On August 14-15 the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board subcommittees will meet in State College and the first item on the agenda will be a discussion of the future of proposed Chapter 78 regulations DEP drafted to implement the enhanced environmental protection measures included in Act 13 Marcellus Shale drilling law passed 18 months ago.

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced operators of unconventional gas wells will no longer be unconditionally exempt from seeking an air quality plan approval for well sites. Plan approval authorizes the construction and temporary operation of air emissions sources.  (formal notice)

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-- 

By Sen. John Rafferty, Majority Chair, Senate Transportation Committee

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Wednesday announced the appointment of Andrew D. Dehoff as its new executive director.   He succeeds Paul O. Swartz, who served as SRBC’s executive director since 1992.

The Armstrong County Conservation District is providing a free series of workshops on Marcellus Gas Drilling for rural homeowners with private water wells and springs used for drinking water supplies, concerned citizens, county watershed associations, and property owners considering leasing their gas rights.

On August 14 DEP’s Water Resources Advisory Committee is scheduled to have a discussion of proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Credit Trading Program.

American Water (Pennsylvania) Friday announced the recipients of the company’s 2013 Environmental Grant Program awards. A total of 54 projects throughout American Water’s service areas in 12 states will be supported by grants totaling more than $200,000.

The Pike Township Water Treatment Plant, located in Clearfield County, recently completed the third phase of the Partnership for Safe Water Program, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water.

The PA Section of the American Water Works Association will host a new Securing Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities training course on September 25 in Grantville, PA.  Click Here for registration information.  Click Here for other training opportunities from the PA Section.

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Coastal Zone Management Grants through October 21. (formal notice)  Applications will be accepted electronically through the DCNR Grant Application webpage.

Take a look at groundwater with DCNR's Bureau of Topographic & Geologic Survey's Stuart Reese as he looks at how much groundwater Pennsylvania has, where it comes from, and why it's so important to the water cycle.  Click Here to watch this new iConservePA.org video.

With the rain that occurred over the past month, many of us have had to mow our lawns more often. These heavy rains can also contribute to grass clippings ending up in storm water runoff. Grass clippings that are blown into the street eventually enter the street storm drain.

The Department of Environmental Protection will display its interactive “DEP at Home” exhibit during Ag Progress Days at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Pennsylvania Furnace from August 13 to 15.

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold an open house and public hearing on August 15, to answer questions and accept testimony regarding a proposal for the closure of the Little Blue Run Coal Combustion Waste Impoundment in Greene Township, Beaver County.

Bucks County Community College President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt and PECO President and CEO Craig Adams broke ground Monday to celebrate bringing natural gas service to the college’s Newtown Campus.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful announce online event registration is now open for America Recycles Day, a national initiative of nonprofit Keep America Beautiful.

Keep PA Beautiful is urging groups and volunteers to register their events now for the 2013 International Coastal Cleanup set to run from September 1 through October 31.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present information and take questions from the community on the proposed remedy for the World Resources Company facility, located at 170 Walnut Lane, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, on August 12.

The Great Lakes region recently received a boost when DuBois-based Nature Abounds was awarded a grant from Freshwater Future. 

The 8th Annual GreenFest Philly will be held on September 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the historic Headhouse Square in Philadelphia.

Gov. Tom Corbett began a three-day tourism promotion trip of central Pennsylvania Wednesday in Huntingdon County to highlight Pennsylvania as a top destination for in-state and out-of-state travelers.

What Susquehanna River town or special scene do you treasure.  The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is now inviting entries to its annual Photo Contest.  The deadline for submissions is February 1.

Promised Land State Park in Pike County will host the 17th Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion and Festival on August 17 which will help celebrate the 80th anniversary of the CCC.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy protects our natural heritage and quality of life in partnership with the landowners and communities of the Upper Delaware River region. To date, the Conservancy has protected more than 14,000 acres of healthy lands and clean waters in New York and Pennsylvania. Conserved lands benefit all of us—now, and for future generations.

It is early summer at a 385-acre property now known as Bald Mountain, located in the Pocono Plateau. The chattering of migratory songbirds—such as Scarlet Tanagers, Eastern Towhees, and Hermit Thrushes—in the dense woodlands is pierced by the roar of two male black bears as they spar over a female. A spotted salamander wriggles for cover as a Bald Eagle circles effortlessly on a rising current of warm air.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Cambria County, Clarion County and Westmoreland County.

The Lancaster County-based LandStudies, Inc. consulting firm is seeking candidates for two positions: Engineering Technician and Water Resources Engineer/ Geomorphologist and a Project Coordinator.

The Tyler Arboretum in Delaware County is seeking candidates for a part time naturalist/educator position.  Click Here for details.

The PA Chapter of the Sierra Club is seeking candidates to fill the position of Director.  The position is now held by Jeff Schmidt who announced he would be retiring at the end of 2013 after 31 years with the organization.  Click Here for details.

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs.  NEW means new from last week.

Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

The Public Utility Commission published final regulations establishing uniform procedures for unaccounted for gas in natural gas distribution systems (PA Bulletin page 4586)

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.  Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week.  Go to the online Calendar webpage.

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

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.