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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, March 7, 2016 Issue #610
(3/7/2016)
* The Clock Starts: DEP Delivers Final Drilling Regs To House, Senate, IRRC For Review

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday delivered the final Chapter 78 (conventional) and 78A (unconventional) drilling regulations to the House and Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committees and to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission for their review.

* Budget Hearing: DEP: State Can’t Cut Its Way To A Better Environment

In comments Tuesday to the House Appropriations Committee on DEP’s budget, DEP Secretary John Quigley said the state “can’t cut its way to improving the environment.”

* DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data

DEP Secretary John Quigley told the House Environmental Resources and Energy and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees Monday, Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program is all about improving local water quality, but has been faced with inadequate resources and data on conservation practices to do its job.

* CBF-PA: Lack Of Funding For Farmers Defeats Effort To Meet Clean Water Commitment

At the invitation of the House Environmental Resources and Energy and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees, which held an informational meeting Monday on the Wolf Administration’s Chesapeake Bay Reboot Strategy, Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director Chesapeake Bay Foundation submitted these written comments on PA’s efforts to meet the commitments it made to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup.

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

The U.S. Supreme Court Monday denied the request of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the PA Farm Bureau and their allies to take up their case challenging the legality of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan known as the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.

* Budget Hearing: DCNR To Finalize $40 Fee For Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Reviews

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn told the House Appropriations Committee her agency will finalize a $40 “convenience fee” for providing receipts for PA Natural Diversity Inventory online permit reviews in the coming year.

* Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Presentation On Proposed DEP Budget March 15

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council will hear a presentation on the proposed FY 2016-17 DEP budget by John Stefanko, Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs, as part of its meeting on March 15.

* 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--

* Joint Committee To Webcast March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E-Waste Recycling

The Joint House-Senate Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee hearing scheduled for March 21 on the collapse of Pennsylvania’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program will now be webcast due to tremendous interest in the issue.

* House Bill Would Require 50% Reduction In PA Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 2030

Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) Monday announced a plan that would set Pennsylvania on course for a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

* Philly Green City, Clean Waters Keeps 600M Gallons Of Polluted Water Out Of Rivers

Over the last five years, Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters Program, the first green-centric plan in the U.S. to deal with stormwater and combined sewer overflow pollution, kept 600 million gallons of polluted water from reaching nearby rivers.

* Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Awards Program March 31 In Philadelphia

The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners will hold an awards program on March 31 at the WHYY Public Media Commons, 150 N. 6th St., Philadelphia starting at 6:00 p.m.

* March 10 Stormwater Management Workshop In Philadelphia

Saint Joseph’s University and The Lower Merion Conservancy will hold a Stormwater Management Workshop on March 10 with sessions of interest to citizens and local government officials.

* MS4 Stormwater, Good Housekeeping Training Workshop March 9 Montgomery County

The PA Environmental Council is hosting a MS4 Stormwater And Good Housekeeping Training Workshop on March 9 at the Upper Gwynedd Township Building, 1 Parkside Place, North Wales, Montgomery County, from 9:30 to Noon.

* Delaware River: Take The Clear Choices, Clean Water Pledge

Residents and visitors to the Upper Delaware River region can show their support for water conservation by taking a quick and easy online pledge to help protect our lakes, rivers, and streams from pollution.

* Green Stormwater Infrastructure Workshop In Pittsburgh March 7

A Livability Solutions Green Stormwater Infrastructure Workshop will be held on March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. in Pittsburgh.

* Registration Open For April 14-15 West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium

Registration is now open for the 8th West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium to be held April 14-15 at the Toftrees Golf Resort and Conference Center in State College.

* PA Environmental Council To Hold 6 Regional Watershed Workshops Across State

The PA Environmental Council is hosting a series of 6 Regional Watershed Workshops across the state where watershed groups can share resource information, learn techniques to help build members and network with other groups in the region.

* DEP Reevaluating Water Quality Designations For 26 Streams In 19 Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 5 PA Bulletin it is reevaluating the water quality designations for 26 streams or stream segments in 19 counties and is inviting groups and individuals to submit data to the agency which may have a bearing on those designations.

* EQB Proposes Stream Resignations For Class A Wild Trout Waters In 26 Counties

The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the March 5 PA Bulletin of proposed water quality designation changes and corrections for dozens of Class A Wild Trout Waters in 26 counties for public comment.

* PennVEST, PHFA Improve Homeowner Septic System Replacement Program

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority board has approved a change to the Homeowner Septic Replacement Program, expanding the eligibility criteria.

* Westmoreland Conservation District Sets $400,000+ Improvements To Dirt, Gravel Roads

Fourteen roads in Westmoreland County communities from Donegal to Rostraver are slated for improvement during 2016 under the Dirt, Gravel and Low-volume Roads Maintenance Program, the Westmoreland Conservation District announced Saturday.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn: Become A StreamWatcher In Monroe County

For 25 years, StreamWatch volunteers of Brodhead Watershed Association in Monroe County have been checking local streams on a monthly basis. Volunteers are always welcome to join the efforts to ensure water quality remains good to excellent in our local streams.

* Students: Discover Tom Ridge Wetlands Thru The Camera Lens May 10

On May 10, the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation invites you to explore, discover and understand wetlands using technology.

* Feb. 29 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension

The February 29 edition of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring articles on--

* Latest Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center Newsletter Now Available

The latest issue of the Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center newsletter is now available featuring articles on--

* March 1 Chesapeake Bay Journal News Now Available

The March 1 Chesapeake Bay Journal News is now available featuring stories on--

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Online Permitting Tools, Applications

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Wednesday announced new online tools for submitting information and data associated with aquifer testing evaluations and groundwater withdrawal applications.

* Capital Region Water March Newsletter Now Available

The March issue of Capital Region Water’s newsletter is now available featuring articles on--

* DEP, Partners Receive National Awards For Anti-Litter Campaigns

Officials from Keep America Beautiful Thursday presented several national awards to DEP and its partners for their efforts to reduce illegal dumping and promote participation in the Great American Cleanup of PA.

* Weis Markets Renews Support Of Keep PA Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup Of PA

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced Sunbury-based Weis Markets, Inc., has continued their support for the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA and will donate refreshments for registered participants of the Great American Cleanup of PA in select areas across the state.

* PRC Household Chemical, Pharmaceutical Collection Events Set In Western PA

The PA Resources Council and its partners have published the schedule of household chemical and pharmaceutical collection events in Western PA.

* Time To Sign Up For Centre County Watershed Cleanup Day April 23

Individuals, families and groups can celebrate Earth Day and make an impact in their community by taking part in the 20h Annual Watershed Cleanup Day April 23 from 8 a.m. to noon.

* March Newsletter From PA Resources Council Now Available

The March newsletter is now available from the PA Resources Council featuring articles on--

* DEP: April 13 Hearing On IESI Landfill Permit In Northampton, Was March 16

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has changed the date of the public hearing regarding IESI Landfill’s permit application to expand its existing facility on Applebutter Road in Bethlehem, Northampton County to April 13.

* Philadelphia Company Receives EPA Grant To Develop New Environmental Technology

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced eight contracts to small businesses to develop innovative technologies to protect the environment, funded through EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program.

* PA Brownfields Conference Issues Call For Presentations

The Engineers’ Society of Western PA and DEP have issued a call for presentations for the PA Brownfield Conference to be held October 26-28 in Lancaster.  Proposals are due April 30.

* March 3 DEP News Now Available

The March 3 DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental Protection featuring articles on--

* PA Environmental Council Activities In February In Case You Missed It

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

* PAEP Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Roundtable Visits Geisinger

On February 18, members of the PA Association of Environmental Professionals including DEP staff, held their quarterly Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency Roundtable at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, where they learned about the hospital's Sustainability Program.

* PUC Hears Comments On Alternative Utility Ratemaking Methods

The Public Utility Commission Thursday hosted a Harrisburg hearing to gather information from a diverse group of experts regarding alternative ratemaking methodologies, as part of ongoing discussions about how to best maintain safe and reliable energy infrastructure while also encouraging utilities to push forward with more aggressive energy efficiency and conservation programs.

* DEP Notice Of Proposed Water Quality Approval For 78.4 Mile Tennessee Pipeline Project

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a proposed state water quality certification for the 78.4 mile Tennessee Gas Northeast Energy Direct Pipeline Project in Bradford and Susquehanna counties in the March 5 PA Bulletin (page 1279).

* IFO: PA Natural Gas Production Increased 13.4 Percent In 2015

The Independent Fiscal Office Monday released a new report showing natural gas production from Marcellus and Utica Shale wells increased production by 13.4 percent in 2015 and by 53.4 percent compared to 2013.

* DEP Sets Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminars In Centre, Lycoming Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection, along with its partners at the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation and Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, invites fleet managers, municipalities, school districts, incorporated nonprofit entities, and businesses to Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant seminars scheduled for March in Lycoming and Centre Counties.

* Meet Philadelphia’s New Sustainability Director: Christine Knapp

The following interview with Philadelphia’s new Director of the Office of Sustainability Christine Knapp was posted on the Greenworks Philadelphia Blog last Thursday--

* DCNR $40 Fee For PA Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Receipts Now Final

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice of the final technical guidance imposing a $40 convenience fee for receipts from permit reviews done through its on PA Natural Diversity Inventory Environmental Review Tool-- renamed the PA Conservation Explorer-- in the March 5 PA Bulletin.

* PA Parks & Forests Foundation 2016 Award Winners To Be Honored May 11

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Thursday recognized the outstanding service, programs, and exemplary work being done in state parks and forests with the announcement of its 2016 award winners.

* Standing Stone Trail In Central PA Named 2016 Trail Of The Year

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this week announced the Standing Stone Trail, linking two state parks and Fulton, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania, is the state’s 2016 Trail of the Year.

* Hugh Clark Receives Corps Of Engineer’s Volunteer Award For Water Trail Work

Mercer County’s Hugh Clark has been selected as the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers’  recipient of the 2015 National Volunteer Award for creating and maintaining the Upper Shenango River Water Trail, an innovative partnership that significantly increased the value of the local recreation and environmental stewardship effort.

* America’s First African American Forester’s Legacy To Be Recognized April 4

The legacy of America’s first African American forester, Ralph Elwood Brock, will be celebrated at the annual Spring Black History Achievement Awards Banquet in Coraopolis, Allegheny County on April 4.

* PEC Blog: PEC Partners With Rail-Trail Council Of NE PA To Do Cleanups

By Lynn Conrad, Executive Director, Rail-Trail Council Of Northeastern PA

* PA Heritage Areas Generate $2 Billion, 25,708 Jobs For PA Economy

A new study released Thursday by the Center for Rural PA shows Pennsylvania’s 12 state-designated Heritage Areas generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits and support thousands of jobs in addition to building awareness of the state’s history and culture.

* Susquehanna Greenway: Susquehanna River Sojourns Coming Up In 2016

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and its partners Monday released its schedule of river sojourns for 2016--

* Get Outdoors Poconos Hosts March 25 Promised Land State Park In Pike County

Promised Land State Park in Pike County is one of 25 “must-see” state parks in Pennsylvania, but there are plenty of ways to get off the beaten path in this popular place.

* DCNR: Legacy Tree Tenders Hear Inspirational Call To Action

If they needed any validation of what they do, and why they do it, an audience of DCNR workers got their reinforcement in spades. Or, more accurately, in one presented case history after another, all focusing on cities now running cleaner and greener.

* March 2 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The March 2 Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--

* February The Belt Newsletter From Capital Area Greenbelt Assn. Now Available

The February issue of The Belt newsletter from the  Capital Area Greenbelt Association is now available featuring articles on--

* Leadership Lackawanna Breaks Ground For Children’s Healing Garden

The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2016 held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for the Healing and Transformation Garden which will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Scranton.

* Nature Conservancy PA Receives DCNR Grant For Kittatinny Ridge Land Conservation

The PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy has been awarded funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to assist with efforts to preserve forest lands along the Kittatinny Ridge.

* Game, Fish Commissions: Action Needed In Congress, PA On Wildlife Conservation Funding

A new initiative unveiled in Washington, D.C., Wednesday would dedicate $1.3 billion in funding to help states address the needs for thousands of species in trouble across America.

* PEC-TV: Smallmouth Bass, Water Quality In Lower Susquehanna Now Online

Smallmouth bass and water quality in the Lower Susquehanna River are the topics of the PA Environmental Council’s February Environmental Focus TV program and is now online.

* Vote Early, Often To Support Hawk Mountain Sanctuary As Best Birding Destination

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County has received its second nomination as a contender for "Best Birding Destination" in the USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's choice travel destination contest.

* First Harrisburg Falcon Egg Due Around March 14

The courtship of the pair of peregrine falcons nesting on a ledge of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg is on full display through DEP's live falcon cam.

* Wildlife Watcher Captures Image Of PA’s First Piebald Elk

Jennifer Helman, a wildlife watcher and outdoors enthusiast who spends a lot of time in the PA Wilds captured this image in Benezette, Elk County, which turns out to be the first, documented case of a piebald elk in Pennsylvania.

* DEP: GO-TIME Initiative Makes Bidding Process Electronic, Saves Money

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday launched the first phase of a new electronic bidding process for DEP construction contracts that, when fully implemented, is projected to save the agency $37,000 per year.

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

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of the opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Washington County in the March 5 PA Bulletin.  Click Here to check on other bid opportunities available at DEP.

* 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

The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the March 5 PA Bulletin of proposed water quality designation changes and corrections for dozens of Class A Wild Trout Waters in 26 counties for public comment.

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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 Unlimited

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

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