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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, Oct. 2, 2017 Issue #692
(10/2/2017)
* PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Committee Hears About New Tools To Target Cleanup Efforts

The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee heard a presentation Wednesday about new tools the federal Chesapeake Bay Program has available to help the state target cost-effective pollution reduction measures in the Bay Watershed.

* CBF: Apply Now For Green Infrastructure Funding Under Pay For Success Program

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, in partnership with Quantified Ventures and with support from The Kresge Foundation and other funders, is inviting municipalities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to participate in a pilot project to implement green infrastructure solutions that reduce urban/suburban runoff that damages local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

* Apply Now For Grants To Install Riparian Forested Buffers

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be accepting applications for grants to install riparian forest buffers from October 2 to December 20. (formal notice)

* Day 94 Without A Complete State Budget; House Fails To Get Enough Votes For A Severance Tax

Senate and House leaders and Gov. Wolf continue their now 94-day marathon discussions (as of Monday) on how to fill the $2.2 billion budget hole, but a final agreement last week was elusive.

* 11 Senators Urge Appropriations Chairs To Devote A Portion Of A Severance Tax To Growing Greener

On Friday, a bipartisan group of 11 Senators wrote to Senators Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), the Majority and Minority Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging them to devote a portion of any natural gas production severance tax to the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated]/Gov’s Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

* Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--

* Conservative House Republicans Attempt To Block Vote On Resolution Designating October Biodiversity Awareness Month

The House voted 126 to 70 to pass House Resolution 497 (McCarter-D-Montgomery) designating October as Biodiversity Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, but not before voting 152 to 44 to reject a motion by Rep. Cris Dush (R-Indiana) to postpone a vote until October 4.

* House Environmental Committee Meets Oct. 3 On Stormwater Act Exemption Bill, DRBC Drilling Ban

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet October 3 on a bill to exempt certain farm structures from the Stormwater Management Act and a resolution urging the Delaware River Basin Commission to suspend consideration of a natural gas drilling moratorium.  The legislation includes--

* Senate Environmental Committee Meets Oct. 17 On Bill To Tax Municipalities Statewide For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a meeting October 17 to consider legislation that would tax municipalities statewide $500 million over 10 years to install nitrogen reduction measures in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, about one-third of the state. On the agenda are--

* Conservation Groups United Around Federal Farm Bill Consensus Recommendations

A coalition of 26 conservation organizations representing agriculture, wildlife, sportsmen, conservation and environmental groups have put together a series of consensus recommendations they are advocating for during the upcoming debate in Congress over reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill, including--

* Federal Flood Insurance Program Extended To December 8

On September 8, President Trump signed legislation passed by both houses of Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s authorization for three months. It previously had been set to expire September 30.

* Stroud Water Research Center: Prince Of Monaco: Watershed Should Bring Us Together

On September 17, Stroud Water Research Center in Chester County hosted more than 250 guests filled the Galleries Reception Atrium at Winterthur and listened as His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco began his speech:

* Coldwater Heritage Partnership Now Accepting Applications For 2018 Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership Wednesday announced it is now accepting applications for  the 2018 Coldwater Conservation Grants.  The deadline for applications is December 15.

* New Videos Offer Municipal Perspectives On Local Stormwater Management

Leaders from Lemoyne Borough, Lower Paxton Township, Susquehanna Township, and Harrisburg’s Capital Region Water share their perspectives on tackling the stormwater management challenge in a new video from the Department of Environmental Protection.

* Spring Creek Trout Unlimited Receives $160,700 NFWF Grant In Centre County

The Spring Creek Chapter Of Trout Unlimited in Centre County received a $160,700 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to improve habitat along two sections of Spring Creek and fund a riparian planting in the G. D. Kissinger Meadow on Slab Cabin Run.

* Pittsburgh Water Authority Breaks Ground On 3 New Green Infrastructure Projects

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Wednesday announced it is installing green infrastructure (GI) at more than six locations around the city.

* 13 Municipality Wissahickon Clean Water Partnership Assembles Team To Review Scientific Recommendations

A group of 13 Montgomery County municipalities and four wastewater treatment plants in the Wissahickon Watershed have voted on the selection of a Technical Review Committee to support the ongoing work of the Wissahickon Clean Water Partnership.

* DEP Invites Comments On Stony Run TMDL Plan In Westmoreland County

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load Plan for Stony Run Watershed in Westmoreland County. (PA Bulletin, page 6123)

* Final Lake Erie Phosphorus Reduction Action Plan Now Available From DEP

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced it now has available the final Lake Erie Phosphorus Reduction Action Plan which outlines methods and strategies for the reduction of nutrient pollution in Lake Erie.  (formal notice)

* 7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference Oct. 17 In Bethlehem

The 7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference will be held at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton counties on October 17.

* Schuylkill Action Network Annual Meeting Nov. 3 In Reading

The Schuylkill Action Network  2017 Annual Meeting will be held on November 3 at the Reading Area Community College from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn Water Wiser Kids Frogsicles & Fall Leaves Program Oct. 21 In Monroe County

The Brodhead Watershed Association in Monroe County is hosting another in its series of Water Wiser Kids events— Frogsicles and Falling Leaves— on October 21 at Ice Lake in Barrett Township in Cresco starting at 10:30 a.m.

* PA Envirothon Provides Fall Update On Activities, Another Winning Year!

PA Envirothon, the statewide group that coordinates the Pennsylvania Envirothon competition for high school students, Friday issued its Fall Update on activities, including--

* PA Coal Alliance Recognizes Mining Companies For Exemplary Surface Mine Reclamation

The Pennsylvania Coal Alliance recently recognized the efforts of several member companies who performed above and beyond federal and state regulations for reclaiming coal mine sites to environmentally sound conditions with productive uses during the 2016 calendar year.

* Failure To Renew Recycling Fee Closes DEP Grant Programs For Waste Planning, Household Hazardous Waste Education

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday formally announced it will no longer accept applications for household hazardous waste education or municipal solid waste planning grants after September 30 because the General Assembly has failed to reauthorize the $2/ton Recycling Fee. (formal notice)

* PA Resources Council Holds Next Future Of Recycling Roundtable Oct. 11 In Pittsburgh

The PA Resources Council will hold its second Future of Recycling Roundtable discussion on October 11 at Construction Junction, 214 N. Lexington Street in Pittsburgh from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

* PA Recycling Marketplace Contributes Over 66,000 Jobs, $22.6 Billion To State’s Economy

Pennsylvania’s Act 101 Recycling Program has resulted in developing a Recycling Marketplace in the state responsible for generating over 66,000 jobs directly involved in recycling or using recycled materials to make products that contributed $22.6 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy in 2015, according to a new economic impact study released by the PA Recycling Markets Center.

* Penn State Fans: Win A Weis Markets Gift Card For Tweeting Photo Of Your Litter-Free Tailgate At Beaver Stadium

We all know Penn State fans bleed blue and white, but the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority wants you to show them that you think GREEN matters too! 

* PA Resources Council Holds Last 5 Special Collection Events In Allegheny, Beaver Counties

The PA Resources Councils holds the final 5 household chemical, e-waste, hard-to-recycle and drug take back collection events in Allegheny and Beaver Counties in October.  They will be held—

* Central PA Women Environmental Professional Regulatory Update Nov. 2 In Harrisburg

The Capital Chapter Society for Women Environmental Professionals is hosting its Annual Regulatory Update Seminar on November 2 at the DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* PUC Begins Review Of Vegetation Management Practices Of Electric Utilities

The Public Utility Commission published formal notice in the September 30 PA Bulletin it is beginning a review of vegetation management practices by electric utilities as a result of an order adopted by the PUC at its August 31 meeting.  (formal notice)

* Report: PA Ranks 19th Nationally In State Energy Efficiency Scorecard

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Thursday released its annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard which found Pennsylvania ranks 19th among the states for the second year in a row for implementing energy efficiency programs, same as last year.

* PJM Interconnection, Federal, State Officials Mark 90th Anniversary Of The Power Pool

The PJM Interconnection Friday celebrated its 90th anniversary with Congressman Ryan Costello, industry leaders and state and federal regulators, including Commissioner Robert Powelson of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, joining in to observe the historic milestone.

* DEP Accepting Applications For Alternative Fuels Public Refueling Facilities Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for a special Alternative Fuel Corridor Infrastructure Grant Program to provide up to 50 percent of the costs to install public refueling facilities along highway corridors designed by the Federal Highway Administration. (formal notice)

* Penn State Extension: Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells, What’s A Reasonable Estimate? Webinar Nov. 16

Penn State Extension will host a free webinar November 16 on Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in PA: What’s a Reasonable Estimate? from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

* PennTAP Common Energy Tips For Manufacturers, Steps To Implementation Oct. 11 Westmoreland

The PA Technical Assistance Program will hold a Common Energy Tips For Manufacturers and Steps To Implementation Workshop at the Penn State New Kensington, Art Gallery, 3550 Seventh Street Road, Upper Burrell in Westmoreland County from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

* Energy Coordinating Agency Fall Energy Conference Nov. 9 In Philadelphia

The nonprofit Energy Coordinating Agency's annual Fall Energy Conference will be held on November 9 at the Temple University Student Faculty Center, 3340 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

* DCNR Now Accepting Nominations For 2018 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year

DCNR’s Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.  The deadline for nominations is November 17.

* DCNR Accepting Grant Applications For Snowmobile And ATV Trails

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be accepting applications for grants for acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation or maintenance of snowmobile or ATV trails from October 2 to December 20. (formal notice)

* Additional State Forest Roads Opening For Hunting Seasons, Other Outdoor Activities

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday announced hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania's state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts.

* Game Commission Offers Free Chronic Wasting Disease Test For DMA-Harvested Deer

Those hunting deer within the state’s Disease Management Areas (DMAs) will have the opportunity to have their deer tested – free of charge – for chronic wasting disease (CWD), and at the same time help the Game Commission fight this deadly disease.

* 30th Anniversary Of Militia Hill Hawk Watch Celebrated At Fort Washington State Park

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Saturday joined birding enthusiasts and supporters of Fort Washington State Park in Montgomery County celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Militia Hill Hawk Watch.

* Second Fall Foliage Report Now Available From DCNR

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday issued its second Fall Foliage Report showing some areas of the Northern Tier may reach 60 percent of peak foliage conditions.

* Oct. 22 Get Outdoors Poconos Hike In The Big Woods Natural Area, Monroe County

On October 22 the Brodhead Creek Watershed Association will host another in its Get Outdoors Poconos hikes, this time in the Big Woods Natural Area in Monroe County starting at 10:00 a.m. lead by Carol Hillestad.

* Natural Lands Now Accepting Applications For Force Of Nature Volunteer Program

The Natural Lands conservation organization based in Delaware County is now accepting applications for the 2018 Force of Nature Volunteer Training Program. The deadline for applications is November 1.

* Fish & Boat Commission Votes To Close Hatcheries, Limit Stocking If Legislature Does Not Act On License Fee Bill

Facing escalating costs and declining revenues after 12 years without an increase in the price of a fishing license, the Fish and Boat Commission voted Monday to reduce spending by $2 million in fiscal year 2018-19 if the legislature does not act on legislation-- Senate Bill 30 (Eichelberger- R-Blair) to raise license fees.

* Fish Commission Confirms Virus Killed Carp In Pymatuning State Park Lake

The Fish and Boat Commission Saturday announced laboratory tests have confirmed the Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) is responsible for the deaths of thousands of carp in Crawford County’s Pymatuning Reservoir, located in Pymatuning State Park.

* Hawk Mountain Publishes New Data On Seasonal Changes In Migration Timing

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary biologists in Berks County recently published a new paper in collaboration with researchers in Canada and across the United States that suggests global climate change is creating long-term shifts in seasonal migration timing and the amount of time eastern North American raptors spend on their breeding grounds.

* PA Horticultural Society Names Gardening & Greening Contest Winners

The PA Horticultural Society has selected the Blue Ribbon winners and the Gardens of Distinction in the “2017 PHS Gardening and Greening Contest.”

* Agriculture, Penn State Researchers Seek Public Input On State Pollinator Protection Plan

Farmers, gardeners and other Pennsylvanians concerned about the health of pollinators given their critically important role growing and producing food now have the chance to comment on a draft of the state’s proposed Pollinator Protection Plan.

* Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Hosts Biophilia: Pittsburgh Oct. 5

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host Biophilia: Pittsburgh reflections on the Gaia hypothesis and strengthening the bond between people and the natural world on October 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes.

* Wildlands Conservancy Highlights October Education, Other Events

The Wildlands Conservancy in the Lehigh Valley Thursday highlighted education and other events coming up in October, including--

* 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.

* Environmenta 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 - September 30, 2017

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* 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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