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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, Nov. 9, 2015 Issue #593
(11/9/2015)
* DEP, DCNR Launch New Website Designs, Transition May Cause Broken Links

The Department of Environmental Protection (note new web address: www.dep.pa.gov) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Friday launched a new website design which significantly changes the way information is organized and made available to the public. 

* DEP Secretary: Drilling Regs. Going To EQB In January, Water Plans Coming Soon

DEP Secretary John Quigley gave a briefing to media Wednesday on key issues the agency is working on.  While much of what he said was not new, here are a few takeaways from the 45 minute long session--

* Updated: DEP Posts Draft Pipeline Task Force Report For 30 Day Comment

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday posted the 335-page draft Pipeline Task Force Report for a 30 day public comment period, according to Neil Shader, DEP Press Secretary. There are no instructions yet on how to submit comments and it is not posted in DEP’s eComment or the new Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force webpages.

* DEP: Citizens Advisory Council Nov. 17 Meeting To Be Webinar Due To Budget Impasse

After cancelling the October 20 meeting, DEP told the Citizens Advisory Council the November 17 meeting will be held by webinar and it cannot reimburse any Council members for their expenses for attending in-person until the FY 2015-16 budget is passed.

* Nov. 17 EQB Meeting Features 2 Controversial Regulations

The agenda for the November 17 Environmental Quality Board meeting includes two controversial regulations: a final rule setting Reasonable Available Control Technology Requirements for major sources of NOx and VOCs and proposed changes to the disinfection requirements for public water supplies.

* Northeast PA Environmental Partners Held 25th Annual Awards Dinner In Wilkes-Barre

The Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Partners last week honored the winners of its environmental awards at the 25th Annual Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment on October 29 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes-Barre.

* PA Resources Council To Honor Environmental Leaders Nov. 12

The Pennsylvania Resources Council will present its 2015 Environmental Leadership awards to five worthy organizations and individuals at its annual Awards Celebration on Thursday evening, November 12 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia. 

* Day 132 Without A Budget: House Republicans Hint At Votes On New Budget Bills

The voting schedule House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) published Thursday contained some hints about what the House plans to do as a next step in resolving the state budget stalemate.

* PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA.  Let us join your Circle.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

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

* November Environmental Synopsis From Joint Conservation Committee Available

The November issue of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring articles on--

* Growing Greener Coalition: State Should Enact A Natural Gas Severance Tax

The Growing Greener Coalition Monday issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to recent discussions concerning the enactment of a severance tax on natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania:

* Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Honors 7 With Environmental Awards

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy working in Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties has honored seven members of the community with 2015 Environmental Awards for their contributions to a healthier watershed.

* PA American Water: Winners Of Imagine A Day Without Water Photo Contest

Pennsylvania American Water Tuesday announced the winners of its “Imagine a Day Without Water” social media-based photograph contest, which challenged customers to share how a day without water might impact their daily routines.

* Program Announced For 10th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium Nov. 13-14

The program has been announced for the 10th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium: “The River, Its Landscapes, and Our Lives” to be held on November 13 and 14 in the Elaine Langone Center at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Union County  

* Luzerne County Offers Funding For Recreation, Conservation Projects, Apply By Nov. 20

Luzerne County has set aside $65,000 from its Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy funds to support recreation and conservation projects in the county.  The deadline for applications is November 20 by 3:00 p.m.

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA: Lower Susquehanna Needs To Be Listed As Impaired

From the Desk Of: Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Director Chesapeake Bay Foundation

* PA Farm Bureau Joins U.S. Supreme Court Challenge To Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

The PA Farm Bureau announced Friday it has joined the American Farm Bureau Federation and a coalition of agricultural and builder groups in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a federal court decision that upholds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

* Nov. 2 Chesapeake Bay Journal Now Available

The November 2 edition of the Chesapeake Bay Journal is now available featuring stories on--

* Abandoned Mine Posts: More Federal Attention Given To Abandoned Mine Reclamation

By Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, Western Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation

* Westminster College, Slippery Rock Watershed Student Symposium Accepting Proposals

Westminster College and Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition are now accepting proposals for the December 3 Student Symposium on the Environment.  The deadline for submission is November 16.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn. Membership Celebration A Success In Monroe

Brodhead Watershed Association’s annual Membership Celebration, held October 2 at Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus, was a great success.

* Fall Issue Of Delaware Estuary News Now Available

The Fall issue of Delaware Estuary News is now available from the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary featuring articles on--

* StormwaterPA Posts New Videos, Resources On Better Ways To Manage Stormwater

GreenTrek’s StormwaterPA website announced a new series of videos and other resources to help communities and developers to better manage stormwater, including--

* DEP Hosts Hearing On Replacing Contaminated Water Supply In Bucks County Nov. 17

The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public hearing on November 17 regarding a proposed waterline installation to address and replace a contaminated water supply in Northampton and Warwick Townships, Bucks County. 

* Capital Region Water: Protecting Your Pipes In Winter

The October edition of the Capital Region Water newsletter (serving Harrisburg and surrounding East Shore communities) is now available featuring articles on--

* Conventional Oil Producers: Time To Recognize There Is Life West Of Susquehanna River

Mark Cline, President of the PA Independent Petroleum Producers, Saturday responded to a story in the September 28 PA Environment Digest about the introduction of Senate Bill 1011 by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) which would force DEP to start over in updating the Chapter 78 drilling regulations and kill the current proposal.

* PA Environmental Council: October In Case You Missed It

The October In Case You Missed It is now available from the PA Environmental Council featuring articles on--

* EPA Now Accepting FY 2016 Brownfields Grant Proposals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting proposals for FY 2016 Brownfields Grants to address sites contaminated by petroleum, hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.  Proposals are due December 18.

* Keep PA Beautiful: Coudersport One Of Many Projects Supported By Fresh Paint Days

Coudersport Borough and its community partners, the Coudersport Lion’s Club, Coudersport Rotary, Adult Probation services and Northern Potter High School, recently worked together to paint the historic Coudersport & Port Allegheny Railroad Station that now houses borough offices and the police station.

* New Best Practices Guide Highlights Ways The Food Industry Reduces Food Waste

The Food Waste Reduction Alliance Tuesday released an updated guide with practical steps and examples to help food manufacturers, food retailers and restaurants cut food waste.

* Centre County Offers Campaign Sign Recycling

Don’t trash that campaign sign!  Bring it to the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority in Bellefonte and have it recycled.

* Help Celebrate America Recycles Day Nov. 15

America Recycles Day is held every year on November 15 to celebrate the contributions recycling makes to protecting our environment and to help raise awareness about the value of reducing, reusing and recycling – every day – throughout the year.

* PA Resources Council November e-PRC Newsletter Now Available

The November edition of e-PRC is now available from the PA Resources Council featuring articles on--

* PA Environmental Professionals: Call For Proposals For 2016 Annual Conference

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will hold their annual Conference on May 11-13 at the Toftrees Resort in State College.  The theme of the Conference is Communities, Corridors and Connections.

* PA Clean Power Climate Plan Comments: WRI-- PA Can Meet Its Emission Reductions

A new analysis from World Resources Institute shows that Pennsylvania can meet or exceed its emissions target under the EPA’s Clean Power Plan for reducing emissions from the power sector.

* PA Clean Power Plan Comments: Nature Abounds

Nature Abounds President Melinda Hughes presented these comments on the EPA Clean Power Climate Plan during the last of 14 listening session held by DEP in Williamsport on November 4--

* Drexel Institute For Energy & Environment Reports To Philadelphia On Climate Issues

Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Institute for Energy and the Environment issued a 97-page report to the City of Philadelphia Thursday that plots a detailed course for how the city can reduce its emission of greenhouse gasses—with the goal of an 80 percent reduction by the year 2050.

* PUC Moves To Clarify Distribution System Improvement Charge Procedures

The Public Utility Commission Thursday voted to seek comments on a Supplemental Tentative Implementation Order, intended to develop additional procedures and guidelines related to the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC).

* Comments Invited On Proposed PUC Steam Heat Regulation Changes

The Public Utility Commission Thursday issued for comment a proposed rulemaking that would amend the Commission’s regulations for steam utilities.

* Gov. Wolf Kicks Off Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Season

Gov.Tom Wolf Monday joined Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas and Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys M. Brown to kick off the start of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2015-16 season.

* City Of Philadelphia Releases Results Of 3rd Year Of Energy Benchmarking

The City of Philadelphia Friday announced the results of energy and water usage reporting for nearly 2,000 of Philadelphia’s largest buildings, marking the conclusion of the third year of the City’s Energy Benchmarking Program.

* $2,000 College Scholarships By National Assn. Of Abandoned Mine Land Programs

The National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs is offering $2,000 scholarships to assist students who intend to work as scientists, engineers or technicians in the field of mine land reclamation.  Applications are due by May 31, 2016.

* Green Schools-Blue Waters PA Farms To Schools Program Webinar Nov. 17

The Green Schools-Blue Waters Initiative will host a PA Farms To Schools Program webinar on November 17 starting at 3:00.

* Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp Registration Open For 2016

The Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding the 22nd annual Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp June 19 - 24, 2016, at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, PA. The camp begins on a Sunday and ends the following Friday.

* Wildlife Leadership Academy Seeks Students To Be Youth Conservation Ambassadors

The Wildlife Leadership Academy, based in Lewisburg, Union County, has opened its exclusive Youth Conservation Ambassador nomination process to the public and is currently seeking referrals of motivated students ages 14 to 17 to become Certified Conservation Ambassadors.

* Funding Available For Alternative Transportation Projects From PennDOT

Townships are encouraged to apply for assistance from the Transportation Alternatives Program, administered by PennDOT.  The deadline for applications is January 8.

* Independent Review Hails Management Of Pennsylvania’s State Forests

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Monday released results of an independent review team’s annual certification study of state forestlands, noting its findings continue to affirm Bureau of Forestry efforts to conserve these resources through sound management.

* DCNR Secretary Extends Invitation To Visit New Pinchot State Forest Lands

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Thursday extended an invitation to residents of Luzerne County and beyond to visit three tracts totaling almost 2,000 acres that became the latest addition to Pinchot State Forest following official county action early last week.

* Spotted Lanternfly Now Found In Portions Of 4 PA Counties

The spotted lanternfly has now been found in one additional municipality in Berks County; an additional township in Montgomery County and has appeared in parts of Bucks and Chester Counties.

* Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Monitoring Workshop Nov. 24 In McKean County

The High Allegheny Plateau Hemlock Partnership and the Friends of Allegheny Wilderness are holding a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid volunteer monitoring training on November 24 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Kane Fire Hall in Kane, McKean. The address is 50 Poplar Street, Kane, PA 16735.

* Deadline For Nominations Extended For 2016 Trail Of The Year

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and its Trails Advisory Committee have extended the deadline for accepting nominations for the 2016 Trail of the Year.  The deadline for nominations is November 27.

* Nov. 4 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available

The November 4 edition of the Resource newsletter from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now available featuring articles on--

* 5 Pennsylvania College/University Arboretums Make Top 50 List In U.S.

Best College Reviews, a ranking service for American colleges and universities, has released a list of the top 50 College Arboretums that includes five colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

* Last South Mountain Speakers Series Nov. 12 On Saw-Whet Owls

The final lecture in the 2015 South Mountain Speakers Series will feature North America’s smallest and most mysterious owl on November 12 in Shippensburg.

* Hawk Mountain Hosts Golden Eagle Saturday Nov. 14

Visitors to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County will be guaranteed a chance to see North America’s largest predatory bird on “Golden Eagle Saturday,” held November 14 . The one-day-only eagle programs at noon and 2 pm will be presented by Carbon County

* Wanted: Citizen Scientists With Cameras For PA Mammal Atlas

It's just before dark and you see an elusive mammal. If you are lucky, you snap a good picture before it takes off. You wonder if others have seen it too. Is it common to find this animal in your county?

* Delaware Highlands Conservancy Welcomes Artist In Residence Sandy Long

For the month of November, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy will host writer and photographer Sandy Long as the artist-in-residence at the protected Lemons Brook Farm property in Bethel, NY.

* 200 Attend First Pittsburgh Wild And Scenic Film Festival

A crowd of 200 attended the first Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Pittsburgh on October 29 hosted by Allegheny Cleanways and the PA Resources Council.

* Author Of Beyond Rust Rebirth Of Pittsburgh Book Signing Nov. 28 In Harrisburg

Allen Dieterich-Ward, author of Beyond Rust: Metropolitan Pittsburgh and the Fate Of Industrial America, will do a presentation and book signing in Harrisburg on November 28.

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Project In Fayette County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the November 7 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Fayette County.

* Wanted: Internship Opportunities For Masters In Geo-Environmental Studies Student

A student from Shippensburg University in the Masters of Science in Geo-Environmental Studies Program is looking for internship opportunities with a watershed group or in watershed management.

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar of Events

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

* Grants & Awards

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

* Environmental NewsClips - All Topics

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more--

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week.  Pennsylvania Bulletin - November 7, 2015

* CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment D

CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.

* Stories Invited

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.

* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unli

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout UnlimitedSponsor: 2016 Keystone Coldwater Conference, State College, Feb. 26-27.

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