DEP told the Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday reauthorization of the federal mine reclamation fee that’s due to expire in 2021 is critical to the continued success of Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it is proposing to improve its approach to public participation in the permitting process in Environmental Justice Areas with changes that increase community involvement and clarify best practices by permit applicants to encourage community involvement.

Andrew Place, Vice Chair of the Public Utility Commission, and DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell told the House Republican Policy Committee Tuesday they would support a serious conversation on how Pennsylvania can have a meaningful role in siting pipelines like the Mariner East 2 Pipeline.

Eight energy pipeline companies have committed to being guided by a new report titled "Improving Steep-Slope Pipeline Construction to Reduce Impacts to Natural Resources" resulting from a collaboration facilitated by The Nature Conservancy.

The PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. in conjunction with the award sponsor, the Department of Environmental Protection, Wednesday presented the operators of four farms with the Clean Water Farm Award during its annual conference in Lancaster.

The PA Association of Conservation Districts Thursday presented its annual awards to conservation leaders in Pennsylvania and played host to the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Northeast Regional meeting in Lancaster.

Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the investment of $92 million for 19 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source projects in 13 counties through the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Small Business Advantage Grants and for the first time applicants can applying for funding for projects to improve water quality.  (formal notice)

Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings headquartered in Philadelphia, the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles, and Stroud Water Research Center hosted a day of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning in White Clay Creek in Chester County for recipients of Axalta’s All-Pro Teachers designation.

Representatives James Santora (R-Delaware), Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne), Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia) and Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) Friday circulated a memo to their colleagues asking them to co-sponsor legislation to authorize community solar energy projects.

By Pari Kasota and R. Brent Alderfer

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation Thursday announced it has received a national APEX Award of Excellence for its new magazine, Pennsylvania Wildlife.

The DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program is now accepting applications for projects related to the conservation of flora and non-game fauna.  The deadline for applications is August 15.

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--

The U.S. House voted 213 to 202 to approve an amendment offered by Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R) to restrict the ability of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to hold states accountable for meeting their Chesapeake Bay cleanup obligations.

Trout Unlimited is seeking a consulting firm that specialize in acid mine drainage remediation to assist with technical services for its AMD Technical Assistance Program.  Proposals are due August 10.

By: Robert Pace, Master Watershed Steward, Montgomery County

The Pittsburgh Section-Environmental and Water Resources Institute will host an Urban Green Infrastructure Workshop on July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Engineers' Society of Western PA, 337 Fourth Avenue in Pittsburgh.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Trout Unlimited-PA, Shank's Mare Outfitters and Heroes On The Water-Central PA Chapter are partnering on a Veterans On The River Kayak Fishing Event August 25 at Shank's Mare Outfitters in Wrightsville, York County from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

PowerCorpsPHL is a 12-month workforce development program for individuals 18 to 26 that tackles pressing environmental challenges, including improving stormwater management, increasing tree coverage, and revitalizing public land in Philadelphia.

The Penn State Extension 2018 Dive Deeper: Youth Water Educators Summit will be held on September 20 at the Central Hotel & Conference Center, 800 East Park Dr., Harrisburg from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 21 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load water quality plan for Mill Creek Watershed in Berks County.

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday reported on its West Nile Virus website mosquitoes testing positive for the virus have been found in 2 more counties --  Cambria and Mercer counties.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, along with partners BEHR paint and The Home Depot, are accepting applications for 2018 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Grants until July 31.

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority Tuesday announced visitors to the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and The People's Choice Festival and Heritage Days recycled over 5,000 pounds of organics and recyclable material.

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it will hold a public hearing on July 23 to accept public comments regarding the municipal waste application by PA Waste, LLC, for a permit to construct the proposed Camp Hope Run Landfill, located in Boggs Township, Clearfield County.

Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced the approval of new funding through the Industrial Sites Reuse Program to provide for the cleanup of 2.3 acres of the former Allison Hill Automotive site in Harrisburg, Dauphin County to provide for further development on the property for a Hamilton Health Center building addition.

The PA Association of Hazardous Materials Technicians will hold its 2018 PA Hazmat Training Education Conference August 23-26 at the Seven Springs Resort in Somerset County.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 21 PA Bulletin inviting comments on the proposed Water Quality Certification for a natural gas pipeline in Greene and Armstrong Counties.

The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance Education Fund Monday announced the winners of this year’s Moving to the Head of the Class Awards!  To date, the winning schools and districts in this statewide program have saved over 10,000,000 kWh and $1,300,000 on their energy bills!

Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $3.4 million in funding for 5 alternative and clean energy projects under the Alternative and Clean Energy Program.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority Tuesday awarded Council Rock School District a $2 million state grant through the Alternative and Clean Energy Program for comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades to Rolling Hills Elementary School in Northampton Township, Bucks County, according to Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks).

The PA Chamber of Business and Industry will hold its fall Environmental Conference Series in three locations across the state to provide businesses the latest information on environmental regulations and compliance.

The PA State Association of Township Supervisors has issued a request for proposals for workshop presentations to be made at its 97th Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show, which will be held April 14-17, 2019, at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey..

The week of July 16 to 20, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited farms at seven different sites in three Pennsylvania cities, learning how their efforts are improving their communities as part of Urban Agriculture Week recognized by Gov. Wolf.

The Allegheny Land Trust recently partnered with Susan Orenstein to protect her historic 12-acre “Catch the Wind Farm” in Allegheny County.

As part of national Park and Recreation Month, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Thursday visited three parks in Bucks County to hear from local officials and stakeholders about their importance and plans for improvements.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuesday announced the cancellation of the July 27-29 Prowl The Sproul series of hikes in Sproul State Forest in Clinton County due to the lack of advanced registrations. (Click Here for the Tweet link.)

Over the weekend of July 13-15, Friends of Allegheny Wilderness teamed up with the Harrisburg-based Keystone Trails Association and others in a trail stewardship blitz.

The Brodhead Watershed Association will hold its annual Ramble at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 2138 Croasdale Road, Stroudsburg, Monroe County on August 5. Participants will have their choice of fun events!

The Western PA Conservancy is now accepting registrations for the 2018 Wild & Scenic Clarion River Sojourn August 18-19 starting at Hallton in Elk County and ending in Cooksburg in Clarion County.

By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal

The American Chestnut Foundation is accepting entries for its 2018 Photo Contest until September 3.

Colorful forest posters, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl items, and a variety of educational literature and handouts will be distributed for free at the 14th Annual Festival of Wood on August 4 - 5 at Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford, Pike County.

After confirming the presence of the aquatic invasive species (AIS) known as New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarium) in Little Lehigh Creek, Lehigh County, the Fish and Boat Commission Friday reminded anglers and boaters that cleaning their gear is the easiest, most effective means of preventing its spread to other waters.

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Wednesday announced Brian Kavalukas has joined the PPFF Board of Directors.

The Environmental Defense Fund Monday named former DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty as Senior Vice President for EDF’s Oceans Program.

The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking qualified candidates to fill upcoming vacancies on the board of the Fish and Boat Commission from the Seventh and Fifth Districts.  The deadline to express interest is August 31.

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

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

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

Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire PA Environment Digest.  This Digest is 84 pages long.

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.

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  He can be contacted by sending email to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

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