Pa Environment Digest March 27, 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 #665 Harrisburg, PA March 27, 2017
DEP Announces Winners Of 2017 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards
Department of Environmental Protection Thursday

announced 21 organizations across the Commonwealth
will receive the prestigious 2017 Governors Award for
Environmental Excellence for 16 projects that represent
the very best in innovation, collaboration, and public
service in environmental stewardship.
The Environmental Excellence Awards show
just how many Pennsylvanians, from fourth-grade
students to factory owners, care deeply about the air,
land, and water in their communities, said Gov. Wolf. We all benefit, as their commitment to
tackling important environmental challenges improves our quality of life statewide.
The award-winning projects remediate acid mine drainage, take fresh approaches to
environmental education, reduce emissions and greenhouse gases, conserve energy, implement
green municipal infrastructure, prevent pollution, reduce waste, conserve water, and restore the
health of rivers and streams in locations across Pennsylvania.
Any individual, business, school, government agency, or community organization in
Pennsylvania was eligible to apply for the award. DEP chose the winners from more than 50
applications, a 25 percent increase over 2015-2016.
Although past winners may submit applications for different projects each year, more
than half of this years awardees are first-time recipients.
Every year were impressed anew by the ingenuity and commitment Pennsylvanians
bring to environmental stewardship, said DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. Its
exciting to see the interest is growing.
The awardees will be recognized at an event hosted by DEP and the Pennsylvania
Environmental Council on April 25 at the Hilton in downtown Harrisburg.
The winners of the 2017 Governors Award for Environmental Excellence are:
-- Building STEM Skills through Aquaponics, by Riverbend Environmental Education Center
and Norristown Area School District (Montgomery County) Almost 500 seventh graders
learned about ecosystems, farming, and sustainability and gained science, technology,
engineering, and math skills as they grew strawberry plants and fish together in aquaponics
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systems installed in three middle schools.
-- City of Pittsburgh 100 Percent Biodiesel Project, by Optimus Technologies (Allegheny
County)-- Twenty-five of the citys fleet of 1,038 vehicles were equipped with technology to
optimize their performance on biodiesel fuel. Operational challenges typically associated with
biodiesel, such as fuel gelling and filter clogging, were eliminated, resulting in smooth operation
and a 6.44 percent reduction fleetwide in greenhouse gas emissions.
-- Fall Brook Acid Mine Drainage Remediation, by Tioga County Concerned Citizens
Committee Mine drainage had brought Fall Brook, a tributary to the Tioga River, to the level
of battery acid. A system of gravity-flow underground pipes now routes the water to limestone
beds that absorb pollutants and increase pH level to help restore water quality and aquatic life in
both the brook and 3 miles of the Tioga.
-- Helping Our Earth Field Project, by Nittany Valley Charter School (Centre County)
Students applied in-class and in-field instruction to develop and implement their own
stewardship plan that promotes carbon sequestration through native landscaping and wildlife
habitat at a nearby rural location.
-- Making a Difference in the Community and Lake Erie Environment by Recycling
Plastic Bags, by Iroquois School District (Erie County) Wanting to improve local waters
and wildlife habitat, students in grades 4-6 reduced their communitys use of plastic grocery bags
and increased plastic bag recycling. After conducting research, they concluded the lack of
curbside pickup makes it difficult for people to recycle plastic bags. They created receptacles at
school and started a recycling competition. In two months, the school recycled more than 68,000
plastic bags.
-- Merck Cherokee Water Conservation, by Merck Cherokee Pharmaceuticals
(Northumberland County) Cherokee right-sized its wastewater treatment plant equipment and
processes to reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions. Water use decreased from more
than 5 million gallons/day (MGD) to less than 2 MGD. Energy efficiency improvements reduced
electricity use by 6.5 million kWh per year, equivalent to more than 4,500 tons of greenhouse
gas emissions.
-- Modeling Biomass Excellence, by West Branch Area School District (Clearfield County)
The school district shifted its central boiler plant to locally grown, sustainably harvested
woody biomass to reduce oil consumption by 75 percent, or about 57,000 gallons annually.
Carbon dioxide emission will be reduced by about 949,057 pounds/year.
-- Mulberry Street Two-Way Conversion, by City of Lancaster (Lancaster County) Green
infrastructure, including permeable pavers and vegetated curbs, was installed in a Complete
Streets approach to reduce stormwater runoff and associated pollutants, improve traffic
circulation and pedestrian safety, and increase economic visibility for businesses on Mulberry
Street.
-- Parking Garage Lighting Retrofit and Best Practices, by Urban Redevelopment
Authority of Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) In five municipally operated garages in the city,
metal halide light fixtures were retrofitted with LED fixtures with occupancy and daylight
sensors. Kilowatt hours of usage dropped an average of 57 percent, for a savings of $123,000 in
the first 9 months.
-- Quittapahilla Creek Garbage Museum Improvements, by Quittapahilla Creek Garbage
Museum (Lebanon County) Quittie Creek is often saturated with plastic trash. The museum
raises citizens awareness of this dark underbelly of our throw-away culture. Expanded
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programs, clean-up events, and other improvements led to more on-site visits by school groups,
scout troops, other organizations, families, and individuals, helping people to see their world and
themselves differently.
-- Saving Energy to Save Wildlife, by Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia County) Educators
created an innovative program to encourage zoo visitors to make energy conservation behavior
changes after participating in an exhibit on how ocean acidification is negatively affecting coral
reefs.
-- South Campus Energy Project, by Community College of Allegheny County The
physical plant was revamped with new boilers, electric chillers, lighting, ventilators, and
plumbing to reduce natural gas usage and lower water treatment and maintenance costs. Summer
natural gas use decreased from more than 2,000 MCF (thousand cubic feet) to 2 MCF per month.
-- Tanoma Passive Abandoned Mine Discharge Remediation Trompe, by Evergreen
Conservancy (Indiana County) Improvements to this existing passive treatment system
increased the amount of iron oxide removed from Crooked Creek to rejuvenate its water quality
and keep its designation as a Cold Water Fishery. Educational programs inform citizens on how
the system works and the importance of acid mine drainage remediation.
-- Tire War, by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful, Keep
Juniata County Beautiful, PA CleanWays of Mifflin County, and Keep Perry County Beautiful
In an annual contest to win the Gold Rim Award, these organizations pick up old tires from
local residents to keep them off the landscape and get them properly recycled. But everyones a
winner, as thousands of tires are collected and ultimately turned into useful products, such as
athletic turf and road surfaces. (photo)
-- Water Education Day, by Columbia County Conservation District At Briar Creek Lake
Park, eighth graders learned that good water = good life by participating in activities that
helped them identify their water sources; understand how their water is treated; learn what
macroinvertebrates tell us about water quality; and draw connections between pollution, water
quality, and soil health.
-- WikiWatershed Website, by Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale (Chester County)
GIS maps, real-time data, mobile apps, and other tools equip teachers, students, local
governments, and community organizations to monitor their local stream and watershed health,
determine specific location stormwater runoff, and learn how to predict and change human
impact on freshwater ecosystems in Pennsylvania.
For more information and past winners, visit DEPs Environmental Excellence Awards
webpage.
Related Story:
PA Environmental Professionals Announce Winners Of Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
[Posted: March 23, 2017]
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PA Environmental Professionals Announce Winners Of Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals

Tuesday announced Eric H. Buncher, Manager of
Planning Services for the Allegheny County Airport
Authority, is the winner of the Karl Mason Award and
the PA Senior Environment Corps managed by Nature
Abounds is the winner of the Walter Lyon Award.
Here some additional background on each winner.
Karl Mason Award - Eric H. Muncher
Eric Buncher has been awarded the Karl Mason Award
for his many years of outstanding leadership and service to the PA Association of Environmental
Professionals.
As a general member, board member, western section chair, and board president he
advanced many initiatives which inspired environmental professionals to not only join the
organization, but contribute substantial time and energy to accomplishing the PAEP mission and
goals
He was never timid about asking members to volunteer and to take the lead in a task. He
always generously gave his time and advice to fellow environmental professionals to help them
find good jobs.
Under his leadership, several important PAEP goals such as substantially increasing
membership, conducting highly-valued section events and annual meetings, strongly supporting
the Conservation Heritage Project, posting job opportunities, and awarding student scholarships
were consistently met.
Mr. Buncher possesses over 40 years of environmental studies, managerial and technical
experience in economic development, site planning, and development feasibility studies with an
emphasis on airport, office park, industrial park and mass transit applications.
Since 2001 he served as Manager Planning Services for the Allegheny County Airport
Authority where he is responsible for site planning and environmental studies at both Pittsburgh
International Airport and Allegheny County Airport.
Mr. Buncher is a member of the Robert Morris University Economic Development
Committee and the Moon Township Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee.
He is also a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Airport Corridor
Transportation Association as well as past president (total of 5 years as President) of the
Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals.
Walter Lyon Award - PA Senior Environmental Corps
The PA Senior Environment Corps (photo) has been awarded the Walter Lyon award
based on their diligent environmental work effort throughout Pennsylvania.
The SEC has been collecting water quality data since 1997, and has collected data over
16,000 monitoring events on approximately two-thirds of the Commonwealth's waterways. The
data, collected under guidance from Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, provides a baseline for analysis.
In addition to collecting and analyzing water quality samples, SEC volunteers also
represent the SEC at watershed meetings, sportsman clubs and other public meetings, planning to
improve the watershed and helping to implement Best Management Practices (BMP).
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It's only through cooperation like this, that we witness streams with impaired status
become streams where fish can be found.
The PA Senior Environment Corps Program engages volunteers aged 55 and over. SEC
volunteers are engaged in numerous activities from water quality monitoring, stream habitat
assessment, storm-drain stenciling, environmental education, community gardening, wildlife
surveying, marking abandoned oil and gas wells, and cleaning up parks and trails.
Since 1997, SEC volunteers in Pennsylvania have contributed well over 2,000,000 hours,
and their contribution is estimated to be of value to the state at over $3 million per year. The SEC
program is a well-established network.
While Nature Abounds coordinates from the state and national level, works with local
volunteers and local host organizations, impacting the communities served.
For example, in Philadelphia, PaSEC work with community centers, colleges, schools,
environmental education centers, other community groups, and even supports the Philadelphia
Water Authority.
In Centre County, the SEC group works with a local lands conservancy, a senior center,
school groups, Penn State, and community groups. The community impact of the SEC program
across the Commonwealth is astounding.
For more information, visit the PA Senior Environment Corps website.
The Karl Mason and Walter Lyon Award presentations will take place at the PAEP
Annual Statewide Conference, April 5-7, 2017, at the Toftrees Resort, State College, PA.
PAEP is now celebrating 32 Years of Advancing Pennsylvanias Environmental
Professionals.
Related Story:
DEP Announces Winners Of 2017 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards
Judge Throws Out Landowner Challenge To DRBC De-Facto Moratorium On Drilling
StateImpact reported Friday a U.S. Federal District Court Thursday threw out a lawsuit by a
group of Wayne County landowners who said the Delaware River Basin Commission lacks the
authority to review and approve natural gas facilities on land owned by the group.
The ruling ends one legal threat to a de-facto moratorium by DRBC on shale gas
development in the basin that has stood since 2010.
This is the lawsuit that three Pennsylvania state Senators-- Sen. Joe Scarnati
(R-Jefferson), Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming)-- attempted to
intervene on the side of the landowners last October, however, their request was denied by
Federal Court in January.
The Department of Environmental Protection reported in January to DEPs Citizens
Advisory Council that staff from its Oil and Gas Management and Water Resources Planning
offices attended a special meeting of the Delaware River Basin Commission November 29 to
discuss draft regulations covering oil and gas development activities in the watershed.
The DEP report said, All jurisdictions reviewed draft regulatory language for oil and gas
management and provided direction to the Commission related to the next steps for regulatory
actions.
DRBC will be providing additional edited language for certain sections of the proposed
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regulations to the jurisdictions as follow up actions. Commissioners from all the jurisdictions
will continue to discuss future actions concerning oil and gas activities in the basin.
No timeline was given on when the Commission might take action on the oil and gas
regulations.
NewsClips:
Judge Throws Out Landowner Challenge To DRBC Authority To Regulate Drilling
McKelvey: Law Requiring Notice Of Oil & Gas Spills To Lapse Next Week
Carr: Online Tool Targets Transparency In Oil & Gas Program
DEP: New Online Tool Will Track Oil And Gas Operations
Fire At Natural Gas Well Pad In Wyoming County
Report: PA Could Support 4 More Ethane Crackers
PA Report Lauds $3.7B Potential Of Marcellus Liquids
Is A Petrochemical Boom Heading For Pennsylvania?
Expert: Southwest PA Set To Be Major Player In Energy Market
Editorial: Natural Gas Refinery Study Does Not Include Environmental Impacts
Erie Firm Builds Concrete Plant for Shell Ethane Plant
AP: Gas Explosion Levels Home In Pittsburgh
As Spring Starts, Gasoline Prices Flat Over Last Week
Reuters: Oil & Companies Say Regulations Have Little Impact On Their Business
Senate Takes No Action Yet On Nomination Of Patrick McDonnell As DEP Secretary
The Senate this week again failed to take any action on the nomination
of Patrick McDonnell to serve as Secretary of the Department of
Environmental Protection.
Gov. Wolf nominated him for this position January 3 and his
paperwork was complete the week of January 16.
The nomination is in the Senate Rules and Executive
Nominations Committee and the normal process is to have the
nomination reported out and re-referred to the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee for consideration.
McDonnell first became Acting Secretary on May 20, 2016 and was formally nominated
for the post by Gov. Wolf on September 21, 2016.
This is the only cabinet nomination now before the Senate, although there are two other
agencies with Acting Secretaries-- the departments of Aging and soon Revenue.
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee has a meeting scheduled for
March 27 to consider certain nominations, so well see what happens.
The Senate has until May 10 to act on the nomination or it stands approved.
Senate, House Had $118M Surplus In 2015-16; 21% Increase In Budget Since 2003
The Legislative Audit Advisory Commission Monday accepted the audit report of the General
Assemblys financing which revealed a surplus of $118,442,957 as of June 30, 2016.
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Reserve funds are necessary to ensure the continued and independent operation of the
General Assembly, said Commission Chair Rep. Mark Keller (R-Cumberland). As recently as
two years ago, we had to draw down from these reserves during the lengthy budget impasse
about whether to increase sales and income taxes, or control spending.
Rep. Keller pointed out that the current reserve is about $90 million less than it was 10
years ago, when it totaled more than $210 million.
Below is a breakdown of the reserves included in the audit (as of June 30, 2016):
-- Senate $23,348,536;
-- House of Representatives $56,903,139;
-- Legislative Reference Bureau $6,627,653;
-- Legislative Budget and Finance Committee $1,352,783;
-- Legislative Data Processing Committee $14,283,218;
-- Joint State Government Commission $920,934;
-- Local Government Commission $631,190;
-- Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control Commission $376,685;
-- LAAC $222,000;
-- Independent Regulatory Review Commission $1,491,058;
-- Capitol Preservation Committee $3,178,473;
-- Independent Fiscal Office $2,755,627;
-- Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission $1,003,999;
-- Commonwealth Mail Processing Center $4,623,721; and
-- Center for Rural Pennsylvania $723,941.
Our goal is to make the audit documents easy to understand and fully accessible to
Pennsylvania citizens, Rep. Keller added. The public is encouraged to go to the website and
review them.
The full report will be posted on the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission webpage.
Senate/House Budget History
In FY 1994-95 the Senate and House General Fund budget was $182.9 million. In FY
2002-03 the budget for the House and Senate was $258.1 million and was increased to $312.9
million in FY 2016-17.
In the last 23 years, the budget for the General Assembly increased 71 percent. In the last
14 years, it increased 21 percent.
NewsClips:
Murphy: Legislature Ended 2016 With $118M Surplus Despite Budget Impasse
Audit: PA Legislature Has Nearly $120 Million Surplus
Swift: State Lawmakers Sit On $118 Million Surplus
Op-Ed: We Must Keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener
Hayes: Federal Funding Cuts To Environmental Programs Proposed
Trump Budget: Significant Cut To PA Environmental Protection Resources
EPA Cuts Would Hurt Environmental Monitoring In Western PA
Backlash To Trumps Proposed EPA Cuts Grows
EPA Region 3 Union Says Trumps Cuts Would Hurt Public Health
Trump Wants To End Chesapeake Bay Funding, Heres Whos Fighting Back
Trump Budget Cuts Funding For EPAs Chesapeake Bay Program
Op-Ed: Trump EPA Actions Are Rigging The System Against Us
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Column: Everyday Choices A Focus As Feds Threaten Lake Erie Funding
Pennsylvania Considers Raising Cost Of Fishing Licenses
Trump Budget Turns Cold Shoulder On Millions Relying On LIHEAP
Trumps Move To Cut Weatherization Of Homes, EnergyStar
John Baer: PAs Magical Mystery Budget
PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds
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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
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House (April 3): House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) congratulating the PA National
Guards environmental office on winning first place in the Sustainability Team in the 2016 Army
National Guard Environmental Awards Contest (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full
House Bill Calendar.
Senate (March 27): Senate Bill 30 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and Boat
Commission to set its own fees (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 50 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery)
further providing for notice of flood history in home sales disclosures (sponsor summary);
Senate Bill 192 (Stefano-R-Fayette) authorizing the Game Commission to set its own fees
(sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
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
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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--
Local Stormwater Funding: House Bill 913 (Everett-R-Lycoming) authorizing the Town of
Bloomsburg to assess stormwater management fees (sponsor summary), House Bill 914
(Everett-R-Lycoming) authorizing Boroughs, First Class Townships and Third Class Cities to
assess stormwater management fees (sponsor summary), House Bill 915 (Everett-R-Lycoming)
further providing for stormwater management plans and facilities in First Class Townships,
House Bill 916 (Everett-R-Lycoming) further providing for stormwater management plans and
facilities in cities.
Local Energy Project Funding: House Bill 996 (Galloway-D-Bucks) authorizing

municipalities and authorities to fund clean energy, energy efficiency projects through a Property
Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program (sponsor summary). (This is the companion to Senate
Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) in the Senate.)
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
March 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
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
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The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
House
Construction Code: House Bill 177 (Pickett-R-Susquehanna) exempting maple sugar houses
from the state construction code (House Fiscal Note and summary), House Bill 162
(Maloney-R-Barks) requiring the publication of Pennsylvania specific code manuals (House
Fiscal Note and summary) and House Bill 298 (Delozier-R-Cumberland) creating a building
code official trainee program (House Fiscal Note and summary) were reported out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. The bills now go to the Senate for action.
Construction Code: House Bill 266 (Harper-R-Montgomery) making changes to the state
Construction Code Appeals Board (sponsor summary) was amended and reported out of the
House Local Government Committee and Tabled.
Performance Budgeting: House Bill 410 (Warner-R- Fayette) establishing a Performance

Based Budget Board and performance-based budgeting process (sponsor summary) was
amended and reported out of the House State Committee and Tabled.
Recognizing National Guard: House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) congratulating the PA

National Guards environmental office on winning first place in the Sustainability Team in the
2016 Army National Guard Environmental Awards Contest (sponsor summary) was reported
from the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and is now on the
House Calendar for action.
World Water Day: House Resolution 89 (McClinton-D-Delaware) recognizing March 22 as

World Water Day (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House.
Senate
Game & Fish Commission Fees: Senate Bill 30 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and
Boat Commission to set its own fees (sponsor summary) and Senate Bill 192 (Stefano-R-Fayette)
authorizing the Game Commission to set its own fees (sponsor summary) were reported out of
the Senate Appropriations Committee and are on the Senate Calendar for action.
The Feds
Agriculture: Trump Budget Cuts Could Harm PA Agriculture, Rural Communities
The Trump administrations proposed 21 percent cut to the U.S.

Department of Agriculture could cause significant harm to Pennsylvanias
agriculture industry and rural communities, according to state Agriculture
Secretary Russell Redding.
The cuts, he said, could affect everything from the safety of
community water systems and the prospects for economic growth in rural
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communities to funding for important agricultural research projects.
While there is still a great deal of detail that is unknown, what has been reported thus far
is alarming, said Secretary Redding. The programs targeted for cuts or elimination in the
Presidents budget proposal may be considered discretionary in Washington parlance, but the
work those programs support on the ground in communities across Pennsylvania and the country
are vitally important. This is not the way to put America first. If anything, it puts our rural
communities and some of our most vulnerable neighbors at a tremendous disadvantage and
represents a threat to their livelihood.
According to a blueprint document from the federal Office of Management and Budget,
USDA is targeted for $4.7 billion in cuts under President Trumps 2018 funding proposal.
The cuts would impact USDA Rural Development; the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants and Children; the National Forest System; and the Agricultural
Research Service, among other programs and agencies.
For example, the presidents proposal seeks almost $500 million in cuts from the Water
and Wastewater loan and grant program. The program is the federal governments only dedicated
resource for financing water and sewer programs in communities of fewer than 10,000 people.
In 2016, the program supported 16 projects across Pennsylvania totaling nearly $55
million.
At a time when were trying to bring new focus to restoring water quality in
Pennsylvania, the cuts to the water and sewer grant and loan program undermines the work
weve done, said Redding. For small and poor communities, this program has been invaluable
to rebuilding the water infrastructure that families and businesses depend on. Many of our rural
communities could not afford clean water without this program.
The program is administered by USDA Rural Development. The agencys Rural Business
and Cooperative Service, which supported 73 projects in Pennsylvania last year to the tune of
$30 million, would be cut by $95 million under the presidents budget.
Funding for WIC, which helps to provide nutrition and health services to low-income
women, expecting mothers, and children, is facing a $200 million cut roughly equal to what
Pennsylvania received through the program in 2016.
Based on USDA figures from 2014, there are more than 275,000 infants and children,
alone, in Pennsylvania who are eligible for the program
USDA has been a vital partner of the commonwealth, but this budget threatens key
mission areas of the department, and that could have harmful consequences to us here in
Pennsylvania and to our citizens, said Redding. We intend to work with our congressional
delegation and others to underscore the importance of these investments in our state so that we
can continue to grow our agricultural economy and our rural communities.
NewsClips:
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What Trumps Proposed Budget Means For Parks And Recreation
Trumps Environmental Cuts Could Cost Republican Districts Billions
Related Stories:
Proposed Trump Cuts To State Grants Will Cripple DEP, Cause Drastic Fee Increases
DEP: Federal Budget Cuts Will Have Immediate, Devastating Effect In PA
Wolf Strongly Opposes Trump Proposal To Eliminate LIHEAP Heating Assistance Funding
PA National Heritage Areas: Trump Budget Would Have Severe Consequences In PA
Wolf Opposes Trump Proposal To Eliminate LIHEAP Home Heating Assistance Funding
Gov. Wolf Tuesday expressed his strong

opposition to President Trumps budget proposal
and the elimination of funding for the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP). The Presidents proposed budget
would eliminate critical funding for services to
hundreds of thousands of vulnerable citizens.
The proposal to eliminate the LIHEAP program
is cruel and will put many Pennsylvanians at
risk, said Gov. Wolf. I vehemently oppose a
federal budget cut to a program that helps keep our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians warm in the
harsh winter months.
LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep approximately 345,000
citizens including the elderly, children, and individuals living with a disability warm and safe
during the winter months. The program is available to both renters and homeowners.
The support comes in the form of a grant, so the individual does not have to repay
assistance, and goes directly to their utility company or home heating fuel provider.
The Department of Human Services received approximately $185.5 million in federal
funding for the 2016-17 LIHEAP season.
The departments hope is that the federal proposal is solely an ill-advised negotiating
tactic, not a serious proposal. said DHS Secretary Ted Dallas.
During the 2015-16 LIHEAP season, 345,246 households received cash benefits and
89,735 households received crisis benefits statewide totaling $159.5 million in assistance. These
households each received an average of $462.
A table showing a county by county breakdown of the number of households
participating in LIHEAP is available online.
NewsClips:
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Related Stories:
The National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania

Thursday announced they strongly oppose the Trump
Administrations Fiscal Year 2018 budget.
Officials of the five Pennsylvania National
Heritage Areas, including Rivers of Steel National
Heritage Area Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage
Corridor, Lackawanna Heritage Valley National
Heritage Area, Oil Region National Heritage Area,
and Schuylkill River National Heritage Area were
critical of the administrations proposal to eliminate funding the National Heritage Area
Program.
There are 49 National Heritage Areas in the United States, and the five in Pennsylvania
are among the longest-tenured and are highly effective and successful in the communities where
they work.
National Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources
combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes, and their funding comes from the
National Park Service.
NHAs are not federal entities, and are administered typically through a local non-profit or
unit of local government.
Unlike national parks, National Heritage Areas are large lived-in landscapes.
The money that comes from the federal budget goes into projects that the NHAs
oversees, like rails-to-trails, historic preservation, tourism, community revitalization, and
heritage education.
The National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania work in older post-industrial communities
assisting in heritage conservation and economic development efforts that have demonstrated
success in creating jobs, rebuilding communities, and generating revenue for local governments.
In a series of U.S. Department of Interior Economic Impact studies conducted by the
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National Park Service since 2013, the five National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania together
have cumulatively accounted for $950,417,000 in total economic impact in the Commonwealth.
Overall, they have created 11,077 jobs across the state and have generated more than
$68,654,000 in tax revenue to local governments.
The five NHAs were established in the 1990s or early 2000s and have a long-track record
of success in the communities in which they work.
"The Pennsylvania NHAs historically have had support from our congressional
delegation, and our two U.S. Senators, Casey and Toomey because of our work and impact the
program has had across the Commonwealth. In addition, Congressman Charlie Dent co-chairs a
National Heritage Areas Congressional Caucus that works to support all 49 NHAs, said John
Phillips spokesperson for the PA NHAs, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil
Region Alliance. Recently, we met in Washington with our Members of Congress and Senators
in anticipation of a budget proposal of this type. Our meetings were good, but we all recognize
that we have a considerable amount of work to do in order to secure funding for the coming
fiscal year."
Comments By Individual Heritage Areas
-- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Area: Since its creation in 1988, the D&L has
accounted for $238.7 million annually creating 3,323 jobs and having generated $22,407,779 for
the local governments in Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Luzerne and Northampton counties.
Elissa Garofalo, Executive Director, said that by eliminating funding for the Delaware &
Lehigh National Heritage Area the President's proposed budget would hurt the communities
which the NHA program was designed to assist.
The D&Ls work is exactly what this Administration supports. Through effective
public-private partnerships, we are entrepreneurial, cost- effective and benefit tens of thousands
of lives each year via economic, health, heritage and environmental programming.
--Lackawanna Heritage Valley National Heritage Area: Since its federal designation in 2000,
Lackawanna Valley has accounted for $31.3 million in total economic impact, creating 382 jobs,
and having generated $2.0 million in tax revenue for the local governments in Lackawanna,
Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties.
Natalie Gelb, Executive Director, said, Elimination of funding for the Lackawanna
Heritage Valley NHA would hurt the communities which the NHA program was designed to
assist. In addition to impeding development of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, all
programs and projects of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley will be in jeopardy.
-- Oil Region National Heritage Area: Since its federal designation in 2004, Oil Region has
accounted for $21.1 million in total annual economic impact, creating 313 jobs, and having
generated $1.5 million in tax revenue yearly for the local governments in Crawford and Venango
Counties.
John Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Oil Region Alliance, said,
The federal appropriation is the foundation for leveraging other public and private financial
resources to accomplish numerous positive projects each year.
-- Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area: Since its creation in 1996, Rivers of Steel has
accounted for $69.4 million in economic impact, creating 901 jobs and having generated more
than $6,047,217 in for the local governments in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene,
Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
August R. Carlino, President and Chief Executive Officer, said the budget proposal flies
15
in the face of logic. If the intention of the Administration is to invest in communities to create
jobs, then why eliminate a program that is one of the most effective job-creation programs that
the federal government has? Any cut in funding will send a chilling message to our other
funding partners at the state, local and philanthropic levels and it may cause them to withdraw
from Rivers of Steel programs, creating a disinvestment atmosphere that will have negative
economic impact.
-- Schuylkill River National Heritage Area: Since its creation in 2000, Schuylkill River NHA
has accounted for $589.9 million creating 6,154 jobs and having generated $37.7 million for the
local governments in Philadelphia, Chester, Berks, Montgomery, and Schuylkill counties.
Tim Fenchel, Interim Executive Director, said, Every federal dollar we receive is
leveraged by an average of $2.5 from other public and private sources. Our federal funding is
critical as the catalyst in supporting projects and programs that have successfully invigorated
communities and improved the quality of life throughout the Schuylkill River region.
It is important to point out that the President's budget is only a proposal to Congress, and
that final spending authority rests with the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
"NHAs have often faced proposed reductions or eliminations of funding in previous
presidential budgets, said Phillips. In the end, Congress has consistently restored funding to
the entire program. This is important for Pennsylvania and the nation, and something we believe
is already making America great."
For more information, contact:
-- Elissa Garofalo, Executive Director, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Phone: 610 923 3548 x223 Email: Elissa@DelawareAndLehigh.org
-- Natalie Gelb, Executive Director, Lackawanna Heritage Valley National Heritage Area
Phone: (570) 963-6730, Ext 2 Email: NGelb@LVHA.org
-- Marilyn Black, Vice President for Heritage Development, Oil Region National Heritage Area
Phone: (814) 677-3152, Ext. 105 Email: MBlack@OilRegion.org
-- August R. Carlino, President & CEO, Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
Phone: 412-464-4315 Email: ARCarlino@RiversOfSteel.com
-- Tim Fenchel, Interim Executive Director, Schuylkill River National Heritage Area
Phone: (484) 945-0200 Email: TFenchel@SchuylkillRiver.org
For more information, visit DCNRs National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania webpage.
NewsClips:
16
Related Stories:
Wolf Strongly Opposes Trump Proposal To Eliminate LIHEAP Heating Assistance Funding
News From The Capitol
Report: $61.8M In DEP Budget, $19.4M In DCNR Budget Is State Grants To Others
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee issued a report Wednesday on state-funded grant
programs which said $61.8 million of DEPs budget and $19.4 million in DCNRs budget were
grants to others funded by the General Fund or other state sources of revenue.
For DEP, $61.8 million represents about 12 percent of the funding it receives from all
state sources and for DCNR the $19.4 million represents about 6 percent of its state-funded
budget.
At DEP, only about 20 percent of its budget is from the General Fund (after 14 straight
years of cuts), 50 percent is from permit fees and any penalties they collect in a given year and
30 percent federal funds.
The largest of the grant programs reported at DEP were: $18.4 million for Municipal
Recycling Performance Grants, $13 million for Municipal Recycling Grants, $4.1 million
County Conservation District Grants, $3.4 million for Hazardous Sites Cleanup Grants, $3.29
million Alternative Fuels Grants, $3.26 million for Watershed Protection and Restoration, $1.9
million for Education, Research and Technical Assistance, $1.8 million for West Nile Virus
Control, $1.6 million for Recycling Coordinator Reimbursement, $1.4 million Chesapeake Bay
Agriculture Pollution Source Abatement, $1.3 million Clean Water Fund Grants and $1.1 million
for Household Hazardous Waste Collection.
The largest of the grant programs reported at DCNR were: $5.1 million Payments In Lieu
Of Taxes, $3.7 million Grants for Local Recreation, $3.3 million Grants For Local Land Trusts,
$2.5 million Annual Fixed Charges- Forest Lands, $1.7 million Heritage Parks Grants and $1.3
million Community Conservation Grants.
As in all budgets, the size of the state investment indicates the priorities of those making
the budgets.
These figures summarized grants from FY 2015-16 appropriations through the end of
January 2017 as reported by the agencies to the PennWATCH website.
PennWATCH defines grant payments as all payments made by the state to political
subdivisions, individuals, institutions and organizations for which no direct services are rendered
to the state.
A copy of the report is available online.
NewsClips:
17
March Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee
The March edition of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now

available from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring articles on--
-- American Bison
-- Trout Season Annual Rite Of Passage
-- Lead Standards Put California Workers, Families At Risk
-- Increasing Distance Between Forested Lands Impacts Human Access,
Ecosystem Health
-- GAO Knocks Disjointed Federal Food Safety Program
-- Drexel: Natural Gas Methane Leaks Impacting Local Air Quality
-- Conservation History: 38 Years Ago: Three Mile Island Accident
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
May 22 Environmental Issues Forum
The Joint Conservation Committee is scheduled to hold its next Environmental Issues
Forum on May 22 to hear a presentation on Pennsylvanias pollinator population and emerging
threats to agriculture and the beekeeping industry. Pollinators play a significant role in the
production of fruit and vegetables.
The Forum will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing Capitol Building 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.
News From Around The State
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EPCAMR Looking For More Partners In Tioga, Dauphin On AMD, Education Projects
The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine

Reclamation is looking to develop new
partnerships with community groups working on
abandoned mine drainage (AMD), abandoned mine
reclamation, and outdoor environmental education
efforts in Tioga and Dauphin counties.
The project is supported by a Watershed
Mini Grant from the Western PA Conservancy and
Dominion.
The grant will help EPCAMR to attain its primary goals and objectives by supporting
efforts to: 1) reach out to additional partners and make them aware of our Coalitions efforts and
technical services offered in the region, in those two respective counties where we work, 2)
update them on regional projects and technical assistance of importance to their watersheds, and
3) offer additional free technical and assistance and services to those community leaders and
groups with similar goals and desires to clean up their mining impacted watersheds.
EPCAMR has some existing partnerships in those counties with the County Conservation
Districts and a few community groups, however, they would like to dedicate some time and
effort to creating more awareness and outreach efforts within these two vital counties in the
region that have experienced their share of abandoned mine problems and water quality issues
dealing with AMD.
Both the Tioga County Conservation District and Dauphin County Conservation District
are active member organizations to EPCAMR and have been long-time Coalition partners.
EPCAMR works with the Tioga County Concerned Citizens Committee, Tioga River
Watershed Reclamation Projects Inc., DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, DEP
Moshannon District Mining Office, Hillside Rod and Gun Club, and Blossburg Elementary
School.
EPCAMR works with the Wiconisco Creek Watershed Association, Susquehanna River
Basin Commission, DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Game Commission, DEP
Pottsville District Mining Office, Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Schuylkill County
Conservation District, and the Rausch Creek Partners, in the Dauphin County area.
As a regional service provider, with a small professional staff, that are entirely grant
funded, it is rare that EPCAMR secures all of the funding necessary that could support our
outreach and organizational promotion throughout the year.
EPCAMR, in partnership with the Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine
Reclamation, provides additional support for local groups during the annual PA Abandoned
Mine Reclamation Conference, that has been held yearly for the last 19 years.
Click Here for a brochure describing the technical assistance and services provided by
EPCAMR.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Eastern PA
Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation website.
(Photo: Bear Creek AMD Treatment Pond A designed and constructed by Skelly & Loy in
partnership with EPCAMR and the Dauphin County Conservation District.)
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NewsClip:
EPCAMR Working On Partnerships In Tioga, Dauphin Counties To Combat AMD
Brodhead Watershed Assn Streamwatcher Training March 30, April 8 For Monroe
County
Brodhead Watershed Association will begin training new

volunteers for its popular Streamwatch Program in Monroe
County.
Streamwatch training sessions will be held 6:30 p.m.
March 30, at East Stroudsburg Universitys Moore Building,
Room 201; and at 11:30 a.m. April 8, at Northampton
Community Colleges Kapp Hall, Room 104, at the
Tannersville campus.
You need attend only one session.
For 26 years, BWA Streamwatch volunteers have
been checking local streams on a monthly basis. Now, with more than 70 volunteers in six
sub-watershed regions of Monroe County, new volunteers are always welcome to join the efforts
to ensure water quality.
This basic level of citizen science is essential to identifying stream issues as soon as
they occur, said Bob Heil, BWA executive director. If problems are discovered, BWA alerts
regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Protection.
At the training, volunteers will meet other Streamwatchers from the local watershed,
learn what the program is all about, and get hands-on training with the equipment. At that time,
you can decide if Streamwatch is right for you.
New this year will be an opportunity to meet Dr. Sarah Princiotta from Lacawac
Sanctuary, who hopes to establish a similar program for lakes in the Pocono region.
For more information, visit the Streamwatch Program webpage. To register for either
training session or if you have questions, contact the BWA office at 570-839-1120 or send email
to: info@brodheadwatershed.org.
BWA offers other opportunities for volunteers, too. Visit the Brodhead Watershed
Association website for more information.
DRBC Reschedules Hearing On Aquatic Life Water Uses In Delaware Estuary For April 6
The Delaware River Basin Commission Thursday announced plans to reschedule the public
hearing on aquatic life water uses in the Delaware Estuary for April 6 at the West Trenton
Volunteer Fire Company Hall, 40 West Upper Ferry Road, West Trenton, NJ starting at 2:00
p.m.
DRBC announced it will take several actions to recognize improved water quality in the
Delaware River Estuary and to formally review the designated aquatic life uses and water quality
criteria necessary to support these uses in the estuary.
The plans are described in a proposed resolution which will be the subject of a special
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public hearing on April 6 where interested parties will have the opportunity to provide oral
comments.
The draft resolution recognizes that evidence supports further study on the inclusion of
propagation of resident and migratory fish as a designated use in a 38-mile section of the tidal
Delaware River stretching from Wilmington, Del. to just above the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
connecting Philadelphia and New Jersey, said DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini. The
resolution would provide for additional studies to be undertaken in consultation with state and
federal co-regulators as well as municipal and industrial dischargers.
In addition, the resolution affirms the goal of continued water quality improvement
shared by the DRBC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the estuary states of
Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, added Tambini.
When the DRBC was created in 1961, little or no dissolved oxygen (DO) was present in
the Delaware River from Wilmington to Philadelphia for periods of up to six months each year,
preventing the survival of resident fish and movement of migratory fish through these waters to
spawning areas.
Significant improvements in DO levels have occurred throughout this stretch of the tidal
Delaware River since DRBC originally adopted designated uses and implemented related water
quality criteria in 1967.
This shared achievement has been the result of effective water management by DRBC,
the federal government, and the four basin states, as well as substantial investment in treatment
works by public entities and private industry.
The proposed resolution, among other measures, calls for the DRBC to conduct an
analysis to determine the attainability of DO criteria that would be required to support an
upgrade in the designated use in this 38-mile stretch of the tidal Delaware River, said Tambini.
This would be done in close collaboration with the four basin states, EPA, and the regulated
community.
In order to fulfill their obligation under the federal Clean Water Act to designate and
protect uses for surface waters including the shared waters of the Delaware River Estuary,
Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania either apply DRBC water quality standards that they
have jointly established or provide for application of the more stringent of state and DRBC
standards within the basin.
Once the comment period is closed, commission action on the proposed resolution can
only occur at a future DRBC business meeting that is open to the public and for which the public
has received the required advance notice.
The proposed resolution, additional information about the April 6 public hearing, and
details describing how written comments can be submitted can be found on the Commissions
website.
PRC Sets 15 Household Chemical, Drug Hard-To-Recycle Collection Events In Western

PA
Mark your 2017 calendar now for dates to drop

off a wide variety of materials-- ranging from
computers and household chemicals to usable
21
building materials and unwanted medications at upcoming collection events sponsored by the
PA Resources Council and its partners.
The Pennsylvania Resources Council provides residents of the commonwealth with
numerous options to conveniently and cost-effectively dispose of a wide variety of materials,
according to PRC Regional Director Justin Stockdale. Since details vary for each of these
opportunities, we encourage individuals to visit our website or call PRC at 412-488-7452 for
complete details.
Household Chemical Collection
Individuals can drop off automotive fluids, household cleaners, pesticides, paints and
other household chemicals for a cost of $3/gallon (a few exceptions apply), cash only. NEW IN
2017: collections will accept camp fuel and small propane bottles.
The collection dates are--
-- May 6: North Park, Allegheny County
-- May 20: Concurrent Technologies Corporation ETF Facility, Johnstown, Cambria County
-- July 22: Consol Energy Park, Washington County
-- August 19: Boyce Park, Allegheny County
-- September 16: South Park, Allegheny County
-- October 14: Bradys Run Park, Beaver County
Hard-To-Recycle Collection
Individuals can drop off e-waste such as computer towers and peripheral equipment, cell
phones, printer/toner cartridges, CFLs and expandable polystyrene packaging material at no cost.
For a fee, individuals can drop off televisions and computer monitors, alkaline batteries,
fluorescent tubes, printers, small Freon appliances and tires.
The collection dates are--
-- May 13: Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer Township, Allegheny County
-- June 24: Quaker Valley High School, Leetsdale, Allegheny County
-- July 29: La Roche College, McCandless, Allegheny County
-- August 12: Century III Mall, West Mifflin, Allegheny County
-- October 7: Settlers Cabin Park, Allegheny County
Drug Take-Back Day
Individuals can drop off unwanted and expired prescription and over-the-counter
medications at no cost during U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations nationwide Drug
Take-Back Day on April 29.
PRC and PA American Water will sponsor three collection events in Western
Pennsylvania on April 29 (Green Tree, Mt. Lebanon and Robinson Township).
Nationwide on Drug Take-Back Day, more than 5,000 collection sites will enable
patients, caregivers and pet owners to properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs and
over-the-counter medications at no cost.
Visit the DEA website for a complete list of drop-off locations.
Reuse Fest April 22
This years Reuse Fest will be held on April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in UPMC
Passavant Green Lot off Babcock Boulevard, McCandless, Allegheny County
Individuals can drop off items for reuse including medical equipment, usable building
materials, clothing, furniture and more. The 6th annual ReuseFest supports local nonprofits
including Animal Rescue League, Brothers Brother, Catholic Charities, Construction Junction,
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Free Ride, Global Links, Goodwill, MERP (Medical Equipment Recycling Program), Off the
Floor and Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse.
For complete collection event information for Western Pennsylvania, visit PRCs 2017
Collection Events webpage or call PRC at 412-488-7452.
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.
NewsClips:
Millfair Compost And Recycling Center Open
Town That Garbage Built For Sale In Pennsylvania
Keep America Beautiful 2016 Recycle-Bowl School Standings In Pennsylvania
Keep America Beautiful Thursday released the final standards in

the national Recycle-Bowl recycling competition for elementary,
middle and high schools.
The top 11 performers in Pennsylvania were
-- Riverside Elementary West, Taylor, Lackawanna County
-- Blacklick Valley Jr./Sr. High School, Nanty Glo, Cambria
County
-- Tunkhannock Area Middle School, Tunkhannock, Wyoming
County
-- Hollidaysburg Area Middle School, Altoona, Blair County
-- Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, Altoona, Blair County
-- South Saint Marys Street Elementary, St. Marys, Elk County
-- Frankstown Elementary, Altoona, Blair County
-- Williamsburg Area School District, Altoona, Blair County
-- C.W. Longer Elementary, Altoona, Blair County
-- C.W. Longer Elementary, Philadelphia
-- Whitehall Elementary, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
In Pennsylvania, a total of 17 schools participated. The other schools included--
-- Northwestern High, Albion, Erie County
-- Hollidaysburg Area School District, Hollidaysburg, Blair County
-- Avis Elementary, Jersey Shore, Lycoming County
-- Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School, Philadelphia
-- Park Forest Elementary School, State College, Centre County
-- Boyce Middle School, Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County
Sign-up for next years Recycle-Bowl starts August 1. For more information, visit the
Recycle-Bowl website.
DEP Orders Nulife To Remove 17 Million Pounds Of Cathode Ray Tubes Not Recycled
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday ordered Nulife Glass NY (Nulife) to
23
remove all 17 million pounds of stored CRT materials from all five warehouses it uses in
Pennsylvania within a year.
The company must remove a minimum of 5 million pounds of CRT materials by June 30,
2017 and continuing to remove CRT materials within a designated timeframe until all CRT
materials are removed by no later than February 28, 2018.
DEP has an obligation to prevent pollution and to protect the health and safety of its
citizens, said Jim Miller, regional director of Northwest PA DEP. While we encourage new
industries and technologies to address the recycling of older televisions and computers, those
entities must do so within the rules and regulations established to protect Pennsylvanians.
The order was issued in conjunction with DEPs denial of a request for a variance
submitted from classifying as a solid waste the 17 millions of pounds of processed or used
cathode ray tubes Nulife currently stores at warehouses in Pennsylvania.
CRT materials include the vacuum tubes and associated materials found in older model
televisions and computer monitors. These materials contain high lead content and exhibit toxic
characteristics.
Since May 2014, Nulife transported approximately 17 million pounds of CRT materials
to Pennsylvania warehouses while it was in the process of obtaining a permit from the New York
Department of Conservation to construct and operate a lead smelter to recycle the CRT glass in
Dunkirk, New York.
Since that time, DEP has been informed that Nulife will cease its lead smelting
operations at the Dunkirk facility and surrender its Title V Air Permit.
CRT glass is being stored in five warehouses in northwest PA: two in the City of Erie,
and one each in Girard and Lake City in Erie County and Grove City in Mercer County.
DEP denied the variance request because Nulife failed to adequately address the criteria
for a variance under the Federal CRT Rule, including: the manner of recycling the CRT
materials; when the material would be recycled; and the reason the stored CRT material had
accumulated without being recycled.
Nulife also failed to provide adequate assurances of its financial ability to properly
dispose of the speculatively accumulated CRT materials.
DEP denied a similar request in October 2016.
Pennsylvanias 2010 electronics recycling law bans the disposal of CRTs and other
electronic waste in landfills and established an electronics recycling program that collects CRTs
and other products for recycling to be paid for by electronics manufacturers.
At a hearing in March 2016 by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee, everyone involved in the program from local governments to recyclers
said the law does not work and needs to be fixed because electronics manufacturers were not
paying for all the material being collected.
For more information on the electronics recycling program, visit DEPs Covered Device
Recycling Act webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Hearing: Electronics Manufacturers Need To Pay For E-Waste Actually Collected
24
DEP Reschedules Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meeting For March 27
The DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on March 27 to hear an update
on managing waste from Marcellus Shale drilling operations. The previous meeting was
canceled due to Winter Storm Stella.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at
10:00.
For more information and available handouts, visit the Solid Waste Advisory Committee
webpage or contact Laura Henry by calling 717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
Save The Date: National Brownfields Conference In Pittsburgh Dec. 5-7
The national Brownfields 2017 Conference --

Sustainable Communities Start Here-- will be held
December 5-7 in the LEED-certified David L. Lawrence
Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
The National Brownfields Training Conference is the
largest event in the nation focused on environmental
revitalization and economic redevelopment.
Held every two years, the Conference attracts nearly
3,000 stakeholders in brownfields redevelopment and cleanup to share knowledge about
sustainable reuse and celebrate the EPA brownfields programs success.
Whether youre a newcomer or a seasoned professional, Brownfields 2017 offers
something for you!
Registration for the Conference opens June 1. Click Here for all the details.
Flood Information Provided To Residents In Centre County Areas Hit By Flooding In 2016
Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller, PA Emergency Management Agency Director of the

Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation Steve Bekanich, and State NFIP Coordinator Dan Fitzpatrick
of the Department of Community and Economic Development Monday presented information on
flood insurance and potential grant availability to homeowners in Centre County hard hit by
flooding in October 2016.
While the immediate problems caused by the flooding here are over, Gov. Wolf wants
the people of Centre County, and surrounding counties to know that state government remains
ready to help as recovery continues, and to provide information to help residents choose the best
protection for their properties going forward, Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller said.
In what officials called the worst flooding in a decade, more than 100 residents of the
Milesburg and Howard areas had to be evacuated, and many homes and businesses sustained
extensive damage following a prolonged downpour on October 20 and 21 of last year.
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More than a year ago, as part of Gov. Wolfs consumer protection and education
initiative, the Insurance Department established a one-stop shop website for information on flood
insurance, Commissioner Miller said. We are here today providing information on flood
coverage, both through the federal government program, and in the emerging private flood
insurance market, so residents can have the best information available to decide whether they
want this coverage, and be able to get the coverage they want at the best price.
Homeowners in high-risk flood zones known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)
with mortgages backed by the federal government must buy flood insurance, which until a few
years ago was available almost exclusively through the federal governments National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
However, due to changes in that program, including the phasing out of subsidies for
high-risk properties, private insurers are now in the residential flood insurance market.
Commissioner Miller said her department has found in many cases, homeowners can get
comparable coverage in the private market at substantial savings to that offered through the
NFIP.
Many of the homes damaged by flooding in Centre County last October, as is the case
throughout Pennsylvania each year, are outside of the SFHAs, where flood insurance is
mandatory, Commissioner Miller said. I encourage homeowners to consider getting this
additional protection for their families and properties, even if it is not required by a mortgage
lender.
Commissioner Miller added, for homes outside of SFHAs, coverage may be less
expensive through both the NFIP and private coverage. She reminded residents that standard
homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Hazard Mitigation Grants
Bekanich said there are three FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants that have been
successfully utilized by other municipalities within the commonwealth for hazard mitigation
activities to help communities becoming more flood resilient.
PEMA has mitigated over 2,000 structures through eligible acquisition, elevation, and
flood retrofitting activities.
Homeowners can challenge whether their property should be included in a special flood
hazard area.
The homeowner may be required to hire a licensed land surveyor, professional engineer
or geologist or surveyor to determine whether what is called the lowest adjacent elevation is
within the special flood hazard area.
The lowest adjacent elevation is the lowest point of the ground immediately next to the
dwelling or insured structure.
We have information on how homeowners can challenge their inclusion in a special
flood hazard area, but the cost to do this can be significant. We want homeowners to have as
much information as possible when they consider whether to challenge a flood map, said Dan
Fitzpatrick, State NFIP Coordinator in the Department of Community and Economic
Development.
Information on flood insurance is available at the Insurance Departments Flood
Insurance webpage.
26
PEMA: Winning Turn Around, Dont Drown Student PSA Now Airing
The PA Emergency Management Agency Monday

announced the winning entry in the student TV PSA
Contest held earlier this year is now airing on TV stations
across the state through the end of the month.
The contest focused on the safety message Turn
Around, Dont Drown and was open to all Pennsylvania
students in grades 7-12. PEMA received 63 submissions,
which were initially judged at the agencys regional
offices to select nine finalists, which were then judged at
PEMA headquarters last month by emergency management partners.
We were blown away by the creativity of the videos we received, said PEMA Director
Richard D. Flinn Jr. The students who submitted these videos obviously understood the serious
nature of the message we asked them to depict. Its our hope that drivers in Pennsylvania take the
message seriously too.
The winning entry was created and submitted by Joseph Burke, an 8th grader at Nazareth
Area Middle School, Northampton County. Joseph won a $1,000 cash prize and worked with
staff from WFMZ Ch. 69 in Allentown to professionally reproduce his submission for airing.
Click Here to view the winning video.
Submissions from the following students were awarded second and third place--
-- Second Place (sharing $600 prize): Ephrata Middle School (Lancaster County) 8th graders:
Alyssa F., Olivia G., Madeline G., Emily F., Maya B., Cecilia C., Click Here to view the video;
and
-- Third Place ($250 prize): Halifax High School (Dauphin County) 10th grader: Tyson N.,
Click Here to view the video.
Flinn said Peoples Choice voting is now underway. The winner of the Peoples Choice
award, to be announced in April, will win a cash prize of $250.
The cash prizes were made possible with generous support from AccuWeather, the PA
Turnpike Commission, and the PA Association of Broadcasters Foundation.
Flinn thanked the following organizations for their assistance in making the contest a
success: the state departments of Education, and Conservation and Natural Resources; American
Red Cross; United Way of Pennsylvania; Keystone Emergency Management Association; and
National Weather Service.
Flinn said the winner of the Poster Contest, held earlier this year for Pennsylvania
students in grades 1-6, will be announced on March 29.
The theme for that contest is When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. The winning entry will
be displayed at state parks, welcome centers and rest stops in Pennsylvania throughout the
summer.
Visit ReadyPA.org for information on how to be prepared for weather and other
emergencies.
27
Philadelphia Announces Energy Efficiency Pilot Project At Lankenau High School
Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite,

Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke,
Councilman Bobby Henon, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.,
the Philadelphia Energy Authority, and representatives of
labor met at Lankenau High School Monday to announce
the launch of an energy efficiency pilot program.
The purpose of this energy pilot program is to determine
if targeted energy investments through capital investments
in our schools achieve enough savings to fund recurring
capital improvements, said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of The School District of
Philadelphia. This type of investment in our facilities can have short and long term benefits --
and the pilot program will allow us to go about this in a smart way. This is part of our overall
belief that all schools can be great.
When City Council announced the 10-Year Philadelphia Energy Campaign last year, we
envisioned an energy efficiency program that would make buildings across our city, including
School District facilities, more sustainable, Council President Darrell L. Clarke said. The pilot
program we are announcing today could yield up to $345 million in new funding, comes at no
additional cost to taxpayers, and could result in as much as $600 million in energy savings over
20 years for the District. Im excited about this holistic approach to addressing capital and
budgetary needs that benefits our school children and District personnel.
The School District has been an amazing collaborative partner in our Energy Campaign
efforts, said Emily Schapira, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. These
capital projects will improve District facilities and yield cost savings for our schools. The
Philadelphia Energy Authority is excited to work with the School District toward a model that
other Districts around the country can emulate.
This pilot program is designed to create a model for schools across the District to
improve indoor environmental quality and building conditions. It will start in fall 2017 at three
schools within the District.
While the three schools have not been selected yet, the announcement event took place at
Lankenau High School because the school has a solid leadership team thats focused on energy
efficiency.
The School District also intends to measure the energy efficiency across the $1.1 billion
planned capital program.
In addition, the District completed and released a Facilities Condition Assessment about
two months ago for Lankenau and all of its school buildings. The FCA provides guidance and
data on needed capital investments.
The pilot program will provide another layer of vital information specific to energy
efficiency. For instance, boilers, windows, insulation, lighting, HVAC systems and more could
be enhanced through this program to revitalize District infrastructure and the improvements can
pay for themselves.
28
The overall goal of the pilot program includes the following objectives:
-- Improved building conditions that support teaching and learning;
-- Target investment in critical building systems beyond systems life expectancy;
-- Reduced utility costs and more efficient building systems;
-- Reduced environmental footprint;
-- Return on investment.
The criteria for schools to be selected to the pilot program include the following:
-- The school will be operating for the foreseeable future;
-- Current school Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is below 50;
-- Higher enrollment preferred (percentage of building occupancy);
-- Longer operating hours preferred for better energy savings (summer/after school programs);
-- Major building systems need to be repaired or replaced and assess feasibility of bundling with
other capital equipment projects;
-- School level leadership support;
-- School presently has or in the past had an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issue or deferred
maintenance that could be addressed;
-- Substantial savings to the District based on the size of the building and energy consumption;
and
-- Other social and educational criteria is appropriate for program to take place.
This effort has the potential to be very successful because of all of its partnerships.
Having the support of City Council President Clarke, Councilman Henon, Councilman Jones, the
Philadelphia Energy Authority, and members of the local labor community means the School
District, under the leadership of Superintendent Hite and School Reform Commission Chair
Joyce Wilkerson, is positioned to make significant changes that can improve the educational
experience for students across the city.
For more information on the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, visit the Philadelphia
Energy Authority website.
NewsClips:
Energy Savings Could Yield $600M For Philadelphia School
Philadelphia Schools Plan To Cut Energy Bills In Half
Philadelphia Schools Announce Plan To Cut Energy Bills In Half
In Coal Country, States Emboldened To Cut Energy Efficiency Programs
PECO To Power Down Iconic Crown Lights For Earth Hour, Encourages Energy Audits
PECO will power down its iconic LED Crown Lights system for
Earth Hour 2017 on March 25 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Earth
Hour is the worlds largest annual voluntary environmental
action event to raise awareness about climate change.
Prior to going dark a special message will appear from
5 to 8:30 p.m. on the lights atop the companys Main Office
Building at 2301 Market Street in Philadelphia.
In addition to turning off nonessential lights during Earth
29
Hour, PECO customers can take a number of steps to save energy and money and the
environment year-round with PECO Smart Ideas, including:
-- Schedule an energy assessment or audit at peco.com/smartideas. An energy efficiency expert
will evaluate insulation, heating and air cooling systems, lighting, appliances and more;
-- Use a programmable thermostat;
-- Caulk and weather strip windows and doors;
-- Turn lights off when you leave a room;
-- Close blinds/shades/drapes in the summer and leave them open in the winter; and
-- Use energy-efficient appliances: When shopping for appliances such as refrigerators, look for
the EnergyStar label, and purchase the most affordable energy efficient unit.
Before customers turn their lights back on this Earth Hour, they should take a moment to
replace energy-wasting incandescent light bulbs with new LED lightbulbs, which typically use
75-90 percent less energy and last about 25 times longer.
PECO provides discounts for energy-efficient bulbs, which can be found at hundreds of
local retail stores.
For more information, visit the PECO Smart Ideas webpage.
NewsClips:
National Governors Assn: PA, 4 Other States Advance Energy Goals Thru NGA Program
The National Governors Association Thursday announced five states Maryland, Mississippi,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Washingtonwill participate in a state retreat to help them
explore innovative policies and programs to reduce energy costs and consumption, conserve
natural resources, enhance the use of clean energy resources and improve resiliency in the public
sector.
Annually, states spend more than $11 billion, or up to 10 percent of their operating
budgets, for energy to power state-owned buildings. Through innovative, lead-by-example
initiatives, states can save energy by helping advance energy efficiency and renewable energy
goals in public facilities.
Governors can position their states to more effectively lead-by-example using executive
orders and other authorities and engaging legislators and the private sector.
The retreats will help governors staff and other state officials and stakeholders explore
specific challenges or goals within one of the following areas: energy efficiency in public
facilities, renewable generation for public facilities or energy efficiency and renewable energy
programs and technologies to enhance resiliency.
The NGA Center for Best Practices Environment, Energy and Transportation Division
has worked closely with states over the last 10 years to support understanding and
implementation of best practices in lead-by-example initiatives.
For more information, visit the NGAs Environment, Energy & Transportation Division
30
webpage.
NewsClips:
As Coal Continues Its Slide, Kentucky Eyes Nuclear Power
For Nuclear Inspectors, A Boring Day Is A Perfect Day
If You Think PECOs Prices Are Low Now, Wait Until June
Op-Ed: Nonpartisan Approach Best For Progress On Energy Policy
2 Reports, 1 Conclusion: Energy Production Must Shift Away From Fossil Fuels Soon
DEP Launches Oil & Gas Electronic Report Review Tool For Accelerated Public Access
Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday announced the Department of Environmental Protection has launched
the e-submissions public review tool to make documents submitted electronically by
unconventional oil and gas operators more quickly available to the public.
Electronic document submission improves the process for all involved, reducing
redundancy and the potential for errors and, importantly, making information about
unconventional well sites more quickly available to citizens, said Gov. Wolf.
DEPs Chapter 78A oil and gas regulations, implemented in October 2016, require
unconventional operators to file electronically many documents they previously submitted in
paper form.
Electronic oil and gas document submission is a critical step in making DEP permitting
and monitoring more efficient and transparent, said DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
To date, 26 operators have electronically filed almost 900 documents.
The e-submissions public review tool enables citizens to search for documents by various
parameters, for example, seeing the documents for a specific well site or for all wells run by one
operator in a particular county or the state.
The following documents are available:
-- Borrow pit registration;
-- Well development impoundment registration;
-- Area of review summary reportspecifying results of the operators survey of the area for
existing wells of any kind;
-- Request for alternate waste management practice;
-- Request for previously approved alternate waste management practice;
-- Due diligence extension request;
-- Well recordsincluding when the operator drilled, the casing materials and hardware used, the
depth, and the geologic formations;
-- Well completion report;
-- Underground/partially buried storage tanks registration;
-- Well site restoration period extension request;
-- Post-drilling site restoration report; and
-- Post-plugging site restoration report.
The oil and gas operator e-submissions public review tool is part of a major campaign to
modernize technology at DEP that began in January 2016. Partnering with programs, other state
31
agencies, and the regulated community, the DEP Bureau of Information Technology is
developing dozens of new electronic tools-- most recently an iPad app for oil and gas site
inspections and electronic permit application for coal mining-- to increase the departments
efficiency and transparency.
For more information on DEP programs, visit DEPs website, Click Here to sign up for
DEP News, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEPs YouTube Channel.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf Announces Launch Of Electronic Permit Application For Surface Coal Mines
New iPad App Makes DEP Oil And Gas Site Inspections More Efficient
Call For PUCs Powelson To Step Down After Jihad Remarks About Pipeline Opponents
Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director and Chief Counsel,

Clean Air Council Thursday issued this statement in response to
comments made by Public Utility Commission member Robert
Powelson Tuesday about opponents to pipeline projects:
The statements that Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner
Robert Powelson recently made to a group of gas industry
representatives is abhorrent and seems indicative of how captured
he is by the natural gas industry.
Mr Powelson intended to disparage all Pennsylvanians who care
about their private property, the water they drink, and the air they
breathe.
Mr. Powelson used a racially charged term, "Jihad," to not only appeal to the natural gas
representatives in the audience, but also to the Trump administration which he is hoping to work
for as a commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Mr. Powelson should be ashamed of himself, and should issue an apology to the
thousands of Pennsylvanians who fight every day for the protections that he believes are only to
be bestowed upon wealthy businesses.
(The) Clean Air Council is calling on Mr. Powelson to immediately resign from the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. This type of racial divisiveness and fear mongering is
not conducive to meaningful dialogue in the state, and should not be tolerated.
[Note: The actual quote from the news story was: "The jihad has begun, he told the
audience. At the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission groups actually show up at
commissioners homes to make sure we dont get this gas to market. How irresponsible is that?]
Commissioner Powelson, according to media reports, is being considered by the Trump
Administration for an appointment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission which
oversees pipeline approvals.
New Powelson Statement
32
Late Thursday, Commissioner Powelson issued a statement trying to walk back his
comments using the word "jihad" saying, "I used the word jihad while characterizing the
actions of individuals who have engaged in threatening or disruptive behavior: interrupting
public meetings, preventing officials from speaking, harassing federal and state regulators along
with their families, and otherwise attempting to halt the public discussion about important
infrastructure projects. In retrospect, that was an inappropriate choice of words.
Commissioner Powelson, according to media reports, is being considered by the Trump
Administration for an appointment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission which
oversees pipeline approvals.
In November, Powelson was elected President of the National Association of Regulatory
Utility Commissioners.
NewsClips:
PUC Commissioner Powelson Slams Pipeline Opponents
Amid Criticism, PUC Commissioner Powelson Walks Back Jihad Remark
Due To Litigation, DEP Officials Wont Comment On Mariner East 2 Pipeline Documents
Pipeline Cutting Thru Beaver County Will Feed Mariner East 2, Other Pipelines
Court Grants Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Access To Schuylkill Property
Federal Court Dismisses Suit Charging FERC With Bias In Pipeline Cases
Federal Court Refuses To Stop Oil In Dakota Access Pipeline
Trump Administration Approves Keystone XL Pipeline
Joint Conservation Committee: Natural Gas Methane Leaks Impacting Local Air Quality
The following article is reprinted from the March

Environmental Synopsis newsletter from the Joint
Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee, Sen. Scott Hutchinson
(R-Venango), Chair. The article was written by Coleen P.
Engvall, Research Analyst with the Committee.
Hydraulic fracturing and directional drilling of natural gas

have allowed producers to access vast reserves of the fuel,
transforming the American energy sector, as well as the
economy. Here in Pennsylvania, the Marcellus Shale
region produced as much as 16 billion cubic feet of gas per day in 2016, and production shows
no sign of slowing.
Natural gas is relatively cheap and clean-burning when compared to other fossil fuels,
such as coal or diesel. However, leaks during the processing of natural gas, where methane can
escape during compression, for example, have been speculated to impact local air quality.
Researchers from Drexel University in Philadelphia have published a study on the
potential air quality impacts of this growing industry. The study, Analysis of Local-Scale
Background Concentrations of Methane and Other Gas-Phase Species in the Marcellus Shale,
was published in February.
In order to test the relative concentrations of methane and other byproducts, researchers
33
compared ground-based mobile measurements taken in 2012 and 2015, as well as several large
scale studies conducted by organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
They measured local concentrations of methane, ethane, carbon monoxide and other
chemicals, adding considerations for geography and other compounding variables. They also
compared the data to the number of unconventional wells in the area, along with how much gas
they were producing.
Their analysis appeared to show that new wells being drilled in the region were not the
primary driver of spikes in local atmospheric methane, since the number of new wells declined
by over 50 percent from 2012-2015.
From the various measurements researchers used, regions in southwestern and
northeastern Pennsylvania did show higher levels of methane, despite this slow-down in new
well drilling.
So where was the methane coming from?
By analyzing the composition of the air quality, urban influences and other polluters were
ruled out as primary causes. Additionally, the levels of carbon monoxide, which is a byproduct
of well drilling, had decreased.
Therefore, the natural gas industry appeared to be the cause of the elevated methane
levels, however, the development of new wells was clearly not the cause. Instead, researchers
noted that other forms of natural gas infrastructure, such as compressors and pipelines, have
increased in the region.
Based on these findings, researchers suggest that the transport and processing of natural
gas is responsible for the increased methane. The finding supports the idea of super-emitters,
which are described as facilities disproportionately responsible for the majority of the natural gas
industrys emissions.
This phenomenon was described in a widely-circulated study published by researchers
from Stanford University in 2016.
The researchers acknowledge efforts by natural gas producers to prevent methane leaks,
but note that more progress could be made. In order to identify and understand the sources of
methane, they also endorse increased air quality monitoring in areas that host unconventional
drilling.
Pointing to the few studies that have been conducted that revealed potential dangers,
especially to vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, the researchers stress the
importance of filling this data gap.
From a policy perspective, regulations have primarily targeted the contamination of water
sources. With greater understanding of air quality impacts, the researchers say that methane leaks
could also be targeted.
Click Here to read the full report.
NewsClips:
Groups File Suit Against Allegheny Ludlum Plant Over Air Pollution
Pollution Lawsuit Notice Filed With Steelmaker Ludlum
Ethanol Groups Prep For Fight Over Fuel Mandate
Wolf Releases Report On Enhancing Manufacturing Using Natural Gas Liquids In PA
34
Gov. Tom Wolf and the Team Pennsylvania Foundation
Tuesday released a comprehensive study conducted by IHS
Markit on manufacturing opportunities using natural gas
liquid assets and attracting additional ethane cracker plants,
and petrochemical and plastics manufacturing.
The report-- Prospects to Enhance Pennsylvanias
Opportunities in Petrochemical Manufacturing-- forecasts
$2.7 to 3.7 billion in investments in natural gas liquid
(NGL) assets.
Pennsylvania has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop and implement a
strategy that will cultivate a manufacturing renaissance and transform our economy across the
Commonwealth, said Gov. Wolf. The foundation for building a diverse and robust
petrochemical and plastics industry was initiated with the decision by Shell Chemicals to invest
in Pennsylvania and we must ensure that we make the most of this chance to create good
paying jobs for Pennsylvanians.
According to the study, natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica Shale reserves
accounted for a quarter of all natural gas produced in the U.S. in 2015, and is expected to
account for more than 40 percent by 2030.
Additionally, 40 percent of the natural gas produced is rich in natural gas liquids, or
NGLs, more than 70 percent of which is ethane and propane. Ethane and propane are two
important and high-value NGLs used in basic petrochemical production and plastics
manufacturing.
Pennsylvania has a significant base of existing plastics manufacturers as potential
customers which IHS noted will benefit from significant reductions in feedstock costs because of
their close proximity to these resources.
The prospect that the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays can support up to four additional
ethane crackers beyond Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals is an exciting opportunity for the
commonwealth, as is the IHS forecast that a coordinated strategy has the potential to leverage up
to $3.7 billion in investment into NGL assets alone for gas processing facilities, NGL pipelines
and storage facilities, said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. The study is a roadmap that will
help us jump start our strategy to attract that investment.
Davin noted the following key priorities: proactively engaging stakeholders to bring the
right decision-makers and resources to the table; attracting additional infrastructure investments
and petrochemical and plastics manufacturers, as well as retaining and growing Pennsylvanias
existing industry; developing pad-ready sites throughout the state to encourage investment
opportunities; streamlining the development timeline and addressing potential critical
infrastructure bottlenecks; and training a workforce with the right skill sets to fill future jobs
created by the industry.
The Team Pennsylvania Foundation and our board sponsored the IHS Markit study in
partnership with DCED to help Pennsylvania maximize the in-state economic benefits of our
natural gas resources by generating new, high-paying manufacturing jobs; attracting investment;
growing the supply chain and output in the plastics sector; and generating state and local
revenue, said Ryan C. Unger, CEO of the Team Pennsylvania Foundation. We look forward to
participating in the strategic planning process as part of a cross-agency and multi-stakeholder
35
effort to ensure that our natural resources are utilized to create jobs right here in Pennsylvania.
In addition to Pennsylvanias abundant supply of low-cost natural gas and NGL
resources, the study also cited that Pennsylvanias other competitive advantages including
location and close proximity to customers, existing plastics manufacturing base, robust
transportation infrastructure and experience with Shell position Pennsylvania to successfully
advance this economic opportunity.
A copy of the report is available online. Visit DCEDs Natural Gas webpage for more
background on the economic opportunities presented by natural gas.
NewsClips:
PA Chamber Annual Environmental Conference & Trade Show April 12 In Lancaster
The PA Chamber of Business and Industry will hold its

2017 Environmental Conference and Trade Show in
Lancaster on April 12.
To help environmental managers stay on top of the vast
array of new rules and enforcement actions, the
Pennsylvania Chamber presents the state's top
environmental officials and field experts to provide the
answers you need on the new rules and deadlines, best
practices and proven advice, and to explain the details
on the hottestand the toughest to figure out.
The Conference will be held at the Best Western Premier Eden Resort & Suites, 222
Eden Road, Lancaster.
Click Here for all the details and to register.
DCNR, L&I Seeking Student Applicants For Expanded PA Outdoor Corps
Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn Thursday
joined Department of Labor &
Industry Secretary Kathy
Manderino and Student
Conservation Association
representatives in announcing
applicants are being sought to
expand the highly successful PA Outdoor Corps to work in state parks and state forests across
36
the state.
The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is again offering young people the opportunity to work
on one of 14 teams across the state, completing conservation projects to protect, enhance and
restore Pennsylvanias public lands, Dunn said. Last summer I heard firsthand at their job sites
how these young crews appreciated both the job opportunities and the chance to connect with the
outdoors and gain training necessary for future successful employment. Whether rehabilitating
hiking trails or restoring habitat, corps members received the knowledge and expertise to be
good stewards of our natural resources.
First established in summer 2016, the innovative PA Outdoor Corps offers paid work
experience, job training, and educational opportunities to young people who complete recreation
and conservation projects at state parks, forestlands, and other Pennsylvania public lands.
This year the program is being expanded to include teams in the following areas: Erie,
Meadville, Pittsburgh, Uniontown, Altoona, McConnellsburg, St. Marys, Renovo, Williamsport,
Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre, Reading, and Philadelphia.
Dunn notes the program is a key element of the departments strategic efforts to connect
with youth and expand job opportunities, particularly in underserved areas of the state.
The employment and enrichment program is managed by DCNR in cooperation with the
Student Conservation Association (SCA), with financial and program support provided by
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industrys Reemployment Fund.
We are proud at Labor & Industry to support this program that will allow our young
people the opportunity to participate in real life job experiences, said Labor & Industry
Secretary Kathy Manderino. We hope from these experiences, they will be able to move
forward in their lives with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the workforce,
and we are pleased that this program allows lower-income students with a barrier to
employment, such as transportation, the opportunity to reach for that success.
The PA Outdoor Corps consists of two components: a 10-month program for young
adults ages 18-25, already under way in four areas of the state; and the six-week, summer
program for youth between the ages of 15-18, for which applications now are being accepted.
Applicants must:
-- Be between the ages of 15 to 18 at the start of the program;
-- Be able to conduct physical work in challenging, outdoor conditions;
-- Be enthusiastic about working on a diverse crew;
-- Have an interest in conservation and natural resource management; and
-- Be able to always model safe and professional behavior.
Successful applicants will be assigned to a crew of 10 members and two leaders working
on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, vegetation management, park maintenance, light
construction and more. Environmental education and job skills trainings also are provided in
these assignments, which can be physically demanding and take place in outdoor settings
regardless of weather.
This program runs six weeks (July to mid-August) and successful applicants will work
full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Compensation will be $10.15 per hour, with transportation to
worksites, and breakfast and lunch provided daily.
Click Here to apply online. After completing the SCA application, would-be corps
members are asked to email: paoutdoorcorps@thesca.org and notify organizers of their interest.
For more information, visit the PA Outdoor Corps webpage.
37
NewsClips:
Crable: More Than Half Of State Park Beaches Will Be Smoke-Free
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute Now Accepting Applications For Youths 13-15
The Central PA Conservancy Wednesday announced it is

now accepting applications for the July 10-15 Goddard
Leadership Legacy Institute residential leadership and
conservation program for youths ages 13 to 15.
The Institute is held at the Ironmasters Mansion at
Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County.
The program provides children with opportunities to
become immersed in the natural, scenic, historic,
agricultural, and recreational resources of the South
Mountain Landscape while learning key lessons in
leadership and citizenship.
The historic Ironmaster's Mansion serves as the base for fun field excursions and team
projects to study water connections, forest resources, agriculture, and land use, all with an
emphasis on how individual and community leadership can help protect our natural resources.
At mid-week, students board vans and travel to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Karen
Noonan Center for valuable lessons in Bay ecology and leadership efforts to improve the health
of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Throughout the week, participants will also enjoy opportunities to kayak, rock climb,
hike, swim, and conduct volunteer service projects both at Pine Grove and the Chesapeake Bay.
The program culminates in a student leadership conference at Chesapeake Bay
Foundation headquarters in Annapolis, MD, where students will showcase their weeklong
journey from the headwaters to the Bay to other students and community and public leaders.
Click Here to watch a short video about the program.
For much more information and to apply, visit the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute
website. The deadline for applications is June 4.
For more information on other programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the
Central PA Conservancy website.
NewsClips:
New Season Bringing More Smoke-Free Beaches To Pennsylvania State Parks
38
Visitors to state parks this upcoming summer season will find more swimming beaches
designated as smoke free at the 121 state parks across the state, Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced Tuesday.
Responding to visitor requests and support, DCNR is implementing smoking controls at
16 new swimming beaches with their traditional Memorial Day opening, May 29. The pilot
smoke free program has expanded this year to include 39 of 54 swimming beaches across
Pennsylvania.
New state park Smoke-Free Beaches will be established this season at: Bald Eagle,
Centre County; Beltzville, Carbon County; Chapman, Warren County; Canoe Creek, Blair
County; Greenwood Furnace, Huntingdon County; Hickory Run, Luzerne County; Little Pine,
Lycoming County; Moraine (Lakeview Beach), Butler County; Ole Bull, Potter County; Poe
Valley, Centre County; Prince Gallitzin (Muskrat Beach), Cambria County; Pymatuning,
(Jamestown Campground and Linesville beaches), Crawford County; Promised Land (Main
Beach), Pike County; Tobyhanna, Monroe County; and Tuscarora, Schuylkill County.
This expansion is directly in line with the state parks primary mission -- provide
opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for
environmental education, Dunn said. It was an ongoing bid to gauge the pulse of the public
that led our Bureau of State Parks to expand its Smoke-Free Beach locations. From the outset
of this program in May 2013 beach restrictions consistently have been hailed by visitors for
significantly improving air quality and reducing cigarette-butt litter.
Success of our initial goals, as well as feedback from park visitors across the state,
encouraged us to again expand the Smoke-Free Beach areas this season.
In 2016, 12 state parks initiated new Smoke Free Beaches. They were: Hills Creek,
Tioga County; Lyman Run, Potter County; R.B. Winter, Union; Presque Isle, Erie; Pymatuning,
Crawford, Laurel Hill, Somerset County; Whipple Dam, Huntingdon County; Gifford Pinchot,
York County; Cowans Gap, Fulton County; Gouldsboro, Monroe County; Ricketts Glen,
Luzerne County; and Worlds End, Sullivan.
Surveys, feedback to park managerial staff, and reservation information all played a key
role in the departments decision to continue expanding smoking restrictions.
Smoking constraints at designated parks eliminate smoking on beaches and swimming
areas. For visitors who smoke and still want to use these beaches, designated areas adjacent to
the beach are provided.
The restriction includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars and the increasingly popular e-cigarettes.
Staff at newly affected parks have been preparing for the change by purchasing and installing
butt disposal units; installing new signage; establishing designated smoking areas with seating;
and informing park user and support groups.
For more information on state parks, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the
Resource newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook
up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
39
PennDOT Outlines Biking Improvements For 150 Miles Of Route 6
As part of its effort to improve bicycle safety,

accessibility, and connectivity along Route 6, the
Department of Transportation has completed a report
outlining enhancements for the routes 150 miles from
the Ohio border to the McKean/Potter county line, as
well as Route 6N in Erie County.
The report, available on PennDOTs Ride A
Bike webpage, outlines improvement strategies as well
as specific enhancement suggestions, such as proposed
wayfinding signage locations.
For recommended improvements along the
main corridor, the report estimates a $70.1 million cost, more than half of which is for bridge
replacements, and an additional $5.9 million for enhancements to Route 6N. The report is
intended for PennDOTs and municipal and regional agencies use when planning and designing
future multimodal transportation projects.
With the many scenic and historic opportunities along this route, were excited to
outline strategies to help enhance safety and sustainable transportation, PennDOT Secretary
Leslie S. Richards said. Communities should see transportation networks as assets, and this
report has some concrete recommendations to improve conditions for all travel modes in the
area.
The report was the result of several stakeholder and public meetings as well as extensive
data collection on existing conditions, infrastructure and safety, environmentally and historically
significant features, and previous plans or studies related to the route.
The PA Route 6 Alliance, a key partner on the initiative, noted the initiatives aim to
enhance safety and connect to trails and communities along the route, most of which is officially
designated as PA Bike Route Y.
The PA Route 6 Alliance is grateful that PennDOT is taking a comprehensive look at
U.S. Route 6 to improve the bicycling experience for both long-distance cyclists and our
residents. This helps advance our efforts to enhance outdoor recreation and bring new visitors to
our communities, said Terri Dennison, the alliances executive director. We are looking
forward to assisting in the implementation of the recommendations, including wayfinding
signage into our communities and hospitality training geared towards bike-friendly towns.
PennDOT plans two additional reports that will identify strategies and recommendations
for the remaining sections of Route 6 in the state.
Click Here to read a copy of Route 6 Bicycle Master Plan Design Guide.
For more information on biking in Pennsylvania, visit PennDOTs Ride A Bike webpage.
NewsClips:
40
Delaware & Lehigh April 8 First Trails Cleanup, Hugh Moore Park Northampton County
Celebrate National Volunteer Month and Rails-to-Trails

Conservancys Opening Day for Trails by giving back to
the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and
join other volunteers to help clean up Eastons Hugh
Moore Park in Northampton County on April 8 from
9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Volunteers will meet in the main parking lot in Hugh
Moore Park at 9:00 a.m. to break into groups for various
activities, including litter clean-up along streets and the D&L Trail, installing safety signs along
the D&L Trail, clearing branches, planting flowers, helping the museum get ready for Immersion
Days and setting up the Trail Tender Trailer.
Plan on volunteering for about 3 hours, but if volunteers can only come for a bit, well
still welcome the help. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothes long pants and long sleeve
shirts are best.
This is a Great American Cleanup of PA registered event.
Click Here to sign up for this event or RSVP to Brian Greene, Trail Programs Manager
610-923-3548 x234 or send email to: programs@delawareandlehigh.org. Questions should also
be directed to Brian Greene.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website.
(Photo: Josiah White II canal boat you can sale on from Hugh Moore Park.)
DCNR Secretary Urges Caution In The Outdoors To Prevent Wildfires
With the start of spring and Wildfire Prevention Week,

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn warns the combination of
bright sun, strong winds, and warming temperatures
quickly can increase wildfire dangers across
Pennsylvanias forests and brush lands.
Despite recent cold temperatures and
snowcover across much of the state, past springs have
shown it just takes a few days of sun and wind to allow
brush and forest fire danger to develop quickly, Dunn said. Most of the reported fires last year
are linked to people; people cause 98 percent of wildfires. A mere spark by a careless person can
touch off a devastating forest blaze during dry periods when conditions enable wildfires to
41
spread quickly.
DCNR statistics show nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvanias wildfires occur in March,
April and May, before the greening of state woodlands and brushy areas.
Named for rapid spread through dormant, dry vegetation, under windy conditions,
wildfires annually scorch nearly 7,000 acres of state and private woodlands.
March marks the start of a sometimes very dangerous three months, Dunn said. That
is why Gov. Tom Wolf has proclaimed March 19-25 as Wildfire Prevention Week.
The value of vigilance is driven home when we look back at the tragedy of Tennessees
wildfires late last year that killed 14, Dunn noted, and Pennsylvanias wildfire last April that
burned for almost two weeks across more than 8,000 acres on the Pike-Monroe county line.
In 2016, Bureau of Forestry personnel and volunteer firefighters battled more than 850
reported field, brush and forest fires that scorched more than 12,000 acres across the state.
Common sense can limit the threat of wildfires, said Dunn. When state residents and
forest visitors are careless with burning trash, campfires and smoking, volunteer firefighters
often pay the price, answering call after call in spring woodlands that are ripe for damaging, life-
threatening wildfires.
Anglers, campers and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are prohibited on
state forestland from March 1 to May 25, and when the fire danger is listed as high, very high, or
extreme, unless authorized by district foresters.
Communities in heavily wooded areas are urged to follow wildfire prevention and
suppression methods of the Pennsylvania Firewise Community Program to safeguard life and
property.
DCNRs Bureau of Forestry is responsible for prevention and suppression of wildfires on
the 17 million acres of state and private woodlands and brush lands. The bureau maintains a
fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they
are trained in the latest advances in fire prevention and suppression.
For more information on Wildfire Prevention Week activities, contact local district
foresters; call the Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925; or visit DCNRs Wildland Fire webpage.
For more information on outdoor recreation opportunities and programs, visit DCNRs
website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs
Online Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Crable: 177 Ash Trees Fall Victim To Emerald Ash Borer In Lancaster
How To Get A Free Tree In Philly For Your Yard This Spring
Lots Of Critters Springing Up In Vernal Pools
Feature: A Woman And Her Woods-- Nancy Baker, Bradford County
By Stephanie Smith, Web Content Manager, Chesapeake Bay Program
When Nancy Baker was in sixth grade, she knew exactly

what she wanted to be when she grew up: a forester. She
had spent every Christmas, summer and most weekends
42
visiting her familys land in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and would follow in her fathers
footstepsliterallyas they roamed the woods.
But when a guidance counselor asked her what she wanted to be, forester turned out
not to be an acceptable answer. She said, Nancy, girls cant be foresters, Baker remembers.
And I was crestfallenI was just crushed.
I went home and I told my dad that I couldnt be a forester, Baker recalls. And he
said, You can be anything you want to be.
So thats exactly what she did. Baker is now a forest ecologist, and for close to 40 years
she has owned the 163 acres she grew up visiting (the land has now been in her family for more
than 150 years).
Shes the former president of the Bradford-Sullivan Forest Landowners Association, part
of Pennsylvanias Forest Stewardship Steering Committee and one of the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bays Chesapeake Forest Champions.
Shes also a leader in the Women and Their Woods initiative: a program to connect
women forest landowners in northeastern Pennsylvania and teach them the skills and confidence
they need to care for their forests.
According to the most recent National Woodland Owner Survey, 21 percent of forest
landowners are women. Whether through outliving their spouses, inheriting property or outright
purchasing land, more and more women are becoming primary owners of forests.
But a study by the National Association of State Foresters showed that, while 83 percent
of women who inherit forestland were interested in managing it, only 34 percent felt they had
enough knowledge to make informed decisions.
Thats where Women and Their Woods comes in. Whether the women have received
their land through the passing of a husband, by inheritance or after purchasing it themselves,
participants can access the knowledge and resources to feel confident in caring for their forests.
At meetings, women forest landowners can connect, share knowledge, meet with experts
and ask questions. The program also hosts four-day retreats full of hands-on activities that teach
the women how to manage their forestland.
I think there are a lot of women whothe window sort of opens for them, and its no
longer just a green place out there, Baker says. It actually begins to make sense to them.
Its the hands-on experience that Baker feels the women might not get enough of
otherwise.
Gentlemen are so nice to do things for us that we never learn ourselves, she laughs. As
soon as you say, help me cut this off, the guy will justnot being intentionally mean or
anythingtheyll just pick up the chainsaw and be very nice to you and cut it right off. And
youre standing there and you dont get the experience.
But chainsaws, herbicide sprayers, ATVs and even propane torches (We almost took the
eyebrows off somebody, Baker jokes) are all fair game at the Women and Their Woods
meetings.
Attendees also learn how to identify plants and trees, how to measure a tree and how to
talk to a forester: what questions to ask and what different terms mean.
Although some participants may be looking to learn how to garner the most income from
their forests, research has shown that women tend to be far less interested in the economic value
of their land.
Instead, they tend to focus on its aesthetic, recreational and peace of mind values.
43
Women and Their Woods teaches them how to care for their forest land as an ecosystem, giving
them the skills they need so that, should they decide to focus on its economic returns, they can do
so in a sustainable way.
Since Women and Their Woods began in 2008, about 80 women have gone through the
program. Funding and support comes from several partners, including Delaware Highlands
Conservancy, the USDA Forest Service at Grey Towers, Penn State University Natural
Resources Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
On her own land, Baker works with her consulting forester to manage the health of her
forest. A few fields, once cleared by her grandfather and great-grandfather, she keeps open.
Otherwise, with Baker keeping a careful eye and stepping in where needed, the forest is
free to take over. The two streams running along her propertyCrane Creek and Panther
Lickhave buffers growing alongside them that havent been cut since the late 1800s.
Slowly, the makeup of her forest has changed, whether through Bakers careful
management or through circumstances beyond her control, like disease, pests and climate
change.
Areas once home to ash trees have fallen prey to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, leaving
only a smattering of the trees standing.
And while Baker could salvage and sell what timber is left, she prefers to let nature take
its course: My neighbors say, Nancy, its all going to waste! No, its not going to waste. Its
being recycled.
Years ago, Baker traveled to a conference on fire ecologythe study of wildland fire and
its relationship to the environment. In attendance: 171 men and her. Today, Pennsylvania is
home to a small but growing professional group of women foresters, many of whom lend their
expertise to Women and Their Woods.
To Baker, this network of support is one of the most vital pieces of the program. Thats
the major thing that comes out of it, is that they do not feel alone anymore, she says. They
have somebody that they can reach out to.
To see more photos, visit the Chesapeake Bay Programs Flickr page. Photos by Will
Parson.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Program Blog, March 22, 2017)
Agriculture, Partners To Train Volunteers To Combat Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
The Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with Penn

State Extension and Berks County Conservation District,
will host a series of April public meetings to train
volunteers to assist in eradicating the invasive Spotted
Lanternfly.
This destructive insect pest poses a significant threat
44
to the states $16.1 billion hardwoods industry, as well as grape and tree fruit industries, which
collectively add more than $170.2 million annually to Pennsylvanias economy, and support
thousands of jobs.
The public meetings will be held:
-- Berks County
-- April 5, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Berks County Ag Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport
-- April 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. District Township Municipal Building, 202 Weil Road, Boyertown
-- April 15, noon - 2 p.m. Center at Spring Street, 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown
-- April 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Brandywine Heights Middle School, 200 W. Weis St., Topton
-- April 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ruscombmanor Township Office, 204 Oak Lane, Fleetwood
-- Bucks County
-- April 29, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Milford Township Office, 2100 Krammes Road, Quakertown
-- Lehigh County
-- April 22, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Lehigh County Ag Center, 4184 Dorney Park Road, Allentown
-- Montgomery County
-- April 12, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Montgomery County 4-H Center, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville
At the meetings, PSU Extension educators will train residents to recognize and to help
eliminate these invasive insects.
With warm weather approaching, the department is seeking volunteers to place sticky
bands on Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) trees to kill adult insects that live on the trees.
Volunteers will be trained and equipped with tree-banding supplies at the meetings.
Spotted Lanternfly has the potential to devastate Pennsylvanias grape harvests and
damage hops, nursery plants, fruit trees and hardwoods, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
said. Our staff and partners are working hard to eradicate the insects and limit their spread, but
volunteers can magnify those efforts significantly.
The Spotted Lanternfly is an inch-long black, red and white spotted pest native to China,
India, Japan, and Vietnam. It is an invasive species in Korea, where it has attacked 25 plant
species that also grow in Pennsylvania.
The first U.S. detection of the pest was in Berks County in late 2014, shortly before the
department began to coordinate efforts to eradicate it.
Parts of six Pennsylvania counties where egg masses have been found Berks, Bucks,
Chester, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton are under quarantine. The quarantine
restricts movement of materials or objects that can spread the pest by transporting egg masses.
Once egg masses hatch in mid-May, insects hop or crawl from one woody plant to
another until reaching the Tree of Heaven, their preferred food source. Grapevines, fruit trees,
nursery plants and hardwoods in infested areas are susceptible to damage.
Click Here to register for the meetings or by calling 610-489-4315.
For more information, visit Agricultures Spotted Lanternfly webpage.
NewsClips:
45
PEC: Get Your Hands Dirty In Luzerne, Columbia County State Forests, Plant Trees
Join the PA Environmental Council, DCNR Bureau of

Forestry and Keep PA Beautiful to celebrate Earth Day 2017
by helping with tree plantings in Pinchot State Forest in
Luzerne County and Weiser State Forest in Columbia
County on April 21-22.
To ensure are enough supplies food and drinks for all
volunteers attending, please register online prior to the event
Pinchot State Forest
On April 21 and 22 volunteers will plant 7,480 seedlings
including White Birch, Quaking Aspen and Chestnut Oak
across 10 acres of reclaimed mine lands in Pinchot State Forest.
Volunteers will gather at 9:00 at the intersection of Strip Mine Road and Avondale Hill
Road in Plymouth Township, Luzerne County. Planting will continue until 2:00 p.m. both days.
Click Here to register.
Weiser State Forest
Another 3,559 Aspen Shrub Oak, Pitch Pine and Table Mountain Pine seedlings have
been designated for planting in the Weiser State Forest on April 22.
Registration for this one-day activity begins at 8:30am at the Weiser Forestry District
Building (16 Weiser Ave. Aristes, Columbia County). After registration volunteers will be
bussed to the Weiser State Forest for planting.
Click Here to register.
DCNR has already done the hard work of ripping the soil using heavy equipment in
preparation for planting. This will make volunteers work much easier and will also increase
water infiltration and tree root expansion.
Due to the rocky, hilly terrain, please note that boots or sturdy shoes are required. Well
take care of the rest: food, supplies, and portable toilets will be provided, and seasoned Foresters
will be onsite to instruct volunteers.
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 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.
Sign up now for the 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup
and beautification event through May 31.
NewsClips:
46
Western PA Conservancy: Volunteers Needed For Spring Tree Planting Dates
The Western PA Conservancy is seeking volunteers for a

series of tree planting events in the Pittsburgh region as part
of its Treevitalize and Pittsburgh Redbud Project.
The planting dates run from March 25 to April 22.
Pre-registration is required. Please Click Here and
select the event(s) where you would like to volunteer. You
can register for multiple events at one time.
You can also register by calling 412-586-2386.
Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, closed-toed
shoes and to dress for the weather. All plantings will be held
rain or shine. Feel free to bring a reusable water bottle. All necessary tools will be provided by
the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and our partners.
If you have any questions, contact TreeVitalize at 412-586-2386 or send email to:
trees@paconserve.org.
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.
NewsClips:
TreePhilly Program Again Offering Free Trees To Plant In Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department and the Fairmount

Park Conservancy Monday announced the TreePhilly Program will again
be offering free trees to plant starting April 1.
Interested people should pre-register for one of the four pick-up events
being held around Philly in April (walk-ins will be accepted, but while
supplies last). In addition, each resident will receive a free bag of mulch.
There, youll be able to pick from a dozen types of yard trees, including
black gum, red oak, gray birch, ironwood, red buckeye, Robin crabapple,
staghorn sumac, witchhazel, sourwood, apple, apricot, and sweet cherry.
These are the four dates and locations for tree pick-ups:
-- April 1: from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Congreso de Latinos Unidos
courtyard (216 W. Somerset St.);
47
-- April 2: from 12 to 2 p.m. at South Philadelphia High School (2101 South Broad St.);
-- April 8: from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Roxborough TD Bank Store (5501 Ridge Ave.); and
-- April 9: from 12 to 2 p.m. at Frankford Avenue TD Bank Store (6635 Frankford Ave.).
For more information and to pre-register, visit the TreePhilly Program website.
NewsClips:
New Tools Available To Help With Trees In Buffers, Communities
Two new websites are now available to help those

working to plant and protect trees throughout the
Chesapeake Bay watershed. Pennsylvania is connected to
these efforts through its Forest Buffer and TreeVitalize
efforts.
The Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer Network
and Chesapeake Tree Canopy Network-- both launched
through partnerships between the Chesapeake Bay
Programs Forestry Workgroup, the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service-- were created to help communities meet
their forest buffer and tree canopy goals.
Forest buffers are considered one of the most cost-effective practices for reducing
pollution because of their ability to efficiently trap and filter pollutants carried by runoff.
Trees in urban and suburban communities provide an array of benefits, including:
cleaning the air; reducing polluted runoff; providing shade; and enhancing quality of life.
For more information, visit the Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer Network and
Chesapeake Tree Canopy Network websites.
NewsClips:
Luzerne Farmers Preparing For State Conservation Inspections
Already Polluted, Susquehanna River Cleanup Could Cease Under Trump Budget
Republican Congressman Scott Perry: God Is A Polluter
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
(Reprinted from the March 22 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
48
copy.)
PA Forest Heritage Assn. Spring Newsletter Now Available
The PA Forest Heritage Associations Spring edition of the Burning

Issues newsletter is now available featuring stories on--
-- As of March 15, there have been 100 wildfires in Pennsylvania
which burned 187.8 acres damaging 2 structures and destroying 2
homes with 1 injury.
-- Profile: Rick Temple, Mobile Forest Fire Cache Manager (photo)
Questions about the newsletter should be directed to Michael J.
Klimkos, Editor, by sending email to: klimkos@embarqmail.com.
Visit the Discovery Center at Caledonia State Park in Franklin
County to learn more about Pennsylvanias forest fire fighting
heritage.
The PA Forest Heritage Association is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the
heritage of forest conservation and forest fire protection in Pennsylvania. Click Here to contact
the PFHA for more information on the programs, initiatives and upcoming events.
NewsClips:
March 22 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The March 22 edition of the Resource newsletter is now available from

the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles
on--
-- PAs First Female Conservation Trailblazer: Mira Lloyd Dock (photo)
-- New Season Bringing More Smoke-Free Beaches To PA State Parks
-- DCNR Secretary Urges Caution In The Outdoors To Prevent
Wildfires
-- DCNR Accepting Applications For Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire
Fighting Grants
-- Wolf Administration Celebrates State Investments In Facade Program
Along Route 6
-- New Tools Available To Help with Trees in Buffers, Communities
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online
Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Flickr.
49
Hawk Mountain Hosts Lecture By Private Lives Of Vultures Author Katie Fallon April 8
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County will host

author Katie Fallon on April 8 at 2 p.m. as she presents a
look into her newest book, VULTURE: The Private Life of
an Unloved Bird. Her lecture will be immediately followed
by an exclusive book signing.
The presentation and signing will take place in the
Sanctuary's Visitor Center Gallery, and both are free to the
public.
During the presentation, Fallon will discuss the life
and times of the often misunderstood and
under-appreciated turkey vulture, including their feeding and roosting habits, migratory
behaviors, and common misconceptions.
The program will be followed by a book signing where attendees have the opportunity to
purchase her newest publication.
Katie Fallon is the author of other bird-centric books, including Cerulean Blues (2011), a
new children's book, Look, See the Bird!, coming out this summer.
She has taught writing at Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, and West Virginia
Wesleyan College, and she is one of the founders of the Avian Conservation Center of
Appalachia, a non-profit dedicated to conserving the region's wild birds through research,
education, and rehabilitation.
Hawk Mountain Senior Educator Rachel Spagnola expressed her excitement for the
event: "Vultures are amazing creatures, and Katie Fallon is an equally amazing vulture
spokesperson to highlight their importance in our ecosystem. Serving as natures garbage
collectors, vultures have been recycling long before it became fashionable. Katie elevates these
scavenging raptors with her sense of humor, vast knowledge, and 'talons-on' experience with
vultures. After Katies presentation, visitors can then head outside to admire vultures as they
gracefully soar above the lookouts!"
The following morning of April 9, Fallon will be available for a Hawk Mountain
Members-only event, Coffee with Katie, in which Members can join Katie by the Visitor Center
birdfeeders to chat, observe, and sip bird-friendly coffee.
The 2,500-acre Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the worlds first refuge for birds of prey and
is open to the public year-round by trail-fee or membership, which in turn supports the nonprofit
organizations raptor conservation mission and local-to-global research, training, and education
programs.
Click Here to learn more about becoming a member or call 610-756-6961.
NewsClips:
Wildlife Grant To Fund Farm Projects In Fishing Creek Watershed
Crable: Trout Season Opens In Lancaster April 1
50
Huntsdale Hatchery Has Raising Fish Down To A Science
Schneck: Hanover Bald Eagle Egg Begins Hatching
Hanover Eaglet Hatches On Live Cam
2nd Egg Hatches At Hanover Bald Eagle Nest
Bradley Mallory Joins PA Parks & Forests Foundation Board
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Wednesday announced the

appointment of Bradley Mallory to its board of directors, effective
immediately.
Mr. Mallory brings prior experience as a highly skilled former chief
executive officer, PA Secretary of Transportation, and attorney. His
proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and
organizational development will be advantageous to his work as a PPFF
board member.
Growing up in northern Pennsylvania, the Mallory family has always
enjoyed state parks and forests for hiking, canoeing, and relaxing.
Our state parks and forests are a treasure, said Brad. We must invest
in this incredible resource if we want to continue to enjoy it.
Brad brings with him both a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the outdoors said
Marci Mowery, President of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation. We look forward to working
with him as we support our state parks and forests through projects, volunteerism, advocacy, and
investments in these challenging economic times.
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.
Help Wanted: DEP District Mining Manager In Moshannon Office
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position
of District Mining Manager in its Moshannon District Mining Office in Philipsburg. Click Here
for the complete job announcement and instructions on how to apply.
DEP: Opportunity To Bid On Mine Reclamation Project In Clearfield County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 25 PA Bulletin of an

opportunity to bide on a mine reclamation project in Clearfield 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
51
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.
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.
March 26-29-- PA Recreation & Park Society 2017 Annual Conference. Hershey Lodge and
Convention Center.
March 27-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry 717-772-5713 or send email to:
lahenry@pa.gov.
-- Update On Bureau of Waste Management
-- Marcellus Shale Waste Management Update
-- Click Here for available handouts.
March 27-- PennTAP Facility Operations Workshop On Energy Efficiency. State College.
March 28-- Environmental Quality Board hearing on proposed regulation repealing the
low-RVP gasoline requirement in the Pittsburgh Region. DEP Southwest Regional Office,
Conference Rooms A & B, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh. 1:00.
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)
low-RVP gasoline requirement in the Pittsburgh Region. DEP Southeast Regional Office,
Delaware & Schuylkill Conference Rooms, 2 East Main Street, Norristown. 1:00.
low-RVP gasoline requirement in the Pittsburgh Region. DEP Headquarters Building, Room
105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 1:00.
52
March 30-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board Regulatory, Legislative and
Technical Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building,
Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-783-8846 or send email to:
dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
March 30-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association Streamwater Volunteer Training. East
Stroudsburg Universitys Moore Building, Room 201, Monroe County. 6:30 p.m.
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 4-- Center for Watershed Protection 2017 National Watershed & Stormwater Conference.
Online and regional hub locations closest to PA: Temple Universitys Ambler Campus, 580
Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, Montgomery County [register here] or in Baltimore [register here].
April 5-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on PA One Call utility
location safety program. Room 60 East Wing. 9:30.
April 5-7-- PA Assn. of Environmental Professionals 32nd Annual Conference. State College.
April 6-- 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. (formal notice)
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 6-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing On Aquatic Life Water Uses In
Delaware Estuary. West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company Hall, 40 West Upper Ferry Road,
West Trenton, NJ. 2:00 p.m.
April 7-- PennFuture, National Wildlife Federation 3rd Annual Celebrating Women In
Conservation Awards. Keystone College, Evans Hall, in La Plume, Lackawanna County. 6:30.
April 8-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Fern Park, Allegheny County. 10:30
a.m. to Noon.
April 8-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association Streamwater Volunteer Training.

Northampton Community Colleges Kapp Hall, Room 104, at the Tannersville Campus. 11:30
a.m.
53
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 8-- Fish and Boat Commission Mentored Youth Trout Days.
April 8-- NEW. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Lecture By Private Lives Of Vultures Author Kate
Fallon. Berks County. 2:00 p.m.
April 8-- NEW. Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor First Trails Cleanup at Hugh
Moore Park, Northampton County.
April 9-- Clean Air Council Run For Clean Air Earth Day Celebration. Philadelphia.
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 12-- NEW. PA Chamber of Business & Industry Annual Environmental Conference and
Trade Show. Best Western Premier Eden Resort & Suites, 222 Eden Road, 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. Click Here to participate via WebEx. (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.
54
April 18-- 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.
April 18-- DEP Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, Fayette Room, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Allison Gaida, 724-404-3147 or send email to: agaida@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 18-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Lauri Ann West Community Center,
Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
April 19-- DEP public meeting/hearing on proposed Air Quality Plan Approval for an
emergency generator at a Transco natural gas pipeline compressor station in Mifflin Township,
Lycoming County. Salladasburg Elementary School, 3490 State Route 287, Jersey Shore.
6:00-- meeting, 7:15-- hearing. Contact: Muhammad Zaman, DEP Williamsport Office,
570-327-3648. (formal notice PA Bulletin page 1536)
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-- CANCELED. 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. (formal notice)
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-- NEW. PA Environmental Council Tree Planting, Weiser State Forest. Columbia
County.
April 22-- NEW. Earth Day!
April 22-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Ross Township Community Center,
Allegheny County. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
April 22-- NEW. PA Resources Council Reuse Fest. UPMC Passavant Green Lot off Babcock
Blvd, McCandless, Allegheny County.
April 22-23-- Friends of Allegheny Wilderness Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail Stewardship
Days. Warren County.
April 25-- NEW. PA Environmental Council. Dinner Recognizing Winners Of 2017 Governors
Environmental Excellence Awards. Harrisburg Hilton.
55
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.
April 29-- Manada Conservancys Spring Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
April 29-- NEW. PA Resources Council/PA American Water Drug Take-Back Day. Green
Tree, Mt. Lebanon and Robinson Township, Allegheny County.
May 3-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee informational meeting on the forest
products industry. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford. 9:00.
May 3-- Registration Open. Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference
Center, State College.
May 4-- 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.
(formal notice)
May 4-6-- Registration Open. PA Land Trust Association Land Conservation Conference &
Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Lancaster.
May 6-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Ross Twp.
Community Center, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
May 6-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. North Park,
Allegheny County.
May 6-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Dinner & Live, Silent Auctions. Silver Birches
Waterfront in Hawley, Pike County.
May 9-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, mbrojakows@pa.gov or 717-772-3429.
(formal notice)
56
May 9-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Carnegie
Municipal Building, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 10-- NEW. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee holds an information meeting
with Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on budget and other priorities of the agency. Room
60 East Wing. 9:00.
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 10-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Fern
Hollow, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
May 13-- NEW. PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Galleria at

Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer Township, Allegheny County.
May 16-- Primary Election Day.
May 16-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. North
Park-Rose Barn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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.
DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, khethering@pa.gov.
May 18-- CANCELED. 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)
May 18-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Boyce
Park-Activity Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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.
57
May 20-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Concurrent
Technologies Corporation, Johnstown, Cambria County.
May 20-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Lauri
ann West Community Center, 10:30 to Noon
May 20-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation. Highmark Walk For A Healthy Community.
Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg.
May 22-- NEW. Environmental Issues Forum. Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control
and Conservation Committee to hear a presentation on Pennsylvanias pollinator population and
emerging threats to agriculture and the beekeeping industry. Pollinators play a significant role in
the production of fruit and vegetables. Room 8E-A East Wing Capitol Building. Noon.
May 24-- PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership. PA Green & Healthy Schools Forum with
PA Envirothon. University of Pittsburgh Campus-Johnstown .
May 24-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. South
Park-Buffalo Inn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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 8-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps
Garden Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
June 21-22-- PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel
and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre. Click Here for more information.
June 24-- NEW. PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Quaker Valley High
58
School, Leetsdale, Allegheny County.
July 22-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Consol Energy
Park, Washington County.
July 29-- NEW. PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. La Roche College,
McCandless, Allegheny County.
August 12-- NEW. PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall,
West Mifflin, Allegheny County.
August 19-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Boyce Park,
Allegheny County.
September 16-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South
Park, Allegheny 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.
October 7-- NEW. PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin
Park, Allegheny County.
October 14-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run
Park, Beaver County.
December 5-7-- NEW. National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.
LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
59
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

60
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
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 27-- PA Wilds Centers Champions Of The Wilds Award
March 30-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy College Scholarships
March 30-- Stonycreek Conemaugh River Project Student Scholarship
March 31-- 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
March 31-- Schuylkill Student Street Art Contest
April 3-- NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
April 12-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Close
April 15-- DCNR Environmental Careers Summer Camp
April 15-- 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 9-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Grants
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 18-- DCNR Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire Fighting Grants
May 26-- PennAg Industries College Scholarships
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Water-Related, Recreation Grants
May 31-- Abandoned Mine Land Programs Assn. College Scholarship
June 1-- DEP Vehicle Fleet Owner Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program
June 2-- Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest
June 4-- NEW. Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute For Youths 13-15
June 30-- Susquehanna Greenways Partnership 2017 Photo Contest
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 7-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Thru The Seasons Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Program
61
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.
Federal Policy
Trumps Words Could Jeopardize His Environmental Rollbacks Too
Editorial: Scientists Are Mad, Fighting Back Against Trump Attacks
Sources: Trump Administration To Approve Keystone XL Pipeline
Air
Groups File Suit Against Allegheny Ludlum Plant Over Air Pollution
Pollution Lawsuit Notice Filed With Steelmaker Ludlum
Allegheny River
Allegheny Is River Of The Year In Pennsylvania
Alternate Fuels
Awards & Recognition
62
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
Environmental Leaders Urge Philly City Council To Put Climate On Front Burner
Pittsburgh Transforms From Industrial To Sustainable City
Report: Climate Outlook Improves As Fewer Coal Plants Built
Coal Mining
Judge Signs Peabody Bankruptcy Exit After Environmental Deal
Compliance Action
Mediation Fails To Resolve Wetland Violations Against Waterford Farmer
Drinking Water
Cost-Cutting May Be To Blame For Pittsburghs High Lead Levels
3 Pittsburgh Water Authority Board Members Resign In Same Week
Pittsburgh Water Authority Needs 2 Months, $1.7M To Repair Leaky Water Main
63
Op-Ed: Making Pittsburgh Water Safe From Street To Tap
More Lead Found In Water At Colfax Elementary In Allegheny County
Water At Greensburg Salem Schools Found To Be Safe
Water Contaminated At New Stanton Mobile Home Park
Economic Development
Energy
If You Think PECOs Prices Are Low Now, Wait Until June
Op-Ed: Nonpartisan Approach Best For Progress On Energy Policy
Energy Conservation
Environmental Heritage
Three Mile Islands Near Meltdown, 14 White-Knuckle Moments
Farming
Soil Experts Brainstorm About Cover Crops, Nutrients
Winter Storm Stella Provides Relief To PA Apple Crop
Pittsburgh Farm To Table Conference Gets Back To Its Roots
5 Questions The U.S. Senate Should Ask Trumps Nominee For USDA
Forests
Lake Erie
Litter/Illegal Dumping
Op-Ed: A Cleaner Philadelphia Starts With You
Mine Reclamation
EPCAMR Working On Partnerships In Tioga, Dauphin Counties To Combat AMD
Oil & Gas
64
Fire At Natural Gas Well Pad In Wyoming County
AP: Gas Explosion Levels Home In Pittsburgh
As Spring Starts, Gasoline Prices Flat Over Last Week
Reuters: Oil & Companies Say Regulations Have Little Impact On Their Business
Pipelines
Due To Litigation, DEP Officials Wont Comment On Mariner East 2 Pipeline Documents
Pipeline Cutting Thru Beaver County Will Feed Mariner East 2, Other Pipelines
Court Grants Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Access To Schuylkill Property
PUC Commissioner Powelson Slams Pipeline Opponents
Amid Criticism, PUC Commissioner Powelson Walks Back Jihad Remark
Federal Court Dismisses Suit Charging FERC With Bias In Pipeline Cases
Federal Court Refuses To Stop Oil In Dakota Access Pipeline
Trump Administration Approves Keystone XL Pipeline
Radiation Protection
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
Susquehanna River
Sustainability
Pittsburgh Transforms From Industrial To Sustainable City
Wastewater Facilities
Flushable Wipes, Old Pipes Drive Up PA Wastewater Treatment Costs
Editorial: Better Use For Scranton Sewer System Sale Cash
Watershed Protection
65
Soil Experts Brainstorm About Cover Crops, Nutrients
Cumru Twp To Allocate Wyomissing Creek Pollution Reduction Watershed Costs
Wetlands
Mediation Fails To Resolve Wetland Violations Against Waterford Farmer
Wildlife
Crable: Trout Season Opens In Lancaster April 1
Huntsdale Hatchery Has Raising Fish Down To A Science
Schneck: Hanover Bald Eagle Egg Begins Hatching
Hanover Eaglet Hatches On Live Cam
2nd Egg Hatches At Hanover Bald Eagle Nest
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - March 25, 2017
The Governors Office formally published notice of the Winter Storm Stella emergency
proclamation in the March 25 PA Bulletin.
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
66
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 52 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the March 25 PA Bulletin - pages 1776 to 1828. DEP published
704 pages of permit actions since January 1, 2017.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice in the March 25 PA Bulletin of
water withdrawal requests approved by the Commission in February.
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
CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest
CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
67
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 14 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.
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.
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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 #665 Harrisburg, PA March 27, 2017

DEP Announces Winners Of 2017 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards

Department of Environmental Protection Thursday

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals

Judge Throws Out Landowner Challenge To DRBC De-Facto Moratorium On Drilling

Senate Takes No Action Yet On Nomination Of Patrick McDonnell As DEP Secretary

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

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

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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

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

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Local Energy Project Funding: House Bill 996 (Galloway-D-Bucks) authorizing

Senate/House Bills Moving

Performance Budgeting: House Bill 410 (Warner-R- Fayette) establishing a Performance

Recognizing National Guard: House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) congratulating the PA

World Water Day: House Resolution 89 (McClinton-D-Delaware) recognizing March 22 as

Agriculture: Trump Budget Cuts Could Harm PA Agriculture, Rural Communities

The Trump administrations proposed 21 percent cut to the U.S.

Gov. Wolf Tuesday expressed his strong

PA National Heritage Areas: Trump Budget Would Have Severe Consequences In PA

The National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania

News From The Capitol

March Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee

The March edition of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now

News From Around The State

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine

Brodhead Watershed Association will begin training new

PRC Sets 15 Household Chemical, Drug Hard-To-Recycle Collection Events In Western

Mark your 2017 calendar now for dates to drop

Keep America Beautiful 2016 Recycle-Bowl School Standings In Pennsylvania

Keep America Beautiful Thursday released the final standards in

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday ordered Nulife Glass NY (Nulife) to

Save The Date: National Brownfields Conference In Pittsburgh Dec. 5-7

The national Brownfields 2017 Conference --

Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller, PA Emergency Management Agency Director of the

The PA Emergency Management Agency Monday

Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite,

Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director and Chief Counsel,

The following article is reprinted from the March

Hydraulic fracturing and directional drilling of natural gas

Wolf Releases Report On Enhancing Manufacturing Using Natural Gas Liquids In PA

PA Chamber Annual Environmental Conference & Trade Show April 12 In Lancaster

The PA Chamber of Business and Industry will hold its

DCNR, L&I Seeking Student Applicants For Expanded PA Outdoor Corps

Department of Conservation and

The Central PA Conservancy Wednesday announced it is

New Season Bringing More Smoke-Free Beaches To Pennsylvania State Parks

As part of its effort to improve bicycle safety,

Celebrate National Volunteer Month and Rails-to-Trails

DCNR Secretary Urges Caution In The Outdoors To Prevent Wildfires

With the start of spring and Wildfire Prevention Week,

Feature: A Woman And Her Woods-- Nancy Baker, Bradford County

By Stephanie Smith, Web Content Manager, Chesapeake Bay Program

When Nancy Baker was in sixth grade, she knew exactly

Agriculture, Partners To Train Volunteers To Combat Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

The Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with Penn

Join the PA Environmental Council, DCNR Bureau of