By Brenda Wilt, Assistant Editor, PA Township News

Scott LaMar, host and executive producer of WITF’s Smart Talk Program, asked an interesting question Wednesday-- What happened to Pennsylvania’s environment over the last 10 years his program has been on the air?

Forge The Future, an initiative of Pennsylvania businesses across the state, Thursday called for a new era of economic growth in Pennsylvania, releasing Ideas for Action, a report that highlights specific actions the Commonwealth can and should implement to capitalize on its world-class energy assets and grow its way to more revenue, population and job growth.

The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program Friday received the John C. Oliver III Environmental Leadership Award, presented by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation.

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday launched an electronic permit system to provide landowners a more efficient way to request General Permit registrations for new projects that affect wetlands and waterways and get a faster response from DEP.

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on October 16 to hear an update on efforts to clean up rivers and streams in Pennsylvania to meet local water quality goals and the Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction milestones.

The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee is now scheduled to meet on November 20, instead of October 24.

The Baltimore Sun Thursday reported a Baltimore Circuit Court Judge rejected a lawsuit filed by Conowingo Dam owner Exelon challenging the cleanup conditions Maryland imposed on the state Section 401 Water Quality Permit allowing the Dam to operate.

Commonwealth Court Thursday ruled the Public Utility Commission did not consider the impact of future rate increases on customers of the New Garden Township, Chester County wastewater system during its consideration of its acquisition by Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater and that consideration of rate impacts cannot be pushed to future rate proceedings.

The Public Utility Commission published formal notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin laying out the process it will follow in considering the long-term water and wastewater infrastructure plans submitted by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

The Department of Health said Tuesday in an online report there are now 72 human cases of West Nile Virus in 22 counties in Pennsylvania.  The death toll remains at 2 so far this season-- one each in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced the award of $37 million in Recycling Implementation Grants to 195 county and municipal governments.

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday announced the winners of the 2018 Through The Seasons Photo Contest.

Above-average temperatures last week again stunted the foliage transition, however; decreasing day length has spurred noticeable changes throughout the state, according to the latest Fall Foliage Report from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

WITF-TV in Harrisburg will air a new documentary on October 25 at 8:00 p.m. called Generations Yet To Come: Environmental Rights In Pennsylvania.

On Thursday, WQED in Pittsburgh premiered a new documentary “Downstream” that looks at the issues surrounding the pollution and protection of Pennsylvania’s waterways.

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

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- 

On October 5, the federal Disaster Recovery Reform Act was signed into law that for the first time establishes a National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for states and make other changes.   The reforms would--

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate gave final approval to the $6 billion America’s Water Infrastructure Act providing federal funding for inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, drinking water systems, promotes hydropower, funds for wastewater projects and other water infrastructure sending it to the President for his action.

The Appalachian Regional Commission Thursday announced $26.5 million in grants to expand and diversify the economy in Appalachia’s coal-impacted communities through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative.

Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday again urged President Trump to protect Pennsylvania refinery workers by reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the wake of the president directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to benefit ethanol producers in other states.

The PA Environmental Council Wednesday submitted comments to the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council and Regional Body urging them to adopt procedures to make their decision making process for water transfers more transparent.

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee announced Monday the October 9 meeting to consider Senate Bill 138 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) providing oil and gas royalty interest landowners access to records of drilling companies to verify proper payment of royalties (sponsor summary) would be postponed to a later date to be announced by the Committee Majority Chair Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny).

On Wednesday, the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved and reported out House Resolution 1112 (Barrar-R-Delaware) calling on federal government to recognize the importance of durable, flood-resilient infrastructure (sponsor summary)

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet October 16 to consider Senate Bill 1270 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne), (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring universal lead testing for children (sponsor summary).

The Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on October 15 to consider House Bill 2638 (Stephens-R-Montgomery) which would authorize new local authorities to cleanup former military installations or land having water, sewer or stormwater pollution identified by the Department of Environmental Protection or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency financed by tax refunds by businesses and individuals working in the remediation area.

The October edition of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee newsletter is now available featuring stories on--

Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request to declare a disaster in Westmoreland County after significant flood damage to homes and businesses from a severe storm on Sept. 9, 2018.

Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced approximately 45 members of PA Task Force 1 left last night for Alabama as a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team to assist with Hurricane Michael.

Pennsylvania National Guard helicopter crews along with Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) members from the Fish and Boat Commission recently returned from South Carolina where they spent more than two weeks assisting the South Carolina National Guard and local emergency responders with flood relief efforts after Hurricane Florence.

The Environmental Hearing Board Thursday dismissed a challenge to the designation of four streams in Monroe County as exceptional value.

Penn State Extension will host a Workshop for Conservation Professionals on Understanding the Dairy Business December 7 at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin inviting potential contractors to a meeting on October 30 on mine drainage treatment site maintenance projects in Bedford, Cambria, Indiana and Somerset counties. (PA Bulletin page 6626)

On October 23, the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Sea Grant invite interested members of the public to attend a meeting of the PA Lake Erie Environmental Forum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Delaware River Basin Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection held the first of three  training sessions for local water suppliers on water loss management at the Bucks County Community College.  Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks), who represents the area, provided opening remarks at the session.

The PA Section American Water Works Association, PA Water Environment Association, and the PA Municipal Authorities Association will host the PA Water and Wastewater Technology Summit November 1-2 in State College.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a hearing on proposed water withdrawal permits and other actions on November 1 in Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg starting at 2:30. (Click Here for notice and agenda)  (formal PA Bulletin notice)

There is still time to participate in the 2018 International Coastal Cleanup.  Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful invites residents, civic organizations and businesses to coordinate a cleanup or join an existing cleanup as part of the initiative. 

The Department of Transportation published notice in the October 13 PA Bulletin announcing it will be accepting applications between October 15 and January 11 for its Green Light - Go Program for upgrading traffic signals.

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

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding Thursday announced Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved the preservation of 2,609 more acres on 40 farms in 17 counties for agricultural production now and in the future.

Manada Conservancy, in partnership with the Hershey Gardens, will host a free educational program about climate change on October 23 at 7:00 p.m, at the Hershey Gardens Conservatory, 170 Hotel Road in Hershey, Dauphin County.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuesday awarded $646,891 in U.S. Forest Service Grants to 132 local volunteer fire companies that help fight wildfires across the state in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has scheduled 4 more public meetings across the state to help the agency chart the future course of Pennsylvania’s state forest districts.

Imagine these fields filled with fifty houses instead of hay. Another hundred cars sitting in traffic on Charlestown Road. Thanks to the Epstein Family, Charlestown Township in Chester County, and French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, you don’t have to.

The third annual PA Wilds Conservation Shop Buyer’s Market will be held on March 2 in the Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room at Clarion University.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuesday announced grants from the Keystone Fund to support local recreation projects in Allegheny, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Chester and Montour counties.

The National Parks Conservation Association along with local community partners Wednesday released a new report, Making Connections: Roots of Prosperity in New York and Pennsylvania’s Upper Delaware River Region, to highlight success stories from the area’s emerging economy.

Enjoy the Pocono Mountains Fall weather and foliage with two outings hosted by the Pocono Heritage Land Trust in Monroe County--

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals and the Capital Chapter - Society of Women Environmental Professionals will host a Workshop on Ways Transportation Projects Can Avoid Endangered Indiana Bats at the Radisson Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass in Camp Hill, across the river from Harrisburg 11:30 to 1:30.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County Tuesday announced it has received continued support from the PPL Foundation with a generous sustaining grant of $2,500.

The Game Commission will host a webinar on October 24 on the issue of Lead Toxicity In Bald Eagles In Pennsylvania from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Natural Lands, a Delaware County based regional land conservation organization, Tuesday announced the addition of Drew VandenBrul to its Board of Trustees.

Terry R. Fabian, 73, who held a number of senior management positions at the Department of Environmental Protection, passed away on October 2 at his home.

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 92 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.  ©2018 PA Environment News LLC, All Rights Reserved

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