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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
April 8, 2019 Issue #771
(4/8/2019)
* Draft PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan To Be Released For Public Comment April 12

The draft Phase III PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan is scheduled to be released for public comment on April 12 with a comment period running until June 7, according to DEP’s April report to the Citizens Advisory Council (page 15).

* $200,000 Penalty Proposed In PUC Settlement Of 2017 Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak Case

On April 3, Sunoco and the PUC's Bureau of investigation and Enforcement filed a proposed settlement with the Public Utility Commission proposing a penalty of $200,000 in matters related to an April 2017 leak from the Mariner East 1 Pipeline in Berks County.

* Rep. Quinn Introduces Bipartisan Package Of Pipeline Bills To Regulate Routes, Emergency Plans And More

Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware), along with Representatives Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) and Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) have introduced a package of 7 bills to further regulate pipeline companies and provide greater oversight authority to state agencies.

* Sen. Aument Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Preserve PA's Nuclear Power Industry Also With $500M Annual Price Tag

On April 3, Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and other Senators introduced Senate Bill 510 that he said would help level the playing field for the nuclear industry, protect nearly 16,000 Pennsylvania jobs, prevent consumers from facing significantly higher long-term energy costs, and greatly assist the Commonwealth in meeting its carbon emission reduction goals.

* Fmr Gov. Ridge To Testify At April 8 House Consumer Affairs Committee Hearing On Nuclear Power Bill

The House Consumer Affairs Committee will hold a series of 4 hearings starting April 8 on House Bill 11 (Mehaffie-R-Lancaster) adding nuclear power plants to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to provide financial support to the industry.

* PFAS Action Team To Provide Updates On Upcoming Sampling Plan, Solicit Resident Feedback April 15 In Montgomery County

On April 15, the state PFAS Action Team will hold a public meeting in Montgomery County to provide an update on state efforts to deal with contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

* Northeast Recycling Council Recognizes 3 PA Communities For Environmental Leadership

On April 5, the Northeast Recycling Council announced the winners of its 2018 State Electronics Challenge Awards which challenges state, regional, tribal, local governments and nonprofit organizations to reduce the environmental impact of their electronic office equipment.

* PA Environmental Educators Announce Winners Of 2019 Awards

On April 1, the PA Association of Environmental Educators announced the winners of their 2019 awards.  They include--

* DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Girl Scout Hannah Puttcamp, Lackawanna County

Hannah Puttcamp is a 14-year-old, Waverly, Lackawanna County resident, who has a passion for the outdoors and mountain biking.

* PA Envirothon Statewide Competition Set For May 21-22 At University Of Pittsburgh In Johnstown; Volunteers Needed

The 36th Annual Pennsylvania Envirothon statewide competition will be taking place May 21-22 on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session 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 Environmental Committee Meets April 9 To Consider Erosion Permit Review Deadlines, Requiring Municipal Notice Of Waste Violations

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet April 9 on legislation setting deadlines on reviews of erosion and sedimentation permits if they were submitted by a registered  engineer and requiring DEP to forward waste violation notices to municipalities.

* House Environmental Committee Holds April 8 Info Meeting On Consequences Of Polystyrene Ban In PA

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold an informational meeting April 8 discussing polystyrene in Pennsylvania and the consequences of a statewide ban.

* Latest Chesapeake Bay Barometer Tells Cautionary Success Story About Bay Restoration

By Rachel Felver, Chesapeake Bay Program

* Leading Farm, Conservation, Wildlife Groups Unite In Support of Protecting Federal Farm Bill Conservation Funding

Having succeeded in protecting funding for the Conservation Title in the 2018 Farm Bill, more than 140 leading farm, conservation, and wildlife groups are once again joining together to protect those hard-fought conservation funds and programs in the fiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations process.

* Focus Of April 16 DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meeting To Be Water Programs

On April 16, DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council will hear a presentation on and have a discussion about DEP’s Water Programs with Aneca Atkisson, Acting Deputy Secretary For Water Programs.

* Appalachian Independent Power Producers Accepting Mine Reclamation Grant Applications

The Appalachian Region Independent Power Producers (ARIPPA) is now accepting applications for two $2,500 mine reclamation grants.  Applications are due May 1.

* Alliance For Appalachia: A Toolkit For Cleanup & Community Development

The Alliance for Appalachia now has available a new Toolkit for Cleanup and Community Development to provide resources for communities vulnerable to the downturn of the extraction-based economy.

* Manure Application Changes With Winter Crop Can Cut Nitrogen Loss, Boost Profits For Dairy Farmers

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

* LandStudies Collaborates With Municipal Online Stormwater Training Center To Offer Free Economic Ecology - Floodplain Restoration Course

Lititz-based LandStudies is collaborating with the Municipal Online Stormwater Training Center at the University of Maryland's Environmental Finance Center to offer Economic Ecology - Maximizing Economic and Environmental Returns Through Floodplain Restoration.

* April 9 Penn State Water Insights Seminar Features Presentation On Stakeholder Engagement On Ag Water Management Issues

The Penn State Environment and Natural Resources Institute will host a Water Insights Seminar on April 9 covering research into stakeholder engagement on agriculture water management issues.

* USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA Technical Committee Meets April 18

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA State Technical Committee meets April 18 at the USDA Office in Harrisburg.

* Noxious Weed Committee To Consider Adding Tree Of Heaven Spotted Lanternfly Haven To Noxious Weed List April 25

The Department of Agriculture’s Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee is scheduled to meet on April 25 and one item on the agenda is adding the Tree Of Heaven Spotted Lanternfly haven to the noxious weed list .(formal notice)

* Penn State Extension Schedules More Public Meetings On Spotted Lanternfly

Penn State Extension Service will host 5  public meetings on the spotted lanternfly, the invasive insect that has spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding states and presents a significant threat to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the grape, tree-fruit, hardwood and nursery industries.

* Spring Guardian Newsletter Now Available From Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The Spring edition of The Guardian newsletter from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission is now available featuring articles on--

* Cumberland County Vector Control, Partners To Hold Tire, Electronics Waste Collection May 4

Cumberland County Vector Control, in partnership with PA Cleanways of Cumberland County, Mechanicsburg Borough, and e-End Recycling will hold a tire and electronics waste collection event on May 4 at Soldiers and Sailors Park, 1 Memorial Park Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

* Brandywine River Cleanup Set For April 20 In Chester County

Help us clean up the river! The Brandywine Conservancy is seeking volunteers to assist with its 26th Annual Brandywine River Cleanup on April 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

* Westmoreland Cleanways & Recycling Highlights Upcoming Collection, Cleanup Events

Westmoreland County Cleanways & Recycling this week highlighted several upcoming collection and cleanup events in the county--

* Close The Loop, Partners Hold Free Give & Take Day April 27 In Monroe County

Close the Loop has partnered with the Monroe County Conservation District and Northampton Community College Tannersville Campus to bring the Free Give & Take Day to the campus on April 27.

* PPG Industries To Pay $1.2 Million Penalty To DEP For Disposal Site Violations In Armstrong County

On April 2, the Department of Environmental Protection announced a settlement agreement with PPG Industries, Inc., including a $1.2 million civil penalty, for violations at its Ford City Disposal Site located in North Buffalo and Cadogan townships, Armstrong County.

* Hold Erie Coke Accountable/GASP Community Update On April 16 In Erie

Hold Erie Coke Accountable (HECA) is partnering with the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) to update the public on Erie Coke's (Coal) Plant ongoing violations and the high stakes impact for Erie's quality of life and prosperity.

* PA Anthracite Section Of Society Of Mining Engineers Accepting Applications For Student Scholarships

The PA-Anthracite Section of Society of Mining Engineers/AIME is now accepting applications for the John Kaminski Memorial Scholarships for mining-related engineering or science majors for Pennsylvania students.  The deadline for applications is May 15.

* PUC Safety Engineers Probe UGI Natural Gas Distribution Line Hit In Hershey

On April 4, Safety engineers from the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division – part of the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) – responded late Thursday morning to reports that a construction crew had struck a natural gas line near the intersection of Chocolate Avenue and North Ridge Road in Hershey, Derry Township, Dauphin County.

* PUC Outlines What Behavior Consumers Should Expect From PA's Retail Energy Marketing Companies

On April 3, the Public Utility Commission highlighted the behavior consumers should expect from Pennsylvania's retail energy marketing companies, if they are following state regulations. And, what to do if they don't.

* DCNR Good Natured Blog: Here Comes The Sun-- State Park, Forest Renewable Energy Initiatives

DCNR is committed to powering our buildings and facilities in our state parks and forests with renewable energy.

* Exelon Files Required Three Mile Island Decommissioning Report With NRC

On April 5, Exelon Generation, owner and operator of the Three Mile Island (TMI) Unit 1 nuclear energy facility, filed the federally required Post Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) detailing plans for the plant after its final shutdown, scheduled September 2019.

* Harrisburg University Distinguished Speaker Series Adds Solar Energy Program April 23, State Of Climate Science Presentation April 25

Harrisburg University's Center for Environment, Energy and Economy (E3) has scheduled two new presentations in its Distinguished Speaker Series on Climate Disruption and Sustainable Development--

* As Spring Begins, DCNR, Health Urge Residents To Protect Against Lyme Disease

With longer days and warmer spring weather on the way, the Wolf Administration Monday said it wants all Pennsylvanians to be aware of Lyme disease and ticks as they spend more time outdoors.

* Managing Woody Landscape Pests, Disease From A Municipal Perspective Webinar April 16

On April 16, the Penn State Extension Community Forestry Management Monthly Webinar Series will feature DCNR Bureau of Forestry Plant Health Specialist Timothy Tomon will discuss insects, mites, and diseases expected in Pennsylvania landscapes. See how tree boards may prepare to avoid or mitigate damages in public landscapes practically.

* Tree Pittsburgh Will Offer Tree Tender Training Starting May 29

Tree Pittsburgh is offering Tree Tender Training for volunteers interested in restoring and caring for the tree canopy in their communities on May 29, June 5 and 12 from 5:30 to 8:30.  The course is designed for lay people and experts alike.

* Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Ed Center Summer Camps Registration Now Open In Wayne County

The Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center in Wayne  County is now accepting registrations for summer day and residential camps for the 2019 summer season.

* PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In March

The PA Environmental Council’s In Case You Missed It In March is now available featuring stories on--

* Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Awards Grants For Trail Projects

On March 28, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission approved $3.67 million in grants for 22 mutli-use trail projects throughout Greater Philadelphia.

* Registration Now Open For 2019 Schuylkill River Sojourn June 1-7

The Schuylkill River Sojourn is now accepting registration for the full June 1 to 7, 11-mile Sojourn.  Registration for portions of the Sojourn opens April 8.

* South Mountain Partnership To Hold Spring Meeting May 3 In Biglerville, Adams County

The public is invited to the spring meeting of the South Mountain Partnership on May 3 at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville, Adams County from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

* Apply Now For South Mountain Partnership Recreation, Conservation Mini-Grants

The South Mountain Partnership is now accepting applications for the 2019 Recreation and Conservation Mini-Grants.  The deadline for applications is May 31.

* Pocono Forests & Waters Conservation Landscape Now Accepting Mini-Grant Applications

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting applications for Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape Mini-Grants.  A pre-application meeting is set for April 11.  The deadline for applications is May 3.

* April 3 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The April 3 issue of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring these articles--

* Hawk Mountain: Broad-Winged Hawks Are On The Move!

Broad-winged hawks are on the move again! Each Spring Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County eagerly looks forward to their familiar high-pitched whistles echoing throughout the Appalachian forests.

* Invasive Round Gobies May Be Poised To Decimate Endangered French Creek Mussels

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

* RiverStewards Blog: John Arway: Do Your Duty And Fear No One, Part 2

By Kyle Steffish, Millersville University

* PA Federation Of Sportsmen & Conservationists Name Harold Daub Executive Director

On April 4, the PA Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists Board of Directors welcomed Harold Daub as the incoming Executive Director for PFSC. 

* David Allard Named Acting DEP Deputy For Air, Waste, Radiation & Remediation

David Allard has been named Acting DEP Deputy for Air, Waste, Radiation and Remediation to replace the retiring George Hartenstein.

* Help Wanted: Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Data Management Specialist

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is seeking qualified candidates for a Data Management Specialist position to be located at the Harrisburg office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  The deadline for applications is April 16.  Click Here for all the details.

* Interns Wanted: Alliance For Watershed Education Of The Delaware River Internship Opportunities

Each of the 23 environmental education centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware who are members of the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River is seeking qualified individuals for paid internship positions this summer.

* Interns Wanted: Allegheny Land Trust Stewardship Interns

The Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Land Trust is seeking qualified candidates to fill several intern positions.  The deadline for some positions is April 15, so act fast. Click Here to check out all the opportunities.

* Help Wanted: PA Parks & Forests Foundation Office Assistant

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Office Assistant at its office in Camp Hill, Cumberland County.

* 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.

* 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.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

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

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