On October 19, the PA Association of Conservation Districts sent an email to members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee expressing their opposition to Senate Bill 619 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) that changes the definition of water pollution and changing spill reporting requirements.

The text of the email follows--

“Recently, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) sent an email to all the members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee expressing our opposition to SB 619, which will be discussed at tomorrow’s House Committee meeting.  We would like to reiterate that PACD opposes SB 619.

“SB 619 redefines the word “pollution.”  Under current PA law, 25 Pa. Code § 91.33(a), PA DEP requires a discharger to notify the department of all unauthorized spills of any substance. 

“The legislation allows for accidental discharges that do not cause a violation of a numeric surface water quality standard to be exempt from current law, and consequently, would not need to be reported to DEP.  Additionally, the discharge would not be considered to be a violation subject to penalties.

“Conservation districts are dedicated to preserving and protecting our natural resources.  Consequently, we believe that current PA law requiring all spills to be reported to DEP is imperative for our PA citizens health and safety. 

“For this reason, we continue to oppose SB 619 and urge you to vote against the legislation.  Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”

County conservation districts join wildlife and environmental groups who also oppose the bill.

Trout Unlimited sent a letter to the House Environmental Committee opposing Senate Bill 619 saying it will harm aquatic life and human health in Pennsylvania. Read more here.

A joint letter from Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Quality Deer Management Association, United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, American Woodcock Society, Ruffed Grouse Society and Trout Unlimited also expressed their opposition to Senate Bill 619 and was resent to the House Committee.  Click Here for a copy of the letter.

The PA Environmental Council and Environmental Defense Fund wrote to members of the Committee also opposing Senate Bill 619 saying the bill makes “sweeping and unwarranted” changes in the Clean Streams Law.  Read more here.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation said, “Senate Bill 619 will make it easier to pollute the Commonwealth’s rivers and streams and with fewer consequences. Water quality in Pennsylvania should not be regulated by just the limited list of numeric water quality criteria. Timely response and remediation are critical.

“A spill or discharge caused a fish kill in the Donegal Creek. The Mariner East II liquid natural gas pipeline has been plagued with spills. In 2017, 63,000 gallons of natural gas drilling waste spilled into the tributary of the Loyalsock Creek. If Senate Bill 619 passes, spills like these may go unchecked.

“We urge members of the House to consider the consequences Senate Bill 619 could have on aquatic life, recreation, and drinking water supplies.”

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) serves as Majority Chair of the House Environmental Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-783-1707 or sending email to: dmetcalf@pahousegop.com. Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-787-7647 or sending email to: gvitali@pahouse.net.

Related Articles - Water Quality:

-- DCNR Invests $637,700 In 93 Acres Of Streamside Buffers In PA's Part Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed

-- PennVEST Invests $181 Million In Water Infrastructure, Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction Projects In 12 Counties

-- DEP Grants Available To Help Farmers Reduce Nutrient Pollution, Small Businesses With Energy Efficiency Projects

-- DEP Accepting Applications For Farm Conservation Planning Grants In Chesapeake Bay Watershed

-- Westmoreland Conservation District Announces 2020 Conservation Award Winners

-- Hershey Medical Center Tree Planting Part Of Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Initiative

-- PUC Joins 6th Annual Imagine a Day Without Water To Raise Awareness About The Value Of Water

-- DEP October Newsletter Updates Chesapeake Bay Program Implementation

-- Bay Journal: On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup, Field Studies, Computer Predictions Don't Always Agree

-- Bay Journal: Use Of Switchgrass Growing In Popularity For Farm Conservation

-- To Harvest Or Not To Harvest: Recent Insight On Riparian Buffers

-- The Tree As A Microcosm Of An Entire Watershed

-- Learn More About DCNR’s Converting Your Lawn To Meadow Or Woods Program, Funding

-- DEP Invites Data On Water Quality For Watersheds In Adams/Franklin, Susquehanna Counties

-- Help Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards Plan Future Programs

-- Penn State Extension: Water Education Remains A Priority In Distance Learning

-- Partnership For Delaware Estuary Hosts Urban Waters Webinar Series Nov. 2, 10, 17

-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Nov. 5 Hearing Includes Proposed Policy Setting Incentives For Reuse Of Abandoned Mine Drainage, Treated Wastewater

-- NRCS-PA Offers Support To Urban Farmers In Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

[Posted: October 19, 2020]

10/26/2020