Pa Environment Digest Feb. 6, 2017

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 Twitter Feed
Issue #658 Harrisburg, PA Feb. 6, 2017
Welcome To 1994! Tools For Evaluating Gov. Wolfs 2017-18 Environmental Funding
Request
Gov. Tom Wolf will present his FY 2017-18 budget proposal

to a joint session of the General Assembly on February 7
starting at 11:30. (Click Here to watch live.) He said he
plans to cut and consolidate his way to a balanced budget
with no increase in personal or state sales taxes and maybe
dump special funds into General Fund to be redistributed.
To help evaluate Wolfs proposed budget with
respect to environmental funding, here are some measuring
sticks to use.
From 2003 through 2015, the General Assembly and several Governors cut or diverted
over $2.4 billion of environmental funding to help balance the budget or to support programs that
could not get funding on their own.
The budget trends over the last 14 years for the departments of Environmental Protection
and Conservation and Natural Resources in particular have been, in a word, horrendous.
Heres what happened.
Department of Environmental Protection
-- General Fund Support Plummets: General Fund support for its programs dropped from
$245.6 million in 2003 (14 years ago) to $148.8 million this year-- a 40 percent drop-- and is
significantly below 1994 levels-- $165.6 million (23 years ago). DEP has attempted to make up
for these cuts by significantly increasing permit review fees and adopting new annual permit
administration fees. DEP is also more reliant on federal funds to keep its programs going.
-- Number Of Staff Plummets: The number of staff at DEP is 802 below where it was in 2003--
a 25 percent drop- and 778 below where it was in 1994. DEP has shifted its staff from other
programs, particularly water quality protection, to what has become its largest program-- Oil and
Gas Management.
-- Total Budget Down: In total, DEPs budget is $37.3 million below where it was in 2003.
While it is $198.7 million more than in 1994, that funding is primarily grants given out to others
from the Growing Greener and Act 13 drilling fees, for example, and increases in federal funding
and permit fee revenue.
-- Cannot Enforce Minimum Federal Standards: DEPs Safe Drinking Water, Air Quality,
Surface Coal Mine Regulation, Chesapeake Bay, Drinking Water and Clean Water State
Revolving Fund and other programs have all been warned they lack sufficient staff resources to
enforce minimum federal standards required by primacy and DEP (rather the General Assembly
and the Governor) need to address these deficiencies.
-- Major Sources Of Funding: Overall, roughly 22 percent of DEPs costs are funded by the
General Fund, 28 percent are federal funds and 50 percent come from permit review and
administration fees and a small percentage from penalties.
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
-- General Fund Support Plummets: General Fund support for DCNR dropped from $108.8
million in 2003 to a low of $14.5 million in 2014-15, but was bumped up again in 2016-17 to
$59.9 million. Much of the drop was made up by pulling money from DCNRs Oil and Gas
Lease Fund to support personnel and operating costs, rather than promoting long term
conservation objectives.
-- Number Of Staff Drops: DCNR staffing levels now-- 1,312-- are below the 2003
complement level of 1,391 and approaching 1994 levels of 1,275.
-- Total Budget Up, But: While DCNRs total budget is up slightly since 2003-- $9.1 million in
14 years-- and significantly since 1994, the added funding has come from more grant programs
like Growing Greener and Act 13 drilling fees, its own Oil and Gas Lease Fund revenues and an
increasing dependence on federal funds.
Here are two charts that put the trends in DEP and DCNR budgets in numbers--
DEP 1994-95 2002-03 2015-16 Now
General 165.6 245.6 148.8

Fund
Special 117.0 37.6 0

Fund
Federal 102.4 142.2 193.0
Other 223.8 302.8 341.7

Funds
Total 492.1 728.3 691.0
Staff 3,187 3,211 2,689 2,409

(95-96)
DCNR 1994-95 2002-03 2015-16 Now
General 73.7 108.8 59.9

Fund
Special 0 119.0 7.0
Fund
Federal 16.7 18.4 41.3
Other 53.1 76.5 223.7

Funds
Total 143.6 322.9 332.0
Staff 1,275 1,391 1,426 1,312

(95-96)
Notes
-- 2015-16 Budget Numbers
-- 1995-96 Complement Numbers
-- Now complement numbers as of December 1, 2016 (Right-To-Know Requests)
You can fill in the numbers from the proposed FY 2017-18 budget when it is posted on
the Governors Budget Office webpage.
Pivot Points
Pennsylvanias environmental staffing has plummeted and funding is rapidly approaching
1994 levels, while the ability of DEP to simply accomplish its basic mission, comply with
minimum federal standards and address increasingly complex and diverse environmental issues
is dangerously eroding.
But, there are several opportunities for reversing at least some of these downward trends.
For example, last week Pennsylvania members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission spotlighted
the need to create a Clean Water Fund to cleanup our rivers and streams.
There are at least three environmental policy initiatives that would not only measurably
improve the environment and promote energy efficiency, they will also create jobs and economic
opportunity.
But we are facing a major crossroads, pivot points, where the decisions we make today
will impact the fundamental ability of DEP and DCNR to work effectively as agencies.
We can either recognize we cant continue down this road or continue the same way
weve been going.
The predictable outcome of business as usual from the last 14 years will be disaster--
perhaps literally in some community-- when DEP in particular no longer has the capacity to do
its job through no fault of their own.
NewsClips:
PA Lacks Resources To Enforce Safe Water Standards EPA Says
EPA: DEP Doesnt Have Resources To Properly Oversee Drinking Water Systems
AP: Feds Warn Pennsylvania Over Safe Drinking Water Violations
Wolf Looking Into Safe Drinking Water Program Warning Issue
McKelvey: How Worried Should You Be About Your Drinking Water, Given DEPs Lack Of
Resources
Editorial: Pruitts Tepid Commitment To Clean Up The Chesapeake Bay
Report: Act 13 Drilling Fee Revenue Will Hit Record Low This Year
Trump Transition Leaders Goal Is Cut In EPA Employees
AP: Merging 4 Agencies Seen As Way To Cut Red Tape, Not Programs
Swift: New Agency Would Run Crucial Programs
Esack: Wolf Wants Merger Of 4 Health/Human Service Agencies
Murphy: Agency Consolidations Are Not About Service Cuts
Related Stories:
EPA: DEP Lacks Resources To Enforce Minimum Federal Safe Drinking Water Regs
Pivot Points 2017: Facts Will Lead Us To Better Decisions On Protecting The Environment
Analysis: 2017 PA Environmental Policy Initiatives In 140 Characters Or Less
[Posted: Feb. 1, 2017]
Updated Regulatory Agenda: DEP To Consider At Least 5 Fee Increase Regs This Year
The Governors Office published its latest Regulatory Agenda in the January 4 PA Bulletin
showing which regulations will considered by state agencies over the next year or so, including
Agriculture, DCNR, DEP and other agencies. (PA Bulletin, page 740)
Here are some highlights of regulations expected to be considered--
-- Agriculture (page 741)
-- Rabies Prevention and Control - Proposed, March
-- Conservation Easement Purchase Program - Proposed, April
-- Conservation and Natural Resources (page 743)
-- Snowmobile and ATV Grants - Proposed, September
-- Conservation of PA Native Wild Plants - Proposed, October
-- Environmental Hearing Board (page 748)
-- EHB Practice and Procedures - Final, Winter
-- Environmental Protection (page 749)
-- Handling and Use of Explosives - Final, 1st Quarter
-- Drinking Water Fee Increases - Proposed, 2nd Quarter
-- Laboratory Accreditation Fee Increase - Final, 2nd Quarter
-- Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards - Proposed, 2nd Quarter
-- Drinking Water Disinfection Rule - Final, 3rd Quarter
-- Storage Tank Program Update - Proposed, 3rd Quarter
-- Radiation Protection Program Fee Increases - Final, 3rd Quarter
-- Noncoal Mining Fee Increases - Proposed, 4th Quarter
-- Oil & Gas Well Drilling, Chapter 78, D - Proposed, 4th Quarter
-- Conventional Oil & Gas Well Performance Standards - Proposed, 4th Quarter
-- Nutrient Credit Trading and Offset Program - Proposed, 4th Quarter
-- Onlot Sewage System Program Update - Proposed, 4th Quarter
-- Repeal of Pittsburgh Low-RVP Gasoline Requirement - Final, 4th Quarter
-- Stage II VOC Control Decommissioning - Proposed, 4th Quarter
-- Air Quality Program Fee Increases - Proposed, 4th Quarter
Each listing has a contact person and a short description of the regulation to be
considered.
Related Stories:
Welcome To 1994! Tools For Evaluating Gov. Wolfs 2017-18 Environmental Funding Request
Growing Greener Coalition Urges More State Investment In Green Infrastructure
Natural Gas Impact Fee Revenue Shrinks Another $13.1 Million For 2016
Drilling Impact Fees Will Be The Same In 2016, Revenue Down Another $13.1M
Severance Tax Proposals So Far Offer Nothing For The Environment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

notified DEPs Safe Drinking Water Program in
December that its lack of resources to enforce
minimum federal requirements could be grounds
for taking primacy away from Pennsylvania.
This is not the first time EPA and other
federal agencies have warned Pennsylvania that it
is inadequately funding DEP to enforce minimum
federal environmental protection and public
health laws and not even the first time for this
program.
EPA up front in its letter on the Safe
Drinking Water Program said-- EPA would like to remind PADEP that the minimum program
requirements must be met in order for states to maintain primacy for the Safe Drinking Water
Program before getting into three big concerns about Pennsylvanias program.
EPAs review said Pennsylvania failed to conduct the minimum number of sanitary
surveys of water systems-- once every 3 years for community water supplies and once every 5
years for non-community systems-- schools, camps, bulk water suppliers.
Because of the lack of staff, DEP completed only 1,847 sanitary surveys in FY 2015-16
compared to 3,177 in FY 2009-10.
EPA also pointed out, the lack of staff meant the number of unaddressed Safe Drinking
Water Act violations doubled over the last 5 years from 4,298 to 7,922.
This increased risk to public health is of concern to EPA, the letter said.
A third major concern EPA outlined was a large amount of pertinent information was
missing from the files involving DEPs enforcement of Pennsylvanias lead and copper rule, the
regulation of lead in drinking water supplies.
While it has not yet finished its review of DEPs enforcement of the lead and copper rule,
EPA said its report intends to highlight insufficient program personnel in its findings.
EPA requested a written action plan from DEP on how it plans to address these issues in
60 days-- by the end of February.
A copy of EPAs letter is available online.
If Pennsylvania loses primacy in enforcing federal Safe Drinking Water Act
requirements, it loses $5.5 million in annual funding to support its regulatory program, $100
million on federal Drinking Water Revolving Fund monies to fund water system improvements
through PennVEST and subjects state water systems to double permitting as EPA takes over that
responsibility and DEP enforces the state Safe Drinking Water Act.
DEP has been discussing a proposed $7.5 million fee increase package to make up for
state General Fund budget cuts with the agencys Technical Assistance Center For Small Water
Systems Board since November. The proposal would not only increase permit review fees, but
also impose an annual permit administration fee for the first time.
Not The First Federal Warning
Over the last 3 years, EPA, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement, among other federal agencies, have expressed significant concerns about the
ongoing capacity of DEP to enforce minimum federal requirements of primacy for its safe
drinking water, water quality, surface mining and water infrastructure funding programs.
In February of last year, the PA Environmental Council and Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA wrote to members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to raise concerns
about the risk of losing control of key environmental regulatory programs to the federal
government and courts because of the cuts in funding and staff at the Department of
Environmental Protection over the past decade.
Some examples include:
-- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - 4 Water Programs
There are a number of programs where EPA review has found deficiencies in staffing and
resources:
-- A 2012 Summary Field Report on the Departments Stormwater Program, that contained
several observations regarding lack of capacity including: insufficient Regional Office reviews
of post construction stormwater management plans (Observation 5); overall ability to undertake
compliance and enforcement activities (Observation 10); lack of Central Office oversight
(Observations 14 and 23); and insufficient staffing to implement the Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Reduction Plans.
-- A May 2015 letter, noting that EPA may need to condition or redirect federal funding for
Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction efforts. This funding was indeed withheld, though it was
recently released upon announcement of the Departments Reboot Plan for the Chesapeake Bay .
However, ongoing funding will be contingent on demonstration of sufficient funding and
outcomes for that effort.
-- A June 2015 EPA Program Evaluation Report on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Program, which is administered by both the Department and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure
Investment Authority. Specific action items from the Report included Department evaluation of
staff resources to address failures in inspections and the finalization of projects.
-- A June 2015 EPA Program Evaluation Report on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Program, noting similar staffing review needs as with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Program.
-- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Air
In a November 2015 EPA Technical System Audit on air quality monitoring (attached
with this correspondence), EPA determined that the Departments Air Quality Monitoring
Division is severely understaffed, constituting a Major Finding which equates to
nonconformance of high importance which is unacceptable and must be remedied.
Report discussion notes that the Department lacks adequate resources both in personnel
and funding, and that EPA auditors found significant concerns with [the Departments] field
staff shortage.
The corrective recommendation offered in the report is that vacant positions need to be
filled in order to continue operating (the) air monitoring program pursuant to 40 CFR 58
Appendix A.
-- Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement
Since 2011, the Department has been required to submit a series of Action Plans for
regulatory compliance to OSMRE. In the 2016 Oversight Performance Agreement and Action
Plan signed by both the Department and OSMRE, there are two specific areas of particular note
with respect to budget issues:
-- Due to staffing reductions, the Department has not been able to meet required inspection
compliance rates. In 2012, the compliance rate was 71 percent on active mine permits; 38
percent on inactive mine permits; and 20 percent on bond forfeited permits.
-- OSMRE has also taken issue with adequacy of bonding for mining permits, citing the inability
of the Department to conduct full volume bonding with proper site analysis due to staffing
shortfalls. This matter is doubly important because any bonding shortfalls could (and likely will)
ultimately become a liability for the Commonwealth.
In correspondence between OSMRE and the Department (attached to this
correspondence), OSMRE states: failure [to comply with the Oversight Performance Agreement
and Action Plan] will jeopardize Pennsylvanias primacy under the Federal Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act for regulating coal surface mining operations.
Gov. Wolf presents his FY 2017-18 budget proposal to a joint session of the General
Assembly on February 7.
NewsClips:
Resources
Related Stories:
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Sen. Alloway: Finding Funding For PA Chesapeake Bay Cleanup A Priority
CBF-PA Supports Equitable Water Use Fee To Help Cleanup PAs Rivers & Streams
Analysis: Wolf Will Cut His Way To A Balanced Budget Proposal For Next Year
Wolf Locks Staff Levels At Dec. 2 Numbers Affecting Over 400 Positions At DEP, DCNR
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
Growing Greener Coalition To Wolf, Legislature: Funding Needed For Green

Infrastructure
The PA Growing Greener Coalition Thursday called on Gov.

Tom Wolf and the Legislature to provide more funding to protect
Pennsylvanias water, land and other natural resources, not less.
As Gov. Wolf prepares to present his budget next week, we want
to remind him and the Legislature that Pennsylvania needs more
funding to protect our water, land and other natural resources, not
less, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition.
While we recognize the current fiscal challenges facing the state, this budget must not and
cannot be balanced at the expense of the environment.
Cuts to state programs like Growing Greener, Keystone and Farmland Preservation are
unacceptable, Heath continued. Further, any new revenue proposals must include funding for
Growing Greener to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, green
open spaces, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and nutritious, locally grown food.
Funding for Growing Greener has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million
in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year. This represents a 75 percent cut and an all-time low for
the program.
Established in 1999, the states Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local
parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored
hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.
The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than
1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400
watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment
improvements.
Since its inception, the states Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread,
bipartisan public support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians
surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water,
natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.
For more information on funding needs and proposals, visit the PA Growing Greener
Coalition website. The Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and
preservation organizations in Pennsylvania.
NewsClips:
Resources
Related Stories:
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Sen. Alloway: Finding Funding For PA Chesapeake Bay Cleanup A Priority
CBF-PA Supports Equitable Water Use Fee To Help Cleanup PAs Rivers & Streams
Analysis: Wolf Will Cut His Way To A Balanced Budget Proposal For Next Year
Wolf Locks Staff Levels At Dec. 2 Numbers Affecting Over 400 Positions At DEP, DCNR
The Public Utility Commission published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin that Act 13
drilling impact fees will be the same in 2016 as they were in 2015.
The 2016 fees will be--
Horizontal Vertical
1st Year $45,300 $9,100
2nd Year $35,200 $7,000
3rd Year $30,200 $6,000
4th thru 10 $15,100 $3,000
The 2015 impact fee was--
Horizontal Vertical
1st Year $45,300 $9,100
2nd Year $35,200 $7,000
3rd Year $30,200 $6,000
4th Year $15,100 $3,000
5th Year $15,100 $3,000
The 2014 impact was--
1st Year $50,300 $10,100
2nd Year $40,200 $8,000
3rd Year $30,200 $6,000
4th Year $20,100 $4,000
The PUC will get reports from well producers in April that will be used to calculate the
final revenue for calendar year 2015 based in part on this fee reduction.
Last month the Independent Fiscal Office projected another decline in Act 13 impact fee
revenues will drop another $13.1 million for 2016 totalling $174.6 million.
For more information, visit the PUCs Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
January PA Revenue Collections $49.8M Below Estimates, $416.8M Below For Year
Pennsylvania collected $2.6 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $49.8
million, or 1.8 percent, less than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Eileen McNulty reported
Wednesday.
Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $16.1 billion, which is $416.8 million,
or 2.5 percent, below estimate.
Sales tax receipts totaled $913.5 million for January, $5.1 million below estimate.
Year-to-date sales tax collections total $5.9 billion, which is $138.4 million, or 2.3 percent, less
than anticipated.
Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in January was $1.3 billion, $27.3 million above
estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $6.7 billion, which is $98.6 million, or 1.4
percent, below estimate.
January corporation tax revenue of $104.5 million was $60.4 million below estimate.
Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $1.4 billion, which is $160.9 million, or 10.5
percent, below estimate.
Inheritance tax revenue for the month was $77.1 million, $1.7 million above estimate,
bringing the year-to-date total to $530.1 million, which is $9 million, or 1.7 percent, below
estimate.
Realty transfer tax revenue was $37.7 million for January, $9.9 million below estimate,
bringing the fiscal-year total to $281.9 million, which is $44.6 million, or 13.6 percent, less than
anticipated.
Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, other tobacco products, malt
beverage, liquor and table games taxes, totaled $146.9 million for the month, $5 million above
estimate and bringing the year-to-date total to $1.1 billion, which is $11.3 million, or 1.1 percent,
below estimate.
Non-tax revenue totaled $73.4 million for the month, $8.5 million below estimate,
bringing the year-to-date total to $220.4 million, which is $45.9 million, or 26.3 percent, above
estimate.
In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $214.5
million for the month, $1.6 million above estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund
which include the commonly known gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee
revenues total $1.5 billion, which is $11.6 million, or 0.8 percent, below estimate.
NewsClips:
Resources
Keep PA Beautiful: Registration Open For The 2017 Great American Cleanup Of PA
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday announced

registration is now open for the 2017 Great American
Cleanup of PA which runs from March 1 to May 31.
If you or your group want to organize a cleanup,
register now and get some free help.
Registered cleanup events can get free trash bags,
gloves, and safety vests from PennDOT district
offices, as supplies last.
Events can be litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special
collections, and educational events.
As part of this statewide cleanup event, the Department of Environmental Protection and
PA Waste Industries Association are sponsoring Lets Pick It Up PA Everyday from April 18
through May 8.
During this time, trash collected at registered events can be taken to participating landfills
for free or reduced cost disposal with prior approval.
We are so grateful to our volunteers and sponsors who help make the Great American
Cleanup of PA, Pennsylvanias premier community improvement initiative, possible, said
Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. This year we hope to engage even more
Pennsylvanias to come out between March and May to make their communities clean and
beautiful.
All 67 counties in Pennsylvania were represented in the 2016 Great American Cleanup of
PA. In total, there were 6,118 events with 158,821 volunteers. Volunteers collected 5 million
pounds of trash.
They cleaned over 11,000 miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and
shorelines. Volunteers also planted 15,465 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep
Pennsylvania beautiful.
A copy of the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA final report is available online:
www.gacofpa.org/great-american-cleanup-of-pa-photos-and-results/
This annual event is held in conjunction with Keep America Beautifuls Great American
Cleanup and led by a coalition of nonprofit, state agency and business partners such as the
Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, PA Waste Industries Association, the PA
Food Merchants Association, Weis Markets, Inc., Wawa, Inc., Sheetz, ShopRite and The Fresh
Grocer.
Additional 2017 event supporters include Steel Recycling Institute, Lancaster County
Solid Waste Management Authority, Clean Earth, Giant Food Stores, Inc., Republic Services and
Wegmans Food Markets.
Help make your community clean and beautiful and register an event at the Great
American Cleanup of PA website. Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn, Great
American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to:
mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to 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.
NewsClips:
Cheswick Residents Lament Recyclings Demise
Out-Of-County Judge Will Hear Keystone Landfill Zoning Case
Trump Issues Order Requiring Repeal Of 2 Regulations For Every 1 New One Proposed
President Trump Monday issued an Executive Order putting a cap on

new regulations issued by federal agencies. It requires agencies to
eliminate 2 old regulations if a new regulation is proposed, unless
prohibited by law.
Trump also set an incremental cost of all new regulations at zero,
unless otherwise required by law or consistent with advice provided in
writing by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The agencies were also ordered to offset the incremental cost of
new regulations, to the extent permitted by law, with elimination of
existing costs. Any agency eliminating existing costs associated with prior regulations under this
subsection shall do so in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable
law.
The Director of the federal Office of Management and Budget will provide the heads of
agencies with guidance on the implementation of the Order.
Such guidance shall address, among other things, processes for standardizing the
measurement and estimation of regulatory costs; standards for determining what qualifies as new
and offsetting regulations; standards for determining the costs of existing regulations that are
considered for elimination; processes for accounting for costs in different fiscal years; methods
to oversee the issuance of rules with costs offset by savings at different times or different
agencies; and emergencies and other circumstances that might justify individual waivers of the
requirements of this section.
The Order does not address situations where regulations may be required by law which
would have to be repealed if old regulations are eliminated, regulations required by court order,
where methods of calculating costs and benefits are stipulated by law, it does not address
balancing costs and benefits of a regulation or address the benefits of a regulation at all.
The Order ends by saying, This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or
benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United
States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other
person.
A copy of the Executive Order is available online. Click Here to track other Presidential
actions.
As one environmental activist said in reaction, "So you'll protect my drinking water but
only in exchange for allowing oil drilling in national parks and more lead in my paint?"
NewsClips:
Trump Wants To Scrap 2 Regulations For Each New One Adopted
Trump Signs 2 for 1 Order To Reduce Regulations
AP: Trump Signs Order To Cut Regulations For Small Businesses
Trump Acts To Roll Back Regulations On Businesses
Congress, Trump Being Reversing Multiple Environmental Rules, More
U.S. House Dismantles Regulation Protecting Streams From Coal Mining Debris
Barletta Votes To Overturn OSM Stream Buffer Rule In U.S. House
U.S. House Votes To Void Mining Rules, Drilling Payments
U.S. House Votes To Overturn Obama Rule On Natural Gas Flaring
Lehigh Valley Businesses Warm To Trump Order To Cut Regulations
NRDC Lawsuit: EPA Illegally Yanked Mercury Rule After Trump Inauguration
House GOP To Prioritize Coal, Methane Rules For Repeal
Congressional Republicans Ready To Eliminate Obama Methane Rule From Oil Fields
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds
PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Let us join your
Circle.
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Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
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federal environmental policy and personnel that have an impact on Pennsylvania environmental
issues and programs.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/ Bills Introduced
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 (Feb. 6): <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Feb. 6): Senate Bill 50 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) further providing for notice of flood
history in home sales disclosures (sponsor summary) . <> Click Here for full Senate Bill
Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the Labor and Industry Committee meets to consider House Bill 162 (Maloney-R-
Berks) revising the process for updating the statewide Construction Code (sponsor summary). <>
Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on

pharmaceuticals in Pennsylvanias waterways. <> Click Here for full Senate Committee
Schedule.
Other: Gov. Wolfs Budget Address. 11:30. Click Here to watch live.
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
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program: Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna)
would establish Pennsylvanias Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program (sponsor
summary).
Storage Tank Indemnification Board: House Bill 290 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) changing the
members of the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board to include legislative
appointments.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
February 6, 7, 8
March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
February 6, 7, & 8.
March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, & 22.
April 3, 4, 5 , 18, 19, 24, 25, & 26.
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, & 24.
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
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.
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Royalty Reform: Senate Bill 138 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) further providing for the calculation of
proceeds paid to interest owners (sponsor summary); and Senate Bill 139 (Yaw-R-Lycoming)
establishes the Natural Gas Lease Anti-Retaliation Act (sponsor summary) were passed
unanimously by the Senate. The bills now go to the House for action.
Performance-Based Budgeting: Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) establishing a

Performance-Based Budget Board (sponsor summary) was amended to review tax credit
programs and reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the Senate
Calendar for action. Performance-based budgeting does not cover the expenditures of the
General Assembly or the Judiciary, only the agencies under the Governors jurisdiction.
Notice Of Flood History: Senate Bill 51 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) further providing for

notice of flood history of leased properties (sponsor summary) was Tabled by the Senate.
News From The Capitol
Watch Online: Senate Environmental Committee Feb. 7 Hearing On Pharmaceuticals In

Waterways
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a public hearing on
February 7 to solicit testimony on the impact of pharmaceuticals in Pennsylvanias waterways.
Witnesses will include representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection,
Fish and Boat Commission, Dr. Peter Myers, Environmental Health Services and Dr. Emma J.
Rosi from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
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.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
yudichak@pasenate.com.
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Senate Committee Approves Bills To Let Wildlife Commissions Set Own Fees
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Wednesday approved and sent to the Senate Floor
two bills to authorize the boards of the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions to adopted their
own fees. The bills include--
-- Senate Bill 30 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and Boat Commission to adopt its
own fees (sponsor summary); and
-- Senate Bill 192 (Stefano-R-Fayette) authorizing the Game Commission to adopt its own fees
(sponsor summary).
The Senate passed these bills last year, but they got hung up in the House.
The bills now go to the full Senate for action.
Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-Fayette) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: pstefano@pasen.gov and Sen. James Brewster (D-Allegheny)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: brewster@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Did Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow?
Video: PA Trout In The Classroom Creativity!
Can Federal Ban On Lead In Ammunition, Sinkers Protect Wildlife?
Bald Eagle Dies Of Lead Poisoning In Carbon County
Saegertown Wildlife Center Offers First Responder Class
Frye: Wild Trout To Get Attention
Schneck: Snow Geese Mass Early At Middle Creek In Lebanon County This Winter
Western PAs Improving Environment Attracts Growing Number Of Eagles
Herds Of Visitors Love Pennsylvanias Elk Country
Crable: Trump Named For Moth, Crab After Harry Potter Heroes
Academy Of Natural Sciences Frogs Show Riveting, Moving
Schneck: Logistics For Visiting The Great American Outdoor Show
Ex-Game Commission Ex. Director Renews Battle To Get Severance Payment
Senate Performance-Based Budgeting Bill Reported From Committee
The Senate Appropriations Committee Tuesday amended and reported out Senate Bill 181
(Mensch-R-Montgomery) establishing a Performance-Based Budget Board and requiring state
agencies to justify their budget requests for all existing and proposed programs every year.
The legislation, however, does not cover the expenditures of the General Assembly
($365.1 million) or the Judiciary ($355.5 million) or $720.6 million of the General Fund budget.
It only covers the agencies under the Governors jurisdiction.
The Budget Board is required to review the performance-based budget plans of state
agencies and make recommendations on how each agencys programs may be made more
transparent, effective, and efficient.
The Budget Board is made up of the Majority and Minority Chairs of the House and
Senate Appropriations Committees and the Governors Budget Secretary.
The agency budget plans approved by the Board are to be considered by the Governor
and the General Assembly in developing the Commonwealths annual budget.
The bill was amended in Committee to require the Independent Fiscal Office to do a
review tax credit programs.
When the bill was introduced in January, Sen. Mensch said, The traditional method of
budget development relies upon incremental adjustments to expenditures made in the previous
financial period.
New and changing demands for public services are met through excessive budget
growth rather than by pruning obsolete programs and redirecting existing funds. We need to
ensure that the budget is driven by clear and defensible purposes rather than inertia. We want
government spending to be transparent, effective, and efficient for our taxpayers.
Senate Bill 181 is now on the Senate Floor for action.
NewsClips:
Resources
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
Senate Bill Funds Energy Efficiency Thru Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs
Senators John Blake (D-Lackawanna) (photo) and Guy Reschenthaler

(R-Allegheny) Tuesday joined a diverse group of stakeholders from the
business, labor and environmental communities to unveil their bipartisan
legislation that would generate significant economic development, create
jobs and enhance Pennsylvanias clean energy portfolio.
Senate Bill 234 (not online yet) would establish Pennsylvanias Property
Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program which is a financing mechanism
that enables low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable
energy and water conservation upgrades to commercial or industrial
properties.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy program is a proven-successful
economic development tool that enhances property values and employment opportunities; lowers
the cost of doing business; and expands the use of energy saving technologies, Sen. Blake said.
Our legislation would give Pennsylvania businesses an opportunity to make costly
energy-saving upgrades with a creative, market-driven funding mechanism that does not spend a
dime of taxpayer money.
Under Senate Bill 234, PACE financing which can be used to purchase new heating and
cooling systems, lighting improvements, solar panels, water pumps and insulation would be
repaid in the form of a voluntary property tax assessment on the specific, improved building.
PACE is a commonsense, voluntary program, that doesnt cost taxpayers a penny.
PACE increases the use of energy-saving and environmentally-conscious technology, saves
businesses money, and will create family-sustaining jobs throughout the commonwealth because
of sales and installations, Sen. Reschenthaler added. I look forward to working with my
colleagues and the dozens of organizations that support the proposed PACE legislation.
A local government would be able to choose to participate in or develop a PACE
financing program.
PACE financing would not require any public funds; participating local communities
would be tasked with collecting the assessment on the improved building and remit it for
payment on the debt incurred from the buildings energy-efficiency and clean energy technology
upgrades.
Commercial PACE programs advance energy conservation and clean energy projects
that reduce pollution and promote clean air. Support for the programs is broad and bipartisan, for
good reason, David Masur, PennEnvironment Executive Director, said. Through Senate Bill
234, Pennsylvania can join the growing ranks of states where successful Commercial PACE
programs are helping to protect the environment and build healthier communities.
Currently, 33 states plus the District of Columbia authorize PACE financing for clean
energy and energy efficiency projects. Some of the states utilizing the PACE program include
Alabama, California, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Texas.
Commercial PACE is expanding across the country because it makes good business
sense. Enabling commercial properties to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy will
produce long-term energy savings and create local jobs, Matt Elliot, Keystone Energy
Efficiency Alliance executive director, said. We applaud Senator Blake and Senator
Reschenthaler for their legislation to help Pennsylvania communities leverage the potential of
commercial PACE.
The legislation was introduced by Sen. Blake in the prior legislative session as Senate
Bill 1069, but it did not move from the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational
Development Committee.
Senators Blake and Reschenthaler, both members of the Community, Economic and
Recreational Development Committee in the current legislative session, are confident that the
bill will receive full Senate consideration in the current session.
"We applaud the efforts of Senator Blake and Senator Reschenthaler to reduce energy use
in Pennsylvania's commercial and industrial buildings, Dewitt Walton, Special Assistant to the
International President of the United Steelworkers, added. PACE will create good jobs with
family supporting wages and benefits, provide a boost for areas of the state that have faced
economic challenges and help workers seeking careers in new and emerging industries."
For more information on the PACE initiative nationally, visit the PACENation website.
NewsClip:
Swift: Blake Introduces Energy Financing Bill
Related Story:
PEC Opposes Reschenthaler Bill Not Allowing PA To Set Its Own Limits On Methane
Emissions
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
January Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee
The January edition of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available

from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation
Committee featuring articles on--
-- Invasive Species - Palmer Amaranth (photo)
-- PAs Energy Efficiency Economy
-- Auditor General Questions Act 13 Impact Fee Spending
-- Great Lakes Burdened By Plastics Migration
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
Environmental Issues Forum
The next Environmental Issues Forum will be held on March 20 to hear a presentation
from representatives of the Anthracite Region Independent Power Plant Association. The
hearing will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing starting at Noon.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
News From Around The State
DEPs Updated Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Agenda Now Available

The Department of Environmental Protection published its latest Non-Regulatory Agenda on
February 2 listing technical guidance the agency will propose and finalize over the next year or
so. (formal notice) Among the guidance documents to be considered are--
-- Public Participation
-- Policy For Development & Publication Of Technical Guidance - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Policy For Development, Approval & Availability Of Regulations - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Policy On Public Participation Of Regulations & Guidance - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Policy On Interacting With Advisory Committee Guidance - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Coal Mining
-- Surface Water Protection Evaluation For Underground Mines Guidance - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Civil Penalty Assessments - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Oil & Gas Management
-- Emergency Response Planning For Unconventional Well Sites - Draft 2nd Quarter
-- Civil Penalty Assessments - 3rd Quarter Draft
-- Public Resources Impact screening - Draft 4th Quarter
-- Noise Control At Unconventional Well Sites - Draft 4th Quarter
-- Area Of Review Requirements For Unconventional Wells - Final 4th Quarter
-- Replacement Water Supplies - Final 3rd Quarter
-- Radon
-- PA Radon Mitigation Standards For Contractors - Draft 4th Quarter
-- Air Quality
-- Air Quality Permit Review, Inspection Protocol - Draft 2nd Quarter
A copy of the February 2 DEPs Non-Regulatory Agenda is available online.
DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Permits To Regulate Methane From Oil & Gas
Operations
The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting comments on proposed permits

related to the regulation of methane from oil and gas operations. (formal notice)
The proposed permits include--
-- Proposed General Plan Approval and General Operating permit No. 5A for Unconventional
Gas Well Site Operations and Remote Pigging Stations;
-- Proposed Modifications To General Plan Approval and General Operating permit No. 5 for
Natural Gas Compressor Stations, Processing Plants and Transmission Stations; and
-- Proposed Modifications To The Air Quality Permit Exemption List.
Copies of the proposed documents are available on DEPs eComment System webpage.
Interested persons may submit written comments on the Draft General Permits and Air
Quality Permit Exemption List by March 22.
Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. Comments, including comments
submitted by e-mail, must include the originator's name and address. Commentators are
encouraged to review the proposed General Permits and Air Quality Permit Exemption List and
submit comments using the Department's online eComment System webpage or by e-mail to
ecomment@pa.gov.
Written comments should be submitted to the Policy Office, Department of
Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA
17105-2063.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: DEP Methane Regulation Would Cost Jobs, Sen. Reschenthaler
Letter: Sen. Reschenthaler Wrong About Regulations And Clean Air
Letter: Sen. Reschenthaler Is Giving Us Alternative Facts About Clean Air
Related Story:
PEC Opposes Senate Bill Not Allowing PA To Set Its Own Limits On Methane Emissions
PEC Opposes Senate Bill Not Allowing PA To Set Its Own Limits On Methane Emissions
In a letter to all members of the Senate Monday, the PA Environmental Council Monday
renewed its opposition to Senate Bill 175 (Reschenthaler-R-Allegheny) which does not allow
Pennsylvania to set its own methane emission limits from oil and gas development or any other
source of methane and instead requires the adoption of any federal standards.
Congressional Republicans are preparing to eliminate the federal methane standard
adopted by EPA leaving no standard in place. Without a change in language in this bill it would
mean Pennsylvania would be prohibited from adopting any standard.
PEC met with the Sen. Reschenthalers office on the bill last year, but no changes were
made in the legislation to make it acceptable to PEC.
The text of the letter follows
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), I am writing to convey our
opposition to Senate Bill 175. This legislation prevents the Department of Environmental
Protection (Department) from enacting any state-specific measures to limit methane emissions
from natural gas operations.
While the Department has announced its intention to address methane, it has yet to
publish any formal proposals to do so. In effect, Senate Bill 175 binds the hands of the
Department to perform its mission of protecting public health and the environment before any
proposals are even on the table.
With the support of the very industry being regulated, other states with active oil and gas
development have already adopted controls for methane emissions. These controls use
demonstrated practices and technologies that are already being deployed by leading companies;
there has been no demonstrated downturn resulting from emissions controls.
In fact, these controls are cost-effective, save wasted product, enhance safety, and support
other Pennsylvania businesses. There are very clear benefits.
We believe Senate Bill 175 takes the wrong approach it establishes a blanket
prohibition without any consideration of cost or benefit, and without consideration of feasibility.
It ensures that Pennsylvania, already the second largest producer of natural gas in the nation, will
be less protective of the public and environment than other states.
PEC is a proud member of the Center for Responsible Shale Development. We support
natural gas development in the Commonwealth, but it must be done pursuant to strong standards.
Senate Bill 175 walks Pennsylvania backwards and runs counter to what leaders in the industry,
and what other states, are already doing.
We opposed this legislation in the prior session, and conveyed our concerns directly in a
meeting with the Sponsors office.
We respectfully ask you to oppose this legislation. Thank you for your consideration.
A copy of the letter is available online.
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.
For information on methane, visit DEPs Methane Reduction Strategy webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Permits To Regulate Methane From Oil & Gas Operations
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Fractracker: Introduction To The Susquehanna River Drilling Impacts Project
By Kirk Jalbert, PhD, MFA, For Fractracker
Looking at a map of Pennsylvania, three major

rivers span the Commonwealth the Ohio River
in the West, the Susquehanna River in the middle
of PA, and the Delaware River in the East. The
Delaware River Watershed benefits from the
active oversight and management of the Delaware
River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the Ohio is
managed by Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation
Commission (ORSANCO).
The multi-state effort to protect the Susquehanna River is known as the Susquehanna
River Basin Commission (SRBC).
These agencies differ greatly in how they oversee protections of their respective
watersheds, particularly in the context of oil and gas development.
For instance, the DRBC engages in a range of activities related to water quantity
protection (like water supply allocation and water conservation), water quality, regulatory review
and permitting, watershed-wide planning, flood mitigation and drought management, and
recreational activities.
Meanwhile, ORSANCO and the SRBC interpret their responsibilities very narrowly,
primarily focusing on managing issues related to discharge standards in the case of ORSANCO,
and water quantity in the case of the SRBC.
In this new series of articles, FracTracker Alliance, in partnership with the Sierra Club
Pennsylvania Chapter and Clean Water Action, takes a closer look at the Susquehanna River
Watershed and its many challenges related to industrial development, including deforestation and
sedimentation issues, nutrient loading from poor agricultural practices, sewer and stormwater
runoff.
A significant component of Susquehanna River Basin impacts can be attributed to
expanding oil and gas development. How will the Susquehanna River Watershed withstand
future impacts from the oil and gas industry given the SRBCs limited oversight?
A first step in understanding the problem is to look at the state of the watershed today.
Click Here to read the entire article.
For more information on the project, visit the Fractracker website.
NewsClips:
Fractracker: Introduction To The Susquehanna River Impacts Project
Annual Blessing Of Susquehanna River Held In Kingston
Chesapeake Bay Journal Feature: PA Farm Pollution Affecting Drinking Water In

Susquehanna Watershed
By Rona Kobell, Chesapeake Bay Journal
In 1945, engineers tasked with bringing clean drinking

water to suburban Philadelphia discovered Octoraro Creek
nestled in Amish farm country around 40 miles away and
deemed it ideal to build the water treatment plant of the
future.
But the pastoral landscape that sealed the deal for
the Chester Water Authority 70 years ago has now
become part of the problem. Nitrates from farm fertilizer
seep into the groundwater and get into the creek,
ultimately reaching the reservoir built to supply the
treatment plant.
At high enough levels, nitrate in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome in
infants, a potentially fatal condition. Some studies also suggest a link between drinking
nitrate-laden water and cancer in adults, birth defects and heart attacks.
So now, the authority that tapped the Octoraro because of pollution on its home river, the
Delaware, has to turn to a third river to dilute the nitrate contamination enough to make the water
safe to drink.
The authority, which has not made the costly investment in treatment equipment to
remove nitrates, now blends its Octoraro supply with water piped in from the Susquehanna
River, 10 miles away.
It can cost the plant between $30,000 and $120,000 a month to blend, said Gordon
Miller, the water authoritys operations supervisor. But if they didnt do it, he said, they wouldnt
be in business.
Our ace in the hole is the Susquehanna, Miller said. We can dilute and blend down.
And we do when we see higher nitrates, in droughts and on frozen ground.
While much of the efforts in the Chesapeake cleanup have focused on improving water
quality to sustain fish and other aquatic creatures, in some cases human health is also at stake.
Nitrates from farm fertilizers and animal wastes can foul drinking water via runoff into
streams or by seeping down through the soil into groundwater. Because groundwater moves so
slowly, the contaminants can remain there for decades, posing risks to anyone who drinks from a
private or community well.
Nitrate is a common contaminant in groundwater and surface water nationwide, and a
particular problem in rural areas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A 2004 USGS report
noted that nitrate concentrations in groundwater on the heavily farmed Delmarva Peninsula were
among the highest in the nation.
Last year, in the heart of another heavily agricultural region, the Des Moines Water
Works sued three rural Iowa counties, alleging that nitrates drained from the regions farm fields
were contaminating the Raccoon River, the state capitals water supply.
The utility said in April that it had to spend $1.5 million in 2015 to run its nitrate-removal
equipment for a record 177 days. The waterworks is asking a court to make the rural counties to
both take responsibility for the pollution and pay damages to compensate for the cost of that
treatment.
The case is expected to go to court in the summer 2017.
Many water authority officials, including Chesters, are monitoring developments there.
They cant afford not to: Their plant and the 600-acre reservoir serve more than 200,000
customers in 30 municipalities across Chester and Delaware counties.
Tapping Into The Susquehanna
Nitrate levels in raw water drawn from the Octoraro have never exceeded the safe
drinking water limit set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But they have been
inching closer to it, according to utility officials.
In the 1970s, the authority built a pipeline from the Susquehanna to its Nottingham
treatment plant as a hedge against drought, a backup source if the Octoraro ran dry. But in the
last 10 years, the authority has increasingly tapped the Susquehanna to improve the quality of its
drinking water, not its quantity.
Bimonthly monitoring over the last two decades has tracked a 12 percent increase in
nitrate levels in raw water from the Octoraro, according to Sharon Fillmann, the authoritys chief
of treatment and pumping.
The EPAs safe drinking water limit for nitrates is 10 milligrams per liter. Seventy
percent of the samples taken from the West Branch of the Octoraro have exceeded 9 mg/L,
according to authority monitoring data, as have 30 percent of the samples drawn from the creeks
East Branch.
The authority begins mixing Susquehanna water with the Octoraro supply when nitrate
concentrations reach 9 mg/L, just short of the maximum contaminant level.
Nitrate levels vary with the weather. The Octoraro suffers when its dry because of
increased nitrates in the groundwater. But it also suffers when its wet because of increased
runoff from fertilizer. And its even worse when municipalities run out of road salt and use
fertilizer to treat frozen roads.
Thus far, Fillmann said, they have not had to raise water rates to pay for the increased
dilution and pumping from the Susquehanna.
But in 2007 and again last year, she said, severe runoff during spring thaws forced the
authority to bypass its reservoir and draw water exclusively from its backup source, the
Susquehanna.
The plant can dilute the nitrate, but it is not the only issue with the Octoraro.
Other pollutants enter the closed reservoir system too, among them disinfection
byproducts, ammonia from fertilizers, and organic carbon. These, Fillmann said, render the
Octoraro virtually unusable, sometimes for long stretches, sending operators to the
Susquehanna pumps.
Drinking-water system operators failure to be vigilant can have tragic consequences. In
2015, news broke that children in Flint, MI had been poisoned by lead in the water they drank
because state and local officials failed to treat their aging lead-pipe system with
corrosion-inhibiting agents.
And in the worst waterborne disease outbreak in U.S. history, 400,000 people fell ill in
Milwaukee in 1993 and 69 people with compromised immune systems died after the water
system there became contaminated with the chlorine-resistant parasite Cryptosporidium. That
episode prompted water systems everywhere to invest in upgrading their infrastructure,
monitoring and treatment.
Nutrients normally are not such an acute health threat. Still, Pennsylvania has declared
the Octoraro impaired for nutrient levels.
And Chester Water Authority officials say they want to avoid Des Moines predicament
either in being forced to invest in pricey nitrate filtration or in suing their neighbors to help
cover the costs.
Theyre hoping instead that a $798,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation will help reduce the Octoraros problems with nitrates and other farm pollutants.
Half of the funds will pay for more runoff-reducing best management practices, or BMPs, on
farms, and the other half will pay for monitoring to identify which practices are working.
The authority is working in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the University of Maryland Environmental Finance
Center, local conservation districts and the volunteer-led Octoraro Watershed Association.
If you can get enough of the agricultural community to do the BMPS, then yes, we could
expect to see decreases (in nitrate), Fillmann said. But it could take 10 to 35 years to see
changes to the groundwater in the reservoir.
Better Barnyard Practices Needed
Still, the reservoirs water quality might show at least some improvement more quickly if
farmers adopt more runoff-controlling practices such as not spreading manure on frozen ground
or keeping animals out of streams. When farmers spread manure on fields in the winter, Fillmann
and Miller said, they can smell it in the water being piped into the plant.
Farmers need to practice better barnyard management, reducing the number of animals
kept in a confined space, said Donna Morelli, Pennsylvania director for the Alliance. They also
need to build more manure storage so they wont need to spread it on frozen ground, she added,
and they need to fence livestock away from waterways.
Planting more trees along river and streams would help soak up fertilizer nutrients as
well.
No matter what you do in life, you dont want to drink polluted water, Morelli said.
We have such a good snapshot of where the best management practices need to go, who needs
to be talked to and who is willing to do them that it was a no brainer to build the capacity with
this grant.
The Octoraro Watershed Association has been trying for years to get more
pollution-preventing practices on the watersheds 1,600 farms. But about 70 percent of them are
small, Plain Sect operations.
Plain Sect includes Amish, Old Order Mennonite and other sects with roots in the
Anabaptist faith that favor simple living and plain dress and eschew modern conveniences and
dealings with the government.
Plain Sect farmers have been reluctant to take money from government entities for
pollution-control practices, but they have become more willing to accept grants to install
practices from nonprofits like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Alliance.
Increasing that willingness has been more scrutiny such as an unannounced EPA
inspection in 2009 of Watsons Run, a largely Plain Sect watershed near the Octoraro in
Lancaster County, where federal officials found multiple pollution violations.
The government cant force Plain Sect farmers to take the money, but the prospect of
being fined for polluting might have changed some minds, and remedies like manure storage
lagoons can be expensive.
Watsons Run kind of stirred some of the farmers up, said Mel Eby, whose 80-acre
Gordonville dairy farm drains into Pequea Creek about a mile from the Watson Run watershed.
Not long after the sting, Eby noticed that his Amish neighbor had contractors install an
enclosed lagoon for his dairy manure.
A longtime devotee of cover crops, Eby said he decided two years ago to put in stream
bank fencing, two crossings for his cows and trees along 40 feet of the waterway. Government
grants covered the entire cost, he said.
I talked to my son about it, and we knew it was going to get stricter and stricter, and so
we did it before it was actually required, Eby said. If other farmers can get financial help, he
predicted, theyll put in similar pollution-preventing measures.
Recently, Penn State University surveyed 6,782 farmers to find out what best
management practices theyd put on their farms, and then inspected 700, or 10 percent, to verify
the results.
Though state officials dont yet know how many Plain Sect farmers responded and could
not break out how many were in the Octoraro watershed, they said they intend to make sure
money and technical help reaches the Plain Sect communities.
The Plain Sect community is a different area of farming, so we are figuring out what are
the more effective strategies, said Patrick McDonnell, acting secretary of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection. We definitely need to be thoughtful about that as we
move forward.
The Plain Sect community is part of a larger problem in Pennsylvania, which is lagging
far behind the other states in its Bay cleanup goals, particularly for nitrogen and sediment.
Agriculture is a big driver of that problem, and as a result, federal and state officials
announced in October a one-time infusion of $28 million in additional funding aimed at reducing
farm runoff.
Small-scale agriculture has always been challenging to control, particularly in
Pennsylvania, which feeds into the Chesapeake but whose residents cant see it. The Clean Water
Act directly regulates pollution coming off farms with livestock herds or flocks that are large
enough to be classified as a concentrated animal feeding operation.
But most of the states 58,000 farms dont meet the CAFO definition, state officials said.
All of the farms need manure management plans, but until lately, they have not been
inspected to see if theyre complying.
The state also has a Clean Streams law that prohibits discharging pollution into
waterways, but nitrates can seep into groundwater and contaminate it slowly, which is more
difficult to detect.
Morelli and other partners in the Octoraro effort have identified nine farms to help put in
pollution controlling practices.
Their efforts, the grant application predicts, will keep 285,488 pounds of nitrogen, 9,305
pounds of phosphorus, and 8,172,082 pounds of sediment out of local streams. Those farmers
will in turn be promoted as water quality champions who can try to get their neighbors to put
in the same practices.
The Amish Whisperer
Morelli said that she believes a key to the efforts success is the man she calls the Amish
whisperer. Pat Fasano, the project coordinator with the Octoraro Watershed Association and a
forester and biologist by training, has been working with Plain Sect farmers since 2001.
He also worked at the Chester Water Authority in the 1990s, so he understands its
perspective.
Theyre farmers, Fasano said. The reason that they are farmers is that they like to be
left alone and do things the way they think they ought to be done. They also feel that they have
made improvements, which is very true without being regulated.
Many farmers find it a pain to develop and follow the required nutrient management
plans, and they consider them an invasion of privacy, Fasano said.
We try to explain to them that were trying to help [them], because if [they] dont adhere
to that [they] wont be able to farm, he added.
Private Wells Affected
Some farms may find they have a self-interest in dealing with the issue, Fasano said.
Many rely on private wells for drinking water, and those that have been tested are showing high
levels of nitrates.
At Watsons Run in 2009, which is 23 miles north of Octoraro Reservoir, the EPA found
unsafe nitrate levels in several wells.
Morelli and Fasano also stress that reducing nitrate contamination isnt just about helping
fish, but looking out for fellow churchgoers.
Chester is not the only drinking water utility to bypass a closer source and cross borders
for clean water.
Still, the Chester-Octoraro situation is pretty unique, said Tyler Shenk, supervisor of
restoration for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Thats because of the number of
customers the authority serves, the regularity with which it serves them and the amount of
agriculture concentrated in the reservoir.
Shenk said the commission, which regulates withdrawals from the Susquehanna, would
like more information about whats in the water and not just how much gets taken.
The grant, he hopes, will allow for better water-quality monitoring so that environmental
officials can understand which best management practices are working.
Standing outside the Chester Water Authority plant, pumping machinery humming in the
background, its easy to see why water engineers chose the spot.
A mist coats the reservoirs calm surface as birds soar across. Autumn leaves paint the
landscape shades of auburn and goldenrod. From the hill overlooking the plant, the scene looks
like Andrew Wyeth painted it, all whitewashed farmhouses and chrome-colored silos.
Even though she knows what lies underneath the pretty picture, Fillmann admits to
enjoying the view, one that most metropolitan water-treatment plants dont have.
We are not unique in that we are struggling with agricultural impacts, Fillmann said.
But we are unique in that we are surrounded by them.
For more information on Pennsylvanias Bay Strategy, visit 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:
Report: Chesapeake Bay Getting Better, But Still Not Great
Chesapeake Bay Journal: PA Farm Pollution Affecting Drinking Water In Octoraro Creek
Chesapeake Bay Forest Buffer, Wetlands Restoration Program Lags
Snyder County Conservation District Receives DCNR Grant
Lancaster Farming Trump Speaker: EPAs Cleanup Job Was Done In 1980s
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
DEP Lifts Boil Water Notice For Pittsburgh Water Customers
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday issued a letter to the Pittsburgh Water
and Sewer Authority, informing the Authority the Boil Water Advisory can be lifted.
DEP has evaluated the data provided by PWSA and has determined PWSAs data
demonstrates that the water in the distribution network is now in compliance with regulations.
We are pleased to announce that the Boil Water Advisory can be lifted, said Acting
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. DEP does not issue such advisories lightly, and only does so
to ensure the safety of Pennsylvania residents. PWSA has the responsibility to demonstrate that
the drinking water being served in the distribution system consistently meets safe drinking water
standards, and prior to this morning that evidence had been lacking.
DEP staff reviewed data provided by PWSA through the night and this morning, and
received additional information from PWSA on equipment calibration to guarantee accuracy of
readings going forward.
NewsClips:
Pittsburgh Mayor Plans Team To Assess Water Authority, Consider Restructuring
Pittsburgh Boil Water Notice Lifted For 100,000
Pittsburgh Boil Water Advisory Lifted
Pittsburgh City Council Requests AG Review Of Water Authority
No Sign Of Contamination In Pittsburgh Water, Despite Boil Water Notice
Pittsburgh Sets Up Water Distribution Sites
Beaver County Water Company Steps Up Deliveries After Boil Water Notice
DEP Issues Pittsburgh Boil Water Order For Half Of Customers
100,000 Pittsburgh Water Customers Under Boil Water Notice
Pittsburgh Schools Call For Cancellations Due To Boil Water Notice
Pittsburgh: PA Water Systems Will Fail, All Systems Do
Letter: Pittsburgh Water Advisory Highlights DEPs Importance
Editorial: Pittsburgh Cant Tolerate More Water Authority Failures
Resources
DEP Proposes Changes To Tank Closure, E.coli Laboratory Reporting Guidance
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin of

proposed changes to the technical guidance clarifying closure requirements for aboveground and
underground storage tanks and for Cryptosporidia, E.coli and turbidity laboratory reporting
requirements for public water systems. Comments are due March 6.
Further details on proposed changes to tank and laboratory guidance--
-- DEP ID: 263-4200-001. Title: Closure Requirements for Aboveground Storage Tank
Systems. Description: The purpose of this guidance is to establish minimum standards that must
be met to comply with the closure requirements for regulated large aboveground storage tank
systems. These procedures include closure notification, tank handling, waste management and
disposal, site assessment, sampling requirements, analytical requirements, release reporting and
recordkeeping.
This technical guidance document is being revised to remove all appendices from the
document. In addition, throughout the document, associated regulatory citations have been
updated pertaining to the Bureau of Waste Management regulations and the Department of Labor
and Industry.
Existing language has been expanded to aid in clarity and outdated terminology has been
deleted. Document sections have been reorganized and additional information is included that
would be relevant to the storage tank owner during storage tank closure activities.
Written Comments: Interested persons may submit written comments on this draft
technical guidance document by March 6, 2017. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be
accepted. Comments, including comments submitted by e-mail must include the originator's
name and address.
Commentators are encouraged to submit comments using the Department's online
eComment System webpage or by e-mail to ecomment@pa.gov.. Written comments should be
submitted to the Technical Guidance Coordinator, Department of Environmental Protection,
Policy Office, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063.
Contact: Questions regarding this technical guidance document should be directed to
Alex Eckman at 717-772-5827 or send email to: eeckman@pa.gov.
-- DEP ID: 263-4500-601. Title: Closure Requirements for Underground Storage Tank
be met to comply with the closure requirements for regulated underground storage tank systems.
These procedures include closure notification, tank handling, waste management and disposal,
site assessment, sampling requirements, analytical requirements, release reporting and
recordkeeping.
and Industry.
name and address.
eComment System webpage or by e-mail to ecomment@pa.gov. Written comments should be
-- DEP ID: 390-3301-001. Title: Cryptosporidia, E.coli and Turbidity LT2ESWTR
Laboratory Reporting Instructions for Public Water Systems Using Surface Water or
Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water (GUDI) Sources. Description:
The guidance is necessary because: (1) The Long-term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment
Rule (LT2ESWTR) introduces source water quality monitoring and additional treatment
requirements for higher risk water systems, to enhance public health protection against
pathogenic microbial contaminants, especially Cryptosporidia.
For the LT2ESWTR, public water systems that use surface water or GUDI sources must
monitor their sources to determine treatment requirements. Some aspects of the LT2ESWTR are
of concern to laboratories.
The new technical guidance manual Cryptosporidia, E.coli and Turbidity LT2ESWTR
Laboratory Reporting Instructions for Public Water Systems Using Surface Water or GUDI
Sources provides uniform and detailed instructions for the reporting of drinking water
monitoring results to the Department; and (2) Laboratories and public water systems must now
report data electronically, according to 25 Pa.Code 109.810 (relating to reporting and
notification requirements).
The new technical guidance also provides instructions for submitting Cryptosporidia in
source water results into the Drinking Water Electronic Lab Reporting application by a new
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM OOCYSTS form for reporting. In addition, the technical guidance
introduces source water reporting of E.coli by enumeration.
name and address.
Pauline Risser at 717-772-5970 or send email to: parisser@pa.gov.
Copies of these documents are available on DEPs eComment System webpage.
NewsClips:
Resources
Technical Guidance Finalized For Rapid Assessments Of Wetlands, Riverine Conditions

final technical guidance on wetland condition Level 2, riverine condition level 2 and lacustrine
condition level 2 rapid assessments.
Further details on final rapid assessment protocol guidance--
-- DEP ID: 310-2137-002. Title: Pennsylvania Wetland Condition Level 2 Rapid
Assessment Protocol. Description: This guidance provides standard guidelines for evaluating
the condition of palustrine wetland aquatic resources for the purposes of meeting regulatory
requirements in 25 Pa.Code Chapter 105 (relating to dam safety and waterway management).
The guidance outlines how to conduct assessments, the factors to consider when doing so and
establishes a scoring system based upon condition categories.
This technical guidance document was revised as result of the comments received from
publication of the proposed Pennsylvania Wetland Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocol at 44
Pa.B. 1396 (March 8, 2014) and 44 Pa.B. 2705 (May 3, 2014), Department regional staff
workshops, the Water Resources Advisory Committee, and State and Federal agency meetings.
During the comment period, comments were received from 17 different organizations.
The comment and response document accompanies the final technical guidance document and is
available for public viewing on the Department's eComment System webpage.
The updates include: inserting sections to provide additional background information on
the guidance and the conditions for general use of the guidance; the removal of the qualitative
condition user rating, photograph sections and a section regarding hydrogeomorphic
classification of wetlands; and the addition of bibliographic resources.
-- DEP ID: 310-2137-003. Title: Pennsylvania Riverine Condition Level 2 Rapid
the condition of riverine aquatic resources for the purposes of meeting regulatory requirements in
25 Pa.Code Chapter 105.
publication of the proposed Pennsylvania Riverine Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocol at 44
Pa.B. 1396 and 44 Pa.B. 2705, Department regional staff workshops, the Water Resources
Advisory Committee, and State and Federal agency meetings.
condition user rating and photograph sections; and the addition of bibliographic resources.
-- DEP ID: 310-2137-004. Title: Pennsylvania Lacustrine Condition Level 2 Rapid
Assessment Protocol. Description: The purpose of this guidance is to provide standard
guidelines for evaluating the condition of lacustrine aquatic resources for the purposes of
meeting regulatory requirements in 25 Pa.Code Chapter 105.
The guidance outlines how to conduct assessments of lacustrine aquatic resources, the
factors to consider when doing so and establishes a scoring system based upon condition
categories.
publication of the proposed Pennsylvania Lacustrine Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocol at 44
Training Opportunities
The Department will provide updated application forms, instructions and training through
webinars and regional settings prior to the effective date of the technical guidance.
David Goerman at 717-772-5971 or send email to: dgoerman@pa.gov.
Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing Feb. 15, Business Meeting March 15
The Delaware River Basin Commission will hold a hearing on water withdrawal requests and
adoption of the latest DRBC Water Resources Program February 15. (formal notice)
DRBC will hold a business meeting on these same items March 15.
Both the hearing, starting at 1:30 p.m. and the meeting, starting at 10:30 a.m. and will be
at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington
Crossing in Bucks County.
Click Here for a detailed agenda for the hearing. Click Here for more information on the
meeting.
For more information, visit the DRBCs Upcoming Commission Meeting webpage.
NewsClips:
Delaware River Watershed Weekly, Feb. 3
Delaware RiverKeeper Feb. 3 RiverWatch Video Report
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 27 RiverWatch Video Report
New Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Cert. Program From Penn State Extension
The new Penn State Extension Chesapeake Bay Landscape

Professional (CBLP) Certification Program relies on several
publications and resources to help landscape professionals learn
all they can about sustainable landscaping practices before
taking a final exam.
What was missing from the study materials however, was a
single resource on how stormwater management and watershed
restoration is managed in the Chesapeake Bay Region.
Many state and local publications were available but none that
were comprehensive in nature.
With the task defined, a small team worked together to create the
new Basic Principles of Watershed Restoration and Stormwater Management in the Chesapeake
Bay Region, a 42 page study resource that covers everything from the definition of a watershed
to the basics of stream restoration and Low-Impact Development practices.
The authors of this document, Jennifer Dindinger and Amanda Rockler, Watershed
Restoration Specialists at the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension; Kristen Kyler,
Project Coordinator at the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center; David Sample,
Associate Professor of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech; Laurie Fox, Research
Associate at the Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center; and
Shereen Hughes the Assistant Director of Wetlands Watch worked cooperatively across state
lines to complete the document in time for the CBLP participants to use before their exam.
The document's backbone comes from the Total Maximum Daily Loads: A Citizens
Guide To The Chesapeake Bay TMDL and the Virginia Urban Nutrient Management Manual,
but was developed to be easy to read, educational for a diverse audience, and comprehensive of
all the management tools used in the Bay region.
Included in the guide are two tables describing and showing pictures of the many Best
Management Practices that are commonly used in the Bay Region.
"In our minds, this was a win-win situation and another great example of the amazing
support we've received, with the co-authors pulling together to support the certification and their
professionals goals in the process" said Shereen Hughes who is also acting as the Virginia
Coordinator for the CBLP program.
The document, while needed for the CBLP program, also provided a great opportunity
for the writing team to learn about the practices used in other states and to form new working
relationships across state lines.
Kristen Kyler shares, "It was a neat experience working collaboratively on this document.
Because we were all spread out across the region, we never actually met but worked together
through phone conversations, email, and Google Docs. It was a new way of working
collaboratively, for me, at such a large scale."
Throughout the process team members noted how much they were learning about
different states and different practices. Different terms are used more commonly in different
states for Best Management Practices and regulations can be very different depending on
location.
Jennifer Dindinger observed, "We hope that this document will help landscape
professionals become more fluent in the language used across jurisdictions and in doing so
expand their business opportunities."
While developed for the CBLP program, the team plans to get the document peer
reviewed and published as a regional Extension document.
For more information on the program and the training calendar, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification Program webpage.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the Jan. 30 Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter. Click Here to
sign up for your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Jan. 30 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension
The January 30 edition of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State
Extension featuring articles on-
-- Penn State Extensions New Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Program
-- Apply For DCNR Conservation Partnership, Riparian Buffer Grants Starting Jan. 23
-- Green Infrastructure In PA, Chesapeake Bay Blueprint Drive Improved Bay Health
-- Adaptive Management Of Soil Conservation Essential To Improving Water Quality
-- Extension Releases New LearnNow Video On Aquatic Invasive Species
NewsClips:
Video: A River Again, The Story Of The Schuylkill River Project
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
January Runoff Rundown Available From Center For Watershed Protection
The January edition of Runoff Rundown is now available from the Center for Watershed
Protection featuring articles on--
-- The Role of Urban Trees in Stormwater Management
-- New Chesapeake Bay Credit Approved for Redirecting Runoff from Impervious Areas
-- Training Services Available from the Center on Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
-- 2017 Watershed and Stormwater Conference Feb. 4
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy. Click Here for past issues.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Center for Watershed Protection website.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
PA American Water Accepting Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest Entries
PA American Water Wednesday announced entries are now

being accepted for its 15th Annual Protect Our Watersheds
Student Art Contest. The deadline is March 31.
All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools
served by Pennsylvania American Water are eligible, as well
as individual students who live in the companys service
area.
The contest encourages students to tap into their
artistic talents to express the importance of protecting
Pennsylvanias water resources.
In todays classrooms, students are more in touch
with our environment, learning the role they play in protecting our natural resources, said PA
American Water President Kathy L. Pape. Art is an important aspect of the educational
program, and educators are using more STEAM projects in their lessons -- this contest is another
facet of that concept.
Pennsylvania American Water recently sent contest information and applications to
teachers in nearly 500 schools in its service territory. Winners will be selected based on creative
vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that
understanding.
As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of
watershed protection.
In 2016, the company received more than 500 entries from students across the state. The
grand prize winner was Sanaa Amanullah a sixth-grade student from Spring-Ford School District
in Montgomery County (photo).
In total, six students will be recognized with a first-, second- and third-place winner
selected from eastern and western Pennsylvania.
First-place winners will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Two
second- and third-place winners will be awarded a $50 and $25 gift card, respectively.
In addition, the overall grand prize winner will have her/his artwork featured on
Bloomer cards distributed by Pennsylvania American Water. Bloomer cards are seed-filled
packets that, when planted and tended, produce a variety of wildflowers.
All entrants will receive a Watershed Champion certificate. Awards will be presented in
May as part of National Drinking Water Week activities.
Contest guidelines and entry forms are available on the Protect Our Watersheds Student
Art Contest webpage.
(Photo: PA American Water Senior Supervisor Ed Baetzel, Spring-Ford teacher Maria Talone,
2016 Grand Prize winner Sanaa Amanullah, and Spring-Ford principal Heather Nuneviller.)
Related Stories:
PA American Water Accepting Stream Of Learning Scholarship Program Applications
PA American Water Accepting Applications For 2017 Environmental Grant Program
NewsClips:
Resources
February 3 DEP News Now Available
The February 3 edition of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental
Protection featuring articles on--
-- Acting DEP Secretary Joins U.S. Senator Casey To Discuss Energy Efficiency
-- DEP Announces Lifting Of Boil Water Advisory For Pittsburgh
-- Rooftop Solar Project At Estes Trucking Completed In Mercer County
-- February Is Falcon Nesting Season!
For more information, visit DEPs website, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on
Twitter and visit DEPs YouTube Channel.
Acting DEP Secretary Joins U.S. Senator Casey To Discuss Energy Efficiency
On January 26, Acting DEP Secretary Patrick

McDonnell joined PennEnviornment and the
Academy of Natural Sciences for a discussion with
U.S. Senator Bob Casey on how to defend the
federal Clean Air Act and climate change in a new
era of unprecedented attacks on climate science
and clean energy.
Secretary McDonnell covered topics of
reducing fossil fuels, energy efficiency, climate
adaptation and how to educate the residents of
Pennsylvania, saying--
Reducing fossil fuels is about momentum. We are hoping to create a momentum for
solar deployment from this effort and increase agreement among utilities, businesses, and
government on the value of solar. And throughout it all, we want to document the process. I do
believe that one of the definitions of success is that it be replicable.
"We are working on energy efficiency initiatives focusing in low-income communities
that engage energy-level workers in building energy assessments and will include market
partners that will execute retrofit implementations and overcome many barriers currently
impeding progress in building energy efficiency, such as cost of assessments, connecting with
legitimate retrofit contractors, and lack of financing.
"And finally it is important to educate Pennsylvanians not only about the impacts about
what needs to be done, but about what they need to do to lessen their carbon footprint. The
science is settled and everyone can do something, whether it be to seal and insulate your home,
recycle and dispose of waste properly, or to share rides or opt for other modes of transportation.
Making these changes have a great impact to creating a path forward for the future.
NewsClip:
(Reprinted from the Feb. 3 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
Williams Partners: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Gets FERC OK
Williams Partners L.P. late Friday reported the Federal

Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a certificate of
public convenience and necessity authorizing the Atlantic
Sunrise expansion project an expansion of the existing
Transco natural gas pipeline to connect abundant Marcellus
gas supplies with markets in the Mid-Atlantic and
Southeastern U.S.
While we are still reviewing details of the certificate order,
we are pleased FERC has approved this much-needed energy
infrastructure project which will leverage existing infrastructure to help millions of Americans
gain access to affordable Pennsylvania-produced natural gas, said Rory Miller, senior vice
president of Williams Partners Atlantic-Gulf operating area. Today, Pennsylvania is the
second-largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. Projects like Atlantic Sunrise will help the
state maximize the tremendous economic benefits that this local resource holds.
Following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, Williams Partners anticipates
beginning construction on the mainline portion of the project facilities in mid-2017.
These mainline facilities will create a path from the northern part of the Transco system
to markets along the Eastern Seaboard for a portion of the project capacity in time for the
2017-2018 heating season.
Construction on the Central Penn Line, the greenfield portion of the project, is targeted to
begin early in the 3rd Quarter of 2017, which would allow the full project capacity to be placed
into service in mid-2018.
Williams' Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project is a nearly $3 billion investment that will
encourage continued production of natural gas in the shale regions and investment in
manufacturing throughout Pennsylvania. Infrastructure like this is needed to strengthen our
energy portfolio, which also includes coal, nuclear and renewables. This project is among the
largest private investments of capital ever made in this state and will support thousands of
family-sustaining jobs during construction many of them in blue-collar trade and
manufacturing sectors and hundreds of long-term jobs once operational, said Gene Barr,
president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
Pennsylvania State University researchers forecast the Atlantic Sunrise project to directly
and indirectly support approximately 8,000 jobs in the 10 Pennsylvania counties during the
projects construction phase, resulting in an estimated $1.6 billion economic impact in the
project area.
Following a comprehensive nearly three-year review, the Order issued by the
Commission concludes that the Atlantic Sunrise project will serve the public interest.
On Dec. 30, 2016, FERC published its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
the proposed project, concluding that environmental impacts would be reduced to less than
significant levels with the implementation of mitigation measures proposed by the company and
FERC.
Visit Williams Atlantic Pipeline webpage for more information.
NewsClips:
Crable: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Gets Last-Minute Approval
FERC Approves Williams Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline
Williams Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Project Gets FERC Nod
Crable: FERC May Rule On Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline By Friday
Editorial: Seizing Property Would Be Ugly End To Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Saga
Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Has Stockpiles Of Foreign-Made Steel In Spite Of Trumps Order
Leaks Still Sought Near Williams Pipeline In Columbia County After 20 Months
http://www.pressenterpriseonline.com/daily/013017/page/1/story/leaks-still-sought-near-gas-line
Communities Along Mariner East 2 Pipeline Route Brace For Construction
Op-Ed: Steamfitters Urge Pennsylvanias Energy Development
Sunoco Pipeline To Announce New Hiring At Marcus Hook Site
Trump Loves Pipelines, But He Accidentally Froze A Bunch Of Them
AP: Pipeline Projects In Limbo As FERC Commissioner Departs
Army Corps Ordered To Issue Dakota Pipeline Permit Easement
PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Urges DEP To OK Mariner East 2 Pipeline
Members of the PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Monday urged the Department of

Environmental Protection to move swiftly and finally approve the permits needed to construct
the Mariner East 2 pipeline project.
The project has been in planning and review phases for more than two years, and the
subject of numerous municipal and state-sponsored public hearings and forums during that time.
In August, dozens of PEIA members testified in person and submitted comments for the
record to DEP when it convened five separate hearings along the path of Mariner East 2 project.
Its time to move from concept to construction, said Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce President Trish McFarland, who is among PEIAs founders. We continue to see
news about companies wanting to send our natural gas out of state to the Gulf Coast. This should
serve as a warning that we need to build this critical infrastructure now, or risk losing out on all
the benefits.
The U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration identifies pipelines are the safest mode of energy transportation.
A recent independent analysis commissioned by a southeastern Pennsylvania township
confirmed that Mariner East 2 has incorporated additional processes in excess of minimal
pipeline safety regulations that should assure the safety of this proposal, adding to reviews
about the state-of-the-art technologies and round-the-clock monitoring that will ensure safe
construction and long-term operation.
That report was compiled by Accufacts Inc., which has more than 40 years of experience
in the energy industry and is run by a certified safety management engineer with a special focus
on proper design and operation in areas of unique population density or of an environmentally
sensitive nature.
Pennsylvania is facing a huge budget shortfall and is in need of an economic boost.
The Mariner East 2 project represents a $4.2 billion investment in Pennsylvanias
economy. The pipeline will create around 30,000 new direct and indirect jobs during
construction, relying on union labor, and approximately 300 to 400 permanent positions
throughout Pennsylvania once the pipeline is operational.
Jim Kunz, business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66
in western Pennsylvania, said without the shale gas industry, his local would have anywhere
between 10 percent to 20 percent higher unemployment. Mariner East 2 has the potential to
create even more opportunities.
We understand that beyond the development of these energy resources, their safe
movement from the fields to market is critical, Kunz said. Using local trades on pipeline
infrastructure ensures that the most qualified, best-trained professionals are hired to safely build
the pipeline. And, it also ensures that the pipeline will meet and exceed federal regulation safety
requirements. The Mariner East 2 pipeline has received ample input by regulators, officials and
the general public since it was first proposed more than two years ago. Its time to get to work.
The PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance is a coalition of labor, agriculture, manufacturing
and other business interests that support private investment in pipeline and other energy
infrastructure developments. The alliance has more than 30 members statewide.
Visit DEPs Mariner East 2 Pipeline Project webpage for information on the status of
permits.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Natural Gas Set To Expand Capacity In Electricity Generation By 8 percent Over 2 Years
The U.S. Energy Information Administration Monday

reported the electricity industry is planning to increase
natural gas-fired generating capacity by 11.2 gigawatts
(GW) in 2017 and 25.4 GW in 2018, based on
information reported to EIA.
If these plants come online as planned, annual net
additions in natural gas capacity would be at their
highest levels since 2005.
On a combined basis, these 201718 additions would increase natural gas capacity by 8
percent from the capacity existing at the end of 2016.
[Note: In Pennsylvania, there are enough natural gas power plants now being reviewed
by DEP that could replace all coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania.]
Depending on the timing and utilization of these plants, the new additions could help
natural gas maintain its status as the primary energy source for power generation, even if natural
gas prices rise moderately.
The upcoming expansion of natural gas-fired electricity generating capacity follows five
years of net reductions of total coal-fired electricity generating capacity. Available coal-fired
capacity fell by an estimated 47.2 GW between the end of 2011 and the end of 2016, equivalent
to a 15 percent reduction in the coal fleet over the five-year period.
The electricity industry has been retiring some coal-fired generators and converting
others to run on natural gas in response to the implementation of environmental regulations and
to the sustained low cost of natural gas.
The cost of natural gas delivered to power generators fell from an average price of $5.00
per million Btu (MMBtu) in 2014 to $3.23/MMBtu in 2015 and averaged $2.78/MMBtu from
January through October 2016, the latest available data.
Expanded production from shale formations is one of the main reasons that natural gas
prices have remained low in recent years.
Many of the natural gas-fired power plants currently under construction are located in
Mid-Atlantic states and Texas, where the nations major natural gas shale plays are located.
Expanding natural gas pipeline networks also help support the growth in natural gas-fired
electric generating capacity.
Based on projections in EIAs January 2017 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), natural
gas prices are expected to increase in both 2017 and 2018. Rising natural gas prices could lead
developers to postpone or cancel some of the upcoming power plant additions.
Construction timelines for these plants are relatively short: more than half of the natural
gas-fired generating capacity scheduled to come online in 2017 and 2018 was not yet under
construction as of October 2016.
Rising natural gas prices could also encourage power generators to lower their use of
natural gas-fired capacity. Despite the additions to capacity in 2017, the STEO forecast share of
total U.S. generation supplied by natural gas falls from 34 percent in 2016 to 32 percent in 2017.
In contrast, coals share of generation is projected to rise from 30 percent to 32 percent.
By 2018, however, the scheduled expansion of overall capacity fueled by natural gas is
expected to more than offset the effect of higher natural gas prices and potentially reduced
utilization, resulting in a slight increase in natural gass share of total U.S. electricity generation.
NewsClip:
U.S. EIA: Natural Gas Set To Expand Lead Over Coal In Electricity Generation By 8 percent In
Next 2 Years
Crable: Brunner Island Coal Power Plant Makes Switch To Natural Gas, Will Air Be Cleaner?
CMU Battery Technology On NOVA Program
PUC Strikes Another Hard Legal Blow Against PGW Liens
NY Bets Big On Aging Nuke Plants, Balancing Jobs, Safety
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Rooftop Solar Project At Estes Trucking Completed In Mercer County
Estes Trucking recently completed the installation of a

688kW rooftop solar array at its warehouse terminal in
West Middlesex, Mercer County.
This approximately $1.4 million project ($2.04 per watt)
was built with the assistance of a $400,000 PA Energy
Development Authority grant awarded to Estes in 2014.
A final inspection for grant purposes was completed in
January, along with the utility interconnection inspection.
Final commissioning also occurred in January, and the
system was turned on. At 2,200 panels with 688kW
capacity, this is the largest roof-mounted solar array in
Western Pennsylvania.
Estes anticipates this project will meet about 56 percent of the facilitys electric
consumption while saving about $67,000 per year in avoided electric purchase and reducing CO2
emissions about 1.2 million pounds annually.
The utility bill savings combined with the PEDA grant, a 30 percent federal tax credit,
and sale of solar renewable energy credits are expected to bring the payback for the project to
about 8.5 years for Estes.
A publicity event for early Spring 2017 is in initial planning stages among Estes, its
installation contractor-- Dynamic Energy of Wayne, PA, and DEP.
NewsClips:
Forbes: These 3 Republican Governors Invest In Clean Energy
U.S. Wind, Solar Power Tout Rural Jobs As Trump Pushes Coal
(Reprinted from theFeb. 3 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
Solar Panel Farm To Provide Clean Energy Savings To Fort Indiantown Gap
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs finalized a contract to build a solar panel farm
that will provide Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County, with clean renewable solar energy for
the next 20 years, reducing the facilitys power demand costs.
This solar power purchase agreement is a first-of-its-kind for a commonwealth agency
and provides a template for other agencies seeking to implement green energy solutions, said
Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvanias adjutant general. Every time we introduce
leading-edge technologies, cost savings and improved efficiencies, it is a win for Pennsylvania
and its residents.
The solar panel farm is the latest in a series of initiatives the DMVA has taken in recent
years to improve energy savings, including the conversion of most facilities on the Fort
Indiantown Gap training center to natural gas.
Slated for construction in the spring of 2017, the solar panel farm will reside on nearly 19
acres of land located between Service and Coulter roads on Fort Indiantown Gap.
The panels are expected to generate 5,697 MWhs of solar energy in their first year, which
is equivalent to providing power for 525 residential homes.
The solar panel farm will also reduce the consumption of electricity from the power grid
for Fort Indiantown Gap by 15 percent, while meeting federal energy standards requiring the use
of clean, renewable and alternative energy.
The DMVA, with assistance from the Department of General Services, is contracting
with Tesla Laboratories Incorporated to design, construct, operate and maintain the solar panel
farm at no cost to the agency.
The DMVA will purchase energy from the farm for 20 years. At the end of the term, the
facility can either be purchased from Tesla or removed from DMVA property.
Tesla has a history of providing energy solutions to the Department of Defense,
previously supporting a number of deployments to Iraq by producing electricity for the
warfighters.
The DMVAs initiative to improve energy savings supports the Governors Office of
Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME), which works with state
entities to modernize government operations in order to reduce costs and improve services.
NewsClips:
PPL Awarded $3.3 Million DOE SunShot Grant For Solar-Grid Integration Project
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy SunShot
Initiative Tuesday announced up to $30 million in new projects to support the integration of solar
energy into the nations electric grid, while diversifying the nations electricity sources and
improving the reliability and security of the electric grid.
In Pennsylvania, PPL Utilities was awarded $3.3 million, the largest grant, for a project
that integrates solar energy into the local grid.
SunShot said, This project leverages several different grid technologies to deploy a
distributed system platform that bridges the gap between existing and future technologies by
monitoring, controlling, and optimizing a high penetration of solar generation. PPL is also
developing a multi-layer device and communications architecture and a 500-customer pilot on at
least 10 distribution circuits. The project team plans to perform an extensive one-year
demonstration, proving all of the target parameters before deploying it system-wide.
SunShot is working to lower the cost and complexity of integrating solar with the electric grid,
says SunShot Director Charlie Gay. These projects give grid operators the tools to manage a
modern electric grid.
SunShot selected 13 projects under the ENERGISE funding program to enable grid
operators to access up-to-the-minute measurement and forecasting data from distributed energy
sources and optimize system performance using sensor, communication and data analytics
technologies.
These projects will help to improve the reliability of the nations energy grid by
providing utilities with dynamic, automated and cost-effective management of solar and other
distributed energy sources. These software and hardware solutions will be highly scalable,
data-driven, and capable of fully optimizing system operation and planning.
For more information on the program, visit DOEs Sunshot Initiative webpage.
NewsClips:
Green Building Alliance: 8 Inspiring Speakers Will Make You Love Sustainability Feb. 9
The Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh is hosting

another of its Inspire Speakers Series on February 9
featuring 8 speakers that will help you fall in love
with sustainability.
For the second year in a row, the GBA will
present stories via their Inspire Speaker Series meant
to engage listeners in conversations about ways they
can improve their communities.
Under the theme Loving Your Place, the
evening will feature seven local speakers telling short,
five- to seven-minute long stories about working to create a healthy, vibrant, and just Pittsburgh
region.
Jenna Cramer, GBAs vice president of community and transformation, says the event
was inspired by The Moth, a popular program that showcases storytelling with live shows,
competitions and a podcast.
When we first did the event, it was this idea of how do we get people to fall in love with
the idea of sustainability again, says Cramer. A lot of people dont get excited by the numbers
or research around sustainability, but if you tell someone a story theyre more likely to be
inspired by it or look at things in a different way.
The latest lineup boasts storytellers representing areas such as activism, education,
business and more.
Among those presenting are Celeste Smith of the socially conscious hip-hop collective
1HoodMedia, Zero Six Eight founder Daniel Bull, Chatham University professor Hctor Sez
and a South Fayette School District teacher Charles Herring .
Also included are speakers working on environmentally-related causes, including
Millvale sustainability coordinator Zaheen Hussain, green architect Laura Nettleton, Dave
Moore, executive director of Pittsburgh urban Christian School and Kendra Strobel who
created a meeting place for teenage girls as a Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program participant.
Cramer adds that they chose storytellers from a diverse array of causes in order to
redefine what sustainability means.
Its not just about the environment, she adds. Its also about social equity and impact
and economic vitality. Its so broad and interconnected.
The event will also feature poetry readings by GBA development director Ryan Walsh
and students from the Environmental Charter School.
The second annual Storytelling Inspire Speakers Series event takes place on February 9
from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Hill House Association. A Q&A
session with the storytellers will follow.
Guests are also welcome to attend a pre-show networking reception with food and drinks
beginning at 4:30 p.m. Registration costs between $5 and $20.
For more information and to register, visit the GBA Inspire Speakers Series webpage.
More information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events is available by
visiting the Green Building Alliance website.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
SEPTA Board Approves 2nd-Generation Sustainability Plan
The Southeast PA Transportation Authority has

reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable future,
with the Board's approval Monday of a
second-generation Sustainability Program Plan for
Fiscal Years 2017-2020.
Entitled "SEP-TAINABLE 2020", the plan is
a core part of SEPTA's Five-Year Strategic Business
Plan. It implements a triple-bottom line approach -
economic, social and environmental - to all of
SEPTA's efforts.
The plan establishes a goal of "budget
neutrality," requiring projects to meet a rigorous financial standard of paying for themselves
through grants, revenue, or cost savings.
"SEPTA's Sustainability Program has helped the Authority save millions of dollars in
operating costs," said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon. "It has also been extremely
valuable in positioning SEPTA to be competitive in grant programs for new initiatives, and we
expect that will continue in the coming years."
"Sustainability is a core principle for SEPTA in our everyday operations, and as we
continue efforts to rebuild our system and grow it for future generations," said SEPTA General
Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. "SEP-TAINABLE 2020 will play a key role as we continue to
advance critical improvements throughout the SEPTA system."
The first-generation Sustainability Program Plan, "SEP-TAINABLE", was adopted in
January 2011. Notable achievements include:
-- Energy Action Plan, published in 2012, which has charted a course to implement innovative
energy projects such as facility retrofits, wayside energy storage, and battery-electric buses.
-- Climate Adaptation Plan, published in 2013, which served as the foundation for an $87
million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration to implement an "Infrastructure
Resiliency Program".
-- Cycle-Transit Plan, published in 2015, which has been used as a framework for installation
of strategic bike infrastructure at rail stations to encourage ridership growth.
-- Environmental & Sustainability Management System (ESMS) for the Berridge Shop,
which was certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under its
globally recognized standard for environmental management.
The proposed second-generation Sustainability Program, SEP-TAINABLE 2020, aims to
build on these successes, and adopts aggressive performance targets. Plans include:
-- Recycling Program refresh, in which SEPTA has begun to strategically install recycling
receptacles at employee facilities and passenger stations to increase waste diversion rates and
reduce costs associated with a multi-year hauling contract.
-- Renewable Energy Plan, building off an existing solar proposal to explore budget-neutral
opportunities for adoption of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
-- Stormwater Management Plan, which would seek cost-effective opportunities to reduce fees
associated with impervious surfaces through a partnership with the Philadelphia Water
Department and strategic implementation of green infrastructure.
-- An expanded ISO-Certified ESMS program to include the Wayne Shop as well as
implementation of an "ISO Lite" program to introduce environmental management best practices
at all SEPTA facilities.
As with the first-generation plan, the SEP-TAINABLE 2020 program plan has been
developed through extensive input, including stakeholder roundtables, a public open house, peer
agency benchmarking through APTA, and collaboration with key regional planning partners
from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, City of Philadelphia and Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
The SEP-TAINABLE 2020 Plan is available online.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
Philadelphia Accepting Applications For Sustainable Business Tax Credit
The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability is now accepting new applications and renewals for the
Sustainable Business Tax Credit, which offers up to a $4,000 credit on the Business Income and
Receipts Tax paid by Philadelphia businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
The deadline for applications is April 15.
Businesses can demonstrate their commitment by pursuing B-Corporation certification or
by completing an application attesting to the sustainability credentials of their business.
If youve previously received the credit, you can complete the quick renewal application
to re-apply for this tax year.
Beginning this year, the tax credit has expanded to be available to 50 businesses, so we
need your help in ensuring that as many sustainable businesses as possible are aware of this
opportunity.
For more information and to download the application, visit the Sustainable Business Tax
Credit webpage. Questions should be directed to: sustainability@phila.gov.
January In Case You Missed It From PA Environmental Council
The January issue of In Case You Missed It from the PA

Environmental Council is now available featuring articles
on--
-- PEC Positions On DEP Funding, Fees For Wildlife
Agencies, Regulating Methane
-- PECs Bill Tracker Is Up And Running For The New
Legislative Session
-- POWR Now Accepting 2017 Sojourn Grant
Applications
-- Register Now For Statewide Watershed Conference
-- Register Now Deep Decarbonization Conference In March
-- PA Environmentalist: Global Race To Halt Climate Change
-- Submit Your Nominations For Western PA Environmental Awards
-- Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts.
PRC, Allegheny CleanWays Bring Wild & Scenic Film Festival To Pittsburgh March 9
On March 9, the PA Resources Council and

Allegheny CleanWays will host an evening of
engaging and eye-opening films that address
pressing global issues such as climate change,
species extinction and environmental justice at
the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.
The Festival will be held at the Eddy Theater at
Chatham Universitys Shadyside campus. Doors
will open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at
6:30 p.m.
Purchase early bird tickets by February 10 and pay just $10/person by visiting PRCs
Wild & Scenic Film Festival webpage or calling PRC at 412-488-7490 x105. Tickets purchased
after February 10 and at the door on March 9 will be $15/person.
All proceeds will benefit PRC and Allegheny CleanWays.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
Penn State Extension Releases New LearnNow Video On Aquatic Invasive Species
A new LearnNow Video from Penn State Extension

discusses 10 of the invasive organisms considered
priorities by the Great Lakes Commission and Fish and
Boat Commission are described along with some pointers
on identifying them. Click Here to watch the video.
(Reprinted from the Jan. 30 Penn State Extension

Watershed Winds newsletter. Click Here to sign up for
your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
DCNR Invites Students To Apply For Environmental Careers Camp In Luzerne County
Young Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing

environmental careers are invited to apply by April 15
for the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources summer residential camp, DCNR Secretary Cynthia Adams Dunn said Tuesday.
Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNRs strongest success stories
since beginning 16 years ago, said Dunn. The camp is designed to tap into interest in natural
resources at a young age and enhance and develop it. Weve successfully worked with hundreds
of young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers
available to them.
The six-day camp begins July 9, at Camp Kresge, White Haven, Luzerne County. The
camp is near Nescopeck State Park and about 10 miles north of White Haven.
The camp will introduce 20 students in grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental
careers, and encourage their pursuit. From wildlife conservation projects and stream sampling of
aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities will offer students a hands-on, team-building
learning experience in an outdoor setting.
Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of
intelligence, spirit, and commitment to environmental improvement, Dunn said. In addition,
many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some coming back year after year.
Participants explore a wide range of career experiences, including water quality
assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. They will also meet
conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.
Offered free of charge; instruction and daily activities are overseen by specialists and
officials from DCNRs bureaus of State Parks and Forestry. After the camp, attendees will have
a chance to seek internships, job-shadowing and other career-related opportunities through the
camps mentor program.
For more details and applications, visit DCNRs ECO Camp webpage; email to:
ECO_Camp@pa.gov; write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Outdoor
Programming Services Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551, or call
717-425-5330.
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.
NewsClip:
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
Lehigh Valley Greenways Now Accepting Applications For 2017 Mini-Grant Program
Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape,

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is preparing
to disburse $75,000 as part of the 2017 Lehigh Valley
Greenways Mini-Grant Program. The deadline for
applications is March 3.
Lehigh Valley Greenways mini-grants are intended to
inspire collaboration to carry out ready-to-go, single-year
projects that protect and promote the natural resources of
the Lehigh Valley and advance the goals of Lehigh Valley
Greenways.
Land conservation & restoration, outdoor recreation & trail connections, community
revitalization, and local education & outreach are among Greenway goals.
Priorities for the 2017 are:
-- Promote the regions natural areas and land/water trails through programming and
informational signage in order to increase appreciation of natural and cultural resources and
improve public health;
-- Advance land conservation of the Lehigh Valleys critical landscapes;
-- Implement ecological restoration projects (ex. stream habitat improvements, riparian buffers,
native grass/wildflower meadows, rain gardens, no-mow areas along streams and in public
parks);
-- Host educational events, trainings and workshops to advance the goals of Lehigh Valley
Greenways; and
-- (Municipalities) Adopt model ordinances and/or an official map to protect natural resources
and improve bicycle/pedestrian connections.
Eligible applicants include municipalities, municipal agencies, county conservation
districts, educational institutions (colleges, universities, school districts), and nonprofit
organizations with both tax-exempt 501c3 status and registered with PA Bureau of Charitable
Organizations.
Projects must be located within Lehigh or Northampton County.
Please note that projects along the D&L Trail in Carbon and Luzerne Counties should
apply to Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape for mini-grant funding.
The current application cycle will be awarded in April 2017 for single-year projects to
start and end between May 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018.
Grant requests should be a minimum of $1,000 and maximum of $10,000 with total
project costs at least double the grant request. Mini-grants must be matched with cash and/or
eligible in-kind contributions at a minimum 1:1 ratio.
Pre-Application Meeting Feb. 17
All applicants are requested to send a representative to the pre-application meeting on
February 17 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, 400 Belfast
Road, Nazareth, PA.
The grant awards are part of Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape program
and funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and
Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund. Lehigh Valley Greenways mini-grant funds
may not be used to match other DCNR funded grant projects.
Lehigh Valley Greenways is one of seven Conservation Landscapes supported by DCNR
and includes more than 25 organizations and municipal partners in Lehigh and Northampton
Counties dedicated to the conservation of and connection to our natural resources.
Interested applicants can review full mini grant guidelines and fill out the online
application by visiting the Lehigh Valley Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage.
For more information on Lehigh Valley Greenways and the mini-grant program, please
contact Claire Sadler at 610-923-3548 x226 or send email to: Claire@delawareandlehigh.org.
More information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, is available by visiting
the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape website.
(Photo: Trexler Environmental Center, Trexler Nature Preserve, Schnecksville, Lehigh County.)
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
PA Parks & Forests Foundation: For Each $1 Invested In State Parks, $12.41 Returned
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation, through the Gateway

Community Initiative, created an infographic outlining the
economic benefits of connecting people and businesses to the
outdoors in Pennsylvania. Among the economic benefits included
are--
-- State Parks Benefits: State Parks contribute $1.145 billion in
sales and support 12, 630 jobs in PA;
-- State Parks ROI: For Every $1 Invested In State Parks, $12.41
of value added income is returned to PA;
-- Lehigh Valley: In the Lehigh Valley, open space provides $355
million in water supply, flood control and habitat benefits;
-- Philadelphia: The 10,344 acres of parkland in Philadelphia
saves more than $5.9 million in stormwater management costs;
-- Heritage Areas: PAs 12 Heritage Areas support 25,708 jobs and contribute $2 billion to
PAs economy;
-- PA Wilds Initiative: The PA Wilds Initiative lead to annual visitor spending of $1.7 billion;
-- Open Space: Protected open space in the 5-county Philadelphia area helped avoid $795
million in medical costs; and
-- SW PA Trails: The 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage Trail in SW PA generates $150
million in revenue annually and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh attracts more than
822,000 users contributing $8.4 million annually to the local economy.
The card provides information about the miles of trails, natural benefits of open space,
personal health, and the number of jobs supported by people visiting the outdoors of
Pennsylvania.
Creation of the infographic/rack card is a part of The Gateway Community Initiative.
This initiative is working to introduce visitors of state parks and forests to the regions heritage,
history, and businesses while connecting businesses to the state parks and forests in the region.
Beginning with the Ligonier Valley, an Action Team, including civic and municipal
leaders and park and forest directors, assessed the community through the eyes of a new visitor.
Many helpful tools were created including installation of new signage and an informational
kiosk, development of a rain and shine walking tour, and an area reference map.
Investing in open space and outdoor recreation makes good economic sense for
Pennsylvania, said Marci Mowery, President of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation. Not
only is tourism the second leading industry in the Commonwealth, but clean water, clean air,
health care savings, and stress reduction benefit all Pennsylvanians.
The project, funded through a grant from Richard King Mellon Foundation, is currently
working to identify other gateway communities across the state.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.
NewsClips:
PA Trail Of The Year: Montour Trail
Leak Above Point State Parks Reflecting Pool Has Returned
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Crable: Teens Prosecuted For Spray-Painting Tower At Governor Dick Park
Jordan Creek Greenway Slated For Construction In Lehigh Valley
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Use More Than Doubles
Harrison Gets Grant For Three Rivers Heritage Trail Safety Improvements
Op-Ed: Lets Complete Trails On Both Banks Of Mon River
Riverfront Park Proposed In Scranton
Editorial: Plan For Scranton Park True Progress
Related Story:
Lancaster Farmland Provides $676 Million In Annual Environmental Benefits
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor Releases Draft Delaware Canal Vision Study
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage

Corridor Monday announce the release of the
draft Delaware Canal Vision Study 2016 for
public review and comment.
The Delaware Canal Vision Study 2016 is the
result of a collaboration between stakeholders,
project partners and the public to seek creative
ideas from the regional community about how
this unique state park and National Historic
Landmark might be sustained and improved in
the 21st Century.
D&L project partners include: the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
Delaware Canal 21, and the Friends of the Delaware Canal with funding from the William
Penn Foundation to identify issues and opportunities along the entire 60-mile Delaware Canal
State Park and D&L Trail from Easton to Bristol.
The Delaware Canal Vision Study 2016 looks at each of the Canal municipalities and
addresses the most important challenges facing the Canal in these communities.
Opportunities and potential partners are identified with the goal of creating New
Partnerships for a New Era.
D&L and the project partners invite the public to review and comment on the draft of The
Delaware Canal Vision Study.
A copy of the study is available online. For more background, visit the Delaware Canal
Vision Study website.
Comments can be emailed to Elissa Garofalo at: elissa@delawareandlehigh.org through
February 28. Please include page number and referenced text in the comment.
Questions can be directed to Elissa Garofalo at: elissa@delawareandlehigh.org.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Enter Now! Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor Shutter Madness Photo Tournament
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

Monday announced it is now accepting entries for the
first D&L Shutter Madness Photo Tournament. Entry
deadline is March 3.
The contest seeks to highlight what makes the
D&Ls five county geographic area unique and
beautiful through the eyes of residents and visitors.
Participants are encouraged to submit up to five
photos each to one of four geographic categories: Bucks
County, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Carbon
County and Luzerne County.
The top sixteen photos in each category will be entered into a bracket-style, multi-round,
Facebook tournament.
In addition to bragging rights, the tournament champion will receive a customized D&L
prize package with prize options including a D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run/Walk Entry,
tickets to the D&Ls Conversations on the Canal Dinner Cruises, and more.
Tournament spectators, who will cast votes in the form of Facebook Likes to select the
winner, will go through several rounds of voting. The winners of each round will move on to the
next round according to the posted schedule until the final face off on Facebook.
Tournament participants can find the description, entry form, rules, and model releases
can be found on the D&L Shutter Madness Photo Tournament webpage. For more information,
please contact Terri Monserrat by sending email to: terri@delawareandlehigh.org or call
610-923-3548 x224.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
Watch The Anti-Graffiti Student Videos In The PA Parks & Forests Foundation Contest
The PA Parks & Forests Foundation invites you to

watch your favorite anti-graffiti video made as part of
the high school and college student Anti-Graffiti Video
Contest.
For more information on programs, initiatives
and special events, visit the PA Parks & Forests
Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular
updates from the Foundation, Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Get Outdoors Poconos Mount Wismer Hike Feb. 25 In Monroe County
The Brodhead Creek Watershed Association will

host a Get Outdoors Poconos hike on February 25 at
the Mount Wismer look out in Barrett Township,
Monroe County.
Hike leader Carol Hillestad will show the way from
the trailhead at 1,500 feet in elevation, along a wide
woods road and into shifting, rocky paths.
While this hike is easier than the summertime trails,
its still moderate to challenging in difficulty. Hikers
here often use trekking poles or walking sticks.
See boulders separated from enormous slabs of rock on the cliff, a birds-eye view of a
50-acre marsh far below, and panoramas of the Delaware Water Gap and beyond. This winter
walk in the woods is well worth it.
Meet at the trailhead off Route 447 in Barrett Township at 1:00 p.m.. From the
Canadensis stoplight, take Route 447 north four miles. Sign for the trailhead is on your left.
When you park, please do not block the trailhead gate. Trailhead GPS: 41.241858, -75.263485
The hike is free, but registration is required. Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727; or
send email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org.
The hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a
grant from the William Penn Foundation.
For information about this and other trails in the hiking series, visit the Get Outdoors
Poconos webpage.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2017]
Time To Watch Young Peregrine Falcons In Love On The Rachel Carson Building
It's that time of year again when the hearts of young peregrine falcons
turn to love and everyone can watch nature's renewal online through
webcams on the Peregrine Falcon nest on the 15th Floor of the Rachel
Carson Building in Harrisburg.
According to DEPs @FalconChatter, the pair of falcons seem to
have settled into their nest site, in spite of a challenge by another male.
As regular as clockwork, the falcon pair start laying their eggs about
March 20, they hatch sometime in April and are banded by the Game Commission in May,
typically during a live event shared online and in person by students all over Pennsylvania.
In June they start testing their wings and fly, helped by volunteers who pick up errant
fledglings who end up on Market Street below their ledge.
Since 1997, a pair of Peregrine Falcons have made their home on a ledge off the 15th
Floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. In Pennsylvania, Peregrine Falcons, a
Pennsylvania endangered species, were extremely rare for many years.
Yet, through reintroduction programs, Peregrines have adapted to life in urban
environments like Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Williamsport.
Each year, DEP and the Game Commission track the activities of these amazing birds of
prey and share educational information with the world.
It is fitting the Peregrine Falcon nest is on the Rachel Carson Building, home of DEP and
DCNR, because this Pennsylvania-born scientist and writer, Rachel Carson, who spotlighted the
dangers pesticides posed to birds, including specifically the Peregrine Falcon. Click Here to
learn more.
For all things Peregrine Falcon, visit DEPs Falcon Cam webpage. Visit the Game
Commissions Peregrine Falcon webpage to learn more about the comeback of these amazing
birds.
(Photo: Fledgling Peregrine Falcons, Joe Kosack, Game Commission.)
NewsClips:
Game Commission Land Acquisitions, Energy Deals Highlight Board Meeting
Pennsylvanias system of state game lands would grow by more than 50 acres, thanks to two
land donations approved Tuesday by the Board of Game Commissioners.
One tract located in West Finley Township, Washington County, near State Game
Lands 245 was offered by Dr. David A. Celko.
Celko would retain the oil, gas and mineral rights associated with the 29.4-acre tract,
which is mostly forested with mixed hardwoods, is traversed by Blockhouse Run and has a
5-acre scrub-shrub wetland complex.
The other land donation two tracts totaling 34 acres adjoining State Game Lands 43 in
Warwick Township, Chester County was offered by Natural Lands Trust.
The forested tracts lie within the Hopewell Big Woods Important Mammal Area and the
Hay Creek-French Creek Forest Block Important Bird Area. Access from the east is from a
private drive off Pine Swamp Road, and from Laurel Road to the west.
New Natural Gas Deals
Energy-development agreements approved the Board of Game Commissioners are
expected to result in nearly $1.5 million in bonus payments, which will be added to the Game
Fund.
Energy Corporation of America (ECA) has agreed to develop natural gas under
approximately 370 acres beneath State Game Lands 223 in Greene and Cumberland townships,
Greene County.
The five-year agreement will not result in any surface disturbance to the game lands, and
ECA will pay the Game Commission 18 percent royalty for all oil, gas and other liquids or
condensates produced and sold from the tract.
Additionally, ECA has agreed to pay a $4,000 per acre bonus payment, which will add
about $1,482,400 to the Game Fund.
The board also approved an agreement to develop the gas rights beneath 0.36 acres of the
Mount Wheeler Tower Site in Washington County, which was acquired by the Game
Commission in 2008.
Range Resources has agreed to a five-year lease that will result in no surface disturbance
to the site. The company has agreed to pay the Game Commission 20 percent royalty for all oil,
gas and other liquids or condensates produced and sold from the tract, as well as a $2,000 bonus
payment.
Oil and gas development at each site will be regulated by the Commonwealths oil and
gas regulations and the Commissions Standard Non-Surface Use Oil and Gas Cooperative
Agreement.
Additional Game Lands Tracts
PennDOT cleared to reserve 50-acre parcel to replace game lands disturbed by projects.
A 50-acre tract completely surrounded by State Game Lands 330 in Piney Township, Clarion
County, has been cleared for eventual transfer to the Game Commission.
The Board of Game Commissioners approved the transfer from the state Department of
Transportation.
The land will be transferred to the Game Commission at some time in the future.
When game lands are affected by transportation projects, PennDOT is required to
compensate the Game Commission for the affected acreage by providing replacement lands. For
projects affecting less than five acres, the acreage is placed in reserve rather than provided in
small pieces. In this case, when the total in reserve reaches 50 acres, the parcel will be
transferred.
About half of the Piney Township tract has been deemed a critical and unique habitat for
state-endangered short-eared owl, upland sandpiper and dickcissel, as well as the state-threatened
northern harrier. The tract also has been the site of documented breeding and nesting by
Henslows sparrow, a species of special concern.
Access to the property is from Mount Zion Road, which bisects the property to north.
Mine Reclamation
The reclamation of refuse coal beneath about 23 acres of State Game Lands 332 in
Indiana County could generate an estimated $1 million for the Game Commission, based on an
agreement approved by the Board.
Robindale Energy Services Inc., of Armagh, has agreed to remove an estimated 1.8
million tons of recoverable coal refuse material beneath the game lands. The six-year deal
permits the company to occupy an additional 41 acres, as well.
Mining will be regulated by the Commonwealths Mining Regulations and the
Commissions Standard Coal Refuse Reclamation Agreement.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Game
Commission website.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
DEP Opportunity To Bid On Centralia Demolition Project, Columbia County

an opportunity to bid on a demolition project in Centralia, Columbia County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
Interns Wanted: Western PA Conservancy Land Stewardship, Watershed Internships
The Western PA Conservancy is seeking students to fill a variety of internship positions in Land
Stewardship (Venango County), Watershed Conservation (Indiana County) and at Fallingwater
(Fayette County). Click Here for all the details.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancys YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2017]
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.
Note: DEP published its 2017 schedule of advisory committee and board meeting in the
December 17 PA Bulletin, page 7896.
February 6-- NEW. House Labor and Industry Committee meets to consider House Bill 162
(Maloney-R-Berks) revising the process for updating the statewide Construction Code (sponsor
summary). Room 60 East Wing. 11:00.
February 7-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on
pharmaceuticals in Pennsylvanias waterways. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. 9:00
a.m. Click Here to watch the hearing live online.
February 7-- NEW. Gov. Wolfs Budget Address. 11:30. Click Here to watch live.
February 8-- CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Rescheduled
for March 29. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, diawilson@pa.gov or 717-787-3730. (formal
notice)
February 8-- Location Updated. Agenda Posted. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and
Wastewater Systems Operators meeting. 12th 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.
February 8-- DCNR Webinar: Applying For New Riparian Forest Buffer Grants. 10:00 to 11:30
a.m.
February 8-- Widener University Commonwealth Law School Program On African American
History In Our National Parks. Administration Building Room A180, Widener Law
Commonwealth, 3737 Vartan Way, Harrisburg. 5:30 program, 6:30 reception.
February 9-- DCNR PA Trails Advisory Committee Public Forum. Cumberland County Service
Center, Conference Room B, 310 Allen Road, Carlisle. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
February 9-- NEW. Green Building Alliance. Inspiring Speakers Series Will Make You Fall In
Love With Sustainability. Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium, Hill House Association, Pittsburgh.
5:30-7 p.m.
February 10-- NEW. Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) Marcellus Money and the Legislature
Presentation. Capitol Media Center. 11:00. Click Here to see it live online.
February 11-- 3rd Annual GreenAllies Conference. Messiah College, Mechanicsburg,

Cumberland County.
February 14-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game
Commission annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 9:30.
February 15-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commission annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 9:30.
February 15-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission hearing. Washington Crossing Historic
Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30. (formal
notice)
February 16-- CANCELED. DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting.
Rescheduled for April 13. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email to:
kklapkowsk@pa.gov. (formal notice)
February 16-- PennTAP Webinar: Pollution Prevention: Lean Manufacturing With A Focus On
Food Manufacturing. Noon to 1:00.
February 16-- CMU Wilton E. Scott Institute For Energy Innovation Building A Resilient,
Smart & Sustainable Pittsburgh - The Energy-Water Nexus. CMUs McConomy Auditorium,
Cohon University Center. 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
February 17-- PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership. PA Green & Healthy Schools Forum.
PaTTAN Harrisburg, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
February 21-- 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. (formal notice)
February 21-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council 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.
February 22-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Public Utility
Commission . Room 140.
February 23-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov or
717-772-5636
February 23-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or
717-772-3436.
February 23-- Green Valleys Watershed Association Stormwater Best Management Practices
Workshop. Welkinweir Arboretum, Pottstown, Chester County. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
February 24-- NEW. House Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on the import, sale, purchase
and barter of ivory and rhinoceros horns. Shusterman Hall, Temple University, 1801 North
Broad St., Philadelphia. 11:00.
February 24-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Woods & Waters Film Series. Selected Short
Films - Forest Kindergarten, The Last Dragons and more! Whole Foods Co-Op Community
Center, 1341 W. 26 St., Erie. 6:30 p.m.
February 25-- Penn State Extension, DCNR Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Penn State
University, Forest Resources Building, Room 112, University Park, Centre County. 9 a.m. 4:45
p.m.
February 25-- NEW. Get Outdoors Poconos Mount Wismer Hike. Monroe County.
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 10:00- Department of

Environmental Protection; 1:00- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Room
140.
February 27-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

Agriculture. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

Agriculture. Room 140.
March 1-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 1-- DEP hearing on PennEast Pipeline compressor station in Kidder Township, Carbon
County. Split Rock Resort Lodge, 100 Moseywood Rd in Lake Harmony. 6:00 to 9 p.m. (PA
Bulletin page 325)
March 1-2-- PA Lake Management Society 2017 Conference. Ramada Conference Center, State
College.
March 5-6-- Registration Open. PA Environmental Council PA Statewide Watershed

Conference. State College
March 7-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park
Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, agaida@pa.gov or 724-404-3147.
March 7-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email to:
dheimbach@pa.gov.
March 7-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, Rachel
Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or 484-250-5818.
March 8-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 8-- NEW. DEP hearing on base year inventory for the Delaware County Nonattainment
Area PM2.5 Standard. Department's Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown,
Montgomery County. 1:00 p.m. (formal notice)
March 9-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, dhissner@pa.gov or 717-772-2189.
March 9-- NEW. PRC, Allegheny Cleanways Hosts Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Eddy Theater
at Chatham Universitys Shadyside campus, Pittsburgh.
March 11-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. BlueBerry Hill-Franklin Park,
Allegheny County. 10:30 a.m. to Noon.
March 11-- Registration Open. 20th Annual Schuylkill River Watershed Congress.
Montgomery County Community College, Pottstown.
March 14-- PennTAP-DEP Facility Operations Workshop On Energy Efficiency. Penn Stater
Hotel & Conference Center, State College.
March 14-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, mbrojakows@pa.gov or 717-772-3429.
March 15-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Mike Maddigan, mmaddigan@pa.gov or 717-772-3609.
March 15-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen Szwajkowski,
kszwajkows@pa.gov or 717-772-2186.
March 15-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting. Washington Crossing
Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30.
(formal notice)
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 16-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
March 20-- NEW. Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee to hear a
presentation from representatives of the Anthracite Region Independent Power Plant
Association. Room 8E-A East Wing. Noon.
March 21-- 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.
March 21-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00
DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
March 23-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee (On-lot Systems) meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building, Harrisburg. 10:30. DEP Contact: Brian Schlauderaff, bschlauder@pa.gov or
717-772-5620.
March 23-24-- Westmoreland County Conservation District 2017 Engineers Workshop. Fred
Rogers Center, a LEED Gold Certified building at St. Vincent College, Latrobe.
March 24-25-- Penn State Forest Landowners Conference. Altoona.
March 26-29-- Registration Open. PA Recreation & Park Society 2017 Annual Conference.
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.
March 29-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, diawilson@pa.gov or 717-787-3730.
(formal notice)
March 31-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Woods & Waters Film Series. Selected Short
Films - Chasing Water, A Forest Year and more! Scot Cinema, Pogue Student Center, 405
Scotland Rd., Edinboro. 7:00 p.m.
April 1-- Penn State Extension, DCNR Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Penn State
Wilkes-Barre, Lehman, Luzerne County. 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
April 5-7-- PA Assn. of Environmental Professionals 32nd Annual Conference. State College.
April 6-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, jmelnic@pa.gov or 717-783-9730.
April 8-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Fern Park, Allegheny County. 10:30
a.m. to Noon.
April 8-- Penn State Extension, DCNR Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Penn State Beaver,
SUB Lodge, Monaca, Beaver County. 9 a.m. 4 p.m.
April 11-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. North Park-Rose Barn, Allegheny
County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
April 12-- 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.
April 12-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment (Deep Mining)
meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact:
Peggy Scheloske, mscheloske@pa.gov or 724-404-3143.
April 12-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
April 12-- PA Chamber Environmental Conference & Trade Show. Best Western Premier Eden
Resort & Suites, Lancaster.
April 13-- DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email to:
kklapkowsk@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 13-- Society of Women Environmental Professionals - Capital Chapter Annual

Conference. Central Penn Colleges Conference Center, Summerdale, Cumberland County.
April 18-- 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.
April 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
April 18-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Lauri Ann West Community Center,
Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
April 20-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436.
April 20-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. 4th Floor Training Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, dsnowden@pa.gov or
717-787-5103.
April 20-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. South Park-Buffalo Inn, Allegheny
April 21-22-- PEC, KPB Pinchot State Forest Earth Day Tree Planting. Luzerne County.
April 22-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Ross Township Community Center,
Allegheny County. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
April 25-27-- PA Section American Water Works Association Annual Conference. The
Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
April 26-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov
or 717-783-9269.
April 27-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov or 717-772-5636.
April 27-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Boyce Park-Activity Center,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 3-- Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference Center, State College.
May 4-6-- Registration Open. PA Land Trust Association Land Conservation Conference &
Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Lancaster.
May 10-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel E. Snowden, dsnowden@pa.gov or
717-787-5103.
May 10-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, diawilson@pa.gov or 717-787-3730.
May 16-- Primary Election Day.
May 17-- 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.
May 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
May 19-21-- PA Outdoor Writers Association Spring Conference. Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday

Inn Grantville, Dauphin County. Click Here for more information.
May 20-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests
Annual Conference. Mercer County.
May 24-- PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership. PA Green & Healthy Schools Forum with
PA Envirothon. University of Pittsburgh Campus-Johnstown .
June 1-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
June 7-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622 or send email to:
sbox@pa.gov.
June 7-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room 206, Bureau of
Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200.
June 7-- DCNR PA Trails Advisory Committee Public Forum. Murrysville Community Center,
3091 Carson Ave, Murrysville, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
September 21-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
joint meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
October 4-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, rjanati@pa.gov or 717-787-2147.
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
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
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 (Feb. 2017) - 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.
February 5-- Ben Franklin Shale Gas Tech Innovation Contest

February 8-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
February 10-- PA Resources Council Western PA Zero Waste Awards
February 15-- Dominion, PEC Western PA Environmental Awards
February 16-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants
February 17-- PennEast Pipeline STEM Education Grants
February 17-- Dominion Project Plant It! Education, Tree Planting Program
February 20-- PA Lake Management Society Photo Contest
February 24-- EPA National Groundwater Week Video Challenge
February 24-- POWR River Sojourn Grants
March 1-- PA House 4-Year College Scholarships For High School Seniors
March 1-- Dominion Foundation Environmental Education, Stewardship Grants
March 1-- PHMC Historic Preservation Grants
March 3-- DEP Urban Stormwater Grants, 10 Counties, Chesapeake Bay Watershed
March 3-- PA Environmental Professionals Karl Mason & Walter Lyon Awards
March 3-- NEW. Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor Shutter Madness Photo Tournament
March 7-- DCNR Beings Accepting Rural Firefighting Grants
March 7-- PEMA Student Severe Weather Poster Contest - Grades 1-6
March 7-- PEMA Student Weather Safety Poster Contest
March 17-- TreeVitalize Pittsburgh/Allegheny County Fall Plantings
March 17-- SunShot Prize: Solar In Your Community Challenge
March 20-- National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest
March 24-- CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
March 24-- PA American Water Stream Of Learning Scholarship Program
March 26-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
March 26-- CFA Solar Energy Program
March 26-- CFA High Performance Building Program
March 27-- PA American Water Environmental Grant Program
March 30-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy College Scholarships
March 31-- NEW. PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipality Waste Inspector Program Grants
March 31-- PPL Foundation Education, Workforce & Community Revitalization Grants
April 12-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Close
April 15-- NEW. DCNR Environmental Careers Summer Camp
April 15-- NEW. Philadelphia Sustainable Business Tax Credit
April 17- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Land Transaction Grants
April 19-- SBA Economic Damage Disaster Loans In 5 Southwest Counties
April 21-- NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program Grants
April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 3-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
May 12-- CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
May 12-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
May 12-- CFA Solar Energy Program
May 12-- CFA High Performance Building Program
May 19-- DCNR Rural Firefighting Grants
May 26-- PennAg Industries College Scholarships
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Water-Related, Recreation Grants
June 1-- DEP Vehicle Fleet Owner Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program
July 14-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
July 14-- CFA Solar Energy Program
July 14-- CFA High Performance Building Program
August 18-- SBA Flood Disaster Economic Injury Assistance In Northcentral PA
September 5-- SBA Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Economic Injury NC PA
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Program
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Program
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
-- 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.
Politics
AP: Legislatures Huge GOP Majorities Could Test A Wolf Veto
Federal Policy
Republicans Suspend Committee Rules To Approve Pruitt For EPA
Trumps EPA Pick Vote Delayed By Senate Dems Boycott
The Growing Case Against Pruitt To Lead EPA
Trump Wants To Scrap 2 Regulations For Each New One Adopted
Trump Signs 2 for 1 Order To Reduce Regulations
AP: Trump Signs Order To Cut Regulations For Small Businesses
Trump Acts To Roll Back Regulations On Businesses
Congress, Trump Being Reversing Multiple Environmental Rules, More
U.S. House Votes To Overturn Obama Rule On Natural Gas Flaring
Lehigh Valley Businesses Warm To Trump Order To Cut Regulations
Transition Official: Trump Taking Steps To Abolish EPA
Trump Lifts Temporary Freeze On EPA Grants
Penn Professors Puzzled By Trumps Climate Policy
Trump Prepares To Withdraw From Climate Change Agreement
U.S. Senate Committee OKs Trump Picks for Energy, Interior
Congressional Republicans Move To Sell 3.3 Million Acres Of Federal Land
Crable: Federal GOP Lawmaker Withdraws Bill To Sell 3.3 Million Acres of Federal Land
Trumps First Days Fuel Optimism Among Drillers, Angst For Environmentalists
Academy Of Natural Sciences Addresses Future Of Science
Air
Awards & Recognition
Budget
Resources
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
In Americas Heartland: Discussing Climate Change Without Saying Climate Change
Farmers In Westmoreland County Wary Of Trump Trade Moves
Penn Professors Puzzled By Trumps Climate Policy
Trump Prepares To Withdraw From Climate Change Agreement
Op-Ed: GOP Leaders Needed For Climate-Change Cause
Crable: What Are Warmest Coldest Temps Ever Recorded In PA?
Coal Mining
Knox Mine Disaster Recalled During Coal Miners Dinner
White: Coal Cracker Offers Long-Ago Memories
Consol Energy Plans To Sell Or Spin Out Coal Business
Consol Energy Seeks To Spin Off Its Coal Business
Republicans Reverse Rule To Protect Streams From Coal Mining
Congress Passes Rollback Of OSM Stream Protection Rule
Coal Mine Subsidence
Mine Subsidence Opens More Holes On Family Home In Schuylkill County
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Resources
Education
Energy
PUC Strikes Another Hard Legal Blow Against PGW Liens
NY Bets Big On Aging Nuke Plants, Balancing Jobs, Safety
Energy Conservation
Environmental Heritage
Knox Mine Disaster Recalled During Coal Miners Dinner
White: Coal Cracker Offers Long-Ago Memories
Farming
PA Development Fight Grows On Sliver Of Lancaster Farmland
Beekeeping Symposium Set For Feb. 4 At Temple
Flooding
Wilkes-Barre Given More Options For Funding Solomon Creek Flood Wall Repairs
Forests
Geologic Hazards
Earthquakes In PA, Expanded Seismic Monitoring Network
Harrisburg Sinkhole Victims Prepare To Abandon 53 Homes
Land Conservation
PA Development Fight Grows On Sliver Of Lancaster Farmland
North Branch Land Trust Winterfest Proves You Can Enjoy The Outdoors
Mine Reclamation
Abandoned Mine Blowout Caused By Driller Nearly Contained Along Mon River
Monongahela River
DEP Takes Samples Of Orange Stream On Monongahela River
A Plume Of Pollution Discolors Part Of Monongahela River
Oil & Gas
Data Trove Offers New Details On Drilling-Related Complaints To DEP
Citizen Drilling Complaints Soared During Natural Gas Boom
Shell Ramping Up Construction On Ethane Plant
Op-Ed: Commonsense Energy Policies Will Move PA Forward, MSC
Abandoned Mine Blowout Caused By Driller Nearly Contained Along Mon River
Seismic Testing For Drilling Concerns Upper Burrell Residents
Gas Drilling In Chartiers Twp Creating Unbearable Noise Pollution
Earthquakes In PA, Expanded Seismic Monitoring Network
National Fuel Gas Erie Customers To Pay 6.6% More For Gas
EQB Drilling Loses $453 Million In 2016
U.S. House GOP To Prioritize Coal, Methane Rules For Repeal
Pittsburgh Gasoline Prices Down In Past Week
Gasoline Prices Pushed Lower By Weak Demand, Increased Supply
Pipeline
Crable: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Gets Last-Minute Approval
Radon
Radon In Lehigh Valley: What To Do About Insidious Problem
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Cheswick Residents Lament Recyclings Demise
Out-Of-County Judge Will Hear Keystone Landfill Zoning Case
Renewable Energy
Susquehanna River
Annual Blessing Of Susquehanna River Held In Kingston
Wastewater Facilities
Editorial: Dont Waste Scranton Sewer Sale Proceeds
Watershed Protection
Wildlife
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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Governors Office published an updated Regulatory Agenda in the February 4 PA Bulletin
(page 740) listing regulations expected to be considered by state agencies over the next year or
so.
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 4, 2017
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
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 53 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the February 4 PA Bulletin - pages 675 to 728.
The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on proposed permits related

to the regulation of methane from oil and gas operations. (formal notice)
The proposed elements include--
-- Proposed General Plan Approval and General Operating permit No. 5A for Unconventional
Gas Well Site Operations and Remote Pigging Stations;
-- Proposed Modifications To General Plan Approval and General Operating permit No. 5 for
Natural Gas Compressor Stations, Processing Plants and Transmission Stations; and
-- Proposed Modifications To The Air Quality Permit Exemption List.
Copies of the proposed documents are available on DEPs eComment System webpage.
Interested persons may submit written comments on the Draft General Permits and Air
Quality Permit Exemption List by March 22.
Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. Comments, including comments
submitted by email, must include the originator's name and address. Commentators are
encouraged to review the proposed General Permits and Air Quality Permit Exemption List and
submit comments using the Department's online eComment System webpage or by email to
ecomment@pa.gov.
Written comments should be submitted to the Policy Office, Department of
Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA
17105-2063.
DEP published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin accepting comments on the proposed base
year inventory for the Delaware County nonattainment area and a hearing on March 8.
DEP published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin of proposed changes to the technical
guidance clarifying closure requirements for aboveground and underground storage tanks and for
Cryptosporidia, E.coli and turbidity laboratory reporting requirements for public water systems.
Comments are due March 6.
DEP published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin of final technical guidance on wetland
condition Level 2, riverine condition level 2 and lacustrine condition level 2 rapid assessments.
DEP published notice of federal Coastal Zone Management Act consistency determinations for
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide permit issuance and reissuance and for maintenance
dredging at the Philadelphia Shipyard.
Further details on proposed changes to DEP tank and laboratory guidance--

-- DEP ID: 263-4200-001. Title: Closure Requirements for Aboveground Storage Tank
be met to comply with the closure requirements for regulated large aboveground storage tank
systems. These procedures include closure notification, tank handling, waste management and
disposal, site assessment, sampling requirements, analytical requirements, release reporting and
recordkeeping.
and Industry.
name and address.
eComment System webpage or by e-mail to ecomment@pa.gov.. Written comments should be
-- DEP ID: 263-4500-601. Title: Closure Requirements for Underground Storage Tank
be met to comply with the closure requirements for regulated underground storage tank systems.
These procedures include closure notification, tank handling, waste management and disposal,
site assessment, sampling requirements, analytical requirements, release reporting and
recordkeeping.
and Industry.
name and address.
-- DEP ID: 390-3301-001. Title: Cryptosporidia, E.coli and Turbidity LT2ESWTR
Laboratory Reporting Instructions for Public Water Systems Using Surface Water or
Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water (GUDI) Sources. Description:
The guidance is necessary because: (1) The Long-term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment
Rule (LT2ESWTR) introduces source water quality monitoring and additional treatment
requirements for higher risk water systems, to enhance public health protection against
pathogenic microbial contaminants, especially Cryptosporidia.
For the LT2ESWTR, public water systems that use surface water or GUDI sources must
monitor their sources to determine treatment requirements. Some aspects of the LT2ESWTR are
of concern to laboratories.
The new technical guidance manual Cryptosporidia, E.coli and Turbidity LT2ESWTR
Laboratory Reporting Instructions for Public Water Systems Using Surface Water or GUDI
Sources provides uniform and detailed instructions for the reporting of drinking water
monitoring results to the Department; and (2) Laboratories and public water systems must now
report data electronically, according to 25 Pa.Code 109.810 (relating to reporting and
notification requirements).
The new technical guidance also provides instructions for submitting Cryptosporidia in
source water results into the Drinking Water Electronic Lab Reporting application by a new
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM OOCYSTS form for reporting. In addition, the technical guidance
introduces source water reporting of E.coli by enumeration.
name and address.
Pauline Risser at 717-772-5970 or send email to: parisser@pa.gov.
Further details on final DEP rapid assessment protocol guidance--
-- DEP ID: 310-2137-002. Title: Pennsylvania Wetland Condition Level 2 Rapid
the condition of palustrine wetland aquatic resources for the purposes of meeting regulatory
requirements in 25 Pa.Code Chapter 105 (relating to dam safety and waterway management).
publication of the proposed Pennsylvania Wetland Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocol at 44
Pa.B. 1396 (March 8, 2014) and 44 Pa.B. 2705 (May 3, 2014), Department regional staff
workshops, the Water Resources Advisory Committee, and State and Federal agency meetings.
condition user rating, photograph sections and a section regarding hydrogeomorphic
classification of wetlands; and the addition of bibliographic resources.
-- DEP ID: 310-2137-003. Title: Pennsylvania Riverine Condition Level 2 Rapid
the condition of riverine aquatic resources for the purposes of meeting regulatory requirements in
25 Pa.Code Chapter 105.
The guidance outlines how to conduct assessments, the factors to consider when doing so
and establishes a scoring system based upon condition categories.
publication of the proposed Pennsylvania Riverine Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocol at 44
-- DEP ID: 310-2137-004. Title: Pennsylvania Lacustrine Condition Level 2 Rapid
Assessment Protocol. Description: The purpose of this guidance is to provide standard
guidelines for evaluating the condition of lacustrine aquatic resources for the purposes of
meeting regulatory requirements in 25 Pa.Code Chapter 105.
The guidance outlines how to conduct assessments of lacustrine aquatic resources, the
factors to consider when doing so and establishes a scoring system based upon condition
categories.
publication of the proposed Pennsylvania Lacustrine Level 2 Rapid Assessment Protocol at 44
All these documents will be available on DEPs eComment System webpage.
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 (Feb. 2017) - 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
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CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.
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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 Feb. 6, 2017

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Pa Environment Digest Feb. 6, 2017

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #658 Harrisburg, PA Feb. 6, 2017

Gov. Tom Wolf will present his FY 2017-18 budget proposal

DEP 1994-95 2002-03 2015-16 Now

General 165.6 245.6 148.8

Special 117.0 37.6 0

Federal 102.4 142.2 193.0

Other 223.8 302.8 341.7

Total 492.1 728.3 691.0

Staff 3,187 3,211 2,689 2,409

DCNR 1994-95 2002-03 2015-16 Now

General 73.7 108.8 59.9

Federal 16.7 18.4 41.3

Other 53.1 76.5 223.7

Total 143.6 322.9 332.0

Staff 1,275 1,391 1,426 1,312

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Growing Greener Coalition To Wolf, Legislature: Funding Needed For Green

The PA Growing Greener Coalition Thursday called on Gov.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday announced

President Trump Monday issued an Executive Order putting a cap on

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/ Bills Introduced

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Senate/House Bills Moving

Performance-Based Budgeting: Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) establishing a

Notice Of Flood History: Senate Bill 51 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) further providing for

News From The Capitol

Watch Online: Senate Environmental Committee Feb. 7 Hearing On Pharmaceuticals In

Senate Performance-Based Budgeting Bill Reported From Committee

Senators John Blake (D-Lackawanna) (photo) and Guy Reschenthaler

January Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee

The January edition of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available

News From Around The State

DEPs Updated Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Agenda Now Available

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting comments on proposed permits

Fractracker: Introduction To The Susquehanna River Drilling Impacts Project

By Kirk Jalbert, PhD, MFA, For Fractracker

Looking at a map of Pennsylvania, three major

Chesapeake Bay Journal Feature: PA Farm Pollution Affecting Drinking Water In

By Rona Kobell, Chesapeake Bay Journal

In 1945, engineers tasked with bringing clean drinking

DEP Lifts Boil Water Notice For Pittsburgh Water Customers

DEP Proposes Changes To Tank Closure, E.coli Laboratory Reporting Guidance

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin of

Technical Guidance Finalized For Rapid Assessments Of Wetlands, Riverine Conditions

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin of

The new Penn State Extension Chesapeake Bay Landscape

January Runoff Rundown Available From Center For Watershed Protection

PA American Water Wednesday announced entries are now

February 3 DEP News Now Available

On January 26, Acting DEP Secretary Patrick

Williams Partners: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Gets FERC OK

Williams Partners L.P. late Friday reported the Federal

PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Urges DEP To OK Mariner East 2 Pipeline

Members of the PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Monday urged the Department of

The U.S. Energy Information Administration Monday

Rooftop Solar Project At Estes Trucking Completed In Mercer County