PA Environment Digest Feb. 11, 2019

Issue #763 Harrisburg, PA Feb.
11, 2019
PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed Facebook Page
Gov. Wolf Proposes To Shift $75.7 Million From Environmental Funds To Pay Agency
Operating Expenses Instead Of Funding Community-Based Projects
On February 5, Gov. Tom Wolf outlined his 2019-20

budget proposal that included major workforce
development and education initiatives he said would
build the strongest workforce in the nation.
He proposed no increase in general taxes to support the
General Fund budget. But he did propose a new
natural gas severance tax last week to support his
separate $4.5 billion Restore Pennsylvania proposal.
Gov. Wolf budget proposes to take funds for the first
time in significant amounts from the Environmental
Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund, the Keystone
Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Recycling Fund to support the general
administrative costs of the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and
Natural Resources and county conservation districts.
The proposal would also transfer more money than in the current fiscal year from the Oil
and Gas Lease Fund to support DCNR.
At the same time, the proposal would reduce transfers from the Marcellus Legacy Fund
supported by the Act 13 impact fee to the Environmental Stewardship Fund.
A total of $95.7 million would be transfered to be used for administrative costs or not
deposited in these special funds for their originally intended purpose.
On the positive side of the ledger, the budget proposal would shift about $20 million in
debt service payments from the Environmental Stewardship Fund to the General Fund (Personal
Income Tax) to pay for Gov. Rendell’s Growing Greener 2 bond issue.
The net loss to special funds at DEP and DCNR would be $75.7 million and will be
recurring. The Administration’s goal, however, is to keep about the same level of project
support grants as they have in the past.
The General Fund proposal announced today does not contain new initiatives to address
key statewide environmental issues, except for a $3 million proposal in the Department of
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Agriculture to support farm conservation technical assistance.
The net result of this proposal is to make the passage of Gov. Wolf’s $4.5 billion Restore
Pennsylvania much more important to maintain the state’s support for community-based projects
to restore watersheds, reduce the impacts of flooding and water quality impacts from stormwater,
support conservation efforts by farmers, increase efforts to preserve open space, increase
recreational opportunities and deal with the increasing backlog of maintenance and infrastructure
replacement projects in State Parks and forests.
DEP
For the first time, the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund would
fund agency administrative and program costs totaling $15.4 million out of the ESF for the first
time and reduce the income to the ESF Fund from the Marcellus Legacy Fund by $19.3 million.
(page H25)
The proposal would also shift about $20 million in expected debt service payments for
the Growing Greener 2 bond issue from the Environmental Stewardship Fund to the General
Fund freeing up those dollars for ESF Fund purposes. (page H31)
The agency administrative costs proposed to be funded from the ESF under the proposal
include--
-- $7.4 million to support DEP operations (was General Fund before)
-- $2.6 million Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Source Abatement (was General Fund before)
-- $2.5 million to support conservation districts (was General Fund before)
-- Support for the Delaware and Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Interstate Commission
on the Potomac River, Interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission, Ohio River Valley Water
Sanitation Commission, Delaware River Master (was General Fund before)
The proposed transfer from the Marcellus Legacy Fund supported by Act 13 impact
fees to the Environmental Stewardship Fund would be reduced by $19.3 million from $29.6
million in the current year to $10.3 million. (page H44)
It would transfer $20.1 million rom the Marcellus Fund to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Program to keep that program operating as it has been.
$10 million is proposed to be transfer from the Recycling Fund to support DEP
administrative costs, while maintaining the same level of grant support for local recycling
programs. (page H 68)
Other budget initiatives include--
-- $132,000 for PFAS testing
As a result of these transfers, General Fund support for DEP would decrease from $156
million to $135.1 million. In the 1994-95 budget, General Fund support for DEP was $147.7
million.
Overall, DEP’s budget from all sources would increase from $725.996 million to
$786.407 million.
The staff complement at DEP would remain the same at 2,497 with about 2,300 filled
positions. The total staff complement in 2002-03 was 3,200.
DCNR
The budget proposal would support DCNR administrative operations with a transfer of
$30 million from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and a $21 million
increase in the monies transferred from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund from $48.6 million to
$69.6 million.
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Other changes include $2.2 million for the Heritage Parks Program taken from
Environmental Stewardship Fund.
As a result, General Fund support for DCNR would decrease from $122.6 million to a
proposed $85.2 million.
Overall, DCNR’s budget from all sources would increase from $382.8 million to $391.1
million.
The staff complement at DCNR would increase to 1,276 from 1,264 this year under the
proposal.
Agriculture
Overall the Department of Agriculture would see an increase in General Fund support to
$163.2 million from $151.8 million.
Several initiatives include--
-- $3 million increase in Nutrient Management Fund for technical assistance, planning to farmers
-- $5 million increase in Agricultural Preparedness and Response, in part for Spotted Lanternfly
-- $2.9 million support for conservation district maintained.
The staff complement at Agriculture would increase slightly to 588 from 586 this year.
Links to more information
Click Here for the 2019-20 budget in brief.
Click Here for the transcript of Governor Wolf’s budget address.
Click Here for the budget spreadsheet.
Click Here for the Big Budget Book.
Click Here for the Budget Slide Presentation.
Click Here for proposed Budget Legislation.
hoto: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)
(P
Related Stories:
CBF-PA Sees 2019-20 State Budget As Key To Meeting Pennsylvania's Clean Water
Commitments
WPCAMR Abandoned Mine Post: Growing Greener May Lose From Governor's Proposed
Budget
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Urges Support For INCREASED Funding For
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund
House Appropriations Committee Holds DEP, DCNR Budget Hearings Feb. 14
Gov. Wolf Proposes A $4.5 Billion, 4-Year Restore Pennsylvania Community & Environmental
Infrastructure Investment Program
NewsClips:
$1 Billion Needed To Fix State Parks, Forests Infrastructure, Pay For Maintenance
State Parks, Forest Advocates Calling For Action On Funding
Editorial: Respect State Parks: Report Cites Urgent Need For Improvements
Meyer: What’s Within Reach In Wolf’s Budget Plan, And What’s Not
McKelvey: Environmental Protection Relies On Money That May Not Materialize
Caruso: Environmental Advocates Worry Over Creative Math In Wolf’s Budget
Micek: Math Is Hard, State Budget Math Is Harder [DEP, DCNR Funding]
Editorial: No Avoiding Stormwater Mandate, Wyoming Authority Needs A Better Handle On
Financial Needs
Wolf To Unveil Budget With Familiar Call For Severance Tax, But With A Twist
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Letter: PA Should Lease Land To Drill Natural Gas To Improve Parks
Editorial: Natural Gas Severance Tax Must Solve Problem To Be Worth Fallout
Wolf Seeks More Money For Agriculture Programs
MS4 Stormwater Deadlines Ahead, With Big Price Tag (Lycoming County)
PA’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Expires Next Year, Should It Be Expanded?
PaEN: The Nature Conservancy: U.S. Senate Takes First Steps Toward Reauthorizing Federal
Land & Water Conservation Fund
Op-Ed: Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Needs To Be Reauthorized - DCNR Secretary
Dunn
Letter: Green Spaces, Parks Are Invaluable Assets In Pennsylvania
National Parks Struggle With Up To $11 Million In Revenue Loss From Shutdown
PA To Get $30 Million In Federal Money To Repair Flood-Damaged Roads
[Posted: Feb. 5, 2019]
Commitments
On February 5, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA issued the

following statement from Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry
Campbell, in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s FY 2019-20 budget
proposal--
“This new budget season is a watershed moment if the
Commonwealth is to provide the cleanest and healthiest water for
Pennsylvanians.
“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) biennial State of
the Bay report makes it clear that the Commonwealth has a lot of
work to do if it is to get back on track toward meeting its commitment
to clean water.
“Success in reducing the amount of pollution flowing into our
rivers and streams will take greater, sustainable investments by the legislature in the right places,
on the right practices, and on the right partnerships.
“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, and healthy streams.
“CBF looks forward to working with the Governor and legislators toward a legacy of
clean water worth leaving future generations.”
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.
Related Stories:
Budget
4
Gov. Wolf Proposes To Shift $75.7 Million From Environmental Funds To Pay Operating Costs
Instead of Funding Community-Based Projects
WPCAMR Abandoned Mine Post: Growing Greener May Lose From Governor's
Proposed Budget
By Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation
While the Wolf Administration proposes no

broad-based tax increases, the Governor did
propose a natural gas severance tax. This year,
that severance tax is being introduced as
legislation separate from the budget process.
Last week, Wolf proposed a $4.5 billion spending
plan for infrastructure improvements that would
rely on the proposed severance tax.
With regard to Growing Greener, the Governor’s
budget proposes to take significant amounts from
the Environmental Stewardship (Growing
Greener) Fund, the Keystone Recreation, Park
and Conservation Fund and the Recycling Fund to support the administrative costs of DEP,
DCNR, and county conservation districts.
Growing Greener has funded a multitude of environmental projects in Pennsylvania,
among them the enormously successful Quick Response Program run by WPCAMR. Quick
Response provides Growing Greener funding in a streamlined way to repair projects for Growing
Greener-eligible water quality projects.
Since it’s inception in 2006, WPCAMR’s Quick Response program has distributed over
$1.2 million dollars to eligible groups including county conservation districts and watershed
associations to repair water quality improvement projects throughout the state.
Since 2006, the Quick Response program has also leveraged additional cash match and
in-kind valued at well over $195,000.
Quick Response is just one example of how Growing Greener funds are working hard to
improve and protect our natural environment.
Growing Greener continues to be vital to the improvement of Pennsylvania’s water
resources all over the state and must not lose funding.
Make your voice heard on the importance of funding Growing Greener by contacting
your local state legislator. Click Here to find your local state legislator.
Andy McAllister i s the Regional Coordinator for the Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine
Reclamation and can be contacted by sending email to: andy@wpcamr.org or calling
724-832-3625.
hoto: Passive mine drainage treatment system.)
(P
5
(Reprinted from the Abandoned Mine Post newsletter from the W
estern PA Coalition For
Abandoned Mine Reclamation. To sign up for your own copy, send your email to:
andy@wpcamr.org. )
NewsClips:
Trump To Nominate Former Oil Lobbyist As The Next Interior Secretary
Trump Picks Ex-Oil Lobbyist David Bernhardt For Interior Secretary
Related Stories:
PaEN: Your Feedback Wanted On The Datashed.org Water Quality Information Website
PaEN: February Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition
Commitments
Instead of Funding Community-Based Projects
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Urges Support For INCREASED Funding

For Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is urging hunters and anglers to show their
support for clean water and restoring Pennsylvania's rivers and streams by contacting their
elected state officials to support increased funding for the Environmental Stewardship (Growing
Greener) Fund.
Clean water and quality fish and wildlife habitat are vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.
That’s why support is needed for increased funding for the Environmental Stewardship Fund.
According to a recent poll, 4 out of 5 Pennsylvania voters who hunt and fish also support
the conservation efforts that the Environmental Stewardship Fund sustains, and it is not hard to
see why.
“This study shows that, regardless of political affiliation, sportsmen and women in the
Keystone State are spurred to action by clean water issues that affect our hunting and fishing
opportunities,” says Derek Eberly, Pennsylvania field representative for the Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership. “We’ve always been willing to pay our fair share for conservation, but
it’s time to pay a little more.”
Since its inception, the Environmental Stewardship Fund has had a huge impact on our
state’s outdoors--
- 1,500+ projects to improve water quality, prevent water pollution, and control flooding
- 600+ miles of streams improved
- 350+ projects to improve drinking water and wastewater facilities
- 6,500+ acres of abandoned mine lands reclaimed
- 270+ acres of brownfields restored
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- 106,000+ acres of productive farmland preserved
- 250+ projects to rehabilitate facilities and infrastructure in state parks and forests
Click Here to write your state officials.
For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can become involved, visit
the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership website. Questions should be directed to
Derek Eberly, Pennsylvania Field Representative, by sending email to: deberly@trcp.org.
(Photo: Kettle Creek Watershed fish habitat improvement projects , Clinton, Potter, Tioga
counties.)
Related Stories:
New Poll: PA Hunters, Anglers Support Robust Funding For Restoring Habitat, Water Quality,
Growing Greener
New Report: Outdoor Recreation Is A Bigger Economic Powerhouse Than Construction In PA
Related Stories This Week:
Commitments
Budget
Instead Of Funding Community-Based Projects
[Posted. Feb. 8, 2019]
The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to

hold budget hearings on February 14 for the
departments of Environmental Protection and
Conservation and Natural Resources.
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell will appear
before the Committee at 10:00 and DCNR Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn At 1:00.
The hearing is scheduled for Room 140 of the Main
Capitol, but hearings are typically webcast through
the House Republican Caucus website.
Click Here for the full schedule of House hearings.
Copies of written testimony and videos from the House budget hearings will be posted on the
House Republican Appropriations Committee website.
Senate
The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold its budget hear for DEP on February 28
starting at 3:00 and for DCNR on March 4 starting at 3:00. Hearings are typical webcast through
the Senate Appropriations Committee webpage.
Click Here for the full schedule of Senate hearings. Summaries of budget hearings along
with videos and written testimony will be posted on the Sen. Pat Browne’s Appropriations
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Committee webpage.
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf Proposes To Shift $75.7 Million From Environmental Funds To Pay Agency
Operating Expenses Instead Of Funding Community-Based Projects
Commitments
PaEN: Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Urges Support For INCREASED Funding
PaEN: WPCAMR Abandoned Mine Post: Growing Greener May Lose From Governor’s
Proposed Budget
NewsClips:
Financial Needs
Dunn
DEP Puts Indefinite Hold On Reviewing Permits For All Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline
Projects In PA
On February 8, the Department of Environmental

Protection announced it has suspended all reviews
of clean water permit applications and other
pending approvals associated with Energy
Transfer/Sunoco and subsidiaries’ pipeline
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projects until further notice due to non-compliance with an order related to the Revolution
pipeline explosion in Beaver County in September.
“ETC Northeast Pipeline, operated by ET, failed to comply with the October 29, 2018,
order issued following the explosion along the Revolution pipeline on September 10, 2018,” said
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “This hold will continue until the operator corrects their
violations to our satisfaction.”
DEP issued the order to ETC Northeast Pipeline, LLC (ETC) in October 2018, with
instructions that the operator stabilize disturbed areas and prevent further erosion from the
construction area.
Multiple inspections by DEP staff, most recently in January 2019, found that ET had not
fulfilled the terms of the order and were not progressing toward compliance.
“In October, DEP cited ETC for sediment-laden discharges into waterways, improperly
maintained erosion controls, and failure to stabilize disturbed areas,” said McDonnell.
“Disappointingly, many of these issues persist.”
DEP issued the October order after inspections discovered violations including
unreported landslides, impacts to aquatic resources, construction activities occurring in
unpermitted areas, and several sections of the pipeline that required the installation of additional
measures to prevent accelerated erosion.
The permit hold will affect an in-service date for the Energy Transfer operated
Revolution pipeline, which is not in service, and the Sunoco Pipeline LP (SPLP) Mariner East 2
pipeline, and all other clean water permit applications and approvals.
Energy Transfer is the parent company of ETC and SPLP. Mariner East 2 is in service,
however there are additional approvals needed for additional pipeline infrastructure as part of the
project.
There are 27 approvals currently under review by DEP for Mariner East 2.
The permit hold will not apply to any approvals needed for ET to comply with the order,
and mitigation and environmental restoration work along Mariner East 2.
“DEP is standing by to approve any work needed to repair the damage caused by ET’s
activities and bring the operator back into compliance,” said McDonnell.
DEP may also take additional enforcement action in the future to address these ongoing
violations.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s letter.
In February of 2018, Sunoco was fined $12.6 million by DEP for construction violations
associated with the Mariner East 2 Pipeline, the largest fine ever imposed on a pipeline project.
The Public Utility Commission’s investigation into the Revolution Pipeline explosion is
active and ongoing to a spokesperson for the PUC.
(Photo: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf: Urges General Assembly To Fill Gaps In State Regulation Of Pipelines
Post-Gazette: DEP Says Energy Transfer LP Not Complying With Order To Stabilize Beaver
County Pipeline Explosion Site
DEP Inspections Find Unreported Landslides On Right-Of-Way Of Newly Constructed
Revolution Pipeline In Western PA, Compliance Order Issued
Sunoco Mariner East II Pipeline Fined $12.6 Million, DEP Allows Construction To Resume
PaEN: PUC Underground Utility Line, Pipeline Damage Prevention Committee Meets Feb. 12
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NewsClips:
Legere: DEP Halts Permit Reviews On Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline Projects In PA
Phillips: DEP Halts Pipeline Permit Reviews For Energy Transfer/Sunoco Citing Beaver County
Pipeline Explosion Response
AP-Levy: Pennsylvania Permits Halted For Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline Company
Caruso: DEP Presses Pause On Permits For Mariner East 2 Pipeline Parent Company
Beaver County Pipeline Explosion Cited In DEP Move To Halt Energy Transfer/Sunoco Permits
Delaware County Moves To Intervene In Lawsuit On Mariner East Pipeline Project
Cumberland County Man, Mariner East Pipeline Set for Hearing Over Safety
Letter: Public Can No Longer Rely On PUC For Pipeline Safety
Gov. Wolf: Urges General Assembly To Fill Gaps In State Regulation Of Pipelines
On February 8, Tom Wolf released the following

statement in response to the Department of
Environmental Protection’s suspension of review of
all clean water permit applications and other pending
approvals associated with the Energy Transfer, L.P.,
Sunoco and other subsidiaries until further notice due
to non-compliance:
“The Department of Environmental Protection
has acted swiftly and decisively to hold this operator
accountable to the conditions of its permits.
“The permit bar by the Department of
Environmental Protection is the latest step my
Administration has taken to ensure pipeline operators
and builders are accountable for the work they do in Pennsylvania.
“There has been a failure by Energy Transfer and its subsidiaries to respect our laws and
our communities. This is not how we strive to do business in Pennsylvania, and it will not be
tolerated.”
The permit bar will affect the in-service date for the Revolution pipeline, which is
currently not in service, and the Mariner East 2 pipeline. There are 27 approvals currently under
review by DEP for Mariner East 2. The Revolution pipeline will remain closed until full
compliance has been achieved.
PUC Action
In addition to the permit bar, the governor called on the Public Utility Commission to
continue to hold Energy Transfer (ET) and its subsidiaries accountable to stringent safety
requirements which the PUC is charged with enforcing.
The governor noted that the budget he proposed earlier this week funds four new gas
safety inspectors at the Public Utility Commission’s Pipeline Safety Division to increase the
PUC’s capacity to hold pipeline operators accountable and ensure all safety requirements are
strictly enforced.”
“Today, I am calling upon the Public Utility Commission to compel ET to address lapses
in communication by immediately providing county and municipal agencies responsible for
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public safety along the Mariner East Project route any and all information required under state
and federal law to enable the preparation of robust emergency preparedness and communication
plans. I have directed the Pennsylvania’s Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to
coordinate with county and local leadership to assist with review of emergency management
plans, and this engagement has already begun.”
“I am also calling upon the PUC to require that a remaining life study of Mariner East 1
be completed and reviewed by independent experts. Such a study should thoroughly evaluate the
safety of the existing pipeline and prepare a plan to implement the findings of that study as soon
as possible.
State agencies have provided unprecedented oversight over the Mariner East Project,
issuing more than 80 violations and levying nearly $13 million in penalties. The Department of
Environmental Protection has also implemented significant new processes as a result of the
experience gained on a project of unprecedented scope and impact including:
-- Improved coordination with the PUC and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC);
-- Improved internal coordination and implementation through the establishment of a Regional
Pipeline Permitting Coordination Office;
-- And the development of new permit conditions and policy guidelines for future pipeline
development projects including more than 100 special permit conditions.
Legislative Action
Finally, the governor has called on the General Assembly to address gaps in existing law
which have tied the hands of the Executive and independent agencies charged with protecting
public health, safety and the environment, calling for the speedy passage of the following
legislation to protect the public:
-- Pipeline Siting: No state agency currently has authority to review intrastate pipeline routes,
which can result in pipeline companies deciding to site through densely populated
high-consequence areas. Many states have passed legislation providing an enhanced role in siting
decisions to their utility or public service commission. Legislation should provide the Public
Utility Commission with authority to regulate siting and routing of intrastate pipelines in
Pennsylvania.
-- School Emergency Information: Currently, pipeline operators are not required to provide
information to schools which are in close proximity to a pipeline, including how to respond to a
leak. Legislation should require this information for schools within 1,000 feet of a pipeline.
-- Coordination Of Local Emergency Response: Related legislation should require public
utility facilities transporting natural gas or natural gas liquids to meet with the county emergency
coordinator entrusted to respond in the event of natural gas release and provide vital emergency
response and evacuation information.
-- Automatic Shutoff Valves: In order to respond to a potential leak, automatic or remote
shutoff valves are critical. Legislation should require the installation of such valves in high
consequence areas in compliance with federal requirements for transmission line valves.
Many of these proposals are included in the bipartisan package of pipeline legislation
introduced on February 7 by Senators Andy Dinniman (D-Chester), Tom Killion (R-Delaware)
and other Senators--
-- Pipeline Land Agents: Senate Bill 257 (Dinniman-D-Chester, Killion-R-Delaware) regulation
of pipeline land agents (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Emergency Notification: Senate Bill 258 (Dinniman-D-Chester,
11
Killion-R-Delaware) further providing for emergency notification requirements in the event of a
pipeline incident (sponsor summary).
-- Landowner Bill Of Rights: Senate Bill 259 (Dinniman-D-Chester) providing for a landowner
bill of rights related to pipeline eminent domain actions (sponsor summary).
-- Notification Requirements For Schools: Senate Bill 260 (Dinniman-D-Chester,
Killion-R-Delaware) establishing specific notification and emergency information sharing
requirements for schools near pipeline rights-of-way (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Emergency Response Fund: Senate Bill 261 (Dinniman-D-Chester,
Killion-R-Delaware) authorizing counties to impose a fee on pipelines to establish local Pipeline
Emergency Response Funds (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Siting Review: Senate Bill 262 (Dinniman-D-Chester, Killion-R-Delaware) requiring
the Public Utility Commission to review the siting of certain pipelines in consultation with the
Department of Environmental Protection (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Value Placement: Senate Bill 263 (Dinniman-D-Chester, Killion-R-Delaware)
setting standards for the placement of pipeline safety valves (sponsor summary).
-- Local Taxation Of Pipelines: Senate Bill 264 (Dinniman-D-Chester) making natural gas and
hazardous liquid pipelines subject to taxation by local governments and school districts (sponsor
summary).
Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) has scheduled a rally for pipeline safety in the Capitol
Rotunda March 19 starting at 10:00 a.m. in support of the pipelines bills he and others introduced
last week.
Governor’s Pipeline Task Force - 2016
In February 2016, the Pipeline Task Force presented a series of 184 suggestions to Gov.
Wolf to help Pennsylvania achieve responsible development of natural gas pipeline infrastructure
in the state. Among the recommendations were--
-- Plan, site and route pipelines to avoid/reduce environmental and community impacts
-- Amplify and engage in meaningful public participation
-- Establish early coordination with local landowners and lessors
-- Educate landowners on pipeline development issues
-- Develop long-term operations and maintenance plans to ensure pipeline safety and integrity
-- Train emergency responders
-- Enhance emergency response training for responder agencies
-- Employ construction methods that reduce environmental impact
-- Minimize impacts of stream crossings
-- Ensure adequate agency staffing for reviewing pipeline infrastructure projects
Click Here for a copy of the report.
Related Stories:
DEP Puts Indefinite Hold On Reviewing Permits For All Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline
Projects In PA
Senators Killion, Dinniman Introduce Comprehensive Bipartisan Pipeline Bill Package
PUC, DEP: There Needs To Be A Serious Conversation On Legislation Controlling Pipeline
Siting
PUC Investigation Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Sinkhole In Chester County Shifts To Geological
Testing
Post-Gazette: DEP Says Energy Transfer LP Not Complying With Order To Stabilize Beaver
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County Pipeline Explosion Site
DEP Inspections Find Unreported Landslides On Right-Of-Way Of Newly Constructed
Revolution Pipeline In Western PA, Compliance Order Issued
Sunoco Mariner East II Pipeline Fined $12.6 Million, DEP Allows Construction To Resume
NewsClips:
After 10 Days, Pressure Problem From Fracking Utica Gas Well In Westmoreland County
Said To Be Under Control
On February 2, Anya Litvak of the Post-Gazette reported a CNX Resources Corp Utica Shale gas
well in Washington Township, Westmoreland County experienced a pressure problem on
January 26 during fracking operations. An obstruction was found in the well after it stopped
fracking.
In follow up reporting, Litvak said a total of 9 nearby conventional shallower wells
showed spikes in pressure which indicated some communication between the as in the Utica well
and those wells.
A special well control team has been summoned from out-of-state to plug the well and it
was ultimately plugged temporarily on February 4, but work remains ongoing at the site.
As part of the response to the well problem, CNX asked County Emergency Management
officials to establish a no-fly zone within a 5-mile radius of the well.
The well is located near the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County’s Beaver Run
Reservoir which the Authority said has not been affected by the problems at the well.
DEP
CNX reported an incident at its Shaw 1G well on the evening of Saturday, January 26.
Throughout this week, DEP’s Oil & Gas program has been, and continues to be, in regular
communication with CNX on the well control issue.
During the fracking stage of the Utica well, CNX experienced a significant loss of
pressure and potential communication with other nearby conventional wells.
DEP requested—and is receiving—multiple daily updates from CNX. Once the issue is
under control, the department will request a root cause analysis from CNX.
DEP’s Emergency Response and Oil & Gas personnel will be on site 24/7 until the well
is under control and the Department will continue to investigate this matter.
DEP’s Safe Drinking Water program is in communication with the Municipal Authority
of Westmoreland County (MAWC) on precautions to the Beaver Run Reservoir.
MAWC reported to DEP that it has been sampling the reservoir and MAWC’s intake is
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one to two miles from the well site. MAWC has been in communication with CNX.
MAWC reported no issues or abnormalities to DEP, but—like all public water
systems—has emergency response plans if necessary.
There are no issues with private water wells that DEP is aware of.
CNX and DEP will be investigating the incident to determine its cause and impacts.
NewsClips:
Litvak: After 10 Days, Westmoreland Utica Gas Well Now Under Control; 9 Conventional
Wells Saw Pressure Spikes
Gas Well Pressure Issue Leads To Testing Water Supply Reservoir In Westmoreland County
Westmoreland Residents Remain Concerned About Flaring, Ongoing Deep Gas Well Issue
PaEN: Litvak: DEP Monitoring Pressure Problem From Fracking Deep Gas Well In
Westmoreland County
Litvak: DEP Monitoring Pressure Problem From Fracking Deep Gas Well In Westmoreland
County, Crews Coming From Out Of State To Kill The Well
Sen. Aument, Rep. Mehaffie Circulate Co-Sponsor Memos On Bill To Update The
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards To Help Save Nuclear Power Plants
On February 4, Sen. Ryan Aument

(R-Lancaster) and Rep. Thomas Mehaffie
(R-Dauphin), and other members of the
Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus, began
circulating a co-sponsor memo asking their
colleagues to sponsor legislation to update the
state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards
Act to recognize nuclear energy for its
significant contribution to this state’s
zero-carbon energy production.
No other details about the contents of the
legislation were provided in the memo.
Sen. Aument and Rep. Mehaffie serve as 2
of the 4 co-chairs of the Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus along with Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) and Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Beaver).
The memos said--
“Despite the fact that Pennsylvania’s nuclear power plants generate 42 percent of our
Commonwealth’s electricity and provide 93 percent of the Commonwealth’s zero-carbon
electricity, nuclear energy has been excluded from Pennsylvania’s AEPS program.
“Unless we address this inequity, Three Mile Island will shut down in October 2019,
Beaver Valley will shut down in 2021, and the Commonwealth’s three other nuclear power
plants are likely not far behind.
“To be clear, this shutdown process is irreversible, thereby guaranteeing the permanent
loss of Pennsylvania’s nuclear assets.
“Allowing Pennsylvania’s nuclear power plants to succumb to failed energy market
policies will cost Pennsylvanians an estimated $4.6 billion annually--
14
-- $788 million annually in electricity cost increases
-- $2 billion annually in lost state GDP
-- $1.6 billion annually in costs associated with carbon emissions
-- $260 million annually in costs associated with harmful criteria air pollutants, including SO2,
NOX, and PM2.5 emissions
“Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants:
-- Keep electricity prices low
-- Account for nearly 16,000 in-state full-time jobs
-- Provide $69 million in net state tax revenues annually
-- Prevent the negative health and economic effects of harmful particulate matter emissions
-- Avoid over 37 million tons of CO2 emissions annually
-- Bring resilience to our grid by reliably operating 24/7 365 days of the year.
“Pennsylvania cannot stand by and watch all of these benefits disappear as nuclear power
plant after nuclear power plant prematurely retires.
“We cannot wait for Washington policymakers and the operator of the regional interstate
electric market (PJM) to solve this problem. Both have acknowledged the market is flawed and
disadvantages nuclear plants but have yet to act to fix the problem.
“It’s time for Pennsylvania to take matters into its own hands and build a bridge to the
future while both the federal government and our Commonwealth work to establish a long-term
energy policy that includes a variety of sustainable energy sources.
“It’s time that we finally acknowledge nuclear generation for its considerable zero-carbon
energy production by including it in Pennsylvania’s AEPS program. In so doing, we can ensure
that nuclear continues to provide the employment, economic, environmental, and grid resilience
benefits for years to come.
“Please consider joining me as a cosponsor of this important legislation.”
Click Here for a copy of the Senate memo. Click Here for a copy of the House memo.
Background
In December, the Nuclear Energy Caucus released a report summarizing their findings on
the impact of closing nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania and outlining potential solutions.
Among the recommendations in the report were to--
-- Modify the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (or establish a Zero Emission Credit
program) to put nuclear generation on equal footing with other zero-emission electric generation
resources in Pennsylvania like wind and solar energy.
-- Modify AEPS (or establish a ZEC program) with a “safety valve” mechanism that (depending
on the outcome of the FERC proceeding) that would allow Pennsylvania to adopt a new capacity
construct proposed by FERC that is designed to accommodate state programs to support
preferred generation resources.
-- Establish a Pennsylvania carbon pricing program.
Click Here for a copy of the Nuclear Energy Caucus report.
(Photo: Sen. Aument, Rep. Mehaffie.)
Related Stories:
Exelon: PA Nuclear Power Plants Operate At Full Power During Record-Breaking Polar Vortex;
PJM Reported No Major Problems
Op-Ed: NRDC Expresses Opposition To No Strings Attached PA Nuclear Subsidy Bill
Nuclear Energy Caucus Releases Report On The Impact Of Closing Nuclear Power Plants,
15
Possible Solutions
PA Environmental Council Releases Report Recommending PA Join RGGI Regional Climate
Initiative, Update AEPS
NewsClips:
Legere: Legislators Pitch A Bill To Rescue Pennsylvania’s Nuclear Power Plants
Crable: Legislators Make Their Move To Save Three Mile Island, Other Nuclear Plants From
Closing
Cusick: Lawmakers Seek Support For Nuclear Bailout Bill
Rep. Mehaffie Seeking Co-Sponsors For Legislation To Preserve Three Mile Island
With Plant Shutdowns Looming, PA’s Nuclear Industry Braces For A Policy Showdown
Esack: Taxpayer-Funded Nuclear Power Plant Bailout Pushed In PA
Not A Climate Bill: Environmental Group Pans Proposed Nuclear Bailout Deal
FirstEnergy Highlights Nuclear Plants Performance During Recent Extreme Weather
FirstEnergy Submits Requests To NRC As Part Of Plan To Shutdown Davis-Besse Nuclear
Power Plant
Op-Ed: Gut-Checking Pennsylvania’s Climate Moment, Keeping Nuclear Power Plants Open
Nuclear Power Plants Can Have Small Role In Congressional Democrat Green New Deal
DEP Settles With Wayne Memorial Health Over Malfunctioning X-Ray Machine
Wayne Memorial Disputes DEP Statement On X-Ray Settlement
New Ohio House Speaker Says Saving Nuclear Plants Benefits State
Op-Ed: Should Legislators Help Save Ohio Nuclear Plants? YES
Op-Ed: Should Legislators Help Save Ohio Nuclear Plants? NO
PUC Approves 13 Percent Increase In Pittsburgh Water Authority Rates To Improve

Infrastructure, Operations
On February 7, the Public Utility Commission

voted to approve a joint settlement which includes a
13 percent increase in water and wastewater service
rates for the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority.
Thanks to a legal agreement negotiated by local
advocacy organizations like Pittsburgh United, the
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will now
safely replace thousands of its lead water lines and
take significant new steps toward protecting
residents’ drinking water. Click Here for more.
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint
settlement, which will increase PWSA annual revenues by $21 million – or approximately 13
percent – compared to the $27 million per year increase (17.1 percent) that was included in
PWSA’s initial request.
Under the terms of the settlement, the monthly bill for a typical residential water and
wastewater conveyance customer using 3,000 gallons of water per month will increase by $8.87,
from $63.62 to $72.49 per month (13.9 percent) – as compared to a proposed increase of $10.61
per month (16.7 percent) included in PWSA’s initial request.
16
Additionally, the total bill for a commercial customer using 13,000 gallons per month
will increase from $234.00 to $265.96 per month (13.7 percent); rates for an industrial customer
using 680,000 gallons per month will increase from $9,409.52 to $10,649.49 per month (13.2
percent); and rates for a health or education customer using 50,000 gallons per month will
increase from $1,031.30 to $1,171.86 per month (13.6 percent).
The joint settlement also addresses a number of other areas, such as:
-- The ongoing program for the replacement of lead service lines, including the formation of the
Community Lead Response Advisory Committee, and related coordination with the City of
Pittsburgh.
-- Customer service issues including the modification of customer bills, revisions in customer
termination notices, the availability of payment arrangements as permitted by Ch. 14 of the
Public Utility Code.
-- Low-income customer issues such as the collection of additional data, funding for the Bill
Discount Program and its availability to eligible consumers, and the formation of the Low
Income Assistance Advisory Committee that will include the Commission’s Bureau of
Consumer Services, the Dollar Energy Fund, and local community and social service groups.
The decision by the Commission comes following an extensive investigation of the
PWSA rate request, which included public input hearings in the Pittsburgh area and detailed
evidence and testimony by advocates, consumer groups and other concerned stakeholders.
PWSA provides service to more than 300,000 residents and businesses in Pittsburgh and
surrounding communities.
Items related to this action can be found in PUC Dockets-- R-2018-3002645 and
R-2018-3002647.
Other PWSA Matters Under PUC Review
In addition to the review of PWSA rates, the Commission also continues to analyze
Compliance Plans for water and wastewater service, which were submitted to the PUC in Sept.
2018 – as required by statute.
Those proposals address numerous regulatory issues not directly included in the rate case
filing, such as lead levels in the water supply and the replacement of lead service lines; a
metering plan identifying unmetered accounts and plans to meter all customers; the future
implementation of a stormwater tariff; and numerous consumer protection issues.
In Nov. 2018 the PUC’s technical staff issued an Initial Report and Directed Duestions
on the Compliance Plans – offering a series of questions that parties to the compliance plan
proceeding should explore as the review process continues to move forward.
PUC review of the PWSA compliance plans has been divided into a two-stage process –
focusing first on urgent infrastructure remediation and improvement, and the revenue and
financing requirements of maintaining service that supports public health and safety, to be
followed by a second stage to address PWSA billing and collection issues and the development
of a proposed stormwater tariff.
The PWSA proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvement plans can be
found under separate PUC dockets-- water (Docket No. P-2018-3005037) and wastewater
(Docket No. P-2018-3005039). The procedures for considering the plans were established as a
result of Act 11 of 2012 (Docket No. M-2012-2293611).
PUC Oversight of PWSA
Act 65 of 2017 established PUC oversight of water, wastewater and storm water services
17
by entities created by Pennsylvania cities of the second class – specifically, the PWSA. The PUC
assumed jurisdiction over PWSA on April 1, 2018.
As part of that process, PWSA rates for water and wastewater services became subject to
the PUC’s normal ratemaking process, which is used to determine just and reasonable rates and
allows public input and the ability for parties to voice their concerns.
For more information on what Authority customers can do to reduce their lead exposure
risk, visit the Authority’s Community Lead Response webpage.
Visit DEP’s Pittsburgh Water Authority webpage for more information on DEP’s actions
on the lead service line issue in Pittsburgh.
For more information on health threats from lead in drinking water, visit DEP’s Lead In
Drinking Water webpage.
Related Stories:
NRDC: In PUC Rate Agreement, Pittsburgh Agrees To Terms For Tackling Its Lead
Contaminated Water
Attorney General Files 161 Criminal Charges Against Pittsburgh Water Authority Over Lead
Water Lines
Allegheny Institute: Review Of Pittsburgh Water Authority’s 5-Year Infrastructure Plan: The
Price That Has To Be Paid For Years Of Neglect
NewsClips:
PUC OKs Nearly 14% Pittsburgh Water Authority Rate Increase
Pittsburgh Water Authority Will Pay $50 Million To Address Lead Service Line Crisis
AP: Pittsburgh Water Authority To Spend $50M to Replace Lead Pipes
Op-Ed: Real Culprit In Pittsburgh’s Lead Crisis: Veolia, Private Operations Management
Company
Editorial: Attorney General’s Pittsburgh Water Authority Charges Show Need For Public Trust
NRDC: In PUC Rate Agreement, Pittsburgh Agrees To Terms For Tackling Its Lead
Contaminated Water
On February 7, the Public Utility Commission voted to

approve a joint settlement which includes a 13 percent
increase in water and wastewater service rates for the
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority. Click Here for
more.
Thanks to a legal agreement negotiated by local advocacy
organizations like Pittsburgh United, the Pittsburgh Water
and Sewer Authority will now safely replace thousands of
its lead water lines and take significant new steps toward
protecting residents’ drinking water.
“The people of Pittsburgh have been drinking lead-contaminated water for far too long,”
says Dimple Chaudhary, a senior attorney with NRDC.
Pittsburgh United, a coalition of labor, faith, and environmental groups, advocated for the
settlement, represented by lawyers from NRDC and the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project.
The agreement controls how PWSA will spend nearly $50 million in 2019 to safely
18
remove the lead service lines. Specific requirements include improving access to tap water
filters; prioritizing which lines are replaced first using public health factors, like lead levels in
blood tests; and increasing discounts for low-income customers on their water bill.
“Safe water is a right, not a luxury,” says Jennifer Rafanan Kennedy, the executive
director of Pittsburgh United. “We believe every family in Pittsburgh deserves to drink safe
water from their taps without high water bills breaking the bank.”
The stakes are high: Experts agree there is no safe level of lead. Pregnant women and
children are most vulnerable, as even low levels are associated with serious, irreversible damage
to developing brains and nervous systems.
The burdens of lead are also heaviest on low-income neighborhoods and communities of
color, who are more likely to live in homes with aging infrastructure, which are common in
Pittsburgh.
In fact, lead levels in Pittsburgh have been high since at least 2016, according to an
NRDC analysis. And PWSA estimates there being as many as 10,000 lead service lines
remaining on public properties. The number of lead service lines on private properties has yet to
be estimated.
NRDC data show that Pittsburgh is the second-largest water system in the country to
have exceeded the action level for lead set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—and
one of multiple cities to face drinking water crises in recent years.
In early 2016, NRDC and its partners sued the City of Flint and Michigan state officials
for violating the Safe Drinking Water Act, in what has become one of the most high-profile cases
of lead water contamination in U.S. history.
Some water samples at the time showed lead levels at more than 100 times the federal
action level.
Though the city and state later agreed to replace the city’s lead lines, an estimated 9,000
children were exposed to contaminated water.
More recently, Newark, New Jersey’s drinking water was found to have some of the
highest recently recorded lead levels by a large water system in the United States—prompting
another lawsuit by NRDC and partners in June 2018.
The PUC-approved settlement with Pittsburgh is likely to point the way for other cities
exposed to lead-contaminated water.
It “requires aggressive, affordable solutions to protect public health and hold officials
accountable to the people they serve,” says Chaudhary. “It’s what Pittsburgh—and every
community in America—deserves.”
For more information on what Authority customers can do to reduce their lead exposure
risk, visit the Authority’s Community Lead Response webpage.
Visit DEP’s Pittsburgh Water Authority webpage for more information on DEP’s actions
on the lead service line issue in Pittsburgh.
For more information on health threats from lead in drinking water, visit DEP’s Lead In
Drinking Water webpage.
Related Stories:
PUC Approves 13 Percent Increase In Pittsburgh Water Authority Rates
Attorney General Files 161 Criminal Charges Against Pittsburgh Water Authority Over Lead
Water Lines
Allegheny Institute: Review Of Pittsburgh Water Authority’s 5-Year Infrastructure Plan: The
19
Price That Has To Be Paid For Years Of Neglect
NewsClips:
Company
PA PFAS Action Team Meets Feb. 12 In Montgomery County To Provide Updates, Hear
Public Comments
The PFAS Action Team will hold a public meeting on

February 12 from 6:15-9:00 p.m. at the Upper Dublin High
School in Fort Washington, Montgomery County.
“At this meeting we will hear updates from DEP on a sampling
plan to identify potentially contaminated drinking water
sources and from the Department of Health on the pilot study
for blood levels,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Representatives from local governments and utilities will also
present on the challenges of managing PFAS chemicals, as
well as working with the commonwealth and the federal government to address cleanup.
Click Here for the agenda of the meeting.
The meeting will include an opportunity for members of the public to provide comment
in person. Commenters are asked to present no more than three minutes of remarks. Residents
unable to attend or who would like to submit remarks in writing can use DEP’s eComment
system.
DEP has extended the deadline for comments to April 1. (formal notice)
The meeting will be held in the Auditorium of the Upper Dublin High School, 800 Loch
Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Click Here for the agenda.
Gov. Wolf formed the Action Team in September 2018 to address perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminants across the Commonwealth and protect
Pennsylvania residents.
For more information, visit DEP’s PFAS: What They Are webpage.
NewsClips:
Navy Responds To Questions About Soil Contaminated With PFAS
Hurdle: NJ DEP Says Feds Didn’t Consider Several Health Risks Before Approving PFAS
Substitutes
EPA: Speculation About What EPA May Or May Not Do On PFAS Standard Is Premature
EPA Accepting Grant Applications For Help To Develop Plan To Offset Lack Of Sediment
Trapping Capacity At Conowingo Dam
20
On February 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has issued a Request for
Applications (RFA) for organizations to help develop a Watershed Implementation Plan that will
reduce nitrogen by 6 million pounds to offset the loss of sediment trapping capacity by the
Conowingo Dam.
Applications are due by March 20 and EPA plans to award the cooperative agreement(s)
by this summer.
The Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership has unanimously agreed to develop a
collaborative Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to address pollutants associated with the
loss of trapping capacity in the reservoir behind the Conowingo Dam.
The Conowingo Dam sits across the Susquehanna River, a major tributary to the
Chesapeake Bay. Studies conducted over the last several years have demonstrated that the
Conowingo Dam reservoir has reached equilibrium and is no longer trapping nutrients.
Therefore, an additional reduction of six million pounds of nitrogen and 260,000 pounds
of phosphorus is needed to mitigate the water quality impacts of the lost trapping capacity.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking the support of organizations that
can develop, finance and implement a WIP.
In a Request for Applications (RFA) issued this week, EPA announced that it plans to
award one to three cooperative agreements for work that will support the collective efforts of
seven Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions, along with other non-federal partners, to help
restore the Chesapeake Bay.
EPA supports a flexible approach to restoring the Bay through the implementation of a
collaborative WIP, which was agreed to by all of the Bay jurisdictions: Delaware, the District of
Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The major work activities proposed by the RFA include:
-- Facilitate development and implementation of the Conowingo watershed implementation plan
(WIP);
-- Develop and propose a comprehensive Conowingo WIP financing strategy and associated
implementation plan; and
-- Develop a system for tracking, verifying, and reporting implementation of the Conowingo
WIP and 2-year milestones.
Click Here for more information on the Conowingo WIP Request for Applications.
Related Stories:
Bay Journal: Exelon, Maryland Come To Legal Blows Over Conowingo Dam Cleanup
Requirements
Bay Journal: States Collaborate On Implementation Plan For Conowingo Dam On Susquehanna
Op-Ed: Don't Blame The Conowingo Dam For Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Bay Journal: New Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plans On Scheduled Despite Federal Shutdown
PAEN: York Conservation District Writing Your Own Manure Management Plan Workshop
March 1
NewsClips:
Codorus Creek Makeover Plans Unveiled In York
Residents Want Swoyersville To Fight Stormwater Fee
Financial Needs
21
Bay Journal Op-Ed: Reducing Chesapeake Bay’s Nitrogen Will Lower Greenhouse Gas Level -
Tom Horton
PaEN: House State Government Committee OKs Bill Recognizing Eastern Hellbender Sending
It To Full House For Action
PaEN: Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Applauds Senate Passage Of Bill Designating The
Hellbender As PA's State Amphibian
AP-Levy: Push Resumes To Recognize Hellbender As Official PA Amphibian
Schneck: What Is A Hellbender? And Why Do they Want To Protect It?
Expedition Chesapeake Film To Premiere At Whitaker Center In Harrisburg In March
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
House State Government Committee OKs Bill Recognizing Eastern Hellbender Sending It
To Full House For Action
On February 6, the House State Government

Committee voted 24 to 1 to approve and report out
Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the
Eastern Hellbender as the state amphibian and clean
water ambassador (sponsor summary).
Rep. Brett Miller (R-Lancaster) voted against the bill in
Committee.
Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair
of the House State Government Committee,
enthusiastically praised the students supporting the bill
and passed out “Hellbender Defender” pins, temporary
tattoos, and noted t-shirts were also available.
The bill now goes to the full House for action when it returns to voting session on
February 19.
Hellbenders are North America’s largest salamander and survive where there is cold,
clear, swift-running water. Growing to over two feet in length and weighing more than four
pounds, they breathe oxygen from the water through their skin.
A lack of streamside trees along Commonwealth waterways allows waters to warm,
polluted runoff to enter rivers and streams, and silt to build up in streambeds. As a result, habitat
for hellbenders has been degraded and hellbender numbers have been decimated in Pennsylvania
streams where they were plentiful as recently as 1990.
The bill just passed the Senate last Monday by a vote of 48 to 1. Sen. Scott Hutchinson
(R-Venango) voted against the bill.
Sen. Gene Yaw, prime sponsor of the bill and Majority Chair of the Senate
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, attended the State Government Committee
urging action on the bill.
When the bill passed the Senate, Sen. Yaw said--
“Because the Eastern Hellbender exemplifies what is good about Pennsylvania’s
waterways, it is the perfect selection to become the official State Amphibian. It is an excellent
natural indicator of water quality, so, in effect, if you have hellbenders in your water the water
22
quality most likely is very good. The hellbender will be a visible symbol of Pennsylvania’s
commitment to clean water.”
“Even in times of budget crisis and pensions and everything else impacting Pennsylvania,
this is something that showed the student sponsors of the bill that their elected officials do,
indeed, listen to them. They had a great idea and I was privileged to present their idea to the
Senate on their behalf,” Sen. Yaw added.
“Clean water is important for humans and amphibians, and if we don’t act on making our
waterways as clean as they can be, we will all suffer from it,” former Chesapeake Bay
Foundation Student Leadership Council President Abby Hebenton said. “So, it’s important to
bring awareness to it in a positive way, like with the hellbender, than deal with the repercussions
later.”
“The students have shown a remarkable amount of determination,” said Lane Whigham,
CBF Outreach and Advocacy Manager in Pennsylvania. “Their desire to learn the Pennsylvania
legislative process is second only to their sheer tenacity to raise awareness of the hellbender’s
plight and the need for clean water. With students who share this level of dedication to
Pennsylvania’s environment, I feel certain the future is in good hands.”
Peter Petokas, Ph.D., Amphibian Conservation Biologist at Lycoming College and
faculty member of the College’s Clean Water Institute, applauded Senate action. “Passage of
Senate Bill 9 takes the Eastern Hellbender one step closer to the status of official amphibian of
the State of Pennsylvania, a designation that it uniquely deserves and which will help promote
conservation programs that protect and sustain the unique amphibian resources of the
Commonwealth.”
Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by calling 717-787-5270 or sending email to: geverett@pahousegop.com. Rep. Kevin
Boyle (D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-783-4944
or sending email to: RepKevinBoyle@pahouse.net.
Related Stories:
Senate Passes Bill Recognizing Eastern Hellbender As Clean Water Ambassador
NewsClips:
PA Parks & Forests Foundation Honors 2019 Award Winners
On February 8, the PA Parks and Forests

Foundation announced the winners of its
2019 awards.
Each year the Foundation recognizes
outstanding service, programs and places
which remind us of the exemplary work
being done in parks and forests, by both
staff and volunteers, to improve
23
Pennsylvania’s quality of life and to protect our natural assets for future generations.
The winners are--
-- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Larry Williamson, retired Director of DCNR’s Bureau
of Recreation & Conservation, whose funding and technical assistance have strengthened
conservation and education across the state.
-- Ibberson Government Award: Dan Devlin, former State Forester and a 40-year veteran in
service to Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
-- President’s Award: National: REI whose national #OptOutside has transformed Black Friday
into a celebration of the outdoors and #ForceofNature helps transform the confidence of women
in outdoor adventure.
-- Park of the Year: Laurel Hill State Park (Somerset County)
-- Forest of the Year: Bald Eagle State Forest (Centre County)
-- Education Award: Friends of Washington Crossing (Bucks County)
-- Improvement Award: Group: North Country Trail Association-Clarion County Chapter
-- Individuals: Ron and Donna Hirt, Parker Dam State Park (Clearfield County)
-- Volunteerism Award: Don Litten, Friends of Black Moshannon (Centre County)
The award winners will be honored at a banquet on May 8 at the Susquehanna Club in
New Cumberland, Cumberland County starting at 5:00.
Click Here for information on becoming a sponsor of the dinner and contact Marci
Mowery with any questions at 717-236-7644 or send email to: mmowery-ppff@pa.net.
[Note: PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of this special event.]
(Photo: Larry Williamson, Dan Devlin.)
NewsClips:
Feb. 8 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Dunn
Related Stories:
Instead Of Funding Community-Based Projects
DCNR Blog: Stories Of Black History In PA State Parks, Forests
The historical significance of Pennsylvania’s

state parks and forests is vast. The events that
took place on these lands, the notable figures
associated with the areas, and the
communities that formed in them are
documented in educational displays, public
24
events, webpages, and for some, their name.
State park and forest visitors come not only for recreation and to enjoy some of the most
beautiful natural sites across the Commonwealth, but also to experience a connection to the past
-- a part of Pennsylvania’s history.
In recognition of Black History Month, we’d like to share some stories of Black
Americans whose accomplishments and bravery took place in and around Pennsylvania’s state
parks and forests, and helped shape history.
French Creek State Park’s Ties to the Underground Railroad
Mark Bird, the founder of Hopewell Furnace, was the single largest slave owner in Berks
County with 17 or 18 slaves at the furnace. However, by 1850, the furnace had become a stop on
the Underground Railroad.
Often, slaves fleeing the south would work at Hopewell Furnace (or another local
furnace) to earn some money for passage north. They would be housed by members of the Six
Penny Community until they continued on.
Hopewell Furnace has pay records that indicate that some people only worked for a few
weeks or so before leaving -- they assume some of these were runaway slaves.
Nearby, the Cole family maintains the oldest Black American cemetery in Berks. They
trace their family history to Isaac Cole -- one of the colliers who worked for the furnace from
1858 - 1883, using his wages to purchase the land.
He was a Civil War veteran, and his family owned the land that the Mount Frisby African
Methodist Episcopalian Church was founded on -- the home of the cemetery.
His land also formed the Six-Penny Community -- which was a community of Black
Americans who worked in and around Hopewell and housed those fleeing the south. Seventy
acres of this land was eventually sold to become French Creek State Park.
Forbes State Forest Mountain Named For Bravery
Negro Mountain is a long ridge between Laurel Hill and Allegheny Mountain, the
summit being Mt. Davis -- the highest point in Pennsylvania. It spans from Deep Creek Lake in
Maryland to the Casselman River in Pennsylvania.
Although its naming history is not precisely known, the story goes that during colonial
times (possibly during the French and Indian War), Colonel Thomas Cresap led a force against
Native Americans on the mountain.
A black slave or scout known as “Nemesis” fought bravely and died in battle protecting
the men, so Cresap named the mountain in his honor.
Other versions describe a party of settlers attacked by Native Americans, and a slave
dying protecting his master.
Some have asked the General Assembly to rename the mountain, while others argue that
it was named in honor of bravery.
Crossing the Delaware at Washington Crossing Historic Park
Soldiers of color were mustered into many regiments during the American Revolution.
Of particular note is Colonel John Glover’s 14th (Marblehead) Regiment from Massachusetts.
Fisherman and sailors were volunteers in Glover’s regiment, which included Native Americans
and free men of color.
The “Marbleheaders” proved their mettle to General George Washington in August 1776
when they executed the harrowing evacuation of American troops from Long Island, New York.
Four months later, on Christmas night, the regiment was indispensable in moving 2,400
25
Continental Army troops across the icy Delaware River at McConkey’s Ferry at Washington
Crossing Historic Park.
After hours of rowing back and forth across the river during a winter storm, these men
picked up their firearms and marched nine miles to attack the Hessian troops in Trenton, New
Jersey.
After the battle, they made the return march and rowed Continental troops and Hessian
prisoners back to Pennsylvania.
“There, Sir, went the fishermen of Marblehead, alike at home upon land or water, alike
ardent, patriotic and unflinching whenever they unfurled the flag of their country.” -- Colonel
Henry Knox
These are just a few stories of Black history in Pennsylvania state parks and forests. To
learn more, read about Black Civilian Conservation Corps in Pennsylvania state parks. Visit
Pennsylvania state parks and state forests to experience a connection to the events that took place
in them.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: Monument marking the crossing of the Delaware River at W ashington Crossing Historic
Park. )
Related Stories:
DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Noah Lewis 16th Century Reenactor
Elwood Brock: PA's First African-American State Forester
NewsClips:
Dunn
DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Noah Lewis 16th Century Reenactor
Compared to most people, Noah Lewis dresses differently when he goes

to work. Where many people wear work pants, dress slacks, or a nice
blouse, Noah adorns his 16th century regimental coat and feathered cap.
He is a full-time re-enactor, spending his time in costume and character
educating people about the important role Black people played during the
revolutionary war.
During the war, between 3,000 – 5,000 people of color served the
American cause, and 7,000 – 10,000 would serve the British.
General Washington commanded the most integrated army, with three
largely Black units: First Rhode Island Regiment; Marblehead Regiment
26
from Marblehead Massachusetts; and Bucks of America
For the past 15 years, Lewis has participated in the staging of Washington crossing the
Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park. He does not portray anyone specific in
that re-enactment, but is a representation of Washington’s integrated army.
Noah says one of his favorite parts of his job is the “I get it” moment he sees in people he
talks with during his portrayal. He enjoys when “people let go of kind and kin, the them and us,
the many things that differentiates us to simply play together.”
While doing research into his own genealogy, he learned about a Continental Army
soldier named Edward “Ned” Hector, a Black teamster and artilleryman who fought in the battles
of Brandywine and Germantown in 1777.
During the battle at Brandywine, Hector was able to secure his wagon team and
armaments before they could fall into British hands during the retreat. After becoming engrossed
in learning about him, Lewis decided to re-enact full-time as Ned Hector.
Before he began re-enacting, Lewis had no idea that Black people had played such a
monumental role during the war.
“I did not realize I would gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles of America’s other
cultures. I was surprised to find our diverse ethnic struggles were mostly the same replay of our
common struggles of the human condition. Things like, one group of people taking advantage of
others for their own benefits….The rationales we use so we can live with ourselves and look our
fellow humans in the eye,” said Noah.
Since his first presentation, Lewis has learned a lot about the individuals who helped
shape our nation. He hopes that everyone will embrace the history of Black people as their own,
and as part of American history as a whole.
Learn more about Ned Hector and Noah’s re-enactment of him at his website.
Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or
conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR by sending email to: ra-resource@pa.gov to
nominate someone.
DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click
Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Reprinted from the Feb. 6 DCNR Resource newsletter. C lick Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
Related Story:
DCNR Blog: Stories Of Black History In PA State Parks, Forests
NewsClips:
Dunn
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Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Eastern Hellbender: Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as

the state amphibian and clean water ambassador (sponsor summary) passed the Senate by a vote
of 48 to 1 and was sent to the House. The House State Government Committee approved and
reported out the bill by a vote of 24 to 1 to the full House and will be on the House Calendar for
action when it returns on February 19. Click Here for more.
Sunday Hunting: Senate Bill 147 (Laughlin-R-Erie) authorizing the Game Commission to
allow Sunday hunting was amended and reported out of the Senate Game and Fisheries
Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Click Here for more.
Farmland Preservation: Senate Bill 145 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) further providing for the
subdivision of farmland in the Agricultural Area Security Program (sponsor summary) was
reported from the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and referred to the Senate
Appropriations Committee.
House
SRBC Employee Retirement: House Bill 60 (Cox-R-Berks) to prohibit new employees of the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission from being part of the PA State Employees Retirement
System was reported out of the House State Government Committee and will be on the House
Calendar for action when it returns on February 19.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (February 19): House Bill 60 (Cox-R-Berks) to prohibit new employees of the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission from being part of the PA State Employees Retirement
System (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern
Hellbender as the state amphibian and clean water ambassador (sponsor summary). <> Click
Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (March 19): Senate Bill 147 (Laughlin-R-Erie) authorizing the Game Commission to
allow Sunday hunting. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meetings This Week

28
House: House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: Dept. of Environmental Protection,
Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. <> Click Here for full House Committee
Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
Lead Remediation Superfund: Senate Bill 221 (Hughes-D-Philadelphia) establishing the Lead
Remediation and Abatement Superfund (sponsor summary).
Act 129 Energy Conservation: Senate Bill 232 (Killion-R-Delaware) expanding the Act 129
energy efficiency program to achieve more energy costs savings for customers (sponsor
summary).
Pipeline Bills--
-- Pipeline Land Agents: Senate Bill 257 (Dinniman-D-Chester, Killion-R-Delaware) regulation
of pipeline land agents (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Emergency Notification: Senate Bill 258 (Dinniman-D-Chester,
Killion-R-Delaware) further providing for emergency notification requirements in the event of a
pipeline incident (sponsor summary).
-- Landowner Bill Of Rights: Senate Bill 259 (Dinniman-D-Chester) providing for a landowner
bill of rights related to pipeline eminent domain actions (sponsor summary).
-- Notification Requirements For Schools: Senate Bill 260 (Dinniman-D-Chester,
Killion-R-Delaware) establishing specific notification and emergency information sharing
requirements for schools near pipeline rights-of-way (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Emergency Response Fund: Senate Bill 261 (Dinniman-D-Chester,
Killion-R-Delaware) authorizing counties to impose a fee on pipelines to establish local Pipeline
Emergency Response Funds (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Siting Review: Senate Bill 262 (Dinniman-D-Chester, Killion-R-Delaware) requiring
the Public Utility Commission to review the siting of certain pipelines in consultation with the
Department of Environmental Protection (sponsor summary).
-- Pipeline Value Placement: Senate Bill 263 (Dinniman-D-Chester, Killion-R-Delaware)
setting standards for the placement of pipeline safety valves (sponsor summary).
-- Local Taxation Of Pipelines: Senate Bill 264 (Dinniman-D-Chester) making natural gas and
hazardous liquid pipelines subject to taxation by local governments and school districts (sponsor
summary).
29
Keystone Tree Fund: House Bill 374 (Everett-R-Lycoming) establishing a Keystone Tree Fund
drivers and vehicle checkoff to fund tree planting programs at DCNR (sponsor summary).
E&S Permit Review Changes: House Bill 420 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) sets timeframes for
review of erosion and sedimentation control permits and authorizes “permits by signature” of
registered professionals (former House Bill 1090)
Appeal Of Delayed Permits: House Bill 421 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) authorize an appeal right
to the Environmental Hearing Board if permits are now reviewed by certain deadlines (former
House Bill 1091)
Repeal Regulations By Resolution: House Bill 430 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) authorize the

repeal of any regulation by a single vote of the House and Senate on a concurrent resolution with
the Governor’s approval - former House Bill 1792 (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
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings: Feb. 19 to March 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
February 19, 20, 21
Budget Hearings: Feb. 11 to 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
30
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Senate, House Democratic Policy Committees Hear Testimony On Improving Air Quality
In Allegheny County
On February 7, an overflow crowd of steel

workers and concerned citizens attended and
gave testimony to a joint Senate and House
Democratic Policy Committees’ hearing on
ways to improve air quality, community
notification procedures and emergency response
in Allegheny County..
The hearing was held at the Clairton City Hall
at the request of Sen. Jim Brewster
(D-Allegheny) and Rep. Austin Davis
(D-Allegheny).
It was prompted by a December 24, 2018, fire at
the Clairton Coke Works that resulted in emissions of high levels of sulfur dioxide and damage
to the facility’s gas processing system.
“We need to see to it that air quality standards are properly monitored, and that local
emergency response and community notification procedures are accurate and timely,” Sen.
Brewster said. “To accomplish this goal, we must bring together officials from U.S. Steel, the
Allegheny County Department of Health, local governments, labor organizations and emergency
responders. We need to both address air quality issues and protect good paying jobs in the
industry.”
Rep. Davis added, “Improving the air quality in our communities is my top priority. I
appreciate the testimony of all stakeholders. As we look to improve air quality it’s imperative
that we look for effective ways to do so.”
The hearing was jointly chaired by Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) and Rep. Mike Sturla
(D-Lancaster)..
“Being raised in the shadow of the Bethlehem Steel plant, I am well aware of the
seriousness of air quality issues and how communities such as Clairton must balance an
economic reliance on good industrial jobs against health and environmental issues,” Sen.
Boscola said.
Rep. Sturla added, “I thank Representative Davis for bringing this important issue to the
House Democratic Policy Committee’s attention. This joint public hearing helps ensure that all
perspectives are heard as the legislature looks for effective ways to improve air quality.”
U.S Steel, which operates the Clairton plant, said it is committed to keeping the coke
works operational and doing more to improve its environmental efforts.
Chris Masciantonio, who serves as Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy for
U.S. Steel, said, “The Mon Valley community is more than just the company’s home; it’s our
company’s birthplace and where our employees work and live. The safety of our employees, our
partnering contractors and our neighboring communities is paramount to our efforts.”
31
Masciantonio argued that placing the plant on hot idle, as some environmentalists have
urged, would be a lengthy, difficult and costly process.
Don Furko, who serves as president of the United Steelworkers Local #1557, added,
“Simply put, if U.S. Steel ends up idling batteries, our members will lose their jobs. This will
begin a chain of events that will have a devastating impact on them, their families and our
communities across the Mon Valley.”
Members of environmental organizations and Dr. Deborah Gentile of Pittsburgh testified
that residents of the Mon Valley have been exposed to pollutants for decades. They said the
pollution level and related health threats were compounded by the recent fire and emission
exceedance.
Some of the environmentalists called for greater U.S. Steel efforts to comply with health
and safety dictates and reduce pollution discharges. They also called on the Allegheny County
Department of Health to step up monitoring, enforcement vigilance and provide more responsive
public notification when problems arise.
Allegheny County is responsible for controlling air pollution in the county, not the
Department of Environmental Protection.
Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the county health department, said the department has
already ramped up its enforcement efforts. She said her agency has imposed direct enforcement
orders and civil penalties. She said the department’s expanded legal team has also stepped up
inspections, toughened penalties and collaborated with state and federal environmental
enforcement agencies.
“The department will continue to be proactive and aggressive to improve air quality in
our county, as our actions indicate,” she said. “We will continue to improve our communication
via our current strategies through additional opportunities such as mobile phone applications and
direct communication with citizens, municipal leaders and legislators.”
The hearing follows a January 22 public meeting in Clairton. Sen. Brewster, Rep. Davis
and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) and
Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) were also updated on January 25 by officials from the Allegheny
County Health Department.
Joining Senators Brewster, Boscola and Costa at Thursday’s hearing were Senators
Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) and Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny). In addition to
Representatives Davis, Sturla and Kortz, Representatives Summer Lee, Ed Gainey, Dan Miller,
Brandon Markosek and Sara Innamorato (all D-Allegheny) attended.
Those who testified included:
Panel from U.S. Steel Corporation--
-- Chris Masciantonio, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy
-- Mike Rhoades, Plant Manager, Clairton Coke Works
-- Tishie Woodwell, General Manager, Environmental Affairs
-- Kurt Barshick, General Manager, Mon Valley Works
-- Jim Futrell, Vice President of Market Research and Analysis, Allegheny Conference on
Community Development
Panel from Allegheny County Health Department--
-- Dr. Karen Hacker, Director
-- Jim Kelly, Deputy Director for Environmental Health
-- Michael Parker, Solicitor
32
-- Dr. LuAnn Brink, Chief Epidemiologist
Panel from area unions--
-- Don Furko, President, United Steel Workers Local 1557
-- Jeff Nobers, Executive Director, Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania
-- Ken Broadbent, Business Manager, Steamfitters Local Union 449
Panel of health and environmental advocates--
-- Dr. Deborah Gentile, Physician, Pediatric Alliance
-- Rachel Filippini, Executive Director, Group Against Smog & Pollution
-- Matt Mehalik, Executive Director, Breathe Project
-- Ashleigh Deemer, Western Pennsylvania Director, PennEnvironment
Click Here for a copies of written testimony.
For more information, visit the Senate and House Democratic Policy Committees
webpages.
(Photo: Clairton Coke Works.)
NewsClips:
DEP Orders Erie Coke To Address Numerous Violations
Sisk: Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Hearing Draws Suggestions, Criticism Over Fire Response
Residents Pack Meeting With Lawmakers About Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Fire
Steelworkers Heckle Black State Rep At Air Quality Crisis Hearing In Pittsburgh
Allegheny Health Dept. Enforcement Action Coming On Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
Allegheny County Officials Meet With Health Dept. To Discuss Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
Fire
High Levels Of Sulfur Dioxide Detected Again Near Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
High Level Of Sulfur Dioxide Recorded Monday In Braddock Area
Officials: Temperature Swings Cause Poor Air Quality In Allegheny County
Inversions Also Cause Of Air Quality Issues In Pittsburgh Area
Op-Ed: Allegheny County Health Dept. Must Address Poor Air Quality - Clean Air Council
Related Stories:
PaEN: DEP Orders Erie (Coal) Coke Corp. To Submit Control Plan To Resolve Online Air
Quality Violations
Air Quality Action Day Alert Issued For 20 Pennsylvania Counties Early Last Week
PaEN: Defend Our Future Student Leaders, Elected Officials In Philadelphia Push For
Continued Reduction Of Mercury Pollution, Oppose Federal Rollback
PaEN: Register Now For Clean Air Council Run For Clean Air In Philadelphia April 20
Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Reports Out Bill Authorizing Sunday Hunting
On February 5, the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee amended and

approved legislation authorizing the Game Commission to allow Sunday
hunting by a vote of 8 to 3, according to Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie),
Majority Chair of the Committee and prime sponsor of the bill.
Senate Bill 147 would also amend the Pennsylvania Game Code to
address the offense of trespass while hunting. It would make the violation
a primary offense and as well as increase the penalties.
33
“This is a historic vote, as it takes a major step toward increasing recreational
opportunities for the thousands of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women who enjoy hunting,” said
Sen. Laughlin. “This will remove one of only two ‘Blue Laws’ remaining in the state of
Pennsylvania. You can’t hunt and you can’t buy a car on Sunday in Pennsylvania.”
Senate Bill 147 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by calling 717-787-8927 or by sending email to: dlaughlin@pasen.gov. Sen. James
Brewster (D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-787-5580
or by sending email to: brewster@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Sunday Hunting In PA: What’s In the Bill. Farm Bureau Reaction, What’s Next?
Crable: Legislators Give First Tentative OK To Sunday Hunting For Big Game
Saturday, Sunday Hunting Sparking Debate Across PA
Schneck: Sunday Hunting In PA, What’s Different This Time?
Meyer: Bill To Lift Sunday Hunting Ban Is On Move In Senate
Group To Make Its Case For Sunday Hunting This Weekend At Penn State New Kingston
Sunday Hunting Clears First Hurdle In State Senate
Bill Authorizing Sunday Hunting Moves To Senate Floor
Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Approves Sunday Hunting Bill
Editorial: Opening Deer Season On Saturday Seems Reasonable
Related Story:
PaEN: Op-Ed: Hikers, Birders & Bikers Should Not Be Swayed By Inaccuracies About Sunday
Hunting
February Newsletter Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee
The February newsletter from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee is now available featuring articles on--
-- National Aviary In Pittsburgh
-- Special Characteristics Of Recyclable Aluminum Beverage Cans
-- Research Lacking On Native Bee Species
-- Reclamation Of Mine Lands Could Be Appalachia’s New Deal
-- Second Life For Discarded Christmas Trees
-- Republicans And Democrats Tend To Agree On Climate Change
-- Conservation History: 114 Years Ago U.S. Forest Service Established By Pennsylvania’s
Gifford Pinchot.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Committee.
The Feds
34
Bipartisan Bill Introduced In Congress To Support Chronic Wasting Disease Research
On February 7, new bipartisan legislation would

require the study of chronic wasting disease-- a
debilitating illness that afflicts and can kill deer, elk
and moose-- and its transmission.
U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael
Bennet (D-Colo.) and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) introduced
the Senate bill (S. 382) and U.S. Reps. Ralph
Abraham (R-La.) and Marc Veasey (D-Texas)
introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of
Representatives bill (H.R. 837) earlier this week.
The bill authorizes a special resource study of chronic
wasting disease, which is found in wild deer or elk herds in 26 states, as well as in many private
captive cervid operations.
Chronic wasting disease is contagious and leaves animals uncoordinated and emaciated
before they succumb to its symptoms. The study on transmission pathways would help inform
state wildlife agencies’ plans for slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease.
“Chronic wasting disease is one of the greatest threats facing deer and elk. It also
jeopardizes the vital conservation funding that hunters generate through license sales and excise
taxes on sporting equipment,” said Mike Leahy, director for wildlife, hunting, and fishing policy
for the National Wildlife Federation. “Thank you to Senators Barrasso, Bennet, and Jones and
Representatives Abraham and Veasey for working across the aisle to support research that will
help state wildlife managers conserve bedrock species of our outdoor heritage.”
“By understanding how chronic wasting disease spreads, we can begin to eradicate it and
protect our hunting heritage and economy,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This bipartisan legislation will bring the
Departments of Interior and Agriculture together to ensure healthy wildlife. Sportsmen and
women appreciate the leadership of Senators Barrasso, Jones and Bennet and Representatives
Abraham and Veasey to protect the deer herds that are vital to our way of life.”
The National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates passed a policy resolution in 2017
calling for a national wildlife disease trust fund to address the growing impact of chronic wasting
disease.
NWF encourages Congress to also authorize and appropriate funding to support state
wildlife agencies in their efforts to halt chronic wasting disease.
The legislation is supported by the National Wildlife Federation, the Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership, the National Deer Alliance and other groups.
For more information on this disease and the threat it poses to deer and elk herds in
Pennsylvania, visit the Game Commission's Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.
(Photo: Map of chronic waste disease management areas in Pennsylvania.)
NewsClips:
Game Commission Makes Changes To Chronic Wasting Disease Plans In Bedford, Blair
Counties
O’Reilly: Game Commission Hopes To Resume Targeted Deer Shoot Next Year In Bedford,
35
Blair
O’Reilly: Hunters In Blair Ready To File Lawsuit Over Chronic Wasting Disease Project
Editorial: Oh, Deer, More Talk Important In CWD Deer Culling Project
Researchers Claim Cure To Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer, Game Commission Responds
Sportsmen Group Announces Partnership For Chronic Wasting Disease Cure, Agencies Respond
Game Commission/Agriculture Response On Chronic Wasting Disease
O’Reilly: Game Commission: Deer Culling To Be Delayed In Bedford, Blair Counties To Deal
With Chronic Wasting Disease
Related Stories:
Game Commission: Reducing Deer Numbers In Bedford, Blair Will Not Be Part Of Chronic
Wasting Disease Project
PaEN: Bipartisan Bill Introduced In Congress To Support Chronic Wasting Disease Research
The Nature Conservancy: U.S. Senate Takes First Steps Toward Reauthorizing Federal
Land & Water Conservation Fund:
The Nature Conservancy reported February 5 the

U.S. Senate voted 99-1 in a preliminary action to
reauthorize the federal Land and Water Conservation
Fund as part of a larger public lands package in
Senate 47.
Amendments to the bill are expected to be
considered and final action by the U.S. Senate could
come as early as the week of February 11.
The U.S. House voted to permanently reauthorize
the Fund as part of an U.S. Dept. of Interior
Appropriations Bill aimed at ending the government
shutdown on January 11. But it was never taken up by the Senate.
For the latest on reauthorization, visit the Save the Land & Water Conservation Fund
website.
For more on the impact of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Pennsylvania, visit
the PA Environmental Council website.
Visit The Nature Conservancy-PA webpage to learn more about programs, initiatives and
events in Pennsylvania.
NewsClips:
Dunn
Defend Our Future Student Leaders, Elected Officials In Philadelphia Push For Continued
Reduction Of Mercury Pollution, Oppose Federal Rollback
On February 7, Philadelphia City Council
36
members Blondell Reynolds Brown, Derek Green, Helen Gym, and State Rep Malcolm Kenyatta
join Defend Our Future’s student leaders in opposition to the proposed federal rollbacks of
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) at a press conference in City Hall ahead of a
successful vote on a City Council resolution in support of the environmental and public health
safeguards.
The event, hosted by City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Defend Our
Future Pennsylvania State Director Colin Pepper, highlighted the critical importance the
endangered standards are to the public health, safety and economy of Pennsylvania and the
nation.
Held in City Hall prior to a Council vote unanimously adopting a resolution opposing the
rollbacks that has overwhelming co-sponsorship support, the day was also marked by the
submission of the proposed federal rollbacks to the Federal Register for publication.
Student speaker, Anya Tewari spoke to the impact the standards in states like
Pennsylvania would have on his home state of New Jersey, “You would think that being from
New Jersey, the armpit of the nation, would be bad enough, but in New Jersey a substantial
amount of our air pollution comes from coal burning states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.”
Councilman Derek Green spoke to the broad support for the standards as they are in
place., “numerous entities from labor unions, power companies and other organizations have all
told the Trump Administration, do not make these changes. So from corporate America, labor,
citizens and young people are part of this coalition are all calling on the Trump Administration
to not make these changes”
State Rep Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) expressed his disappointment in the
Trump administration, “it’s not a surprise but heartbreaking that Trump is rolling back with
important environmental standards standard that are going to make our environment less safe. In
every cabinet position, he’s installed a fox who’s supposed to be trusted to guard the hen house.
This corrupt administration is a disgrace.”
Mercury pollution, which puts children, pregnant women, and frontline communities
most at risk, has been linked to organ damage and developmental complications in newborns.
Councilwoman Helen Gym described the effect mercury has on vulnerable populations
this way-- “We know that poor people and people of color are the ones who suffer the most at
first from pollution and climate change. We know from our young people and children that
suffer the consequences of these damaging choices that we make. ”
During the event, Councilwoman-At-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown, who authored the
resolution, spoke to how important support and advocacy from young people is on this issue,
“We have a lot of work to do, and it’s clear as is evidence by these young people here this
morning that we can be encouraged because they are on the case keeping us relevant when it
comes to the issue of protecting the environment.”
For more information, visit the Defend Our Future website.
Related Stories:
PaEN: Senate, House Democratic Policy Committees Hear Testimony On Improving Air Quality
In Allegheny County
Quality Violations
37
NewsClips:
In Allegheny County
Fire
Jessup Natural Gas Power Plant To Receive Acid Rain Permit Capping Emissions
PA Landfills Are Making NJ Smell Like A Rotten Egg Residents Say
Appalachian Regional Commission Accepting Applications For POWER Workforce,

Economic Revitalization Grants
The federal Appalachian Regional Commission is now

accepting applications for the POWER Workforce and
Economic Revitalization Grant Program. Applications
are due April 10.
This program targets federal resources to help
communities and regions that have been affected by job
losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and
coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing
economics of America's energy production.
POWER investment priorities include:
-- Building a competitive workforce;
-- Enhancing access to and use of broadband services;
-- Fostering entrepreneurial activities; and
-- Developing industry clusters in communities; and
-- Strengthening substance abuse response.
Eligible funding applicants include:
-- Local development districts;
-- Indian Tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
-- States, counties, cities, or other political subdivision of a state, including a special purpose unit
of a state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a
consortium of political subdivisions;
-- Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; and
-- Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations.
Before submitting a funding proposal, potential applicants must contact the appropriate
38
ARC state program manager for specific guidance pertaining to the eligible use of POWER
funds in their state.
Click Here for all the details. [Note: The Trump Administration proposed to eliminate
the Appalachian Regional Commission, so apply now.]
(Reprinted from a Twitter post by the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
News From Around The State
DEP Citizens Advisory Council Will Review Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative,
Small Business Ombudsman Programs Feb. 19
On February 19, the DEP Citizens Advisory Council

will hear presentations on the Appalachian Regional
Reforestation Initiative and DEP’s Small Business
Ombudsman Program.
Laura Bray, PA Environmental Council Program
Manager, and Eric Oliver from DEP will provide an
overview of the Appalachian Regional Reforestation
Initiative which is designed to plan high-value
hardwood trees, including American Chestnut trees,
on reclaimed coal mined lands in Appalachia.
Over 3 years, PEC and its partners have planted
over 22,000 seedlings on 26 aces of State Forest land
with an additional 65 acres in the planning for 2019.
Throughout Appalachia 3,339 acres of mine lands have been planted with 2,091,631
seedlings.
Tree plantings this year are scheduled for April 20 in the Weiser State Forest and May 4
in the Moshannon State Forest. Click Here for a copy of the presentation.
Ed Boito, DEP’s Small Business Ombudsman, will provide an overview of his program
which acts as an advocate for small business within the agency.
The program includes a Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee to review
regulations having an impact on small businesses, the Small Business Compliance Assistance
Program and dispute resolution services. Click Here for a copy of the presentation.
Also available is a copy of the written monthly report DEP submits to the Council on
agency activities and actions.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 10:00. A conference call option is available: Toll Free #: 267-332-8737, Conference
39
ID#: 52478877.
For more information, visit DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council webpage or contact Keith
Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or send email to: ksalador@pa.gov.
(Photo: Volunteer tree planting in Weiser State Forest.)
Groups Put Keep PA Beautiful, Anheuser-Busch Mini-Watershed Grants To Good Use
On February 6, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful,

Keep America Beautiful and Anheuser Busch
announced the award of 20 mini-grants of up to
$500 each to groups in 16 counties to support
volunteer initiatives ranging from river cleanups
to invasive species removal.
Pennsylvania grant recipients used the
funding to coordinate 75 events, including
cleanups, stream stabilization projects, the
creation of a rain garden, and a number of
invasive species removal projects.
Cleanups resulted in the proper disposal of 103,040 pounds of trash and 889 tires and
were coordinated in conjunction with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s International Coastal
Cleanup of PA. Projects were completed in fall 2018.
Grant recipients included--
Allegheny County
-- Allegheny CleanWays – Allegheny River cleanup
-- Allegheny Watershed Alliance/Allegheny County Conservation District – Watershed cleanup
-- Montour Run Watershed – Montour Run Watershed cleanup
-- South Side Chamber of Commerce - Historic South Side neighborhood cleanup
Beaver County
-- Tri-County CleanWays/Allegheny Aquatic Alliance - 7th annual Connoquenessing Creek
cleanup
Blair County
-- Keep Blair County Beautiful - Construction of a rain garden to mitigate storm water erosion
Bucks County
-- Churchville Nature Center - Churchville Reservoir stream cleanup and invasive removal
-- Silver Lake Nature Center - Silver Lake waterway cleanup
Centre County
-- Keep Centre County Beautiful - Bald Eagle State Park Cleanup
Clinton County
-- Clinton County CleanScapes - West Branch Susquehanna River/Greater Jersey Shore and
Valley Creekbank Cleanup
Cumberland County
-- PA CleanWays of Cumberland County/Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association – Three
creek cleanups
Erie County
40
-- Keep Erie County Beautiful – Cleanup of 18 sites
Huntingdon County
-- Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful – Juniata River cleanup
Lehigh County
-- Keep Allentown Beautiful - Little Lehigh Creek land stabilization
McKean County
-- PA CleanWays of McKean County - Kinzua Creek streambank stabilization
Monroe County
-- Keep Northeastern PA Beautiful - County-wide visitors bureau cleanup
Montgomery County
-- Upper Merion Township - Upper Merion stream cleanup
Philadelphia County
--Keep Royal Gardens Beautiful - Cobbscreek/Darby Watershed litter and invasive removal
Union County
-- Lewisburg Neighborhoods Corporation – Lewisburg River Town fall cleanups
Venango County
-- PA CleanWays of Venango County - Allegheny River cleanup and stream stabilization
Keep Philadelphia Beautiful was independently awarded a grant to collaborate with the
Philadelphia Water Department and social enterprise United by Blue to conduct the second
annual river cleanup at the Heinz Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Philadelphia. The cleanup was a
registered Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful event.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is honored to receive this funding from Keep America
Beautiful- Anheuser Busch that allowed us to provide resources at the local level, where it is
needed. We are thankful to all the groups and their volunteers for improving our watersheds and
neighborhoods, whether through cleanups, invasive plant removal or streambank stabilization,”
said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “Healthy watersheds and
neighborhoods improve the quality of life for people and the overall environment.”
Anheuser-Busch is a founding partner of Keep America Beautiful and has supported the
organization’s efforts for more than 65 years. Nationwide, a total of $95,000 was awarded in this
watershed program.
The Keep America Beautiful/Anheuser-Busch Watershed Grant Program supports the
water stewardship component of the company’s U.S. 2025 Sustainability Goals, which were
recently announced.
Anheuser-Busch’s sustainability efforts in the U.S. through 2025 include water
stewardship, renewable electricity and carbon reduction, smart agriculture and circular
packaging.
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 up now for the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA and volunteer or set up your
own cleanup and beautification event runs March 1 to May 31.
(Photo: Keep Allentown Beautiful Little Lehigh Creek land stabilization project.)
41
DEP, Partners Host Weathering The Storm Workshops On Understanding Stormwater

Runoff In Lebanon, Harrisburg, Williamsport
On February 6, the Department of

Environmental Protection announced a series of
Weathering The Storm, Understanding
Stormwater Runoff Workshops with local
partners in Lebanon, Harrisburg and
Williamsport.
These free workshops are for municipal
employees, business representatives, classroom
teachers and non-formal educators.
Learn how to create Meaningful Watershed
Educational Experiences (MWEEs) that provide students the knowledge and skills to protect and
restore their local watershed by taking action to reduce stormwater runoff pollution.
Workshop participants will gain a deep understanding of MWEEs as a vehicle for
advancing environmental literacy and stormwater stewardship, while increasing standards- based
student achievement.
Through these learner-centered experiences, students investigate local environmental
issues and experience informed civic engagement.
The workshops will be held--
-- February 21: Lebanon County Ag Center, 2120 Cornwall Road, Lebanon from 8:30 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. Click Here for more.
-- March 5: Susquehanna River Basin Commission Headquarters, 4423 North Front Street in
Harrisburg, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click Here for more.
-- March 13: Jane Schultz Room 1st Floor of the Wertz Student Center at Lycoming
College in Williamsport from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Click Here for more.
The Workshops cover: MWEE framework and lessons; DEP MWEE Stormwater Action
Project; Funding sources for public schools and communities required to reduce stormwater
runoff within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and Demonstration of stormwater best
management practices at the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
MWEEs have the strongest impact when k-12 and nonformal, field-based educators
collaborate. This workshop helps prepare non-formal educators to partner with classroom
teachers on a stormwater project.
All participants will take home a variety of resources including Penn State Extension's
“Rain to Drain” curriculum, “An Educator's Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational
Experience (MWEEs)” and “DEP's Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community” to
address stormwater within their school district and community, including a proven project
framework.
Additional resources available through Penn State Extension, the Susquehanna River
Basin Commission and the PA DEP MWEE Stormwater Action Project Grant Program will also
be available.
Act 48 credit is available. A limited number of substitute teacher stipends are available
42
The Workshops are sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection,
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Penn State Extension, and the Susquehanna
River Basin Commission.
To register in advance for any of the Workshops contact Bert Myers at DEP by sending
an email to: gimyers@pa.gov or calling 717-705-3767.
Visit DEP’s Environmental Education webpage for more information on education
programs. Click Here to sign up for DEP’s Teaching Green newsletter.
Related Story:
Registration Now Open For PA Environmental Educators Conference In Philadelphia March
18-19
NewsClips:
Indiana County Watershed Group Looking To Bolster Its Ranks
In Depth Q&A On Wyoming Valley Stormwater Fee
Financial Needs
Murrysville Will Retrofit 13 More Stormwater Ponds To Comply With State’s Pollution
Reduction Plan
Nearly $400,000 Rushbrook Creek Project To Expire Soon In Lackawanna
Tanger Outlets Crater Failure Of Stormwater System, Not Sinkhole, Due In Part To Heavy Rains
York Conservation District Writing Your Own Manure Management Plan Workshop
March 1
The York County Conservation District will

host a Writing Your Own Manure
Management Plan Workshop on March 1 at
the York County Annex Building, 118
Pleasant Acres Road in York from 8:00 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
The goal is for participants to complete their
MMP in one day. Attendees will receive a
copy of the updated Manure Management Manual and the presentations will include best manure
management practices and guide participants through a step-by-step process for developing their
MMP.
Time will be allotted throughout the presentations for one-on-one assistance. Light
refreshments will be provided.
Financial support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection through the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant, the Clean Water
Fund and the Chesapeake Bay Regulatory and Accountability Program.
The event is free, but registration is required by February 22. Call 717-840-7430.
For more information on programs and assistance available, visit the York County
43
Conservation District website.
Related Story:
Manure Injection Offers Hope, Challenge For Restoring Chesapeake Bay Water Quality
NewsClips:
Rodale Institute Veteran Organic Farming Training Program Now Accepting Applications
March 1
Planners Deny OK For Development Of Last Farm In Middletown, Bucks County
Schneck: Watch Ice Harvesting As It Was Done In The 1800s On PA Farms
Manure Injection Offers Hope, Challenge For Restoring Chesapeake Bay Water Quality
By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News
Widespread adoption by dairy farmers of injecting

manure into the soil instead of spreading it on the
surface could be crucial to restoring Chesapeake Bay
water quality, according to researchers who compared
phosphorus runoff from fields treated by both methods.
However, they predict it will be difficult to persuade
farmers to change practices.
In a four-year study, overland and subsurface flows
from 12 hydrologically isolated research plots at Penn
State's Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center were measured and sampled for all
phosphorus constituents and total solids during and after precipitation events.
During that period, from January 2013 to May 2017, the plots were planted with summer
crops of corn and winter cover crops of cereal rye. Half the plots received broadcast manure
applications, while the others had manure injected into the soil.
Researchers evaluated loads of total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, particulate
phosphorus and total solids against flow volumes to learn how phosphorus and sediment losses
differed between plots.
Shallow-disk injection of manure was found to be more effective than broadcasting
manure in promoting dilution of dissolved phosphorus and to a lesser extent, total phosphorus.
The broadcast manure plots experienced more runoff of particulate phosphorus than did
the injection plots.
Importantly for no-till advocates, no difference was detected between application
methods for total solids in the runoff — meaning manure injection, with its slight disturbance of
the soil surface, did not cause sedimentation.
No-till practitioners, who constitute slightly more than half of the dairy farmers in
Pennsylvania, have been slow to adopt manure injection due to concerns about the practice
causing sedimentation and muddying streams.
However, the precision and accuracy of the study, recently published in Agriculture,
Ecosystems and Environment, was constrained by hydrologic variability, conceded Jack Watson,
44
professor of soil science and soil physics, Penn State.
His research group in the College of Agricultural Sciences conducted the study. Watson
pointed out that the findings demonstrate that, even at a small scale, the effectiveness of a
practice in accomplishing water quality benefits varies.
"This has been the case with previous phosphorus-mitigation field studies, as well," he
said. "Even studies done with carefully constructed research plots like ours, which allow us to
collect, measure, test and contrast runoff, are confounded by hydrologic variability."
But despite the variability, the findings showed that manure injection decreased the
overall phosphorus losses, according to lead researcher Melissa Miller, a master's degree student
in soil science when she conducted the study.
"When we looked at the total phosphorus losses from the plots, we were able to see a
strong trend," she said. "It was revealed in both overland and subsurface flows following rain
events."
That variability, however, complicates efforts to convince dairy farmers they should
convert to manure injection, noted research team member Heather Gall, assistant professor of
agricultural and biological engineering.
She suggested that the practice, widely adopted, could help states comply with total
maximum daily load stream regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to
protect the Chesapeake Bay from nutrient pollution and associated algal blooms and dead zones.
"When we make recommendations to farmers about what they can do to improve runoff
quality, we want to be able to tell them how well it will work," she said. "But how much manure
injection will reduce the amount of phosphorus loss on a particular farm can depend on site
characteristics, such as what kind of soil it has, what kind of crops are growing and the slope of
the landscape. And so, we might not be able to tell a farmer definitively what to expect in terms
of load-reduction benefits, making it difficult to make a compelling case that an investment in
shallow-disc manure injection equipment will be worthwhile."
Watson explained that manure injection equipment is expensive and that it takes longer
and requires more fuel for farmers to apply manure to their fields using injection than
broadcasting or spreading it.
For shallow-disc manure injection to be broadly implemented in the Chesapeake Bay
drainage, he said, it will require substantial financial support from government or other off-farm
sources. But it needs to be done, Watson believes.
"In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, we have a lot of dairy animals concentrated
in a small area. We have all this manure that has to be gotten rid of and all the nutrients that go
with it have to be disposed of on a small amount of land. It must be done in a way that will
protect the Chesapeake Bay," he said.
And even if the phosphorus reductions are uncertain due to site variability, Watson
added, there are the additional benefits from manure injection, such as reducing ammonia
volatilization and reducing odor emissions, which have significant value as well.
Also involved in the research were Charlie White, assistant professor of soil fertility and
nutrient management and Kathryn Brasier, professor of rural sociology, Penn State; Peter
Kleinman, Anthony Buda, Lou Saporito and Tamie Veith, Pasture Systems and Watershed
Management Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, University
Park; and Clinton Williams, Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Maricopa, Arizona.
45
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supported this work.
(Reprinted from Penn State News.)

Related Story:
York Conservation District Writing Your Own Manure Management Plan Workshop March 1
NewsClips:
March 1
Monroe Master Watershed Stewards Hold Info Session On Feb. 9 In Stroudsburg
The Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards

in Monroe County will hold an information session on
February 9 for volunteers with an interest in the
environment, a willingness to learn more and most
importantly, a strong desire to make a difference in the
community.
The session will be held at the Kettle Creek
Environmental Center, 8050 Running Valley Road in
Stroudsburg starting at Noon.
The Monroe County Master Watershed Stewards
will start their first training class of the year on March 14.
For more information, contact Jim Vogt by sending email to: jav45@psu.edu or call
570-421-6430.
Penn State Extension 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.
Related Stories:
Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Info Meeting Feb. 11
Feb. 17 Info Session On Master Watershed Stewards Program In Chester, Delaware Counties
PaEN: Lehigh Valley Sustainability Network Hosts Regional Water We Share Forum Feb. 28 In
Bethlehem
PaEN: Making The Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A Sustainable Backyard Workshop March
16 In Westmoreland County
PaEN: 17 In-Person Tree Tender Training Classes Being Offered For Volunteers In Pittsburgh,
Southeast PA
46
Feb. 17 Info Session On Master Watershed Stewards Program In Chester, Delaware

Counties
The Penn State Extension Master Watershed

Stewards in Chester and Delaware counties are
looking for volunteers with an interest in the
environment, a willingness to learn more and
most importantly, a strong desire to make a
difference in the community.
The Master Watershed Stewards will hold
an information session on the program in
Delaware County on February 17 from 1:00 to
2:00 p.m. at the Environmental Center, Smedley
Park, 20 Papermill Road in Springfield.
Whether you are a teacher, an accountant,
a construction worker, a homemaker, a student, or have another background, YOU can become a
Master Watershed Steward.
Training classes will take place on Wednesday mornings, 9:30 a.m. to Noon, and run
from March 6th through May 22nd. Volunteer opportunities are available starting right away and
you be able to work on meaningful projects that support our watershed association partners and
community groups.
Discover more about program basics, the training program, typical volunteer projects,
and more at one of their info sessions!
The Chester County and Delaware County Master Watershed Steward Program is a
partnership between: Chester County Conservation District; Chester County Water Resources
Authority; Delaware County Conservation District; Stroud Water Research Center; and local and
regional watershed associations.
Click Here for more information. Questions should be directed to Meagan
Hopkins-Doerr by sending email to: mxh1135@psu.edu.
Penn State Extension 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.
Related Stories:
Bethlehem
47
Southeast PA
Lehigh Valley Sustainability Network Hosts Regional Water We Share Forum Feb. 28 In
Bethlehem
The Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania,

Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter,
PennFuture, and the Lehigh Valley
Sustainability Network are hosting a regional
community forum-- The Water We Share:
Protecting Water Quality in Bethlehem on
February 28.
The Forum will held at Northampton Community College, Fowler Family Southside
Center, 511 E 3rd Street, Room 605 in Bethlehem from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Forum will highlight broad water quality issues affecting the Delaware River
Watershed and explore their local impacts in the Lehigh Valley.
Participants will hear from a panel of regional and local stakeholders in state government,
nonprofits, and business that will discuss the most significant issues threatening the area’s
drinking water including stormwater runoff, industrial development, legacy pollutants, fracking,
and biosolids.
The Forum will also cover how we got here, how our communities are affected, solutions
to mitigate these issues, and what residents can do to help.
Panel speakers will be announced shortly. Local environmental organizations are being
invited to have outreach tables from 6:00 - 6:30 pm. The panel discussion will start promptly at
6:30 pm.
This event is free, but registration is required. To register, or for more details, visit The
Water We Share: Protecting Water Quality in the Lehigh Valley registration page on the Sierra
Club PA's website.
For more information on programs, initiatives, and upcoming events with the host
organizations, visit the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania,
PennFuture and the Lehigh Valley Sustainability Network websites.
Related Stories:
Feb. 17 Info Session On Master Watershed Stewards Program In Chester, Delaware Counties
Southeast PA
Your Feedback Wanted On The Datashed.org Water Quality Information Website
48
The nonprofit Stream Restoration, Inc. is looking for comments and suggestions on its
Datashed.org website that contains water quality and other information on mine drainage
treatment systems across the state.
Over the next few years, SRI is planning to update the website and make a variety of
improvements. They are want input from both current users as well as potential future users.
“As a user or potential user, your input is important to us. Our goal is to make Datashed
a free, valuable tool that will aid you in your watershed restoration efforts,” said Cliff Denholm
of SRI
If you have any questions, comments or problems with Datashed.org, please do not
hesitate to contact Cliff by sending email to: cliff@streamrestorationinc.org.
For more information on programs, projects and initiatives, visit the Stream Restoration,
Inc. website.
(Reprinted from the Abandoned Mine Post newsletter from the W

estern PA Coalition For
Abandoned Mine Reclamation. To sign up for your own copy, send your email to:
andy@wpcamr.org. )
Related Story:
February Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition
NewsClips:
February Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition
The February issue of The Catalyst newsletter is

now available from the Butler County-based
Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition featuring
articles on--
-- 2018 Year In Review - Working Together
For A Healthier Watershed
-- Prairie Improvement Day At Jennings
Environmental Center A Success (Photo)
-- The KIDS Catalyst - Animal Babies
-- Who Saved Room For Pie? Jennings
Environmental Ed Center Cherry Pike Hike Feb. 23
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
The Catalyst newsletter is distributed to over 1,200 individuals in over a dozen countries
including: Brazil, Peru, South Korea, Mexico, England, Wales, Venezuela, South Africa, New
Zealand, Australia and Germany.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Slippery
Rock Watershed Coalition website.
Related Story:
Your Feedback Wanted On The Datashed.org Water Quality Information Website
NewsClips:
49
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Reflections On A Changing Climate Program March 3 In

Monroe County
What’s the difference between weather and climate? And if the planet
is warming, why is it so cold? Get the answers to these and many
more questions during “Reflections on a Changing Climate,” a free
event on March 3, hosted by Brodhead Watershed Association in
Monroe County.
Starting at 1 p.m. at Brodhead Creek Heritage Center, 1539 Cherry
Lane Road, Analomink, BWA member Mark Lichty will facilitate the
conversation. Lichty is an executive producer of the documentary
“Groundswell Rising.”
Participants will discuss the science of climate change; its impacts on
weather patterns, the environment, economy, and human health; and
actions citizens can take to lessen their carbon footprint.
This is “a talk on how climate change affects us, and how we can affect climate change,”
Lichty said. “Climate change is something you can impact. Come and connect with your true
power.”
The event is free, but registration is required and limited. To register, send an email to:
info@brodheadwatershed.org or call 570-839-1120.
Click Here for more information on this event and other activities by the BWA’s Climate
Change Committee.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website.
Related Stories:
PaEN: New Poll: Republicans And Democrats Tend To Agree On Climate Change
PaEN: PennTAP Hosts A Series Of Webinars, Workshops For Businesses On Energy,
Sustainability Tools To Reduce Costs
PaEN: Wayne County-Based Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support Program
(SEEDS) Names Sandy Long Executive Director
NewsClips:
Allegheny Front: Empowering Kids To Take Action On Climate Change
Lackawanna Man Booting Up Local Climate Lobby Chapter
Op-Ed: Veterans Are Fighting Climate Change - Garett Reppenhagen
Op-Ed: Climate Action Has To Be The Major Benchmark For Environmental Progress In PA -
Dan Grossman, EDF & Davitt Woodwell, PEC
Op-Ed: Gov. Wolf’s Climate Contradiction
Tom Horton
50
Call For Presentations: 7th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum Oct. 16-17
Allentown
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is now

accepting proposals for breakout sessions and workshops
for the 7th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum.
The deadline for submissions is April 12.
The Forum is a two-day conference that brings
together organizations and individuals spanning the four
watershed states of Delaware, New York, New Jersey,
and Pennsylvania. The Forum has previously focused on
topics such as water quality, agriculture, community
engagement, conservation, and equity.
This year, the Forum will be held October 16 and 17 at the Renaissance Allentown Hotel.
Click Here to submit your suggestion for a presentation.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.
NewsClips:
Kummer: Schuylkill Rowers Close Gap On Dredging Money, But Still Risk Losing Big Regattas
Editorial: Wolf Should Support Full Fracking Ban In Delaware River Basin
Delaware RiverKeeper Feb. 7 RiverWatch Video Report
Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Lake Erie Shipboard Science Workshop For Teachers Now
Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program announced

applications for the July 8-14 Lake Erie
Shipboard Science Workshop for Teachers are
now being accepted. The deadline for
applications is February 28.
Educators can set a course for adventure
and professional development aboard the Lake
Guardian, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s research vessel.
This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity
for fourth-through 12th-grade teachers and
informal educators to work alongside scientists
participating in Great Lakes research on Lake
Erie.
Only 15 applicants will be chosen for the week long workshop.
51
The annual research cruise sets sail from the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on
July 8. Educators will live and work alongside scientists from Bowling Green State University,
the University of Wisconsin and the EPA.
They will use state-of-the-art equipment to assist researchers collecting data on water
quality, plastic pollution, and phosphorus concentrations related to harmful algal blooms.
Educators will also collaborate on new ways to incorporate hands-on research into their
classrooms and share ideas for classroom activities that boost understanding of Great Lakes
issues.
Sea Grant specialists will provide educational resources and support while onboard and
will help teachers implement new activities after the cruise.
Port stops in Erie, Pa., on July 10 and in Put-In-Bay, Ohio, on July 13 will also allow
participants to learn more about Great Lakes recreation, history and stewardship before returning
to Cleveland on July 14.
Click Here for all the details on how to apply.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other educational opportunities, visit
the Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program website.
Related Stories:
PaEN: Erie Times-News Connect With Your Environment, Teacher Curriculum Guide Now
Available
NewsClips:
Saint Vincent Professors Working On Book About Fred Rogers The Environmentalist
Pittsburgh’s Citizen Science Lab On The Move With Second Location
Erie Times-News Connect With Your Environment, Teacher Curriculum Guide Now
Available
The latest issue of Connect With Your

Environment in the Erie Times-News is now
available. This edition focuses on How To Be
A Waste-Watcher.
A companion Plastic Pollution Curriculum And
Activity Guide is also available for teachers.
Click Here for dozens of past issues and their
related curriculum guides.
Connection With Your Environment is
supported by the Pennsylvania Sea Grant
52
Program and DEP’s Coastal Resources Management Program.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other educational opportunities, visit
the Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program website.
Related Stories:
Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Lake Erie Shipboard Science Workshop For Teachers Now Accepting
Applications
NewsClips:
DEP Approves Report On 2017 Slope Failure At Advanced Disposal Services Greentree
Landfill In Elk County
On February 4, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has approved

Advanced Disposal Services Greentree Landfill, LLC’s “Root Cause Report” detailing
Advanced Disposal’s investigation and conclusion regarding the cause of the slope failure on
February 8, 2017, at the Greentree Landfill in Kersey, Elk County.
DEP required Advanced Disposal to conduct the investigation and submit the Root Cause
Report under a Consent Order and Agreement between the DEP and Advanced Disposal dated
November 30, 2017.
Experts hired by Advanced Disposal prepared the Root Cause Report and concluded that
the placement of non-conventional waste streams within the Greentree Landfill, including low
shear strength sludges, and other operational factors created conditions that caused the February
8, 2017 slope failure.
Industry experts hired by DEP to review the Root Cause Report did not contest the
conclusions and DEP approved the Root Cause Report.
The Consent Order and Agreement also required Advanced Disposal to remediate the
slope failure area, consent to restrictions on sludge acceptance, and pay a civil penalty of
$600,000.
Advanced Disposal later agreed to a modification of the agreement that included $95,000
in additional penalties. Advanced Disposal continues to remediate the area of the slope failure at
Greentree Landfill.
The penalties were paid into the Solid Waste Abatement Fund, which is used to address
problems at abandoned landfills, help to address littering and anti-dumping initiatives.
Click Here for a copy of the Root Cause Report, without lengthy appendices.
Media questions should be directed to Neil Shader at 717-787-1323 or by email to:
53
nshader@pa.gov.
Related Story:
DEP To Host March 5 Meeting On Proposed Elcon Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage
Facility In Bucks County
PaEN: Kroger Company Accepting Applications For $1 Million In Food Waste Reduction
Grants
Registration Now Open! Professional Recyclers Of PA Recycling & Organics Conference July
24-26
NewsClips:
Lackawanna County Recycling Center May Soon Start Refusing Contaminated Recycling
Wilkes-Barre Council Needs Another Attempt To Passing Higher Recycling Fee
Wilkes-Barre Recycling Fee Hike Headed For Defeat
Erie-Area Residents Forced To Change Recycling Habits
Household Hazardous Waste, Electronics Recycling Event Feb. 9 In Erie County
Western PA Colleges Take Steps To Reduce Plastic Usage
Penn State: How Craigslist Can Cut Solid Waste One Used Sofa At A Time
Op-Ed: It’s Time To Declare War On Throwaway Culture
Easton Sewer Plant Looks To Food Scraps To Generate Power
On February 6, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will host a March 5

public meeting regarding Elcon Recycling Services, LLC’s proposed plans to construct and
operate a hazardous waste treatment and storage facility to treat and store liquid waste at the
Keystone Industrial Port Complex in Falls Township, Bucks County.
The meeting will take place at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, 400 Oxford Valley
Road, Langhorne, Bucks County from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
The public meeting will be held to answer questions from the public regarding the permit
applications for the project. Representatives from DEP’s Waste Management, Air Quality, and
Clean Water programs will be on hand to discuss permit applications currently under review.
To date, Elcon has applied to DEP for a Solid Waste Management Permit for a
Commercial Hazardous Waste Treatment and Storage Facility, an Air Quality Plan Approval,
and a General Stormwater Discharge permit.
Elcon submitted a solid waste management permit application for a commercial
hazardous waste treatment facility to DEP. After a series of administrative completeness reviews,
DEP found the application to be administratively complete and commenced a 10-month technical
review in July 2018.
Elcon applied for an Air Quality Plan Approval as a minor facility on October 16, 2018.
The application has been deemed administratively complete and is currently under technical
review. The review ensures that the facility will meet all applicable rules and regulations, as well
as meeting the best available technology, for any air pollution sources and any associated air
pollution control equipment.
54
Elcon applied for a General Stormwater Discharge permit on October 16, 2018. The
administratively complete application is currently under technical review. NPDES (National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits and best management practices are used to
control stormwater runoff and pollution prevention. This permit would be limited to stormwater
discharges only.
Visit DEP’s Elcon Recycling Services, LLC webpage for more information. Questions
should be directed to Virginia Cain, DEP Southeast Regional Office, by calling 484-250-5808 or
send email to: vicain@pa.gov.
Related Stories:
DEP Approves Report On 2017 Slope Failure At Advanced Disposal Services Greentree Landfill
In Elk County
Grants
24-26
NewsClips:
Registration Now Open! Professional Recyclers Of PA Recycling & Organics Conference

July 24-26
The Professional Recyclers of PA are now

accepting registrations for the 29th Annual
Recycling and Organics Conference to be
held July 24-26 at the Central Hotel and
Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive in
Harrisburg.
Among the scheduled speakers are a
welcome from Dauphin County
Commissioner Mike Pries and--
-- Anne Germaine, National Waste & Recycling Association;
-- Lisa Skumatz, Skumatz, Economic Research Associates, Inc.;
-- Walt Davenport, MSW Consultants;
-- Scott Mouw, Recycling Partnership;
-- Bob Bylone, PA Recycling Markets Center
55
-- Larry Holley, Todd Pejack, DEP
-- Tyler Munro, Recycle Coach;
-- Amy Mazzella di Bosco, Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority; and
-- Christopher Evans, PA Emergency Management Agency.
The deadline for early bird registrations is March 31.
To register or for more information on the Conference schedule, exhibitors and
sponsorship opportunities, visit PROP’s 29th Annual Recycling and Organics Conference
webpage. Questions should be directed to Douglas Orner by calling 717-441-6049 or sending
email to: dorner@proprecycles.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives, training opportunities, visit the
Professional Recyclers of PA website.
Related Stories:
In Elk County
Grants
NewsClips:
Kroger Company Accepting Applications For $1 Million In Food Waste Reduction Grants
On February 5, The Kroger Co. announced the

launch of the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste
Innovation Fund and its first open call to
support the company's bold and ambitious plan
designed to end hunger in its communities and
eliminate waste across the company by 2025.
Kroger invites eligible innovators to submit a
letter of intent by March 4 for ideas and
solutions to prevent food waste.
"Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste effort is at
the forefront of shaping the national discussion around how to end hunger and eliminate waste at
scale across America," said Jessica Adelman, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs.
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"Achieving Zero Hunger | Zero Waste requires creative ideas and scalable solutions to disrupt
the food system as we know it. “Through Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Innovation Fund,
we seek to partner with creative thinkers and innovators who share our vision for a better world.
Kroger's history of generosity is captured in the forward-looking mission of our Zero Hunger |
Zero Waste Foundation, and we are committing up to $1 million in grants for the first cohort to
inspire and capture the innovative thinking required to fix our country's hunger-food waste
paradox."
Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Innovation Fund is a signature program of The
Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, a new public charity designed to catalyze
collective action and direct resources where they are needed most to help transform Kroger
communities.
For the inaugural open call, Kroger will award grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000
per project, prioritizing emerging technologies and ideas focused on food waste prevention.
Proposals will be evaluated by the board of directors for The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger |
Zero Waste Foundation, as well as an advisory council of leaders from World Wildlife Fund,
Feeding America, ReFED, Kroger Technology, and 84.51°.
Criteria includes alignment with Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan, potential for
positive impact in U.S. communities served by the Kroger Family of Companies, ease of
implementation, geography, and measurability and scalability.
Grant recipients will be announced in the spring, and grantees will receive access to
Kroger leaders and partners; the potential to test their solution with the Kroger Family of
Companies or a partner; networking opportunities with program peers, industry experts and
investors; visibility through case studies, showcases and promotional content; and the option to
apply for follow-on funding.
"We are excited to launch our new Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and first
Innovation Fund open call dedicated to identifying food waste solutions that can disrupt and help
Kroger fulfill our vision of serving America through food inspiration and uplift," continued
Adelman.
Kroger introduced its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment in September 2017,
pledging $10 million to support new ideas and concepts.
To learn more about the inaugural call and how to apply, visit the Zero Hunger | Zero
Waste Application webpage and follow the journey at #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.
Related Stories:
In Elk County
24-26
NewsClips:
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DEP: Wayne Memorial Health System To Pay $15,600 Penalty Over High X-Ray
Radiation Levels
On February 4, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has reached an

agreement with Wayne Memorial Health System, Inc. in Honesdale, Wayne County on a
$15,600 civil penalty for violations relating to radiation sensors on a system-owned X-ray unit.
DEP has determined that some patients at the system’s community health center in
Waymart may have been exposed to high levels of radiation.
“The department’s main concern is the health and well-being of patients at this facility”,
said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Facilities that utilize equipment with radiation have a
responsibility to comply with regulations and that did not happen here. This agreement will help
ensure this does not happen in the future and patients are not at risk.”
During an inspection in September 2018, DEP staff discovered that sensors on the
recently installed X-ray unit, which determine radiation exposure time, were not properly
adjusted at the time of installation, causing the sensors to shut off while the unit was operating.
Due to that malfunction, X-ray technicians were relying on the unit’s back-up timer to
determine skin exposure time. The back-up timer was set at one second, which, under national
radiation guidelines, is too long of an exposure time.
As a result, the X-ray unit lacked the means to terminate radiation exposure at a pre-set
time.
This malfunction caused some patients to be exposed to radiation levels sixteen times the
acceptable national average.
The national measurement for radiation skin exposure is 320 milli Roentgen (mR), and
because of the time limit set on the back-up X-ray unit, some patients at the health center had
skin exposure of over 5100 mR. Those exposure levels are a violation of the Radiation Protection
Act.
The DEP encourages anyone who may have had X-rays at the community health center
between May and September of 2018 to consult a medical professional to discuss any concerns.
The department determined on September 26, 2018, that WMHSI had repaired the X-ray
unit and, during a follow-up inspection, determined it was in compliance with DEP radiation
regulations.
The agreement also calls for WMHSI to submit a copy of its Quality Assurance Plan,
including its plans for the use of the x-ray unit, by February 2019 for DEP’s approval, and be
instituted at the facility within two weeks of its approval.
The facility must also begin, by March 1, 2019, providing copies of its daily tracking
system of radiation exposure to DEP.
For more information on x-ray machine radiation exposure, visit DEP’s X-Ray Machine
Program webpage.
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NewsClips:
Register Now For Clean Air Council Run For Clean Air In Philadelphia April 20
Since 1981, the Clean Air Council has held the Run
for Clean Air in Philadelphia to celebrate Earth
Day. This year's run will be held on April 20.
The Run for Clean Air presented by Toyota
Hybrids is one of the region’s longest-running
charity races and its largest Earth Day event.
Located on the beautiful banks of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia, the Run is a celebration of
sustainable and healthy neighborhoods, clean air,
and improvements in the region’s overall
environmental health.
Year after year, sponsors, volunteers, runners, walkers and families choose to celebrate
Earth Day with Clean Air Council.
Click Here to register or for more details.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Clean
Air Council website.
NewsClips:
In Allegheny County
Fire
Related Stories:
Quality Violations
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DEP Orders Erie (Coal) Coke Corp. To Submit Control Plan To Resolve Online Air
Quality Violations
On February 4, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has ordered Erie Coke
Corporation to address ongoing violations of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act at Erie
Coke’s coke production facility in the City of Erie.
“This action requires Erie Coke Corporation to re-evaluate its methods of operation and
plan equipment to ensure that the facility is operated in full accordance with its permit and the
applicable rules and regulations for the protection of our citizens. DEP is committed to enforcing
the commonwealth’s conditions of the permits we issue and protecting Pennsylvania’s air,” said
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Since June 2017, DEP has documented numerous and ongoing violations at the facility
located near the channel entrance to Presque Isle Bay. Violations cited in the Order include,
among others:
-- Failing to operate a hydrogen sulfide absorber pollution control device at all times when
operating the coke oven batteries;
-- Flaring or combustion of coke oven by-product gas with hydrogen sulfide concentrations
greater than allowed;
-- Excessive visible fugitive emissions from coke pushing operations;
-- Over 12,000 minutes of excessive visible emissions from the battery combustion stack
between January and September of 2018;
-- Failing to prevent topside and door emissions as required by permit;
-- Failing to prevent visible fugitive particulate matter emissions from crossing off the Erie Coke
property;
-- Failing to promptly remove earth or other material from paved streets onto which earth or
other material was transported by trucking;
-- Failing to conduct annual stack testing of the Coke Side Shed Baghouse.
Many of the violations are similar those addressed by a 2010 consent decree between the
DEP and Erie Coke. The consent decree terminated in 2015 after Erie Coke upgraded the facility
and paid $4 million in penalties.
DEP has not detected exceedances of ambient air quality standards at its monitors in the
area, but continues to investigate the effects of Erie Coke’s violations.
DEP’s order requires Erie Coke to complete stack testing of the Coke Side Shed
Baghouse within 30 days after the DEP approves a stack testing protocol, immediately notify the
DEP if the hydrogen sulfide absorber is taken out of service, and within 60 days, submit a plan
and schedule to correct the violations.
Erie Coke has applied to renew its Title V operating permit for the facility and that
application is under review by DEP.
Many of the violations noted in the Order were documented as part of the DEP’s
compliance review for the renewal of the Title V operating permit.
Media questions should be directed to Neil Shader at 717-787-1323 or by email to:
nshader@pa.gov.
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NewsClips:
Fire
Related Stories:
In Allegheny County
On February 4, the Department of Environmental

Protection and its regional air quality partnerships
have forecast a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day
for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) on Monday,
February 4, 2019 for the following counties:
Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, Armstrong,
Fayette, Beaver, Washington, Northampton, Lehigh,
Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lebanon,
Lancaster, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware,
Montgomery, and Chester.
Fine particulate levels rose faster than expected over the past weekend due to much
warmer air coming in aloft and at the surface along with much lighter surface winds.
A strong inversion, when colder air is trapped below a warm air mass, with near calm
winds and increased weekday emissions Monday will bring air quality for PM2.5 into the Code
Orange range.
This pattern will hold until Tuesday, February 5, 2019, when a cold front is expected to
pass through. The front will pass the western part of the state tomorrow morning, then through
eastern areas early tomorrow afternoon.
The increasing mixing resulting from the frontal passage will bring air quality down to
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the moderate range on average during the day Tuesday.
To help keep the air healthy, residents and business are encouraged to voluntarily restrict
certain pollution-producing activities by:
-- Refueling cars and trucks after dusk;
-- Setting air conditioner thermostats to a higher temperature;
-- Carpooling or using public transportation; and
-- Combining errands to reduce trips.
Visit the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission website for updates to its air
quality advisories.
These forecasts are provided in conjunction with DEP’s regional air quality partnerships.
Visit DEP’s Air Quality Partnerships webpage for more information on air quality across
Pennsylvania.
Related Stories:
In Allegheny County
Quality Violations
NewsClips:
In Allegheny County
Fire
PUC Underground Utility Line, Pipeline Damage Prevention Committee Meets Feb. 12
On February 8, the Public Utility Commission announced

the underground utility line and pipeline Damage Prevention
Committee will meet on February 12 in Hearing Room 1 of
the Keystone Building in Harrisburg starting at 9:00.
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The meeting will be webcast live. Click Here for a copy of the agenda.
The creation of the committee was authorized by Act 50 of 2017, which enhances
Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Act – also known as the “One Call Law.”
Modeled after successful programs in other states, the focus of the committee is a reduction in
the number of “hits” on underground utilities.
The DPC meets regularly to review alleged violations of the Act and makes
determinations as to the appropriate response including, but not limited to, the issuance of
warning letters or administrative penalties.
Pennsylvania law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three
business days prior to excavation. The PA One Call service is provided at no cost to customers.
The next meeting of the Committee is March 12.
For more information, visit the PUC’s Pennsylvania One Call Enforcement webpage.
(Photo: What happens when a backhoe hits a natural gas gathering pipeline.)
Related Stories:
PaEN: DEP Puts Hold On Reviewing All Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline Projects In PA
PaEN: Gov. Wolf Urges General Assembly To Fill Gaps In State Regulation Of Pipelines
NewsClips:
[Posted: Feb. 8,, 2019]
PennTAP Hosts A Series Of Webinars, Workshops For Businesses On Energy,

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program

will offer a series of webinars and workshops for
businesses on a variety of energy, environmental
and sustainable tools geared toward reducing
costs. The schedule includes--
-- February 27: Building Re-Tuning Energy
Sustainability Workshop in Monroeville
-- February 28: Energy Efficiency For
Agriculture-Related Businesses Webinar. Noon to
1:00.
-- April 18: Benefits Of Energy Management Systems Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
-- May 16: Basics Of Building Re-Tuning Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
-- July 18: Funding & Incentives To Implement Energy Efficiency Projects Webinar. Noon to
1:00.
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-- August 15: Building Re-Tuning For Downtown Buildings Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
-- September 19: Alternative Energy Projects For Agriculture-Related Businesses Webinar.
Noon to 1:00.
-- October 3: Economy, Energy, And Environment for Food-Related Industries Webinar. Noon
to 1:00.
-- November 21: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem At Penn State Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
Click Here for a full list of PennTAP education opportunities.
For more information on the programs and assistance available, visit the Pennsylvania
Technical Assistance Program website.
Penn State University, Lightsource BP To Develop 70 MW Solar Energy Generation

Facility On 500 Acres In Franklin County
On February 5, Penn State University and Lightsource BP announced the development of 70
megawatts of large-scale offsite solar to support the University's Strategic Plan, which cites
stewardship of the planet's resources as a key priority.
The project, a large-scale ground mounted solar array using over 150,000 solar panels in
three locations encompassing roughly 500 acres of Franklin County land, will be just outside of
Chambersburg near Penn State's Mont Alto campus.
The project is tied for the largest solar project in the state of Pennsylvania.
This large-scale solar array will provide 25 percent of Penn State's statewide electricity
requirements over a 25-year term, while driving economic development and educational
opportunities for the host community.
"This project is a win for Penn State, a win for Pennsylvania and a win for the
environment," said Rob Cooper, senior director of Energy and Engineering in the Penn State
Office of Physical Plant. "Among the many benefits of this significant investment in solar-based
electric generation include cost savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions in support of Penn
State's aggressive sustainability goals, economic development with job creation and income for
host communities through development of the Pennsylvania solar market."
Guiding the solar project's development are specific goals and objectives, including:
-- Lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the equivalent of 57,000 metric tons of carbon
dioxide per year, the equivalent of taking 15,250 internal combustion engine vehicles off the
road;
-- Reducing the University's annual electric costs;
-- Providing long-term budget certainty for a portion of the University's electric generation
requirements; and
-- Continuing support of the University's Strategic Plan.
Because these solar facilities will be located close to the Mont Alto campus, the students
and community will benefit from access and educational support provided by Lightsource BP, as
well as benefiting from local air pollutant reduction, increased energy resiliency, and increased
local economic development.
Since 2005, Penn State has reduced its GHG emissions by 32 percent.
The first 17.5 percent reduction goal for 2012 was achieved by investment in energy
conservation projects through the Energy Savings Program and increased system efficiency from
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a Combined Heat and Power installation of a combustion turbine and heat recovery system at the
East Campus Steam Plant.
Penn State's 2020 GHG reduction goal is 35 percent. While progress toward that goal has
been supported by eliminating coal at the West Campus Steam Plant, additional strategies are
required. These include an onsite solar installation and continued investments in Energy Savings
Projects.
With this new offsite solar purchase with Lightsource BP providing 25 percent of Penn
State's current electricity consumption, more than 57,000 tons per year of GHG emissions will be
saved, boosting Penn State's GHG emission reduction to 43 percent.
"I'm thrilled to be supporting another solar project that will provide a number of benefits
to the University," said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business at Penn
State. "This project not only provides the University with a reliable and sustainable energy
source, but continues our progress toward our GHG reduction goals. In addition, our goals and
this project align with Governor Wolf's executive order establishing the first statewide goal to
reduce carbon pollution and procure renewable energy to offset at least 40 percent of the
Commonwealth's annual electricity usage."
"It has been a pleasure and an honor working with Penn State and we look forward to
delivering affordable, local solar to our Penn State partners," said Katherine Ryzhaya,
Lightsource BP's Chief Commercial Officer "Our Pennsylvania-located solar projects will drive
economic development and job growth, increase biodiversity, support Penn State's sustainability
goals, and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the community. These projects
demonstrate Lightsource BP's strength in addressing the unique needs of universities and local
communities."
This is not the first solar project the University has supported or sponsored.
In the fall of 2018, OPP and the Alternative Energy Development Group signed a 25-year
power purchase agreement for an onsite solar array, which provides 1 percent of University
Park's campus electricity needs and is located along Orchard Road.
In 2015, OPP, with the help of students and a $75,000 grant from the Sustainability
Institute's Reinvention Fund, installed a solar array outside its main facility to provide power to
charge its 100 percent electric vehicles.
The MorningStar Solar Home, located in the Sustainability Experience Center, was built
in 2007 and is a 100 percent renewable energy powered home. It is used by teachers and faculty
as an immersive learning destination. In addition, the Penn State Class of 2015's gift was a solar
panel array powering a bus stop near Beaver Stadium.
(Photo: An example of a 2.6 MW solar array at Elizabethtown College.)
Related Stories:
Philadelphia City Council Bill Would Authorize Purchase Of Electricity From New 70 MW
Solar Facility In Adams County
Exelon: PA Nuclear Plants Operate At Full Power During Record-Breaking Polar Vortex;
65
On February 4, Exelon Generation reported its Pennsylvania nuclear plants operated at full
power, producing enough electricity to keep five million homes and businesses safe and warm
during the recent polar vortex.
Daytime temperatures in the Philadelphia region dipped to six degrees Fahrenheit last
week and wind chill factors were recorded as low as minus 35, breaking a record set back in
1948.
"Our nuclear facilities are among the safest and most reliable power plants in the country,
and we are dedicated to being online when customers need us most, even in the most frigid
weather conditions,” said Exelon’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Bryan Hanson. "Thank you to the
thousands of nuclear employees who braved the freezing cold and kept our fleet operating during
this period of high demand. Pennsylvania residents shouldn’t have to choose between clean
energy and reliability -- our safe and well-run nuclear facilities deliver both.”
Exelon Generation's nuclear fleet, which includes 13 facilities in Illinois, New York,
Pennsylvania and Maryland, recorded near-perfect reliability last winter as well.
During the 2014 Polar Vortex, Exelon Generation’s nuclear fleet was critical to meeting
electricity demand, as coal piles froze, and natural gas supplies were re-routed for home heating.
Winter resiliency and reliability requires year-long planning, preparation and
maintenance. Exelon Generation workers spend months ensuring that backup generators and
spare equipment is ready for inclement weather.
This fall, operators and maintenance personnel inspected freeze protection systems, tested
electrical equipment, and properly aligned plant systems to prepare all Exelon
Generation-operated facilities for sub-zero temperatures, icy conditions and heavy snowfall.
These efforts are in addition to the many equipment upgrades and "winter readiness"
maintenance activities performed during refueling outages.
PJM Interconnection
On January 31, peak morning demand for PJM Interconnection ranked within the grid
operator’s top 10 winter peaks for the last five years as utility customers in the region tried to
stay warm. The top 10 takeaways from the polar vortex event for PJM, as reported by the
Energy News Network--
-- Business closures helped moderate peak demand
-- The system basically performed as expected
-- Changes made after the 2014 polar vortex helped too
-- Generators were prepared for extreme cold
-- Coal and natural gas plants did not have fuel problems
-- Solar and wind generation kept performing
-- Prices did not skyrocket out of control.
(Ph oto: Exelon’s Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant.)
Related Story:
Sen. Aument, Rep. Mehaffie Circulate Co-Sponsor Memos On Bill To Update The Alternative
Energy Portfolio Standards To Help Safe Nuclear Power Plants
NewsClips:
Closing
66
Power Plant
New Poll: Republicans And Democrats Tend To Agree On Climate Change
By Tony Guerrieri, Executive Director, Joint Conservation Committee
Just how far apart are Republicans and Democrats

when it comes to views on climate change? Not all
that far, according to researchers from Monmouth
University Polling Institute of New Jersey in a new
poll released in November.
An increasing number of Americans believe
climate change is occurring, including a majority
who now see this issue as a very serious problem.
Most Americans are optimistic that there is still
time to prevent the worst effects climate change
and support taking action, but they are not
confident in the government’s ability or willingness to do something about it.
Asked “Do you think that the world’s climate is undergoing a change that is causing
more extreme weather patterns and the rise of sea levels, or is this not happening,” nearly 8-in10
(78 percent) of respondents said yes, up from 70 percent the last time the poll was taken in 2015.
Sixteen percent said no, down from 22 percent in 2015 and 5 percent volunteered that
they didn’t know, down from eight percent.
Of note, nearly two-thirds of Republicans (64 percent) now believe in climate change, a
15 point jump from just under half (49 percent) three years ago.
Belief in climate change continues to be higher among Democrats (92 percent, up from
85 percent in 2015) than independents (78 percent, up from 74 percent).
A majority of Americans (54 percent) currently say that climate change is a very serious
problem, which is up significantly from 41 percent in the 2015 poll. Another 17 percent say
climate change is a somewhat serious problem and 7 percent say it is not too serious.
The remainder say climate change is not happening (16 percent) or don’t know if it is
67
happening (5 percent).
Although the majority of Americans believe climate change is occurring, there continues
to be a significant partisan divide about the seriousness of the problem.
More than 8-in-10 Democrats (82 percent) say climate change is a very serious problem,
an increase of 19 percentage points from 63 percent in 2015. Half of independents (51 percent,
up from 42 percent) say climate change is a very serious problem and only a quarter of
Republicans (25 percent, up from 18 percent) feel the same.
Belief in climate change is nearly the same among Americans who live in coastal areas
(79 percent) and those who live in inland states (77 percent).
However, coastal state residents (61 percent) are more likely than inland state residents
(44 percent) to see climate change as a very serious problem.
Asked “Is climate change caused more by human activity, more by natural changes in the
environment, or by both equally,” 37 percent said both are equally to blame. Three-in-ten (29
percent) respondents said human activity is more to blame and 10 percent say natural changes in
the environment are the larger cause.
Regardless of the cause, a majority of Americans (54 percent) say there is still time to
prevent the worst effects of climate change. Another 16 percent say it is too late to act and 4
percent volunteer that there is mothering we can or should do about it.
The remainder are unsure if there is still time to prevent the worst effects or do not
believe climate change is happening.
Among the just over half who say there is still time, 31 percent of that group feel we have
to act in the next year or two to prevent the worst effects of climate change, 46 percent say we
need to act in the next 10 to 15 years, and 17 percent say we have more time than that to act.
Most Americans (69 percent) support the government doing more to reduce the type of
activities that cause climate change and sea level rise, while just 22 percent oppose it. here are
predictable partisan differences, with 85 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of independents, and
51 percent of Republicans supporting government action.
These partisan results were similar in 2015 when 77 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of
independents, and 47 percent of Republicans supported government action.
Although most Americans support Washington doing more about climate change, they
have little confidence in the government’s ability to do so. This lack of confidence is one area
that produces bipartisan agreement.
The majority of Republicans (55 percent), Democrats (55 percent), and independents (61
percent) are not too or not at all confident.
The poll finds significant differences in climate change opinions based on age.
Two-thirds (67 percent) of Americans who are 18 to 34 years old see climate change as a
very serious problem compared to half (51 percent) of those age 35 to 54 and just under half (46
percent) of Americans age 55 and older.
The Monmouth University Poll was conducted by telephone from November 9 to 12,
2018 with 802 adults nationwide, 244 of whom identified as Republican.
Click Here for a copy of the full poll results.
Tony Guerrieri is the Executive Director of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution
Control and Conservation Committee and can be contacted by sending email to:
tguerrieri@jcc.legis.state.pa.us or calling 717-787-7570.
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(Reprinted from the February newsletter of the Joint Conservation Committee.)
NewsClips:
Tom Horton
PJM Official: Fuel Diversity Is Key Because Coal, Gas Both Have Limits
Caesars Entertainment Recognized As World Leader For Supplier Engagement On Climate
Change
Congressional Democratic Green New Deal Calls For 100% Zero Carbon Power Within 10
Years
Congressional Democrats Unveil Green New Deal Resolution
PA Weighing In On Congressional Democrats’ New Green Deal
Op-Ed: How The Congressional Democrats’ Green New Deal Could Dramatically Alter Our
Political Debate
Bagenstose: Bucks County Saw Most Rain Ever, Rising Temperatures In 2018
Severe U.S. Weather Took 247 Lives, Cost $91 Billion During Very Hot 2018 NOAA Says
AP: 2018 Was 4th Warmest Year On Record, Next 5 Could Break Records
Related Stories:
PaEN: Sen. Aument, Rep. Mehaffie Circulate Co-Sponsor Memos On Bill To Update The
PaEN: Exelon: PA Nuclear Plants Operate At Full Power During Record-Breaking Polar Vortex:
Who Saved Room For Pie? Jennings Environmental Ed Center Cherry Pie Hike Feb. 23 In
Butler County
Come enjoy a taste of history and a taste of pie

at the same time! February 23rd is the day to
dress warmly and come to Jennings
Environmental Education Center in Butler
County for a special event which combines the
annual "Cherry Pie Hike" and "Washington's
Trail Hike.”
The February 23rd activities will commemorate
George Washington's birthday and the Virginia
69
Colony mission demanding French withdrawal from British territory that precipitated the French
and Indian/Seven Years War.
Participants in the 30-minute history hikes will learn explanations of Washington’s 1753
mission and witness the musket shot that almost killed Washington at age 21. There will also be
historical displays, and reenactors with clothing and equipment of the time period.
The day-long event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. It will also feature
45-minute winter nature walks led by Jennings’ staff, and a 7-mile hike along a section of the
North Country Trail where Washington may have traveled.
For those interested in the 7-mile long hike, it will most likely last from 9:00 a.m. until
approximately 1:00 p.m, depending on hiking speed. This long hike will cover 7 miles from the
boat launch located under the Route 528 bridge in Moraine State Park to Jennings.
The long hike is recommended for ages 12 and up. The long hike is rated “moderate,”
and will traverse varied terrain, with some slopes and winter trail conditions (it is NOT suited for
tennis shoes).
Participants should park and meet under the 528 bridge to begin the hike. They may hike
back or return via shuttle.
Call 724-290-2129 if you have questions or are not able to register online.
Participants can choose one or more favorite hike options and enjoy a taste of cherry pie,
courtesy of North Country Brewing Company.
The event is free and open to the public, although a $3 per person donation will be
encouraged for participation in the guided hikes/walks. Reservations are required for hikes and
nature walks by February 21.
Carpooling is encouraged, because parking may be limited.
Many thanks to the generous sponsoring organizations: Butler Chapter of the North
Country Trail Association, Washington's Trail - 1753, Harmony Museum, Butler County
Tourism and Convention Bureau, and Jennings Environmental Education Center.
(Reprinted from the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition February The Catalyst newsletter.
Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
Related Stories:
Prairie Improvement Day At Jennings Environmental Center A Success In Butler County
PaEN: PA Parks & Forests Foundation Honors 2019 Award Winners
Hunting
NewsClips:
Making The Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A Sustainable Backyard Workshop March 16
In Westmoreland County
The DCNR Bureau of Forestry will present a Making The

Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A Sustainable Backyard
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Workshop on March 16 at Franklin Regional Senior High School, 3200 School Road in
Murrysville, Westmoreland County from 8:30 to 12:30.
Spend a morning learning how you can care for your "Piece of Nature." With the
increased prevalence of development and urban sprawl, learn how you can transform your
property into a refuge for native birds, pollinators, and wildlife.
Experts will be on hand to inform and answer questions along with an assortment of
vendors that can help you to bring your vision to life.
Click Here to register or for more information. Questions should be directed to Celine
Colbert by sending email to: cecolbert@pa.gov or call 724-238-5044.
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
-- 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:
Manada Conservancy Offers Native Plant Landscape Design Service In Dauphin County
[Recommended]
Senate Hearing: Non-Native, Invasive Plant Species And Preserving Pollinators
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
Southeast PA
Bethlehem
PaEN: Reminder: Feb. 17 Info Session On Master Watershed Stewards Program In Chester
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Delaware Counties
PaEN: Monroe Master Watershed Stewards Hold Info Session On Feb. 9 In Stroudsburg
17 In-Person Tree Tender Training Classes Being Offered For Volunteers In Pittsburgh,
Southeast PA
Tree Pittsburgh and the PA Horticultural Society will

be holding tree tender training for volunteers in
Allegheny and Southeast PA. The sessions will be
held--
-- February 16: Pittsburgh. Tree Pittsburgh Campus,
Upper Lawrenceville. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click
Here for more.
-- March 19, 26 and April 2: Bucks County. Click
Here for more.
-- May 6, 13, 20: Philadelphia. Click Here for more.
-- May 16, 23, 30: Chester County. Click Here for more.
-- September 18, 25, October 2: Delaware County. Click Here for more.
-- September 18, 25, October 2: Philadelphia. Click Here for more.
-- Advanced Tree Tenders Webinar Series. Click Here for more.
Tree Tenders® is a training program that empowers concerned residents to make
dramatic strides towards restoring and caring for the tree canopy in their communities. The
course is designed for lay people and experts alike.
Tree Tenders training includes: Tree Biology; Urban Stresses on Trees; Tree
Identification; Tree Pruning and Root Care; Tree Planting Techniques; and Community
Organizing.
For more information on these and other similar community tree programs, visit DCNR’s
TreeVitalize webpage.
Bethlehem
Delaware Counties
Penn State Extension Offers Free Online Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training For
Businesses
Penn State Extension is now offering an online

Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training For
Business Program to teach businesses best
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practices to stop its spread.
Businesses operating in the quarantine zone must have permits to move equipment and
goods within and out of the zone.
Once the course is completed and you successfully pass the required quizzes, your
company will receive a Spotted Lanternfly Business Permit.
As part of the Spotted Lanternfly quarantine agreement beginning May 1, 2019, the
Department’s Bureau of Plant Industry will begin to perform inspections and verification checks
to confirm that businesses are properly permitted.
Failure to take the permit exam and educate employees could result in possible penalties
and fines.
Click Here to register for this free training program. Click Here for a short video
overview.
Background
In November 2017, 13 Pennsylvania counties – Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester,
Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and
Schuylkill – were placed under quarantine to help stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly.
Find out more about Spotted Lanternfly, visit Agriculture’s Spotted Lanternfly, the
USDA Lanternfly and the Penn State Extension webpages.
Related Stories:
Southeast PA
PaEn: Mid-Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species Accepting Small Grant Proposals
NewsClips:
Yardley Boro Awarded Growing Greener Grant To Preserves Reading Ave. Woods
Prairie Improvement Day At Jennings Environmental Center A Success In Butler County
The 19th annual Prairie Improvement

Day was held on Saturday, January
19th at Jennings Environmental
Education Center in Butler County.
The Jennings staff was looking for
individuals willing to spend a Saturday
morning outdoors to help manage the
unique prairie ecosystem, and were not
disappointed by a full registration of
eager participants ready to lend a hand!
Volunteers pitched in from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. working under a clear blue sky and fresh
crisp winter air — and were rewarded with plenty of warm, hearty lunchtime soup and a special
commemorative soup mug as a special thank you.
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The unique prairie ecosystem at Jennings was discovered in the 1900s but did not start to
be protected until five decades later.
Public involvement in its care through education/outreach efforts like the annual Prairie
Improvement Day and Celebrate the Bloom [this year on July 27] provides a great hands-on
opportunity to learn and appreciate many of the special qualities of this rare habitat.
225 native plant species were identified at the prairie habitat of Jennings in 1964. One of
the most well-known of these is the Blazing Star, which can grow up to four feet high and
features spectacular purple flower blooms on its stalk from top to bottom.
In addition to the Blazing Star, the prairie is also home to the endangered massasauga
rattlesnake, a small shy reptile. Only 4 of 19 historic populations of this snake still exist in PA,
making it a critically imperiled endangered species.
Most prairie maintenance is done during the winter months, when the ground in frozen,
as this is when the massasauga hibernates.
Clearing brush (which volunteers did a lot of on January 19th!), carefully timed mowing,
prescribed burning, and establishing prairie grasses, wildflowers, and native prairie plants are all
done to help ensure the survival of the massasauga and its unique home.
Fire enhances seed viability and helps reduce insect predators which could harm the
Blazing Star.
Controlling the propagation of tree seedlings is also always a key focus in prairie
maintenance, as this is one of the greatest challenges to the prairie preservation.
Be sure to visit the Jennings prairie (any season of the year!) and check out one of the
lovely hiking trails winding through its beauty.
Visit the Jennings Environmental Education Center and Celebrate the Bloom websites for
more information. Stop in to see the new prairie and rattlesnake exhibits at the Center!
(Reprinted from the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition February The Catalyst newsletter.
Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
Related Story:
Who Saved Room For Pie? Jennings Environmental Ed Center Cherry Pike Hike Feb. 23 In
Butler County
Feb. 6 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The February 6 Resource newsletter is

now available from the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources
featuring stories on--
-- DCNR Blog: Stories Of Black History
In PA State Parks & Forests
-- DCNR Accepting Applications For
Recreation, Trail, Buffer, Conservation
Grants
-- PA Trails Advisory Committee Names Mid State Trail 2019 Trail Of The Year
-- Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Noah Lewis 16th Century Reenactor
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-- Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program Now Accepting Applications
-- 6,000+ Birds Fledged In State Parks In 2018
-- Help Bird Conservation By Counting Your Backyard Birds Feb. 15-18
-- Conservation Tip: February Is National Bird Feeding Month
-- Recreation Visits To State Forest System Generate Over $720 Million Annually
-- Report Released Detailing State Park, Forest Maintenance Needs
-- South Mountain Partnership Releases 2019 Speakers Series Lecture Schedule
-- Game Commission Board Approves Additional Protection For 3 Cave Bat Species
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
NewsClips:
Allegheny Land Trust Posts Record Year For Conservation Protecting 411 Acres Of Green
Space
The completion of several conservation acquisitions in early

January wrapped-up an extremely active year for Allegheny
Land Trust.
The local, land conservation nonprofit celebrated its 25th
anniversary year by protecting or putting under contract for
protection 411 acres of green space across ten projects in seven
different Allegheny County municipalities in 2018.
This was a record number of new conservation areas
created in a single year and increased the total acreage under
ALT’s protection to more than 2,500.
“These projects serve as excellent examples of how our quarter century of land protection
work is beginning to create vital connections to existing green space in the region,” said ALT VP
of Land Protection Roy Kraynyk.
Many of the newly acquired green spaces create immediate or potential connections to
existing green space.
Land protected in Monroeville expanded ALT’s existing Mosside Slopes conservation
area and connected it to Monroeville Park East; parcels acquired in Hampton Township are
adjacent to or near North Park, in Franklin Park property was acquired that is across the street
from the municipality’s Acorn Park; an ALT acquisition in Bell Acres connects to the
community ball park complex, and a project soon to close in Moon will create wooded buffer
along the Montour Trail and provide access to Montour Run.
In a time when Allegheny County is losing more than 2,000 acres of green space each
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year to development, the nonprofit is working to protect lands like these to address some of the
region's most pressing issues by protecting air, water, and wildlife habitat quality; preventing
flooding, landslides, and combined sewer overflow (CSO) and creating opportunities for food
security, recreation, and environmental education.
“We’re urgently working to do more to help enhance the quality of life for all in our
region by protecting one of its defining assets: nature,” Kraynyk said.
ALT already has four projects totaling 142 acres under contract for protection in 2019
and anticipates more to arise as the year progresses. The land trust currently protects more than
2,500 acres of green space in 30 municipalities across the Pittsburgh region.
To learn more about ALT’s existing protected green space and upcoming projects, visit
the Allegheny Land Trust website. Questions should be directed to Lindsay Dill, 412-741-2750
or send email to: ldill@alleghenylandtrust.org.
Related Story:
Allegheny Land Trust, Partners Make Urban Greenprint Property Information Tool Available To
Public, Groups
NewsClips:
Game Commission Buys 99 Acres In Luzerne County
Penn State Property Slated For Conservation Focus Of Community Forum In Centre County
Dunn
Fish & Boat Commission Warns Of Rapidly Changing Ice Conditions
On February 7, the Fish and Boat

Commission cautioned ice anglers and
others that changing weather conditions
can affect the stability of ice on lakes and
ponds.
While freezing temperatures over
the past several weeks have allowed ice to
form on countless bodies of water across
the Commonwealth, the rapid onset of
spring like warmth, even for just a few
days, should be considered when
venturing out onto the ice.
“The conditions we’re seeing today are a perfect example of how quickly ice can
deteriorate,” said Ryan Walt, PFBC Boating and Watercraft Safety Manager. “Ice conditions are
always variable and anglers venturing out onto the ice should review the ice safety checklist on
the PFBC website. That includes wearing a personal flotation device at all times and carrying ice
awls to assist in a self-rescue.”
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Additionally, Walt reminded the public that ice conditions are not officially monitored by
any authority and there is no such thing as “safe ice.”
On February 2, several recreational snowmobile and UTV (Utility Task Vehicle)
operators had to be rescued after falling through the ice on Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike County.
Nick Spinelli, Lieutenant with the Tafton Dive Team and Executive Director of the Lake
Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District says in a pair of separate incidents, six people
accidentally ventured into an area of open water.
“The conditions on the lake have been very inconsistent,” said Spinelli. “We have
anywhere from 8 to 12 inches of ice on many portions of the lake, but there are several isolated
areas including a large 3 to 4 acre area of open water that is catching some recreational users off
guard.”
The area of concern is located several hundred yards offshore north of Epply Island
between Shuman’s Point and Spinnler’s Point. Spinelli said bright sun reflecting off the ice and
snow on the lake surface may have affected visibility.
In both incidents, an ice fisherman was credited with contacting authorities and assisting
with a successful rescue. All victims were taken to a local hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
One snowmobile and two UTVs were lost through the ice.
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times,” said Spinelli. “We want people to enjoy
these winter recreational opportunities, but we want them to do it safely.”
The PFBC urges anglers and anyone venturing onto the ice to follow these safety steps:
-- Always wear a lifejacket or float coat while on the ice. Avoid inflatable lifejackets, which do
not perform well in freezing temperatures.
-- When arriving at the water's edge, visually survey the ice. Look for open water areas and signs
of recent changes in water levels. Ice sloping down from the bank can indicate a recent drop in
water level, while wet areas on the ice can indicate a rise in water level.
-- Listen for loud cracks or booms coming from the ice. This can be an indicator of deteriorating
ice.
-- Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint. New ice is stronger than old ice, which can
appear white or gray.
-- Remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of the lake or pond.
-- Beware of ice around partially submerged objects such as trees, brush, embankments or
structures. Ice will not form as quickly where water is shallow or where objects may absorb heat
from sunlight.
-- Anglers should use an ice staff to probe ahead as they walk. If the ice staff punches through,
retreat to shore slowly.
-- Always carry a pair of ice awls, which are handheld spikes. Ice awls can assist in performing a
self-rescue, in which the spikes are driven into the ice to help someone pull themselves out of the
water.
-- Never walk on ice that has formed over moving water such as a river or stream.
-- Never go out on ice alone.
-- Always let someone know your plans and when you expect to return.
Those who are new to ice fishing can get started by visiting the PFBC’s Ice/Winter
Fishing webpage. A list of PA’s Best Fishing Waters and maps of submerged habitat structures
are also available.
(Photo: York County Fire Departments, Fish & Boat Commission practice ice rescues, York
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Daily Record.)
NewsClip:
After 6 Fall Through Ice At Lake Wallenpaupack, Fire Chief Urges Caution
Mid-Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species Accepting Small Grant Proposals
The Mid-Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species is

now accepting applications for small grant proposals to
support a variety of activities on aquatic species education
and control. The deadline for proposals is March 11.
Priorities for funding include--
-- Develop outreach and educational materials for
classrooms and specific populations (KGray) to prevent the
introduction and spread of AIS.
-- Conduct research on AIS issues in the region such as
prevention, early detection, rapid
response, emerging invasions, and how climate change may influence AIS.
-- Conduct innovative approaches to AIS control/eradication, or control/eradicate a high
priority AIS population.
-- Continue to develop vector management strategies for states and the region.
-- Encourage states to implement AIS management plans.
Approximately $30,000 is available to fund several projects. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service funds will be administered by the Maryland Sea Grant Program as an award between the
grant recipient’s institution and Maryland Sea Grant, University of Maryland Center for
Environmental Science.
Projects that document how the funds can work as “seed money” or to leverage other
funding are strongly encouraged.
Click Here for all the details. Before submitting a proposal, applicants are encouraged to
discuss proposals with their respective MAPAIS state representative. In Pennsylvania, contact
Sarah Whitney, PA Sea Grant, by sending email to: swhitney@psu.edu.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the
Mid-Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species website.
More information on aquatic invasive species in Pennsylvania is available at the Fish and
Boat Commission and Pennsylvania Sea Grant websites.
(Photo: Rusty Crayfish. )
Related Story:
Penn State Extension Offers Free Online Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training For Businesses
Help Bird Conservation By Counting Your Backyard Birds Feb. 15-18
Love birdwatching? Consider participating in this year’s

Great Backyard Bird Count! This free and fun citizen
science program takes place February 15-18.
78
To participate, look out your window and see what birds are in your backyard or at your
feeder(s) during the four days of the count. You will need to submit a checklist online for each
day that you count.
Your data is important to the bird population snapshot that biologists analyze, which
makes a difference in bird conservation.
Typically, there are about 15 – 20 common species of birds that will visit your feeders
and yards during the count.
Audubon Pennsylvania offers resources to help you participate.
(Photo: Northeast PA Audubon Society.)
(Reprinted from the Feb. 6 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
NewsClips:
Schneck: When Will Snow Goose Horde Arrive At Middle Creek Wildlife Area?
Mandarin Duck Spotted In Delaware County
Early For Erie, A Turkey Vulture Sighted Over City
Signs Of Spring Are Here if You Know Where To Look
Schneck: Egyptian Goose Spotted Along Susquehanna River
Op-Ed: Hikers, Birders & Bikers Should Not Be Swayed By Inaccuracies About Sunday
Hunting
By Jim Foster
I’m an enthusiastic hiker, backpacker and trail maintainer. I help

to maintain two separate sections of the Appalachian Trail in
Pennsylvania. My wife and I regularly hike on State Game Lands.
So, I’m worried about the movement to allow Sunday hunting in
PA, right? NOT AT ALL!!
In this era of fact-free opinion journalism, I believe it is important
to look at the verifiable facts about hunting, especially Sunday
hunting. Non-hunters should not be swayed by irrational fears and
preconceived notions.
Here are the facts, as I see them: 1. Sunday hunting has become
legal throughout the U.S. and will likely become legal in PA soon.
2. By any rational measurement, it is not dangerous to hike,
birdwatch or ride a bike with hunters, if you take a few simple
precautions. 3. Most hunters are environmentalists too, and all of us who love the outdoors need
to unite against the threats to it.
Most states currently allow hunting on Sunday. Our neighbors in Delaware approved
extensive Sunday hunting in 2018. Virginia approved it in 2014. West Virginia approved
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Sunday hunting on public lands in 2018.
As of now, just three states have an extensive ban on Sunday hunting, Pennsylvania,
Maine and Massachusetts.
By the way, did you know that hunting on Sunday is NOT really banned in PA? You
can currently hunt coyote, crows and foxes on Sunday. The trend is clear. Sunday hunting is
coming.
At least one and probably several bills will soon be introduced in the PA Legislature to
allow significantly more Sunday hunting.
It IS safe to hike, bird, etc. in the woods with hunters. I come from a family of hunters
and I own a rifle, although I no longer hunt. Perhaps my cherished childhood experience hunting
with my Dad is why I don’t worry much about being in the woods with hunters.
I appreciate that many hikers, birders and mountain bikers did not grow up in the country
like me. Nor did many of you have a wonderful father who showed me the joys of connecting
with nature while harvesting game in a responsible manner.
Some of you may be under the false apprehension that many hunters are reckless gun
toters with no concern for safety.
I’m here to tell you that’s not true. Did you know that almost all hunters had to take a
hunter safety course before they could buy a hunting license? Sometimes I think my fellow
hikers should have to take a hiker safety course before going into the back country.
It’s easy to be swayed by hype. But, statistically, the most dangerous thing we hikers do
is drive on the highway to the trailhead.
The data shows that, on average, 37,000 people die on the highways each year. Similar
data shows that fewer than 1,000 people are shot in hunting accidents in our country, and fewer
than 75 are fatalities.
So, 493 times as many people die on the highways each year as are killed by hunters!!
Almost everyone knows several people who were killed on the highway. Do you know
any hikers or birders who were killed by hunters?
It is a good idea to take some precautions when enjoying the woods with hunters. I
follow a simple rule when hiking on a State Game Land or other woods where hunting is
permitted.
I wear some blaze orange. I don’t worry about what game is in season, I always wear a
blaze orange hat or vest. (Remember, you can always hunt something in PA.) Also, even I
decline to hike on SGLs at certain times.
The best example is the popular two-week regular firearm deer season, which starts right
after Thanksgiving. Even then, I don’t feel especially nervous, if I have blaze orange on. But we
enjoy the solitude of the woods, and there’s not much solitude during that period.
The last point is probably the most important one. Most hunters are environmentalists
too, and you have a vested interest in their continued viability.
How can that be? Many of our best hiking trails are on State Game Lands, in whole or in
part. That includes the granddaddy of all trails, the Appalachian Trail.
These precious wild spaces are protected and maintained by the Pennsylvania Game
Commission. Who provides the funding for the PGC’s extensive protection operations: hunters,
almost entirely.
The lion's share of funding for the PGC comes from hunting license fees and an excise
tax on firearms and ammunition, commonly known as Pittman-Robertson. The PGC uses these
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funds to protect many wildlife species, many of which are NOT hunted by sportsmen. And, that
doesn’t even count the amazing work done by hunting environmental groups like Ducks
Unlimited.
Here is what is for me the bottom line. Our wild spaces are under siege from many
threats: urban sprawl, invasive species, damage from fossil fuel extraction, to name just a few.
Those of us who love the outdoors need to join forces to fight back this onslaught.
The last thing we environmentalists need to do is pick fights with fellow
environmentalists based on inaccuracies and irrational prejudice, just because they enjoy the
outdoors with a rifle in their hands.
Finally, here’s one positive step you can take. Join me in supporting the PA Game
Commission by purchasing a hunting license each year, even if you don’t hunt.
[Note: On February 5 the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee amended and reported
out Senate Bill 147 (Laughlin-R-Erie) to give the Game Commission authority to allow Sunday
hunting. The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action when it returns on March 19. Click
Here for more.]
Jim Foster is a retired attorney who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail several years ago. He is a
life member and active maintainer with Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Keystone Trails
Association, Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club and several other trails organizations.
He serves on Gov. Wolf’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation. He lives
with his wife in suburban Harrisburg. He can be contacted by sending email to:
jimhfoster@yahoo.com.
Related Story:
PaEN: Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Reports Out Bill Authorizing Sunday Hunting
NewsClips:
Hunting
Game Commission: Reducing Deer Numbers In Bedford, Blair Will Not Be Part Of
Chronic Wasting Disease Project
On February 5, the Game Commission announced it

has not received the necessary support from
landowners in Bedford and Blair counties to move
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forward with plans to reduce the deer population in a 100-square-mile area as part of a pilot
project on chronic wasting disease.
Reducing deer numbers was part of a strategy to reduce the effect and spread of CWD.
Other phases of the project, including placing GPS collars on deer to study their movements and
survival, will continue. And it’s hoped that, by next year, increased awareness about CWD and
the threat the disease poses to deer and elk statewide will bring about the support necessary
locally to begin the phase of the project that has been put on hold.
While deer will not be taken in the pilot project this year, the Game Commission still is
working to coordinate isolated targeted-removal operations in other areas where a solitary
CWD-positive deer has been detected.
The pilot project and the response plan to conduct targeted-removal operations when a
solitary CWD-positive deer is detected both were explained in detail at the Pennsylvania Board
of Game Commissioners meeting Jan. 28 and are available to view at the agency’s YouTube
channel.
Targeted removal of deer to combat CWD always takes place following the close of
hunting seasons, ensuring that hunters always have the first opportunity to take deer in a given
area.
But where targeted removal of deer must occur on private land, it is done with landowner
permission.
In recent weeks, staff with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services
(USDA-WS) began seeking landowner permission for targeted removal of deer to occur as part
of the pilot project within Deer Management Assistance Program Unit 2874 in Bedford and Blair
counties. Few permissions were secured.
“While the lack of access to private land is unfortunate, it could well demonstrate there is
work to do when it comes to educating the public about CWD, and we will be ramping up our
efforts to bring the facts about this disease and its potential impacts on Pennsylvania to light,”
said Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management Director Matthew Schnupp. “As it is
now, CWD has been detected only in a few parts of the state. Our pilot project in Bedford and
Blair counties is being conducted where the problem is worst, but hunters in most areas of the
state have not had to deal with CWD in the deer that they hunt, or abide by the regulations
intended to slow its spread.
“While CWD is here in Pennsylvania, we can manage the disease to limit its spread and
protect as many of the state’s deer as we can,” Schnupp said. “And we will continue to work
hard to implement disease-control measures that benefit Pennsylvania’s deer and deer-hunting
tradition.”
CWD is an always-fatal, incurable disease affecting deer and elk. In recent years in
Bedford and Blair counties, the disease has been detected with increasing regularity.
At a House hearing in March of last year, Game Commission Executive Director Brian
Burhans said the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer “is an ecological disaster unfolding
before our eyes” that threatens the state’s $1.6 billion industry tied to hunting and our hunting
heritage.
CWD is a fatal disease that affects deer and elk. CWD can be transmitted directly through
animal-to-animal contact or indirectly through contaminated environments. Prions or misfold
proteins can be shed onto the environment through bodily fluids and once there can remain
infectious for several years. Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for CWD.
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For more information on this disease and the threat it poses to deer and elk herds, visit the
Game Commission's Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.
NewsClips:
Counties
Blair
Related Story:
Wayne County-Based Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support Program

On February 1, the SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and

Development Support) announced it has named Sandy Long its new
Executive Director.
SEEDS, a nonprofit environmental education organization
based in Honesdale, Wayne County and serves the northeastern region
of Pennsylvania, promoting sustainable energy and sustainable living.
“Sandy will be an excellent ambassador for sustainability in
our community,” noted outgoing Executive Director Jocelyn Cramer.
“It was important to select someone who would continue to work
closely with our Commissioners, our county agencies, non-profit
organizations, local businesses and community members, as SEEDS
has done for so many years. All of us at SEEDS are excited about this
new chapter!”
Sandy brings to SEEDS a passion for sustainability supported by action, and a
background as an award-winning writer, photographer and artist who focuses pen and lens on
environmental, cultural and community issues.
“We are excited about starting our second decade with Sandy, whom we chose from a
large field of impressive applicants," said SEEDS Chair, Katharine Dodge. She has been
working closely with Jocelyn, who so capably managed SEEDS for six years, to provide a
seamless transition. With her considerable talents and life experiences, Sandy will bring new
energy and ideas that will help SEEDS grow and flourish!”
Sandy is co-founder of Heron’s Eye Communications a Pike County-based firm which
was a 2008 recipient of a PA Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
Following a career in higher education administration, Long freelanced for publications
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in the Upper Delaware River region and worked as a staff photojournalist and columnist for The
River Reporter.
She was selected as the first Artist-in-Residence at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
and also served as the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Artist-in-Residence at Lemons Brook
Farm in Bethel, New York. Her artwork has been featured in regional galleries and exhibitions.
Long’s early experiences in nature have inspired her efforts as an advocate for the
preservation of wild places and natural resources. She continues to share her passion through
community involvement and by holding the natural world as the primary inspiration for her
work.
Long earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Communications, from Wilkes
University. She was a founding member of the Upper Delaware BioBlitz and has served on
Lacawac Sanctuary’s PR Committee and as a board member of the Black Bear Conservatory of
Music, as well as regional arts grants and scholarship committees.
She enjoys leading poetry and photography workshops that raise awareness of the natural
wonders of the region. Her personal interests include reading, hiking, yoga, kayaking, gardening,
guitar, piano and animal welfare. Her work can be viewed at Sandy Long Photos, at Instagram
(@heronseye) or on Facebook..
“I have had the privilege to work with many dedicated community members,
organizations, government agencies and local businesses involved with the conservation of our
region’s natural resources and the creation of a sustainable future for all who co-exist here," said
Sandy. "Growing the possibilities for sustainability with a results-based organization like SEEDS
is of great value to the future of this truly special place.”
For more information about the program, visit the SEEDS website or send email to:
Sandy@SeedsGroup.net or call 570-245-1256.
Related Stories:
PaEN: Penn State University, Lightsource BP To Develop 70 MW Solar Energy Generation
NewsClips:
Fastest-Growing Jobs In PA Every Other State, Solar Panel Installers
U.S. DOE Move To Weaken Light Bulb Efficiency Standards Could Cost Consumers $12
Billion
Interns Wanted: Gifford Pinchot's Grey Towers National Historic Site, Pike County
Applications currently are being accepted for

a number of different college and
post-graduate internships at Gifford
Pinchot’s Grey Towers National Historic
Site, Milford, Pike--
-- Visitor Services/Tours/Public Programs:
Multiple 12-week internships are available
for students to deliver interpretive mansion
84
tours and education programs, deliver visitor services and hone their communication skills.
Deadline to apply is March 15. Send letter of interest by email to: greytowers@fs.fed.us or call
570-296-9672.
-- Gardening/Horticulture: Two opportunities are available for May through August; each
provides a valuable, practical experience for student who wants a hands-on experience.
Deadline to apply is March 31.
For the Elizabeth S. Mortimer internship, send resume and letter with field of study and
expected graduation date to: Elizabeth Hawke, Horticulturist, Grey Towers National Historic
Site, PO Box 188, Milford, PA 18337, or fax to 570-296-9675 or email to: ehawke@fs.fed.us.
A second horticulture position is available through the Student Conservation Association.
Contact Elizabeth Hawke for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Additional horticulture, visitor services and museum internships will be offered in the fall
(August through December) for recent college graduates and current students who may be
seeking practical experience.
College students who are interested in parks and recreation, history, gardening,
horticulture and landscape architecture, museum services and forestry are encouraged to apply.
Stipends range from $85 per week subsistence allowance to $2,500 for the 12-week season.
Housing on the historic estate and uniforms may be provided.
For more information on these and other intern positions, call 570-296-9630 or send
email to: greytowers@fs.fed.us.
Click Here for internships & fellowships, volunteer and employment opportunities at
Grey Towers National Historic Site.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Grey
Towers Heritage Association. Click Here to sign up for updates from the Association, Like them
on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, become part of their
Google+ Circle and follow them on Instagram.
Also visit the Grey Towers Historic Site website and the Pinchot Institute for
Conservation website for information on its conservation research and policy programs. Click
Here to sign up for the Institute’s regular updates.
Other Opportunities:
Intern Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Land Stewardship Intern
Interns Wanted: Wildlife Leadership Academy Seeks Summer Program Interns
Interns Wanted: Department Of Environmental Protection Looking For Summer Interns
Interns Wanted: Lacawac Sanctuary Biological Field Station Research, Education Experience
Deadline Extended: Wildlife Leadership Academy Seeks Motivated Students To Become Youth
Conservation Ambassadors
DCNR Is Still Hiring PA Outdoor Corp Young Adult Crew Members In Locations Around PA
Schuylkill Action Network Accepting Applications For Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Expedition
For High School Students
Help Wanted: Fish & Boat Commission Seeks Fisheries Biologist Aides
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
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Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog and Twitter Feed.
Politics
Click Here for a Week’s Worth Of Political NewsClips
Air
Quality Violations
In Allegheny County
Fire
Air Quality Action Day Alert Issued For 20 Pennsylvania Counties Earlier Last Week
Awards & Recognition
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
PaEN: Mid-Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species Accepting Small Grant Proposals
PaEN: Penn State Extension Offers Free Online Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training For
Businesses
Budget
PaEN: Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Urges Support For INCREASED Funding
PaEN: WPCAMR Abandoned Mine Post: Growing Greener May Lose From Governor’s
Proposed Budget
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PaEN: Gov. Wolf Proposes To Shift $75.7 Million From Environmental Funds To Pay
Operating, Other Costs Making Passage Of His Restore PA Initiative Vital To Support
Community-Based Projects
PaEN: CBF-PA Sees 2019-20 State Budget As Key To Meeting Pennsylvania's Clean Water
Commitments
Financial Needs
PaEN: House Appropriations Committee Holds DEP, DCNR Budget Hearings Feb. 14
Dunn
Chesapeake Bay
PaEN: EPA Accepting Grant Applications For Help To Develop Plan To Offset Lack Of
Sediment Trapping Capacity Of Conowingo Dam
March 1
Financial Needs
Tom Horton
Candidate For Lycoming County Commissioner Pledges To Continue Work On Chesapeake Bay
Initiative
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Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Citizen Action
PaEN: DEP Citizens Advisory Council Will Review Appalachian Regional Reforestation
AP: Cabot Oil Backs Off Demand To Have PA Man Thrown In Jail
Bethlehem
Delaware Counties
PaEN: Prairie Improvement Day At Jennings Environmental Center A Success In Butler County
Meet Western PA Conservancy Volunteer Alan Hunninen
Southeast PA
Bagenstose: Residents Rekindle Elcon Waste Facility Opposition
Frye: Brush Piles Easy Way To Help Wildlife, Spark Love Of The Outdoors
Climate
Tom Horton
Caesars Entertainment Recognized As World Leader For Supplier Engagement On Climate
Change
Bucks County Republican Congressman Joins Dems To Snub Trump On Climate Change
Years
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Political Debate
Severe U.S. Weather Took 247 Lives, Cost $91 Billion During Very Hot 2018 NOAA Says
AP: 2018 Was 4th Warmest Year On Record, Next 5 Could Break Records
Coal Mining
Litvak: WV Operator Of Cleanest, Most Modern Coal Plant Trying Diversifying To Gas, Solar
Litvak: Consol Says Market Will Use As Much Coal As It Can Produce
75 Years Ago: 2-Year Old Girl Swallowed By Mine Subsidence In Pittston
PaEN: Appalachian Regional Commission Accepting Applications For POWER Workforce,
Economic Revitalization Grants
DCNR
PaEN: DCNR Blog: Stories Of Black History In PA State Parks, Forests
PaEN: DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Noah Lewis 16th Century Reenactor
PaEN: Feb. 6 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
Delaware River
PaEN: Call For Presentations: 7th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum Oct. 16-17 In
Allentown
Drinking Water
PaEN: PUC Approves 13 Percent Increase In Pittsburgh Water Authority Rates
PaEN: NRDC-Pittsburgh Agrees To Terms For Tackling Its Lead Contaminated Water
Company
Water Officials Keeping An Eye On Capacity As Development Increases In Lancaster
Project Will Allow Repair Of Pipeline That Carries Two-Thirds Of Lancaster City’s Water
Boil Water Advisory Issued For Potter, Raccoon In Beaver County
PaEN: PFAS Action Team Meets Feb. 12 In Montgomery County To Provide Updates, Hear
Public Comments
Substitutes
Economic Development
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Education
Fact: Kids Who Spend Time Outdoors In Natural Light At Least 2 Hours A Day Are 3 Times
LESS LIKELY To Become Nearsighted: The Pulse - What Keeps Kids Healthy (31 minutes in).
PaEN: PA Sea Grant: Lake Erie Shipboard Science Workshop For Teachers Now Accepting
Applications
PaEN: Erie Times-News Connect With Your Environment, Teacher Curriculum Guide Now
Available
Emergency Response
Westmoreland County
Energy
Closing
Power Plant
Op-Ed: Importance, Strength Of PA’s Power Grid Shown During Recent Cold Spell
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Maykuth: PECO To Pay Penalty For Shutting Off Electricity To Customers During Winter
Electric Companies Report Service Interruptions In Allegheny, Westmoreland Counties
After Complaints, Giant Utility Poles Will Be Removed, Line Buried In Hershey
Report: Polar Vortex Broke U.S. Natural Gas Consumption Record
Bucks County Republican Congressman Joins Dems To Snub Trump On Climate Change
Years
Political Debate
Energy Conservation
U.S. DOE Move To Weaken Light Bulb Efficiency Standards Could Cost Consumers $12
Billion
Environmental History
PaEN: DCNR Blog: Stories Of Black History In PA State Parks, Forests
PaEN: DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Noah Lewis 16th Century Reenactor
Farming
March 1
Flooding
Ice Jam On Allegheny River In Armstrong County Starting To Break Up
Bathtub Section Of Pittsburgh Parkway To Close Due To Flooding
When The Fog Lifts, The Floods Might Come
Flood Watch Issued In Pittsburgh Region Through Friday Morning
Heavy Rain, Snowmelt Takes Financial Toll On Williamsport
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Homeowners To Benefit From Lycoming County’s New Floodplain Survey
Financial Needs
Editorial: New Level Of Regional Thinking Needed On Levee In Lycoming County
Forests
Southeast PA
Forests - Wildfires
NPR: For Many Fire Evacuees, There’s Still No Going Back To Paradise, California
Geologic Hazards
2 Houses In Arlington Section Of Pittsburgh Evacuated Because Of Mudslide
4 Homes Evacuated In Pittsburgh After Thick, Gooey Mudslide
Green Infrastructure
March 1
Financial Needs
Reduction Plan
Initiative
Southeast PA
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Review Finds Harrison Twp Chemical Dump In Allegheny County Remains Contained
Hazardous Substances
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Substitutes
Hazardous Waste
Bagenstose: Residents Rekindle Elcon Waste Facility Opposition
Land Conservation
Penn State Property Slated For Conservation Focus Of Community Forum In Centre County
Dunn
Littering/Illegal Dumping
PaEN: Groups Put Keep PA Beautiful, Anheuser-Busch Award Mini-Grants To Improve
Watersheds To Good Use
Mine Reclamation
Mine Subsidence
Oil & Gas
Gas Well Pressure Issue Leads To Testing Water Supply Reservoir In Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County
AP: Cabot Oil Backs Off Demand To Have PA Man Thrown In Jail
Hopey/Templeton: Post-Gazette Asks Court To Unseal Washington County Shale Gas Case
Settlement
UGI Sets All-Time Record For Gas Delivery In Extreme Cold
Report: Polar Vortex Broke U.S. Natural Gas Consumption Record
Op-Ed: Importance, Strength Of PA’s Power Grid Shown During Recent Cold Spell
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Fire At Delaware City Refinery Contained, Cause Remains Unknown
Litvak: Rice To EQT Drilling: We’re Not Small Potatoes, You’re Stale
Rhoads Energy Eyes 3 Worley & Obetz Fuel Stations
Pipelines
PaEN: DEP Puts Hold On Reviewing All Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline Projects In PA Due
To Non-Compliance With Beaver County Pipeline Explosion Order
PaEN: Gov. Wolf Issues Statement On Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline Project Permit Bar By
DEP, Urges General Assembly To Fill Gaps In State Regulation Of Pipelines, PUC Action
PaEN: PUC Underground Utility Line, Pipeline Damage Prevention Committee Meets Feb. 12
Permitting
DEP Streamlining Its Permit, Oversight Functions In Southwest PA Office
PaEN: DEP Posts 64 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In Feb. 9 PA Bulletin
Radiation Protection
Closing
Power Plant
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Recreation
Fact: Kids Who Spend Time Outdoors In Natural Light At Least 2 Hours A Day Are 3 Times
LESS LIKELY To Become Nearsighted: The Pulse - What Keeps Kids Healthy (31 minutes in).
After 6 Fall Through Ice At Lake Wallenpaupack, Fire Chief Urges Caution
Nescopeck State Park WinterFest Encourages Visitors To Enjoy Winter Season
PaEN: Feb. 8 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Lackawanna State Park Gets New Manager
Hunting
PaEN: Who Saved Room For Pie? Jennings Environmental Ed Center Cherry Pike Hike Feb. 23
In Butler County
Cherry Pie Hikes With Reenactors Celebrate George Washington In Butler County
Westmoreland County Could Borrow $44M For Voting Machines, Parks, Other Projects
Most Philadelphia Public Schools Don’t Have Playgrounds, That’s Slowly Changing
Dunn
Recycling/Waste
24-26
Grants
In Elk County
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Renewable Energy
PaEN: Penn State University, Lightsource BP To Develop 70 MW Solar Energy Generation
Years
Political Debate
Schuylkill River
Editorial: Public Has Role In Schuylkill Dredging Project Still $1 Million Short
Stormwater
Financial Needs
Reduction Plan
Initiative
Sustainability
Wastewater Facilities
South Buffalo Looks For Ways to Bring Public Sewage To Township
Watershed Protection
PaEN: EPA Accepting Grant Applications For Help To Develop Plan To Offset Lack Of
Sediment Trapping Capacity Of Conowingo Dam
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PaEN: Groups Put Keep PA Beautiful, Anheuser-Busch Award Mini-Grants To Improve
Watersheds To Good Use
Financial Needs
Reduction Plan
Initiative
March 1
Southeast PA
Bethlehem
PaEN: Call For Presentations: 7th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum Oct. 16-17 In
Allentown
Delaware Counties
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Wildlife
PaEN: Fish & Boat Commission Warns Of Rapidly Changing Ice Conditions
PaEN: Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Reports Out Bill Authorizing Sunday Hunting
Hunting
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PaEN: Game Commission: Reducing Deer Numbers In Bedford, Blair Will Not Be Part Of
Chronic Wasting Disease Project
Counties
Blair
Hayes: Mt. Lebanon To Launch Deer Sharpshooting Program For 3rd Year
Man Who Illegally Caught Rattlers Also Charged In Deer Kill
Schuylkill Wildlife Clinic Reopens After Hiatus In Roxborough
Frye: Brush Piles Easy Way To Help Wildlife, Spark Love Of The Outdoors
Kummer: Bucks County Man Pleads Guilty In $530K Illegal Turtle Trafficking Case
Fish & Boat Commission 2019 Adult Trout Stocking Schedules Now Available
Game Commission: Bear Harvest 11th Best All-Time
Schneck: When Is The Big-Money Coyote-Hunting Weekend In PA?
Groundhog Day Brings Shot In The Arm To Former PA Coal Town
Lancaster County Groundhogs Predict 6 More Weeks Of Winter
Schneck: When Will Snow Goose Horde Arrive At Middle Creek Wildlife Area?
Mandarin Duck Spotted In Delaware County
Early For Erie, A Turkey Vulture Sighted Over City
Signs Of Spring Are Here if You Know Where To Look
PaEN: Help Bird Conservation By Counting Your Backyard Birds Feb. 15-18
Schneck: Egyptian Goose Spotted Along Susquehanna River
Schneck: Eastern Mountain Lion Officially Declared Extinct
Other
PaEN: February Newsletter Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee
Federal Policy
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Op-Ed: PA Children Deserve Better than Andrew Wheeler At EPA
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.
Note: DEP published the 2019 schedules of its advisory committees, councils and board
meetings in the Dec. 10 PA Bulletin, page 7708.
February 9-- NEW. Monroe Master Watershed Stewards Info Meeting For Prospective
Volunteers. Kettle Creek Environmental Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg.
Noon.
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-- Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meeting. Berks
County Ag Center Auditorium, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00.
February 12-- NEW. PA PFAS Action Team meeting. Upper Dublin High School in Fort
Washington, Montgomery County. 6:15 to 9:00. Click Here for more.
February 12-- Agenda Posted. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor
Delaware Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. Contact: Allison Acevedo, 484-250-5818,
alacevedo@pa.gov.
February 12-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Labor & Industry Building, 651 Boas Street, Room E-100, First Floor,
Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Nathan Clark 717-772-9162. (formal notice)
February 12-- Brandywine Conservancy Public Meeting On Chester County Greenway Water
Trail Project. Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. 5:00 to
7:00.
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
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ouse Republican Caucus website.
webcast through the H
February 13-- Agenda Posted. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: Michael Maddigan, 717-772-3609,
mmaddigan@pa.gov.
February 13-- Agenda Posted. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement
Officers meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact:
Amy Forney, aforney@pa.gov.
February 13-- Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing. Washington Crossing Historic Park
Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 1:30. (formal notice)
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 14-- Agenda Posted. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: John Chippo, 717-783-9730, jchippo@pa.gov.
February 16-- Brodhead Watershed Association Get Outdoors Poconos Pasold Farm Hike.
Barrett Township, Monroe County. 10:00.
February 17-- NEW. Chester, Delaware Counties Master Watershed Stewards Information
Program. Government Services Center, Suite 370, 601 Westtown Road in West Chester, Chester
County.. 10:00 to 11:00.
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 19-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled
meeting is March 19. Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
February 19-- Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or send
email to: ksalador@pa.gov. Click Here for more on the agenda.
February 20-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee informational meeting with
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. Room B-31 Capitol Building. 9:00.
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-- Southwest PA Commission Water Resource Center Winning Public Support For
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Water Infrastructure Projects Workshop. Fisher Hall at Burrell Lake Park, 209 Delberta Road,
Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County. 9:00 to Noon.
February 20-21-- DCNR, Western PA Conservancy. PA Riparian Forest Buffer Summit. Best
Western Premier Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg.
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 21-- PA Resources Council. Zero Waste Pennsylvania. Green Building Alliance. True
Zero Waste Symposium. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh. 8:00 to 3:00.
February 21-- NEW. DEP Weathering The Storm Workshop On Understanding Stormwater
Runoff. Lebanon County Ag Center, 2120 Cornwall Road, Lebanon. 8:30 to 3:00.
February 21-- Southwest PA Commission Water Resource Center Winning Public Support For
Water Infrastructure Projects Workshop. Findlay Township Activity Center, 310 Main Street in
Imperial, Allegheny County. 9:00 to Noon.
February 21-- Manada Conservancy Spotted Lanternfly Program. Hershey Conservatory at

Hershey Gardens, Dauphin County. 7:00 to 8:00.
February 21-- Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Volunteer Coordinator,

Community Leader Breakfast. Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia. 8:30 to
10:00
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 23-- NEW. Jennings Environmental Education Center Cherry Pie Hike. Butler
County.
February 24-25-- Registration Open. 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
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Transportation, 3:00- Dept. of General Services. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 26-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Lindsay Byron, 717-772-8951, lbyron@pa.gov.
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-- NEW. House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game
and Fish & Boat Commission’s Annual Reports. Room 205 Ryan Building. 10:00 and 1:30.
February 27-- DCNR Webinar On Applying For Statewide and Regional Partnership Grants.
10:00 to 11:30.
February 27-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Building Re-Tuning Energy
Efficiency Workshop. Monroeville, Allegheny County.
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
February 28-- NEW. Lehigh Valley Sustainability Network Regional Water We Share Forum.
Northampton Community College, Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E 3rd Street, Room
605, Bethlehem. 6:00 to 8:00.
February 28-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Energy Efficiency For
Agriculture-Related Businesses Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
March 1-- NEW. York County Conservation District Writing Your Own Manure Management
Plan Workshop. York County Annex Building, 118 Pleasant Acres Road, York. 8:00 to 3:30.
March 2-- PA Wilds. Retailers, Producers, Public 3rd Annual PA Wilds Buyer’s Market.
Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room, Clarion University.
March 3-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association Reflections On A Changing Climate

Program. Brodhead Creek Heritage Center, 1539 Cherry Lane Road, Analomink, Monroe
County. 1:00.
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.
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March 4-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of Conservation &
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 Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Kris Shiffer, 717-772-5809, kshiffer@pa.gov.
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-- NEW. DEP Meeting On Proposed Elcon Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage
Facility In Bucks County. Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, 400 Oxford Valley Road, Langhorne,
Bucks County. 6:00 to 9:00.
March 5-- Montgomery Master Watershed Stewards Environmental Advisory Councils In

Action Workshop. Lower Frederick Township Building, 53 Spring Mount Rd., Schwenksville,
Montgomery County. 6:00 to 7:00
March 5 -- NEW. DEP Weathering The Storm Workshop On Understanding Stormwater
Runoff. Susquehanna River Basin Commission Headquarters, 4423 North Front Street,
Harrisburg. 9:00 to 3:00.
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-- 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.
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March 9-- Registration Open. 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 12-- NEW. DEP Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition meeting. Duquesne Light
Company, 411 7th Avenue, Pittsburgh. 10:00 to 2:00. DEP Contact: Mark Hand,
mhand@pa.gov.
March 13-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:30. Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157, jvollero@pa.gov.
March 13-- Delaware River Basin Commission meeting. Washington Crossing Historic Park
Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30. (formal notice)
March 13 -- NEW. DEP Weathering The Storm Workshop On Understanding Stormwater
Runoff. Jane Schultz Room 1st Floor of the Wertz Student Center at Lycoming College,
Williamsport. 8:30 to 3:00.
March 14-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
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 16-- South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Creating The Appalachian Trail In
The South. Pine Grove Furnace Ironmasters House, Gardners, Adams County. Noon.
March 16-- NEW. DCNR Bureau Of Forestry. Making The Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A
Sustainable Backyard Workshop. Franklin Regional Senior High School, 3200 School Road in
Murrysville, Westmoreland County. 8:30 to 12:30.
March 18-- Penn State Extension 2 Home Water And Septic System Workshops. Gracedale
Nursing Home Conference Room, 2 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, Northampton County. 1:30 and
6:00.
March 18-19-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators. 2019 Cityscapes & Greenscapes
Conference. Philadelphia.
March 19-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
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Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
March 19-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or send email to:
ksalador@pa.gov.
March 19-- DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health, Insect & Disease Briefing. Penn Stater
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-- Registration Open. 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-- Registration Open. Penn State Center For Private Forests 4th Biennial Forest
Landowners Conference. Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College.
March 23-- South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Adams County Barn Survey Volunteer
Training. Apple Museum in Biglerville. 8:30.
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 28-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov.
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 2-- Penn State Extension Spring Gardening Workshop. Northampton Community Fowler
Family Center, 511 E. 3rd Street, Bethlehem. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 5-- Wildlife For Everyone We Love Wild Things & Wild Places Gala. Nittany Lion Inn,
State College.
April 5-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate Disruption
& Sustainable Development Series: Towards A Public Web-Platform For Limiting Methane
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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 9-- Penn State Extension Spring Gardening Workshop. Northampton Community Fowler
Family Center, 511 E. 3rd Street, Bethlehem. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 11- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436 or send email to: kdalal@pa.gov.
April 16- South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Charcoal Hearths, Collier Huts And
Haul Roads. Dickinson College in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium, Carlisle, Cumberland
County. 7:00.
April 16-- NEW. PA Environmental Council Dinner Recognizing Winners Of Governor’s
Awards For Environmental Excellence. Hilton Harrisburg. 5:00. PA Environment Digest is a
proud sponsor of this special event.
April 16-18-- 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 18-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Benefits Of Energy Management
Systems Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
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 20-- NEW. Clean Air Council Run For Clean Air. Philadelphia.
April 25-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP Contact: Jay Braund 717-772-5636 or jbraund@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
April 29 to May 2-- Registration Open. Center for Watershed Protection. 2019 National
Watershed and Stormwater Conference. South Carolina.
May 1-- Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.
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May 4-- PA Environmental Council, DCNR Moshannon State Forest Tree Planting, Clearfield
County.
May 4-- Manada Conservancy Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown Boro Park, Poplar Avenue and
Water Street in Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
May 8-- South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Pollinators And Their Habitat. Messiah
College, Boyer Hall Room 131, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County. 6:00.
May 8-- NEW. PA Parks & Forests Foundation Annual Awards Celebration. Susquehanna Club,
New Cumberland, Cumberland County. 5:00. Click Here for sponsor information. PA
Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of this special event.
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-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Basics Of Building Re-Tuning
Energy Efficiency Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
May 16-18-- Registration Open. PA Land Trust Association. Land Conservation Conference.
Monroe County.
May 18-- Registration Open. Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Held in
conjunction with the PA Land Conservation Conference in Monroe County
June 3-7-- Registration Open. American Society of Mining & Reclamation Annual Meeting.
Montana.
June 11-- South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Appreciating The PA Local Craft Brew
Industry. Appalachian Brewing Company in Shippensburg. 6:30.
June 16-21-- Cumberland Valley TU Rivers Conservation & Fly-Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
July 18-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Funding & Incentives To
Implement Energy Efficiency Projects Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
July 24-26-- Registration Open. Professional Recyclers Of PA Annual Recycling & Organics
Conference. Harrisburg.
August 15-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Building Re-Tuning For
Energy Efficiency In Downtown Buildings Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
107
September 8-11-- Registration Open. 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and National
Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conference. Pittsburgh. PA Environment Digest is a proud
sponsor of this event.
September 12-- South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Methods Of Combating Illegal
Dumping And Vandalism In A Forest Setting. Caledonia State Park in Fayetteville, Franklin
County. 6:30.
September 19-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Alternative Energy
Projects For Agriculture-Related Businesses Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
September 22-24-- Pennsylvania Greenways And Trails Summit. Shippensburg University

Conference Center.
October 3-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Economy, Energy And
Environment For Food-Related Industries Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.
October 16-17-- NEW. 7th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum. Allentown.
November 21-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Entrepreneurship

Ecosystem At Penn State Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
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.
February 11-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award

February 15-- Extended. Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Conservation Ambassador
108
February 15-- Extended. Pocono Arts Council Entries To Earth Speaks V Exhibition
February 15-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Water Quality Improvement Grants
February 15-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 15--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 21-- PEC/DCNR Laurel Highlands Conservation Mini-Grants
February 22-- Celebrating Women In Conservation Awards
February 26-- POWR PA Sojourn Grants
February 28-- NEW. Lake Erie Shipboard Science Workshop For Teachers
February 28-- PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Winter Photo Contest
February 28-- DEP PA State Clean Diesel Grants
March 1-- Lackawanna Heritage Valley Conservation, Preservation Education Grants
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 4-- NEW. Kroger Food Waste Reduction Grants
March 6-- PA Lake Management Society Photo Contest
March 7-- Chesapeake Bay Watershed Community Stormwater Grants
March 11-- Pennsylvania Sea Grant Research Grants
March 15-- WPC TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Tree Planting Grants
March 21-- Rivers Conservation & Fly-Fishing Youth Camp
March 20-- NEW. EPA Conowingo Dam Watershed Implementation Plan Grants
March 22-- DEP Section 902 Recycling Implementation Grants
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)
March 31-- DEP Municipal, Hazardous Waste Host Municipality Inspector Grants
April 10-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership, Recreation, Buffer Grants
April 10-- NEW. Appalachian Regional Commission Coal Regions Workforce Grants
April 18-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Land Transaction Grants
May 3-- Pike Conservation District Environmental Ed Grant
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
109
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 1-- PA Wilds Center Champion Of PA Wilds Awards
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 published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 9, 2019
Technical Guidance -------------------
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 9 PA Bulletin it

has rescinded the Policy for Sampling And Determination of Compliance with Low RVP
Gasoline Requirements In The Pittsburgh region as unneeded.
Permits ------------
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 64 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the February 9 PA Bulletin -
pages 621 to 685.
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
110
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 112 pages
long.
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Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
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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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Sponsor: PEC Governor’s Awards For Environmental Excellence Dinner
PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the PA Environmental Council Dinner

Recognizing Winners Of Governor’s Awards For Environmental Excellence on April 16 in
Harrisburg.
Sponsor: PA Parks & Forests Foundation Awards Celebration
PA Environment Digest is proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Annual Awards Celebration on May 8 in New Cumberland, Cumberland County.
Sponsor: PA/National Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference
PA Environment Digest is proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

and National Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conference to be held in Pittsburgh on September
8-11.
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Issue #763 Harrisburg, PA Feb.

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

On February 5, Gov. Tom Wolf outlined his 2019-20

On February 5, the ​Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA​ issued the

By Andy McAllister, ​Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation

While the Wolf Administration proposes no

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Urges Support For INCREASED Funding

House Appropriations Committee Holds DEP, DCNR Budget Hearings Feb. 14

The ​House Appropriations Committee​ is scheduled to

On February 8, the Department of Environmental

On February 8, Tom Wolf released the following

On February 4, ​Sen. Ryan Aument

PUC Approves 13 Percent Increase In Pittsburgh Water Authority Rates To Improve

On February 7, the Public Utility Commission

On February 7, the Public Utility Commission voted to

The ​PFAS Action Team​ will hold a public meeting on

On February 6, the ​House State Government

PA Parks & Forests Foundation Honors 2019 Award Winners

On February 8, the ​PA Parks and Forests

DCNR Blog: Stories Of Black History In PA State Parks, Forests

The historical significance of Pennsylvania’s

DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Noah Lewis 16th Century Reenactor

Compared to most people, ​Noah Lewis​ dresses differently when he goes

Eastern Hellbender:​ ​Senate Bill 9​ (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as

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

Committee Meetings This Week

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

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced last week--

Repeal Regulations By Resolution:​ ​House Bill 430​ (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) authorize the

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

On February 7, an overflow crowd of steel

On February 5, the ​Senate Game & Fisheries Committee​ amended and

February Newsletter Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee

On February 7, new bipartisan legislation would

The Nature Conservancy​ ​reported February 5​ the

On February 7, Philadelphia City Council

Appalachian Regional Commission Accepting Applications For POWER Workforce,

The federal ​Appalachian Regional Commission​ is now

News From Around The State

On February 19, the ​DEP Citizens Advisory Council

Groups Put Keep PA Beautiful, Anheuser-Busch Mini-Watershed Grants To Good Use

On February 6, ​Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful​,

DEP, Partners Host Weathering The Storm Workshops On Understanding Stormwater

On February 6, the Department of

The ​York County Conservation District​ will

By Jeff Mulhollem, ​Penn State News

Widespread adoption by dairy farmers of injecting

(Reprinted from ​Penn State News​.)

Monroe Master Watershed Stewards Hold Info Session On Feb. 9 In Stroudsburg

The ​Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards

Feb. 17 Info Session On Master Watershed Stewards Program In Chester, Delaware

The ​Penn State Extension Master Watershed

The Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania,

Your Feedback Wanted On The Datashed.org Water Quality Information Website

(Reprinted from the Abandoned Mine Post newsletter from the​ W

The ​February issue of The Catalyst​ newsletter is

Brodhead Watershed Assn. Reflections On A Changing Climate Program March 3 In

The ​Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed​ is now

The ​Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program​ announced

The latest issue of ​Connect With Your

On February 4, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has approved

On February 6, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will host a March 5

Registration Now Open! Professional Recyclers Of PA Recycling & Organics Conference

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed Facebook Page

On February 5, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA issued the

By Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation

The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to

On February 4, Sen. Ryan Aument

The PFAS Action Team will hold a public meeting on

On February 6, the House State Government

On February 8, the PA Parks and Forests

Compared to most people, Noah Lewis dresses differently when he goes

Eastern Hellbender: Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as

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

Repeal Regulations By Resolution: House Bill 430 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) authorize the

House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

Senate: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

On February 5, the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee amended and

The Nature Conservancy reported February 5 the

The federal Appalachian Regional Commission is now

On February 19, the DEP Citizens Advisory Council

On February 6, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful,

The York County Conservation District will

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

(Reprinted from Penn State News.)

The Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards

The Penn State Extension Master Watershed

(Reprinted from the Abandoned Mine Post newsletter from the W

The February issue of The Catalyst newsletter is

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is now

The Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program announced

The latest issue of Connect With Your

The Professional Recyclers of PA are now

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program

By Tony Guerrieri, Executive Director, Joint Conservation Committee

The DCNR Bureau of Forestry will present a Making The

Tree Pittsburgh and the PA Horticultural Society will

The February 6 Resource newsletter is

The Mid-Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species is

On February 5, the Game Commission announced it

On February 1, the SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and

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 21-- Manada Conservancy Spotted Lanternfly Program. Hershey Conservatory at

February 21-- Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Volunteer Coordinator,

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 3-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association Reflections On A Changing Climate

March 5-- Montgomery Master Watershed Stewards Environmental Advisory Councils In

March 20-21-- Registration Open. Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference.

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.

November 21-- NEW. Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Entrepreneurship

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

February 11-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award

No new regulations published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 9, 2019

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 9 PA Bulletin it

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