On October 21 DEP Citizens Advisory Council will hear a presentation on proposed changes to DEP’s Oil and Gas Enforcement Policies published on October 4 for public comment.

Andy Zemba, Director of DEP’s Office of Interstate Waters, will give Council an update on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan and EPA’s evaluation of Pennsylvania’s 2012-13 milestone commitments.

Also on the agenda is DEP’s new Acting Secretary-- Dana Aunkst-- who will give Council and update on agency activities.

After the regular business meeting, the CAC’s Public Participation Committee will hold a roundtable discussion with the Chairs of DEP’s Advisory Committees on ways to improve the participation of the Committees in forming changes to DEP regulations and technical guidance.

DEP also submitted its regular monthly report to Council featuring a comprehensive update of activities in the Department over the past month, including--

-- Energy Funding: DEP anticipates announcing grants from the PA Energy Development Authority at its October 22 meeting; and

-- EPA Objects To Nutrient Credit Trades: DEP continues resolve issues with EPA over nutrient credit trades in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  Since April EPA has objected to the issuance of NPDES permits in the watershed citing the need to resolve issues with the definition of the non-point source agricultural baseline.

The next and last meeting of the Council in 2014 is November 18.

For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage.

NewsClips:

DEP Seeks $4.5M Record Fine Against EQT For Impoundment Leak

DEP Seeks $4.5 Million Penalty Against EQT

DEP Seeks Record $4.5M Fine Over Leaks At Drilling Operation

DEP Seeks Record Fine Against EQT, AG Files Criminal Charges

Record $4.5M Fine Pursued Against Gas Driller

Is PA’s Energy Industry Afraid Of Big, Bad Wolf?

Range Resources: Severance Tax Threatens PA’s Edge

Court To Hear Challenge To Oil & Gas Fund Withdrawals

DEP To DePasquale: Problems Are Already Addressed

EQT Faces Charges For Tioga County Spill From AG

10/13/2014