Scrapbook Photo 11/04/24 - 108 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/mtb6anth
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
November 4, 2024 - Issue #1,058
(11/4/2024)
* 108 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 108 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* Stories You May Have Missed Last Week: PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

PA Environment Digest Puts Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic--

* Penn State Ag Council Recognizes Cong. GT Thompson, Chair of the US House Agriculture Committee; Members Of The PA In The Balance Farm Conservation Initiative Team; Student Jessica Herr

By Penn State News

* Penn State Master Watershed Steward Jane Cook Leads By Example In Lehigh Valley

By Kelly Jedrzejewski, Penn State News

* Pennsylvania Declares Drought Conditions In 35 Counties -- Berks, Schuylkill Counties In Drought Warning, 33 In Drought Watch

On November 1, the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force announced drought conditions in 35 counties-- Berks and Schuylkill are under a Drought Warning due to consistent dry conditions and 33 other counties are under a Drought Watch.

* Low-Flow Water Conditions Trigger Big Jump In Susquehanna River Basin Water Withdrawal Restrictions, Most Shale Gas-related

On November 1, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hydrologic Conditions Monitor reported a significant increase in low stream flows that have triggered water withdrawal restrictions on water users, including multiple shale gas development water withdrawals.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Now Accepting Applications For Consumptive Use Mitigation Grants; Nov. 20 Webinar

On October 31, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced it is now accepting applications for $6 million in Consumptive Use Mitigation Grants to improve the drought resiliency of the river basin.  The deadline for application is January 31.

* DEP Discovers Wastewater Release At Bear Lake Properties Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well In Warren County During Routine Inspection

During a routine inspection on October 25, 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection discovered an oil and gas wastewater release from the Bear Lake Properties LLC Bittinger #4  conventional injection well site in Columbus Township, Warren County.

* Bradford Era: 7-Part Series Details Concerns Residents Of Cyclone, McKean County Have With Catalyst Energy Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well

On January 11, 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection approved a permit for the Catalyst Energy, Inc. oil and gas wastewater injection well in Keating Township, McKean County over the objections of the residents of the community of nearby Cyclone.

* PUC Approves Emergency Order Appointing Aqua Pennsylvania Temporary Operator For 6 Rhodes Estate Water Companies As Fallout Continues From Conventional Oil Well Wastewater Spill In Venango County

On October 30, the full Public Utility Commission approved the October 17 emergency order issued by Administrative Law Judge Mark A. Hoyer appointing Aqua Pennsylvania as temporary receiver of six Rhodes Estate water companies effective October 31.

* Environmental Groups File Notice Of Intent To Sue The Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County For Air Pollution Violations: Similar Action In 2023 Resulted In $10 Million Settlement

On October 23, 2024, the Clean Air Council and the Environment Integrity Project filed a notice of intent to sue the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Beaver County for emitting particulate matter (PM 2.5) and nitrogen oxides in violation of the federal Clean Air Act, the state Air Pollution Control Act and the plant's permit.

* PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 - No Attempt To Contain, Cleanup Injection Well Spill; Gas Storage Area Well Release; More Abandoned Conventional Wells

From October 26 to November 1, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 657 inspection entries, and added reports from previous weeks..

* DEP Invites Comments On New Air Pollution Permit For Revolution Natural Gas Cryogenic Processing Plant In Washington County; Plant Suffered Major Explosion, Fire In 2022

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on a new State Only Minor Air Quality Operating Permit for the continued operation of the ETC Northeast Pipeline LLC [Energy Transfer] Revolution Natural Gas Cryogenic Processing Plant in Salem Township, Washington County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7239)

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - November 2

The following notices were published in the November 2 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* Environmental Quality Board To Consider Proposed Spill Notification Regulation; Blasting; NOx & VOC Corrections Nov. 12

The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to meet on November 12 to consider a proposed regulation on notification of spills, corrections to Air Quality regulations on RACT requirements for nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds and final-omitted regulations on noncoal mine blasting.

* Joint Meeting Of DEP Citizens Advisory Council, Environmental Justice Advisory Board Nov. 12 On Oil & Gas Methane Emissions Reductions; Hydrogen Hubs

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council and DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board are scheduled to hold a joint meeting November 12 to hear presentations on the new federal oil and gas methane emission reduction rule, hydrogen hubs and discuss issues of joint concern.

* Gov. Shapiro, Joins 4 Other Governors To Call On PJM To Reform Its Electric Generating Capacity Auction Rules To Prevent Billions Of Dollars In 'Unnecessary’ Costs To Their Residents, Businesses

On October 25, Gov. Josh Shapiro joined the governors of Delaware, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey in calling on the PJM Interconnection to take "swift action" to change its electricity generation capacity auction rules to "prevent unnecessary increases in capacity costs" for their residents and businesses.

* PA Turnpike Seeks Partners For Stationary Electric Vehicle Inductive Charging Showcase At Dauphin County Headquarters

The PA Turnpike Commission recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking businesses to develop, install and support a planned stationary Inductive Charging Showcase at its Central Administration Building.

* State Now Accepting Applications For Low-Income Home Energy Assistance

On November 1, Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Public Utility Commission Chairman Stephen DeFrank visited Camp Curtin YMCA and the Harrisburg Area Food Pantry this week to announce the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2024-25 season.

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation: As 2025 Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Deadline Looms, Officials Propose Next Phase

As a defining moment for Chesapeake Bay restoration approaches, officials proposed a course for the next phase of Bay cleanup on October 25, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

* CBF: New Chesapeake Bay Assessment Reveals Concerns, New Restoration Data Tool Offers Hope

Despite a slight improvement from previous years, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said more than two-thirds of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers and streams did not meet clean water standards between 2020 and 2022, according to an assessment by the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program released October 31.

* Dirty Work: Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Adding 130,000 New Trees During Fall Planting Season In Pennsylvania

On October 31, the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership said it is at it again, doing the dirty work of adding 130,000 new trees for Pennsylvania during the fall planting season.

* Registration Now Open For PASA 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Conference Feb. 5-7 In Lancaster

PASA Sustainable Agriculture is now accepting registrations for the 2025 PASA Sustainable Agriculture Conference to be held February 5 to 7 in Lancaster.

* Coldwater Heritage Partnership Now Accepting Applications For Conservation Grants; Natural Gas Pipeline Mitigation Projects

On October 30, the PA Council of Trout Unlimited announced it is now accepting applications for approximately $215,000 in Coldwater Heritage Partnership’s Coldwater Conservation Grants.  The deadline to apply is December 18.

* USGS Releases New Video: Susquehanna River Story - What Does The Science Say About Water Quality?

The US Geological Survey’s Pennsylvania Water Science Center released a new video on what the science says about water quality in the Susquehanna River.

* Shapiro Administration Launches New Discover State Grants Website To Streamline Access To Government Funding Opportunities

On October 30, the Shapiro Administration launched the new Discover State Grants website-- a  one-stop state funding search tool to streamline the process of learning about government funding opportunities.

* DEP Holds Nov. 14 Public Meeting On 5 Schuylkill County Facilities-- Natural Soil Products, Liberty Soils, Summit Anthracite (Stavola) Mining Site, Rausch Creek Mining Site, CES Landfill

On October 28, the Department of Environmental Protection and its Office of Environmental Justice announced the agency will host a public meeting November 14 to answer questions from the public regarding operations at five Schuylkill County facilities that have been the subject of public interest over the past several months.

* DEP To Hold Nov. 19 Public Meeting On Blythe Recycling & Demolition Site Landfill Permit Renewal In Schuylkill County

On October 28, Department of Environmental Protection and its Office of Environmental Justice announced the agency will host a November 19 public meeting to answer questions from the public with concerns regarding the Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site (BRADS) in Blythe Township, Schuylkill County.

* DEP To Hold Dec. 10 Hearing On A State Air Quality Implementation Plan Amendment For Holcim Solutions & Products Plant In Westmoreland County

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a December 10 hearing on a proposed State Air Quality Implementation Plan amendment to incorporate the RACT III requirements for the Holcim Solutions and Products US, LLC facility in Youngwood Borough, Westmoreland County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7272)

* DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Hazardous Sites Agreement With Venango County On Cleaning Up Unlined Landfill Site

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on a proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act consent order and agreement with the County of Venango concerning an unlined landfill in the Borough of Sugarcreek and City of Franklin.  (PA Bulletin, page 7266)

* DEP Awards $18.9 Million To 126 Municipalities To Support Local Recycling Programs

On November 2, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of $18.9 million in Section 902 Act 101 Recycling Grants to 126 municipalities to support local recycling programs.  (formal notice)

* Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority Awards $44,755 In Recycling Mini-Grants

On October 30, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority announced the award of $44,755 in Recycling Mini-Grants to five recipients. 

* PA Resources Council To Hold Nov. 9 Household Chemical Collection Event Sponsored By PPG & Pittsburgh Penguins; Last Of The Season

On October 30, the PA Resources Council announced it will conclude its 2024 household chemical collection campaign on November 9 by hosting a drive-thru event in Pittsburgh to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides, e-cigarettes and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

* Be Part Of Keep PA Beautiful’s International Coastal Cleanups In November, Free Cleanup Supplies Available

Groups and individuals are cleaning up their favorite shared public spaces through Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Pick Up Pennsylvania Program, supporting the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

* Penn State Study Finds Microplastics Increasing In Freshwater, Directly Related To Plastics Production

By Kevin Sliman, Penn State News

* Keep PA Beautiful Now Accepting Entries For Litter Hawk Youth Award Program For Students In Grades K To 6

Projects are being accepted for the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade.  The deadline for entries is January 31.

* Penn State Extension Hosts Dec. 9 Webinar On PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' In Land-Applied Biosolids - Research Update And Discussion

The Penn State Extension will host a December 9 webinar on PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' In Land-applied Biosolids - Research Update And Discussion from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

* EPA Awards $34 Million In Grants To Reduce Air Pollution At Schools; Highlights Efforts In Philadelphia

On October 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrated $34 million in Inflation Reduction Act grants awarded to the five organizations across the country that will use these funds to work with school districts to improve indoor air quality in schools.

* Pennsylvania Office Of Outdoor Recreation Rolls Out ‘Elevate’ Initiative To Engage Outdoor Businesses; Outdoor Businesses Questionnaire

On October 28, the Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner visited Easton Outdoor Company to announce the launch of Elevate, a new business engagement initiative designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry by engaging directly with the businesses that drive it.

* DCNR’s Erie Bluffs State Park Inducted Into National Old-Growth Forest Network

On October 28, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Parks Director John Hallas celebrated the induction of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County into the national Old-Growth Forest Network, an organization that connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected forests.

* Western PA Conservancy Adds 23 Acres To Old-Growth Tryon-Weber Woods Natural Area In Crawford County

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy recently announced the protection of 23 acres of land in Sadsbury Township, Crawford County. The land is now a new addition to the Conservancy’s Tryon-Weber Woods Natural Area.

* DCNR: Last Fall Foliage Report: Still Plenty Of Fall Color In Pennsylvania’s Southern Tier This Coming Week

On October 31, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its last Fall Foliage Report saying the prolonged dryness, cold nights, and some windy days have taken many of the leaves that remained on Pennsylvania’s trees.

* PA Forestry Assn. 138th Annual Symposium - What Makes A Healthy Forest; Awards Program Nov. 16 In State College

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association will hold its 138th Annual Symposium - What Makes A Health Forest November 16 at the Ramada Conference Center in State College from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

* Penn State Extension: What’s The Buzz? Pollinator Newsletter: York County Habitat Of Merit Award Winner; Late Season Bloomers; Safe Havens For Pollinators; Pollinator Podcast

The latest What’s The Buzz? Pollinator newsletter from Penn State Extension Master Gardeners features articles on the 18th Habitat of Merit Award winners from York County, late blooming native plants, creating safe havens for pollinators and much more.

* Help Wanted: Foundation For Pennsylvania Watersheds - Grants Program Administrator

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Grants Program Administrator to be based in the State College area or to work remotely.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators Now Accepting Nominations For Annual PAEE Awards, Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences Awards

On October 29, the PA Association of Environmental Educators announced it is accepting nominations for the annual PAEE Awards and the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences Awards programs.

* Penn State EarthTalks Series: Nov. 4 - Repurposing Underutilized Lands For Energy - Marginal Farmlands, Abandoned Mine Sites, Brownfields

By Penn State News

* PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Host Nov. 12 Webinar On Threatened, Endangered Species Policy Updates

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will host a November 12 webinar on Threatened and Endangered Species Policies Updates from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* Bills On Governor’s Desk

The following bills have passed the Senate and House and are now on the Governor’s desk for his action--

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* PA Bulletin Public Notices - November 2

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the November 2 PA Bulletin--

* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited; PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA PA Council Trout Unlimited, Organization for Watersheds & Rivers and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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