The Environmental Quality Board meets on November 20 to consider a proposed Title V Air Quality Emission Fee increases from $56 per ton to $85 per ton.  However, due to the decline in actual emissions, the revenue generated in 2014 will actually be less than in 2013.

The emission fees imposed by DEP must, by federal law, be at a level needed to support the Title V Air Quality permit administration program.

The board will also consider  a Final Omitted Rule- Emergency Response Planning at Marcellus Shale wells and a Rulemaking Petition- Little Sewickley Creek.  

Click Here for details and copies of handouts.

The Environmental Quality Board published final regulations increasing permit review fee revenue  for surface and underground mining operations from about $50,000 annually to about $400,000 a year.  The final version of the fee increases were approved by the EQB in July (see the July EQB meeting agenda for more details).

Pennsylvania Bulletin - November 10, 2012

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice of proposed changes to the PA Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Review Process and concerning bond amounts for land reclamation.

DEP also published a notice to update the list of certified contractors for radon-related activites in Pennsylvania (PA Bulletin page 7059).

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published a notice listing actions taken on water withdrawal requests in September. 

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published a notice announcing the intent to turn back Old Possessions Road to Ward Township, Tioga County.

Draft: DEP ID: 400-0200-001. Title: Policy for Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Coordination During Permit Review and Evaluation. Description: The Department is revising its existing policy to clarify PNDI coordination within the permit review process. PNDI coordination will be conducted in a manner consistent with the requirements of the rules and regulations implemented by the Department. The Department and County Conservation District staff will follow this policy during the permit application review process.

Draft: DEP ID: 563-2504-001. Title: Conventional Bonding for Land Reclamation—Coal. Description: This guidance describes the regulatory and statutory requirements for determining bond amounts. It also establishes bond rates and the process for determining the bond for land reclamation. It is being revised to change the frequency of the review of the bond liability on a permit.

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

11/12/2012