Pa Environment Digest Nov. 14, 2016

PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators
Business Partner Of The Year Award
PA Environment Digest Daily Blog
Issue #646
Harrisburg, PA
Twitter Feed
November 14, 2016
Commonwealth Court Judge Puts Hold On Some Sections Of DEP Shale Drilling
Regulations
Late Tuesday a Commonwealth Court judge put a temporary
stay on several provisions of new rules for Marcellus Shale
drilling operations until the court can consider the merits of an
industry groups challenge to the month-old regulations.
Commonwealth Court Judge P. Kevin Brobson sided
with the Marcellus Shale Coalition, a North Fayette-based trade
organization, and stopped implementation of narrow sections of
the rules related to public resource protections, large fluid
holding ponds, well site restoration standards and monitoring
for underground hazards around fracking operations.
He found that some aspects of the rules might exceed regulators authority to impose them
and that the costs of complying with those provisions now would cause the industry irreparable
harm if the sections are later found to be invalid.
He said pausing enforcement of those provisions will not adversely affect the public
interest.
NewsClips:
Judge Puts Hold On Some New DEP Shale Drilling Regulations
Judge Puts Sections Of New DEP Drilling Rules On Hold
Swift: Senators File Motion In Delaware Drilling Moratorium Case
Editorial: State Senators In For Gas Industry
Related Story:
Marcellus Shale Industry Sues To Block Certain Provisions Of New DEP Drilling Rules
DCNR, POWR: Voting To Begin Nov. 14 For Pennsylvanias 2017 River Of The Year
The public is invited to again vote online for the 2017
Pennsylvania River of the Year, choosing from among four
waterways nominated across the state, Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy
Adams Dunn announced Thursday.

Waterways nominated for 2017 are the Allegheny River (Middle & Upper) and
Brandywine, Loyalhanna and Perkiomen creeks.
The public can get more information on each of the nominees and vote for their favorite
state waterway beginning November 14, through 5 p.m. December 19 on the River of the Year
website.
Voting will be managed through Woobox, an online contest application that restricts
voting to one vote per email address.
There is a spirit of good-natured competition surrounding this selection process that
rallies community support around our deserving waterways and puts them in the public
limelight, said Dunn. These nominated rivers and streams showcase so many unique natural
resources, recreational opportunities and incentives boosting local economies. They also show
just how blessed this state is with its wealth of major rivers and streams, and committed folks
willing to support them.
Nominations were based on each waterways conservation needs and successes, as well
as celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2017 River of the Year.
The River of the Year program is done in cooperation with and funding from the DCNR.
Selection of public voting choices is overseen by the PA Organization for Watersheds and
Rivers, an affiliate of the PA Environmental Council.
The online public selection process continues to be increasingly popular as it enters its
seventh year, Dunn said.
Presented annually since 1983, this years 2016 designation was awarded to the
Susquehanna River North Branch.
It is really great to see how engaged people are in campaigning for their local rivers and
streams through this unique voting opportunity for residents across the Commonwealth, said
Janet Sweeney, PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.
The River of the Year award energized all the organizations and communities with an
interest in the Susquehanna River North Branch, said Endless Mountains Heritage Region
Executive Director Annette Schultz. We were all amazed at the volume of supporting votes
from the general public, which was a surprising new measure of the impact and success of our
work as the official Water Trail Manager, as well as the efforts of the Susquehanna Greenway
Partnership and all of the Susquehanna River advocates and organizations.
In addition to the kayaking sojourns organized by EMHR, many organizations
celebrated with their own events, and the tourism promotion agencies along the North Branch
joined in to promote all of our activities. Because of the award, the Susquehanna River North
Branch received extensive recognition and community support. That is the reward we can all
continue to celebrate."
After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a year-round
slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn. The
organization nominating the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant from DCNR to
help fund River of the Year activities.
POWR and DCNR also work with local organizations to create a free, commemorative
poster celebrating the River of the Year.
The River of the Year sojourn is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and
POWR each year. An independent program, the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, is a unique
series of a dozen such trips on the states rivers.

These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers and others raise awareness of the
environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers.
To learn more about the River of the Year Award, visit the River of the Year website and
learn more about DCNRs Rivers Programs.
(Photo: North Branch Susquehanna River, the 2016 River of the Year.)
Republicans Gain Veto-Proof State Senate, House GOP Adds 3 More Members
The results of the November 8 election gave Senate Republicans three new members from
Cambria, Dauphin and Erie counties and a veto-proof majority. The 34 to 16 Republican
majority is the largest GOP majority in 70 years.
House Republicans won 4 more seats in Beaver, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland
counties, but lost one in Monroe County. The 122 to 81 Republican majority is the largest GOP
majority in the House since 1958.
In Pennsylvania, Republican Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton by 64,000 votes out of
5.7 million votes cast for President, about 1,000 votes in each county, and incumbent Republican
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey beat Katie McGinty by 96,000 votes.
But, Democrats, by wider margins, won all 3 the statewide row offices-- Josh Shapiro for
Attorney General, Eugene DePasquale was re-elected Auditor General and Joseph Torsella as
State Treasurer.
There were no changes in party alignment in Pennsylvanias U.S. House delegation. It
remains at 13 to 5.
Click Here for detailed information on election results.
NewsClips:
GOP Tightens Hold On PA Legislature
Republicans Romp In PA State Senate
Sen. Wagner: PA Senate Can Now Override The Governors Veto Pen
Republicans Make Gains In Harrisburg With Control Of House, Senate
PA House Has Largest Republican Majority Since 1958
Murphy: GOP Builds On Their Majorities In the General Assembly
Trump Led Crimson Tide Through Pennsylvania
Heres How Trump Won Pennsylvania
Message Of Change Drew Voters To Trump In Western PA
Wolf: Trumps Win Shows A Great Deal Of Anxiety Among Voters
Heres What Donald Trump Wants To Do In His First 100 Days
Heres What President Trump Plans To Do In First 100 Days
AP: Toomey Wins Re-Election To Senate, Topping McGinty
Toomey Vows: I Will Not Be Rubber Stamp For Trump
AP: Toomey Upbeat About Trump Prospects
Toomey Addresses Replacing Obamacare
Thompson: Democrats Sweep PA Row Offices
Dems Sweep PA AG, Auditor, Treasurer Races
Thin Majority OK Raising Judge Retirement Age In PA
Analysis: No, An Asteroid Named Trump Didnt Just Destroy The Planet, Yet
First, lets stipulate the 2016 Presidential election did not give
voters the opportunity to choose between candidates of the same
caliber as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and the campaign was
the most nasty and fact-free of any ever held, at least in the United
States.
Now that Donald Trump has been elected, and as Hillary
Clinton and Gov. Wolf said this week, we need to give him the
chance to govern.
Some Pennsylvania environmental groups arent doing that.
One group called this a dark place for those who care about the
environment. Another said theres a new specter of
anti-environmentalism arriving in January.
Yes, Donald Trump has said--- Climate change is a hoax and probably a plot by the Chinese to make the U.S.
non-competitive, and that he would unplug EPAs Clean Power Plan and back out of the Paris
Climate Agreement;
-- He said wants to eliminate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
-- He also said he would end what he called the Obama Administrations war on coal;
-- He wants to lift restrictions on energy production on federal lands and everywhere else;
-- He supports the Keystone XL pipeline and other major pipeline development;
-- Going forward, he wants to arbitrarily get rid of 2 regulations when a new one is proposed.
Many of these things seem a little crazy to lots of people.
Getting rid of the EPA, for example, would be insanely complicated because you would
have to repeal almost every major federal environmental law ever enacted. Would Congress do
that, probably not.
Just eliminating 2 regulations for each new one adopted without a more thoughtful and
publicly transparent analysis of how you could reduce compliance costs without compromising
effectiveness or some measure of portionality would be thoughtless.
Life and thoughtful and effective management of government programs, like in business,
is a little more complicated than rhetoric in a campaign speech.
On the other hand on climate, carbon emissions have been reduced drastically over the
last 5 years, not because of any action by EPA or the government, but because of the
marketplace. Natural gas has become cheap and has displaced coal as Pennsylvania's fuel of
choice for generating electricity.
Consider this-- the active permits now with DEP for natural gas-fueled power plants
could replace all baseload coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania.
My advice for the moment is to follow whats on the cover of the Hitchhikers Guide To
the Galaxy. It says simply, Dont Panic!
Many times, most times, words said in the heat of a campaign (in this case blast furnace)
do not become reality or they get changed significantly along the way.
One of the realities is most of the things President-elect Trump wants to do have to go
through Congress, including cabinet appointments, which is subject to all sorts of pressures.
Huge federal bureaucracies will fight significant changes with leaks and covert actions. Court
actions will be flying around Washington D.C. like flocking crows.

The appointment of a new justice and more in the future to the U.S. Supreme Court can
certainly impact the Courts decisions, for example, on issues like EPAs Clean Power Plan.
The biggest threat to state environmental programs is from something no group has
mentioned-- a radical change in federal policy implemented through the unglamorous vehicle of
the federal budget. De-funding state environmental programs, for example, would bring them to
a halt.
In Pennsylvanias case, our General Assembly is way ahead of Trump. In the last 13
years, our own Senate and House members and Governors have cut 40 percent of the General
Fund support for DEP and over 20 percent of its staff.
On October 18 the Senate voted 27 to 21 to pass Senate Resolution 385 (Brooks-RCrawford) that would identify all the states environmental laws and regulations more stringent
than federal requirements without any analysis of whether there is a reason for being more
stringent. The sponsors even said it was a prelude to rolling back our own state-adopted
environmental protections.
Gov. Rendell (D) leased 137,000 of state forest land for Marcellus Shale natural gas
drilling to help balance the state budget, and only after, signed a moratorium on further drilling a
few weeks before the gubernatorial election.
These threats are in our backyard. Where were the groups complaining about Trump
going to Washington when all this was happening in Harrisburg?
When words turn into concrete actions, THEN its time to weigh in, because this is a
democracy after all.
Republican President Ronald Reagan had a good approach for times like these-- trust, but
verify-- and then call them out for a negative action and make your feelings known to decision
makers.
The other practically is you cant keep people riled up about something for an extended
period of time, especially after a long, bitter, divisive campaign. People, frankly, are political
and physically exhausted.
There may be a target-rich environment in our future, but not yet.
In the meantime, reduce your stress by going for a hike and enjoy Pennsylvanias great
outdoors and watch this video about a new product: Nature Rx.
Maybe worry.. a little.
NewsClips:
Finding Common Ground For Saving The Environment
Trump Taps Climate-Change Skeptic To Oversee EPA Transition
Trump Victory Seen As Boosting PAs Gas, Coal Industries
Trump Spells Sudden Optimism For Coal In Pennsylvania
Trumps Win Seen As Positive For Fossil Fuels
Kleinman Energy Center: Trumps Energy Aspirations
Trumps Election Jolts Energy And Environmental Policy
Bloomberg: Trump Cant Stop The Energy Revolution
Slate: Heres What President Trump Will Mean For The Planet
Why Trump Probably Cant Bring Back Coal Or Kill Renewables

House, Senate Return To Harrisburg To Reorganize, Hold Hearings On Kane, Pipelines
Fresh from the November 8 election, the House and Senate
return to Harrisburg next week to get acquainted with their
new members and reorganize for the coming session.
We should find out next week whether any of the
House or Senate Republican or Democratic Caucuses are
considering leadership changes in the wake of the
elections-- in the case of the Democrats given their loses, or
the results of the legislative session just concluded-- for the
Republicans.
There is no indication there will be further votes on
any legislation by either the House or Senate, but several committees have scheduled meetings
on some hot-button topics.
The House Judiciary Subcommittee On Courts, charged under House Resolution 659
(Everett-R-Lycoming) with determining whether now ex-Attorney General Kathleen Kane
should be impeached, is scheduled to hold not one but two hearings on that topic.
In a related action, Attorney General Bruce Beemer said his Offices report on porn mail
started by Kane would be released next week.
Also on the agenda are meetings of the House Liquor Control Committee to hear an
update on implementation of the 2016 liquor reform law and the House Ethics Committee meets
to consider changes to House Rules relating to ethics and conflict of interest.
The other substantive issued scheduled to be dealt with is a House & Senate Veterans
Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committees joint hearing to review emergency preparedness
and response measures for natural gas and petroleum pipeline infrastructure in the wake of the
Spectra Pipeline explosion in Westmoreland County in April and more recently in Lycoming
County where a Sunoco gasoline pipeline broke during local flooding.
Oh, and Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) told the York papers he was running for Governor
and would formally announce sometime after January 1.
Whats Next
The House is scheduled to be in session on November 14 and 15 and the Senate
November 16. They will then formally end the 2015-2016 legislative session.
Everything starts over again on January 3 when the House and Senate formally organize
and select leaders and, later in January, name committee chairs.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Bill Calendars
House (November 14): House Bill 1391 (Everett-R-Lycoming) establishing a guaranteed
minimum oil and gas well royalty (sponsor summary); House Resolution 872 (Causer-R-Forest)
urging federal and state regulatory agencies to use science-based, peer-reviewed data to evaluate
crop protection chemistry and nutrients (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 1166 (Stefano-RFayette) authorizing hunting license changes by Game Commission and Senate Bill 1168
(Eichelberger- R-Blair) authorizing fishing license changes by Fish & Boat Commission.
<> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (November 16): Senate Bill 16 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) establishing a task force on lead
and the hazards of lead poisoning and authorizing a study (sponsor summary); House Bill 1103
(Zimmerman-R- Lancaster) exempting agricultural high-tunnel greenhouse structures from
stormwater permitting requirements (House Fiscal Note and summary). <> Click Here for full
Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the House & Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committees hold
a joint hearing to review emergency preparedness and response measures for natural gas and
petroleum pipeline infrastructure. <> 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.
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each-House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate
November 16
House
November 14 (Non-Voting), 15
Governors 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. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the
Governor's desk for action-Land Conservation Easements: House Bill 2370 (Moul-R-Adams) among other provisions, the
bill extends the conservation easement Realty Transfer Tax exemption (House Fiscal Note and
summary).
News From The Capitol

Senate, House Committees Hold Joint Hearing Nov. 16 On Pipeline Emergency Response
The Senate and House Veterans Affairs and
Emergency Preparedness Committees will hold a
joint hearing in Harrisburg November 16 on
natural gas and petroleum pipeline emergency
preparedness and response.
The hearing is being held in the wake of the
Spectra Pipeline explosion in Westmoreland
County in April and more recently in Lycoming
County where a Sunoco gasoline pipeline broke
during local flooding.
Among the witnesses expected to provide
comments to the Committees are:
-- Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware) and Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware);
-- Representatives of the State Fire Commissioners Office, Lycoming County Office of Public
Safety;
-- PUC Commissioner Andrew Place, a representative of PA One Call utility notification
program;
-- Pipeline operators Sunoco, UGI and a representative of Associated Petroleum Industries;
-- A citizens panel with representatives from the Philadelphia area; and
-- A representative of Cleveland Electric Labs on leak detection technology.
The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building starting at 9:00
a.m. Click Here to watch the hearing live online and for copies of written testimony when
available.
Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Committee
and can be contacted by sending email to: rvulakovich@pasen.gov. Sen. Jay Costa
(D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
costa@pasenate.com.
Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the House Committee and
can be contacted by sending email to: sbarrar@pahousegop.com. Rep. Chris Sainato
(D-Lawrence) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
csainato@pahouse.net.
(Photo: Spectra Gas Pipeline explosion, Westmoreland County, April 2016.)
NewsClips:
Repairs Nearly Complete On Lycoming Flood-Damaged Gasoline Pipeline
Crable: FERC To Consider Re-Routing Atlantic Sunrise Lancaster Properties
Sunoco Blames Permit Delays For Mariner East 2 Pipeline Start-Up
Sunoco Delays Mariner East 2 Pipeline, Citing Permit Issues
Former DEP Chief Says Sunoco, Not Regulators, Caused Pipeline Delays
FERC Reopens PennEast Pipeline Comment Period
Approval Of PennEast Pipeline Delayed At Least 2 Months
Federal Decision On PennEast Pipeline Delayed 2 Months
UGI Customers Facing New Fee To Fix Service Pipelines
Scranton Protesters Back Opponents Of Dakotas Pipeline
Blast-Damaged Gasoline Pipeline Back In Service
AP: Colonial Gasoline Pipeline Back In Service After Explosion
News From Around The State

DEP Citizens Advisory Council, Environmental Justice Board Meeting Moved To Dec. 14
The annual joint meeting of the DEP Citizens Advisory Council and DEP Environmental Justice
Advisory Board has been moved from November 15 to December 14.
The meeting will be in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at
10:00. Click Here to join the meeting by Webex.
For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage or contact Katie
Hetherington Cunfer by calling 717-705-2693 or send email to: khethering@pa.gov.
PA Institute Of Architects Honors Philadelphia Green City, Clean Waters Program
The PA Chapter of the American Institute of
Architects Thursday honored the City of
Philadelphias multi-decade Green City, Clean
Waters Plan to reduce pollution from stormwater
runoff and combined sewer overflows by 85 percent
with its 2016 Architectural Excellence Design
Awards Gala.
The award honors individuals, corporations, associations or other groups who do not
practice architecture. Recipients are cited for their direct contributions to the profession such as a
building program, a public works project or other significant disciplines which have had a
strong influence on the field of architecture.

Given how many peoplerepresenting a wide range of professionshave worked to
grow Green City, Clean Waters since it officially launched in 2011, its fitting that AIA
Pennsylvania chose to honor the whole program.
While many individual contributions made it possible for Green City, Clean Waters to
surpass some pretty lofty five-year targets for green infrastructure creation and pollution
reduction in 2016, the success of the program is driven by hard work in fields including
modeling, planning, design, engineering, monitoring, maintenance, public policy, and even
community outreach.
By working to together, those working on Green City, Clean Waters at the Philadelphia
Water Department have paved the way and made it easier for city as a whole to adopt green
stormwater infrastructure as an important part of what a future Philadelphia looks like.
When you look at the crucial role private development played in building the network of
green infrastructure that exists in Philadelphia todaya network of green systems that will keep
and estimated 1.5 billion gallons of polluted water out of our rivers and creeks this yearit
becomes clear how important it is to have an architecture community that embraces Green City,
Clean Waters.
From a technical perspective, smart stormwater management has become a key aspect of
designing and building new structures in Philadelphia thanks to regulations put in place in 2015
that require many new developments to manage most of their stormwater runoff on-site.
In Northern Liberties, honey bees drink nectar from native flowers found in a stormwater
bump out at 3rd Street and Fairmount Avenue.
In Point Breeze, kids play basketball on a court that also helps soak up and clean
stormwater from the surrounding area.
On Eadom Street in Northeast Philly, patients find therapeutic value in caring for rain
gardens that dot the parking lot of their health facility.
Looking across the city, its fair to say that Philadelphias efforts to protect local
waterways from pollution through the use of neighborhood-based green tools has garnered fans
who might not usually appreciate a well-designed piece of infrastructure.
As Philadelphia continues to expand the program and find new ways of managing
stormwater, we think recognizing connections between the world of green infrastructure and the
world of architecture makes a whole lot of sense.
Thank you to AIA Philadelphia, and congratulations to all the people and partners who
have helped make Green City, Clean Waters a success!
NewsClips:
DRBC Considers Drought Emergency To Boost Flows In Delaware River
Why The Salt Line In The Delaware River Is Creeping Upstream
Delaware RiverWatch Nov. 4 Video Report
(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Blog.)
NFWF Urban Waters Restoration Grants + Delaware River Basin Focus Area
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat
Council, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FedEx, Southern Company and Alcoa
Foundation are now accepting applications for the 2017 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration
Program.
The Five Star and Urban Waters program will award approximately $2.5 million in grants
nationwide. An additional funding is available for grants in special geographic areas like the
Delaware River Watershed and Philadelphia.
Applications are due January 31.
The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop community
capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial
assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the
species and habitats they support.
Projects include a variety of ecological improvements including: wetland, riparian, forest
and coastal habitat restoration; wildlife conservation; community tree canopy enhancement;
and/or water quality monitoring and stormwater management; along with targeted community
outreach, education and stewardship.
NFWF may use a mix of public and private funding sources to support any grant made
through this program.
Priority will be given to projects in urban, suburban and/or rural areas that advance water
quality goals in environmental justice communities such as neighborhoods with high
concentrations of minority and low-income populations.
Projects that increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental
hazards and engage these communities in the project planning, outreach and implementation will
have priority for funding.
NFWF expects at least 50 percent of the grants made under this RFP to go to projects
engaging these communities.
Click Here for all the details and a copy of the RFP.
NewsClips:
Pennsylvanias Lagging Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Gets Fiscal Transfusion, But Needs
More
By Timothy B. Wheeler, Chesapeake Bay Journal
Pennsylvanias lagging Bay cleanup got a much-needed fiscal
transfusion when restoration leaders met in early October and
pledged $28 million to fund conservation efforts in the
Commonwealth.
But as lawmakers in Harrisburg were reminded a couple of weeks
later, the Keystone State still faces a huge funding gap over the
coming decade to meet its Bay pollution reduction obligations.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, meeting with other members of the
Chesapeake Executive Council Oct. 4 in Boyce, VA, acknowledged that his state has some
explaining to do for its failure to meet agreed-upon pollution reduction milestones, and said he
would commit $11.8 million more to the effort by shifting funds in the commonwealths budget.
Federal officials, in turn, also announced more aid. Robert Bonnie, Undersecretary for
natural resources and the environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said his department
would provide $12.7 million more, while U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Gina McCarthy said her agency was funneling an additional $4.2 million to the state.
That is not chump change, McCarthy said, as onlookers applauded.
The $28 million figure was a bit inflated, as some of the pledged federal funding had
previously been announced. Even so, officials said the increase should help the Wolf
administration make progress on its plan announced in January to reboot Bay cleanup efforts.
The bulk of the new funds are slated for installing priority conservation practices on
farms, with much of it targeted toward 11 of the watersheds most agricultural counties.
Officials said the increased aid should jump-start Pennsylvanias efforts to reach the nutrient and
sediment reduction targets set under the pollution diet the EPA has imposed on Bay watershed
states.
But much more will be needed. For instance, the Wolf administration said it will put
almost $2.5 million more into planting riparian forest buffers, streamside trees that soak up
nutrients and prevent runoff. Yet the state is projected to need $170 million for that effort over
the next decade to reach its goal of planting 95,000 acres of buffers by the 2025 cleanup
deadline.
Pennsylvania officials noted that the state has made progress, cutting its Bay contribution
of phosphorus by 25 percent since 1985, sediment by 15 percent and nitrogen by 6 percent.
Im very encouraged by what we see on the landscape, said Russell Redding, Pennsylvanias
agriculture secretary, at an October 18 legislative hearing. Driving the states back roads,
Redding said, he has seen more fields planted in cover crops and more streamside buffers,
among other things.
But Pennsylvania hasnt kept pace with its neighbors. All watershed states are supposed
to have measures in place by 2017 to achieve 60 percent of the overall pollution reductions
needed for Bay restoration. While the commonwealth has already met its interim goal for
phosphorus, the EPAs computer modeling indicates the state is far behind on nitrogen and
sediment reductions.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, a Republican from Lycoming County and chairman of the Senate
Environmental Committee, noted that almost 70 percent of the remaining nitrogen reductions for
the entire six-state Bay watershed need to come from Pennsylvania. And 80 percent of those
reductions have to come from the farming sector, he said. The state is also lagging badly on
dealing with stormwater pollution, according to EPA modeling.
Weve accomplished a lot, but we have a lot more to do, said Patrick McDonnell,
acting DEP secretary. Under the Bay diet, Pennsylvania needs to reduce its nitrogen pollution by
17 million pounds by next year. But the state is so far behind that thats not going to happen, he
said, and it needs to reduce a total of 34 million pounds by 2025.
Were doing our level best with the resources we have, McDonnell added, but I think
ultimately its going to require more.
Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, warned
lawmakers that without more funding, the Wolf administrations reboot plan will falter.
Adequate resources for outreach and education, inspections, and financial and technical
assistance are also key to the success of this plan, Campbell said.
Pennsylvania has invested about $180.5 million in Bay restoration efforts over the last
three years, according to a fact sheet put out after the meeting of the Executive Council, which
includes state governors, the EPA administrator, the District of Columbia mayor and the chair of
the Chesapeake Bay Commission, an interstate legislative advisory panel.
But an analysis by Penn State University projects that the state needs to spend as much as
$378 million annually in state, federal and private money to make the necessary pollution
reductions.
I think we need to start looking at sustainable funding, said Sen. Judith L. Schwank, a
Democrat from Berks County [and Minority Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Committee], as she questioned Wolf administration officials at the hearing. Have you given
thought to that?
We dont have a specific plan per se, Redding responded, though he said
administration officials are mulling some sort of dedicated funding stream for Bay cleanup
commitments.
I think we need to have that conversation relatively soon, Schwank said.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced new Growing Greener legislation
aimed at investing $315 million a year in measures to protect Pennsylvanias water, land and
natural resources. But the measure doesnt specify where those funds would come from.
Several lawmakers of both parties support legislation that would raise funds to clean up
state waterways by establishing a water withdrawal fee on businesses. As introduced, the
measure could raise an estimated $245 million a year, with more than $90 million likely to go to
projects in the Bay watershed.
The Republican-dominated legislature has been loath to raise taxes and two years ago,
squelched a proposal to even study a water-use fee.
But with the EPA warning that there could be consequences for states that dont meet
Bay cleanup goals such as federally mandated, costly upgrades of wastewater treatment
plants, restrictions on permitting for new or expanded businesses and other regulations at least
some Republicans agree that its time to look for more money.
We recognize that we have a problem in Pennsylvania, Yaw said. The primary issue,
he added, is how are we going to identify a funding source to provide long-term funds to solve
the problem?
Michael McCloskey, a dairy farmer and spokesman for the Coalition for Affordable Bay
Solutions, warned that many farmers cant afford conservation practices, even with state or
federal help. He suggested that the daunting cleanup costs for farmers and the state might
be overcome by promoting manure-to-energy technology and moving more aggressively into a
nutrient trading program, both of which he said could yield income for farmers while reducing
pollution.
But the CBFs Campbell cautioned, There is no magic bullet, no simple solution.
We must avoid the temptation to believe that a single technology, practice or approach
will solve the challenges of restoring waterways damaged by pollution, he added, urging
officials to focus on proven conservation measures shown to be the most effective at the least
cost.
Ann Swanson, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, acknowledged the
difficulty of raising taxes or making sacrifices for an estuary far away from many residents. But
she said that the state has 19,000 miles of impaired rivers and streams the most in the nation.
Making those waters safe for swimming, fishing and boating should be a cause everyone could
support, she suggested, while also helping the Bay.
When the time is right, you oftentimes can move on something like this, she said.
Perhaps your time is right. It will take courage.
More information on Pennsylvanias Bay efforts is available at the DEPs Chesapeake
Bay Office webpage.
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 for a copy of CBF-PAs most recent newsletter.
NewsClips:
Bay Journal: PAs Lagging Bay Cleanup Gets Fiscal Transfusion, But Needs More
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Related Stories:
Senate Hearing: More Resources Needed To Meet Water Pollution Cleanup Obligations
CBF-PA Says Implementation Is Key To Success Of PAs Clean Water Efforts
Op-Ed: More Resources Means More Farmers Can Help Cleanup PAs Rivers, Streams
CBF-PA Urges Funding Be Identified To Make Growing Greener III Plan Meaningful
Chesapeake Bay Journal: PA Municipalities Begin Uphill Paddle To Reach Runoff Goals
DCNR: PA Must Install 95K Acres Of Buffers In Chesapeake Bay Watershed In 9 Years
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Added To Help With Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Grants
Harrisburg-based consulting firm Herbert, Rowland & Grubic,
Inc. announced Monday it has been approved to provide
technical assistance to groups interested in applying for
Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund Grants.
Each year, the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund provides $8
million to $12 million in grant funding to local governments,
nonprofits, and conservation districts for projects that restore
habitats or improve water quality in the Bay or its tributaries.
However, significant upfront design may be required for these projects, and many
municipalities lack the resources to adequately develop them through the design phase.
To meet this need, the Chesapeake Bay Fund has made an additional $1 million in grant
funding available and appointed a select group of firms as Technical Services Providers.
Anyone seeking a grant from the fund must work through one of its approved Technical
Service Providers, and HRG was just added to the list for 2016 through 2021.
Eligible projects include:
-- Green infrastructure like bioretention facilities, green roofs, and green streets;
-- Floodplain and stream bank restoration;
-- Development of long-term financing strategies for capital improvements and restoration
projects that benefit the Bay;
-- Review of municipal codes and ordinances to be more protective of water quality.

Community forestry programs that convert turf to trees; and
-- Stream corridor assessments.
Development of geospatial information tools to assess local land use, identify pollution
sources, and select potential sites for restoration and stormwater management projects.
Municipalities or nonprofit organizations looking to apply for this funding can contact
Matt Bonanno, regional manager of civil engineering services, at 717-564-1121 or send email to:
mbonanno@hrg-inc.com.
(Photo: Brubaker Farms, Lancaster County.)
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Businesses For The Bay Forum Dec. 7 In Lancaster County
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bays Businesses For The
Bay and the Lancaster Chamber Of Commerce will hold a
Chesapeake Business Forum on December 7 at the Lancaster
County Conservancys Susquehanna Riverlands Research and
Education Center at Climbers Run Preserve, 226 Frogtown
Road in Pequea 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Gather with other regional business contacts, from organizations both large and small, to
share environmental challenges and successes, learn more about environmental sustainability
goals, identify needs, develop sustainable solutions that support the protection of local rivers and
streams, and learn more about the Businesses for the Bay membership association.
Engage with Pennsylvania business, nonprofit, and government leaders, including
Lancaster Chamber Members, and network with Businesses For The Bay Members, Sponsors,
and Partners.
Keynote Speaker, Dante Parrini, Glatfelter Chairman & CEO, will lead off with a
discussion about the reasoning behind strong environmental and social responsibility plans and
why Glatfelter is so strongly committed to being environmentally and socially responsible.
Philip Wenger, Lancaster County Conservancy CEO (and Founder of Isaacs Famous
Grilled Sandwiches), will speak and answer questions about protecting local lands and how and
why the Conservancy integrates their work with businesses.
He will also explain the importance of sustainable practices, from a business perspective,
and how businesses and nonprofits can work together.
Participants will also hear from a panel of Businesses for the Bay Members, including:
Kelly Gutshall, LandStudies President; Jim MacKenzie, Octoraro Native Plant Nursery
President; and Robert Manbeck, SUEZ Pennsylvania Operations Public Affairs Manager).
The event will conclude with an interactive tour of the Lancaster County Conservancys
Climbers Run Preserve.

The cost for the event is $10 for Businesses For The Bay and Lancaster Chamber
members and $15 for non-members, lunch included. Click Here to register
For more information, visit the Businesses For The Bay webpage or direct your questions
to Corinne Stephens, Alliance Business Partnerships Manager, by sending email to:
B4B@allianceforthebay.org.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Bernie McGurl: Overview Of Lackawanna River Watershed Conservation Corps Nov. 14
The Archbald Historic Society will host Bernie McGurl,
Executive Director of the Lackawanna River
Conservation Association at its meeting on November 14
to give a presentation on the Lackawanna River
Watershed Conservation Corps.
The meeting will be held at the Archbald
Borough Building, Church Street in Lackawanna County
starting at 7:00 p.m.
McGurls presentation is part of the Lackawanna
Watershed Connections series focused on providing
information to local residents and community
organizations about the Lackawanna River, its 350 square mile watershed and a new LRCA
program, the Lackawanna River Watershed Conservation Corps.
The presentation consists of a slide show with historic and contemporary photographs
from around the Lackawanna Watershed that looks at the impacts, good and bad of human
activities on water resources.
It provides a focus on the work of the LRCA to encourage all watershed stakeholders to
reach out and collaborate on activities that protect and restore our river and its watershed
resources.
The LRCA encourages local residents to develop a Shared Sense of Place about the
Lackawanna Watershed.
This involves learning about the watershed, understanding how it functions, how human
activities have damaged it and how we can work together to protect and conserve the undamaged
aspects of the watershed and work to restore the damaged areas and prevent further damages in
the future.
The Corps is part of the LRCAs Strategic Plan to involve residents from all parts of the
watershed in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Susquehanna counties.
The Conservation Corps Program is funded through a grant from the Scranton Area
Community Foundation.
Learn more abou the Corps Program by contacting LRCA at 570-347-6322.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the
Lackawanna River Conservation Association website.
DEP Awards Emergency Contract For Pump For Abandoned Schuylkill Mine Complex
To maintain water levels in the abandoned Gilberton mine complex in Schuylkill County and
minimize potential flooding, the Department of Environmental Protection received quotes for an
emergency project to drill a new borehole and construct a new pump station.
The construction project was awarded to Global Shaft Drilling, LLC of Morgantown,
W.Va., at their quoted price of $2,719,272.
Rising mine pool water levels in the flooded underground coal mine complex, together
with stormwater runoff and infiltration, contribute to potential flooding in the Schuylkill County
borough.
The existing pump building and three of the four pumps in it are owned by Waste
Management & Processors, Inc. of Gilberton. WMPI uses its pumps for an active mining
operation.
Through an agreement with WMPI, the DEP has operated one pump since 1972 to
address issues related to an inactive abandoned underground coal mine. The new pump station
will pump mine pool water from this abandoned mine and discharge it the same location as the
existing operation.
Work on the new pump station is anticipated to start in the next few weeks and be
completed in June 2017.
NewsClips:
Video: Eckley Miners Village Mine Reclamation Project
Study Will Determine Amount Of Rare Earth Elements In Coal Mining Waste
Related Stories:
EPA Nov. 14 Webinar On Passive Treatment Of Mine Drainage Featuring PA Presenters
Volunteer Opportunity: Adopt-A Passive Mine Drainage Treatment System Program
October Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition
Penn State: $1.1 Million Grant Aimed At Preventing Coal Mine Collapses
Society For Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Now Accepting Photo Contest Entries
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a
webinar on the Passive Treatment of Mine Drainage on
November 14 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. featuring Pennsylvanias
own Bob Hedin, of Hedin Environmental, and Amy
Wolfe, of Trout Unlimited,
Passive treatment refers to processes that do not
require frequent human intervention, operation, or
maintenance, and typically employ natural construction
materials, natural treatment media, and promote growth of natural vegetation.

These techniques were pioneered and perfected by groups all over Pennsylvanias coal
fields.
Passive treatment processes can be cost-effective and lower-maintenance treatment
options for mine site cleanups. They also offer significant opportunities to reduce the
environmental footprint associated with treatment of mine water treatment.
Click Here for more information and to register. Questions about content should be
directed to Call Michele Mahoney at 703-603-9057 or send email to:
mahoney.michele@epa.gov.
(Photo: De Sale Passive Mine Water Treatment System, Butler County, Slippery Rock Watershed
Coalition.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
The Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition in Butler County is
looking for volunteers for our Adopt-A-Passive Treatment
System Program.
Volunteers will be the eyes and ears of the SRWC using
simple test kits to make sure the passive treatment systems
are working.
The SRWC is also looking for volunteers for our data logger
program. A scientific background is not needed for either
program.
All that is needed is the ability to walk/hike outdoors, be
able to provide a few hours of your time each month, and a desire to help. The Coalition will
teach you what you need to know and do.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Cliff Denholm at 724-776-0161 or send
email to: sri@streamrestorationinc.org.
Clean Creek Products
Looking for a holiday gift that will please the most discriminating taste and help the
environment? Consider pottery products from Clean Creek.
Clean Creek Products, a division of Stream Restoration Inc., a nonprofit watershed
restoration organization, was formed to market the metals recovered in treating abandoned mine
drainage. One of the uses for these metals is in ceramic pottery glazing.
Every product you purchase from Clean Creek will not only support the artists that create
them, but also helps support watershed groups doing local projects to help restore Pennsylvania's
over 16,500 miles of polluted waterways.
Click Here to see a video on Clean Creek pottery.
(Photo: Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, Butler County, Accepting The Challenge.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
The October issue of The Catalyst newsletter is now
available from the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition
in Butler County featuring articles on--- Westminster College Students Sample The McIntire
Passive Treatment System
-- Free Datashed Training Workshops Nov. 17 & 19
-- Volunteers Needed For Adopt-A-Passive Treatment
System
-- The KIDS Catalyst: Fun Animal Facts In Code!
-- Annual Student Symposium On The Environment At
Westminster College Dec. 1
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
The Catalyst newsletter is distributed to over 1,100 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, upcoming events and volunteer
opportunities, visit the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition website.
Clean Creek Products
Looking for a holiday gift that will please the most discriminating taste and help the
environment? Consider pottery products from Clean Creek.
Clean Creek Products, a division of Stream Restoration Inc., a nonprofit watershed
restoration organization, was formed to market the metals recovered in treating abandoned mine
drainage. One of the uses for these metals is in ceramic pottery glazing.
Every product you purchase from Clean Creek will not only support the artists that create
them, but also helps support watershed groups doing local projects to help restore Pennsylvania's
over 16,500 miles of polluted waterways.
Click Here to see a video on Clean Creek pottery.
NewsClips:

Related Stories:
Annual Westminster College Student Symposium On The Environment Dec. 1
Stream Restoration, Inc. Partners To Offer Datashed Training Workshops
The U.S. Department of Energys National Energy Technology
Laboratory recently awarded West Virginia University a
project to survey acid mine drainage solids in Pennsylvania,
West Virginia and Ohio to identify the concentration and
amount of rare earth elements available in AMD solids.
The new project will sample and analyze AMD solids from 120
AMD treatment sites.
This follows a February 2016 NETL award to WVU to explore
the potential to recover and extract rare earth elements from
AMD solids, a project that is currently underway.
We will work with members of the coal industry and state agencies that are engaged in
treating AMD to sample their solids, said Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz, director of the West Virginia
Water Research Institute and principal investigator on the project.
This new effort is in support of the DOEs ongoing program to recover rare earth
elements from coal and coal by-products.
Rare earth elements are vital to the technology industry. These elements have numerous
applications and are used in devices such as cell phones, medical equipment and defense
applications.
Conventional rare earth recovery methods are difficult, expensive and generate large
volumes of contaminated waste.
In addition to providing a domestic supply of these critical industrial materials, this
approach would incentivize AMD treatment and offset treatment costs while continuing to
improve the quality of Appalachian streams.
Appalachian coal mines commonly generate AMD, when sulfide minerals in rock are
exposed to air and water. This acid leaches rare earths from coal associated rock where it collects
as AMD. Active coal mines are required to treat this AMD, which concentrates and precipitates
rare earth elements.
Together, the rare earths in AMD solids range in value from $45 to $125/kg and our
early sampling indicated that AMD solids contain between 0.3 and 1.5 kg of total rare earth
elements per ton of AMD solid said Ziemkiewicz.
Ziemkiewicz, along with co-investigators Xingbo Liu, professor of mechanical
engineering, and Aaron Noble, professor of mining engineering, in the Statler College of
Engineering and Mineral Resources will estimate the volume of acid mine drainage that is
available in the northern and central Appalachian coalfields, as well as the purity and amount of
rare earth elements that could be recovered.
The research team will be assisted by Ben Faulkner, an independent contractor from
Princeton, West Virginia, who has extensive experience with acid mine drainage treatment plants
across the Appalachian region.
Acid mine drainage solids are generated at treatment plants, and Bens familiarity with
these facilities will be a tremendous asset to the project, said Ziemkiewicz.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
No one can predict exactly when a coal mine will collapse, but a $1.1
million grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health aims to change that, according to a Penn State mineral engineer.
Shimin Liu, assistant professor of energy and mineral engineering, and
Joseph Kreutzberger Early Career Professor, both in Penn State's
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences will begin a comprehensive
five-year laboratory and field study aimed at understanding the
degradation of shale rock roofs found above coal seams in mines.
Although rare, these failures account for about half of all injuries
sustained in coal mines.
These roofs are initially very strong, Liu said, but over time become
compromised by the elements. During the summer, warm, humid air enters the cooler mine,
creating condensation. In the winter, the reverse occurs.
This humidity cycling degrades the shale, which is especially prone to moisture damage.
How quickly and by how much is what Liu hopes to find.
The critical question we ask is, what does this water really mean to shale strength over
time? said Liu. Its a four-dimensional problem the three-dimensional shape of the mine
factored against time. How does time shape the strength of the rock? When does the shale roof
degrade to a critical low strength to where the ground control plan needs to be reinvestigated?
Last month, Liu began traveling to three partnering mines in Illinois to gather rock
samples. He will use those samples to create replica shale roofs. Dr. Liu hopes to involve several
Pennsylvania mines in the future.
In the lab, he will perform a series of tests to determine how the shale responds to
moisture-induced swelling. He will also test enhanced bolting methods, an industry standard
where companies brace the mines roof for support.
The existing practice is to use vertical bracing, but Liu thinks cross-bracing or other
patterns could offer more stability.
A major goal is to understand the science thats taking place in these mines, and then we
will see how to best use these results, said Liu. We are focusing on the scientific behavior of
the rock under the real conditions. This stage is really important. Once we analyze the data, we
can offer the best practices to the industry.
Modeling software to assess roofs exists, said Liu, but it accounts for so few real-life
variables. He hopes his research will fill in those gaps and add to the model, leading to safer
mines and miners.
One piece of equipment obtained through this grant can test rock strength without
destroying it. Thats key for Lius research but it also will benefit other engineering- and
energy-related research.
Nondestructive testing allows for prolonged testing and is an ideal way to account for
variables over time because the composition and strength of the rock is really varied throughout
the testable area, said Liu, who said the research could pave the way for technologies to control
the moisture cycle or reinforce the mine. That innovation will come later. The first step, he said,
is understanding the problem.
Dr. Liu may be reached by sending email to: szl3@psu.edu or call 814-863-4491.
Related Stories:
The Coal and Energy Division of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy
and Exploration is now accepting entries to its 2017 Photo Contest.
Entries are due January 13.
This year's theme is "Innovations in Technology which will look for
images of industry innovations such as autonomous vehicles, drone
usage, safety gear, and other technological improvements in our
industry.
Cash prizes will be awarded to First, Second and Third Place winners
at the 2017 SME Annual Conference and Expo in Denver on
February 19-22.
Click Here for all the details.
Related Stories:
PA Small Business Development Centers To Target Coal Community Businesses
The PA Small Business Development Centers Monday
announced a statewide effort aimed to help small businesses in
coal impacted regions across Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Economic
Administration have funded three Pennsylvania SBDC projects
as part of the POWER Initiative, a multi-agency effort to invest
federal economic and workforce development resources in communities and regions negatively
impacted by changes in the coal economy.
Over the years, Pennsylvanias coal industry has gone through a number of positive and
negative cycles. After a relatively normal period during most of the first decade of the
twenty-first century, the last seven years have been very hard on the industry.
Small businesses have been impacted in a variety of ways from decreased sales due to
miners having less disposable income and from lost contracts with large supply chain companies
affected by decreases in coal production.
Activities related to coal mining in Pennsylvania are at historical lows, therefore planning
for the economic future of these regions is critical.
The Pennsylvania SBDC, working with the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the
University of Pennsylvania, will spearhead the development of a plan to outline strategic
responses to enable small businesses to successfully adapt to the rapid transitions occurring in
the power sector and in coal-reliant communities and supply chains.
The goal of the project is to develop a statewide roadmap which policymakers and
practitioners can use to identify and implement local and statewide action steps to provide
services to prepare, sustain, and grow small businesses affected by changes in the coal economy.
In addition, the Pennsylvania SBDC will be working on the development of internal
capacity building of Pennsylvania SBDC staff as well as delivery of an industry experts webinar
series for small business.
Program components will also include outreach to impacted businesses to inform them of
resources that can help them survive the ongoing economic shift.
In addition, this project will allow the Pennsylvania SBDC to strengthen its Coal Team
which is made up of business consultants that are committed to serving businesses in the coal
impacted region.
The St. Francis University SBDC is implementing programs to assist small business
owners impacted by the significant loss of jobs in the Southern Alleghenies region of
Pennsylvania (Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties).
Part one of their program is targeting small businesses that have been negatively
impacted by job loss. Part two of the program is focusing on businesses that sell directly to the
coal industry that are not seeing the revenues they once had due to mine closures in their region.
Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh SBDC and Innovation Works have received a
workforce development grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to assist
entrepreneurs in Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties deeply

impacted by declining coal jobs.
The SBDC will offer two programs including Mining Your Business, which will focus
on coal workers interested in starting their own business, and Planning for Profits, a
community-based educational program that teaches business owners how to grow their business
in a lean economy.
The regions in Pennsylvania most impacted by the changes in the coal economy include
the Southwest, Southern Alleghenies and northcentral parts of the state (Armstrong, Bedford,
Cambria, Clarion, Elk, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset, Washington, and
Westmoreland counties), and the Northeast region (Luzerne, Northumberland, and Schuylkill
counties).
Other counties that also have coal mining operations include: Allegheny, Beaver, Blair,
Butler, Carbon, Columbia, Dauphin, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Mercer and Venango.
Companies in coal impacted communities who are interested in working with their local
SBDC for confidential, no-cost business consulting can visit the PA SBDC webpage to find the
center that serves their county.
DEP Awards $700,000 To 17 Projects in Delaware Estuary, Lake Erie Coastal Zones
Green stormwater infrastructure, greenway planning,
and harmful algal bloom research are just a few of 17
projects that have been awarded over $700,000 in
grants from the Department of Environmental
Protection to protect and restore the states two
coastal zones along Lake Erie and the Delaware
Estuary.
Our coastal zones are important
environmental, economic, and community resources
for the Commonwealth, said DEP Acting Secretary
Patrick McDonnell. Each year, the diverse projects
of the Coastal Zone Grant recipients help us take a comprehensive approach to ensuring their
ecological health.
Coastal zones are the area where the land meets the sea and include both coastal waters
and adjacent shorelands. Theyre under increasing pressure from development, erosion,
biodiversity loss and pollution.
The annual Coastal Zone Grants are awarded to projects related to fisheries, wetlands,
recreation, historic sites, public education, coastal hazards such as bluff recession, and other
areas.
Funded primarily by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the grants
are administered by the DEP Coastal Resources Management Program.
This year 14 nonprofit organizations and government agencies received funding. The two
largest grants ($50,000 each) went to the City of Chester for a recreation, open space, and
greenway plan and to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for municipal
outreach on climate resiliency.
The smallest award ($3,000) went to the Schuylkill Conservation District for an event
that includes public education on sustainability, biodiversity and nonpoint source pollution.
The grants awarded include-Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone
-- Delaware County
-- City of Chester: $50,000 to prepare a comprehensive recreation, open space and greenway
plan for Chester, focusing on the alignment and development of new trails and strategic
investment in existing recreational resources.
-- Delaware County: $40,000 to engage municipalities and stakeholders in planning for the
construction and sustainable long-term maintenance of the East Coast Greenway in Delaware
County.
-- Temple University: $49,999 to develop, in partnership with Eastern Delaware County
Stormwater Collaborative, a Green Stormwater Infrastructure Prioritization Plan for eastern
Delaware County municipalities in the Darby-Cobbs watershed.
-- Philadelphia County
-- Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission: $50,000 to conduct outreach to
municipalities in the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone focused on climate resiliency and related
hazard mitigation; $40,000 to implement the Coastal Management Program in the Delaware
Estuary Coastal Zone
-- Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.: $49,782 to stock juvenile freshwater mussels in
streams and ponds in southeastern Pennsylvania and monitor survival rates to develop best
management practices and improve water quality; $34,361 to conduct Pennsylvania Coast Day
2017 events to educate the public on coastal recreation, historic sites, and public access.
-- Schuylkill River Development Corporation: $48,000 to complete preliminary engineering for a
new segment of Schuylkill Banks, part of the Schuylkill River Trail, from 58th Street to 61st
Street.
-- Schuylkill County Conservation District: $3,000 to host the 2017 Bear Creek Festival,
reaching approximately 2,000 people and providing education on sustainability, enhancing
biodiversity and mitigating nonpoint source pollution.
Lake Erie Coastal Zone
-- Erie County
-- County of Erie: $67,500 for coordination and technical assistance with Lake Erie coastal zone
projects; $7,000 to assist Lake Erie coastal communities in administering the Bluff Recession
and Setback Act of 1980
-- Erie Times News in Education: $38,760 for a recurring Newspaper in Education weekly
page on coastal zone environmental issues.
-- Girard Township: $49,955 to improve the eroded conditions of the Lake Erie Community
Park West Trail and provide safe access to Lake Erie and the shoreline.
-- National Audubon Society, Inc.: $44,475 to assess bird use during migration and to determine
ecological habitat quality within the Lake Erie coastal zone.
-- Pennsylvania State University: $34,000 to host the 2017 Childrens Water Festival, which
will share science-based water resources information with approximately 1,000 local students in
the Lake Erie watershed.
-- Regional Science Consortium: $47,652 to collect and analyze water samples from Lake Erie,
Presque Isle Bay and surrounding waters to learn more about the characteristics of harmful algal
blooms.
-- Texas Tech University: $32,495 to continue study of bat migration corridors between Erie
and Canada.
The 112-mile Delaware Estuary coastal zone is located in Bucks, Delaware and
Philadelphia counties and encompasses islands, marshes and other areas in the Delaware Estuary
watershed. It encompasses the largest freshwater port in the world.
The 77-mile Lake Erie coastal zone is in Erie County and includes the Lake Erie
shoreline and several major tributaries. The coastal zone also extends to the middle of the lake, to
the international boundary with Canada and inland an average of 1.4 miles.
Grants may also be awarded to other valuable projects in the watershed that have an
impact on coastal waters.
Since federal approval of the DEP Coastal Resources Management Program in 1980, the
program has provided more than $50 million in funding for coastal zone projects.
For more information on the program, visit the DEP Coastal Resources Management
Program webpage.
NewsClips:
DEP Awards Grants For Lake Erie Coastal Zone Projects
DEP Small Water Systems Board To Discuss $7.5M Permit Fee Proposal Nov. 14
DEPs Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board is scheduled to meet on
November 14 to discuss a proposed $7.5 million drinking water permit fee increase, including
the imposition of an annual administration fee for the first time.
The fee proposal is designed to cover about half the cost of regulating Pennsylvanias
9,000 drinking water systems and operator certification costs.
This proposed fee increase is one of 8 different fee increases in the regulatory process
designed to help offset significant cuts to DEPs General Fund budget. The others include--- NPDES Water Quality Permit Review and Renewals: Nearly $9 million increase;
-- Laboratory Accreditation Fees: $170,000 increase (fee report);
-- Radiological Health, Radon Fees: $1.69 million (fee report);
-- Coal Mining Permit Fees: fee proposal discussed by Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board.
-- Non-Coal Mining Permit Fees: fee proposal discussed by Aggregate Advisory Board
Proposed fee increases are also under consideration for the - Air Quality and Oil and Gas
Programs.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg starting at
9:00.
For more information, visit DEPs Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center
Board webpage or contact Dawn Hissner, DEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, 717-772-2189 or
dhissner@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Elevated Levels Of Lead Found In State College Drinking Water
Westmoreland Authority Water Supply Almost Free Of Lead
Weis Markets: 12 Centre County 5th Grade Students Win Recycling Poster Contest
The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority and Weis Markets
Monday announced the twelve 5th grade students and schools who
won the How My Buddies & I Recycle poster contest.
Congratulations to the following 5th grade students and schools:
Jillian Stoltz, Benner Elementary School; Abigail Bigger, Grays
Woods Elementary School; Niziah Noone, Howard Elementary
School; John Walters, Marion Walker Elementary School; Andrew
Lebedev, Mount Nittany Elementary School; Quentin Muirhead, Mountaintop Area Elementary
School; Jessica Wallace, Park Forest Elementary School; Marlee Butterworth,
Pilippsburg-Osceola Middle School; Brenda St. Clair, Pleasant Gap Elementary School; Joseph
Jones, Port Matilda Elementary School; Ana Heflen-Wood, Radio Park Elementary School; and
Marlando Jones, Wingate Elementary School.
Back on October 3, National Anti-Bullying Day, CCRRA & Weis Markets kicked off a
poster contest that was open to all 5th grade students in Centre County. The students had to
design a poster around the theme How My Buddies & I Recycle. On November 1, twelve
posters were selected as our winners.
Weis Markets is pleased to honor the 5th grade students of Centre County for
participating in the America Recycles Day calendar contest. Having a year- long calendar with
student inspired messaging through their art will remind us that recycling is important every
day, said Patti Olenick, Manager of Sustainability for Weis Markets. She continues, Weis is
committed to sponsoring students in our communities and helping to educate them in being good
stewards of the environment.
All 12 winning posters will be made into a 2017 calendar that will be distributed to all
5th grade students in Centre County and will also be available at all Centre County Weis Markets
stores at the end of December.
Each of the students mentioned above will receive a $25 Weis Markets gift card as well
as a Buddy Bench for their school. Each Buddy Bench is made from 10,000 recycled plastic
bags.
A press conference honoring the students will be held on November 15-- America
Recycles Day-- at Noon at the Weis Market located on Buckaroo Drive in Bellefonte. Each
student will receive a framed picture of their winning poster at the ceremony.
Local press is invited to attend. Students will be available for interview and photo
opportunities.
For additional information, please contact Amy Schirf at 814-238-7005, or send email to:
aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org.
For more on Weis Markets environmental efforts, visit its Sustainability webpage.
NewsClip:
Elections Over, Recycle Those Campaign Lawn Signs
Keep America Beautiful/Lowes Awards $55,000 In Grants To 4 PA Community Projects
Keep America Beautiful and Lowes awarded Keep Blair Beautiful,
Keep Northeastern PA Beautiful, Allegheny CleanWays and Keep
Lancaster County Beautiful a total of $55,000 for high impact community improvement projects.
The grants are part of the Keep America Beautiful/Lowes Community Partners Grant
Program that engages local volunteers to take action to benefit communities across the country
with projects ranging from restoring neighborhood parks and planting community and school
gardens, to leading disaster restoration initiatives and large-scale cleanups. There were 42
recipients in 21 states.
Keep Blair Beautiful received $20,000 for a downtown revitalization project that will
provide improved access to trash and recycling bins to reduce litter and improvements to urban
plantings and stormwater management and landscaping around City Hall that will help
demonstrate the importance of urban plantings and pollinator gardens.
We are pleased that IRC staff is able to facilitate the local Keep Blair Beautiful affiliate
and invest in efforts to improve our communities. Our staff and volunteers work together to help
create clean, green and beautiful places for our residents, said Marla Marcinko, City Manager.
Keep Northeastern PA Beautiful received $20,000 for the removal of over 120 cubic
yards of illegally dumped trash, furniture, televisions and approximately 1,500 auto and truck
tires from a city owned flood zone in preparation for recreational and cultural uses including a
river access and community gardens.
Keep Pittsburgh Beautiful/Allegheny CleanWays received $10,000 for the cleanup and
beautification of historic Stoner Way in Wilkinsburg as a way of reducing crime, increasing
pride in the community and spurring economic development.
Keep Lancaster County Beautiful received $5,000 for habitat restoration and trash
pick-up that includes a teaching component.
We are so appreciative for grant programs like these, as it enables Keep Lancaster
County Beautiful to help our community with important and impactful projects. This grant will
afford the opportunity for bright and eager young minds to understand the importance of
environmental stewardship and apply these principles through experiential learning, said
Kathryn Sandoe, Deputy Chief of Community Relations for the Lancaster County Solid Waste
Management Authority, which underwrites the Keep Lancaster County Beautiful affiliate.
Our partnership with Lowes is a model for how individuals, businesses, nonprofits and
government can work together to create lasting change and cultivate beautiful communities that
are environmentally healthy, economically sound and socially connected, says Becky Lyons,
Chief Operating Officer, Keep America Beautiful Keep America Beautiful. The support of
partners like Lowes empowers our network of affiliates to rally more than five million
volunteers nationwide each year to help turn public spaces into beautiful places. We look
forward to seeing the tangible positive impact that will result from our work together.
We are grateful for Keep America Beautiful and Lowes for providing Pennsylvania
affiliates this opportunity to improve our local communities, said Shannon Reiter, President of
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. These grants provide an opportunity for the community to engage
in activities that improve the quality of life for everyone.
Since 2011, Lowes has supported Keep America Beautiful and its network of more than
620 state and community-based affiliates with more than $5.4 million in contributions and the
support of Lowes Heroes employee volunteers.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. 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 KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
LRCA: Volunteers Needed For Tire Pile Cleanup In Scranton On Nov. 12
The Lackawanna River Conservation Association and
its partners are seeking volunteers to help clean up 500
to 800 tires at the Parker House property on Parker
Street in Scranton on November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m.
Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy clothing and
footwear and LRCA welcomes brush cutting tools, chainsaws, shovels and rakes.
There is also an urgent need for volunteers with reciprocating saws (Saws-Alls) with
demo/metal cutting blades to cut away some of the tires that may still be attached to wheel rims.
Electrical power and extension cords will be available to set up a rim cutting area.
Following the tire clean up, LRCA has secured a grant to make site improvements. A
contractor will be working the following week to make the site improvements on this
City-owned Flood Control Land. A gravel parking lot and improving access to the Lackawanna
River for fishing and boating will be installed.
Other landscape improvements will be installed including gates to prevent access by
dumpers. The parking area will be open to the public for Susquehanna River recreation access.
This site will also serve as a trailhead for a future section of the Lackawanna River Heritage
Trail.
LRCA has been using this site as the launching location for ShiverFest. Access to the
gravel bar adjacent to the Parker Street Bridge will be improved with a pathway and a ramp
graded down to the shore line to facilitate easy access for launching and landing canoes and
kayaks and also to allow fishing access to the Class A Trout Fishery.
This tire dump cleanup and civic beautification project is facilitated by grants from the
Keep America Beautiful Foundation, the Lowes Foundation as well as a grant and in-kind
contribution by Waste Management and Alliance Landfill.
The LRCA is collaborating with the PA Environmental Councils Northeast Office and
the City of Scranton Department of Public Works to conduct this project.
Questions should be directed to LRCA by sending email to: director@lrca.org or call
570-347-6311.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Lackawanna River Conservation Association website.
NewsClip:
Tire Cleanup Slated At Dump Site Saturday In Scranton
Centre County Recycling Authority: Recycle That Campaign Sign!
Dont trash that campaign sign! Bring it to the Centre County
Recycling & Refuse Authority and have it recycled at 253
Transfer Road in Bellefonte.
Just bring your campaign yard sign(s) to the Centre County
Recycling & Refuse Authority through December 1.

Bring your sign(s) between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday to
Building A, at the Authority. Come through the main doors and look for the drop-off box.
For questions regarding this recycling program, please call our office at 814-238-7005, or
contact the Authority by sending email to: ccrra@centrecountyrecycles.org. Click Here to read
the latest recycling newsletter.
November 10 DEP News Now Available
The November 10 edition of DEP News is now available
featuring articles on--- Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Making It Easier To Safely Dispose Of
Unwanted Drugs
-- Gov. Wolf: DEP To Begin Statewide Solar Energy Planning
Project In January
-- DEP: $2 Million Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project At
Eckely Miners Village
-- DEP Now Accepting Applications For Next Round Of Growing Greener Plus Grants
-- DEP Declares Drought Warning In Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton Counties
-- DEP Awards $700,000 To 17 Projects In Delaware Estuary, Lake Erie Coastal Zones
-- DEP Awards Emergency Contract For Pump For Abandoned Schuylkill Mine Complex
-- Nov. 16 Hearing On Emission Credits For Perdue Soybean Plant In Lancaster County
--- Click Here to sign up for DEP News
For more information, visit DEPs website, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on
Twitter and visit DEPs YouTube Channel.
DEP Suspends Enforcement Of Stage II In Southeast Due To Diminishing Benefits
The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice in the November 12 PA Bulletin
that it is suspending enforcement of the requirement to install new Stage II vapor recovery
systems at gasoline service stations.
This notice follows a similar action taken in August of 2012 for service stations in
Southwest Pennsylvania.
The notices of suspension now cover about 1,600 service stations in Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Chester, Delaware, Fayette, Montgomery, Philadelphia,
Washington and Westmoreland Counties.
DEP gave as the reason for the suspension the diminishing emission reduction benefits of
Stage II controls that could no longer justify the cost of installing these controls on new gasoline
dispensers and dispenser replacements.
DEP said its analysis shows the benefits of Stage II controls will approach zero for all
areas of the Commonwealth at some time in 2018.
At the same time, DEP said owners and operators of gasoline dispensing facilities with
Stage II vapor control systems in place will be required to continue to operate and maintain those
systems.
DEP reminded service station owners the installation, modification or removal of
gasoline dispensing equipment is a tank handling activity that must be conducted by a

Department-certified tank installer and with the appropriate notice to DEP or the Allegheny
County or Philadelphia air pollution control programs.
DEP said its exercise of enforcement discretion does not protect an owner or operator of
a gasoline dispensing facility from the possibility of legal challenge by third persons under 25
Pa.Code 129.82 or the Commonwealth's approved State Implementation Plan.
Click Here for a copy of the notice.
For more information or questions concerning Stage II requirements, contact Susan
Foster, DEPs Bureau of Air Quality, Division of Compliance and Enforcement by calling
717-772-3369 or send email to: sufoster@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
CSX Freight Train Idles For Hours Without Crew In Philadelphia
Crable: DEP To Hold Hearing On Perdue Air Pollution Plan In Lancaster
Letter: Our Air Quality Is A Strain On The Region
Applications For Pennsylvania Clean Diesel Grants Now Being Accepted By DEP
The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for State Clean
Diesel Grants to replace, repower or retrofit fleet diesel-powered highway and nonroad vehicles,
engines and equipment. (formal notice)
The deadline for applications is December 28. DEP said $519,824 is available for these
grants.
DEP will hold a webinar on how to apply for the grant program on November 30. More
information will be published on DEPs Air Quality Webinar webpage.
Eligible applications include: school districts, municipal authorities, political
subdivisions, other State agencies, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies, or
partnerships incorporated or registered in this Commonwealth.
Projects must use technologies certified or verified by the EPA or the California Air
Resources Board to lower diesel emissions, unless otherwise noted in the grant program
guidelines. The technology may be a single technology or a combination of available
technologies.
The majority of the fleet's annual operation time must occur within this Commonwealth.
More information will be posted on DEPs Bureau of Air Quality webpage or contact
Samantha Harm, DEP Bureau of Air Quality by calling 717-787-9495.
NewsClips:
Nov. 16 Hearing On Emission Credits For Perdue Soybean Plant In Lancaster County
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public hearing on November 16 on
Perdue AgriBusiness LLCs application to use Emission Reduction Credits at the proposed
soybean processing facility currently under construction in Conoy Township, Lancaster County.
The hearing will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bainbridge Fire Hall, 34
South 2nd Street in Bainbridge.

Perdue proposes to use 174 tons per year of volatile organic compound (VOC) credits
from an industrial facility in Orange County, New York, and 94 tons per year of VOC credits
from an industrial facility in Washington County, Maryland.
The scope of the hearing is limited to the use of these specific emission reduction credits
for the already-approved Perdue facility.
Copies of the emission reduction credit plan approval application and other relevant
information are available for public review at DEPs Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton
Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-8200.
An appointment to review the documents may be scheduled by calling 717-705-4732
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Oral testimony will be limited to ten (10) minutes per person. Individuals wishing to offer
testimony must pre-register no later than November 14. Contact Brenda Esterline at
717-705-4704, or send email to: besterline@pa.gov to register.
Organizations are requested to designate a representative to present testimony on their
behalf. Written comments may be submitted to the Air Quality Program, 909 Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-8200, no later than November 26, 2016.
Individuals who are in need of an accommodation for the hearing as provided for in the
Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Ms. Esterline at the number provided or make
accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).
The application, draft approval and DEPs review memorandum can also be accessed on
DEPs Southcentral Regional Offices webpage.
NewsClips:
Dec. 15 Hearing On NPDES Permit For Shell Ethane Cracker Plant In Beaver
The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing for December 15 on the
proposed NPDES wastewater and stormwater permit for the Shell Ethane cracker plant in Beaver
County. (formal notice, Nov. 12 PA Bulletin pages 7184 & 7187)
The hearing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Valley High School, 160
Baker Road Extension, Monaca, PA 15061.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. There will be a question and answer session from 6:00 to
7:00 p.m, followed by the formal hearing from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The purpose of the public hearing is to take testimony concerning DEP's intent to issue
NPDES Permit No. PA0002208 to Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC for the discharge of treated
industrial wastewater and stormwater from the Shell Chemical Appalachia Petrochemicals
Complex located at 300 Frankfort Road, Monaca, PA 15601 to Poorhouse Run, Ohio River, Rag
Run, and Unnamed Tributary to Ohio River located in Potter Township, Beaver County.
Multiple requests to hold a public hearing were received during the public comment
period from community members to allow the opportunity to gather information and provide
informed and meaningful comments on the proposed project.
DEP published notice of the draft NPDES permit in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on
September 3, 2016 to allow for public comment regarding this proposal (PA Bulletin page 5741).
Appointments may be made to review the DEP files on this case by calling the File Review
Coordinator at 412-442-4000.
The Department will accept and record testimony concerning the NPDES application and
draft NPDES permit. Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearing should contact DEP's
Environmental Justice Regional Coordinator, Nora Alwine at 412-442-4137 before 3:00 p.m. on
December 14th.
Organizations are encouraged to designate one witness to present testimony on behalf of
the organization. Persons unable to attend the hearing may submit three copies of a written
statement and exhibits within 10 days thereafter to the Department of Environmental Protection,
Clean Water Program, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4745.
Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With
Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at
1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how DEP may accommodate your needs.
NewsClip:
Shell Buys Property Near Ethane Plant For $6.5 Million
National Critical Infrastructure Security & Resilience Month Recognized By PUC
The Public Utility Commission Wednesday emphasized the
importance of both cyber and physical security planning in
safeguarding Pennsylvanias critical utility systems in
conjunction with National Critical Infrastructure Security and
Resilience Month.
Every day, we depend on a network of systems, including
electricity to power our homes and businesses; natural gas for
heating and cooking; clean drinking water; transportation
systems; and telecommunications and Internet to stay connected
with family and friends, said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown.
Keeping these critical systems secure and operating in the face of everything from natural
disasters to man-made threats is a key part of our responsibility to our citizens, our
communities and our national security.
Chairman Brown stressed that the Commission is committed to working with key
stakeholders in government, utilities and nonprofit organizations to help ensure the security and
resilience of our critical infrastructure.
Those include efforts to strengthen cybersecurity of key systems, safeguard sensitive
business and consumer information, enhance the physical security of critical facilities and
improve the resilience of these systems so that services can be restored more quickly.
Earlier this year, the PUC and the Office of the Governor hosted a Black Sky exercise,
testing the states response to a large-scale outage event.
The exercise drew more than 130 participants, representing state and federal government
agencies; neighboring state utility commissions; military and law enforcement agencies; utility
companies; emergency-response organizations; and nonprofit organizations.
Pennsylvania is at the forefront of efforts to bring together key stakeholders in
government, utilities and nonprofit organizations to collaborate and prepare for these threats.
The overriding goal for these efforts is to keep our communities functioning, said
Commissioner Robert F. Powelson. It is important that we work together to safeguard our
infrastructure and position Pennsylvania for swift recovery, regardless of the emergency we
face.
The PUC has also produced a guide to Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and
Medium Pennsylvania Utilities, outlining ways that utilities can prevent identity or property
theft; manage vendors and contractors who may have access to a companys data; understand
anti-virus software, firewalls and network infrastructure; how to protect physical assets, such as a
computer in a remote location or a misplaced employee device; how to respond to a cyber-attack
and preserve forensic information after the fact; how to report incidents; the potential benefits of
engaging a law firm in advance of a breach; and a list of federal cyber incident resources.
NewsClips:
PUC: Prep For Winter Now, Before It Gets Cold
PUC Sides With PECO Customer Who Complained About Outages
PUC Approves $25K Settlement Regarding Unlicensed Power Broker
PUC Hits Unlicensed Electricity Supplier With $25K Fine
PUC Approves UGIs Distribution System Improvement Charge
The Public Utility Commission Wednesday approved the
Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) for UGI
Utilities, Inc. Gas Division (UGI).
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the DSIC, which was
filed pursuant to Act 11 of 2012 (Act 11). Act 11 requires and
provides for utilities to file LTIIPs as part of any action to
establish a DSIC to recover reasonable and prudent costs
incurred to repair, improve or replace certain eligible
distribution property that is part of a utilitys distribution system.
On June 30, 2016, the Commission approved UGIs Long Term Infrastructure
Improvement Plan (LTIIP), which is a plan to replace its cast iron mains within 14 years and its
bare steel mains within 30 years of March 2013. UGI expects to spend $51.2 million each year of
the LTIIP from 2014 through 2018. This includes cast iron and bare steel main replacement and
service line replacements.
The company filed a petition to establish and implement a DSIC to take effect on Jan. 1,
2017. UGI estimates an initial DSIC charge of zero.
Materials used for natural gas pipelines have evolved and require replacement as they
age, according to UGIs petition. Cast iron was used in the oldest portions of UGIs system, but
it can be vulnerable to breakage from ground movement.
The industry transitioned to bare steel and wrought iron piping until the 1960s, but
because bare steel is susceptible to corrosion, the industry again transitioned to plastic piping.
Some plastic materials used early in this process have shown a vulnerability to stress cracking.
In addition to replacing first-generation mains made of these materials, UGI plans to
install excess flow valves; replace and relocate meters; and replace risers, meter bars, regulator
stations and service regulators.
All facilities included in the LTIIP are considered eligible for the distribution system
improvement charge (DSIC). [Docket Nos. P-2013-2398833 and C-2016-2540745.]
UGI provides natural gas service to about 356,000 customers in Eastern and Central
Pennsylvania. Its system contains approximately 5,423 miles of natural gas distribution mains
and 117 miles of natural gas transmission mains.
On Feb. 14, 2012, Governor Corbett signed Act 11 of 2012, which allows jurisdictional
water and wastewater utilities, natural gas distribution companies, city natural gas distribution
operations and electric distribution companies to petition the Commission for approval to
implement a DSIC.
Under the law, the DSIC must be designed to provide for "the timely recovery of the
reasonable and prudent costs incurred to repair, improve or replace eligible property in order to
ensure and maintain adequate, efficient, safe, reliable and reasonable service.
Act 11 requires and provides for, among other things, utilities to file the plans as part of
any action to establish a DSIC to recover reasonable and prudent costs incurred to repair,
improve or replace certain eligible distribution property that is part of a utilitys distribution
system.
As of Jan. 1, 2013, public utilities could petition the Commission for approval to
establish a DSIC.
The petition must contain the following elements: 1) initial tariff; 2) testimony and
exhibits to demonstrate that the DSIC will ensure the provision of adequate, efficient, safe,
reliable and reasonable service; 3) long-term infrastructure plan; 4) certification that a base rate
case has been filed within the past five years; and 5) any other information required by the
Commission. The petition must demonstrate that granting the petition and allowing the DSIC to
be charged will accelerate the replacement of infrastructure.
For more information, visit the PUCs Distribution System Improvement Charge
webpage.
(Photo: Pipeline & Gas Journal, November 2014.)
NewsClips:
Pilot Programs By Peoples Natural Gas To Increase Access To Gas OKd By PUC
The Public Utility Commission Wednesday approved a settlement for a new five-year pilot
program that changes the method of payment for customers of Peoples Natural Gas Company
LLC and Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC Equitable Division seeking gas line extension
projects.
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the Rate MLX program in the Peoples and
Peoples-Equitable service territories, replacing the companies existing Service Expansion
Program (Rider SET).
While Rider SET allowed customers to pay a fixed $55 monthly fee to extend gas
service, the new Rate MLX provides for a higher delivery rate for customers to pay for system
expansion costs.
The companies claimed that customers were more receptive to paying for their share of
pipeline expansion costs through higher delivery charges.
The MLX delivery rates will be based on a nine-tiered delivery rate structure, set by the
companies for each project area based on the minimum delivery rate required to cover project
costs.
The settlement includes important customer protections to ensure that participating
customers are not overcharged, including provisions allowing Rate MLX customers to be moved
to a lower rate MLX tier if the current tier is deemed too high, and ensuring Rate MLX is
discontinued when project costs have been recouped.
Projects will be examined periodically to determine whether the MLX delivery rates
should be adjusted.
Under most natural gas company tariffs, a customer who wishes to have natural gas
service extended to their property must pay up-front the cost of that line extension, which can
run in the thousands of dollars.
In this case, the Joint Petition for Settlement was reached among Peoples;
Peoples-Equitable; the PUCs independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement; the Office
of Consumer Advocate; and the Office of Small Business Advocate.
Docket No.: R-2016-2542918 and R-2016-2542923
NewsClips:
Central PA Green Building Chapter Names Winners Of Forever Green Awards
The U.S. Green Building Council Central Pennsylvania last
week announced the winners of the Forever Green Awards,
an annual recognition of companies, individuals and
institutions that demonstrate exemplary commitment and
achievements in creating a more sustainable future.
The winners were recognized November 4 at the 2016
Forever Green awards ceremony at The State Museum of
Pennsylvania.
USGBC Central Pennsylvania is proud to honor this years
Forever Green winners for their continued commitment to environmental and human health,
said Heidi Kunka, director of USGBC Central Pennsylvania. I truly am inspired by the leaders
and innovators in our community and their commitment to the USGBC Central Pennsylvania
mission. Their work continually raises the bar on what it means to be sustainable and plays a
central role in advancing LEED and transforming the way we design, build and operate
buildings.
The 2016 Forever Green Award Winners are:
-- Innovative Project of the Year recognized the Denver Commuter Rail Maintenance
Facility, designed by the Camp Hill, Cumberland County, firm Gannett Fleming.The building
set a precedent as the first LEED Gold commuter rail maintenance facility in the nation and is a
model of best practices in transit maintenance facility design.
-- The Energy Project of the Year to Gannett Fleming for the Shippensburg University
Energy Systems Upgrade. The project consisted of the replacement of a more than 60-year-old,
coal-fired steam generation plant with an efficient decentralized heating system, as well as a new
central chilled water-cooling plant and underground distribution system. A projected 68-percent
reduction in the schools carbon footprint is anticipated as a result of the transition from
coal-fired heating to natural gas-fired boilers.
-- The LEED Project of the Year Award was given to Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates for
the Pottstown District-Wide Elementary School Revitalization. All four of Pottstowns
elementary schools earned LEED certification as part of this project, with three achieving LEED
Gold and one LEED Silver. Using its existing facilities allowed the school district to save more
than $10 million.
-- The Green School of the Year Award recognized Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates for
the Middleburg Elementary in Snyder County (photo). Its LEED Gold certification was the
result of community involvement and an integrated design process. An Honorable Mention was
given to McKissick Associates Architects for the Shikellamy Middle School project, which
incorporated cost-neutral sustainable strategies wherever possible, as well as careful site
selection and planning.
-- The Historic Preservation Project of the Year was given to Big Spring Spirits for the
LEED for Commercial Interiors revitalization of a space in the historically registered Match
Factory Building in Bellefonte, Centre County. The project was nominated by Green Collar
Consultants.
-- The Improving the Acceptance of Green Award was given to a Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources project, the Patrick J. Solano Environmental Education
Center at Frances Slocum State Park in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, for DCNRs continued
efforts in designing and constructing LEED buildings that are used as teaching tools for the
general public. This is the second year in a row this award was given to DCNR.
-- The Corporate Partner of the Year Award was given to Crabtree, Rohrbaugh &
Associates to honor remarkable dedication to the chapter and sustainable innovation in our
region by one of our annual sponsors.
-- Sustainable Leader of the Year as awarded to Penn State University Office of Physical
Plant. The award is given to a company or institution that has demonstrated outstanding
commitment to the LEED rating system. At the University Park campus, there are 20
LEED-certified buildings, with 12 more in progress. PSU OPP also boasts the first project to be
certified through LEED v4 at any higher education institution in Pennsylvania and the first
LEED v4 project in general in the 34-county Central Pennsylvania region.
-- The Greenest Apple Award was given to Nic Auwaerter, sustainability coordinator at F&M
College, to recognize a leader whose contributions to the green schools movement stand out.
Auwaerter received this award for his undying commitment to Green Apple Day of Service, as
well as his everyday efforts to promote sustainability at F&M College.
-- The Volunteer of the Year is bestowed upon individuals for their exemplary leadership and
dedication to our organization:
-- Greg Dice, civil designer at K&W Engineers, serves on the USGBC Central
Pennsylvania Market Leadership Advisory Board and three committees, as well as serving as an
ADVANCE champion in the local community.
-- Shannon Crooker, project manager at Element Environmental Solutions, serves on
the USGBC Central Pennsylvania MLAB and the Education and Events Committee.
-- The Legendary Leader Award was given to Anita Snader, environmental sustainability
manager at Armstrong Commercial Ceilings to recognize longstanding USGBC Central
Pennsylvania volunteers who have invigorated the community with their ideas and electric
energy. Snader has served on the USGBC Central Pennsylvania board for six years and
integrates sustainability into all areas of her business. She also served as co-chair of the
Armstrong Commercial Ceilings team that led the LEED for Existing Buildings Platinum
certification and recertification processes of the campus building in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
-- The Five Years of Service award was given to Todd Buzard, vice president of
preconstruction services for Reynolds, for his tenure on the USGBC Central Pennsylvania
Board and leadership in the areas of membership and sponsorship.
PA LEED-Certified Buildings
There are currently more than 1,050 LEED-certified buildings in Pennsylvania,
equivalent to approximately 120 million square feet. The green building industry also serves as
an economic driver in the state.
Between 2015 and 2018, green building construction in Pennsylvania is expected to
support nearly 342,000 jobs and $19.49 billion in labor earnings, according to USGBCs 2015
Green Building Economic Impact Study.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the U.S.
Green Building Council Central Pennsylvania website, call 202-706-0836 or send email to:
centralpa@usgbc.org.
Related Story:
Central PA Green Building Chapter Names Penn State Sustainable Leader Of The Year
Central PA Green Building Chapter Names Penn State Sustainable Leader Of The Year
The U.S. Green Building Council Central Pennsylvania
honored the Penn State Office of Physical Plant with its
Sustainable Leader of the Year award on November 6.
OPP was among several organizations and
individuals honored with one of USGBC Central
Pennsylvanias Forever Green Awards.
Steve Maruszewski, assistant vice president of OPP,
and Andrew Gutberlet, manager of engineering services,
accepted the award on behalf of OPP.
The Sustainable Leader of the Year award is given to a company or institution that has
demonstrated outstanding commitment to the LEED rating system.
As a result of OPPs commitment to have all new construction and major renovations at
University Park, the Commonwealth campuses and Hershey Medical Center meet LEED
standards, there are more than 31 LEED-certified buildings at Penn State campuses.
At University Park, there are 20 LEED-certified buildings, with 12 more currently in
progress, as well as 11 LEED-certified projects across the Commonwealth campuses and
Hershey Medical Center, with five more projects coming soon.

In addition, OPPs commitment led to several firsts for the Business Building, which was
dedicated in 2005 and is home to the Smeal College of Business.
The Business Building is the first building to be certified through LEED v4 at any higher
education institution in Pennsylvania, the first LEED v4 project in general in the 34-county
Central Pennsylvania region and the first LEED v4 Existing Building certification at Penn State.
(Photo: Andrew Gutberlet, manager of Engineering Services in OPP, (right) accepted the
USGBC Central Pennsylvania Sustainable Leader of the Year Award.)
Related Story:
Central PA Green Building Chapter Names Winners Of Forever Green Awards
CFA: Apply Now For Loans To Install Solar Energy Generation Equipment
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is now accepting
applications for loans for the installation of solar energy
generation equipment and the manufacture or assembly of
solar energy equipment in Pennsylvania.
Eligible projects include facilities to generate, distribute, or
store solar energy, as well as manufacturing or assembly
facilities for solar panels or other solar equipment. Solar
photovoltaic (electric) technologies are eligible. Projects
must have a useful life of at least twenty-two years.
Projects for the development or construction of facilities
used for the research and development of technology related to solar energy are also eligible.
Eligible applicants for the loans include businesses, economic development organizations
and local governments and school districts.
The maximum amount of any loan for a manufacturer of solar equipment shall not exceed
$40,000 for every new job projected to be created by the business within three years after
approval of the loan.
The maximum loan amount for a solar energy generation or distribution project shall not
exceed $5 million or $3.00 per watt, whichever is less. There is a match requirement of $1 for
every $3 of Program funds awarded.
CFA is making $30 million available for this program.
Applications must be received 60 days before the next CBF Board meeting, which means
the first deadline for applications in 2017 is January 23, then March 24 and then May 12.
This program is jointly administered by the CFA, DEP and DCED.
Click Here for all the details. Questions should be directed to DCEDs Center for
Business Financing at 717-787-6245.
(Photo: Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Presque Isle State Park.)
Pittsburgh 2030 District Reaches 100th Property Partner YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
By Quinn Zeagler, Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance
The Pittsburgh 2030 District hit another major milestone on October
21, adding YWCA Greater Pittsburgh as its 100th Property Partner!

Besides committing its headquarters located on Wood Street in Downtown Pittsburgh, the
YWCA also plans to implement lessons learned through participation at locations in
Homewood-Brushton and Allison Park.
As a Pittsburgh 2030 District Property Partner, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is targeting
energy, water, and transportation emission reduction goals of 50 percent (against baselines) by
the year 2030.
They have agreed to share their related data with the District on an annual basis, which
will be aggregated with that of other Partners for publication in GBAs 2016 Progress Report.
Through its participation, YWCA will receive a host of benefits, including exclusive
invitations to monthly Partner Meetings where best practices and lessons learned are shared by
fellow building owners and property managers who are achieving success in pursuit of 2030
Challenge goals.
Theyll receive updates on important happenings in the city and region, including
relevant legislation, funding opportunities, and upcoming events. Additionally, theyll be able to
obtain assistance in benchmarking their buildings so as to comply with the new [Pittsburgh]
Building Benchmarking legislation.
No stranger to building performance, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is already doing
amazing things at its Homewood-Brushton Center, where a Homewood-Brushton Sustainability
Plan includes upgrades to improve energy efficiency and conservation.
Next spring, to improve the facilitys impact on the local watershed, theyll break ground
on a green infrastructure project that includes two new rain gardens to capture and filter
stormwater runoff, while adding aesthetic interest and ecological function to the community
landscape.
Started in 2012, the Pittsburgh 2030 District now includes 482 properties via 100
Property Partners representing 76.3 million square feet, making it the largest of the 15 Districts
in North America.
In fact, 26 percent of the square footage and 25 percent of the Property Partners
committed in the entire 2030 Districts Network is right here in Pittsburgh!
As of the 2015 Progress Report, the District has achieved an overall 12.5 percent energy
reduction from the national energy baseline and a 10.3 percent water reduction. Both energy and
water reductions exceeded the 2015 incremental 10 percent reduction targets.
These two items alone are saving Property Partners a considerable amount of money,
allowing building owners and facility managers to focus on other efforts and expenses while
enjoying a more operationally efficient building.
All such professionals who are interested in Pittsburgh 2030 District participation should
contact GBA for more information.
Prefer to hear from 2030 District Partners directly? Check out the online video to hear
about the bottom-line benefits to their organizations and the ways theyre seeking to make the
region more sustainable and economically competitive.
The Pittsburgh 2030 District encourages collaboration, creates learning opportunities, and
helps businesses connect with resources.
As Georgia Petropoulos, executive director of the Oakland Business Improvement
District, says, Its good for your business, as well as good for the environment.
For more information on this program, visit the Green Building Alliances Pittsburgh
2030 District webpage.

(Photo: Green roof on the Wood Street YWCA Office in Pittsburgh.)
NewsClip:
Pittsburgh 230 District Reaches 100th Property Partner YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
DEP Submits Comments In Support Of EPAs Proposed Clean Energy Incentive Program
On November 1 the Department of Environmental
Protection submitted comments to EPA on its
proposed Clean Energy Incentive Program
designed to help states meet their obligations under
the Clean Power Climate Plan.
Through this program, EPA will make
additional allowances or Emission Rate Credits
(ERCs) available to states to encourage early
reductions from zero-emitting wind or solar power
projects and EE projects.
EPA intends for the CEIP to have a reserve for wind and solar projects and a reserve for
EE projects in low income communities and is taking comment in the federal plan on several
aspects of the CEIP, including the size of these reserves.
EPA is providing additional incentives to encourage EE investments that are
implemented in low-income communities.
DEPs comments on the proposal say in part, DEP is fully supportive of a flexible
compliance mechanism that would encourage early investments in zero-emitting renewable
energy generation and remove barriers to investment in energy efficiency and solar projects that
direct benefit low-income communities.
The ability to operate a CEIP program without caps and using state and local definitions
will maximize the potential positive impact this program will have on low-income communities
and further the deployment of renewable resources that will benefit all citizens equally.
We would ask EPA to consider expanding the limited timeframe for the program
considering the time and resources necessary for full implementation.
Click Here for a copy of DEPs comments.
DEP has put the development of a Pennsylvania plan to meet EPA Clean Power Rule on
hold pending the outcome of a federal court challenge. EPA is expected to come out with its
model rule for states by the end of this year.
For more information on Pennsylvanias initiatives to combat climate change, visit DEPs
Climate Change webpage.
NewsClips:
Philly Climate Activists Criticize Plans For Oil Terminal
Op-Ed: Look To Appalachia For Solutions To Climate Change
Video: How Should PA Balance Energy Needs With Environmental Protection?
Op-Ed: U.S. Carbon Emissions Down To 1991 Levels

UN Report: Human Footprint Increasingly Visible In Climate
PEC, Philadelphia Bar: Attorneys Tackle Climate Change In Philadelphia Nov. 16
With the evidence now overwhelming that carbon
pollution is driving climate change, leading experts are
coming together with the Philadelphia area legal
community on November 16 at the law firm of Drinker
Biddle to focus on this important question: How can the
legal community serve as a catalyst for action to address
climate change?
Kicking off the discussion will be Jeffrey D. Sachs, the world-renowned economist,
leader in sustainable development, and United Nations advisor, who will speak remotely from
the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, where global leaders and experts will be
discussing the next steps in implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement adopted last
year.
The bestselling author and syndicated columnist Sachs has been called probably the
most important economist in the world, by the New York Times.
Participants will hear from leading attorneys, state and federal government officials, and
experts on energy and the environment on topics such as: the legal framework for addressing the
challenge, the need for much stronger and quicker action, the economic case for action, legal and
economic issues specific to Pennsylvania, and the ethical and philosophical argument for action
by lawyers and others.
Megan Ceronsky, Special Assistant and Associate Counsel to the President, will speak on
a panel discussing the the Clean Power Plan. John Quigley, Senior Fellow at Penns Kleinman
Center for Energy Policy and former Secretary of Environmental Protection, will share unique
insights over lunch into the challenge here in Pennsylvania.
The day will close with a hands-on discussion of what lawyers can do to spur action
toward climate solutions.
Attorneys have a vital role in responding to the threat of climate change, said Steve
Harvey, an attorney who founded A Call to the Bar: Lawyers for Common Sense on Climate
Change. We need to get beyond the politics and find sensible, decisive solutions so we can
preserve the planet for ourselves and our children.
The event will be held at the law firm of Drinker Biddle, One Logan Square, Ste. 2000,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note that this is the
new location, as the event was originally planned and announced for the Perry World House at
the University of Pennsylvania.
Attorneys are eligible to receive seven and a half CLE credits, including one ethics credit.
Sponsors of this special event include: Drinker Biddle, the Philadelphia Bar Association,
PA Environmental Council, Lawyers for Common Sense On Climate Change, ABA Section of
Environment, Energy and Resources and the Environmental Law Institute.
Click Here for registration and sponsorship information. Questions should be directed to
Tara Phoenix at 215-238-6349 or by email to: tphoenix@philabar.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Meets Nov. 16
DCNRs Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory
Council is scheduled to meet on November 16 to hear updates
on the ATV Program, the Green Ribbon Forest Task Force
Report, the PA Outdoor Corps Program (photo) and more.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson
Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00.
Click Here for a copy of the agenda. For more information,
visit the DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory
Council webpage or contact Gretchen Leslie by calling 717-772-9084 or send email to:
gleslie@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Trolley Trail Gets State Grant, Chugs Along To Completion
Presque Isle Announces Deer Hunt Details
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Renovo, South Renovo, Noyes Twp. Designated As Susquehanna Greenway River Town
The Boroughs of Renovo and South Renovo, and
Noyes Township in Clinton County received
official designation as a Susquehanna Greenway
River Town in recognition of Renovos importance
as a center for economic activity, community life,
and recreational opportunities connected to the
West Branch Susquehanna River.
The designation was made by the Susquehanna
Greenway Partnership to all three municipalities for
their work on revitalization strategies and their
shared vision for better connections to the river,
new riverfront parks, biking and walking trails, and streetscape improvements.
This collaborative has resulted in grant funding for demolition of blighted properties,
which will be replaced by a new river access and park, as well as streetscape improvements.
These improvements will benefit everyone and will help to attract further investment in the
community.
The Susquehanna Greenway River Towns Program offers recognition and assistance to
Greenway communities that value the River as an asset for sustainable economic development.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the November 9 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
Natural Lands Trust Adds 153 Acres To Bear Creek Preserve In Luzerne County
The Natural Lands Trusts already expansive Bear Creek
Preserve in Luzerne County has grown by 153 with the
acquisition of adjacent land located along the Francis E.
Walter Dam Reservoir.
The acquisition, which increases the size of the
preserve to 3,565 acres, adds permanently protected habitat
for native wildlife and will provide direct access to the
reservoir for fishing and boating.
The land, purchased by Natural Lands Trust from
landholder Blue Ridge Real Estate Company on November 7,
was a conservation priority because it serves as a buffer for the Reservoir, naturally filtering
pollutants to protect the water quality of the Lehigh River downstream.
The Lehigh is part of the massive Delaware River watershed, which supplies water to
some 22 million peopleabout 10 percent of countrys population.
The newly acquired acreage also offers opportunity for an expansion of Bear Creek
Preserves existing 31 miles of hiking trails as well as connection to a larger trail network within
the 1,800-acre Francis E. Walter Dam area.
Working in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Lands Trust also
plans to take advantage of the lands proximity to the Reservoir and install an additional boat
launch for canoeists and kayakers.
Our nature preserves are an essential part of our conservation work because they allow
us to foster connections between people and nature, said Molly Morrison, president of Natural
Lands Trust. This addition will allow us to do just that by welcoming thousands of hikers,
boaters, fishermen, and others.
Another potential beneficiary of this conservation effort is a small bat known as the
eastern small-footed myotis, which is a threatened species in Pennsylvania. This tiny
batamong the smallest in North Americais in decline due to habitat loss and white-nose
syndrome.
The species thrives in expansive forested areas like Bear Creek Preserve. As about 90
percent of their preferred habitat is on private land, protecting them is challenging, which makes
this addition to the preserve all-the-more significant.
The Open Space Institute provided funding for the project through its Delaware River
Watershed Protection Fund, capitalized by the William Penn Foundation. Through the Fund, OSI
seeks to protect water quality in the Delaware River Basin.
The Bear Creek Preserve addition will protect two tributaries to Bear Creek that are
state-classified High Quality Cold Water Fisheries streams. The protected creek also reduces
flooding as it flows downstream into the Lehigh River.
"Saving forested land is critical for drinking water protection throughout the Delaware
River Watershed," said Peter Howell, OSI executive vice president. "Clean water is also
instrumental in supporting healthy communities and wildlife. OSI congratulates Natural Lands
Trust on completion of this critical project."
Natural Lands Trust also received funding for this acquisition from the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources and direct funding from the William Penn Foundation.
The value of DCNRs long-time partnerships with Natural Lands Trust and other
conservancies is accentuated in this acquisition and addition to Bear Creek Preserve, said
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. With this acreage comes invaluable watershed and
wildlife habitat protection, and improved access to visitors who will appreciate it for generations
to come.
Over the years, Blue Ridge Real Estate Company has worked with several conservation
organizations and state government to provide thousands of acres of land for recreational
opportunities and enjoyment, said Craig Harahus, land manager with Blue Ridge Real Estate
Company, which sold the 153 acres to Natural Lands Trust. We are pleased this tract of land,
with its exceptional qualities, will be enjoyed by the public forever.
Natural Lands Trust anticipates it will open the new addition to visitors when funds
become available to create parking facilities.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural
Lands Trust website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Trust and Like them on
Facebook.
NewsClips:
Lancaster Farmland Trust Awards Supporters, Raises Funds
Upper Milford, Lower Saucon Votes Yes On Open Space Taxes
$2 Million Preservation Fund Approved In Smithfield Twp.
Westmoreland Residents Weigh In On Future Directions
State Forests, State Parks Roll Out Welcome Mat To Hunters
You have mastered the safety drills; obtained the proper licensing;
and scouted out potential new stomping grounds. Youre all set to
pursue hunting and furtaking interests here in Pennsylvania. Right?
Well, heres a few questions that just might test your knowledge
and that of your go-to mentors, as well:
-- Are you aware that many of the 121 state parks across the
Pennsylvania routinely yield black bear trophies to hunters?
-- Or that some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state can be
found at state parks with large lakes and plenty of room to set decoy spreads and shoot safely?
-- That every speciesfrom the dainty woodcock to the hulking black bearcan be found and
hunted in our state forests and state parks?
-- Through the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), you often can extend deer
hunting opportunities in our state parks and forests?
-- And, finally, that roughly 80 percent of DCNRs almost 300,000 acres of state parkland is
open to hunting and furtaking?
We in Pennsylvania truly are blessed. Not only do we have a wealth of game and
forbearing animals, but, unlike many states, we also have a tremendous amount of public land
where hunters and trappers are welcome.
Your purchase of a state license opens so many doors to pleasant days afield. November
ushers in exciting times for hunters stepping out into Pennsylvanias fields, woodlands, and
wetlands.
Hunters seeking whitetails and other game will find more than 90 percent of all state
forestland is now within one-half mile of an open road during deer season. Throughout the
states big game seasons, running into 2017, hunters will find more than 3,000 miles of roadway
open in state forests.
Access to some state forest roads will be determined by local weather and road
conditions. Hunters should contact forest district offices in advance for up-to-date information.
With the hunter in mind, DCNR continues to update a new interactive map of state forest
lands across Pennsylvania that offers details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity,
forestry office contact numbers, and more.
Meanwhile, top-quality hunting is offered at many state parksespecially those in the
12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds regionwhere state forestland often surrounds them.
Inexpensive cold-weather camping can be found at many of those parks.
Primitive camping on state forestlands also is an option, giving hunters a backcountry
camping or hunting experience. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, are
required when camping on state forestlands on designated sites.
Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forestlands enrolled in the Game
Commissions Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless
deer or more when properly licensed. Hunters are advised to check with state forest district
headquarters or state park offices about availability.
Hunters traveling to the north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas
and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads
may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to
reduce potential safety hazards.
DCNR continues to utilize DMAP permitting in some state parks and state forests across
the state, and continues monitoring success and effectiveness of the program for possible future
adaptation and application. If it is to work, DCNR needs hunters entering these areas.
Thats one reason DCNR continues to join other state agencies in supporting the Hunters
Sharing the Harvest effort. The move boosts hunter participation in the DMAP areas by helping
pay for processing of their venison to feed the hungry.
The Game Commission has given you many possibilities and choices to anticipate in
seasons under way and to come. We at DCNR are privileged to do the same:
-- More than 2.2 million acres of state forestland where the white-tailed deer, black bear,
American wild turkey, and countless small-game and forbearing species thrive
-- Much of the acreage in many of Pennsylvanias 121 state parks is open to hunting and
furtaking87 percent of their acreage, to be exact, or 286,000 acres
Questions are endless, and so, too, is the information supplied by DCNRs bureaus. Is
waterfowl hunting allowed at this state park? What are the boundaries of that state forest district?
Can I rent a state park cabin during deer season? How did that group down in the state forest
hollow get a lease for their aging cabin? Good cover for grouse? Squirrels? Pheasants?
You can acquaint yourself with the vast resources DCNR administers by visiting
DCNRs website.
Also, DCNRs website offers a timely News and Information section containing the latest
news releases about state parks and forestlands. Questions about special controlled deer hunts,
Canada goose hunting opportunities, and related activities also are welcomed and addressed in
DCNRs popular Ask DCNR email service.
There is so much to see and do in Penns Woods. Our state forests and parks are the
perfect place to start.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource
newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Prescribed Burn Creates Smoky Conditions Above Ft. Indiantown Gap
copy.)
Presque Isle State Park Receives Eries Choice Award As Best Local Attraction
Presque Isle State Park received the 2016 Eries
Choice Award for the Best Local Attraction. Park
Operations Manager Matthew Greene attributes the
receipt of the award to the outstanding performance
and efforts of the staff and partners at Presque Isle
State Park.
Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy
peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As
Pennsylvanias only seashore, Presque Isle offers
its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating,
fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating.
The Eries Choice Awards is a promotion of the Erie Times-News and Goerie.com.
Eries Choice represents the preferred business by popular vote in each category based on
readers perceptions.
For more information on programs and events, visit the Presque Isle State Park and the
Tom Ridge Environmental Center webpages.

(Photo: Elevated Exposures Aerial Video of Presque Isle State Park.)
copy.)
NewsClip:
November 9 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available
The November 9 DCNR Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--- State Forests, Parks Roll Out Welcome Mat To Hunters
-- Major Addition To Laurel Hill State Park In Somerset County Formally Dedicated
-- Gov. Wolf Comments Works Of Green Ribbon Forestry Task Force
-- DCNR, Rep. Hanna Announce Riding, Parking Improvements To ATV Trail
-- DCNR Renames Penn Nursery In Honor Of Mira Lloyd Dock
-- DCNR Dedicates Former Lackawanna State Forest District For Gifford Pinchot
-- DCNR: Tom Ford Director Of Recreation, Lauren Imgrund Conservation Services Deputy
-- New Appointments To Forestry Districts, State Nursery
-- Presque Isle State Park Named Best Local Attraction For 2016
-- Renovo, South Renovo, Oyes Townships Designated As Susquehanna Greenway River Towns
-- Conservation Tip - Great Season For Composting
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online
Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Wildlife Leadership Academy Seeks Students For Youth Conservation Ambassadors
The Wildlife Leadership Academy in Lewisburg,
Union County, has opened its exclusive Youth
Conservation Ambassador nomination process to
the public and is currently seeking referrals of
motivated students ages 14 to 17 to become
Certified Conservation Ambassadors.
Nominated students should have
demonstrated interest in wildlife and/or fisheries
conservation.
Accepted nominees will become certified
Conservation Ambassadors through attending one of five 5-day residential summer field schools
which will focus on white-tailed deer, bass, brook trout, ruffed grouse, turkey, and black bear.
Students in each field school will gain extensive knowledge about wildlife/fisheries and
conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills.
Applicants may be nominated by an adult who knows them well but is not a relative
(teacher, school counselor, Envirothon advisor, employer, youth group leader, etc.).
Students who successfully complete the program receive a letter of a recommendation
for college applications; certification of community service work, and a certificate designating
them as Conservation Ambassadors, and are also eligible to apply for three college credits
through Cedar Crest College, return to the Academy tuition free the following year, compete for
college scholarships, and join an Academy Alumni Network of 100+ wildlife, fisheries, and
conservation professionals.
Students are also eligible to apply for three college credits through Cedar Crest College,
return to the Academy tuition free the following year, compete for college scholarships, and join
an Academy Alumni Network of 100+ wildlife, fisheries, and conservation professionals.
Academy Alumni and Conservation Ambassador Luke Benzinger of Westmoreland
County describes his participation in the program as life changing.
He shared, My whole life changed since attending the Wildlife Leadership Academy
where I talked to so many knowledgeable adults who wanted to spend time with other teenagers
that were there with me. These adults opened my eyes to what I could do to teach everyone else
in the world about the passion I have for the outdoors.
Letters to nominated students, with an invitation to apply to the 2017 program, will be
sent out January 1, 2017.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy is a cooperative initiative involving state agencies and
conservation organizations and is administered by the PA Institute for Conservation Education
whose mission is to connect people, nature and community.
For more information and to nominate a student, visit the Youth Conservation
Ambassador webpage or contact Institute Director, Michele Kittell, by sending email to:
mkittell@piceweb.org or call 570-245-8518 or Program Coordinator, Katie Cassidy, by sending
email to: kcassidy@piceweb.org or call 570-939-5109.
You can also connect with the Academy by visiting the Wildlife Leadership Academy
website or Facebook page.
NewsClips:
Got Brook Trout? Youve Also Got A Healthy Stream
Brandywine River Museum Of Art Annual Critter Sale December 2, 3 and 4
The Brandywine River Museum of Art will hold its Annual Critter Sale December 2, 3 and 4
from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Museum on Route 1, Chadds Ford, Delaware County.
Whimsical and decorative, critters are tree ornaments and tabletop decorations made
from natural materials, including dried flowers, pine cones, seeds, pods, and berries.
Crafted by hand, critters are environmentally friendly, distinctive, and artisticthe
ideal gift! Choose from over 10,000 crittersall made by our talented volunteers.
Click Here for more information on the Sale.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine
Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle
of the webpage.) Visit the Conservancys Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow
them on Instagram.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kicks Off The Holidays With Open House Nov. 26
After the Thanksgiving and Black Friday madness
settles down, celebrate Small Business Saturday at the
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Holiday Open House
November 26 in the Sanctuary Visitor Center from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Raptors Up Close Program bookends the event with
programs offered at 11a.m. and 2 p.m. Complimentary
hot chocolate and bird-friendly coffee samples will be
available throughout the event, and children's crafts and
activities will be held in the Visitor Center Gallery from
12-2 p.m.
In spirit of Small Business Saturday, anyone who purchases a membership that day will
receive 3 free months and a complimentary gift. The Mountain Raffle will also come to a close
with the official drawing for each item at 3 p.m. There is still time to enter the raffle, which can
be done by calling the Sanctuary at 610-756-6961.
In addition to the fun activities happening inside, the Autumn Migration Hawkwatch
continues. Counters will still be stationed at North Lookout conducting the count, so visitors are
encouraged to get out, hike, and enjoy the crisp outdoors before the season's end. Trail fees are
$9 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children 6 and up.
The 2,500-acre Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County is the worlds first refuge for
birds of prey and is open to the public year-round by trail-fee or membership, which in turn
supports the nonprofit organizations raptor conservation mission and local-to-global research,
training, and education programs.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of their
Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel.
DCNR: Tom Ford Director Of Recreation, Lauren Imgrund Conservation Services Deputy
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn has named Lauren
Imgrund, Deputy Secretary for Conservation and
Technical Services and Tom Ford as Director of the
Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
Since beginning at DCNR in 2006, Lauren
Imgrund held several important roles, including
managing the Conservation Landscapes Program and
Director of the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
She has more than 25 years of experience in
building collaborative partnerships to develop place-based
solutions and strategies for land conservation, outdoor recreation, community revitalization, and
natural resource conservation.
Imgrund also served as a Recreation and Parks advisor; and prior to DCNR she was the
director of the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring at Dickinson College, and assistant
executive director of the Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation.
Tom Ford joined DCNR in 2007 as chief of the Regional Services Division.
In that position he led the bureaus six regional offices; championed and implemented the
bureaus information technology transformation; and represented DCNR on a number of federal
program workgroups.
Prior to DCNR he served as the director of Policy and Planning and chief of staff at the
Fish and Boat Commission.
DCNRs Bureau of Recreation and Conservation builds connections between citizens and
the outdoors through recreation enhancement, natural resource conservation and community
revitalization efforts.
It also partners with communities and organizations across Pennsylvania to provide
grants and technical assistance support for local recreation projects, trails, and greenways,
heritage parks, open space, and river conservation and environmental education programs.
copy.)
PA Environmental Council Names Josh Raulerson Director Of Communications

The PA Environmental Council Monday named Josh
Raulerson its new Director of Communications.
A longtime radio journalist, Raulerson will work
from the Pittsburgh office to coordinate PECs messaging
across media platforms. He comes to PEC from Pittsburgh
NPR station 90.5 WESA, where he has served as the local
host of Morning Edition since 2011.
As a reporter and anchor covering Pennsylvania
Ive come to know PEC as an organization that isnt simply
engaged in advocacy, but is also effecting meaningful
outcomes through smart policy and community-level
projects, Raulerson said. Its a team Im proud and extremely excited to join.
We are thrilled to have Josh join the PEC team. Our goal with communications is not
simply to talk about PEC we see a central core of our mission as helping people become better
and more informed stewards of our common wealth. By effectively using the right mix of
communications channels, I think that we can effectively communicate complex issues to help
Pennsylvanians better make decisions about their own positions and communities. said Davitt
Woodwell, President of PEC. Josh brings an engaging, thoughtful, and experienced voice that
will help PEC communicate the goals and reach of our work, as well as the broader opportunities
and challenges facing the Commonwealth.
In addition to serving as a liaison to the public, Raulerson will produce and curate content
for PECs multimedia channels, including web stories, video, audio, and social media.
Drawing on his experience developing digital programming for public media, he will also
take on production of PECs recently launched Pennsylvania Legacies podcast.
Nonprofits outside of the media industry are only just beginning to realize the power of
podcasting as a way to disseminate their message, engage with supporters, and find new ones,
Raulerson said. PEC is leagues ahead of many of its contemporaries in recognizing this
potential, and Im thrilled to have this opportunity to explore it.
Raulerson grew up in the Midwest and was heard on Iowa Public Radio stations WOI,
WSUI and KSUI for six years before becoming News Director at Aspen Public Radio (KAJX) in
Aspen, Colorado in 2006.
I came to western Pennsylvania for work, but I put down roots in large part because Ive
fallen in love with the natural beauty of this region, Raulerson said. Camping in state parks is a
favorite activity for my family, and as a runner and cyclist I feel incredibly lucky to have access
to the trail systems here. Ive benefited directly from PECs work in conservation and promoting
outdoor recreation, so its personally very satisfying to know Ill be supporting those efforts.
Raulerson holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa. His adapted doctoral
thesis, Singularities: Technoculture, Transhumanism, and Science Fiction in the 21st Century
(Liverpool University Press, 2013), was a 2014 finalist for the Science Fiction and
Technoculture Studies Book Prize from the University of California at Riverside.
He has received honors for journalism from the Pennsylvania Associated Press
Broadcasters Association, the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, the Colorado Associated
Press Broadcasters Association, and the Iowa Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
Josh can be contacted by sending email to: jraulerson@pecpa.org or calling
412-481-9400.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClip:
WESA Host Josh Raulerson To Become PEC Communications Director
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. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
November 12-- NEW. Lackawanna River Conservation Association Parker House Tire Pile
Cleanup. Scranton. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
November 12-- PA Trout Unlimited Coldwater Conservation Corps Volunteer Training.
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, Fayette County. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
November 12-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Golden Eagle Day. Berks County.
November 14-- Agenda Posted. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner,
DEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, 717-772-2189 or dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- Pre-Draft Of Proposed $7.5 Million Drinking Water Fee Increase Regulation
-- Click Here for available handouts
November 14-- NEW. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Webinar On Passive Treatment
Of Mine Drainage featuring 2 PA Presenters. 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
November 15-- CANCELED. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board joint meeting with
DEP Citizens Advisory Council is rescheduled for December 14. DEP Contact: Carl Jones,
Director, DEPs Office of Environmental Justice, 484-250-5818 or send email to:
caejone@pa.gov.
November 15- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled
meeting is December 20. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400
Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 15-- CANCELED. DEP Citizens Advisory Council and DEP Environmental Justice
Advisory Board meeting is rescheduled to December 14. DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington
Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693,

khethering@pa.gov. Click Here to join the meeting by Webex.
November 15-- Public Utility Commission Be Utility Wise, Learn Whether You Qualify For
Heating Assistance Event. Red Lion Inn, 4751 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg PA 17111. 8:30 a.m. to
3:00 p.m.
November 15-- Keep PA Beautiful America Recycles Day.
November 16-- House & Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committees hold
a joint hearing to review emergency preparedness and response measures for natural gas and
petroleum pipeline infrastructure. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. 9:00. Click Here to
watch the hearing live online.
November 16-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 14th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Michael Maddigan, Land
Recycling Program, 717-783-1566 or email: mmaddigan@pa.gov.
November 16-- DEP hearing on the proposed transfer of volatile organic compound emission
credits to the Perdue AgriBusiness soybean processing facility in Conoy Township, Lancaster
County. Bainbridge Fire Hall, 34 South 2nd Street, Bainbridge. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. DEP Contact:
Brenda Esterline 717-705-4704. Click Here for more information. (formal notice, page 6352)
November 16-- League Of Women Voters 2016 Shale & Public Health Conference. University
of Pittsburgh University Club, 123 University Place, Pittsburgh. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
November 16-- Agenda Posted. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie
717-772-9084 or send email to: gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- ATV Update
-- Green Ribbon Task Force Report
-- PA Outdoor Corps
-- Secretarys Remarks
November 16-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshop. Park Inn
Radisson Hotel, Clarion. 9:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
November 16-- NEW. PA Environmental Council, Philadelphia Bar Assn.: Attorneys Tackle
Climate Change In Philadelphia. Drinker Biddle, One Logan Square, Ste. 2000, Philadelphia.
from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
November 16-- NEW. DEP Hearing on emission credits for Perdue Soybean Plant In Lancaster
County. Bainbridge Fire Hall, 34 South 2nd Street in Bainbridge. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
November 17-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00 a.m.. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, Bureau of Radiation
Protection, 717-783-9730 or send email to: jmelnic@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 17-- PRPS, DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshop. Upper St.
Clair Community Center, Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County. 9:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
November 17-- Energy Coordinating Agency Sustainable Energy Conference For A
Self-Sufficient Energy Future. Temple University Student Faculty Center, 3340 North Broad
Street, Philadelphia.
November 17-- Stream Restoration, Inc. Datashed Online Stream Restoration Data Warehouse
Training. Patton Township Building, State College, Centre County. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November 17-- PA Resources Council Backyard Composting Workshop. Ann Jones Gerace
Center (formerly CCI Center), South Side, Pittsburgh. 6:30 8 p.m.
November 18-- Wildlands Conservancy Green Gala. Desales University Center in Center
Valley, Lehigh County.
November 18-19-- Pennsylvania Botany Symposium. Penn State Hotel Conference Center,
State College
November 19-- Stream Restoration, Inc. Datashed Online Stream Restoration Data Warehouse
Training. St. Francis University, Loretto, Cambria County. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November 19-- PA Council of Trout Unlimited and the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper
Volunteer Training For Pipeline Construction Monitors. Montour Preserve, 700 Preserve Road,
Danville, Montour County. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
November 19-- PA Resources Council Backyard Composting Workshop. Lauri Ann West
Community Center, OHara Twp., Allegheny County. 10:30 Noon.
November 20-- Brodhead Watershed Association Get Outdoors Poconos Paradise-Price
Preserve Hike. Monroe County. 1:00.
November 21-- Delaware Valley Green Building Council Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Webinar: Plant Performance In Green Stormwater Infrastructure Part I. Noon to 1:00.
November 22-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, Oil and Gas Program, by calling
717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- Water Supply Replacement Technical Guidance Document
-- Area Of Review Technical Guidance Document
-- Coal-Gas Coordination Report
-- Underground Injection Control Well Permitting

-- Seismic Issues Related To Oil And Gas Activities
-- Chapter 78a, SubChapter C Implementation Issues
November 26-- NEW. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Holiday Open House. Sanctuary Visitor
Center in Berks County. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 1-- Westminster College/Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition Student Symposium On
The Environment. Westminster College, New Wilmington, Lawrence County.
December 1-- PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop. Ann Jones Gerace Center
(formerly CCI Center), South Side, Pittsburgh. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
December 3-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Volunteer Training. Upper
Delaware Visitor Center, 176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, Pike County. 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
December 3-- PA Resources Council Backyard Composting Workshop. Construction Junction,
Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 10:30 Noon.
December 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Charles Swokel, Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and
Brownfields, 717-772-5806 or send email to: cswokel@pa.gov.
December 7-- NEW. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Businesses For The Bay Chesapeake Bay Business Forum. Lancaster County Conservancys
Susquehanna Riverlands Research and Education Center at Climbers Run Preserve, 226
Frogtown Road in Pequea.10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
December 7-- Delaware Valley Green Building Council Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Webinar: Plant Performance In Green Stormwater Infrastructure Part II. Noon to 1:00.
December 8-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality, 717-783-9269 or send
email to: nherb@pa.gov.
December 8-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting. Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126
West Street, Annapolis, MD. 9:00.
December 10-- PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop. Construction Junction,
Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 10:30 Noon.
December 13-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial
Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, Bureau of Mine Safety,
724-404-3147, agaida@pa.gov.
December 14--NEW. DEP Citizens Advisory Council and DEP Environmental Justice Advisory
Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington
Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693,
khethering@pa.gov. Click Here to join the meeting by Webex.
December 14-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri
Sansoni, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg,
PA 17101, 717-772-5158, csansoni@pa.gov.
December 14-- Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting. Washington Crossing
Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, in Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30.
(formal notice)
December 15-- PennTAP Webinar: E3 Overview: Economy-Energy-Environment. Noon to
1:00.
December 20-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
December 21-- DEP State Board for Certification Of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen
Szwajkowski, Bureau of Point Non-Point Source Management, 717-772-2186 or send email to:
kszwajkows@pa.gov.
January 11-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grant Writing Webinar. 10:00.
January 19- Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Training Program In Berks
County. Berks County Ag Center, 1238 County Welfare Road in Leesport. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m.
February 16-- PennTAP Webinar: Pollution Prevention: Lean Manufacturing With A Focus On
Food Manufacturing. Noon to 1:00.
March 15-16-- Registration Open. PA Environmental Council: Achieving Deep Carbon
Reductions: Paths For Pennsylvanias Electricity Future Conference. David L. Lawrence
Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
March 23-24-- Westmoreland County Conservation District 2017 Engineers Workshop. Fred
Rogers Center, a LEED Gold Certified building at St. Vincent College, Latrobe.
April 5-7-- PA Assn. of Environmental Professionals 32nd Annual Conference. State College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
July 2016 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, page 3731
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 2016) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review
Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page
DEP Twitter Feed
DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events
DCNR Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule
House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle

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.
November 14-- Western PA Conservancy Canoe Access Development Grants
November 20-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Digital Photo Contest
November 30-- Game Commission Big-Buck Trail Cam Photo Contest
December 16-- DEP Environmental Education Grants
December 16-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Awards
December 16-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Coldwater Conservation Grants
December 16-- PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Grants, Including Bike Trails
December 20-- EPA Brownfield Assessment, Cleanup Grants
December 30-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 31-- REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit (or until money runs out)
December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until 250 rebates paid)
December 31-- Dept. Of Agriculture Succession/Transition Grants (until money runs out)
December 31-- PA Environmental Education Awards
December 31-- EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards
January 13-- DEP Growing Greener Plus Grants
January 16-- PPFF Anti-Graffiti Video Contest For High School, College Students
January 16-- PPFF Anti--Graffiti Poster Contest For Middle School Students
January 23-- NEW. CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
January 23-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Open
January 31-- NEW. NFWF Urban Waters Restoration Grants
February 1-- CFA Natural Gas Pipeline Investment Program (open application period)
February 8-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
March 7-- DCNR Beings Accepting Rural Firefighting Grants
March 24-- NEW. CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
April 12-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Close
April 19-- SBA Economic Damage Disaster Loans In 5 Southwest Counties
May 3-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
May 12-- NEW. CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
May 19-- DCNR Rural Firefighting 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.

Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
AP: 108-Year-Old PA Veteran Heads To White House For Breakfast
Finding Common Ground For Saving The Environment
Air
Alternative Fuel
Taking Aim At Clean Energy Holy Grail: Turning Water Into Fuel
Awards & Recognition
Student Michael Cavazza Wins Society Of Petroleum Engineers Award
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
Coastal Zone
DEP Awards Grants For Lake Erie Coastal Zone Projects
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Elevated Levels Of Lead Found In State College Drinking Water
Westmoreland Authority Water Supply Almost Free Of Lead
Drought
Parts Of NJ In Severe Drought, PA Also Parched
Energy
New Lycoming Power Plant: Natural Gas A Game-Changer
Construction To Begin On Small Gas-Fired Power Plant In Greene County
AP: FirstEnergy Will Exit Competitive Electricity Business
Op-Ed: Denying The Costs Of Coal Regulations
PECO Pulls Plug On $35 Million Microgrid Project
Environmental Education
Student Michael Cavazza Wins Society Of Petroleum Engineers Award
Farming

Forests
Land Conservation
Westmoreland Residents Weigh In On Future Directions
Littering/Illegal Dumping
Tire Cleanup Slated At Dump Site Saturday In Scranton
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Judge Puts Hold On Some New DEP Shale Drilling Regulations
Judge Puts Sections Of New DEP Drilling Rules On Hold
Swift: Senators File Motion In Delaware Drilling Moratorium Case
Editorial: State Senators In For Gas Industry
Murrysville Sets Hearing On Gas Drilling For Dec. 14
New Lycoming Power Plant: Natural Gas A Game-Changer
Construction To Begin On Small Gas-Fired Power Plant In Greene County
AP: Western PA Schools Evacuated Over Natural Gas Odor
Shell Buys Property Near Ethane Plant For $6.5 Million
Pennsylvania Drilling Rig Count Double July Number
EQT Seeks Smart Technology To Improve Efficiency Of Drilling Process
Reuters: Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery Reels As Investors Profit
5.0 Quake In Oklahoma Closes Largest U.S. Oil Storage Hub
EIA Projects Higher Natural Gas Prices And Production In 2017
Pipeline
Repairs Nearly Complete On Lycoming Flood-Damaged Gasoline Pipeline
Crable: FERC To Consider Re-Routing Atlantic Sunrise Lancaster Properties
Sunoco Blames Permit Delays For Mariner East 2 Pipeline Start-Up
Sunoco Delays Mariner East 2 Pipeline, Citing Permit Issues
Former DEP Chief Says Sunoco, Not Regulators, Caused Pipeline Delays
FERC Reopens PennEast Pipeline Comment Period
Approval Of PennEast Pipeline Delayed At Least 2 Months
Federal Decision On PennEast Pipeline Delayed 2 Months
Scranton Protesters Back Opponents Of Dakotas Pipeline
Blast-Damaged Gasoline Pipeline Back In Service

AP: Colonial Gasoline Pipeline Back In Service After Explosion
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Elections Over, Recycle Those Campaign Lawn Signs
Renewable Energy
Flames, Smoke From Bear Creek Windmill Fire Seen For Miles
New Federal Rule Would Boost Solar, Wind Energy On Public Lands
Taking Aim At Clean Energy Holy Grail: Turning Water Into Fuel
Wastewater Facilities
Allentown Fights DEP On Sewage Treatment Bypass During Heavy Rains
Get Ready For Sewer Line Replacement In Harrisburg
Watershed Protection
Cameron County Conservation District Hosts Project Tour
Allentown Fights DEP On Sewage Treatment Bypass During Heavy Rains
Wildlife
Other
AP: Repairing Large Ephrata Sinkhole May Take 1 Week
WESA Host Josh Raulerson To Become PEC Communications Director
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - November 12, 2016
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
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
July 2016 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, page 3731
Technical Guidance & Permits

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the November 12 PA Bulletin implementing
changes in law for the sale of water and wastewater systems.
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 2016) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review
Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page
DEP Twitter Feed
DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events
DCNR Calendar of Events

CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest
CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens
of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.
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PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
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Pa Environment Digest Nov. 14, 2016

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Adams Dunn announced Thursday.

series of a dozen such trips on the states rivers.

actions will be flying around Washington D.C. like flocking crows.

Wolf: Trumps Win Shows A Great Deal Of Anxiety Among Voters

NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule

Bills On Governor's Desk

News From The Capitol

News From Around The State

strong influence on the field of architecture.

-- Review of municipal codes and ordinances to be more protective of water quality.

Climbers Run Preserve.

materials, natural treatment media, and promote growth of natural vegetation.

Video: Eckley Miners Village Mine Reclamation Project

entrepreneurs in Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties deeply

Recycling & Refuse Authority through December 1.

gasoline dispensing equipment is a tank handling activity that must be conducted by a

South 2nd Street in Bainbridge.

Hershey Medical Center, with five more projects coming soon.

21, adding YWCA Greater Pittsburgh as its 100th Property Partner!

2030 District webpage.

Op-Ed: U.S. Carbon Emissions Down To 1991 Levels

DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

PA Environmental Council Names Josh Raulerson Director Of Communications

Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693,

-- Underground Injection Control Well Permitting

DEP Twitter Feed

DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.

DCNR Calendar of Events

House Committee Schedule

Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle

Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle

Lancaster Farmland Trust Awards Supporters, Raises Funds

Blast-Damaged Gasoline Pipeline Back In Service

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

Technical Guidance & Permits

DEP Twitter Feed

DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.

DCNR Calendar of Events

Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

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