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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, Oct. 10, 2016 Issue #641
(10/10/2016)
* DEP Drilling Regs To Take Effect Oct. 8 In Spite Of Challenge By Conventional Drillers

DEP’s final Chapter 78a Marcellus Shale drilling regulations will take effect as scheduled on October 8 with their publication in the PA Bulletin (page 6431), in spite of a last minute attempt by the PA Independent Oil and Gas Association to block their publication.

* DEP Publishes Guidance Related To Implementing Final Drilling Regs For Comment

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of interim final Oil and Gas Program technical guidance in the October 8 PA Bulletin relating to Implementing the Area of Review Regulatory Requirement for Unconventional (Marcellus/Utica Shale) Oil and Gas Wells and on Replacement or Restoration of Private Water Supplies Impacted by Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations.

* PEC On Final DEP Drilling Regs: (Un)Conventional Thinking Part 2

By Davitt Woodwell, President PA Environmental Council

* NRCS, EPA, PA Commit Another $28 Million For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Work In PA

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday announced they will be committing an additional $28 million for farm conservation work in the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed drainage area, according to the Council press release.

* 2016 Chesapeake Bay Forest Champions Honored, 3 From Pennsylvania

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the U.S. Forest Service presented the 2016 Chesapeake Forest Champions Awards at the 11th Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum attended by over 420 people from various local organizations.

* PRC To Recognize 4 With Environmental Leadership Awards Nov. 10 In Philadelphia

The PA Resources Council will recognize four outstanding organizations with its 2016 Environmental Leadership Awards on November 10 at the Villanova Hotel and Conference Center in Philadelphia.

* KPB: 158,821 Volunteers In Great American Cleanup Of PA, 30,000 More Than Last Year

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday reported 158,821 volunteers participated in the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA, cleaning up trash or beautifying their communities in more than 6,000 events across Pennsylvania.

* 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 [Updated]/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--

* Top Secret: PA State Revenue Down $218.5 Million For Fiscal Year

There was one significant story almost no one covered this week: Pennsylvania General Fund revenue in September was $144.9 million, or 5.2 percent, less than anticipated.   Fiscal year-to-date is down $218.5 million, or 3.2 percent, below estimate.

* Senate Environmental Committee Sets Hearing On Waste Coal Power Plants Oct. 11

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a hearing on October 11 on the power generation and mine land reclamation benefits of waste coal-fired power plants.

* Chesapeake Bay Strategy Hearing Oct. 18 By Senate Environmental & Ag Committees

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee have scheduled a joint hearing on October 18 on Pennsylvania’s strategy for meeting Chesapeake Bay Watershed cleanup requirements.

* Good Idea? Automatic OK Of DEP Erosion Control Permits, Even With 30% Deficiencies

Rep. David Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) believes he has a solution for a problem created by the General Assembly and Governors when they cut DEP’s staff by more than 22 percent-- 705 positions--over the last 13 years-- automatic approval of the basic erosion and sedimentation control permits.

* DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets Oct. 18 On Water Quality, Climate Issues

The October 18 meeting of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council will feature presentations on the draft 2016 Integrated Water Quality Report and an overview of the 2015 Climate Change Action Plan Update.

* 2017 PA River Of The Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Pennsylvania River of the Year.  Nominations are due October 28.

* Philly Green Infrastructure Partners Offer Green Stormwater Course Oct. 20, 21, 28

The Sustainable Business Network’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners will offer landscape professionals a 3-day Green Stormwater Infrastructure Course on October 20, 21 and 28 at Temple University’s Center City Campus in Philadelphia.

* Western PA Conservancy Conserve Magazine Focuses On Green Infrastructure

The Fall issue of Conserve magazine from the Western PA Conservancy is all about improving communities through the use of green infrastructure and features articles on--

* Save The Date! PA Statewide Conference For Watershed Organizations March 5-6

Join the PA Environmental Council and the Department of Environmental Protection for the 2017 PA Statewide Conference for Watershed Organizations with the theme “Bringing Communities Together” to be held March 5-6 at the Ramada Inn, State College.

* EPCAMR Holds Facebook Fundraiser To Support NE, NC PA Mine Reclamation Efforts

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is holding a Facebook fundraiser to support its mine drainage treatment and reclamation efforts in 16 Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania counties.

* Susquehanna River, Smallmouth Bass Benefit From Limestone Run S.O.S. Project

The Fish and Boat Commission Friday showcased its inaugural “S.O.S. - Save our Susquehanna!” project, a series of habitat improvements on Limestone Run in rural Montour and Northumberland counties designed to aid the Susquehanna River and smallmouth bass by reducing erosion and sediment loading in tributaries.

* PUC Grants Conditional OK For Sale Of Scranton Sewer System To PA American Water

The Public Utility Commission Thursday granted conditional approval of a Joint Application filed by PA American Water Company and the Sewer Authority of the City of Scranton for the sale of substantially all of the Sewer Authority of the City of Scranton’s Sewer System and Sewage Treatment Works assets, properties and rights related to its wastewater collection and treatment system.

* DEP Now Accepting Applications For Environmental Education Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for its 2017 round of Environmental Education Grants. The deadline for application is December 16.

* PRC Joins Not In Philly Neighborhood Cleanup Initiative In Philadelphia

The PA Resources Council recently partnered with the Not In Philly Adopt-A-Block Neighborhood Cleanup Program to do a pilot project in the Walnut Hill section of Philadelphia.

* PA Township News: E-Waste Woes, Electronics Recycling Continues To Pose Challenges

The October issue of PA Township News from the PA State Association of Township Supervisors features an article about one of the most significant recycling challenges faced by local governments-- recycling electronics waste.

* Local Governments Remain Committed To Municipal Waste Recycling Despite Challenges

The October issue of PA Township News from the PA State Association of Township Supervisors features an article reviewing the challenges faced by local governments in implementing the basic Act 101 Municipal Waste Recycling Program.

* October PA Resources Council Newsletter Now Available

The October edition of the PA Resources Council newsletter is now available featuring stories on--

* Philadelphia Gas Works Plans For Demand-Side Management OK’d By PUC

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved Philadelphia Gas Works’ Demand-Side Management Plan for Fiscal Years 2016-2020.

* PUC Highlights Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Protect Personal Information

The Public Utility Commission Thursday highlighted National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the collaborative work being done to protect Pennsylvania’s critical infrastructure, while also reminding consumers to take efforts to protect their personal information.

* Water Quality Certification Issued For Orion Pipeline Project In Pike, Wayne Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 8 PA Bulletin (page 6388) it has issued a Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Orion Pipeline Project traversing Wayne and Pike counties.

* DEP Proposes Water Quality Certification For Empire Pipeline In McKean County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 8 PA Bulletin (page 6361 & 6362) proposing to approve Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the proposed National Fuel Gas Empire Pipeline in McKean County.

* Leach Xpress Pipeline Project In Greene County Proposed Water Quality Certification

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 8 PA Bulletin (page 6390) proposing Section 401 Water Quality Certification for a 1.74 mile section of the Leach Xpress Pipeline Project in Richhill Township, Greene County.

* PennEast Pipeline Awards Community Connector Grants, New Applications Accepted

PennEast Pipeline Company recently announced it has provided Community Connector Grants to its next round of program recipients.  The Program has now invested $408,000 in the communities along the Pipeline’s route.

* League Of Women Voters 2016 Shale & Public Health Conference Nov. 16 In Pittsburgh

The PA League of Women Voters and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health will hold their 2016 Shale & Public Health Conference on November 16 at the University of Pittsburgh University Club, 123 University Place in Pittsburgh from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

* Penn State Gathering Takes Aim At State’s Orphan Oil & Gas Well Problem

More than 150 years after the first commercial oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania, decades of energy exploration have resulted in hundreds of thousands of abandoned, lost and forgotten oil and gas wells scattered across the state.

* Air Products To Display Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Oct. 8 In Allentown

Air Products will join companies and organizations around the nation on October 8, in celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.  As part of the day, Air Products will have its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the new Toyota Mirai, on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown.

* WHYY: The Politics Of Pennsylvania’s Energy Future Oct. 25 Panel Discussion

WHYY is hosting a panel discussion on October 25 on The Politics of Pennsylvania’s Energy Future at its studio 150 North 6th Street in Philadelphia from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

* EQB Oct. 18: Pittsburgh Low-RVP Gasoline, Update Of Radiological Health Regs

The agenda for the October 18 Environmental Quality Board meeting includes the proposed repeal of the low-RVP gasoline requirement in the 7-county Pittsburgh Region and a proposed update of Radiological Health regulations.

* DEP Sets Nov. 16 Hearing On Perdue Soybean Plant VOC Credit Transfers In Lancaster

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a public hearing for November 16 on the proposed transfer of 268 tons per year of volatile organic compound emission credits to the Perdue AgriBusiness soybean processing facility in Conoy Township, Lancaster County. 

* PA Environmental Council: September In Case You Missed It Now Available

The September edition of In Case You Missed It from the PA Environmental Council is now available featuring stories on--

* Pennsylvania’s Burpee Company Funds Permanent White House Kitchen Garden

Pennsylvania-based home gardening company W. Atlee Burpee Company has made a $2.5 million gift to establish a permanent White House Kitchen Garden to maintain and further develop an initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama.  The donation will be made by The Burpee Foundation.

* PA Horticultural Society Announces 2016 Gardening & Greening Award Winners

The PA Horticultural Society has chosen the Blue Ribbon and Gardens of Distinction winners of the “2016 PHS Gardening and Greening Contest.”

* PRPS, DCNR Set Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshops, Webinar

In partnership with the PA Recreation and Park Society, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be offering its annual, free, in-person Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshops at 6 locations across the state in November.

* PA Forest Heritage Assn Reports 11,548 Acres Burned In PA Wildfires So Far In 2016

The PA Forest Heritage Association reported in its September quarterly newsletter this week 11,548 acres were burned in 728 wildfires in Pennsylvania so far in 2016.

* DCNR Encourages Nominations For Smokey Bear Awards

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging Pennsylvanians active in wildfire prevention efforts to submit nominations of individuals and groups for the Smokey Bear Awards.

* Agriculture Extends Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Area In 2 Counties

Department of Agriculture officials Saturday announced the Spotted Lanternfly quarantine has been expanded to additional municipalities in Lehigh and Montgomery counties (formal notice)

* 3rd DCNR Foliage Report Available, Northern Areas Expected To Peak Over Next Week

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday posted its third Fall foliage report showing forest colors are expected to peak in northern areas of Pennsylvania over the next week..

* Western PA Conservancy TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Volunteer Sign-Up Now Open

The Western PA Conservancy is seeking volunteers for upcoming TreeVitalize Pittsburgh tree planting events in 16 neighborhoods starting October 22 through November 19.

* PennDOT, DCNR Secretaries Ride Proposed Pike2Bike Trail in Breezewood

Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards, along with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Wednesday jointly rode the proposed Pike2Bike trail in Bedford and Fulton counties, which uses the former right of way of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

* DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Annual Report Available

The 2015-16 Annual Report of DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council is now available.

* PA Recreation & Park Society Fall Magazine Now Available

The Fall magazine of the PA Recreation and Park Society is now available featuring articles on--

* Lacawac Sanctuary 3rd Annual Lake To Lake 8K Run & 5K Wag Oct. 16

Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. personal injury law firm Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. will be a title race sponsor for Lacawac Sanctuary’s 3rd Annual Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run and 5K Family & Dog Woods Walk to be held on October 16

* DCNR To Honor Gifford Pinchot Oct. 12, Mira Lloyd Dock Oct. 13

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn will be presiding at two dedication ceremonies next week to honor key figures involved in pioneering conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.

* Fish & Boat Commission Historical Marker To Be Dedicated Oct. 12 At Harrisburg HQ

Continuing the year-long celebration in honor of its 150th Anniversary, in conjunction with the PA Historical and Museum Commission, the Fish and Boat Commission is hosting a special dedication ceremony on October 12 for a historical marker at its Harrisburg headquarters building, located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pa. 17110.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Wraps Up Autumn Lecture Series With Artistic Flair Oct. 29

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will wrap up its Autumn Lecture Series with one final lecture lead by Philadelphia contemporary artist Dierdre Murphy on October 29 at 5:30 pm in the Visitor Center.

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

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 8 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Luzerne County.

* Help Wanted: Capital RC&D Program Assistant For Southeast PA

The Capital Resources Conservation and Development Area Council is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Assistant position.

* Help Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Grants Manager For Conservancy Programs

The Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art in Chester County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Manager for Conservancy Programs.  Applications are due October 31.

* 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 agenda for the October 18 Environmental Quality Board meeting includes the proposed repeal of the low-RVP gasoline requirement in the 7-county Pittsburgh Region and a proposed update of Radiological Health regulations.  Also on the agenda for consideration is a rulemaking petition to upgrade the stream classification of Whetstone Run in Delaware County.

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