Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
November 22, 2021 Issue #905
(11/22/2021)
* PA Environment Digest Will Be Closed Nov. 23-27 For Holiday

PA Environment Digest will be closed and not publishing from November 23 to 27 to give the entire staff off work to celebrate Thanksgiving.   The next weekly edition of PA Environment Digest will be posted December 6.  Happy Thanksgiving!

* 41 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 41 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--

* A First-Hand Account Of How Repeated, Unlimited Road Dumping Of Oil & Gas Drilling Wastewater Is Tearing Apart Dirt Roads And Creating Multiple Environmental Hazards

By Siri Lawson, Farmington Township, Warren County

* Preliminary Results From New Penn State Study Find Increased Cancer, Health Risks From Road Dumping Conventional Drilling Wastewater, Especially For Children

Preliminary results from a new Penn State research study by a team led by Dr. Nathaniel Warner found road dumping of conventional oil and gas drilling wastewater results in increased cancer risks for people living along those roads, especially children.

* New Pitt-Duquesne Study Shows Higher Exposures To Radiation In Road Dumping Of Drilling Wastewater When Appropriate Exposure Scenarios Are Used

A new study released November 2 by authors from the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University shows constant exposure of residents living next to and using roads spread with conventional oil and gas drilling wastewater results in higher levels of exposure to radiation in the wastewater when the appropriate exposure scenarios are used.

* Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, FracTracker Alliance Call On Citizens To Report Dumping Of Oil & Gas Drilling Wastewater On Dirt & Gravel Roads

Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services and the FracTracker Alliance are asking citizens to report the road spreading of oil and gas wastewater in order to protect community health and the environment from chemical contamination.

* Trout Unlimited: What Do Pennsylvania's Dirt And Gravel Roads Have To Do With Trout?

By Mark Taylor, Trout Unlimited

* The Allegheny Front/Environmental Health News: Pollution’s Mental Toll: How Air, Water And Climate Pollution Shape Our Mental Health

The Allegheny Front and Environmental Health News investigated the mental health impacts of air and water pollution and climate change in western Pennsylvania.

* EQB Accepts Petitions For Study To Increase Oil & Gas Well Bonding; DEP Has $15 Per Well Available In Bonds To Plug Conventional Wells

On November 16, the Environmental Quality Board approved a proposed regulation setting a drinking water MCL for PFOA and PFOS  “forever” chemicals for comments and accepted for study two rulemaking petitions to increase bonding on both conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells.

* Marcellus Shale Coalition Challenges EQB Authority To Increase Bond Amounts For Conventional Oil & Gas Wells; DEP Has $15 Per Well Available In Bonds To Plug Conventional Wells

In a November 15 letter to members of the Environmental Quality Board, the Marcellus Shale Coalition challenged the statutory authority of the Board and the need to increase bond amounts for conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells.

* DCNR Signs Oil & Gas Lease Agreement For 198.5 Acres Of Publicly-Owned Streambeds In Wyoming County For $794,000 + Royalties

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice in the November 20 PA Bulletin it has signed an oil and gas lease agreement with BKV Operating, LLC covering 198.5 acres of publicly-owned Susquehanna River streambeds in Mehoopany and Washington Townships, Wyoming County.

* DRBC Extends Comment Period On Draft Regulations Covering Discharges Of Wastewater From Fracking Operations & Ban On Road Dumping Of Wastewater & Co-Products

On November 16, the Delaware River Basin Commission announced it has extended the public comment period on draft changes to its Water Code regulating wastewater from high volume hydraulic fracking oil and gas drilling operations to February 28.

* PUC Imposes $1 Million Penalty On Energy Transfer Company For 2018 Revolution Pipeline Explosion In Beaver County

On November 18, the Public Utility Commission approved a settlement related to a massive pipeline failure and fire in Beaver County in 2018 involving the “Revolution Pipeline” – resulting in nearly $2 million in civil penalties and additional preventative measures required by the pipeline operator. 

* PUC Orders More Than A Dozen Actions To Improve Safety In Construction, Operation Of Mariner East Pipelines; Sunoco Must Pay $2,000 Penalty

On November 18, the Public Utility Commission directed Sunoco Pipeline L.P. to take certain reasonable actions to protect public safety regarding the construction and operation of the Mariner East Pipelines – including Mariner East 1, Mariner East 2 and Mariner East 2X – addressing complaints that had been filed against the pipeline operator.

* Guest Essay: Shifting Toward Clean Energy Can Lower Costs For Pennsylvanians; Unlike Natural Gas, Clean Energy Does Not Suffer From Wild Price Fluctuations

By Mandy Warner, Environmental Defense Fund

* WPCAMR: New Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Addresses PA’s #1 Water Pollution Problem; Questions About What Projects Can Be Funded

By Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation

* Evangelical Environmental Network: Signing Of Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Good News For Our Children, Communities And Country

As people of the Good News, the York County-based Evangelical Environmental Network celebrates the signing of the landmark bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law by President Biden because it is good news for our children’s health, our communities’ safety, and the financial wellbeing of our families and the economy.

* Commonwealth Financing Authority Invests $10.4 Million In Environmental Improvement Projects Funded By Act 13 Drilling Impact Fees

On November 19, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority invested $10.4 million in Act 13 drilling impact fee revenues to support 100 local environmental and infrastructure projects in counties across Pennsylvania.

* NFWF, EPA Announce $2.5 Million In Conservation Grants In Pennsylvania To Help Restore The Chesapeake Bay Watershed

On November 17, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program partnership announced $2.5 million in new grants for 10 Pennsylvania-based projects that will protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding watershed from the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund.

* PUC OKs Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Rate Settlement, Including $21 Million Annual Stormwater Charge

On November 18, the Public Utility Commission approved a joint settlement that includes substantially smaller rate changes than had been originally proposed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority for water, wastewater and stormwater services to approximately 100,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the City of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Reschedules Hearing To Dec. 2 On Proposed Fee Change To Encourage Use Of AMD Impacted Waters, SRBC/DEP Letter Of Understanding

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has rescheduled its virtual public hearing for December 2 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)

* DEP Advisory Committee Supports Adopting Science-Based Water Quality Criteria For Toxic Manganese To Protect Public Health, Environment And No Change In Point Of Compliance For The Standard

On November 18, DEP’s Water Resources Advisory Committee voted 12 to 2 to support the draft final regulation setting a science-based manganese standard of 0.3mg/L as a Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Substances to protect public health and environment and make the point of compliance for the standard at the point of discharge into a river or stream.

* House Republicans Move Bills Amending State Constitution To Invalidate Actions By The Executive Branch To Cement One-Party Rule Of State Government

On November 16, Republicans on the House State Government Committee voted to report out two bills that would allow the Senate and House to unilaterally invalidate regulations and Executive Orders issued by the Executive without any possibility of review of their actions.

* Family Forest Carbon Program Now Open Across Pennsylvania Provides New Revenue Opportunities For Forest Landowners; 60 Enrolled So Far Covering 10,000 Acres

The American Forest Foundation, a national conservation organization that works with family forest owners, and The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organization, announced expansion plans for their Family Forest Carbon Program, which empowers America’s rural family forest owners to improve  forest health while addressing climate change.

* Penn State: Increased Flooding Due To Climate Change Will Be Worse In Small Watersheds; Underestimating Flood Risks Due To Climate Change Can Lead To Poor Infrastructure Design

Two recent papers by researchers at Penn State University point to significant changes in flood risk due to climate change.

* DEP Blog: Ten Tools To Take On Climate Change In Pennsylvania

By: Deborah Klenotic, Deputy Communications Director

* Guest Essay: Are We Prepared For Solar Energy Projects In Pennsylvania?

By Kathy Cook, League of Women Voters of PA

* FirstEnergy Encourages Customers To Shop For Best Energy Deals As Fuel Costs Rise; Natural Gas Costs Driving Electric Rates Up

With higher fuel costs expected to influence energy rates this winter, FirstEnergy Corp. is encouraging customers of its utility companies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland to evaluate electric supply deals that fit their budget and protect against rising energy prices.

* Evangelical Environmental Network: U.S. House Passage Of Build Back Better Budget Puts Us Closer To A Bright Inheritance For Our Children

The York County-based Evangelical Environmental Network released this statement on the passage of the Build Back Better federal budget proposal by the U.S. House--

* DEP Releases Guidelines For Recycling In Your Community Booklet On America Recycles Day

On November 15, the Department of Environmental Protection released a simple guide to help residents and businesses understand recycling in Pennsylvania called “Guidelines for Recycling in Your Community.”

* Keep PA Beautiful Accepting Art, Essay, Video Entries For Litter Hawk Youth Awards Program

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting art, essay and video entries in a Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade, who complete a designated project specific to their grade level.

* PA Wilds Center Seeks Public Meetings On Proposed Low-Level Combat Training Flights By Maryland National Guard; Asking Others To Sign-On To The Request

In response to a proposal from the Maryland Air National Guard to conduct low-altitude military training over a significant portion of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship is asking the ANG to conduct public meetings in the affected counties-- Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter and Tioga.

* DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Requests Public Meetings On Proposed Very Low-Level Combat Training Flights By Maryland National Guard In PA Wilds

On November 17, DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council expressed its concern about a proposal by the Maryland National Guard for very low-level combat training flights over the PA Wilds in Northcentral Pennsylvania.

* Wildlands Conservancy Protects 2,700 Acre Penrose Swamp Barrens In Carbon & Luzerne Counties

On November 12, the Wildlands Conservancy announced the permanent protection of approximately 2,700 high-conservation value acres that straddle Lausanne, Banks, and Packer Townships and Weatherly Borough, Carbon County and Foster and Hazle Townships, Luzerne County.

* Lancaster Conservancy Preserves 130 Acres Of Forest Land In York County

The Lancaster Conservancy recently announced it has acquired a 130-acre tract of forested land in Lower Chanceford Township, York County.

* Gibble Family Partners With Lebanon Valley Conservancy To Protect 53 Acres In Lebanon County

This article appeared on the LebTown.com website November 5, 2021--

* DCNR Honors Boy Scout Troop That Visited 120 State Parks In Honor Of Late Scoutmaster

On November 17, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources honored Boy Scout Troop 120 for completing its impressive goal of visiting 120 state parks while with Troop 120.

* Nov. 19 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The November 19 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

* Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Petitions Allegheny National Forest To Prohibit Mountain Biking On All Non-Motorized Trails

On November 14, Friends of Allegheny Wilderness (FAW) it is petitioning the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in Warren County to formally amend their 2007 Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) to prohibit all bicycling on all non-motorized trails across the forest.

* 4 PA Conservation Group Collaboration Receives NFWF Funding To Track Important Migratory Routes In The Northeast U.S.

By WeConservePA

* Help Wanted: Berks Nature - 2 Positions Open

Berks County-based Berks Nature is seeking qualified individuals to fill positions for a Store Manager & Receptionist and a Community Education & Garden Specialist.

* Educational Opportunities for Students & Adults

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

* Applications Now Being Accepted For Pennsylvania’s Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Program

In an effort to boost environmental preservation and strengthen environmental education in the commonwealth, the Wolf Administration is encouraging schools and colleges to apply for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) and the PA Pathways to Green Schools recognition awards.

* Wildlife Leadership Academy Accepting Nominations For Student Conservation Ambassadors

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is seeking referrals of motivated students ages 14 to 17 to become Certified Conservation Ambassadors.

* Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council Hosts Virtual Turning A New Leaf Conference Dec. 8-9; Certification Training Schedule Updated

The Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council’s virtual 2021 Turning a New Leaf Conference will be held virtually on December 8-9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will be followed by live field events in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia on December 10.  

* 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--

* EPA Sets Nov. 30, Dec. 1 Hearings On Proposal To Cut Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Operations

On November 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection agency announced it will hold virtual public hearings on November 30 and December 1 on a proposal to reduce methane emissions and other pollution from oil and gas operations.

* 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.

* 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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