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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, March 19, 2018 Issue #716
(3/19/2018)
* PUC Ratifies Emergency Order Suspending Operations Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline

The Public Utility Commission Thursday unanimously ratified the March 7 Emergency Order suspending operations of the Mariner East 1 Pipeline (ME1) in Chester County without discussion.

* Senate Committees To Hold Joint Pipeline Safety Hearing March 20

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and Consumer Affairs and Professional Licensure Committees will hold a joint hearing on pipeline safety on March 20.

* PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Committee Discusses Preliminary Pollution Reduction Targets PA Must Meet

The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Friday heard a series of presentations that outline some possible options for meeting the preliminary nutrient and sediment reduction targets Pennsylvania has been given by the Chesapeake Bay Program.

* Op-Ed: Fish & Boat Commission Deserves Its Independence To Restore Financial Stability To The Agency

By Robert E. Hughes, Northeast Regional Vice President, PA Council Of Trout Unlimited

* The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh

The people have voted-- for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Landforce which polled more online votes than three other groups to win the second round of the  Google Impact Challenge Pittsburgh and $50,000.

* Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

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

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/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--

* House Committee OKs Bills Creating New Bureaucracies To Take Permit Reviews Away From DEP, Waive Penalties, Create Office of The Repealer, Cap Number Of Regulations

The House State Government Committee Tuesday approved bills taking permit reviews from DEP and other state agencies, creating an Office of the Repealer, putting a cap on the number of regulations, requiring the elimination of two regulation for every new regulation adopted by agencies and authorizing the repeal of a any regulation by a simple House/Senate resolution.

* House Committee Approves Bill To Encourage Microgrids

The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Monday unanimously reported out  House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a regulatory framework to encourage energy storage and microgrids to improve electric grid resiliency during disaster emergencies and other circumstances (sponsor summary).

* PA Clean Transportation Infrastructure Bill Approved By House Committee

The House Transportation Committee Monday amended and reported out House Bill 1446 (Quinn-R-Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles (sponsor summary).

* Bill Limiting Terms Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Directors OK’d By House Committee In Nearly Party Line Vote

The House Game and Fisheries Committee late Monday reported out Senate Bill 935 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which would limit the term of the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission to eight years. 

* Bipartisan Bill To Require Water Testing At Schools Introduced

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna), along with Rep. Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), Wednesday announced introduction of House Bill 2025 which would help address the threat of lead in drinking water in Pennsylvania’s schools.

* House Agriculture Committee Meets March 26 On PennVEST Loan To Lyme Timber For Conservation Easements

The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is scheduled to meet on March 26 for an informational meeting on the investments the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority made in Lyme Timber Company for working timberland conservation easements.

* DEP Citizens Advisory Council Reviews Waste, Recycling Programs March 20

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet March 20 to hear a series of presentations on Pennsylvania’s waste regulation, reduction and recycling programs.

* New Forms For Chpt. 105 Development-Related Permits Should Reduce DEP Review Times

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced revisions to the instructions and forms for Chapter 105 General Permit Registrations relating to water obstructions and encroachments, one of the basic DEP permits needed for most development projects.

* Bay Journal: Plain Sect, Amish Farmers Becoming More Involved In Conservation

By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* April 12 Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your Land & Sustaining Your Farming Business Program In Lewisburg

The Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA and its partners will host a Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your Land and Sustaining Your Farming Business Program on April 12 at the Union County Government Center, 155 N. 15th Street in Lewisburg from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m.

* Penn State Extension: Online Course On Writing Manure Management Plans Available 24/7

Creating a manure management plan for your farm doesn’t have to be a costly or time-consuming chore—but it does need to be done.  Let Penn State Extension help you with step-by-step guidance to complete this task.

* NRCS-PA Blog: A Little Farm Conservation Yields Big Improvement In Drinking Water For 14,000 In Berks County

By Amelia Dorch & Chad Douglas, NRCS-PA

* Chesapeake Bay Commission Urges Significant Increase In Technical Assistance, Funding For Federal Farm Bill Conservation Programs

The interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission Wednesday released a series of 8 recommendations for significantly increasing technical assistance and funding for conservation programs under the federal Farm Bill now under consideration in Congress.

* Natural Lands: Penn Township Wins Growing Greener Communities Award In Chester County

Natural Lands and the Chester County Association of Township Officials presented the Growing Greener Communities Award to representatives of Penn Township on March 13 in Chester County.

* Water Insights Seminar March 20: Stroud: Multi-Strategy Whole Watershed Restoration For Resiliency

The Penn State Environment and Natural Resources Institute will hold its next Water Insights Seminar March 20 featuring Dr. Melinda Daniels of Stroud Water Research Center presenting on Multi-Strategy Whole Watershed Restoration for Ecological and Human Resiliency.

* Schuylkill Action Network Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Website

The Schuylkill Action Network Monday launched its completely redesigned and revamped website: SchuylkillWaters.org to help celebrate its 15th anniversary.

* DEP Holds P&N Coal Company Permit Application Meeting March 21 In Clearfield County

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it will hold an informal public conference on March 21 to discuss the bituminous coal surface mining permit application submitted by P&N Coal Company, Inc. for a proposed surface coal mine located in Westover Borough, Clearfield County.

* March Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

The March edition of the Catalyst newsletter is now available from the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition in Butler County featuring stories on--

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Waterline Project, Indiana County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a waterline installation related to an abandoned mine reclamation project in Indiana County.

* PennDOT Releases Paxton Creek Restoration Master Plan In Harrisburg To Deal With Flooding; Meeting March 22

PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards Thursday released a Paxton Creek Restoration Master Plan to deal with flooding near the City of Harrisburg Transportation Center in Dauphin County.

* Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Oversight Order Approved By PUC

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a Final Implementation Order for Act 65 of 2017, addressing Commission oversight of water, wastewater and storm water services by entities created by Pennsylvania cities of the second class – specifically, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

* PA American Water Unveils $19.6 Million Plan For Upgrading Water Storage In 16 Communities

PA American Water Wednesday announced its 2018 plans to rehabilitate 10 existing water storage tanks, as well as erect six new storage structures in communities across the state.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Strengthens Right-To-Know Policy, Recognizes Mark Hartle With Goddard Award

On March 8 the Susquehanna River Basin Commission held its quarterly business meeting in State College and finalized changes strengthening its Right-To-Know Policy and presented its 10th Maurice K. Goddard Award for Excellence by a Water Management Professional to Mark Hartle of Port Matilda, PA.

* Lancaster Waste-To-Energy Facility Processed 10 Million Tons Of Waste Into Clean Energy

Covanta and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority are celebrating the processing of 10 million tons of municipal solid waste into 5.6 million megawatt hours of electricity since 1991.

* Robert Zorbaugh Named Next CEO Of Lancaster Solid Waste Management Authority

The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority Friday announced the appointment of Robert “Bob” Zorbaugh as the next CEO, starting January 1, 2019.  The decision was ratified by LCSWMA’s Board of Directors at their March 16 public meeting.

* PennDOT, DEP Seek Volunteers For Statewide Spring Cleanup, Beautification Effort

The departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection are seeking volunteers for this year's Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania that began March 1 and runs through May 31.

* Weis Markets Supports Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday announced Weis Markets has pledged support for their 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA, a statewide community improvement initiative that runs from March 1 through May 31.

* DEP Proposes Changes To Regional Haze Air Pollution Plan For Comment, 3 Hearings

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s Regional Haze Air Pollution Implementation Plan and 5-Year Progress Report.  (formal notice)

* DEP Issues Water Quality Certification For Berks County Power Plant Natural Gas Pipeline

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 17 PA Bulletin it has issued the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the DTE Midstream Appalachia, LLC natural gas pipeline in Berks County (page 1619).

* CFA Provides $980,000 In Funding For Natural Gas Pipeline Project In Monroe County

The Commonwealth Financing Authority Friday approved $980,000 in funding for a natural gas pipeline project that will bring natural gas energy to approximately 270 households, businesses, and other properties in Monroe County through the Pipeline Investment Program.

* PUC Continues Analysis Of How Federal Tax Cuts May Affect Customer Utility Rates

The Public Utility Commission Thursday issued a Temporary Rates Order, in conjunction with the ongoing review of how the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may affect ratepayers of electric, natural gas, water and wastewater companies regulated by the PUC that earned over $11.8 billion in 2016.

* DEP, PennDOT Other Partners To Unveil Draft Plan To Increase Electric Vehicle Use At March 26 Meeting

The Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition, a statewide public–private working group led by the Department of Environmental Protection, will unveil details of its draft plan to help expand electric vehicle use in Pennsylvania at a public meeting on March 26.

* Proposed Policy On Third-Party Electric Vehicle Charging Advanced By PUC

The Public Utility Commission Thursday advanced a proposed policy on third-party electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that seeks to provide greater clarity and consistency throughout the state.

* Gov. Wolf: CFA Invests Nearly $30 Million In 78 Projects Solar Energy Projects

Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the Commonwealth Finance Authority invested nearly $30 million in 78 new Solar Energy Program projects in 22 counties through  to expand solar energy implementation and promote development across Pennsylvania.

* Penn State Extension: New Working With Volunteers Online Course Available 24/7

Overcome the challenges of recruiting, retaining, recognizing, and supervising volunteers with Working with Volunteers, a new online course from Penn State Extension.

* Call For Presentations: 2018 PA Brownfields Conference Oct. 1-3 In Bethlehem

The Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has opened a call for presentations for the 2018 Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference at the Sands Bethlehem Casino in Bethlehem.

* PA Environmental Professionals 2018 Conference Set For May 2-4 In State College

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will hold their 2018 Conference on May 2-4 at the Toftrees Resort in State College.

* Funding Available To Help Volunteer Fire Companies Battle Wildfires

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now accepting applications for grants to help volunteer fire companies fight wildfires.  Applications are due April 19.

* Pittsburgh Landforce Now Accepting Applications For Work Crew Members To Restore Green Assets

The Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Landforce is now accepting applications for work crew members.  The deadline is March 31.

* National Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes TreePhilly Founder Erica Smith Fichman

The national Arbor Day Foundation Wednesday announced six individuals and organizations are the recipients of a 2018 Arbor Day Award in honor of their outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation and stewardship.

* Penn State Extension Healthy Trees, Healthy People Program May 23-24 In Pittsburgh

Penn State Extension will hold its biennial Urban and Community Forestry Healthy Trees, Healthy People Program on May 23-24 at the Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard in Pittsburgh.

* Feature: A Legacy You Can Take Pride In Continuing - 125 Years Of State Parks & Forests

By PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Spring Penn's Stewards 

* PA Parks & Forests Foundation Accepting Entries For 2018 Photo Contest

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation is now accepting entries for its 2018 Parks & Forests Thru The Seasons Photo Contest.  The deadline for entries is September 5.

* Spring Penn’s Stewards Newsletter Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The Spring edition of Penn’s Stewards, the newsletter from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation, is now available featuring articles on--

* Register Now For Rails-To-Trails Conservancy June 10-14 Delaware & Lehigh Sojourn

The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy is now accepting registrations for the June 10-14 Delaware & Lehigh Trail Sojourn in Eastern Pennsylvania.

* Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Woodloch Resort Guests Raise Funds For Conservation

On March 6, representatives from Woodloch Resorts in Wayne County presented the Delaware Highlands Conservancy with a check for $35,722 for funds collected in 2017 through the Green Lodging Partnership.

* PA Trout Unlimited Roundtable On Climate Change Effects On Wildlife and Forests March 27 In Wilkes-Barre

The PA Council of Trout Unlimited is hosting a Roundtable on Climate Change Effects on Fish, Wildlife and Forests on March 27 at the Marts Sport and Conference Center, Room 214, at Wilkes University, 274 Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

* Be A Citizen Scientist: Participate In 2018 City Nature Challenge In Pittsburgh Region April 27-30

Help show the world how biodiverse the Pittsburgh Region is by making as many observations of as many species as possible April 27-30 as part of the international City Nature Challenge 2018.

* Fish & Boat Commission Receives Funding To Update Children's Lake Dam In Cumberland County

Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced he has authorized construction funding to the Fish and Boat Commission to advance the Children’s Lake Project in Boiling Springs, South Middleton Township, Cumberland County.

* Popular Mentored Youth Trout Days Set For March 24, April 7

Parents and kids are eagerly awaiting warmer weather and the start of the 2018 fishing season, which kicks off March 24 with the first of two Mentored Youth Trout Days. The second one is set for April 7.

* Egg-citing News! Harrisburg Peregrine Falcons Have 2 Eggs So Far!

The Harrisburg peregrine falcons are proving productive again this year with two eggs so far in their nest on the 15th Floor of the Rachel Carson Building.

* Internationally Acclaimed Birder, Photographer Richard Crossley Visits State College April 7

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation will be hosting an event with internationally acclaimed birder, photographer and author Richard Crossley on April 7 at the Nittany Lion Inn’s Fireside Lounge in State College, Centre County, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

* Wildlife For Everyone Foundation: First Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala April 6 In State College

The Wildlife For Everyone Foundation will be holding its first Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala on April 6 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Centre County. The event will begin with an open bar from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

* Interns Wanted: Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation: Communications, Watershed Positions

The Luzerne County-based  Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is seeking qualified candidates for two summer intern positions-- Communications and Watershed.

* Interns Wanted: TU PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program Biological Field Interns

The Trout Unlimited PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program is seeking qualified candidates for Biological Field Interns.

* Help Wanted: Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Filling 3 Positions Based In Harrisburg

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA is seeking qualified candidates to fill three position based in Harrisburg--

* Help Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy: Program Manager For Farm Preserve In Westmoreland County

The Brandywine Conservancy is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Program Manager for the Penguin Court and Thomas Road Farm in Ligonier, Westmoreland County.

* 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 17 PA Bulletin of final-omitted regulations on the administration of the Land Recycling Program.

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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:  PaEnviroDigest@gmail.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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