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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
July 15, 2019 Issue #785
(7/15/2019)
* Lacawac Sanctuary Honors 2019 Achievement Award Winners At Farm To Plate Dinner Aug. 10

The Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station will hold its 4th annual Farm To Plate Dinner on August 10 to honor the winners of the 2019 Achievement Awards.  The dinner will be held at the historic Watres Lodge at Lacawac in Lake Ariel, Wayne County.

* Buck Neely, Stream Restoration, Inc., Recognized At 2019 American Society Of Mining And Reclamation Conference

Congratulations to Buck Neely of the nonprofit Stream Restoration Incorporated and a Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition participant, for recently winning the Early Career Award at the 2019 American Society of Mining and Reclamation Conference!

* Interns: Michael Gallagher, BioMost, Inc. Working On Mine Drainage Treatment

I am Michael Gallagher, and I am the new intern at [the nonprofit] BioMost, Inc. After finishing my first year studying environmental engineering and mathematics at Saint Francis University, Dr. Joel Bandstra recommended I spend my summer as an intern at BioMost.

* PennDOT Marks 30th Anniversary Of 100,000+ Volunteers Strong Adopt-A-Highway Litter Cleanup Program

On July 9, Department of Transportation marked the 30th Anniversary of their Adopt-A-Highway Program, where volunteers “adopt” a highway to collect litter.

* DCNR Good Natured Blog: Three Cheers For Parks, Recreation & Recreational Professionals

July is Parks and Recreation Month across the nation. In addition to celebrating our independence during the month, and summer vacation, it’s the perfect time of year to think about how lucky we are to have nearby parks to enjoy, and all types of activities -- hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching -- available in our Commonwealth.

* DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Jennifer Brooks, Berks County Parks & Recreation

Jennifer Brooks is the Environmental Education Program Supervisor for the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department, where she uses her love of nature and passion for education to help bring conservation and outdoor programs to the local community.

* Water Science Institute Report Finds Legacy Sediment Floodplain Restoration Extremely Cost, Land Efficient

On July 8, the Water Science Institute released its report “Cost Effectiveness of Legacy Sediment Mitigation at Big Spring Run in Comparison to Other Best Management Practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed” which examines the cost benefits and land use efficiency of selected environmental BMP’s widely utilized in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

* Politicians In Harrisburg Are Proud Of Their New State Budget! -- Meanwhile In The Real World…

The FY 2019-20 state budget does next to nothing to help your community reduce flooding, damage from stormwater or to cleanup our rivers and streams.

* Bay Journal: States’ Latest Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plans Found Lacking By EPA; Pennsylvania Misses Goal, Funding Needs By Substantial Margins

By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* Op-Ed: Conservation Efforts Lose Out In State Budget

By Len Lichvar

* PennFuture Blog: PA State Budget Turns Blind Eye To Environment

By Ezra P. Thrush, Director Of Policy

* NOAA Just Reported Pennsylvania Had The Wettest 48-Month Period On Record - Since 1895

NOAA just reported the Pennsylvania precipitation totals ending in June 2019, noting the previous 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48-month periods were the wettest ever recorded in Pennsylvania (records go back to 1895).

* Volunteers Needed July 15 To Repair Meeks Run Trail Damaged By Flooding In Allegheny County

On July 12, the Hollow Oak Land Trust has put out an urgent call for volunteers to help repair the Meeks Run Trail in Montour Woods Conservation Area July 15 in Coraopolis, Allegheny County.

* Philadelphia Inquirer Begins Year-Long: From The Source: Stories Of The Delaware River Series

On July 10, the Philadelphia Inquirer began a new year-long series called From The Source: Stories of the Delaware River to explore the river and the watershed from many angles-- water quality, environmental challenges, climate change, recreation, history and how it all converges to define the region and inform life there.

* DEP Reports Mosquitos In Philadelphia Test Positive For West Nile Virus

On July 9, the Department of Environmental Protection reported mosquitoes in Philadelphia tested positive for West Nile Virus this season.

* West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Expands Investments, Partnerships In Pennsylvania Wilds

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. has received a $131,992 grant from West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund to support an energy assessment and the development of the PA Wilds Media Lab, to be housed on the second floor of Laughing Owl Press at 59 N. Fraley St. in Kane, McKean County.

* Nuclear Regulatory Commission Hosts July 16 Webinar, July 23 Hearing On Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Plan

On July 8, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff announced it will present a webinar July 16 for interested members of the public regarding the decommissioning of the Three Mile Island 1 nuclear power plant, located in Londonderry, Dauphin County.

* DEP, Allegheny County Saving Drivers As Much As $32.3 Million Annually By Eliminating Special Low-RVP Gasoline In Western PA

On July 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially published notice in the Federal Register eliminating the low-RVP gasoline requirement in Allegheny County, the last of the counties in Western Pennsylvania where the special summer gasoline was required.

* 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--

* PA Abandoned Mine Land Campaign Urges Action To Extend Expiring Federal Mine Reclamation Fee

The Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation sent out this action alert Monday as part of the PA Abandoned Mine Land Campaign to watershed groups, local governments and counties asking them to urge Congress to act now to extend the expiring federal mine reclamation fee--

* Pennsylvania Continues To Push Congress For Dedicated Federal Fish & Wildlife Conservation Funding

On July 12, the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission said they see the introduction of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the U.S. House of Representatives as landmark legislation that could provide more care for Pennsylvania’s and the nation’s growing list of fish and wildlife with the greatest conservation needs.

* White House: President Trump Is Promoting A Clean And Healthy Environment For All Americans

On July 8, the White House issued this fact sheet on President Trump's environmental accomplishments so far in his Administration.

* Berks County Water Week - Because Clean Water Matters, August 3-10

Berks Water Week, hosted by the Penn State Extension Berks County Master Watershed Stewards, will be celebrated from August 3 through 10 at venues throughout Berks County.  

* July 16 Hurricane Season Twitter Chat To Highlight How To Prepare For A Flood, What To Do After A Storm

Four state agencies will hold a Hurricane Season Twitter Chat on July 16 starting at 2:00 p.m. to help answer questions like: Are prepared for a storm?  Do you know you’re flood risk?

* Schuylkill Action Network Aug. 7 Funding For MS4 Stormwater Projects Workshop In Montgomery County

The Schuylkill Action Network will host a free August 7 Funding for MS4 Stormwater Projects Workshop at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Montgomery County from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

* Register Now! PSATS Stormwater Conference Oct. 16-Allegheny County, Nov. 15- Chester County

The PA State Association of Township Supervisors is now accepting registrations for its 2019 PA Stormwater Conference to be held regionally October 16 in Monroeville, Allegheny County and November 15 in Malvern, Chester County.

* DEP Hosts Open House July 15 On Stream Maintenance After Flooding In Centre County

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Northcentral Regional Office announced it will host an open house July 15 in Philipsburg, Centre County to provide vital information and resources to landowners and municipalities seeking to work in streams impacted by flooding and erosion.

* Ag Progress Days On Aug. 13-15 Features Tours Showcasing Penn State Agricultural Research

By Penn State News

* Register Now For Reading The Farm Conservation Training Workshop Aug. 7 & 8, Lancaster

On August 7 and 8, the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center and Penn State Extension will offer a two-day training on a whole-farm perspective for conservation planning, with an emphasis on Manure Management plans and Agriculture Erosion and Sediment Control plans.

* DEP Invites Comments On Little Lost Creek Watershed TMDL In Juniata County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 13 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load Plan for Little Lost Creek subwatershed in Juniata County (PA Bulletin, page 3692).

* PA’s Rodale Institute Launches New Organic Research & Training Center in Georgia

When Rebecca and Ross Williams shuttered their cheesehouse at Many Fold Farm, about an hour outside of Atlanta, in 2017, it was with a heavy heart but a determination to work towards a new agrarian economy in the south. One that allows farmers to prosper while supporting the good food movement and being responsible stewards of the soil and environment.

* Penn State Alumnus Dana Aunkst Leads EPA-State Effort To Restore The Chesapeake Bay

By Jamie Oberdick, Penn State News

* Gov. Wolf, House, Senate Declare July As Lakes Appreciation Month In Pennsylvania

On July 9, the PA Lake Management Society announced July has been officially proclaimed Lakes Appreciation Month in Pennsylvania by Gov. Tom Wolf, the House and Senate.

* July Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

The July issue of The Catalyst newsletter is now available from the Butler County-based Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition featuring articles on--

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission August 1 Hearing On Proposed Water Withdrawal Requests

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a hearing August 1 on proposed water withdrawal requests at the SRBC Offices, 4423 N. Front Street in Harrisburg starting at 2:30.  (formal notice)

* Quarterly Guardian Newsletter Now Available From Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The latest quarterly Guardian newsletter from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission is now available featuring articles on--

* DEP Issues Environmental Assessment Of Proposed Keystone Landfill Expansion Showing Benefits Of Project Outweigh Harms

On July 8, the Department of Environmental Protection issued its environmental assessment review letter to Keystone Sanitary Landfill (Keystone) regarding its permit application for expansion at its facility in the boroughs of Dunmore and Throop, Lackawanna County which found benefits of the project outweigh potential harms.

* Hearing Aug. 12 On DEP Stormwater Permit AND Air Quality Plan Approval For Slate Belt Biosolids Heat Recovery Center, Northampton County

The Department of Environmental Protection will now hold a hearing the same day-- August 12-- on the NPDES Stormwater Permit and the draft Air Quality Plan Approval for the Slate Belt Biosolids Heat Recovery Center to be located at the Grand Central Sanitary Landfill in Plainfield Township, Northampton County

* PA Resources Council Holds July 20 Household Chemical Collection Event In Washington County

The PA Resources Council will hold its next Household Chemical Collection Event on July 20 in Washington County from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wild Things Park, One Washington Federal Way in Washington.

* Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event Set For July 27 In McCandless, Allegheny County

The PA Resources Council, Allegheny County Health Department and Terrace Place at Vincentian will host a Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event on July 27 at La Roche University, Babcock Boulevard in McCandless, Allegheny County from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

* KPB: Columbia Gas Employees Partner With Tri-County CleanWays On Community Garden In Lawrence County

Columbia Gas continues its partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful by supporting the local affiliate, Tri-County CleanWays, and their Lower East Side Community Garden in New Castle, Lawrence County..

* DEP Releases Annual Oil and Gas Program Report Covering Activities During 2018

On July 10, the Department of Environmental Protection released its 2018 Oil and Gas Annual Report which summarizes compliance, inspection and other activities taken by the Oil and Gas Management Program.

* DEP To Hold July 30 Informal Conference On Allegheny Mineral Surface Mining Application In Lawrence County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 13 PA Bulletin it will hold an informal conference July 30 on the Allegheny Mineral Corporation surface coal mining permit application for Allegheny Mineral 57 Mine in Rock Township, Lawrence County (PA Bulletin page 3692).

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Renton Mine Fire Reclamation Project In Plum Borough, Allegheny County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 13 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on the Renton Mine Fire Reclamation Project in Plum Borough, Allegheny County.

* Green Building Alliance Accepting Applications For Emerging Youth Fall Program

The Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh is now accepting applications for its Green & Healthy Schools Academy Emerging Youth Fall Program until August 2.

* PennTAP Webinar July 18: Funding, Incentives To Implement Energy Efficiency Projects

The Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program will host a webinar July 18 on Funding and Incentives to Implement Energy Efficiency Projects for Businesses from Noon to 1:00.

* Policy On Alternative Utility Ratemaking Adopted By PUC

On July 11, the Public Utility Commission adopted a Distribution Rates Policy Statement identifying factors the Commission will consider when utilities propose alternative ratemaking mechanisms and rate designs in distribution base rate proceedings.

* PUC Urges Consumers To Be Conscious Of Utility Account Security, Scams, Intimidating Sales Pitches

On July 11, the Public Utility Commission urges consumers to be conscious of utility account security when answering telemarketing sales calls from competitive energy suppliers (suppliers) and report any suspicious activity to both their utility and the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services.

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In June Now Available

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

* DCNR Accepting Applications For Multifunctional Riparian Forest Buffer, ATV/Snowmobile Trail Grants Starting August 1

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published a reminder in the July 13 PA Bulletin it will be accepting applications for Multifunctional Riparian Forest Buffer and ATV/Snowmobile Trail Grants starting August 1.

* Some Green Ash Trees Show Some Resistance To Emerald Ash Borers

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

* DCNR Accepting Applications For Wild Resources Conservation Fund Grants; Sept. 11 Hearing

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now accepting applications for Wild Resources Conservation Fund Grants.  The deadline for applications is August 23.  (formal notice)

* Advanced Watershed Educator Workshop For School Administrators Aug. 5, Dauphin County

Are you a school administrator passionate about supporting watershed education in your school? Become a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Ambassador!

* Ned Smith Center For Nature & Art Holds Nature & Arts Festival July 27 In Dauphin County

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art will hold its annual Nature and Arts Festival on July 27 and this year for the first time the Festival will be held in and around the Center at 176 Water Company Road, Millersburg, Dauphin County from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

* July 10 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The July 10 issue of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring stories on--

* Wildlife Leadership Academy Hosts Special Screening Of Live The Stream: The Story Of Joe Humphreys On Aug. 12

The Wildlife Leadership Academy will host a special screening of the award-winning documentary Live The Stream: The Story Of Joe Humphreys on August 12 at the Tull Family Theater, 418 Walnut Street in Sewickley, Westmoreland County at 6:00 p.m.

* Game Commission To Host Open Houses On Wildlife Feeding Starting July 18

The Game Commission’s Citizens Advisory Committee made up of major stakeholders recently assisted Commission personnel in looking at the problems associated with wildlife feeding and proposing possible solutions.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives General Operating Grant From FirstEnergy Foundation

On July 10, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County announced it received support from the FirstEnergy Foundation with a generous grant of $5,500 for general operating.

* Help Wanted: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Steward

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Sanctuary Steward position to assist with all operational needs of the Sanctuary, including trail maintenance, invasive plant management, and coordination of volunteers and seasonal staff with construction and infrastructure projects.

* Help Wanted: Berks Conservation District Urban Resource Conservationist

The Berks County Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Urban Resource Conservationist.

* 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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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.

* Sponsor: 2019 PA/National Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference

PA Environment Digest is proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and National Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conference to be held in Pittsburgh on September 8-11.

* 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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