oats and crimson clover.
After graduating from college, Richard’s son Dohl returned to the farm, as a partner.
Together, Rich and Dohl established a diverse cropping system with cover crops. Contour strips
and grass waterways were installed, and a desolate shale pit was reclaimed so it could support
plant growth and eventually be pastured.
Introducing diverse vegetation, rotational grazing and less soil compaction improved the
soil’s biology and its ability to absorb water. The rejuvenated land could support more cattle
without negative environmental impacts.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service assisted with improved fencing
and farm lanes.
The U.S. Department of Energy provided funding for a solar-powered watering system.
Preventing cattle from walking to a centralized water tank ensured even distribution of nutrients
on the land.
After accepting help for conservation projects on his farm, Richard collaborated with a
local school district and the Martin’s Jacoby Watershed to share his knowledge with others. He
convinced the school district to transform an abandoned tree farm into pasture.
The site now features an outdoor classroom that promotes the benefits of grazing and
other conservation practices.
“The DiFebo family has done an outstanding job of demonstrating how farmers can be
exceptional stewards of the land, while operating a successful animal and crop farm,” said
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert. “The DiFebos used creativity and an
understanding of soil and natural resources to implement a variety of conservation improvement
projects on Harvest Home Farms. We believe the DiFebos are truly deserving of being
recognized with the Leopold Conservation Award.”
“The Heinz Endowments’ sustainability program promotes community health and vitality
through sustainable food systems, and as part of this work we are pleased to cosponsor the
Leopold Conservation Award,” said Andrew McElwaine, Vice President of Sustainability for
The Heinz Endowments. “We believe the Leopold Conservation Award, and the outstanding
leadership in agriculture that it recognizes, plays an important role in encouraging the continued
growth of Pennsylvania’s sustainable agriculture movement.”
Among the many outstanding landowners nominated for the award were finalists: Glen
Cauffman of Millerstown (Perry County), Frosty Springs Farm of Waynesburg (Green County)
and Donald and Donna Feusner of Athens (Bradford County).
The Leopold Conservation Award in Pennsylvania is made possible thanks to the
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generous contributions from platinum sponsor, Heinz Endowments, and the assistance and
support of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, USDA NRCS, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,
Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, PA Center for Dairy Excellence, and
Dairymen’s Association.
Click Here for additional background on Harvest Home Farms and the farm conservation
practices they adopted .Click Here to watch a short video of the Harvest Home Farms award
winner.
For more information on the award, visit the Leopold Conservation Award Program
webpage.
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
Register Now! 2019 PA In The Balance Conference On Farm Conservation Feb. 6-8
Hershey; Early Bird Rates End Jan. 26
The Penn State Agriculture and Environment

Center and many partners invite you to attend the
Pennsylvania in the Balance Conference 2019 at
the Hershey Lodge February 6-8 where your
ideas can help shape agriculture’s role in the
Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Implementation Plan.
Early Bird registration rates end January
26.
Click Here for the latest agenda.
Impacts to water quality from excess
nutrients and sediment are among the most complex and pervasive environmental problems
faced today, not only in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but across the nation and the globe.
In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Pennsylvania is faced with finding a path forward to
meet requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for nutrients
and sediment.
Pennsylvania agriculture plays a critical role in solving these challenges. Any solution
must balance the Commonwealth’s interests in a vibrant agricultural sector, local water quality,
and finite state and federal resources.
The 2016 Pennsylvania in the Balance Conference generated new ideas for Pennsylvania
agriculture as a solution for clean water. These ideas have spurred actions and provided
inspiration for preliminary recommendations for Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan
currently under development.
The goal of the 2019 conference is to provide a collaborative forum to provide input into
the WIP and identify innovative implementation strategies that can help us ensure vibrant,
productive agriculture while meeting water quality goals for the Commonwealth’s rivers and
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streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
To register and for more information, visit the Pennsylvania in the Balance Conference
2019 webpage.
Related Stories:
Recovery
In Leesport
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
DEP Awards 14 New Grants In 12 Counties For Water Quality Improvement This Week;
Over $11.6 Million In Growing Greener Grants Announced So Far
Since December 21, the Department of Environmental

Protection has announced a total of $11,652,697 in
Growing Greener grants for watershed restoration,
mine drainage treatment, flood damage reduction and
water quality improvement projects in Beaver,
Bradford, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Dauphin,
Delaware, Erie, Lancaster, Lehigh, Lycoming, Luzerne,
McKean, Montgomery, Northumberland, Philadelphia,
Schuylkill, Venango, Washington, Wyoming and York
counties.
On January 8, 9, 10, and 11, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the
award of 12 grants totaling $5,179,945 to organizations and local governments in Cambria,
Clarion, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lancaster, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northumberland,
Schuylkill, Venango, Washington and York counties to reduce pollution from stormwater and
agricultural runoff, install forested stream buffers, do streambank restoration and reduce the
potential for flood damage.
DEP last week also announced the award of 2 grants to Penn State University totaling
$181,038 to help train volunteer Master Watershed Stewards and support internships for students
on farm conservation practices.
The local projects announced last week to reduce pollution include--
Cambria County
DEP awarded 2 Growing Greener grants totaling $41,200 in Cambria County--
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-- Chest Creek Flood Control Restoration, $21,260 to stabilize 300 linear feet of streambank
on Chest Creek in Patton Borough.
-- Nanty-Glo Flood Control Restoration: $19,940 to install numerous features in the South
Branch of Blacklick Creek to improve flood protection and fish habitat in Nanty-Glo Borough.
Clarion County
DEP awarded a $93,000 Growing Greener grant to the Clarion County Conservation
District to rehabilitate an acid mine drainage treatment system.
The grant will be used to rehabilitate an abandoned passive mine discharge treatment
system. The improved system will treat up to 40 gallons per minute of mine water, which has
low pH levels and high levels of heavy metal pollution.
The water flows into the Clarion River, a popular destination for boaters and anglers, and
the project will be adjacent to the Clarion County Park.
“This project will not only improve the quality of the water going into the Clarion River,
it will also improve the overall aesthetics of the neighboring park, which is a win-win,” said DEP
Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Dauphin County
DEP awarded 2 Growing Greener grants totaling $858,752 in Dauphin County--
-- Spring Creek Restoration and Best Management Practice Implementation: $120,000 to
design and permit streambank and floodplain restoration at two sites along Spring Creek in
Swatara Township.
-- Conewago Creek Stream Restoration: $738,752 to restore 3,000 linear feet of floodplain
along Conewago Creek and tributary in Dauphin and Lancaster Counties.
Delaware County
The Department of Environmental Protection awarded 3 Growing Greener grants totaling
$332,328 to study, manage and reduce pollution from stormwater runoff in Delaware County.
The $157,575 awarded to the nonprofit Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc. will expand
on a previously funded Grower Greener project designed to empower residents to do their part in
reducing the impacts of uncontrolled runoff by deploying simple, low-cost techniques on their
properties.
Newtown Township was awarded a $11,857 grant to design and construct two rain
gardens on Township-owned properties to treat stormwater runoff from existing impervious
surfaces.
Villanova University was awarded a $162,896 grant to utilize existing stormwater
facilities on its campus to quantitatively research and evaluate stormwater collection and reuse
techniques.
“Whether it’s a rain barrel, a garden designed by an engineer, or state of the art research,
every effort makes a difference when it comes to stormwater”, said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell. “There is no effort too small or ambition too high in addressing one of the biggest
challenges facing our urban environments.”
Erie County
Two of the Growing Greener grants will go to the Erie County Conservation District.
A $244,522 grant will continue the successful PA VinES program to reduce runoff
pollution from Erie County’s vineyards. The second grant, for $200,000, is for projects to reduce
sediment runoff from Erie County farms and other agricultural operations.
These projects will include streambank fencing, riparian buffers, and other practices that
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reduce soil erosion.
Environment Erie will receive a $37,500 grant to prevent urban stormwater pollution
runoff from entering multiple tributaries to Lake Erie through wetlands and other natural
features.
“Lake Erie is one of Pennsylvania’s natural wonders, and everything we can do to reduce
pollution helps maintain it,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “These grants will go to
projects that protect this important area and help the communities along the lake.”
Lancaster County
The Department of Environmental Protection awarded 2 Growing Greener grants totaling
$499,000--
-- A $400,000 grant was awarded to the nonprofit Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. to
incentive the installation of riparian stream buffers in Lancaster County.
The grant will improve water quality by accelerating the implementation of riparian
buffers in priority watersheds in Lancaster County through the creation of a multi-faceted
incentive program.
The incentives will encourage farmers to stabilize streambanks, install or restore riparian
buffers, and install stormwater structures which will result in estimated annual reductions of 425
tons of sediment, more than 3,500 pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 4,000 pounds of nitrogen to
streams, creeks, and rivers.
“Riparian buffers serve as a transition from land to water and act as filters that reduce the
amount of sediment and other pollutants entering our waterways,” said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell. “Limiting such runoff improves local water quality, and ultimately the Chesapeake
Bay.”
-- The Chiques Creek Pollutant Reduction Project was awarded a $99,000 to design and
permit 3,040 linear feet of floodplain restoration and establish 8 acres of riparian buffer along
Chiques Creek in Manheim Borough.
Lehigh County
A $78,659 Growing Greener grant was awarded to the Lehigh County Conservation
District to stabilize nine-hundred and eighty feet of streambank along Leibert Creek, which flows
into the primary water supply for the city of Allentown.
The project, which is a combined effort between the conservation district, Wildlands
Conservancy, and the Fish and Boat Commission includes planting buffers along a portion of the
stream to decrease erosion and constructing 25 habitat structures in an unnamed tributary to the
creek which will improve aquatic life and help with the stabilization of the streambank.
Once complete the project will allow for educational opportunities along the creek for the
public.
“This is an opportunity to improve a creek that contributes to a major city’s water
supply,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “The benefits of this grant will help with water
for consumptive and recreational use.”
Lycoming County
The Department of Environmental Protection awarded a $327,284 grant to the Lycoming
County Commissions to implement the Muncy Creek Streambank Restoration and Protection
Project located in Hughesville Borough and Wolf Township, Lycoming County.
The project will stabilize 500 feet of streambank that has been eroded by numerous flood
events, sending an estimated 4,000 tons of sediment downstream over the past seven years. The
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stream has migrated close to a well pump house that provides public drinking water to 2,900 area
residents. The site is vulnerable to additional damage and the public water supply well is at risk
of total loss if action is not taken.
“This project to correct severe streambank erosion will also protect critical public
drinking water infrastructure and reduce sediment pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,”
said Gov. Tom Wolf. “Lycoming County has experienced flooding events with significant
impacts over several consecutive years. Restoring this section of Muncy Creek and stopping this
erosion will provide a substantial benefit to the community.”
During the grant application review process, subsequent flooding carved Muncy Creek
more than six feet closer to the water supply well, increasing the project cost over initial
estimates and making the danger to public infrastructure more acute. A portion of the access road
to the well house has already been washed away.
“This award is an opportunity for multiple levels of government to work together
efficiently, as conditions and project costs have changed on the ground,” said DEP Secretary
Patrick McDonnell.
Streambank restoration has been shown to improve the biological integrity of a stream by
reducing pollution runoff. Muncy Creek is a trout-stocked fishery.
Montgomery County
The Hatboro Memorial Park Streambank Restoration was awarded a $212,101 to restore
and stabilize a 900-foot section of a tributary stream in the Hatboro Memorial Park in Hatboro
Borough.
Northumberland & Schuylkill Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection awarded a $154,970 grant to the Schuylkill
County Conservation District to implement the Mahantango Brown to Green Watershed
Restoration Project in Northumberland and Schuylkill counties.
The grant will fund various projects to restore the agriculturally impaired Mahantango
Watershed, improving water quality and helping achieve compliance with Pennsylvania’s
Chesapeake Bay goals.
Those projects will establish 12 best management practices (BMPs) on the Miller Farm, a
24-acre farm in the watershed.
The primary goal is to reduce agricultural runoff of silt and nutrients from 100 cows on
the farm into nearby Mahantango Creek. The BMPs will address ways to handle manure storage
and provide guidance on constructing a roofed animal waste facility.
The project also includes construction of streamside fencing, off stream watering of farm
animals, designation of an area of prescribed grazing on the farm and the installation of more
than two acres of riparian buffers along the creek.
Those buffers will help reduce runoff of nitrogen and phosphorous into the creek, which
is a priority for the Wolf Administration’s Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Plan.
“Farmers play an important role in the administration’s goal of reducing waste into
waterways that feed into the Chesapeake Bay, especially in the Northeast,” said DEP Secretary
Patrick McDonnell. “Best management practices start on the farms and the result is a stronger,
healthier Bay, this grant helps move that process along.”
Schuylkill County
The Mill Creek Floodplain Restoration was awarded a $325,000 grant to restore
floodplain and reduce flood impacts along Mill Creek in the Borough of Port Carbon.
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Venango County
A $66,887 Growing Greener Grant was awarded to Trout Unlimited to restore
approximately 1,000 feet of streambank along Bullion Run in Venango County.
The grant will improve fish and other aquatic life habitat and reduce sediment pollution
by more than 15,000 pounds per year.
“Cutting down on sediment in coldwater streams helps bring back fish and other aquatic
life,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “When fish habitat improves, so does fishing.”
The Growing Greener grant program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship
Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees and a transfer from the Marcellus
Shale Legacy Fund.
Washington County
The Washington Catfish Creek Upper Watershed Restoration Project was awarded a
$145,000 grant to reduce sediment runoff and control stormwater, as well as stabilize 1,580 feet
of Catfish Creek to prevent flooding in the city of Washington.
Westmoreland County
A $70,000 Growing Greener grant to the Penn Township Commissioners in Westmorland
County to reduction pollution from stormwater runoff.
The grant will be used to help manage stormwater in the Brush Creek watershed. Funding
will go toward the design, permitting, survey, and project management of the Harrison Park
Stormwater System conversion of two existing stormwater detention basins to dry detention
basins which will reduce sediment from stormwater runoff from entering Brush Creek.
This project was proposed by Penn Township as part of the township’s pollution
reduction plan to meet their municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) requirements.
“Through partnerships like this between state and local governments, we’re helping
communities become more resilient to weather future storm events,” said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell.
York County
The Fox Run Floodplain Restoration was awarded a grant of $1,493,742 to restore 4,062
linear feet of floodplain along Fox Run, which runs through several York County municipalities.
Click Here for more information on DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
Resources
For more information on buffers, financial and technical assistance available, visit
DCNR’s Forest Buffers and DEP’s Stormwater Management webpages.
CFA Accepting Applications
The Commonwealth Financing Authority will accept applications from February 1 to
May 31 for its Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants which includes funding control nonpoint
source pollution runoff, which includes agricultural operations. Click Here for more.
New DCNR Grant Round
Learn more about grant opportunities to support riparian buffer, trail and recreation
projects, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Grant Program webpage. A new grant round is
opening January 22 and will close April 10. Click Here for more.
Forest Buffer Summit
Registration is now open for the DCNR and Western PA Conservancy Pennsylvania
Riparian Forest Buffer Summit on February 20-21 at the Best Western Premier Conference
Center, 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg. Click Here for more.
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Related Stories:
DEP Announces 6 Grants Totaling $1,446,340 To Reduce Stormwater Pollution, Restore
Streams, Install Buffers In Beaver, Bradford, Dauphin Counties
DEP Awards $730,000 In Grants To Restore Streambanks, Stabilize Shorelines In Philadelphia
McKean Conservation District Receives $400,000 DEP Grant For Streambank Fencing, Buffers
Bushkill Stream Conservancy Receives $80,000 Grant For Stream Restoration, Habitat
Improvement In Northampton County
DEP Announces $1.6 Million Grant For Farm Conservation Projects In Centre County
DEP Announces $1 Million+ Grants For Stream Restoration Projects In York County
Earth Conservancy Awarded $500,000 DEP Grant For 1,900 Feet Of Riparian Buffer Along
Espy Run In Luzerne County
Mehoopany Creek Watershed Group Awarded $471,276 DEP Grant For Stream Restoration
Project In Wyoming County
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Assn. Receives $100,000 Grant For Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Outreach Project
DCNR, PennVEST Award Nearly $1 Million In Grants To Support Multi-Functional Stream
Buffers
NewsClips:
Foundation For PA Watersheds Study Documents 150%+ Return On Investment For Cleaning
Up Little Conemaugh River
Highlands Middle School Selected To Host Rain Garden In Allegheny County
State Grant Means More Stream Buffers On Farms In Lancaster County
DEP Awards 2 Grants Totaling $221,857 In Northumberland, Schuylkill, Venango Counties To
Reduce Agricultural, Restore Streambanks
DEP Grant Helps Schuylkill County Farmer Make Conservation Improvements
Penn Twp. Westmoreland County Receives $70,000 To Reduce Pollution From Stormwater
Penn Twp Grant Will Help Absorb Costs Of Stormwater Improvements
Wyoming Authority Plans To Pursue Legal Action Over Stormwater Fee
Lehman Twp Officials Asks Wyoming Authority To Reconsider How Stormwater Fees Are
Calculated
Luzerne County Council Member Blasts New Wyoming Valley Stormwater Fee
Wyoming Valley Authority Boss Explains Stormwater Fee Amid Outcry
Stormwater Fee Meeting Planned In Back Mountain, Luzerne County
Site For Thursday Stormwater Fee Meeting In Luzerne County Changed
Wyoming Valley Authority Stormwater Fee Sparks Controversy
Wyoming Valley Stormwater Fee Forums Draw Frustrated Crowd In Luzerne
Anger Surges Over Wyoming Stormwater Fee In Luzerne County
Hazleton Area Also Focusing On Stormwater Pollution Reduction Mandate
No Stormwater Fee In NY Despite Repeated Discharges Of Untreated Sewage
13
DEP Awards 3 Grants Totaling $482,022 In Erie County To Reduce Agricultural, Stormwater
Runoff Pollution
State Grants To Help Bradford County Reduce Pollution To Streams
Altoona Water Authority Looks To Buy Watershed Land To Clean Up Contaminated Stream
Tree Replanting Available In Williamsport Funded By State Grant
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
DEP Awards Grants To Help Train Volunteer Master Watershed Stewards, Students In
Farm Conservation Practices
On January 10, the Department of

Environmental Protection announced the
award of 2 grants to Penn State University
totaling $181,038 to help train volunteer
Master Watershed Stewards and support
internships for students on farm conservation
practices.
A $111,038 grant will expand Penn State
University’s Master Watershed Steward
Program into Cumberland and Lancaster
counties. This program provides watershed
management training to volunteers, who then dedicate time to water quality project
implementation, research, and community education.
The second grant, for $70,000, will be for internships for students trained in farm
conservation and best management practice techniques. These interns will work with county
conservation districts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and will gain practical, hands-on
experience in farmland conservation efforts.
“These grants will develop the next generation of water and farmland stewards,” said
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Investing in students
and new volunteers now will pay dividends in the future.”
The Growing Greener grant program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship
Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees and a transfer from the Marcellus
Shale Legacy Fund.
Click Here for more information on DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
(Photo: Training volunteers for the M
aster Watershed Steward Program.)
Related Story:
In Leesport
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: 2018 Bay Health Score Drops; EPA Must Hold PA
Accountable To Achieve Pollution Reduction Milestones
On January 7, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

announced the biennial State of the Bay Report score
14
decreased one point this year to 33, equivalent to a D+. The drop was largely due to increased
pollution and poor water clarity caused by record regional rainfall.
"The good news is that scientists are pointing to evidence of the Bay's increased
resiliency and ability to withstand, and recover from, these severe weather events. And this
resiliency is a direct result of the pollution reductions achieved to date,” said CBF's Director of
Science and Agricultural Policy Beth McGee. In addition, we did see increases in scores for
dissolved oxygen and Bay grasses since 2016, but the recovery is still fragile," .
Established in 1998, CBF's State of the Bay Report is a comprehensive measure of the
Bay's health. CBF scientists compile and examine the best available data and information for 13
indicators in three categories: pollution, habitat, and fisheries.
CBF scientists assign each indicator an index score from 1-100. Taken together, these
indicators offer an overall assessment of Bay health.
"This is a challenging time for Bay restoration. Massive environmental rollbacks in
clean-water and clean-air regulations proposed by the Trump Administration may make
achieving a restored Bay more difficult," said CBF President William C. Baker. "Another
restoration hurdle is the fact that science expects more extreme weather events in the future as
the result of climate change."
Two of the 13 indicators, dissolved oxygen and Bay grasses improved.
In the pollution category, toxics were unchanged, while water clarity, and nitrogen and
phosphorus pollution were worse.
In the habitat category, scores for Bay grasses and resource lands improved, and buffers
and wetlands remained the same.
In the fisheries category, scores for oysters, crabs, and rockfish remained the same, while
the score for shad declined.
This year's score is still far short of the goal to reach 40 by 2025 and ultimately a 70,
which would represent a saved Bay.
The unspoiled Bay ecosystem described by Captain John Smith in the 1600s, with its
extensive forests and wetlands, clear water, abundant fish and oysters, and lush growths of
submerged vegetation serves as the theoretical benchmark and would rate a 100 on CBF's scale.
The Clean Water Blueprint requires the Bay jurisdictions to decrease pollution to local
creeks, rivers, and the Bay. State and local governments have committed to achieve specific,
measurable reductions.
The states agreed to have the 60 percent of the needed programs and practices in place by
2017, and to complete the job by 2025.
Of the primary Bay states, Virginia and Maryland were close to meeting the 2017 goals
but need to accelerate pollution reduction from agriculture and urban/suburban runoff.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania continues to be far short of its goals, mostly as a result of falling behind in
addressing pollution from agriculture.
"Pennsylvania's farmers are facing tough economic times and can't implement the
necessary practices on their own. The Commonwealth must join Maryland and Virginia to fund
proven clean water initiatives to help farmers," Baker added. "If the state legislature does not
fund efforts to reduce pollution in its next session, EPA must hold Pennsylvania accountable. In
addition, we are standing with The Maryland Department of the Environment to require that
Exelon mitigates for the downstream water quality damage caused by their operation of the
15
Conowingo Dam, which changes the timing and form of pollution reaching downstream waters.
One cost-effective mitigation option is to help reduce the pollution coming down the
Susquehanna River before it can ever reach the dam."
CBF's Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell said, "There's a lot of work
left to be done in Pennsylvania. And the unprecedented rains of last year, which threaten to
become the new normal, left farmers and families without their crops, their homes, or in some
cases, even their lives.
"But there is a growing energy and enthusiasm that the Commonwealth can meet the
challenge. More farm conservation practices have been found than were known, communities are
banding together to address stormwater issues, and long-term river studies are showing
improving trends.
“Poised to capitalize on this momentum, the Commonwealth has led a collaborative,
stakeholder-based effort to create the third iteration of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.
"Now is the time for Pennsylvania's elected leaders to accelerate this momentum by
investing in the priority practices, places, and partnerships that will bring the plan into reality.
"Investing in nature-based efforts, like strategically placed trees alongside streams and
streets, rotational grazing, and farm field cover crops will result in more productive farms,
vibrant communities, healthy streams, and a saved Bay."
In summary, Baker added, "The Blueprint is a road map to a restored Bay. If the states
and EPA do their part, we can succeed in achieving the greatest environmental success the world
has ever seen."
Click Here for a copy of the 2018 State Of The Chesapeake Bay Report.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
For more information on actions Pennsylvania is taking to cleanup streams in the 43
counties in the state that are part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, visit the PA Chesapeake
Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee webpage.
(Photo: Aerial photo of the muddy Susquehanna River during heavy precipitation events this
past summer - CBF-PA.)
Related Stories:
Growing A Cleaner, Greener Pennsylvania In 2019; Opportunities for House And Senate
Leadership
EPA Outlines Specific Expectations For PA To Meet In The Next Phase Of Chesapeake Bay
Restoration, And The Consequences If We Don’t
EPA Releases Assessment Of Chesapeake Bay Restoration; Lack Of PA Progress Leaves A Hole
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Presented With Most Detailed
Recommendations Yet
16
Recovery
In Leesport
NewsClips:
Crable: Report: Record Rainfall Delivers Massive Assault On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Kummer: Record Rains Increased Pollution In Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay Receives D+ Grade, Why? Too Much Rain
Report: Poor Water Quality Continues To Impact Chesapeake Bay
Hopey: Chesapeake Bay Restoration Gets Stormy Report Card
Recovery
Calculated
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
[Posted: Jan. 7, 2019]
Recovery
By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal
17
For the Chesapeake, 2018 was a year of mud, trash
and sewage as unrelenting rainfall washed across its
vast watershed, sending unusually high amounts of
freshwater runoff into the Bay month after month.
The water-fouling nutrients and sediment that
were also flushed into the Bay by record-setting
rainfall throughout the region will test the staying
power of recent water quality improvements to the
nation’s largest estuary.
At risk are improving trends for the
Chesapeake’s fish-stressing “dead zone” and the restoration of its vital underwater grass beds
and oyster populations.
Some cleanup efforts seemed to withstand the repeated downpours, but others faltered.
Farmers struggled to plant pollution-absorbing cover crops, for instance.
It will be months before anyone can fully gauge the impact of higher-than-normal river
flows that began flooding the Chesapeake in May and persisted through the rest of the year.
August, September and November all set records for freshwater flows into the Bay, and
December flows were running far above normal in its three largest tributaries, the Susquehanna,
Potomac and James rivers.
“It’s very unusual to have seven months of above average flows,” said Scott Phillips,
Chesapeake Bay Coordinator with the U.S. Geological Survey, “especially during this period of
time.”
Extended periods of high flows are more common earlier in the year, when winter snow
melts and spring rains arrive.
Not only did the year end wet, but scientists said high flows were almost a certainty for
early 2019 because the ground is so saturated that water will continue to work its way into
streams for months. Further, with the onset of winter, there’s little vegetation to absorb the
moisture.
“Even if we don’t have rain, I think we’re going to have above average stream flows just
because of the amount of groundwater draining after almost year-long high precipitation,”
Phillips said.
Rainfall — and the associated increase in river flows — is often bad news for Bay water
quality because it washes large amounts of nutrients and sediment from fields, parking lots and
lawns that foul water quality.
The ensuing cloudy water can cause dramatic diebacks for underwater grass beds, and the
sediment can bury bottom-dwelling creatures, while nutrients fuel algae blooms that draw
oxygen out of the water, which leads to “dead zones.” Prolonged spells of freshwater inputs can
also kill oysters and other salt-loving creatures that cannot move.
How many nutrients reached the Bay last year won’t be known for some time. But more
than 500 million pounds of nitrogen were washed into the Chesapeake in other years with
similarly high river flows, Phillips said. That’s more than two-and-a-half times the region’s
cleanup goal for an “average” year.
Last year’s deluge will be the greatest test to the staying power of Bay restoration efforts
since flooding associated with Tropical Storm Lee in late summer 2011.
18
Since then, the Bay has experienced six years of normal or below average river flows.
That led to noticeable improvements in its health, including the near-disappearance of anoxic
water — areas with no oxygen at all — and a widespread comeback in underwater grasses.
Bay advocates point to such improvements as evidence that the multibillion-dollar
cleanup effort is producing tangible results. They are optimistic that a healthier Chesapeake is
better able to withstand periodic high-flow events, which inevitably leave the Chesapeake awash
with pollutants.
“The Bay is resilient,” said Bruce Michael, director of the resource assessment service for
the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “We’ve made tremendous progress and success
in reducing our nitrogen and phosphorus.”
Conowingo Dam
Rainy as it was, 2018 could have been worse. Very high flows on the Susquehanna River
— source of half of the Bay’s freshwater — can scour sediment that has built up behind
Conowingo Dam and send it into the Chesapeake, adding even more misery to the ecosystem.
But flows at Conowingo peaked at 375,000 cubic feet per second in July — less than half
of the highest flow caused by the 2011 tropical storm. USGS scientists said they saw little
evidence last year of significant sediment scouring from behind the dam.
Although flows weren’t extraordinarily high, they were unusual in that they remained
higher than normal for months at a time, including when it is usually dry. Those conditions are
making it hard for scientists to predict their impact.
Not only were high river flows prolonged, but rains were so pervasive that they soaked
the entire watershed — from southern Virginia to New York, and from West Virginia to
Delaware. The District of Columbia’s record wet year resulted from measurable rain falling on
more than one in three days throughout 2018.
The rain flushed huge volumes of debris off the landscape, in addition to the nutrients and
sediment.
By early December, Exelon Corp., operator of Conowingo, reported that it had collected
3,400 tons of debris at the dam, ranging from beverage containers to floating docks. That haul
dwarfs the 600 tons normally gathered there.
But it wasn’t the only place awash with junk: The updated stormwater management
system in the District captured more than 700 tons of trash and debris flowing off streets last
year.
Still, a lot of debris went uncollected, creating a hazard for boaters during much of the
summer. The waterborne clutter was so bad at times that charter boat captains canceled fishing
trips.
Chronic downpours caused a rash of sewage spills throughout the watershed, releasing
hundreds of millions of gallons of wastes into rivers and streams.
The downpours posed other challenges as well for restoration efforts. Here are brief
reports on some of the bigger issues the drenching of 2018 posed for the Bay:
Underwater Grasses
One of the biggest concerns is how submerged grass beds fared. These underwater
meadows provide important habitat for juvenile fish and crabs, plus many types of waterfowl.
Because they, like all plants, depend on sunlight to survive, their abundance is considered a
prime indicator of the Bay’s overall water quality. After six “normal,” or low-flow years in a
row, grass beds passed the 100,000-acre mark in 2017, the most seen in decades.
19
But heavy rains can turn water cloudy with sediment, blocking the sunlight the plants
need to grow. But scientists are cautiously optimistic many beds were large and robust enough to
survive a setback, though they may be smaller next year.
“We had so much grass in 2017, that you kind of reach the points of resilience,” said
Brooke Landry, a biologist with the Maryland DNR.
Grass beds survived an initial test early last year when, after a wet spring, many beds
appeared to be in good condition.
“We had probably the best water clarity that we’ve ever seen in the Tangier-Smith Island
area since we started the imagery,” said Bob Orth of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science,
who has overseen an annual aerial survey of underwater grasses since it started in 1984.
But after river flows picked up in mid-July, much of the Bay couldn’t be surveyed
because of rain and clouds. On days when the sky was clear, the water was often too murky to
spot grass beds.
“All you would see is mud,” Orth said.
Still, the aerial survey yielded glimpses of robust grasses surviving even late into the
summer in places such as the upper Chester, the Severn, the upper Patuxent and the Pamunkey
rivers, Orth said. In other places, photos showed patches of grass still popping up through
expanses of muddy water.
The massive grass beds in the Susquehanna Flats, where the river empties into the Bay
also seemed intact. Landry said satellite photos showed a plume of muddy river water splitting
when it reached the underwater meadow there.
Cassie Gurbisz, an assistant professor of environmental studies at St. Mary’s College,
was doing field work in the flats when the river ran high in August and said, “the water was
crystal clear in the middle of the flats. It was just amazing. It was like there was no flood at all.”
On the outer edges of the grass bed, she added, “I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face
underwater.”
But even where the beds persisted, there is a danger they may not bounce back next year.
In late summer and fall, many underwater grass species found in the Bay typically use
photosynthesis from the sun to build up energy reserves, which are stored in tubers and rhizomes
in the bottom sediment. They need that stored energy to survive winter and start growing in
spring.
“If there is chronic light limitation from all of this flooding, then those tubers and
rhizomes are not going to be as big and robust,” Gurbisz said. “So, you might have problems the
following year where the grasses might not come back in certain places.”
Oxygen Levels & ‘Dead Zones’
Dissolved oxygen levels in deep waters of the Bay were poor during much of the
summer, but not record-setting, despite the massive input of nutrients delivered by the rains.
Strong winds accompanying some of the midsummer storms helped by mixing oxygen-rich
freshwater on the surface with oxygen-starved saltwater on the bottom.
But the chronically high flows and murky water reduced algae growth, which also
helped. Algae blooms deplete oxygen levels when they die and sink to the bottom. They
decompose there in a process that draws the oxygen out of the water, leading to so-called dead
zones.
Strong flows dispersed algae blooms before they could grow large, while murky water
blocked the sunlight that microscopic aquatic plants need to grow.
20
“We didn’t have as many significant algae blooms this last year because the algae
basically didn’t have time to set up with prolonged periods of sunny, warm conditions,” said
DNR’s Bruce Michael. “They need light, and there’s not a lot of light with all that runoff.”
While oxygen levels have been worse in other years, poor conditions persisted longer into
the fall than is typical, with a near-record amount of low-oxygen water — 1,200 cubic meters —
reported in Maryland’s portion of the Bay in October, Michael said. Only October 2011 had
more, in the wake of Tropical Storm Lee.
Normally, the Bay has little “memory” from year to year when it comes to nutrients.
Those that enter in a given year are usually either used up, buried or washed into the Atlantic
Ocean, and do not feed water quality problems the following year.
With so many nutrients continuing to pour into the Bay late in 2018, though, scientists
say it could promote an unusual growth of algae blooms this winter, and possibly into the spring,
which could affect conditions this summer.
At a monitoring sensor near Annapolis, nitrate concentrations in the Bay in late October
were nearly six times the normal levels, said Jeremy Testa, an assistant professor at the
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
“It suggests that the nitrate out there is really high right now, and having those
concentrations is what can help support the bloom in the spring if they persist,” Testa said.
Scientists usually predict the amount of low-oxygen water they expect in the Bay each
summer based on the amount of water that flows in from January through May. But the unusual
nutrient spike late in 2018 may fuel an earlier-than-normal onslaught of hypoxia — or low
oxygen — in the spring.
There’s not much precedent for this situation, but in 2012, the year after Tropical Storm
Lee hit the Bay in late summer, hypoxic conditions did show up earlier than expected, Testa said.
Struggles For Farmers
Besides causing problems for the Bay, the wet weather made it difficult for the region’s
farmers to help reduce the flow of nutrients and sediment. Growers had to work in the mud to get
smaller yields, and sometimes poorer quality crops as well. In some instances, fields couldn’t be
harvested at all.
The ruts left in fields from working in the mud need to be addressed, or else erosion and
runoff could increase next year, said Mark Dubin, agricultural technical adviser with the Bay
Program. “It just touches every aspect of the agricultural industry,” he said.
The muddy fields that delayed harvests and ongoing rain also made it difficult for farmers
to plant cover crops, Dubin said. Cover crops are a widely used practice that helps absorb excess
nitrogen left on fields after crops are harvested.
Even where cover crops did get planted, they probably won’t soak up as much nitrogen as
they would in a typical year, Dubin said. Heavy rains can push nitrogen deeper into the soil and
beyond the root zones of the cover crops, so they can’t absorb the nutrient, he explained.
Farmers also had trouble installing new pollution controls such as streamside buffers,
Dubin said.
Some existing controls may have been washed away by flooding, or else didn’t perform
as expected because of the sheer volume of rain. In some cases, he added, manure storage
facilities are maxing out because farmers have had little opportunity to spread the animal waste
as fertilizer on the fields.
“I don’t think its catastrophic, but I think it’s definitely stressing the system,” Dubin said.
21
An ‘awesome’ success
Not everyone was disappointed by the rain. “It was awesome!” exclaimed Carlton Ray,
director of the Clean Rivers Project with DC Water, which manages stormwater and sewage in
and around the nation’s capital. “We were hoping for wet weather, you know?”
Ray oversees a $2.7 billion effort aimed at capturing and treating effluent from the
District’s antiquated combined sewer system, built more than a century ago, in which storm
drains funnel rainfall runoff into sanitary sewers. In wet weather, the system typically overflows,
sending diluted but raw human waste, into local rivers.
In a partial fulfillment of a federal consent decree to stop the overflows, seven miles of
tunnels went online in March to capture and hold most of the stormwater and sewage that would
normally spill into the Anacostia when it rains.
After the storms pass, the stored wastewater gets treated at the Blue Plains Advanced
Regional Wastewater Plant before being discharged into the Potomac.
Officials hoped the tunnel would capture and temporarily store 80 percent of the
stormwater that normally flowed in the Anacostia. As of mid-December, it was outperforming
that expectation, Ray said, capturing 89 percent, despite record rainfall in the District.
“This large source of pollution that’s been going on for years and years and years is now
being taken off the table,” he said.
From March 20 through mid-December, even though the system captured 4.48 billion
gallons of stormwater and sewage, 540 million gallons still went into the Anacostia, Ray said.
But that should change when another tunnel segment is completed in 2023. Then, nearly
all of the stormwater-diluted sewage that once went into the river will get treated. A future
expansion will capture other overflows that now go into the Potomac.
“My neighbors probably didn’t want to see so much rain, but it was good for me because
we got to test the tunnel, and the whole system,” Ray said.
Oysters Take A Hit
Oyster surveys in much of the Bay were still going on in December. But in the Potomac
River, where they were complete, the news was bad.
Oysters on bars in low-salinity areas of the Potomac suffered mortality rates upward of
90 percent, and on one bar “they didn’t find a living oyster,” said Martin Gary, executive
secretary of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
“The Potomac has a history of freshets, but this was a bad one,” Gary said. Bars farther
downstream took hits as well, he said.
High flows can sometimes be good for spat sets — when oyster larvae settle on the
bottom and begin growing. Good spat sets usually yield abundant oyster harvests a few years
later.
But that wasn’t the case this year, at least not in the Potomac. Gary said oyster
reproduction there last summer was “dismal.”
But oysters that survive the freshwater will face less of a chance of dying from two lethal
oyster diseases, MSX and Dermo, which have devastated the Bay’s oyster population in the past,
but prefer high salinities.
Ryan Carnegie, an oyster disease researcher with the Virginia Institute of Marine
Science, said he is seeing “very low levels” of MSX, and infections by Dermo are the lowest
observed since 1989.
“We’ve seen the parasites being basically knocked back,” Carnegie said. “So, if there is a
22
silver lining, that’s one. If [oysters] can survive the freshwater, they are going to gain an added
benefit from reduced disease pressure.”
A Mixed Bag For Other Species
The surge of freshwater lowered salinities throughout the Bay, essentially pushing
stinging jellyfish out of most areas last summer — a relief for anyone trying to swim or work in
the water.
“There have been some years where we had to go and get wetsuits,” said Dave Secor, a
professor with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. “But this year, it
was an absolute zero. I’ve never encountered that before.”
Strong flows can also be beneficial to anadromous fish, which live in the ocean but return
to freshwater to spawn. Maryland DNR surveys showed striped bass, American shad and
blueback herring all had good reproduction and survival this year.
The status of blue crabs won’t be known until the annual winter dredge survey is
complete, but fishery managers said some strong blue crab catches were reported in early fall,
especially in the lower Bay.
They think high flows may have pushed the crustaceans down the Chesapeake and helped
to concentrate them.
But lower salinities associated with strong river flows could have other implications as
well.
Gary said fishermen were catching blue catfish, a nonnative species that doesn’t like high
salinities, at the mouth of the Potomac late in the fall, when salinities were just 7 parts per
thousand — less than half of what’s normal.
That’s bad news because the high freshwater flows may have enabled the blue catfish to
escape the Potomac, where they are normally trapped by higher salinity water near its mouth,
and spread throughout the Bay and into rivers where it hasn’t previously been reported.
Biologists have been concerned that the voracious predator could disrupt the Bay’s food
chain. With salinities low almost everywhere last year, Gary said, “blue catfish have gone pretty
much anywhere they wanted to go.”
Meanwhile, populations of dark false mussels, a native species that likes lower salinities,
surged in several Western Shore rivers in Maryland. Clearer water was also reported in some of
the areas where robust numbers of the water-filtering bivalves were found.
“In the past, when we’ve seen these mussel blooms in response to freshwater events, it
has actually spurred underwater grass recoveries in a lot of cases,” said the DNR’s Landry.
That could help grasses bounce back in places like the Magothy, Severn and other rivers where
the mussels were reported, she said.
Scientists say they aren’t surprised that last year’s deluge seems to have produced a
mixed bag of results in the Bay.
“That’s the really interesting part,” said Peter Tango, monitoring coordinator with the
state-federal Chesapeake Bay Program. “Estuaries by their nature are dynamic and experience
these sorts of fluctuations.”
Indeed, estuaries are places where freshwater and saltwater meet and mix so the species
that live in them tend to tolerate a range of conditions. Some fare better than others whatever the
natural conditions, but most eventually bounce back from weather-related setbacks.
“It is going to be interesting in 2019, because it will be the test case of how resilient the
Bay was with all of this fresh water runoff,” VIMS’ Bob Orth said.
23
(Photo: Muddy Susquehanna River at Conowingo Dam from heavy precipitation events this past
summer, C hesapeake Bay Foundation.)
Related Stories:
Leadership
In Leesport
NewsClips:
Recovery
24
Calculated
(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal)

[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
By Kate Fritz, Executive Director Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay
“The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities

only if we make ourselves responsible for that future.” —
[Pennsylvania Governor] Gifford Pinchot
I spent the second weekend in December at the place I
revere most: Beaver Run Hunting and Fishing Club in Porter
Township, Pike County.
It was full of friends and family, my favorite stone
fireplace and 875-plus acres of conserved forest in the Pocono
Mountains.
We hiked in the chilly gray weather, enjoying the
camaraderie of catching up with longtime friends. We laughed at
old memories, reflected on 2018 and shared our goals for the
New Year.
I’ve been making trips to the Beaver Run Hunting and
Fishing Club since I was 9 months old. More than three decades
later, it is still my favorite place on Earth.
Having moved around a lot as a child, Beaver Run was the one place that was always the
same every time I returned. I could expect to fish, boat, swim and hike in the summer, and ice
fish and participate in snowball fights in the cold months.
In 2008, the club worked in partnership with Delaware Highlands Conservancy to put the
nearly 900 acres of property that I love so dearly in a conservation easement. The club now has
money to continue to invest in the management of its property for the long haul.
The 70-acre lake, trout pond and miles of the Bushkill Stream that runs through the
property are all used by fisher-folk and hunters of all ages.
As I sat by the warm fire in the lodge, discussing the club’s history and brainstorming
25
New Year’s resolutions for 2019, my mind couldn’t help but wander to Gifford Pinchot.
Truly a leader of his times, Pinchot is my answer to every “who do you admire most?”
icebreaker I’ve ever participated in.
Nearly 75 years after his death, Pinchot is still known as one of the most influential
voices of the U.S. conservation movement. He established the modern definition of conservation
as the “wise use” of our natural resources.
After forming the basic concept of conservation, Pinchot became President Teddy
Roosevelt’s right-hand man in the conservation of more than 230 million acres of public land
during Roosevelt’s term.
Pinchot was appointed the first practicing forester, served as the first chief of the U.S.
Forest Service, and was governor of Pennsylvania from 1923–1927 and 1931–1935.
Out of his many impressive achievements, the thing that connects Pinchot and myself the
most is that he invented his resource management ethos on a piece of property that means the
world to me-- Pinchot was a member of Beaver Run in the early 1900s.
So as I sat in the common area of the Club, where Pinchot once sat as he discussed his
philosophy of conservation, I had one foot rooted in the past. My thoughts began to drift to 2019
and the work ahead of us..
It has been a rainy year around the Chesapeake, with many places breaking annual
rainfall records. The weather has been hard on our rivers and streams, and in turn, our beloved
Chesapeake Bay.
With more pulses of stormwater entering the watershed, it will likely impact the work
installed in the name of restoration.
There is a lot we don’t know about how these climatic changes will impact our work over
the long run, but we do know one thing-- it will change it.
We could let this frustrate us and throw up our hands and say “enough.” But the truth is,
we need Pinchot’s words now more than ever.
His concept was simple: Conservation is the application of common sense to the common
problems for the common good. He believed in the power of the many, not the few.
I’ve carried that ethos forward in my own career, as I’ve moved from working as an
environmental scientist, to an environmental planner and now an executive director of a regional
nonprofit organization.
The work that we do at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay embodies Pinchot’s ethos as
well.
We believe in a two-part theory of change, built first on convening voices to identify
problems, and second by deploying resources to solve those problems.
We believe in the power of partnerships across a diverse range of voices that the
Chesapeake Bay watershed is made of.
It is my belief that pioneers, like Pinchot, would still remind us today that this has always
been the recipe for success over time.
As 2019 approaches, it is imperative that we continue to work together across many
landscapes and sectors, finding the areas of commonalities that unite us, not separate us.
In a future impacted by a warming climate and rising waters, we must manage and restore
our waters and forests for the purpose of sustaining more than 18 million people in the
Chesapeake watershed.
To quote Pinchot, we must “aim for the greatest good for the greatest number for the
26
longest time.”
Let’s start 2019 strong and focused forward for a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay
watershed!
Kate Fritz is Executive Director A

lliance For The Chesapeake Bay and can be contacted by
sending email to: k fritz@allianceforthebay.org or by calling 443-949-0575.
Related Stories:
Leadership
Recovery
In Leesport
NewsClips:

(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.)

Rep. Greg Vitali Named Democratic Chair Of House Environmental Committee
On January 7, House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody

(D-Allegheny) named Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) as the
Democratic Chair of the House Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee.
The announcement follows the House Speaker’s naming of
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) as the Republican Chair of the House
Environmental Committee.
27
“We must address the serious threats facing our environment,” said Rep. Vitali. “My
focus in the legislature has been on environmental policy, and I look forward to the challenge of
chairing this committee.”
Rep. Vitali said his priorities include increasing funding for the Department of
Environmental Protection, reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, and
dealing with the climate change impacts of the threatened closing of the Three Mile Island
nuclear power plant.
Rep. Vitali previously served as Democratic Chair of the House Environmental
Committee from 2012 to 2017 after serving as a committee member for most of the time since he
began his service in the House in 1992.
Rep. Vitali has been an advocate for addressing climate change, expanding opportunities
for renewable and clean energy, for tightening requirements on natural gas drilling in the
Commonwealth and for ensuring adequate funding for the state’s environmental protection
programs.
Rep. Vitali can be contacted by calling 717-787-7647 or send email to:
gvitali@pahouse.net.
Other Committee Chairs
Rep. Dermody also named these related committee chairs, which completes the House
committee leadership roster--
-- Agriculture and Rural Affairs:
Martin Causer (R-Cameron)
Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne)
-- Consumer Affairs:
NEW-Brian Ellis (R-Butler)
NEW-Rob Matzie (D-Allegheny)
-- Game and Fisheries:
Keith Gillespie (R-York)
NEW-William Kortz (D-Allegheny)
-- Local Government:
NEW-Dan Moul (R-Adams)
Bob Freeman (D-Northampton)
-- Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness:
Stephen E. Barrar (R-Chester)
NEW-Christopher Sainto (D-Lawrence)
Click Here for a list of all House committee chairs named.
Related Story:
Senate Republicans, Democrats Make Few Changes In Environmental, Energy Committee
Chairs

Chairs
On January 7, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe

Scarnati (R-Jefferson) announced Sen. Gene Yaw
28
(R-Lycoming) will again serve as Republican Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee in the new session.
Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) also announced John Yudichak
(D-Luzene) would again be serving as Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee.
Sen. Yaw
“I thank Sen. Scarnati for his trust to lead this important committee in the new Session,”
said Sen. Yaw. “I look forward to working with my fellow Senators to advance bipartisan
solutions to strengthen our laws and regulations to further protect Pennsylvania’s streams, rivers
and forest land for future generations.”
Sen. Yaw has served as Chair of the Senate Environmental Committee since 2013 and
represents the heart of the Marcellus Shale drilling region in Northcentral Pennsylvania.
He has also been active on Chesapeake Bay-related issues serving as one of
Pennsylvania’s representatives on the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission.
At the beginning of the last legislative session-- January 24, 2017-- Sen. Yaw was part of
a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania House and Senate members on the Chesapeake Bay
Commission who wrote to all members of the General Assembly pointing out the need for new,
dedicated funding to address the water pollution cleanup problems across the state.
Sen. Yudichak
Sen. Yudichak has served as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee since 2011.
He has been active on issues ranging from ensuring Marcellus Shale drilling is done in an
environmentally protective manner, sponsored a bipartisan natural gas severance tax proposal,
pursued several bills and resolutions on lowering health risks from lead and on helping to solve
permit review issues with the Department of Environmental Protection.
Last year he also promoted local and regional recreational opportunities by hiking and
biking the length of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail, making good on a bet on the Philadelphia
Eagles winning the Superbowl.
Other Chairs
There were also few changes in other environmental and energy Republican Chairs--
-- Agriculture & Rural Affairs:
Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-Beaver)
Judy Schwank (D-Berks)
-- Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure:
Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks)
Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh)
-- Game & Fisheries:
NEW-Dan Laughlin (R-Erie)
James Brewster (D-Allegheny)
-- Local Government:
NEW-Scott Martin (R-Lancaster)
NEW- Tim Kearney (D-Chester)
Click Here for the full list of Republican and Democratic appointments.
(Photo: Sen. Yaw, Sen. Yudichak.)
Related Story:
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Foundation For PA Watersheds Study Documents 150%+ Return On Investment For

Cleaning Up Little Conemaugh River
The Foundation For Pennsylvania Watersheds

recently released an economic study that
documented a 150 percent return on investment
for funding a major project designed to treat mine
drainage polluting nearly 30 miles of the Little
Conemaugh River in Cambria County.
The Foundation’s introduction to the study
said, “For far too long environmental groups have
been criticized for talking about ‘warm and
fuzzy’ qualitative measures of success.
“With a new focus on full time equivalents
(FTEs), leverage factors, and a new vocabulary that relates to economics, groups that aren’t
talking the talk are finding it hard to access funding and aren’t gathering much of an audience to
listen about their great work.
“... [The study] underscore[s] the importance of restoring our environment, and illustrate
how a cleaner environment can generate economic impact beyond restoration.”
In 2012, the Foundation formed a group to develop a strategy for cleaning up the Little
Conemaugh Watershed involving local, state and federal partners.
Based on a 2007 study that identified the 7 largest sources of mine drainage pollution and
other information, the group developed a plan to treat 3 of the discharges-- Sonman, Hughes
Borehole and Miller shaft in one project.
Meanwhile the DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation went ahead with projects
to treat or eliminate the mine discharges from two other sources-- St. Michael and Ehrenfeld.
The St. Michael project was developed and completed through an innovative partnership
between DEP and the Rosebud Mining Company to construct an active chemical treatment
system and provide for its continued operation into the future.
The Ehrenfeld reclamation project is now underway and is being completed with a
combination of federal RECLAIM Pilot Program funds, DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine
Reclamation and Foundation support.
The Sonman, Hughes, Miller Treatment Project on the Little Conemaugh will cost an
estimated $21.7 million with the DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation contributing
about $19.5 million and the Foundation $2.2 million. The federal Office of Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement also provided support for this project. The project is scheduled to last from
2022 to 2023.
This project alone is estimated to result in the restoration of 15 biologically dead stream
miles and an additional 20 miles of stream with improved water quality.
With the help of 4award Planning and the Keystone Conservation Trust, the Foundation
supported an analysis of what the economic benefit would be of investing $21.7 million in the
Little Conemaugh Project to outdoor recreation, tourism and businesses in the local area.
30
The study found a 150 percent+ economic return from this project-- for every $1 million
invested in restoration, there would be between $1.5 and $1.6 million in economic return to the
local community.
The new report also contained information gleaned from interviews with local
stakeholders that demonstrated how local perceptions of Cambria County’s waterways have
changed for the better following the cleanup of portions of nearby Stonycreek River and other
projects.
The cleanup of the Stonycreek River resulted in recreation and tourism economic impacts
– with a boom in ecotourism, whitewater rafting, boating, kayaking, and year-round fly-fishing.
Whitewater and Greenhouse Parks sprang up in Cambria and Somerset Counties because of the
Stonycreek cleanup.
These results have raised expectations for a positive economic impact from the Little
Conemaugh and other stream cleanup projects.
The Stonycreek can also be used as a cautionary tale for the Little Conemaugh going
forward, the study said, because Stonycreek River is facing a threat of degradation in water
quality because the mine drainage treatment systems there are 20 to 25 years old and in need of
refurbishing.
A Foundation supported economic impact study of the Stonycreek River Watershed also
looked at the question of what the impact would be if water quality was allowed to degrade.
Click Here for a copy of the Little Conemaugh study.
For more information on grant opportunities and initiatives, visit the Foundation For
Pennsylvania Watersheds website.
(Photo: Difference in water quality made by the St. Michael treatment project on the Little
Conemaugh River.
NewsClip:
Crable: Outdoor Recreation Means $27 Billion A Year To PA Economy Study Finds
Related Stories:
New Report: Outdoor Recreation Is A Bigger Economic Powerhouse Than Construction In PA
The Economic Value Of Green Infrastructure: Calculating A Return On Investments In Parks,
Watershed Restoration, Farmland BMPs, Open Spaces
Economic Impact Of Natural Resource Conservation In Somerset County
Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion,
Flooding, Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More
More Than 86,000 Pennsylvanians Work In Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency Jobs
2008-2018: What Happened To Pennsylvania’s Environment In The Past 10 Years?
Gov. Wolf Sets Goal Of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 80% By 2050 From 2005
Levels
On January 8, Gov. Tom Wolf announced

he has signed a new executive order
setting a statewide goal of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent
by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050 from
31
2005 levels. These are the same reduction levels in the 2015 U.N. Paris Climate Agreement.
The executive order also establishes the GreenGov Council to boost green and
sustainable practices in state government to help achieve the goals set in the executive order,
while saving taxpayers money and creating jobs in the state’s clean energy economy.
“In the absence of leadership from the federal government, states and cities are stepping
up and doing their part to reduce emissions,” said Gov. Wolf. “Today I am proud to declare the
Commonwealth’s intention to address climate change, the most critical environmental threat
facing the world.”
According to the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania already meets
the 2030 goal established in the original EPA Clean Power Plan to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from power plants, primarily as a result of switching to natural gas for electricity
generation. Read more here.
Meeting the 2025 greenhouse gas reduction goal may already be in reach since federal
data shows Pennsylvania’s carbon dioxide emissions shrank nearly 22 percent between 2005 and
2016, according to former DEP Secretary John Quigley.
New GreenGov Council
The GreenGov Council will work with all state agencies to reduce energy use in state
government and improve the energy efficiency of state buildings and vehicles, saving taxpayers
money in the process.
The GreenGov Council will serve as a central coordinating body to promote the
implementation of the executive order and the achievement of the following state agency
performance goals:
-- Reduce overall energy consumption by 3 percent per year, and 21 percent by 2025, as
compared to 2017 levels;
-- Replace 25 percent of the state passenger car fleet with battery electric and plug-in electric
hybrid cars by 2025; and
-- Procure renewable energy to offset at least 40 percent of the commonwealth’s annual
electricity use.
“Commonwealth agencies can continue to demonstrate their commitment to both
environmental and fiscal stewardship by implementing best practices to reduce energy and
resource consumption, improve energy efficiency, realize cost savings, and protect the
environment,” said Gov. Wolf.
The GreenGov Council will encourage and coordinate the incorporation of
environmentally sustainable practices into the Commonwealth government's policy, planning,
operations, procurement, and regulatory functions, and strive for continuous improvement in
efficiency and performance.
Secretaries of the Departments of General Services, Environmental Protection, and
Conservation and Natural Resources will co-chair the Council.
Click Here to read the new executive order.
Peoples Gas Reduction Commitment
Gov. Wolf announced the new executive order at an event celebrating the public-private
collaboration happening in the city of Pittsburgh to help bolster the city’s climate action plan.
Peoples Gas announced a commitment to cut methane emissions from Pittsburgh’s
distribution system by 50 percent using advanced leak detection methods developed in
partnership with Environmental Defense Fund and Google Earth Outreach to map and measure
32
leaks coming from underground pipes.
The pledge is the first of its kind by a United States utility. Read more here.
Reaction
Mandy Warner, Senior Manager of Climate and Air Policy for the Environmental
Defense Fund issued this statement in response to Gov. Wolf's climate action-- By setting these
goals, Governor Tom Wolf is continuing to show he is ready to lead on climate even as the
federal government sits on the sidelines. Moving forward, developing enforceable climate
pollution limits, for both carbon and methane, will be critical to ensure that Pennsylvania
achieves these goals.”
Other PA Climate Actions
There have been several other climate-related actions in the last 2 months in
Pennsylvania--
-- PA Joins Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program: On December 18,
Pennsylvania and a coalition of 8 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia
announced the formation of a regional Transportation and Climate Initiative and their intent to
design a new regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce
carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels, and invest proceeds from the
program into low-carbon and more resilient transportation infrastructure. Read more here.
-- Oil & Gas Facility Methane Reduction: DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee
met December 13 to discuss a draft regulation to set limits on volatile organic compound
emissions-- with the “co-benefit” of reducing methane emissions-- from existing well sites,
pumps, storage and other equipment at oil and gas facilities. Read more here.
-- PA Climate Plan Update: On December 4, DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee
reviewed over 100 recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania, but
fall short of meeting the 2050 target outlined by the Governor. The final version of the Plan
Update should be released sometime in February. Read more here.
-- Cap-And-Trade Petition: On November 27, Robert B. McKinstry, Jr., the Clean Air Council,
Widener University Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, eco(n)law LLC and 61 other
individuals, groups, businesses and local governments submitted a rulemaking petition to the
Environment Quality Board to establish a market-based cap-and-trade greenhouse gas emission
reduction program that eliminates those emissions from major sources by 2052.
The Department of Environmental Protection is now reviewing the petition to see if it
meets the requirements for consideration by the EQB. If it is acceptable, it will go to the EQB
for a vote on whether the petition should be accepted for study. The next meeting of the EQB is
February 19. Read more here.
-- Nuclear Energy Caucus Report: On November 29, Senators Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster)
and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) along with Representatives Becky Corbin (R-Chester) and Rob
Matzie (D-Allegheny), co-chairs of the Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus released a report
summarizing their findings on the impact of closing nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania and
outlining potential solutions.
The report, which will be transmitted to all members of the General Assembly and to
Gov. Wolf, includes four options for the future of the state’s challenged industry, including the
General Assembly taking action in 2019 to prevent the “employment, economic, and
environmental devastation” associated with the premature closure of nuclear plants in the
Commonwealth.
33
One of the options in the report is to impose a carbon tax on energy sources. Read more
here.
-- Auditor General’s Report On Climate Change: On December 3, Auditor General Eugene
DePasquale announced plans to prepare a special report exploring how Pennsylvania is
responding to climate change in light of a failure by national leaders to recognize and act on the
issue. Read more here.
First Green Government Council
Gov. Tom Ridge established the first Green Government Council by signing Executive
Order 1998-1 on March 25, 1998 which outlined the functions of the Council--
“The purpose of the Council is to, cooperatively across agency jurisdictions, facilitate the
incorporation of environmentally sustainable practices, including Strategic Environmental
Management, into Commonwealth government's planning, operations, and policymaking and
regulatory functions, and to strive for continuous improvement in environmental performance
with the goal of zero emissions.
“Strategic Environmental Management includes an environmental management system
with a strong pollution prevention and energy efficiency program, effective community
involvement, measurable economic and environmental performance goals, environmental
accounting, and life cycle analysis.”
During the Ridge and Schweiker Administrations, the Council spearheaded efforts that
resulted in Pennsylvania adopting the first “green” building standards for public buildings and
taking on dozens of other environmental projects.
Pennsylvania became the first state government in the nation to buy “green” energy,
helping the first windmill farm in the state in Somerset County become commercially viable.
The first “green” building project involved DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office Building
in Harrisburg, which became one of the first dozen buildings certified as green in the United
States by the U.S. Green Building Council and was recognized in 1999 with the Excellence in
Environmental Engineering Award from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers.
DEP’s second major green building—the District Mining Office in Cambria County is so
energy efficient, it sells power to the grid. It recently won the American Institute of Architects’
top 10 green buildings of 1999 Award.
Three other green buildings were started--offices in California, Washington County,
Norristown, Montgomery County, Philipsburg, Centre County and Pennsylvania's first green
environmental laboratory building in Harrisburg--for a total of six major green building projects.
NewsClips:
Litvak, Legere: Wolf Sets Target Of Slashing PA’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution 80% By 2050
Sisk: Wolf Sets Goal For PA To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
AP-Levy: Wolf To Set Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals For Pennsylvania
Peoples Gas Commits To Reducing Methane Emissions By 50% In its Pittsburgh Distribution
System
Sisk: Peoples Gas Unveils High-Tech Methane Leak Detection System In Pittsburgh
Letter: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals Are Meaningless Without Taking More Action
Editorial: New State Climate Goals Doable
Editorial: Plug Natural Gas Distribution System Leaks
Editorial: Attacking Climate Change With Cap-And-Trade In PA Good Start
Jan. 29 Pittsburgh Energy Forum Will Address Carbon-Reduction Strategies
34
Lots Of Rain In 2018 Made Rivers Run High, Fast, Will Climate Change Make That A Regular
Thing?
Letter: Casey Should Support Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend Act In Congress
Letter: Support Bipartisan Energy Innovation Act In Congress
Letter: It’s Time For A Carbon Fee With A Dividend
Letter: Beware The Snake Oil Of Cap And Trade
U.S. Carbon Emissions Surged In 2018 Even As Coal-Fired Power Plants Closed
Carbon Emissions Up As Trump Agenda Rolls Back Climate Change Work
U.S. Power Sector Carbon Emissions Jump As Gas Boom Outpaces Coal Decline
Related Stories:
System
Gov. Wolf Lists Environmental, Energy Accomplishments In First Term
Peoples Gas Commits To Reducing Methane Emissions By 50% In its Pittsburgh

Distribution System
On January 8, Peoples Gas announced it is

committing to cut methane emissions from its
Pittsburgh distribution system by 50 percent using
advanced leak detection methods developed in
partnership with Environmental Defense Fund and
Google Earth Outreach to map and measure leaks
coming from underground pipes.
Peoples will use the data to prioritize upgrades to
achieve the greatest climate benefits as quickly as
possible. The pledge is the first of its kind by a U.S.
utility.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming power of carbon
dioxide in the first 20 years it is in the atmosphere. It is also the main ingredient in natural gas.
Reducing methane leaks has been a priority for County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and
aligns with Gov. Tom Wolf’s efforts to ensure that Pennsylvania’s oil and gas sector is safer,
cleaner and more competitive.
Concrete, meaningful reductions in methane emissions will help Pittsburgh achieve the
ambitious climate action goals set by Mayor William Peduto in its Climate Action Plan 3.0,
adopted in May 2018.
“Cities, states and forward thinking companies are leading the fight against global
warming. Scientists tell us we urgently need to accelerate our actions to prevent catastrophic
changes in our climate,” said EDF President Fred Krupp. “Peoples Gas, the city of Pittsburgh
and the state of Pennsylvania’s embrace of new technologies and smarter strategies to tackle the
climate challenge is a bold example for others to follow.”
Under a new commitment, Peoples and EDF will use highly sensitive leak detection
sensors and advanced data analytics developed in partnership with Google and scientists at
Colorado State University that make it possible to quantify leaks from aging underground pipes
35
quickly and cost-effectively.
About 46 percent of the pipes operated by Peoples are more than 50 years old.
“This new commitment is supportive of our multibillion-dollar pipeline modernization
and methane mitigation program,” said Peoples CEO Morgan O’Brien. “As a company and as a
partner to the city of Pittsburgh, we are committed to climate action. We embrace cutting edge
technology and are creating a culture that prioritizes and takes ownership of our role in making
this region better for generations to come.”
Leaks will be mapped throughout 2019 using a laser-based methane analyzer installed on
a Peoples survey vehicle. With that information, scientists at CSU will use a peer-reviewed
algorithm to quantify the volume of methane emissions from each leak so that Peoples can focus
their system upgrades on the largest leaks and those where investment brings the greatest safety
and environmental benefit.
“Pennsylvania is committed to doing its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and we
applaud Peoples Gas, Environmental Defense Fund and the city of Pittsburgh for their leadership
in helping achieve our goals,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “This collaboration is a triple win, showing
that stakeholders can come together to identify cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions,
improve safety and save money.”
Advanced leak detection strategies like those pioneered in Pittsburgh via the
Peoples-EDF collaboration are increasingly being adopted by leading utilities around the country
to find and fix methane leaks.
This approach improves climate benefits, enhances system safety and saves ratepayers
money.
“The energy industry and the development of energy is an important part of this region’s
growth, but it has to be done in a responsible way so that public health and the environment are
protected,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “I applaud today’s announcement by
Peoples and EDF, and hope this is the first of many steps being taken by the energy industry to
keep our region at the forefront of energy production in a responsible and thoughtful way.”
“Methane leaks not only waste a valuable natural resource, they greatly exacerbate
climate change,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. “With new tools available to address this
climate challenge head-on, it is our responsibility to act to protect our citizens and communities.
Today, we see Peoples Gas leading the way, and for that the people of Pittsburgh should cheer. It
is our hope that the initiative shown by Peoples will be echoed across our state and beyond.”
“The partnership between Peoples and EDF is another critical step in ensuring that
Pennsylvania continues on the path of reducing methane emissions and moving toward our goals
for deep decarbonization,” said Davitt Woodwell, president of the PA Environmental
Council.
EDF’s engagement with Peoples is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies through the
America’s Pledge initiative.
Acting on the 10 high-impact opportunity areas identified in its America’s Pledge report,
including methane leak detection and repair, Bloomberg Philanthropies is investing in pilot
efforts such as EDF’s work in Pittsburgh, along with programs to curb super-polluting gases
known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and initiatives to spur the market for electric vehicles.
“Stopping methane leaks is a great example of how steps that fight climate change also
strengthen the economy and save consumers money,” said Michael R. Bloomberg UN Special
envoy for climate action. “Through America's Pledge, cities and businesses are keeping our
36
country moving forward on climate change even while Washington tries to drag us backwards,
and Pittsburgh is helping to lead the way.”
(Photo: Peoples Gas vehicle outfitted with methane detection technology.)
NewsClips:
System
Related Story:
Levels
On January 8, Gov. Tom Wolf pledged to continue to

make Pennsylvania an environmental leader in his second
term. He went on to list what he said were his
environmental and energy accomplishments during his
first term.
"Since coming to office I have been a strong
advocate for the environment and have worked to make
sure all Pennsylvanians have clean air and pure water,”
said Gov. Wolf. “Pennsylvania has seen major reductions
in pollution since I came to office. Our focus on increased
reliance on clean energy, improved energy efficiency, and
improved oversight of emissions of potent greenhouse
gases such as methane, have all been critical in helping to move Pennsylvania forward.”
Accomplishments
Gov. Wolf listed these accomplishments during his first term--
Clear Air
-- Moved forward with a Methane Reduction Strategy, including finalizing some of the first
permits in the nation to set a threshold on methane emissions from new unconventional gas wells
and other infrastructure, and proposing new regulations to reduce methane emissions from
existing wells and infrastructure.
-- Began implementing a plan to use the $118 million settlement from Volkswagen to reduce air
pollution from cars, trucks, and other diesel-powered equipment.
-- Fought the Trump Administration’s attempts to gut environmental laws and regulations and
defund critical environmental programs and the EPA.
Pure Water
-- Hired additional staff for the Safe Drinking Water Program to ensure Pennsylvanian’s drinking
water is clean and safe.
-- Provided enhanced protections to dozens of streams across Pennsylvania in order to reduce
pollution, protect aquatic life, and provide recreational opportunities for anglers and tubers alike.
37
-- Formed the PFAS Action Team in September 2018. Led by DEP Sec. Patrick McDonnell, this
multi-agency team is taking proactive steps to identify possible contamination and address health
concerns for Pennsylvanians.
-- Secured funding for communities stricken by the 2018 floods, and provided clearer guidance
for residents and municipalities on how to manage streams and rivers to prevent flooding.
-- Achieved unprecedented progress toward 2025 water pollution reduction goals through new
levels of partnership and innovation.
Clean Energy Jobs
-- Signed legislation that enables low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable
energy, and water conservation upgrades to commercial or industrial properties.
-- Released a plan to increase solar power across Pennsylvania to 10 percent of total production
by 2030.
-- Signed legislation to expand of the use of solar energy across the Commonwealth, while
ensuring that the environmental and health benefits of solar energy are experienced in
Pennsylvania.
-- Retooled the state’s Solar Energy Program to include grant funding to help make Pennsylvania
a leader in clean energy.
Modernization, Remediation, and Sustainability
-- Increased oil and gas drilling inspections after switch to electronic process in 2017.
-- Secured increased funding for the Department of Environmental Protection in order to help it
fulfill its mission of protecting Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water from pollution and to
providing for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment.
-- Moved forward with enhanced building codes to help save Pennsylvanian’s money on utilities,
improve energy efficiency, and enhance safety.
-- Reinstated a moratorium on oil and gas development on state parks and forests.
-- Awarded more than $60 million in grants to communities and businesses to improve and
restore streams and watersheds, repair abandoned mine damage, improve water and sewer
infrastructure, and switch to cleaner vehicles.
-- Approved millions in funding to reclaim and restore abandoned mine lands for the benefit of
the environment and local economies.
2nd Term
In addition to the Wolf Administration’s first term accomplishments, the governor vowed
to continue to take meaningful steps to address climate change, while helping to create good
paying jobs in the clean energy sector and be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars by:
-- Continuing to work to streamline permitting by utilizing technology such as e-permitting and
continual process improvements to ensure that the regulated community receives permit
decisions in a predictable, timely manner, while Pennsylvania's critical environment protections
are maintained.
-- Finalizing a strong Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan to support Pennsylvania
farmers and communities in improving local water quality.
-- Participating in the regional Transportation Climate Initiative to develop the clean energy
economy and reduce oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation
sector.
-- Moving forward with implementation of recommendations of the PA Solar Future Plan.
-- Supporting the implementation of Pennsylvania’s Climate Action Plan, which will be released
38
shortly and contains numerous strategies to address climate change impacts and reduce emissions
within various sectors of Pennsylvania’s economy.
Related Stories:
Dept. Of Conservation & Natural Resources Highlights 2018 Accomplishments
Levels
System
Leadership
In the January 9 Resource newsletter, DCNR Secretary

Cindy Adams Dunn outlined her agency's accomplishments
in 2018 in a special message from the Secretary--
I know 2018 will go down as a most memorable year for
DCNR, one marked by steadfast commitment of its
employees to preserve and protect, while they embrace new
programs designed to enhance and safeguard the natural
world around us.
It also was a year marked by seemingly non-stop rains and
flooding that kept our people scrambling.
The start of my fifth year as secretary has only heightened
my awareness of the wealth of stunning state parks, forests,
mountains, rivers, and trails with which we are blessed.
We are the keepers of what I have described as our “common wealth,” that is, our
constitutional right to have and enjoy these spectacular assets.
To protect them, and share with all state residents, we must always prepare for the future.
Three accomplishments in particular stood out in 2018 with the future in mind:
-- Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps: Hailed by private and public sectors alike, this initiative, putting
young people to work in our state parks and forests, is getting bigger and better as it enters its
fourth year! A total of 227 Pennsylvania youth tackled almost 2,600 projects across the state, all
the while honing a respect for the natural world around them.
-- Climate Change: This past year brought historic flooding and rainfall to our state -- a trend
that’s predicted to continue as our climate warms. As part of our continuing efforts to address
this and other impacts of climate change, DCNR published and is moving on a climate change
adaptation and mitigation plan.
-- Sustainability in Parks and Forests: Dovetailing with above efforts, DCNR is reducing its
energy consumption through reliance on solar units to power buildings and certain systems, such
as sewage treatment, at state park and state forest buildings. We have already completed 13 total
solar installations and introduced nine electric vehicle charging stations at state parks and forests.
There were many other accomplishments -- too varied to prioritize -- but grouped
together, they are the reasons I am so proud of DCNR’s service to the Commonwealth and all
39
that we have been able to achieve.
Some highlights:
-- Our Bureau of State Parks continues to analyze survey results of its “Penn’s Parks for All --
Planning for the State Parks of Tomorrow,” an intensive, statewide effort to seek public input to
help guide its national award-winning state park system into the future. More than 14,000 people
took the survey either online or in the parks between fall and spring 2018. Watch for a
preliminary report and series of public meetings to share initial findings in 2019.
-- Our Bureau of Forestry updated management plans for each of the 20 forest districts. Public
input was gathered via an intense slate of public meetings, surveys, and comments.
-- Our Bureau of Recreation and Conservation was the driving force behind DCNR’s
announcement late last year that an investment of $50 million for 280 projects across
Pennsylvania will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help
revitalize local communities. Working with our local trail partners last year, we also closed two
major trail gaps.
-- Our staff in the Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, long tasked with assuring
safety and comfort of our state park and forest visitors, are focused on energy efficiency with
promotion of energy efficient buildings, landscapes, and designs, including green certification
programs.
-- DCNR’s Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey was the lead agency in aggregating
$2.1M from state agencies, and $1.2M in federal funds to acquire new lidar data for 22
Pennsylvania counties. The high-resolution, elevation data will be used for flood management,
natural resource management and conservation, land use planning, geologic mapping and hazard
reduction, and infrastructure development. Data will be collected this year.
During the past four years, DCNR’s six strategic initiatives -- youth, recreation, forest
conservation, climate, water, and sustainability -- have made great strides as they grow from, and
build on, the core work our bureaus and staff perform every day.
I join staff in taking pride in some of the notable accomplishments of 2018 listed in the
framework below:
-- Enhance Stewardship and Management of State Park and Forest Lands
-- Promote Responsible Stewardship of the Commonwealth's Natural Resources
-- Benefit Communities and Citizens Through Investments in Conservation and Recreational
Resources
-- Operate Effectively and Efficiently
-- Ensure the Future of Conservation
I have no doubt 2019 will continue to be marked by outstanding DCNR employee efforts
and continued valuable interaction with our neighbors, visitors, and partners.
Best wishes for a healthy, happy, and rewarding new year!
Cindy Adams Dunn

Secretary, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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.
Related Story:
40
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
Study: Recreational Visits To State Forest System Alone Generate Over $720 Million
Annually For PA Economy
A new Penn State University study released by the

Center for Rural Pennsylvania estimates recreational
visits to DCNR’s State Forest system contributes an
estimated $721.4 million annually to the state’s
economy and supports 5,100 jobs.
Of that total, over $181.4 million comes from
out-of-state state forest visitation. Out-of-state visitors
generate $1.25 of economic output for every $1 of
direct spending.
From 2012 to 2016 the State Forest system
generated an estimated $632 million in income for the Commonwealth, about 80 percent of
which was from oil and gas development.
The research points out the study did not consider the value of carbon sequestration or
water purification, which are forest services that are estimated to be providing billions of dollars
in value annually.
The study also did not include an estimate of the value of the role the State Forest system
plays in providing sustainably managed hardwood and other speciality timber for the forest
products.
Separately, a PA Parks and Forests Foundation study found the 40 million annual visitors
using Pennsylvania’s State Parks system every year contributes $1.145 billion annually to the
state’s economy and supports 12,630 jobs around the state.
For every $1 invested in State Parks, $12.41 of value added income is returned to the
state’s economy. Click Here for more.
Together, from these studies, Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forest systems have a
$2.498 billion impact on the state’s economy and supports over 17,750 jobs.
For more information on issues affecting rural Pennsylvania, visit the Center for Rural
Pennsylvania website.
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.
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
New Report: Outdoor Recreation Is A Bigger Economic Powerhouse Than Construction In PA
The Economic Value Of Green Infrastructure: Calculating A Return On Investments In Parks,
Watershed Restoration, Farmland BMPs, Open Spaces
Economic Impact Of Natural Resource Conservation In Somerset County
Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion,
41
Flooding, Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More
More Than 86,000 Pennsylvanians Work In Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency Jobs
2008-2018: What Happened To Pennsylvania’s Environment In The Past 10 Years?
Related Story This Week:
Foundation For PA Watershed Study Documents 150%+ Return On Investment For Cleaning Up
Little Conemaugh River
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
KPB: Over 13,000 Volunteers Collected 523,855 Pounds Of Trash During 2018
International Coastal Cleanup Of PA
On January 9, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

announced 13,297 volunteers worked in their
communities to remove 523,855 pounds of trash and
tires from Pennsylvania streams and watersheds
during the 2018 International Coastal Cleanup.
Keep PA Beautiful helped groups, civic organizations,
family and friends organize 577 cleanup events across
the state during September and October.
One of the many groups participating was Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliate, PA CleanWays of
Elk County which has participated in the International Coastal Cleanup for 4 years.
Last year, volunteers from the community, and the local St. Marys Area High School
Ecology Club, collected over 2,380 pounds of trash and tires from a 2.5 mile section of the
Clarion River.
“Local clubs, organizations, and volunteer groups have been cleaning up portions of Elk
County for decades. When the Conservation District heard about the International Coastal
Cleanup through Bekki Titchner, Elk County Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator, we knew that
it was something we wanted to be involved in,” said Kate Wehler, Resource Conservation
Specialist, Elk County Conservation District. “2019 will be my fifth year working on this event
and I couldn’t be more excited. Every year it grows and every year we add new partners.
“Since much of the Clarion River flows through PA State Game Lands, our local PA
Game Commission land management crew has been helping us transport material from the
collection points along the river, to the landfill,” explained Wehler. “Advanced Disposal has
continued to be a great partner, working with us on free disposal costs.
“The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Ridgway based office has offered time, staff,
and volunteers to continue to make this event successful,” said Wehler. “It is truly amazing all
that can be accomplished when like-minded, passionate, individuals get together with a common
goal.
“We are very appreciative of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, PA CleanWays of Elk
County, and the International Coastal Cleanup for helping make it all possible,” added Wehler.
“We are honored to partner with the Ocean Conservancy to provide support for our
affiliates and local individuals and groups,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful. “We are grateful for groups such as the Elk County Conservation District and local
volunteers who have become annual participants in the program. Our oceans connect the entire
42
planet.
“Once trash reaches our oceans, it can cause harm to sea life by entangling them or being
mistaken for food,” said Reiter. “Plastics and other debris work their way up the food chain,
affecting what we consume. It really has dire consequences.
“Thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their personal time to get wet and dirty to
help keep our waterways clean,” said Reiter.
The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer effort to improve the
health of the world’s oceans and waterways. The cleanup gives citizens around the world the
opportunity to clean up their local waterways and to be a part of a larger movement.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful coordinates the effort in Pennsylvania.
Funding for the International Coastal Cleanup coordination in Pennsylvania is provided
by the Department of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Waste Management and Coastal
Resource Management.
Click Here for more information about the International Coastal Cleanup in
Pennsylvania.
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.
Sign ups will begin January 15 for the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA.
(Photo: Volunteers from PA CleanWays of Elk County. )
NewsClips:
PA Cleanways Of Elk County Cleans Up Clarion River Shore
Keep Norristown Beautiful Organizing MLK Community Cleanup Event Jan. 21
Related Story:
Keep PA Beautiful: Sign Ups Start Jan. 15 Great American Cleanup Of PA
Keep PA Beautiful: Sign Ups Start Jan. 15 For Great American Cleanup Of PA
On January 11, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

announced groups can start registering their local
cleanup events as part of the 2019 Great American
Cleanup of PA on January 15. The event runs from
March 1 to May 31.
Last year 108,638 volunteers participated in 5,362
events picking up over 5 million pounds of trash.
Events can be litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups,
beautification projects, special collections, and
education events and must be registered to receive
free cleanup supplies that include free trash bags,
gloves, and safety vests from PennDOT district
offices, while supplies last.
43
As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and PA Waste
Industries Association are sponsoring Let’s Pick It Up PA – Everyday from April 13 through
May 6.
During this time, trash collected at registered events can be taken to participating landfills
free or for a reduced cost with prior approval.
Groups, individuals and local governments anticipate the annual initiative as a way to
rally volunteers, reduce cleanup costs and be connected to a larger movement.
To register or for more information, visit the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA
webpage. Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA
Program 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:
Related Story:
KPB: Over 13,000 Volunteers Collected 523,855 Pounds Of Trash During 2018 International
Coastal Cleanup Of PA
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
Celebrating Women In Conservation Awards Program Now Accepting Nominations
PennFuture is now accepting nominations for the

5th Annual Celebrating Women In Conservation
Awards. The deadline for nominations is
February 22.
Since its inception in 2015, this event has traveled
around the state to different communities to
ensure recognition of local leaders, volunteers,
and career professionals.
This year, nominations will shine a light on
Central Pennsylvania and those nominated must be from the following counties: Adams, Centre,
Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster,
Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union
and York.
The 2019 Celebrating Women in Conservation Awards are designed to encourage
continuing excellence in conservation and to forge a stronger network of exceptional women
working to protect Pennsylvania's environment.
This year's awards categories include--
-- Woman of Environmental Media, Marketing & Communications (NEW this year!)
44
-- Woman of Environmental Arts (NEW this year!)
-- Woman of Environmental Justice
-- Woman of the Watershed
-- Woman of Climate and Renewable Energy
-- Woman of Environmental Education
-- Woman with Lifetime Achievement in Conservation
Individuals may nominate up to seven women, including themselves, with one
nomination per category. Winners will be recognized at a special awards event on April 25 in
New Cumberland, near Harrisburg.
Click Here to submit a nomination, or email nominations to: rinaldi@pennfuture.org,
along with the requested information below, and up to two letters of recommendation.
Questions should be directed to Emily Rinaldi at 570-216-3344 or send email to:
rinaldi@pennfuture.org.
Related Stories:
PEC, Dominion Energy Accepting Nominations For Western PA Environmental Awards
PA Lake Management Society Accepting Nominations For Annual Awards
On January 9, Dominion Energy and the PA Environmental

Council announced applications are now being accepted for
the 2019 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards for
excellence in advancing the environmental quality of
Western Pennsylvania.
The deadline for nominations is February 8.
This regionally acclaimed awards program recognizes and
honors outstanding achievements in a wide range of
environmental initiatives throughout Western Pennsylvania,
and pays tribute to those who have demonstrated a
commitment to environmental excellence, leadership, and
accomplishment in their respective fields.
By sponsoring these awards, the PA Environmental Council
and Dominion Energy hope to encourage the community to emulate the achievements of the
successful nominees, thereby promoting innovative environmental efforts and enhancing the
quality of life in Western Pennsylvania.
Nominations may be made by the person or persons involved in the activity or by a third
party. Successful nominations will demonstrate measurable results and/or impact of the
activities.
The Awards are open to any group, company, school, program, organization, or
individual located and working in any of the 29 western Pennsylvania counties.
Successful nominations will demonstrate excellence in such areas as: Restoration and
protection of water resources; Community revitalization n Public awareness/outreach; Innovative
planning or design practices; Sustainability; Wildlife protection or enhancement; Land protection
and enhancement; Energy efficiency and conservation; Education curriculum; Teaching
45
performance; Research impacting the environment; Environmental management; Product or
service innovation: Technology development; Pollution prevention or waste minimization; or
Other initiatives to enhance the environment.
There more than 3,956 lakes, reservoirs and ponds in Pennsylvania covering 161,445
acres (252.2 square miles), according to the Department of Environmental Protection.
Nominations will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges and awards program
staff.
Up to five winners may be chosen. In addition, $5,000 will be donated in honor of each
winner to qualified nonprofit organizations with environmental programs benefiting Western
Pennsylvania; the nonprofit organizations will be designated by the winners.
Winners will be notified in March and publicly honored at the 2019 Western
Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 22, 2018
Click Here to submit a nomination or for more information.
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.
Related Stories:
On January 10, the PA Lake Management Society

announced it is now accepting nominations for its
Annual Awards Program. The deadline for nominations
is February 15.
Two awards will be presented at the 29th Annual
PALMS Conference in March 2019. One award will be
presented to an organization (association, municipality,
corporation, or government agency) and one will be
presented to an individual.
Nominations should be submitted for organizations or
individuals that have performed a variety of lake
management activities including, but not limited to: developing or implementing a lake or
watershed management program, organizing lake management efforts, developing or
implementing educational programs relating to lake management, and/or developing a successful
volunteer monitoring program.
Click Here for all the details on submitting nominations. Questions should be directed to
Dr. Milt Ostrofsky or Martin Miesko by sending email to: info@palakes.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Lake
Management Society website.
(Photo: 2017 PALMS Photo Contest winner by Mike Longacre.)
Related Stories:
46
Registration Now Open For PA Lake Management Society Conference March 6-7
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
In Memoriam: Sen. Ted Erickson, Environmental, Community Leader From Delaware

County
The PA Environmental Council published this remembrance of

Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) who passed away on January 8
at the age of 80.
Former state Senator Edwin “Ted” Erickson passed away earlier
this week, leaving behind a tremendous environmental legacy.
His professional career reflected strong dedication to the
residents of Delaware County and the Commonwealth.
In addition to his tenure with the General Assembly, Ted
Erickson’s career included serving as Regional Administrator for
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Director of Public
Health and Chief Administrator for Upper Darby Township, and
as a member of Delaware County Council.
Of particular importance in 2019, Senator Erickson was the
primary sponsor of the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act of
2008 – a landmark bill that directed the Commonwealth to account for greenhouse gas
emissions, identify strategies to reduce those emissions, and assess the potential impacts of
climate change.
This work continues today through the Department of Environmental Protection’s
Climate Action Planning process, as well as the Pennsylvania Climate Impact Assessment.
In 2004, Senator Erickson was the prime sponsor of the legislation that enacted
Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards requiring electric distribution companies
to buy 18 percent of their electricity from solar, wind and other renewable sources by 2021.
Today, 14.7 percent of the electricity used in Pennsylvania is from renewable sources and
the AEPS has become a critical part of the Commonwealth’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Also of note, Senator Erickson was the primary sponsor of Act 123 of 2014, which
authorized municipalities to establish authorities for the purpose of implementing stormwater
pollution prevention programs.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council was fortunate to work with the Senator on
these legislative initiatives, and we had the privilege of honoring him with the Curtin Windsor
Award in 2014.
His leadership and character will be greatly missed.
“Sen. Erickson was a gentleman in every sense of the word and his professional career
spanned everything from research into frogs in tropical climates, where he discovered a new
species that today bares his name, to overseeing the operation of a major EPA Regional Office,
to representing the people of Delaware County at both the state Senate and county and local
government,” said former DEP Secretary David Hess. “He knew his craft from the ground up
and has done his community and Pennsylvania proud. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
47
NewsClips:
Fmr Senator, Environmental Leader Ted Erickson Passes Away At 80
Editorial: RIP To A Delco Giant, Public Servant & Gentleman, Sen. Ted Erickson
Senate/House Co-Memos/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced
This section includes a lot of the nitty-gritty legislative stuff you need to keep track of
environmental legislation and legislative schedules.
Bills Introduced
Senate
Lead Testing In Daycare Facilities: Senate Bill 39 (Schwank-D-Berks) include lead testing of
water, paint, soil and dust in the licensing process for child daycare programs. It would prohibit
licensing of any child daycare program while lead levels exceeds those recommended by the
federal Centers for Disease Control. Current licensees would be required to develop an approved
remediation program (sponsor summary).
Pipeline Water Resources Protection: Senate Bill 40 (Schwank-D-Berks) impose a rebuttable
presumption of liability on owners and operators of pipelines under state jurisdiction when
pollution, diminution, or loss of water occurs at a public or private water supply, including wells,
within 2500 feet of the pipeline. An operator presumed to be responsible for harming a public or
private water supply would be required to restore or replace the quantity and quality of the
supply if it does not successfully rebut the presumption (sponsor summary).
E-Waste Recycling: Senate Bill 52 (Gordner-R-Columbia) modeled after a successful program
in New York state, will require that manufacturers be responsible for recycling all of the covered
devices that they produce, as well as a portion of the orphan devices that are unaccounted for,
based on a percentage of their market share. In addition, the legislation will mandate a minimum
of one collection site per county, and for every municipality of 25,000 residents or more, in order
to ensure free, convenient, environmentally responsible electronic recycling for consumers
(sponsor summary).
House
Radon Awareness Month: House Resolution 8 (Readshaw-D-Allegheny) designating January

2019 as Radon Action Month (sponsor summary).
House and Senate Co-Sponsorship Memos
House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos
Senate: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

48
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
January 15, 16, 28, 29, 30
February 4, 5, 6
Budget Hearings: Feb. 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, March 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
March 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
April 8, 9, 10, 29, 30
May 1, 6, 7, 8
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
House
January 15, 16, 28, 29, 30
February 4, 5, 6, 19, 20, 21
Budget Hearings: Feb. 11 March 7
March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30
May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Op-Ed: Game, Fish & Boat Commissions Have Earned The Right To Set Their Own Fees
Rep. Keith Gillespie, Majority Chair, House Game and Fisheries Committee
I’m happy to announce my appointment to serve a third consecutive

term as majority chairman of the House Game and Fisheries
Committee.
Interacting with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC)
and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) are the primary
responsibilities of the committee, which will receive an annual report
from each commission in early February and meet publicly to review
that report.
I’m especially looking forward to working with some new
faces. Tim Schaeffer, who became PFBC executive director late last
49
year, is someone I’ve known for quite a while. He is a great choice to succeed John Arway, and
the reviews on what he has done in a short time are good.
I’m also anxious to meet and work with my counterpart, state Sen. Dan Laughlin from
Erie County, majority chairman of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. Establishing
relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle and all corners of the state is something
we should all strive to do.
In chairing the committee again, I look forward to getting back to work and supporting
the best interests of the many hunters and anglers across the state.
As for the work to be done, we unfortunately have some important leftover legislation
from the 2017-18 session that needs addressed as soon as possible.
My focus will again be leading the effort to allow the PGC and PFBC to set their own
license fee rates.
Last session, the individual bills both passed overwhelmingly in the Senate but lacked the
votes in our committee.
I’m planning to take another swing at this because of my strong feeling that the
commissions both need and deserve the ability to set their own fees for the benefit of outdoor
enthusiasts for whom they provide much-needed services.
As a legislator and sportsman, I can see both sides of the funding debate. Those of us
who enjoy the outdoors have it pretty good in Pennsylvania.
The last time hunting license prices were raised was 1999. The last fishing license
increase occurred in 2005.
Only Hawaii’s hunting license fees are lower than our $25 price tag and Pennsylvania’s
fishing license fee of $22.70 is in line with our neighboring states.
At this point, the necessary legislation has not been introduced. These bills have been
introduced in the Senate in previous sessions. I’m anticipating the same in 2019-20 and am
meeting with Chairman Laughlin to discuss that.
When the PGC and PFBC come before the committee next month, they will no doubt
renew their desire to set their own fees. There will surely also be a threat to discontinue programs
if that doesn’t happen. It is possible the legislation will be in place by that time.
An item of even greater importance that hangs over us is the PGC audit being conducted
by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale. He is looking into the commission’s finances, purchases
of property and buildings and adherence to proper procedures for wildlife management from
2014 through 2017.
The results of that audit are necessary for us to proceed with any corresponding
legislation.
I recently saw a comment that “No branch, agency or public office, or any organization
that receives public funding, should be exempt from this type of scrutiny.”
To quote the PGC website, “Funded primarily by hunting and furtaker license sales; State
Game Lands timber, mineral, and oil/gas revenues; and a federal excise tax on sporting arms and
ammunition; the Commission is almost entirely supported by hunters and trappers, or assets that
have been procured with license dollars.
The commission does not receive state General Fund appropriations. More than half its
annual revenue comes from license sales, a relatively fixed income source.”
Likewise, the PFBC receives no Pennsylvania tax revenue for its programs. Financial
support comes from fishing licenses and fees, federal funds obtained from taxes on
50
fishing-related items, boat registration/titling fees, refunds of liquid fuels taxes on gas used by
motorboats and federal aid.
This is not the first time I’ve used this space to pound the pavement on behalf of the PGC
and PFBC. I’m hoping it is the last time.
Taxpayers have a right to question how their money is being spent. Problem is, this
situation involves no tax dollars. Hunting and fishing are self-sustaining, consumer- driven
activities that amount to big business in Pennsylvania.
While the forthcoming legislation will no doubt have in place legislative oversight to
address possible egregious acts, and maybe even a sunset provision, my trust is in both agencies
to act responsibly when given the right to set the price of a license.
They could easily price themselves right out of business. I don’t think they will.
[Note: All 4 Chairs of the Senate and House Game and Fisheries Committees
“promised” in October to work on proposals to stabilize the financial futures of the Commissions
in 2019. Click Here for more.
[Two of those chairmen are no longer with the committees. There is a new Republican
Chair in the Senate-- Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie)-- and a new Democratic Chair in the House--
Rep. William Kortz (D-Allegheny).]
Rep. Keith Gillespie ( R-York) can be contacted by calling 717-705-7167 or send email to:
kgillesp@pahousegop.com.
NewsClip:
Hayes: Funding Remains Top Fish & Boat Commission Priority In 2019
Related Story:
Introductory Message From New Fish & Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer:
It's Great To Be Back!
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
News From Around The State
Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On DEP Oil & Gas Regulatory Program Jan.
22
The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to

meet on January 22 to hear a presentation on DEP’s
Oil and Gas Management Program by Scott Perry,
Deputy Secretary for Oil and Gas Management.
Perry will provide an overview of the program,
update the Council on key issues and outline some
challenges the program faces, in particular related to
funding.
Also on the agenda is a discussion of the transition
document the Council has been working on which identifies issues of concern Council members
believe should be brought to the attention of Gov. Wolf and the General Assembly at the
beginning of the new session and the Governor’s second term.
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell will provide the Council with an update on agency
51
activities and answer questions from members.
Jerome Shabazz, vice chair of the Council, will be chairing the meeting since Don Welsh
left to take a position with the Environmental Council of the States.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building starting at 10:00.
There is a conference call-in option: 717-612-4788 or 855-734-4390 PIN: 192791
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council
webpage. Questions should be directed to Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or
send email to: ksalador@pa.gov.
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2019]
Water Resources Advisory Committee Meets On Chapt. 102 ePermitting, Alternative To

TMDLs, Small Project Permit, Floodplain Restoration Jan. 24
DEP’s Water Resources Advisory Committee is

scheduled to meet on January 24 to discuss a variety
of issues, including--
-- Chapter 102 ePermitting: An update on the
status of e-permitting for erosion and sedimentation
control permits. Click Here for presentation.
-- Alternative To TMDLs: A presentation on how
the Total Maximum Daily Load watershed plan
process will be changing to include Alternative
Restoration Plans designed to be more effective in
dealing with small agricultural watersheds. Click Here for presentation.
-- NPDES PAG-01 Small Project Permit: A discussion of the NPDES permit for earth
disturbance activities associated with small construction activities which DEP hopes will
simplify the permit process for many development projects.
-- Legacy Sediment Restoration: A presentation on legacy sediment restoration and the results
of the Big Spring Run Project in Lancaster County.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 9:30.
For more information and available handouts, visit the Water Resources Advisory
Committee webpage. Questions should be directed to Diane Wilson, 717-787-3720 or by
sending email to: diawilson@pa.gov.
(Photo: Big Spring Run Floodplain Restoration Project, Lancaster County.)
Related Story:
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2019]
Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Now Accepting Water Quality Improvement, Land
Transaction Grant Applications
The Schuylkill River Greenways National

Heritage Area is now accepting
52
applications for Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants to support local Water Quality
Improvement Projects and Land Transaction grants.
Water Quality
Eligible applicants include government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The
deadline to apply is February 15.
The grants focus on three major sources of pollution: stormwater runoff, agricultural
pollution and abandoned mine drainage.
Land Transaction
The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund is offering matching grants of up to $4,000 per
project to assist with transaction costs for permanent land protection projects (conservation
easements, full fee acquisitions, donations) within the Schuylkill River watershed - the largest
tributary to the tidal Delaware River and Bay.
Applications are due April 18.
The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund was created in 2006 through a unique
public/private partnership between Exelon Nuclear, the Delaware River Basin Commission and
the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.
Click Here for all the details.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Schuylkill
River Greenways National Heritage Area website.
Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meetings Jan. 14, 28,
Feb. 11 In Leesport
Individuals interested in joining Penn

State Extension’s Master Watershed
Steward Program in Berks County can
attend one of three upcoming
information meetings on January 14, 28
or February 11 starting at 6:00 at the
Berks County Ag Center auditorium,
1238 County Welfare Road in Leesport.
Individuals with an interest in the
environment, a willingness to learn
more and a strong desire to make a
difference in the community are
excellent candidates for this program.
To become a Master Watershed
Steward, you must complete 40 hours of training and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service within
the first year.
After becoming certified, you maintain your status by giving at least 20 volunteer hours
and attending at least 10 hours of continuing education annually.
Master Watershed Stewards are volunteers trained to become citizen scientists. They
educate the public about water and perform "boots on the ground" projects to help improve the
water quality in Berks County.
53
Please bring your calendar or schedule to the information meeting. Applications may be
obtained by stopping in to the Berks County Ag Center any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. or by contacting the coordinator, Karin Wulkowicz at 610-378-1327 or by sending email to:
krw42@psu.edu.
Applications may also be picked up at any of the information meetings. Application
deadline is January 31. Applications should be received in the Ag Center office by that date.
No prior watershed knowledge is required. Volunteers will be educated on the subjects
they will need to know.
The Berks County Master Watershed Steward Program is a partnership between Penn
State Extension, Berks County Conservation District, Berks Nature and other environmental
partners.
Click Here to learn more. Questions can be directed to Karin Wulkowicz by calling
610-378-1327 ext. 221 or send email to: krw42@psu.edu.
Master Watershed Steward Programs are now operating in Allegheny, Berks, Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton,
Wyoming and York counties.
To learn more about Master Watershed Steward Programs available in your county or if
you are interested in starting one, visit the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards
webpage. Questions can be directed to Erin Frederick at 610-391-9840 or send email to:
elf145@psu.edu.
(Photo: Berks County Master Watershed Stewards in action.)
Related Stories:
Recovery
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
Schuylkill Conservation District: 44th Sweet Arrow Lake Seedling Sale Now Underway
The Schuylkill County Conservation District and the

Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association are now
accepting orders for the 44th Annual Seedling Sale.
Planting seedlings will increase property value,
enhance wildlife habitat, beautify the landscape,
improve the environment and can provide a source of
income.
54
Click Here for all the details and an order form.
Other Seedling Sales
Many county conservation districts hold similar tree and shrub seedling sales across the
state. Click Here to find your conservation district, courtesy PA Association of Conservation
Districts.
The Game Commission is also accepting seedling orders starting January 7.
Other Schuylkill County Info
The Conservation District also provided more information on these topics--
-- Game Commission Offers 2019 Bird Calendars At Wholesale Prices
-- Now Accepting Entries For 5th Annual Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest
-- Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Student Watershed Expedition Applications Due
-- Tree Tenders Training Offered Online By Penn State Extension
-- Guide For Maintaining Streams In Your Community Available From DEP
-- Schuylkill On The Moving Walking Event Schedule
-- Keep An Eye Out For Spotted Lanternfly
-- PA Riparian Forest Buffer Summit Slated For February
Click Here for more information on these topics and more from the Schuylkill County
Conservation District.
Related Story:
Game Commission Accepting Seedling Orders To Improve Game Habitat Jan. 7, Seedlings For
Schools Feb. 4
PEC Save The Date: May 4 Moshannon State Forest Tree Planting In Clearfield County
The PA Environmental Council and

Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources will celebrate Earth Month by
hosting a tree planting event in
Moshannon State Forest starting in
Penfield, Clearfield County from 9:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The goal of the event is for
volunteers to plant 3,200 trees to help in
reforestation efforts.
Click Here to register for the event online or for more information. Questions should be
directed to Laura Bray by calling 412-481-9400 or send email to: lbray@pecpa.org.
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.
WHYY Airs First Of 8 Stories From The Streams Starting January 7
55
In a thought-provoking and informative series from WHYY TV12, viewers can see how a team
of scientists, educators, and private citizens are working every day to maintain the quality of the
water that sustains 15 million people living in the Delaware River Watershed.
In every episode, Stories From the Streams will follow these remarkable and passionate
people on farms, in science labs, and along the rivers and streams that eventually lead to the
Delaware Bay.
Tune in starting Monday, January 7 to follow Chester County farmer Jamie Hicks, SUEZ
Water Delaware, a Philadelphia Eagle, The Nature Conservancy, Stroud Water Research Center,
and more into the field to see firsthand how state-of-the-art science and pure determination are
helping to restore and protect our most valuable and finite natural resource: fresh water.
Each 2 ½ minute episode will broadcast for two weeks: every night at 10:58 p.m.,
Wednesdays at 7:58 p.m., and during an assortment of other primetime breaks. The episodes will
also air on WHYY’s pledge channel, Y2, at varying times.
Extended episodes can be found on the WHYY website and will launch on January 14.
Stories From the Streams includes eight episodes:
-- Wonders of the Watershed: Discover nature’s perfect way of insuring that rainwater sustains
the planet.
-- Salty Streams: Road salt keeps travelers safe in winter but can pose a serious threat to nearby
streams.
-- Back to Our Roots: Planting trees along a stream can filter out pollutants and dramatically
improve water quality.
-- Saving Soil, Saving Streams: Farmers and scientists work together to maintain the health of
soil and streams.
-- Techno Geeks: With the help of new technology, citizen scientists can monitor the health of
local streams.
-- Stream Fever: Streams that are too warm endanger the habitats of mayflies and other
life-sustaining insects.
-- Straight From the Source: Scientists use advanced tools to track down the source of
potentially harmful contaminants.
-- Fly, Teachers, Fly: A Philadelphia Eagle joins science teachers for an educational adventure
in White Clay Creek!
Stories From the Streams has been made possible by the generous support of Rod and
Alice Moorhead. It was produced by WHYY and The Workshop Content Studios.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to UpStream. Click Here to subscribe to
Stroud’s Educator newsletter. Click Here to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on
Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube
Channel.
(Photo: A TV crew films entomologist Dave Funk in White Clay Creek as he explains the
significance of aquatic insects in determining stream health.)
Registration is now open for the PA Lake Management
56
Society 2019 Annual Conference to be held March 6-7 at the Ramada Conference Center in State
College, Centre County.
Each year the PALMS Board of Directors coordinates a two day conference for those
interested in learning more about pond and lake management.
Whether you are a professional Lake Manager, a member of a Lake Association, a
Chemical Applicator, a student, or simply have a desire to learn more about the state of
Pennsylvania's Lakes, we hope that you will join us.
The 2 day agenda covers a wide range of topics such as invasive aquatic plant
identification and eradication, harmful algal blooms (HABS), case studies of publicly funded
projects and stewardship programs, management or remediation techniques, habitat or fishery
improvement, and chemical application techniques.
Core and Category Credits are available for professional chemical applicators for many
of our presentations.
Every full conference registration also includes one free year of PALMS membership.
Breakfast, lunch, and break refreshments/snacks are also included in the cost of your registration.
Pennsylvania vendors of lake management products, and nonprofit organizations are on
hand to provide information on their products and services as well.
Click Here to register or for more information.
There more than 3,956 lakes, reservoirs and ponds in Pennsylvania covering 161,445
acres (252.2 square miles), according to the Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Lake
Management Society website.
Related Story:
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
PA American Water Works Assn. Now Accepting Registrations For Annual Conference,
Deadline Extended For Presentation Proposals
The PA-American Water Works Association is now

accepting registrations for its 71st Annual Conference
to be held April 16-18 at the Hershey Lodge and
Convention Center in Hershey.
The Conference provides participants with the
opportunity to learn the latest information affecting the
water works industry through workshops and
informative speakers.
It also offers great opportunities for network at several
social events.
Call For Proposals
PA-AWWA has also extended the deadline for submitting conference presentation
proposals to January 25. Click Here to submit a proposal.
To register or for more information, visit the PA-AWWA 71st Annual Conference
webpage.
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
57
AG Shapiro: PA To Receive $8.4 Million Settlement For Fiat Chrysler, Auto Supplier
Robert Bosch Emissions Test Cheating
On January 11, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Fiat

Chrysler and auto supplier Robert Bosch have agreed to pay
$8,415,879 total to Pennsylvania, and more than $171 million to 52
jurisdictions nationwide, for selling or leasing vehicles that
allegedly contained illegal defeat devices which allow vehicles to
pass emissions inspections without actually being compliant.
Bosch allegedly supplied and helped program the illegal
emissions “defeat device” software used by both Fiat Chrysler and
Volkswagen in their diesel vehicles.
“Every step we’re taking is to protect Pennsylvanians’
rights to a clean environment and consumers’ rights to fair deals
when they buy cars in our Commonwealth,” Attorney General
Shapiro said. “Pennsylvanians purchased or leased over 2,600 Fiat
Chrysler vehicles on the promise they were good for the environment and the opposite was true.
This settlement will help deliver justice by making both Fiat Chrysler and Bosch pay up for the
real harms caused by its deceptions and illegal pollution and builds on our efforts to deliver a
cleaner environment for Pennsylvanians.”
Click Here for the full announcement.
[Note: Attorney General Shapiro was successful, joining with Attorneys General in other
states, to get a $30.4 million settlement for Pennsylvania in the Volkswagen emissions cheating
case, but the General Assembly immediate took that money to balance the state’s General Fund
budget.
[This settlement was separate from the $118 million DEP received from the EPA-
Volkswagen emissions cheating settlement which DEP is investing in transportation-related
projects to reduce air pollution through the Driving PA Forward Program.]
NewsClips:
Hurdle: EHB Says DEP Unlawfully Issued Air Quality Permits To Sunoco At Marcus Hook
DEP Must Take Closer Look At Air Quality Permits For Mariner East Liquids Processing
Facility
EHB: State Fouled Up In Issuing Air Quality Permit To Sunoco In Marcus Hook
Frazier: Mon Valley Residents Issued Air Warning From Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
Allegheny County Health Dept. Warns Mon Valley About Air Quality In Wake Of Coke (Coal)
Plant Fire
Allegheny Health Dept Director Defends Response To Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Plant
Advisory
Related Story:
EHB: Air Quality Permit For Natural Gas Liquids Project At Marcus Hook Refinery Unlawful
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
EHB: Air Quality Permit For Natural Gas Liquids Project At Marcus Hook Refinery
Unlawful
58
On January 9, the Environmental Hearing Board issued a
decision rejecting one of the air quality permits for the
natural gas liquids project at the Sunoco Partners
Marketing & Terminals, L.P. facility in Delaware County
in a case brought by the Clean Air Council.
The natural gas liquids would come from the
Mariner East Pipelines.
The EHB ruled the natural gas liquids project was
unlawfully broken up into individual pieces for air
quality permitting purposes which avoided more stringent
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) air
emission reduction requirements.
The Board said separate construction activities at the Marcus Hook facility were really all
part of the same project, the emissions from the entire project must be aggregated to determine if
more stringent PSD requirements are triggered.
The Board sent the air permit back to DEP to re-evaluate how the project should be
permitted.
“The Environmental Hearing Board’s decision is not only a victory for Clean Air
Council, it is a victory for public health and the neighboring communities,” said Joseph Otis
Minott, Executive Director and Chief Counsel for Clean Air Council. “Too often, big industry
players have avoided pollution controls by creating loopholes that jeopardize air quality
protections. Sunoco/ETP has been one of the worst offenders in this regard, time and again
circumventing the rules and putting the public at risk. The Board decision has finally closed this
loophole.”
In the case, Sunoco identified at least 24 different elements to the natural gas liquids
project at the facility. This ruling deals with at least 7 different emission sources, but more could
be covered upon review by DEP.
The Board’s decision enhances existing law by providing detailed guidance on when
multiple related projects should be considered one project in a review of an air permit
application.
The Board said, "Allowing a facility to subdivide a project in any way it sees fit, based on
its business plan or otherwise, would render the regulatory thresholds meaningless. Without
constraints, any project could be divided up in such a way that each divided part falls below the
applicability [of PSD] thresholds.
“There is some evidence of record to show that Sunoco had a plan to develop its facility
in such a way as to deliberately avoid triggering PSD/NSR requirements.
“... [I]t is the combination of factors here that convinces us that Project E should have
been aggregated with the earlier projects. Geographic and temporal proximity, operational
interdependence, and the common plan are all compelling evidence of a single project. Sunoco
and the Department offer little, and nothing persuasive, to convince us otherwise.”
Avoiding the Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements means Sunoco would
avoid installing additional air pollution control measures based on air quality modeling showing
whether the facility would contribution to the deterioration of air quality in the local area.
A Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson said they were still reviewing
59
the ruling to determine if they would appeal. Sunoco could also appeal the decision.
Click Here to review the decision.
(Photo: 24 elements of the natural gas liquids project Sunoco identified at Marcus Hook
Facility.)
NewsClips:
Facility
Related Story:
AG Shapiro: PA To Receive $8.4 Million Settlement For Fiat Chrysler, Auto Supplier Robert
Bosch Emissions Test Cheating
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
DEP Posts Formal Notices Of Permits Issued To Shell Ethane Pipeline
The Department of Environmental Protection posted the formal notices that it has issued water
quality permits for the Shell Ethane Pipeline in Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties in
the January 12 PA Bulletin (page 256).
NewsClips:
Clean Air Council Wins Appeal, Air Quality Permit For Natural Gas Liquids Project At Marcus
Hook Refinery Called Unlawful
Facility
Landslides, Rupture Issues Raise Problems For Hammerhead Gas Pipeline Permit In Southwest
PA, WV
2 Workers Injured On Mariner East 2 Pipeline In Westmoreland County
Related Stories:
Delaware Riverkeeper Appeals Denial Of Challenge To DEP Water Quality Certification For
Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline To U.S. Supreme Court
DCNR Leases Youghiogheny River Streambed Crossing To Chevron For $975,600 In
Allegheny, Westmoreland Counties
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
Delaware Riverkeeper Appeals Denial Of Challenge To DEP Water Quality Certification

For Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline To U.S. Supreme Court
On January 9 the Delaware Riverkeeper Network appealed a federal court denial of a challenge
to DEP's Water Quality Certification for the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court was filed behalf of themselves and
Lancaster Against Pipelines asking the Court to review a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third
Circuit decision that infringes on rights of Pennsylvanians to appeal the issuance of state water
quality certifications for natural gas pipeline projects.
60
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit denied on September 4, 2018 Delaware
Riverkeeper Network’s petition to allow the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board to
review the Pennsylvania Clean Water Act Water Quality Certification awarded to
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. for the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline Project by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection.
In the ruling, the Third Circuit rejected Delaware Riverkeeper Network’s arguments that
the Third Circuit’s review of the water quality certification for the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline
project was premature.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network argued that Pennsylvania’s Environmental Hearing
Board (EHB) should have had jurisdiction first over the certification challenge, and not the Third
Circuit, because the certification is not “final” until the EHB is able to review and rule on it.
The Third Circuit ruled that the Natural Gas Act preempted Pennsylvania’s
administrative review process at the EHB for the water quality certificate.
Currently, there is a circuit split as to whether the Natural Gas Act preempts state
administrative review processes. DRN is hoping that by bringing this case, it will resolve this
conflict, allowing for proper review of state water quality permits issued for projects under the
Natural Gas Act.
“The ability of communities to protect themselves and their environment from the
damaging impacts of fracked gas pipelines is undermined at every turn,” said Maya van Rossum,
the Delaware Riverkeeper. “The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission abuses its authority by
prematurely giving companies the power of eminent domain to take property rights in order to
advance projects that are not yet fully approved, it uses a legal loophole to delay legal challenges
until they are too late to be meaningful, and it renders decisions that undermine the ability of
states to give thorough and meaningful review.
“When people reach out to Congress to urge hearings to investigate and consider
legislative reforms, Congress ignores us; we get nice platitudes at our meetings but no
meaningful action,” said van Rossum. “And when we turn to the courts, they too seem to allow
our constitutional due process rights to be undermined by preventing us from establishing a
meaningful record for review. With this case we are not going to address all of those problems,
but at least maybe we can get a straight answer as to whether or not the states have a meaningful
role in reviewing appeals of their approvals.
“While the Atlantic Sunrise Project has largely been constructed, this case has significant
implications for how and where appeals of future pipeline projects take place, including the state
issued permits for the PennEast Pipeline Project,” explained van Rossum.
In the petition, Delaware Riverkeeper Network states that the Third Circuit ignored
Pennsylvania’s definition of finality with regard to a state issued permit, instead substituting a
federal standard that deprived individuals the opportunity to have the permit reviewed. Such a
process infringes on the rights guaranteed to the states through the Clean Water Act.
DRN also argues that the Third Circuit’s ruling violates the Tenth Amendment by
ignoring state established procedures and laws, violating state’s rights and Pennsylvania’s
administrative process. The petition states:
“In usurping Pennsylvania law, the Third Circuit is, effectively, forcing the
Commonwealth to legislate its administrative scheme to conform with the structure preferred by
the Third Circuit.
If the Commonwealth wants its preferred scheme for review of Department actions and
61
its definition of finality to be respected, the Commonwealth will be required to dissolve the
Board and move its functions back within the Department. This is unconstitutional.”
DRN also points out in the petition that the Third Circuit’s decision is at odds with other
Court decisions, one of which (Township of Bordentown, New Jersey v. Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 903 F.3d 234) upheld the administrative review process in New Jersey.
The petition reads: “In finding this, the Bordentown panel closely analyzed the language
of the Natural Gas Act and held that a state’s administrative proceedings are not “civil actions”
over which the Third Circuit has exclusive jurisdiction…”
“Currently, we have a circuit court split on the issue of whether the federal government
through the Natural Gas Act can run roughshod over the rights of states, and their citizens, when
it comes to environmental protection. Through our petition we hope to fight back, and restore the
due process rights of the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Aaron Stemplewicz,
Senior Attorney at the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
Click Here for a copy of the petition.
NewsClips:
PA, WV
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has executed a lease with Chevron
Appalachia, LLC for a Youghiogheny River streambed crossing in South Versailles and
Elizabeth townships in Allegheny County and Sewickley Township in Westmoreland County for
$975,600.
The streambed tract contains a total of 239.4 acres of submerged lands.
The lease allows the development of oil and natural gas below and between the ordinary
low water marks of the youghiogheny River solely by means of direction, including horizontal,
drilling on a nondevelopment basis that will not disturb the river or its bed.
Click Here for a copy of the lease. Notice of the lease was published in the January 12
PA Bulletin.
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
Covanta Begins Construction Of Ash Processing System In Fairless Hills, Bucks County
62
On January 7, Covanta announced it has started construction of its first Total Ash Processing
System (TAPS) in Fairless Hill, Bucks County adjacent to Covanta's existing metals processing
facility.
The ash plant is designed to process over 400,000 tons of ash from multiple Covanta
Energy-from-Waste facilities, recovering previously untapped value from these waste streams.
TAPS is a unique technology that separates the combined ash from EfW facilities into its
component parts. This enables increased recovery of small metal fractions and the recovery of
aggregate for reuse as construction material, reducing the volume of ash requiring landfill
disposal by as much as 65 percent.
"We have long viewed ash reuse as a major opportunity to enhance our EfW plant
operations while simultaneously opening new markets," said Covanta's President and Chief
Executive Officer, Stephen J. Jones. "TAPS has tremendous potential to increase the
sustainability and economics of our facilities, while generating an attractive return on capital
invested in the system. I am excited about this first project and look forward to its success, which
we see paving the way for additional TAPS facilities to complement our EfW portfolio."
In Pennsylvania, Covanta operates energy-from-waste facilities in Dauphin, Delaware,
Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties and ECOvanta, an electronics waste recycling
operation in Philadelphia.
Agriculture Announces Winners Of Student Spotted Lanternfly Calendar Contest
On January 8, a drawing of the Spotted Lanternfly

titled “Lousy Lanternflies” by Bella Santos, an
eighth-grader at Governor Mifflin Middle School in
Berks County, has been named the grand prize
winner of the Spotted Lanternfly Calendar Contest
organized by the Department of Agriculture.
Selected among 700 entries, this and the other
winning drawings are featured on the cover and
inside of the 2019 calendar produced by the
Department of Agriculture and made available for
free at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show.
“These calendars are a creative way to remind ourselves of the year-round need for
vigilance in fighting the Spotted Lanternfly. Students across the state took the time to use their
talents to bring awareness to the threat the Spotted Lanternfly poses,” said Agriculture Secretary
Russell Redding. “The winners represent a phenomenal cross-section of the entries received. We
thank all of the students who entered, and for their teachers for encouraging them to use their
creativity for good.”
The other winners featured in the calendar include--
-- Miriam Buchanan, grade 2, Alloway Creek Elementary, Littlestown (Adams) 1st in grades
1-2
-- Hudson McKain, grade 3, Moore Elementary, Bath (Northampton) 1st in grades 3-4
-- Elijah Barsoum, grade 5, Reiffton School, Reading (Berks) – 1st in grades 5-6
-- Austin Carson, grade 1, Lampeter Elementary, Lancaster (Lancaster) 2nd in grades 1-2
63
-- Gabrielle Kraatz, grade 4, Penn Bernville Elementary, Bernville (Berks) – 2nd in grades 3-4
-- Nicole Cassell, grade 6, Ephrata Mennonite, Ephrata (Lancaster) – 2nd in grades 5-6
-- Direla Dedic, grade 8, Wilson Middle, Carlisle (Cumberland) – 2nd in grades 7-8
-- Layna Brothers, grade 2, Home Schooled – 3rd in grades 1-2
-- Abigail Fickley, grade 4, Moore Elementary, Bath (Northampton) – 3rd in grades 3-4
-- Audrey Wieand, grade 5, Lampeter Elementary, Lancaster (Lancaster) – 3rd in grades 5-6
-- Alina Hernandez, grade 7, Upper Merion Middle, King of Prussia (Montgomery) – 3rd in
grades 7-8
The contest was open to students in grades 1 through 8, and entries were evaluated on
creativity and effectively communicating the ways Pennsylvanians can identify and help
eliminate Spotted Lanternfly.
Find out more about Spotted Lanternfly, visit Agriculture’s Spotted Lanternfly, the
USDA Lanternfly and the Penn State Extension webpages.
(Photo: Grand Prize Winner “Lousy Lanternflies” by Bella Santos, an eighth-grader at
Governor Mifflin Middle School in Berks County.)
NewsClips:
Berks County Student Wins Grand Prize In Spotted Lanternfly Drawing Contest
3 Lancaster County Students Winners In Spotted Lanternfly Drawing Contest
Related Story:
DCNR: New Wild Plant Regulations Now In Place In PA, What You Can Do To Help Native
Plants, Pollinators
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
Brandywine Conservancy Receives $1.5 Million Grant To Preserve 569 Acres In Chester,
Lancaster Counties
On January 9, the Brandywine Conservancy

announced it has been awarded a $1.5 million grant
from the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources to be used towards the acquisition of a
569-acre natural area along the Octoraro Creek in
Lower Oxford and West Nottingham Townships,
Chester County.
This area is a portion of the 952-acre Glenroy Farm
property that spans Chester and Lancaster Counties.
The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to work with the
landowner to permanently protect the entire property
through purchase and agricultural easements.
The $1.5 million from DCNR will be used to match an already approved $3 million
multi-year grant from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program.
Eventually the 569-acre natural area will be transferred to and managed by the Oxford
Area Foundation. OAF will manage it as a passive preserve with five miles of trails mostly along
the Octoraro Creek.
“When completed, this project will help create 6,739 acres of contiguous preserved lands
in the Octoraro watershed,” said Ellen Ferretti, Director of the Brandywine Conservancy. “This
64
exceptional land, which is predominantly forested, will not only offer 2.1 miles of protected
frontage along the Octoraro Creek—a tributary of the Susquehanna River—and vital habitat to
woodland flora and fauna, but will also provide public recreational opportunities in a magnificent
setting for the community. We are grateful to all of our partners and to the property owners
whose goal was to find a way to keep the land as it is today, forever.”
“Southern Chester County is home to some of the last bastions of agricultural and rural
open space in the region,” said Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester). “It is crucial that we
successfully seize opportunities, like this one, to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places
for perpetuity. Public-private partnerships have been essential to our efforts and I am thankful for
the ongoing work of the Brandywine Conservancy in protecting and conserving our natural
treasures for generations to come.”
The Brandywine Conservancy also assisted the landowner in applying for and securing
agricultural preservation funding to preserve the 220 acres of farmland on the property.
“We are always pleased to see farms of this caliber enter our program,” said Geoff
Shellington, Interim Director of the Chester County Open Space Preservation Program.
The Brandywine Conservancy is seeking additional funds to meet the acquisition price
with a desired completion by 2021 for the remaining lands in Chester County and an additional
156 acres of farmland along the Octoraro Creek in Lancaster County.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine
Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle
of the webpage.) Visit the Conservancy’s Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow
them on Instagram.
DCNR: New Wild Plant Regulations Now In Place In PA; What You Can Do To Help
Native Plants, Pollinators
On January 9, Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced
new regulations that apply to the conservation of native
wild plants in Pennsylvania are now final. (Dec. 22 PA
Bulletin, page 7757)
“There are many more species of plants in the world
than there are animals, and the mission of DCNR’s
Bureau of Forestry includes conserving native wild
plants” Dunn said. “Pennsylvania is home to about
3,000 plant species -- about two-thirds of those are considered native to the Commonwealth, and
347 of them are currently considered rare, threatened, or endangered.”
Pennsylvania’s wild plant classifications includes rare, threatened and endangered, as
well as others such as vulnerable, extirpated, tentatively undetermined and special population.
The updates to the list include: 9 plants were added, 9 plants moved from a lower
classification to a higher one, 2 plants were downgraded, 31 plants were removed from the list
and the scientific names were changed for 79 species.
The department will continue working to maintain an updated list of classified plants in
Pennsylvania by obtaining scientific information and classification recommendations from the
65
public and experts across the state.
DCNR supports the newly formed Pennsylvania Plant Conservation Network, which will
focus on the stewardship of rare plants on private lands and outreach on the importance of plants.
That work will be spearheaded by Pennsylvania Plant Conservation Network Coordinator Kristi
Allen.
DCNR has reviewed more than 20 years of field and taxonomic data to make these
regulation updates.
The department receives plant data, information, and classification recommendations
from the Pennsylvania Biological Survey’s (PABS) Vascular Plant Technical Committee, which
is comprised of professional botanists.
DCNR also receives input from a public forum of the committee -- the Rare Plant Forum;
which is attended by 50-80 amateur and professional botanists from across the state.
How Plants Become Threatened
Many factors can threaten populations of plants and cause them to become rare. Some of
the most common threats to plants in Pennsylvania include:
-- Habitat loss and fragmentation, due to climate change, development, or conversion of habitat
-- Invasive plants displacing native plants
-- Creation of more edge habitat, increasing the threat of invasive plant species
-- Selective browsing by white-tailed deer or other wildlife may prevent plants from reproducing
-- Over-collection by people.
This list of plants is used as part of the review process for DEP environmental permits
and will, when finalized, be incorporated into the PA Natural Diversity Inventory and DCNR’s
online permit review and planning tool Conservation Explorer.
How You Can Help
There are some things everyone can do to help native wild plants:
-- Don’t pick native wild plants. Picking flowers means the plant will not go to seed. Take
pictures, but leave the flowers in their habitats.
-- Do not remove plants from the wild to plant at home. They generally will not survive and
removing them hurts their natural populations.
-- Don’t plant invasives and remove them at home. This will prevent their spread to other areas.
-- Plant natives in your yard, and ask for them at the garden center.
For more information about the rulemaking and wild plants, visit DCNR’s Wild Plants,
Rare, Threatened & Endangered Plants, Wild Plant Sanctuaries, Invasive Plants, Plant
Community Classification, Landscaping With Native Plants webpages.
Native Plant Resources
There are lots of resources available to help property owners landscape with native
plants, and now is the best time to start planning for Spring projects. Here are just of a few of
the resources available--
-- DCNR Landscaping With Native Plants
-- Game Commission: Common Beneficial Plants Found In Wildlife Habitat
-- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Native Plants For Wildlife Habitat And Conservation
Landscaping
-- Chesapeake Bay Sustainable Landscape Professional Directory
-- Brandywine Conservancy: Forested Riparian Buffer Planting Guide
-- Audubon PA: Bird Habitat Recognition Program
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-- National Audubon: Native Plants Database
-- Xerces Society For Invertebrate Conservation
-- Gardening For Butterflies: Penn State Extension
-- Planting For Pollinators: Penn State Extension
-- Center For Pollinator Research, Penn State
-- Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan - Learn Why Pollinators Are At Risk In PA
-- Ernst Seeds - Pollinator Habitat Restoration
-- Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
You can also check with land trusts, watershed groups, PA Audubon and Trout Unlimited
Chapters, county conservation districts or other groups near you to see how they can help.
Related Stories:
Senate Hearing: Non-Native, Invasive Plant Species And Preserving Pollinators
Manada Conservancy Offers Native Plant Landscape Design Service [Recommended]
Feature: Recognizing The Value Of Native Plants For Pollinators - Dr. Doug Tallamy
Agriculture, Penn State Release PA Pollinator Protection Plan Recommendations
Pollinator Population Is Going Down In PA Due To Pesticides, Parasites And Pathogens
Sen. Yudichak, Cong. Barletta, Author Caroline Jones Celebrate The Launch Of We Saved The
Bees And The Butterflies Children's Book
Related Story This Week:
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
Pocono Arts Council Accepting Entries For The Earth Speaks V: A Juried Exhibition On
The Environmental Crisis
The Pocono Arts Council, along with several

local partners, will host “The Earth Speaks V:
A Juried Exhibition on the Environmental
Crisis,” in Spring 2019 at the Dunning Art
Gallery, Northampton Community College
Monroe Campus, Tannersville.
The Council is now accepting entries for the
exhibition through February 8.
“The Earth Speaks V” is a regional open call
for work that focuses the public’s attention on
the gravity of environmental issues. Artists
from the following states are invited to enter:
ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, VA,
MD, DE, DC. Click Here to download the
prospectus and enter online.
Background
The show, now in its fifth year, grew out of past Pocono Arts Council board president
Mark Lichty’s deepening concern for the climate crisis currently affecting our planet.
Explaining the focus of the show, Lichty states that “Art has always been a powerful
vehicle for raising consciousness, and this exhibit hopes to bring to light our growing awareness
67
of a crisis we can no longer ignore.”
Local partners include Northampton Community College Monroe Campus, Monroe
County Conservation District, and East Stroudsburg University.
The juror for the show is Harry C. Tabak from New Paltz, NY, whose early work reflects
his bond to nature through his landscape paintings.
For nearly two decades, Tabak’s art reflects a social commentary with an emphasis on
environmental issues. He began to explore sculpture as a medium in 2001, utilizing found natural
materials, creating the basis for his current experiments often described as “three dimensional
drawings.”
His compositions include wood, stone, glass, discarded broken materials, as well as
metallic objects. Tabak studied Painting and Sculpture at The Art Students League of New York
and attended Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY.
There is no limit to the number of entries. Students are encouraged to enter. Student: $15
for first two entries, $10 for each additional entry; Adult (PoconoArts Member): $20 for first two
entries, $15 for each additional entry; Adult (Non-member): $30 for first two (2) entries, $25 for
each additional entry.
Notification of accepted entries, on or around February 15. Winning entries should arrive
at the Dunning Art Gallery on or before March 28.
The Earth Speaks V Exhibition will run from April 6-May 28, 2019. There is an Exhibit
Reception at the Dunning Art Gallery April 27.
More than $1,000 in cash awards are available in a variety of mediums including 2-D,
3-D, Photography, and Printmaking. Awards include: $250 Juror’s Choice Award: $250 Kay &
Girard Lichty Climate Crisis Award; $100 Otto Grever Printmaking Award; $100 3-D Award,
$100 2-D Award; $100 Photography Award; $100 ARTSPACE Gallery Student Award; and $50
Origins Gallery Award.
To cover exhibition fees and support artist expression, the Pocono Arts Council is
seeking sponsorships for “The Earth Speaks V” from local businesses and community members
at a minimum $250 level of support. Click Here for all the details.
For further information, call 570-476-4460 or send email to: info@poconoarts.org.
Founded in 1975, the Pocono Arts Council is the oldest and most established local arts
service organization in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania.
It serves as a “Chamber of Commerce” or umbrella organization for artists and arts
organization in all disciplines, as well as the resident and tourist populations of the area.
Its motto, Culture Builds Community, highlights PoconoArts mission of art service,
promotion, education and advocacy.
Meet Aneca Atkinson Serving As Acting DEP Deputy For Water Programs
The Department of Environmental Protection named Aneca Atkinson

as Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Program to replace Tim
Schaeffer who moved to the Fish and Boat Commission as Executive
Director.
Atkinson has been with DEP since June 2007 as an environmental
engineer for several water permitting programs, including stormwater
68
construction permitting.
Aneca began working at DEP more than 10 years ago in the Southeast Regional Office as
a permit reviewer in the Waterways and Wetlands Program, and was chief of the Stormwater
Construction Section in the Bureau of Clean Water before taking on Program Integration.
She most recently served as Director of the Bureau of Program Integration which is
responsible for evaluating statewide program implementation and maintenance for consistency,
effectiveness and efficiency.
Prior to joining DEP, Aneca worked for Boucher & James, Inc., an engineering firm in
Southeast Pennsylvania
She has a Masters Degree in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from
Villanova University and a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Smith College.
[Posted: Jan. 10, 2019]
Introductory Message From New Fish & Boat Commission Executive Director Tim
Schaeffer: It's Great To Be Back!
Timothy D. Schaeffer, the new Executive Director of the

Fish and Boat Commission, penned this introductory
message that appeared in the January/February
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine, along with a great
photo of his 2 sons Erik and Kurt enjoying the water--
It is great to be back. As a bit of background, I worked at

the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) from
April 2008 until December 2017 before leaving to serve at
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(PA DEP).
When people asked why I went to work at PA DEP and
why I returned to PFBC, the answer is the same—to make the biggest difference possible in the
conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
That is my reason for getting into this field in the first place, and the chance to serve the
Commonwealth in my current capacity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a team of
talented, dedicated professionals and volunteers who believe in the agency’s mission to protect,
conserve, and enhance aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.
Some of the hallmarks of a good mission statement are that it is concise, easy to
remember and captures the essence of the agency. Ours certainly meets those criteria, and we
implement it while keeping the Resource First.
Thank you to the Board of Commissioners for entrusting me with the implementation of
that mission.
During the interview process, I was asked about my vision for the future of PFBC. I will
repeat what I told the Commissioners.
It can be broken down into complementary categories: one is related to its employees and
another is connected to how the agency serves the resources and people with whom it interacts.
The ultimate success of PFBC—and of any organization— lies in the strength of its
workforce.
69
My vision is of PFBC staff members who possess expertise in their respective fields, are
equipped with the financial resources and tools to carry out their jobs, have a clear direction
about the priorities of the organization, and who feel they are valued by the agency.
I envision and am committed to a culture in which they feel motivated to come to work
every day.
Thank you to PFBC’s staff for everything they do and for the opportunity to become a
member of their team. They work diligently both in the public eye and behind the scenes, and it
is a real honor and privilege to be working alongside them to identify and advance the agency’s
conservation, recreation and public safety priorities on behalf of Pennsylvania’s anglers, boaters
and aquatic resources.
On the outside, I see other agencies, legislators, sportsmen’s and conservation groups,
citizens, and businesses looking to PFBC as a trusted source for science-based data about the
aquatic resources it serves.
I envision fish, reptiles and amphibians being protected by data-driven decisions and
first-rate Waterways Conservation Officers and Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers who
enforce natural resource laws and continue to be leaders in aquatic resource conservation, water
rescue and boating safety.
I see anglers and boaters relying on and recognizing the role of PFBC in providing
quality recreational experiences that are supported by nationally recognized fishing and boating
opportunities and well-maintained infrastructure.
These visions are connected and will result in the continuation of an independent PFBC
that is relevant, respected and sustainable.
As part of the application process, I was also asked about my leadership style. I told the
Commissioners that one of the guiding principles I use at work and in life is to assume good
intentions.
In an era of increasing cynicism, people often default to negative assumptions about why
someone is or is not doing something.
This should not be confused with being naïve; rather, it means starting from a position of
understanding why another person may be taking a course of action and working toward a
mutually beneficial solution.
With that underlying assumption as a backdrop, I will work as hard and as diligently as
possible each day to advance PFBC’s mission.
To close this introductory message, please accept this sincere thank you to you and every
other angler, boater and person who cares about Pennsylvania’s incredible outdoor world and for
being a part of what we do.
You and your passion for the resource sustain the momentum for conservation at a time
when competing activities and demands distract many away from what makes Pennsylvania such
a special place.
It is a real pleasure to be back with the agency and to have the chance to work with you.
For more information about programs, educational resources, grants and initiatives of the
agency, visit the Fish and Boat Commission website. Click Here to buy your fishing license to
support Commission programs. Click Here to get on Commission social media, get the
Commission app and to receive press releases.
Related Story:
Op-Ed: Game, Fish & Boat Commissions Have Earned The Right To Set Their Own Fees - Rep.
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Keith Gillespie, Majority Chair, House Game & Fisheries Committee
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2019]
Game Commission To Recruit New Game Warden Class
On January 8, the Game Commission announced it is

recruiting the 32nd class of State Game Warden Cadets
at its Ross Leffler School of Conservation in
Harrisburg.
The State Civil Service Commission on or about
January 28 will post a job announcement for and begin
accepting applications from prospective cadets, under
the official application title of “wildlife conservation
officer” through www.employment.pa.gov.
The application period will remain open until
Feb. 23, or until 1,000 applications are received,
whichever occurs first.
The Game Commission is seeking up to 35 qualified candidates who have genuine
interest in becoming State Game Wardens.
The class will report for training in March 2020 and graduate in 2021.
Applications will be accepted only online.
For more information about the position and how to apply to become a State Game
Warden Cadet, visit the Game Commission’s Careers and Volunteers webpage.
Interns Wanted: Department Of Environmental Protection Looking For Summer Interns
The Department of Environmental Protection is looking for summer interns. College students
with science, engineering, biology, communications, other backgrounds are needed. Apply now!
Deadline March 1. Click Here for all the details and positions available.
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2019]
Help Wanted: PA Federation Of Sportsmen & Conservationists Executive Director
The PA Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists is seeking qualified candidates for the
full-time position of Executive Director.
The Federation is looking for a visionary leader dedicated to executing an innovative
strategic plan based on the organization's mission, vision, goals and policies; represent the
organization with stakeholders, resource agencies and the Pennsylvania legislature; market the
organization; expand membership; and oversee fundraising activities.
Click Here for all the details and how to apply.
Help Wanted: Landforce Work Readiness Manager In Pittsburgh
71
Pittsburgh-based Landforce is seeking qualified candidates for a Work Readiness Manager to
work closely with Landforce crew members to assess current career skills, interests, and
aptitudes and assist them to set career path goals including training or employment.
In addition, the Work Readiness Manager will work with crew members to identify
employment barriers and connect them to social/supportive services available to ensure they can
accomplish significant career development milestones towards these goals.
Click Here for all the details. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and
resume to Director of Workforce Development Tiffany Mrotek by sending email to:
tiffany@landforcepgh.org. Estimated start date is March 1.
Related Stories:
Landforce 2017 Annual Report:13,000 Hours Of Land Stewardship Work, Constructed,
Maintained 26 Miles Of Trails
The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh
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.

Philly Managing Director Mike DeBerardinis, Fmr DCNR Secretary To Retire
In Memoriam: Sen. Ted Erickson, Environmental, Community Leader From Delaware County
Editorial RIP To A Delco Giant, Public Servant & Gentleman, Sen. Ted Erickson
Politics
Chairs
Click Here for a Week’s Worth Of Political NewsClips
Air
Facility
Frazier: Mon Valley Residents Issued Air Warning From Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
Allegheny County Health Dept. Warns Mon Valley About Air Quality In Wake Of Coke (Coal)
Plant Fire
72
Allegheny Health Dept Director Defends Response To Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Plant
Advisory
Alternative Fuels
Letter: Electric Cars Are Good For The Environment
Awards & Recognition
Harvest Home Farms In Northampton County Receives Sand County Foundation Pennsylvania
Leopold Conservation Award
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
DCNR: New Wild Plant Regulations Now In Place In PA, What You Can Do To Help Native
Plants, Pollinators
Budget
Budget, Severance Tax, Opioid Issues On Lawmakers’ Agendas
Editorial: Court Decision On Drilling Impact Fees Validates Severance Tax
Chesapeake Bay
Recovery
73
Calculated
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Citizen Action
Berks County Master Watershed Steward Volunteer Information Meetings Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
In Leesport
Berks County Master Watershed Steward Information Meeting January 14
Climate
Litvak, Legere: Wolf Sets Target Of Slashing PA’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution 80% By 2050
Sisk: Wolf Sets Goal For PA To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
AP-Levy: Wolf To Set Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals For Pennsylvania
System
Letter: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals Are Meaningless Without Taking More Action
Editorial: New State Climate Goals Doable
Editorial: Attacking Climate Change With Cap-And-Trade In PA Good Start
Thing?
Letter: Casey Should Support Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend Act In Congress
Letter: Support Bipartisan Energy Innovation Act In Congress
Letter: It’s Time For A Carbon Fee With A Dividend
Letter: Beware The Snake Oil Of Cap And Trade
U.S. Carbon Emissions Surged In 2018 Even As Coal-Fired Power Plants Closed
Carbon Emissions Up As Trump Agenda Rolls Back Climate Change Work
U.S. Power Sector Carbon Emissions Jump As Gas Boom Outpaces Coal Decline
Coal Mining
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Underground Coal Mining Could Cause Section Of I-70 To Settle 2 to 5 Feet In Some Areas
Monroe, Luzerne County Natives Bring Life To Knox Mine Disaster Documentary
NRDC: Wind and Solar Are Final Nails In Coal’s Coffin
Delaware River
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 11 RiverWatch Video Report
Drinking Water
Westmoreland Authority Water Rates To Remain Same In 2019-20
Economic Development
Study: Recreational Visits To State Forest System Alone Generates Over $720 Million Annually
For PA Economy
Education
Chatham University’s Arboretum Glorious No Matter The Weather
Emergency Response
NWS: Tornado Touched Down In Mercer County On Tuesday
Energy
Columbia Opening Warming Centers After Cutting Off Service In Donora
Columbia Gas Outage In Donora, Warming Centers Set Up
AP: Columbia Gas Halts Service To About 1,700 In Southwest PA To Perform Maintenance
Columbia Gas Restores Service To 350 York County Customers After 2-Day Outage For Safety
Checks
Editorial: More Should Be Done To Help Those Without Heat
Hershey Neighbors Shocked By 70-Foot Utility Poles, Fight PPL
Federal Energy Agencies Roll Thru Shutdown While EPA, Interior Stalled
10 Trends Shaping The Electric Power Sector In 2019
Fossil Generators Ask U.S. Supreme Court To Review State Nuclear Subsidies
U.S. EIA: Renewable Generation Additions Expected To Far Outpace Gas
US EIA: Renewables, Natural Gas Will Power Most New Electric Generation Capacity In 2019
Environmental Heritage
Monroe, Luzerne County Natives Bring Life To Knox Mine Disaster Documentary
Farming
75
PA Women Forging Their Own Path Into Agriculture
How Trump’s Trade War Is Hurting Pennsylvania Farmers
USDA Delays Deadline For Farmer Aid To Offset Tariff Losses Due To Shutdown
Routine Food Inspections Halted By Govt. Shutdown
Federal Superfund
Work At Federal Superfund Sites Suspended During Govt. Shutdown
Flooding
Volunteers Take On Massive Cleanup Of Flood Debris In Otter Creek In York County (Photos)
Record Rain Brought Pain Throughout Southwest PA
Crunched Cars, Boats, Debris Still Choke Otter Creek Months After Flood In York County
Thing?
Forests
For PA Economy
Blair County Residents Uneasy Over Penn State Seminar Forest Rezoning Plan
Chatham University’s Arboretum Glorious No Matter The Weather
Forests - Wildfires
Trump Threatens To Cut Of FEMA Aid To California For Wildfires
Trump, California Spar Over Money For Wildfire Relief Funds
Geologic Hazards
Sewickley Twp Work Continues To Repair Road, Landslides From 2018
Green Infrastructure
76
Calculated
DEP Awards 3 Grants Totaling $482,022 In Erie County To Reduce Agricultural, Stormwater
Runoff Pollution
Hazardous Substances
River Ward Residents Want Philadelphia, Others To Protect Kids From Lead In Soil
Activists, Community Groups Test For Lead In Philadelphia
Land Conservation
Brandywine Conservancy Receives $1.5Million Grant To Preserve 569 Acres In Chester,
Lancaster County
2 Properties With Brook Trout Will Be Protected In Williams Twp, Northampton County
Land Use Planning
Blair County Residents Uneasy Over Penn State Seminar Forest Rezoning Plan
Littering/Illegal Dumping
KPB: Over 13,000 Volunteers Collected 523,855 Pounds Of Trash During 2018 International
Coastal Cleanup Of PA
Keep PA Beautiful: Sign Ups Start Jan. 15 For Great American Cleanup Of PA
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Facility
2 New Shale Gas Drilling Sites Proposed In Upper Burrell
Editorial: Court Decision On Drilling Impact Fees Validates Severance Tax
77
Columbia Gas Customers In Donora Still Don’t Have Heat
Columbia Gas Outage In Washington County Uncomfortable But Not Unbearable
Columbia Opening Warming Centers After Cutting Off Service In Donora
Columbia Gas Outage In Donora, Warming Centers Set Up
AP: Columbia Gas Halts Service To About 1,700 In Southwest PA To Perform Maintenance
Columbia Gas Restores Service To 350 York County Customers After 2-Day Outage For Safety
Checks
Editorial: Columbia Gas Must Be Transparent About Reasons For Shutting Off Service To 1,700
Customers
Lack Of Report Stymies Upper Burrell Drilling Permit Appeal In Westmoreland Court
EQT Confirms Layoffs But Details Are Scant
EQT Assures Investors Management Is Up To The Challenge After Layoffs
Ohio Regulatory Approvals Bring 2nd Cracker Plant In Region Closer To Reality
Oil & Gas Industry Urges End To Shutdown, Trump’s Trade War
Trump Administration Reopens Dept. Of Interior Office That Issues Oil & Gas Permits
Permitting
Pipelines
Facility
PA, WV
Radiation Protection
Nuclear Power Advocate Asks Washington County Commissioners For Resolution Of Support
Fossil Generators Ask U.S. Supreme Court To Review State Nuclear Subsidies
Recreation
For PA Economy
Jan. 11 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Laurel Ridge State Park To Grow By 281 Acres Thanks To Land Purchase
78
History Of Phipps Conservatory In Pittsburgh Begins With A Gentlemen’s Agreement
Amphitheater, River Hammock Part Of Proposed Expansion of Columbia River Park
Editorial: Taping Columbia’s Riverfront Potential - Lancaster County
Crable: Drone’s Eye View Of New Warwick To Ephrata Rail Trail
Schneck: 15 Unique Cabins For A Winter Getaway In PA
Conewago Canoe Club Offers Paddling Adventures In York County, Beyond
Basketball To Resurface After Long Absence At Williamsport Park
Letter: Bicyclists Should Warn Tax Subsidies For Environmental, Health Benefits
National Park Service Begins Using Entrance Fees To Keep Operating
3 Dead In National Parks As Partial Govt. Shutdown Wears On
3 Dead In National Parks As Shutdown Wears On
Op-Ed: Keeping U.S. National Parks Open During The Shutdown Is A Terrible Mistake
Recycling/Waste
Philadelphia Now Burns 50% Of Its Recyclable Due To Shifting Global Market
Letter: Recycling Remains Necessary
For Ghana E-Waste Recyclers, A Safer Option Amid Toxic Fumes
Covanta Begins Construction Of Ash Processing System In Fairless Hills, Bucks County
9 York County Classrooms To Learn About Turning Trash Into Energy
Officials Look At Possible Uses For Materials Dredged From Erie Harbor
Renewable Energy
Schuylkill River
Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Now Accepting Water Quality Improvement, Land
Transaction Grant Applications
Stormwater
Wastewater Facilities
Scranton Sewer Authority Settles Easement Case For $46,000
Watershed Protection
79
Recovery
Gov. Wolf Announces $3 Million In Grants For Stream Restoration, Floodplain Restoration,
Fish Habitat Improvement Projects In 7 Counties
Berks County Master Watershed Steward Volunteer Information Meetings Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
In Leesport
Berks County Master Watershed Steward Information Meeting January 14
Calculated
Op-Ed: We All Depend On Clean Water - Chestnut Ridge Chapter Of Trout Unlimited
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 11 RiverWatch Video Report
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Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Wildlife
Introductory Message From New Fish & Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer:
It's Great To Be Back!
Op-Ed: We All Depend On Clean Water - Chestnut Ridge Chapter Of Trout Unlimited
Western PA Audubon Installing Bins To Recycle Fishing Line In Allegheny County
Award-Winning Film About Fly-Fishing Legend Joe Humphreys To Make State College Debut
Jan. 18
2 Properties With Brook Trout Will Be Protected In Williams Twp, Northampton County
Lake Erie Moment: Angling For Steelhead On Elk Creek
Sen. Laughlin Takes Another Run At Sunday Hunting In PA
Reilly: Ideas To Improve PA Deer Hunting: Sunday Hunting
Survey Of Ross Residents Finds Pockets Of Problems Caused By Deer In Allegheny County
Gray Catbirds, Rare For This Time Of Year, Continue To Be Seen In Edinboro
Erie Nature Watch: Have You Seen A Saw-Whet Or Snowy Owl?
National Aviary In Pittsburgh Introduces Golden Eagle To Public
Schneck: When Is The Great American Outdoor Show?
Game Commission To Recruit New Game Warden Glass
Editorial: Japan Should Abandon Commercial Whaling
Other
Lack Of Snow Disrupts Rhythms Of Erie Winter
Federal Policy
Trump Poised To Nominate Wheeler As Permanent EPA Administrator
U.S.. House Votes To Reopen Interior, EPA As Shutdown Fight Wages On
Kummer: Work In Philly’s EPA Office Stalls During Government Shutdown
Americans’ Health At Risk As Shutdown Slashes EPA
Work At Federal Superfund Sites Suspended During Govt. Shutdown
Routine Food Inspections Halted By Govt. Shutdown
Trump Administration Reopens Dept. Of Interior Office That Issues Oil & Gas Permits
Op-Ed: I’m A Furloughed USGS Worker In PA, Washington Needs To Stop Using Us As Pawns
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.
81
Note: DEP published the 2019 schedules of its advisory committees, councils and board
meetings in the Dec. 10 PA Bulletin, page 7708.
January 12-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. 10:00 to 1:00, Click
Here for more.
January 14-- NEW. Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meeting.
Berks County Ag Center Auditorium, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00.
January 15-- Inauguration Day For Gov. Wolf, Lt. Gov. Fetterman
January 16-- 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: 642 304 985. Click Here for
more on the meeting agenda.
January 16-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Zoning Ethics, Overview Of
Zoning And Land Development Plan Process. Noon to 1:15.
January 17-- Agenda Posted. DEP Mining & Reclamation Advisory Board meeting &
Regulatory, Legislative & Technical Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
8:30 (Committee), 10:00 (Board). A conference call option will also be available. DEP Contact:
Daniel Snowden, 717-783-8846 or dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
January 17-- Stroud Water Research Center. Farm Credit. Healthy Soil, Healthy Water Film
About Local Farmers Improving Their Bottom Lines. Stroud Water Research Center, 970
Spencer Road, Avondale, Chester County. 6:00.
January 18-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: What Citizens Need To Know About Climate
Change. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30 to
1:00.
January 19-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Schisler Museum Naturalist Hike - Students,
Adults. East Stroudsburg University, Monroe County. 1:00- Students, 3:00- Adults
January 22-- Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or
ksalador@pa.gov. Click Here for more on agenda items.
January 23-- Agenda Posted. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting.
12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Nancy Herb,
717-783-9269 or nherb@pa.gov.
January 23-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Council meeting. Room 105
82
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie, 717-772-9084 or send email
to: gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice)
January 24-- Agenda Posted. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3720 or diawilson@pa.gov.
Click Here for more on agenda items.
January 24-- Agenda Posted. DEP Aggregate Advisory Board Regulatory, Legislative &
Technical Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
Conference call option: 1-650-479-3208 Access Code: 642 489 443 Password: Envi$ci1000.
DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-783-8846 or dsnowden@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
January 24-- Penn State Extension, Partners Online Tree Tender Training. First of weekly
sessions through March 7. Noon, 7:00.
January 26-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. Noon to 1:00. Click
Here for more.
January 27-30-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. 2019 Delaware Estuary Science &
Environmental Summit. Cape May, NJ.
January 28-- NEW. Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meeting.
Berks County Ag Center Auditorium, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00.
January 29-- StateImpact PA Public Climate Forum On A Zero Carbon Future. Energy
Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh. 6:15 to 8:30.
January 30-- DEP Open House/Hearing On Specialty Granules, LLC NPDES Water Quality
Permit for a Mining Operation In Adams County. Fairfield Fire and EMS Building, 106
Steelman Street, Fairfield. 6:00
January 30-- DCNR Webinar On Applying For Recreation, Conservation, Trail and Riparian
Buffer Grants. 10:00 to 11:30.
January 31-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or dhissner@pa.gov.
February 2-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. 10:00 to 1:00. Click
Here for more.
February 5- Governor’s Budget Address.
February 5-6-- Monroe, Pike Conservation Districts Hold Water Quality Permitting, Green
Infrastructure, Invasive Species Workshop. Keystone Hall and Gallery, Room 202, Northampton
Community College - Monroe Campus, 2411 Rte. 715, Tannersville.
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February 6-- Penn State Extension Woods In Your Backyard Webinar Series Starts. 7:00 to
8:00 p.m.
February 6-8-- Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center. PA In The Balance Conference
On Farm Conservation. Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
February 6-9-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Sustainable

Agriculture Conference. Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster.
February 7-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Is 100% Renewable Energy The Answer To
Climate Change?. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg.
11:30 to 1:00.
February 11-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Independent Fiscal
ouse Republican
Office. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
Caucus website.
February 11-- NEW. Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information
Meeting. Berks County Ag Center Auditorium, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00.
February 12-13-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators.

Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin,
Dauphin County. Click Here to register.
February 13-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State Treasurer, 1:00-
Auditor General, 3:00- Attorney General. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically
ouse Republican Caucus website.
webcast through the H
February 14-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of

Environmental Protection, 1:00- Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
February 19-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10::00- Dept. of

Revenue/Lottery, 1:00- Independent Fiscal Office, 3:00- Public Utility Commission. Hearing
Room 1, North Office Building.
February 20-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Geodesign: Using Data
Transparency And Community Voices For Enhanced Land Use Planning. Noon to 1:15.
February 20-21-- DCNR, Western PA Conservancy. PA Riparian Forest Buffer Summit. Best
Western Premier Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg.
February 21-- PA Resources Council. Zero Waste Pennsylvania. Green Building Alliance. True
84
Zero Waste Symposium. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh. 8:00 to 3:00.
February 21-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- State Police/Homeland
Security, 3:00- PA Emergency Management Agency/Fire Commissioner. Hearing Room 1,
North Office Building.
February 22-- Foundation for Sustainable Forests. French Creek Valley Conservancy. Woods &
Waters Film Series. Erie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 11296 Wood Duck Lance,
Guys Mills, Crawford County. 6:30.
February 24-25-- PA Environmental Council, PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers.
Statewide Watershed Connections Conference. State College.
February 25-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State

Police/Homeland Security, 3:00- Dept. of Health. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 25-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
February 26-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of

Transportation, 3:00- Dept. of General Services. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Community &
Economic Development. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the
House Republican Caucus website.
February 27-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Health.
Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
February 27-- DCNR Webinar On Applying For Statewide and Regional Partnership Grants.
10:00 to 11:30.
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 2-- PA Wilds. Retailers, Producers, Public 3rd Annual PA Wilds Buyer’s Market.
Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room, Clarion University.
March 4-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Education.
Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website.
March 4-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of Conservation &
85
Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 5-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Agriculture.
Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website.
March 5-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Ebensburg Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Margaret Scheloske, 724-404-3143,
mscheloske@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
March 5-6-- Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance. Healthcare Industry Forum On Energy
Efficiency. Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College, Centre County.
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Governor’s Budget
ouse
Secretary. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
Republican Caucus website.
March 6-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Agriculture.
Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 6-7-- NEW. PA Lake Management Society Conference. Ramada Conference Center,
State College.
March 7-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Open. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
March 7-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Community &
Economic Development, 3:00- Budget Secretary. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 9-- 2019 Watershed Congress Along The Schuylkill River. Montgomery County
Community College campus in Pottstown.
March 9-- Penn State Extension York County Master Gardeners GardenWise Native Plants,
Ecosystems Gardening Workshop Central York Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Road, York. 7:30
to 4:00.
March 15-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Legal Pathways To Zero Greenhouse Gas
Emissions. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30
to 1:00.
March 18-19-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators. 2019 Cityscapes & Greenscapes
Conference. Philadelphia.
March 19-- DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health, Insect & Disease Briefing. Penn Stater
86
Hotel and Conference Center, State College. 8:30 to 3:30
March 20-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Options For Meeting MS4
Stormwater Pollution Reduction Requirements Without Breaking The Budget. Noon to 1:15.
March 20-21-- Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference. Wilmington, DE.
March 21-- 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. (f ormal
notice)
March 22-23-- Penn State Center For Private Forests 4th Biennial Forest Landowners
Conference. Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College.
March 27-28-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators. Jennings
Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery Rock, Butler County. Click
Here to register.
March 29-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Natural Gas In PA: Energy, Innovation And The
Environment. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg.
11:30 to 1:00.
April 5-- Wildlife For Everyone We Love Wild Things & Wild Places Gala.
April 5-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate Disruption
& Sustainable Development Series: Towards A Public Web-Platform For Limiting Methane
Emissions From The Oil & Gas Sector. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326
Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
April 7-9-- CMU Mascaro Center For Sustainable Innovation. 2019 Engineering Sustainability
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
April 16-18-- NEW. PA American Water Works Association Annual Conference. Hershey
Lodge and Convention Center.
April 17-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Making The Most Of Historical And
Heritage Assets. Noon to 1:15.
April 19-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Using The Latest Digital Innovations To Address
Energy Poverty In Developing Counties. Harrisburg University, Room 1151, 326 Market Street,
Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
April 29 to May 2-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2019 National Watershed and Stormwater
87
Conference. South Carolina.
May 1-- Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.
May 4-- NEW. PA Environmental Council, DCNR Moshannon State Forest Tree Planting,
Clearfield County.
May 8-10-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals. 2019 Annual Conference - Growth
Through Collaboration. State College.
May 15-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. The Benefits And Challenges of
Ridesharing On The Transportation System. Noon to 1:15.
May 16-18-- PA Land Trust Association. Land Conservation Conference. Monroe County.
June 16-21-- Cumberland Valley TU Rivers Conservation & Fly-Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
July 24-26-- Professional Recyclers Of PA. Annual Recycling & Organics Conference.
Harrisburg.
September 22-24-- Pennsylvania Greenways And Trails Summit. Shippensburg University

Conference Center.
October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.
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
Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
Flickr.
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.
January 16-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Project Funding
88
January 18-- South Mountain Partnership Spirit Of South Mountain Award
January 18-- PA Land Trust Assn. Lifetime Achievement Award
January 22-- Accepting. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership, Buffer Grants
January 25-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
January 25-- Appalachian Audubon Hog Island Youth Education Scholarship
January 25-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
January 25-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
January 25-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
January 25-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
January 31-- NFWF Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grants
January 31-- EPA Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup and Multipurpose Grants
January 31-- Appalachian Trail Museum Hall Of Fame Nominations
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Grants
February 4-- PA Environmental Professionals College Scholarships
February 4-- Accepting Game Commission Seedlings For Schools
February 8-- NEW. PEC, Dominion Energy Western PA Environmental Awards
February 8-- NEW. Pocono Arts Council Entries To Earth Speaks V Exhibition
February 8-- DEP FAST Act Alternative Fuels Corridor Infrastructure Grants
February 8-- Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Conservation Ambassador
February 11-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award
February 15-- NEW. Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Water Quality Improvement Grants
February 15-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 15-- NEW. PA Lake Management Society Awards
February 15-- Delaware River Basin Commission Winter Photo Contest
February 15-- Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Awards - Philly Area
February 20-- NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training Grants
February 22-- NEW. Celebrating Women In Conservation Awards
February 28-- PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Winter Photo Contest
March 1-- PHMC Keystone Fund Historic, Archaeological Protection Grants
March 1-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Wilderness Wheels Grants (Rolling Deadline)
March 1-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Investment Funding (Rolling Deadline)
March 4-- DCNR PA Outdoor Corps Young Adult Crews (At The Very Latest!)
March 15-- WPC TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Tree Planting Grants
March 21-- Rivers Conservation & Fly-Fishing Youth Camp
March 22-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
March 22-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
March 22-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
March 22-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
March 31-- DEP Level 2 Electric Charging Station Rebates (First-Come)
89
March 31-- DEP Municipal, Hazardous Waste Host Municipality Inspector Grants
April 10-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership, Recreation, Buffer Grants
April 18-- NEW. Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Land Transaction Grants
May 10-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle Grants
May 17-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
May 17-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
May 17-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
May 17-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails And Recreation Grants
July 15-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
July 19-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
July 19-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
July 19-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
July 19-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
December 16-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
March 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
March 22-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation Grants
June 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 23-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle 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 this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - January 12, 2019
Technical Guidance -------------------
No new technical guidance documents published this week.

90
Permits ------------
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 42 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the January 12 PA Bulletin -
pages 221 to 263.
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.
Related Tools ----------------------
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 - About PA Environment Digest
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PA Environment Digest is a publication of PA Environment News LLC and is edited by

David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. He can
be contacted by sending email to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
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Issue #759 Harrisburg, PA Jan.

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​ Facebook Page

DEP Changes Regional Boundaries, Shifts Workload, Provides Update On e-Permitting,

On January 10, the Department of Environmental Protection

PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Meets Jan. 16

On January 11, Department of Agriculture Secretary

Harvest Home Farms In Northampton County Receives Sand County Foundation

On January 11, the ​Sand County Foundation

The ​Penn State Agriculture and Environment

Since December 21, the Department of Environmental

On January 10, the Department of

On January 7, the ​Chesapeake Bay Foundation

By Karl Blankenship, ​Chesapeake Bay Journal

(Reprinted from the ​Chesapeake Bay Journal​)

By Kate Fritz, Executive Director ​Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay

“The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities

Kate Fritz​ is Executive Director A

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

(Reprinted from the ​Chesapeake Bay Journal​.)

Rep. Greg Vitali Named Democratic Chair Of House Environmental Committee

On January 7, House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody

Senate Republicans, Democrats Make Few Changes In Environmental, Energy Committee

On January 7, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe

Foundation For PA Watersheds Study Documents 150%+ Return On Investment For

The ​Foundation For Pennsylvania Watersheds

On January 8, Gov. Tom Wolf announced

Peoples Gas Commits To Reducing Methane Emissions By 50% In its Pittsburgh

On January 8, ​Peoples Gas​ announced it is

Gov. Wolf Lists Environmental, Energy Accomplishments In First Term

On January 8, Gov. Tom Wolf pledged to continue to

Dept. Of Conservation & Natural Resources Highlights 2018 Accomplishments

In the ​January 9 Resource newsletter​, DCNR Secretary

Cindy Adams Dunn

A ​new Penn State University study​ released by the

On January 9, ​Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

On January 11, ​Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Celebrating Women In Conservation Awards Program Now Accepting Nominations

PennFuture​ is now accepting nominations for the

PEC, Dominion Energy Accepting Nominations For Western PA Environmental Awards

On January 9, ​Dominion Energy​ and the ​PA Environmental

PA Lake Management Society Accepting Nominations For Annual Awards

On January 10, the ​PA Lake Management Society

In Memoriam: Sen. Ted Erickson, Environmental, Community Leader From Delaware

The ​PA Environmental Council​ published this remembrance of

Senate/House Co-Memos/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

Radon Awareness Month:​ ​House Resolution 8​ (Readshaw-D-Allegheny) designating January

House and Senate Co-Sponsorship Memos

House: ​Click Here​ for all new co-sponsorship memos

Senate: ​Click Here​ for all new co-sponsorship memos

News From The Capitol

I’m happy to announce my appointment to serve a third consecutive

News From Around The State

The ​DEP Citizens Advisory Council​ is scheduled to

Water Resources Advisory Committee Meets On Chapt. 102 ePermitting, Alternative To

DEP’s ​Water Resources Advisory Committee​ is

The ​Schuylkill River Greenways National

Individuals interested in joining Penn

The ​Schuylkill County Conservation District​ and the

The ​PA Environmental Council​ and

WHYY Airs First Of 8 Stories From The Streams Starting January 7

Registration is now open for the ​PA Lake Management

The ​PA-American Water Works Association​ is now

On January 11, ​Attorney General Josh Shapiro​ announced Fiat

DEP Posts Formal Notices Of Permits Issued To Shell Ethane Pipeline

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed Facebook Page

On January 11, the Sand County Foundation

The Penn State Agriculture and Environment

On January 7, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal

(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal)

By Kate Fritz, Executive Director Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay

Kate Fritz is Executive Director A

(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.)

The Foundation For Pennsylvania Watersheds

On January 8, Peoples Gas announced it is

In the January 9 Resource newsletter, DCNR Secretary

A new Penn State University study released by the

On January 9, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

On January 11, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

PennFuture is now accepting nominations for the

On January 9, Dominion Energy and the PA Environmental

On January 10, the PA Lake Management Society

The PA Environmental Council published this remembrance of

Radon Awareness Month: House Resolution 8 (Readshaw-D-Allegheny) designating January

House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

Senate: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to

DEP’s Water Resources Advisory Committee is

The Schuylkill River Greenways National

The Schuylkill County Conservation District and the

The PA Environmental Council and

Registration is now open for the PA Lake Management

The PA-American Water Works Association is now

On January 11, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Fiat

On January 9, the Brandywine Conservancy

The Pocono Arts Council, along with several

On January 8, the Game Commission announced it is

February 5- Governor’s Budget Address.

February 6-9-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Sustainable

February 12-13-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators.

February 14-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of

February 19-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10::00- Dept. of

February 25-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State

February 25-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

February 26-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of

February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

March 20-21-- Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference. Wilmington, DE.

May 1-- Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.

September 22-24-- Pennsylvania Greenways And Trails Summit. Shippensburg University

October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.

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

No new regulations this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - January 12, 2019

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

PA Environment Digest is a publication of PA Environment News LLC and is edited by

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

Note: Content is gladly shared. For permission, send email to:

PA Environment Digest is proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

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