Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
September 6, 2021 Issue #894
(9/6/2021)
* 20 New Stories - Real Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 20 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* We Remember Sept. 11, 2001- DEP’s Betsy Mallison, One Of Thousands To Respond

We will all remember where we were and what we were doing on September 11, 2001, but Betsy Mallison, Community Relations Coordinator from DEP’s Southwest Regional Office in Pittsburgh, will remember it more vividly than most.

* All Articles & NewsClips In This Week’s Digest By Topic

Links to all the articles and NewsClips in this week’s PA Environment Digest by topic in one place--

* Important Articles From Last Week

Important headline articles from this week’s PA Environment Digest--

* After More Than A Decade Of Warnings Significant Funding Was Needed, Floods Are Again Devastating Pennsylvania

Since 2010, the Growing Greener Coalition, hunting and fishing, farm and local government groups have been urging the General Assembly and the Governors to come together to provide significant funding to protect people from flooding, restore watersheds, support the installation of green infrastructure, improve our parks and trails and preserve open space.

* Hurricane Ida In Pennsylvania - From First Warnings To Initial Recovery

Articles about Hurricane Ida’s impact on Pennsylvania from first warnings, flooding, tornadoes, deaths, damage to initial recovery--

* Hurricane Ida: DEP Storm And Flood Recovery Fact Sheets And Information

The Department of Environmental Protection has a variety of useful information for individuals, farms and businesses to help in dealing with the impacts of flooding.  Here are just some of the fact sheets available--

* Hurricane Ida: Penn State Extension: Resources Available On Preventing, Recovering From Flood Damage

With most of Pennsylvania currently under flood warnings and flash flood watches due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida moving north across the country.

* Hurricane Ida: PUC Offers Safety Tips As Remnants Of Hurricane Ida Approach

As the remnants of Hurricane Ida continue to move toward the Mid-Atlantic region-- bringing the threat of heavy rain, high winds and potential flooding-- the Utility Commission reminds households of the steps they can take to prepare for, and recover safely from, storm-related power outages.

* Hurricane Ida: DCNR Closes Some State Park, Forest Campsites Ahead Of Heavy Rain From Tropical Depression Ida

On September 1, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced several state park and forest campsites will be closed Wednesday and Thursday as the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida approach Pennsylvania.

* Groups Gathering Support For Letter Urging DEP, Gov. Wolf, AG Shapiro To Support A Total Ban On Road Dumping Of Oil & Gas Drilling Wastewater; 240.4 Million Gallons Of Conventional Drilling Wastewater Dumped On PA Roads

Environmental and citizens groups are gathering support for a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection, Gov. Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro urging them to support action to enact a total ban on road dumping of oil and gas drilling wastewater from all sources.

* Road Dumping Of Drilling Wastewater; Radiation Monitoring Of Drilling Wastes; More On DEP Oil & Gas Advisory Board Agenda Sept. 9

DEP’s Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board is scheduled to have a meeting September 9 with several critical issues on the agenda, including road dumping of conventional drilling wastewater, radiation monitoring of drilling and other wastes, and review of draft conventional drilling regulations.

* DEP Publishes Final Guidance On Area Of Review For Unconventional Oil & Gas Drilling Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 4 PA Bulletin final technical guidance is now available on Implementing the Area of Review Regulatory Requirement for Unconventional Well Permitting.  [DEP ID: 800-0810-001]   Read more here.

* Independent Regulatory Review Commission Votes To Approve The Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulation Covering Power Plants

On September 1, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted 3 to 2 to approve the final Environmental Quality Board regulation to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.

* Republicans On House Committee Approve Resolution To Kill Final Power Plant Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations

On September 2, Republicans on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, voted to approve a concurrent resolution to kill final power plant carbon pollution reduction regulations which now goes to the full House for action.

* How Did We Get Here: Background On The Final EQB Regulation Reducing Carbon Pollution From Power Plants [RGGI]

On September 1, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted 3 to 2 to approve the final Environmental Quality Board regulation reducing carbon pollution from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

* PennVEST Awards $5.2 Million Forgiveness Loan To Aqua PA For PFAS Water Treatment System In Montgomery County

On September 2, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority approved a $5.2 million principal forgiveness loan to Aqua Pennsylvania to construct a pre-treatment filtration plant for the area serviced by the North Hills well station in Montgomery County.

* DEP Invites Comments On Draft Chapter 105 Alternatives Analysis Guidance

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on draft technical guidance on Chapter 105 Alternatives Analysis [DEP ID: 310-2100-002].   Read more here.

* Lancaster Clean Water Partners Update On Clean Water Plan Implementation

On August 31, Lancaster Clean Water Partners provided an update on implementation of the county's Clean Water Plan.  The updated included--

* DEP Invites Comments On South Branch Conewago Creek Watershed TMDL Plan In Adams County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a draft Total Maximum Daily Load Watershed Plan for the South Branch of Conewago Creek in Adams County. (PA Bulletin, page 5756)

* Chesapeake Bay Journal: Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Partners Seek Input On Diversity, Inclusion

By Jeremy Cox, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* DEP Launches Nation’s 2nd State-Led Climate Leadership Academy, With More Than 150 Enrolled

On August 31, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Pennsylvania became the second state in the nation to provide state-sponsored climate training with the recent launch of its Pennsylvania Climate Leadership Academy.

* PPL On Track To Achieve 70% Reduction In Greenhouse Gases By 2035, 80% Reduction By 2040 On The Way To Net-Zero Carbon Emissions By 2050

On August 30, Allentown-based PPL Corporation published reports focused on the company's sustainability performance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters.

* Penn State Creates Task Force To Significantly Reduce University's Carbon Emissions

Over the last 15 years, Penn State University has cut its carbon emissions by more than 35 percent, putting the University ahead of schedule to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas outputs to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

* CCG PACE Funding Closes On $15 Million In C-PACE Financing For Building 57 In Philadelphia's Navy Yard

The Navy Yard Building 57, home to Rhoads Industries, located at 1900 Kitty Hawk Avenue, Philadelphia, utilized $15 Million of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) capital to finance the high efficiency interior and exterior improvements incorporated into the renovation of approximately 270,000 square feet of the building.

* PUC PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee Imposes $62,650 In Penalties

On August 30, the Public Utility Commission announced the PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee imposed $62,650 in penalties against 65 underground facility owners, excavators and project owners.

* DEP Holds Virtual Hearing Sept. 22 On Air Quality Permit Renewal For Covanta Waste-To-Energy Facility In Delaware County

On September 3, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will receive public comments and host a virtual public hearing regarding a Title V/State Operating Permit renewal request for Covanta Delaware Valley, LP, a waste to energy facility in the City of Chester, Delaware County.

* DEP Approves Methods For Land Application Of Food Processing Residual Waste From Clinton County Meat Processor

On September 2, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has approved alternative Best Management Practices (BMPs) with environmentally protective conditions for the land application of food processing residual during inclement weather in response to a proposal from Nicholas Meat, LLC, of Clinton County.  

* Natural Lands Adds Nearly 70 Acres To State Forest Lands In Berks County

On September 1, Natural Lands announced it has added nearly 70 acres of land to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Forest holdings in Berks County.

* Pike County Conservation District: Good Health And Nature

By: Devan George, Communications Coordinator

* Sept. 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The September 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

* New Report Outlines Key Ways To Reconnect Nature Through Wildlife Corridors

As biodiversity in Pennsylvania and around the globe continues to decline, a new report highlights key projects that are working to reconnect nature through “wildlife corridors.”

* Guest Essay: Avoidable Crisis Looms At PA Wildlife Agencies On Appointments To Fill Board Vacancies

By Robb Miller, Fmr. Wildlife Advisor To Governors Rendell, Wolf

* Educational Opportunities for Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* PA Forestry Assn. Keystone Woodland And Field Day On Sept. 18 In Greene County

The PA Forestry Association and Rebecca Trigger and son, Mark Foley, 2020 Tree Farmers of the Year, invite you for a guided tour on September 18 to view their forestry work on their tree farm in Jefferson, Greene County.

* Register Now For 2021 Virtual Watershed Congress Sept. 20-24

Registration for the 2021 Watershed Congress, presented by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, is now open. The event, which will be held virtually from September 20 - 24, will share with participants information, tools, and practices for watershed protection and restoration.

* Save The Date: Lancaster-Lebanon Watershed Forum & Science Symposium Set For Nov. 19-20

Elizabethtown College will serve as host for the Lancaster-Lebanon Watershed Forum and Science Symposium on November 19-20, 2021. A call for proposals to present at the forum will soon be issued.

* 19th Annual York Watershed Week Set For September 16 to 25

The Watershed Alliance Of York invites to you the 19th Annual York Watershed Week to be held September 16 to 25.

* Now On Demand: Southwest PA Water Agencies Flood Education Series For Allegheny County Homeowners & Business Owners

Are you a homeowner or a business owner in Allegheny County? Have you been asking yourself: Why is my basement flooding? Why is the street flooding? What do I do in a flood? How do I protect my house? When do I evacuate?

* York Conservation District Holds Annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser Sept. 17 To Benefit York County Envirothon

The York County Conservation District is holding their 14th Annual Sporting Clays

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Outdoor Education Program Restarts In PA This Fall; Sign Up Now

Chesapeake Bay Foundation educators are excited to welcome teachers and students back to outdoor education programs this fall. The outdoor class program was suspended in March 2020 when the pandemic began.

* Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center Offers Early Explorers Outdoor Program For Children

The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center invites children ages three to six years old and their parents or guardians to attend Early Explorers, a program aimed at providing children with a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

* Oct. 25-26 Penn State Family Symposium Focuses On Environmental Impacts On Families: Environmental Disasters, Climate Change, Built Environment

By Victoria Gough, Penn State News

* PA Forestry Assn./Ned Smith Center: Post New Wildfires/Smokey Bear Video In Discovering PA's Forest Heritage Series

The PA Forestry Association and the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art have posted the fourth video in their Discovering PA's Forest Heritage Series - Wildfires/Smokey Bear.

* PA Natural Heritage Program Provides Wild Heritage News Update

The PA Natural Heritage Program's Summer Wild Heritage News is now available to provide an update on recent program activities.   Major initiatives highlight, include--

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary To Host Fall Native Plant Sale Sept. 11; Fall Migration In Full

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will host its annual Fall Native Plant Sale on September 11 outside of the Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring almost 100 species of native trees, grasses, vines, shrubs, and flowering plants.

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Gov. Wolf: Federal SBA Low-Interest Loans To Be Made Available For Those Affected By August Flash Flooding In Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Potter

On September 2, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved a recent request to make financial aid available to residents of Tioga county following severe storms that caused flash flooding and significant damage on August 18.

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

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

* Grants & Awards

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

* PA Bulletin

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the latest PA Bulletin--

* Stories Invited - About 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.

* PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference - Oct. 27-28

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Virtual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference to be held October 27-28.  Click Here to register.

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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