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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 25, 2021. Issue #901
(10/25/2021)
* 40 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 40 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.

* 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--

* PAEP Recognizes Marci Mowery With Karl Mason Award; The Wildlife Leadership Academy With Walter Lyon Award

On October 21, the PA Association of Environmental Professionals announced Marci Mowery, President of the PA Parks and Forest Foundation, was recognized with the Karl Mason Award and the Wildlife Leadership Academy received the Walter Lyon Award.

* Going, Going, Gone... Senate, House Have Little Time To Act On Funding For Local Flood Prevention, Watershed Restoration, Recreation Projects

On October 25, the Senate and House return to session with only nine voting days left in 2021.

* Appalachian Voices Blog: How Acid Mine Drainage Fits Into Pending Federal Mine Cleanup Legislation - A Conversation With Joe Pizarchik

This is part of a new series of Appalachian Voices Blog posts about the acid mine drainage (AMD) challenge, and how advocates for abandoned mine land restoration are looking into potential solutions being considered right now and how they may — or may not — help solve this problem.

* How The Conventional Oil & Gas Drilling Industry Eliminated Any Restrictions On The Disposal Of Millions Of Gallons Of Its Wastewater On PA’s Dirt & Gravel Roads

Millions of gallons of conventional oil and gas drilling wastewater is being dumped indiscriminately on Pennsylvania’s dirt and gravel roads.

* PennVEST Awards $186 Million In Funding To Support 33 Water Infrastructure Projects In 20 Counties

On October 20, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority announced the award of $186 million  in funding to support 33 drinking water, wastewater and nonpoint source projects across 20 counties.

* EQB Adopts Proposed Regulation Setting Compliance Schedules For Communities With Combined Sewer Overflow Problems

On October 19, the Environmental Quality Board adopted a proposed regulation setting compliance schedules for communities with combined sewer overflow problems for public comment.

* Penn State Extension Watershed Winds Newsletter Celebrates Riparian Buffer Month With Focus On Buffer Maintenance

This month’s issue of Watershed Winds from Penn State Extension includes a series of articles to help readers celebrate October as Riparian Buffer Month with a focus on buffer maintenance.

* Chapman State Park Hosts NW PA & PA Wilds Local Master Watershed Stewards In Warren County

By Jen Moore, Environmental Educator, Chapman State Park; Liz Dropp, Chair, Conewango Creek Watershed Association

* Knouse Foods Cooperative, Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay, DCNR Partner On Riparian Buffer Planting In Adams County

On October 21, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined Knouse Foods Cooperative officials, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and a host of partners for the kickoff of a streamside forest buffer planting at the fruit grower owned cooperative operations in Biglerville, Adams County.

* Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority: Joins October 21 Imagine A Day Without Water Education, Advocacy Initiative

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority joins elected officials, water utilities, community leaders, educators, and businesses from across the country as part of the seventh annual Imagine a Day Without Water, a nationwide day of education and advocacy about the value of water.

* DEP: Draft Stream Evaluation Report In Tohickon Creek Watershed, Bucks County Available For Public Comment

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice in the October 23 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a draft stream evaluation for an unnamed tributary of the Tohickon Creek in Bucks County.

* DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Changes To NPDES General Permit For Testing Of Tanks & Pipelines

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a proposed changes to NPDES General Permit for Discharges from Hydrostatic Testing of Tanks and Pipelines (PAG-10).  (formal notice)

* Opportunity To Bid On Plugging Abandoned Well In Potter County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 22 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on plugging an abandoned oil and gas well in Potter County.

* Nov. 4 Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hearing On Proposed Fee Schedule Change To Encourage Use Of AMD Impacted Waters, SRBC/DEP Letter Of Understanding

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission public hearing November 4 on proposed water withdrawal projects, proposed fee change to encourage use of acid mine drainage impacted waters and a letter of understanding between SRBC and DEP. (formal notice)

* Delaware River Basin Commission Report Finds Peak Water Demands Have Likely Already Occurred In Delaware River Watershed

A new report from the Delaware River Basin Commission found that data shows peak water withdrawals in the Basin have likely already occurred despite a continued increase in population and water demands are projected to decrease through 2060.

* PA Now Accepting Applications For Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Know Your Energy Options

On October 18, Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead joined Public Utility Commission Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille to announce the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2021-22 season.

* PUC Approves UGI Renewable Natural Gas Pilot Project

On October 21, UGI Utilities received approval from the Public Utility Commission to purchase renewable natural gas as part of a five-year pilot program.

* Coalition For Community Solar Access Honors PA Individuals Dedicated To Passing Bipartisan Legislation Enabling REAL Community Solar Energy

The Coalition for Community Solar Access is marking a year of significant growth and momentum for community solar by recognizing Pennsylvania advocates for their work in 2021 supporting the development of a community solar program in the Commonwealth.

* Penn State-Led Team Awarded $17 Million By DOE To Study Climate Risk, Adaptation Strategies Related To Natural Hazards

By Penn State News

* DCNR: Since 2015 Green Energy, Sustainability Initiatives Will Save $30 Million, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 5,110 Tons A Year

Since 2015, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources green energy and sustainability projects have resulted in the installation of 19 solar arrays; the addition of 33 plug in EV and hybrid vehicles; public EV charging stations at 33 state park and forest locations; and energy efficiency measures that will save more than $30 million over 20 years and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5,110 tons annually.

* Outdoor Industry Urges Congress To Act On Climate Proposals, Including L.L. Bean, REI Co-op, Orvis, Eddie Bauer

By Lily Jones, PA Environmental Council

* Allegheny Land Trust, Partners: 120-Acre Tract Of Woodlands/Meadows Preserved In Butler County

A 120-acre tract of woodlands and rolling meadows in the headwaters of Glade Run Lake in southern Butler County has been permanently conserved as a result of a collaborative effort between Allegheny Land Trust, the Glade Run Lake Conservancy and longtime Middlesex Township landowner Joan Goswell.

* Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2022 Pennsylvania River Of The Year

2022 Pennsylvania River of the Year nominations are now being accepted through November 15.

* DCNR: Nominate Your Favorite Trail To Be The 2022 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year

On October 18, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn encouraged Pennsylvanians to nominate their favorite trail for the 2022 Trail of the Year.

* DCNR Dedicates Trail Connector Project At Canoe Creek State Park In Blair County

On October 22, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined state park, other DCNR and PennDOT officials to dedicate the site of a trail connector project that will close one of Pennsylvania’s top 10 trail gaps.

* DCNR’s 4th Fall Foliage Report: Coming Week ‘Optimal’ For Widespread, Vivid Fall Colors!

On October 21, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its fourth Fall Foliage Report that gives a preview of the leaf viewing season. 

* October 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The October 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

* Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run Participants Braved Weather To Finish Triple Crown In Cameron County

Despite rain and dropping temperatures 66 runners took to the Elk State Forest on Saturday, October 16, the final leg of the Sinnemahone Triple Crown that included a 12k, 25k, or 50k.  Nearly half of the competitors chose to run the 12k. 

* Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Winners Of Confluence - Land, Water, Wildlife Photo Contest; Gallery Exhibition

Through summer 2021, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy held its fourth annual juried photo contest, "Confluence: Land, Water, Wildlife." The contest invited local photographers to capture striking nature photos from the Upper Delaware River region in five categories: landscape, wildlife, macro, water, and a youth category for photographers under 18.

* Landforce Crews Help Restore Trails, Remove Invasive Plants In The Hazelwood Greenway In Allegheny County

Landforce has partnered with the City of Pittsburgh’s One PGH Fund and the Hazelwood Initiative to provide some much needed stewardship to the Hazelwood Greenway.

* Game Commission Expands Chronic Wasting Disease Management Areas Due To New CWD Case In Jefferson County

On October 22, the Game Commission announced the expansion of chronic wasting disease Management Area 3 (DMA 3) and the creation of a new DMA (DMA 6).

* Wellsboro, Tioga County Named A Bird Town By National Audubon Society

On October 18, Visit Potter-Tioga announced the town of Wellsboro in Tioga County was named a Bird Town by Audubon Mid-Atlantic, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Audubon Society.

* Penelec Installs Equipment On Power Lines To Protect Eagles In Crawford County

Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has placed markers on a long stretch of power line in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, to help bald eagles avoid in-flight collisions that could cause power outages as they fly between their nest and fishing grounds.

* Help Wanted: Susquehanna Basin Commission; PA Trout Unlimited; Manada Conservancy

These organizations are looking to fill positions this week--

* Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

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

* PA State Parks Offer Dozens Of Ideas For Using Halloween As A Teaching Opportunity For Students

The latest newsletter from DCNR’s State Parks Environmental Education Program offers dozens of ideas for using Halloween as a teaching opportunity for students.

* June 19-24 Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp Starts Accepting Applications Nov. 1

The Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding the 27th annual Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp June 19-24, 2022.

* High School Juniors Can Now Apply For 2022 Governor’s School For The Sciences

On October 22, Department of Education Secretary Noe Ortega announced applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and encouraged eligible students to apply.

* Pennsylvania Teachers Invited To Participate In Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Litter Free School Zone Program

Schools in Pennsylvania can keep their school grounds litter free with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Litter Free School Zone Program.

* Reminder: Register Now For 2021 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forum Nov. 1-5

The 16th Annual Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forum will be held November 1-5 online with in-person networking.  The theme of this year’s Forum is-- The Future is Now: Getting to (and Moving Beyond) 2025.

* Green Infrastructure: Religious Institutions & Clean Water For Healthy Communities Webinar Nov. 15

On November 15, the PA Environmental Council, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Conservation Voters of PA and other partners will hold a webinar from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Green Infrastructure - Religious Institutions & Clean Water For Health Communities.

* PA4R Alliance Hosting 3-Part Webinar Series On Nutrient Management Starting Oct. 26

The PA4R Alliance is hosting a three-part webinar series on Nutrient Management on October 26, November 2 and 9 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. each day.

* 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--

* Senate Committee Moves Bill To Prohibit Communities From Promoting Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency; House Set To Move Companion Oct. 26

On October 19, the Senate Local Government Committee amended and reported out Senate Bill 275 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which would limit the ability of communities to offer new and clean energy sources and energy efficiency programs by locking in the status quo, in particular natural gas.

* House Committee Adds Oct. 27 Meeting To Vote On Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf; Still Holds Oct. 25 Hearing

The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is now scheduled to hold a voting meeting October 27  on Senate Bill 251 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which sets standards for the application of fertilizer to turf, provides for the certification of professional fertilizer applicators and for labeling and an education program.

* Rep. Webster Resolution To Study Use Of Abandoned Underground Mines As Geothermal Energy Source

On October 18, Rep. Joe Webster (D-Montgomery) announced plans to introduce a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility of using abandoned underground mines as geothermal energy sources.

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* EPA Announces Comprehensive National Strategy On PFAS Pollution

On October 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a national Strategic Roadmap to protect public health and the environment from PFAS pollution.

* Delaware RiverKeeper Applauds Federal Court Action To Vacate Rollback Of Section 401 Federal Clean Water Act Reviews

On October 21, a judge for the U.S. District Court vacated the previous administration’s rollback to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act in a consolidated legal action involving multiple states, tribes, and non-profit groups seeking review of the Trump rule.

* EPA Now Accepting Applications For Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Grants.  The deadline for applications is December 1.

* EPA, USDA Announce Winners Of Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge - 2 From PA

On October 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the winners of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge, the second of a two-part, joint EPA-US Department of Agriculture Partnership and Competition on Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States.

* 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.

* PA Statewide Watershed Conference - Nov. 7-8, Webinars Nov. 10-11

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Statewide Watershed Conference hosted by the PA Organization of Watersheds and Rivers on November 7-8, with special webinars on November 10-11.

* Keystone Coldwater Conference + PA Chapter Of American Fisheries Society Feb. 25-26

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2022 Joint Meeting of the Keystone Coldwater Conference and PA Chapter of the American Fisheries Society on February 25-26, 2022, at the Ramada Conference Center in State College.

* 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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