On March 23, Gov. Wolf issued a Stay-At-Home order for residents in Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Monroe counties, 75 percent of the state’s population. Read more here.

On March 16, the Department of Environmental Protection posted notice on its website that ALL of its offices statewide will be closed for at least the next 14 days (March 31).

On March 16, due to coronavirus concerns, the Department of Environmental Protection canceled three public hearings to gather public input on proposed rulemaking that would amend state regulation to establish groundwater and soil cleanup standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lead at contaminated properties

On March 17, the Department of Environmental Protection canceled three hearings to accept comments on changes to the Mariner East II Pipeline Chapter 102 (Erosion) and Chapter 105 (Water Encroachment) permits related to construction at three locations in Chester and Delaware counties.

On March 17, the Department of Environmental canceled an April 2 hearing to gather public input regarding its intent to issue two draft Air Quality Plan Approvals to Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals, L.P. (SPMT) for the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex in Marcus Hook Borough, Delaware County.

The Department of Environmental Protection is now holding more of its advisory committee meetings, hearings and day-to-day business online or through conference calls, adapting to the social distancing requirements imposed as a result of the coronavirus.

On March 18, the PA Municipal Authorities Association provided guidance to its members on the COVID-19 pandemic to help them keep their customers and employees safe and keep essential services like drinking water, wastewater, and trash disposal operating.

By Danielle Rhea, Extension Educator

By Susan Boser, Extension Renewable Natural Resources Educator

On March 21, Pennsylvania American Water is telling customers not to flush sanitizing wipes and “flushable” wipes down the toilet.

On March 23, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced all facilities at state parks and forests in Pennsylvania will be closed until April 30 to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

On March 18, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said staff is following Gov. Wolf’s directive to telework until Monday, March 30 related to the coronavirus. All Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional staff and most central office staff are working remotely.

The PA Recreation and Parks Society has established a new Recreation and Parks COVID-19 Resources webpage to offer relevant and practical resources to help park and recreation providers best serve their constituents and communities during this unprecedented time

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has these recommendations if you are outdoors for recreation--

The March 18 Resource newsletter is now available outlining the precautions taken so far by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources related to the coronavirus.  They include--

On March 19, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce announced the cancellation of the Sinnemahone Canoe and Kayak Classic on Saturday April 4. 

Due to coronavirus concerns, Penn State Extension has canceled all programs and public educational events through May 15, pending further developments.

On March 16, the Fish and Boat Commission announced there will be a single, statewide opening day for trout season-- April 18-- instead of two regional opening days, in response to Coronavirus concerns.

On March 17, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding issued guidance for accessing emergency food assistance for Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger due to measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On March 17, the Department of Agriculture issued guidance for the agriculture industry on essential businesses and how those businesses can mitigate against COVID-19 while maintaining essential operations to ensure access to food.

The health and safety of our community are always important values to us here at Sustainable Pittsburgh.

In recognition of the critical role boarding kennels, doggie daycares, shelters, sanctuaries, and rescues play in ensuring essential workers and at-risk individuals have a safe place to house dogs and the need for continued care for Pennsylvania's strays, the Department of Agriculture issued guidance for protecting staff and volunteers of such facilities.

Over 50 Pennsylvania National Guardsmen have been placed on state active duty to provide assistance to state partner agencies in their response to COVID-19 as passengers from a Grand Princess Cruise returned home March 17.

On March 16, the Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille announced she signed an emergency order suspending all door-to-door, in-person and public event sales activities by agents of competitive electric and natural gas suppliers in the Commonwealth’s retail energy markets.

On March 20, the Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille signed an emergency order permitting the modification of regulatory and statutory deadlines and procedural rules affecting filing and service requirements with the PUC as well as time periods established for the Commission to take final action on matters before it.

In response to the ongoing threat to public health posed by the COVID-19 virus, the Public Utility Commission announced its upcoming public meeting-- scheduled for March 26-- will be conducted telephonically.

On March 20, the Delaware RiverKeeper wrote to the Governors of Delaware, News Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania as well as key federal agencies urging them to extend public comment periods and delay decision making on permits, dockets, projects, permits, regulations, and legislation that could impact the Delaware River Watershed in light of the COVID-19 health emergency.

On March 20, Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Chair Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) wrote to the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House urging them not to go along with a National Coal Association recommendation to suspend or reduce the federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation fee and cut the tax supporting victims of black lung disease.

On March 20, the PA Association of Environmental Educators opened a special Teaching Environmental Ed At Home resource webpage to help parents, grandparents, teachers and school officials provide an EE learning experience while their students are home.

The March 20 Take Five Fridays With Pam from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation is dedicated to helping people through the coronavirus outbreak with suggestions for using parks to help with our physical, mental and emotional health.

Game Commission State Ornithologist Sean Murphy and Endangered Bird Specialist Patti Barber will be answering your questions LIVE in a chat feature on March 23 at 1:00 p.m. from the PA Farm Country Bald Eagle Livestream webpage.

Charles Bier, Senior Director of Conservation Science at the Western PA Conservancy, will present an overview of Pennsylvania's Landscapes and Biodiversity during a webinar on March 24 from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

POSTPONED - DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council and the Air Quality Advisory Committee are scheduled at this time to hold an online information meeting April 2 starting at 1:00 p.m. on the proposed initiative to reduce carbon pollution from power plants (RGGI).

The coronavirus threw a wrench into Senate and House schedules and actions this week-- like it did everyone else-- as they struggled to find a way to continue operating with the coronavirus social distancing restrictions now in place.

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action--

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 March 18, the Senate sent House Bill 1100 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne) establishing a subsidy program for the use of natural gas in manufacturing to the Governor for his action.  Gov. Wolf previously said he would veto the bill because he said he wanted to broaden the program.

On March 18, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced it is accepting proposals from partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program to address natural resource concerns at local, regional, and landscape scales through May 18.

By Derek Eberly, PA Field Representative

By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal

By Timothy B. Wheeler, Chesapeake Bay Journal

By Jennifer R. Fetter, Water Resources Educator

By Jacquline Wolf Tice & Simon Molloy, Penn State Master Watershed Stewards

By Lisa A. Holden, Associate Professor Of Dairy Science

By Jennifer R. Fetter, Extension Water Resources Educator

By Diane Oleson, Penn State Master Watershed Steward

The latest Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring these articles--

The 2020 Chesapeake Watershed Forum Planning Committee is now accepting submissions for both classroom sessions and intensive seminars.  The deadline for proposals is May 8.

On March 13, students in Mrs. Melissa Busler’s 7th grade science class at St. Luke Lutheran School in Cabot, Butler County  were treated to a presentation by guest speaker Shaun Busler, biologist and GIS Professional from Stream Restoration Incorporated and Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition volunteer.

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

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 21 PA Bulletin of a availability for a final General Permit (WMGM064) to authorize the processing and beneficial use (by shell planting, reef construction and living shoreline stabilization/enhancement) of post-consumer oyster shells for natural habitat restoration projects in the Delaware Estuary or other shoreline and subtidal areas.

On March 18, The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has adopted Resolution No. 2020-02  that enhances its low flow management practices and modifies how it collects and applies its water use fee.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has adopted a final rule to amend its regulations on consumptive use and consumptive use mitigation. These rules are designed to enhance and improve the Commission's existing authorities to manage the water resources of the basin. 

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission held its quarterly business meeting in Harrisburg on March 13.  Among its actions, the Commission:

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s 2019 Annual Report is now available highlighting its efforts to ensure water availability, for flood warning, assessing stream health, restoring abandoned mine lands and enhancing ecosystems.

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy and Education Development Support) has rescheduled the Resilient Regional Economies presentation by renowned entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker, Judy Wicks for September 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at The Cooperage Project, 1030 Main Street in Honesdale, Wayne County

On March 19, the Game Commission announced Pennsylvania hunters posted their highest overall deer harvest in 15 years when they took 389,431 deer during the state’s 2019-20 hunting seasons, which closed in January.

The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking a qualified candidate to represent District 8 on the Game Commission’s board of directors.   The deadline for applications is April 17.

The PA Forestry Association’s Forest Heritage Discovery Center located in the Caledonia State Park near Fayetteville, Franklin County is seeking interns to help staff the Discovery Center on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend (May 23rd) to Labor Day (September 7th).

Click Here: Week’s Worth Of PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - Support Local Journalism

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

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

CLICK HERE to View or Print the 76 page PA Environment Digest.

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.

The PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2020 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 24-25 in State College.  Registration Now Open! 

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