Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

Regulations -----------------------

On August 20, the Environmental Quality Board approved final changes to regulations covering fine particulate matter [PM2.5] emissions that are likely not to affect any sources in Pennsylvania.  Click Here for more on the agenda.

No new regulations published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - August 24, 2019

Technical Guidance -------------------

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the August 24 PA Bulletin of its final Distribution Rates Policy Statement identifying factors the Commission will consider when utilities propose alternative ratemaking mechanisms and rate designs in distribution base rate proceedings that promotes the efficient use of electricity, natural gas or water, the use of distributed energy resources; and reduce disincentives for efficient use and resources to ensure adequate revenue to maintain the safe and reliable operation of fixed utility distribution systems.

The PUC published notice in the August 24 PA Bulletin of the adoption of the 2021 version of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management rules for Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 24 PA Bulletin of these draft and withdrawn technical guidance--

DRAFT: DEP ID: 150-4200-001. Title: Microbiology Incubation Units. Description: This guidance provides clarification and direction to Department staff, accredited laboratories and their consultants regarding the nature and scope of the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Regulations of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 252 (relating to environmental laboratory accreditation) requirements for maintenance, use and recordkeeping requirements of microbiology incubation units. This TGD provides more detail on how laboratories might achieve compliance with specific Chapter 252 requirements and also includes additional detail relating to the accreditation requirements referenced in the Chapter 252 regulation. These additional requirements include, but are not limited to, other Department program requirements, Federal requirements contained within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mandated methods and other permit requirements.  Comments due September 23.  Questions regarding this TGD can be directed to Aaren S. Alger at aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-8212.

DRAFT: DEP ID: 150-4200-002. Title: Guidelines for Sample Collection, Receipt, and Handling. Description: This guidance provides clarification and direction to Department staff, accredited laboratories and their consultants regarding the nature and scope of the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Regulations of Chapter 252 requirements for sample collection, receipt, acceptance and handling. This TGD provides more detail on how laboratories might achieve compliance with specific Chapter 252 requirements and also includes additional detail relating to the accreditation requirements referenced in the Chapter 252 regulation. These additional requirements include, but are not limited to, other Department program requirements, Federal requirements contained within the CFR, mandated methods and other permit requirements. Comments due September 23.  Questions regarding this TGD can be directed to Aaren S. Alger at aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-8212.

WITHDRAWN: DEP ID: 362-2000-009. Title: Manual for Land Treatment of Wastewater. Description: This document explains the process for Department staff and others involved in the land treatment of wastewater prior to discharge to groundwater. This document was published for public comment in March 2009. Due to unresolved technical issues, the document was never finalized. This document is being withdrawn in accordance with the Department's Policy for Development and Publication of Technical Guidance. Questions regarding this TGD can be directed to Jay Patel at jaypatel@pa.gov or 717-787-5017.

Permits ------------

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 24 PA Bulletin of certification amendment requests under the Nutrient Credit Trading Program.

Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 80 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the August 24 PA Bulletin - pages 4829 to 4909.

Sign Up For DEP’s 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.

Related Tools ----------------------

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. 

DEP Proposals Out For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage

Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage

Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage

August 4, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4733

DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System

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 (July 2019)- DEP webpage

8/26/2019