Here are 92 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.

PA Environment Digest Puts Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic--

James J. Brett, 84, of Kempton, Berks County, who died on Friday, December 29, 2023 had a natural resource conservation career that spanned over 48 years in Pennsylvania and on a global scale.

Late on January 5, the Department of Environmental Protection announced over $12 million in Growing Greener Plus Grants to support local watershed restoration projects, reclaim abandoned mines, reduce flooding, nutrient and sediment pollution.

On December 28, 2023, DEP posted an inspection report for the Mohr A and B shale gas well pads in Cumberland Township, Greene County operated by Greylock Production LLC-- formerly Energy Corporation of America-- saying--

From December 30 to January 3, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 301 inspection entries, a holiday week.

The continuing saga of trying to get Tatonka Oil Co. LLC-- an Ohio-based company-- to plug the Nancy 13 conventional gas well in Deerfield Township, Warren County that was found to be leaking brine and gas since at least December 20, 2018 -- continues.  [Read prior history here.]

DEP inspection reports show the Zefiro Methane Corp has begun evaluating abandoned conventional wells in Springfield Township, Erie County to be part of its privately-funded effort to plug wells to generate methane emission offsets it will offer for sale.

On January 3, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the Shell Petrochemical Plant Beaver County Environmental Mitigation Community Fund is now accepting applications for community projects to benefit the environment, health and/or quality of life for communities in Beaver County.

The following DEP notices were published in the January 6 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 6 PA Bulletin announcing it has disapproved an Act 2 Land Recycling Risk Assessment December 21 on remediation of soil and groundwater contamination at the American Refining Group, Inc. Refinery in the City of Bradford, McKean County.  (PA Bulletin, page 54)

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the January 6 PA Bulletin announcing it has received Act 2 Land Recycling Program brownfield cleanup reports for two refinery sites in Southeast PA--

On January 2, the PJM Interconnection posted a 2023 In Review summary of key actions taken to deal with a variety of challenges facing the evolving electricity industry, all with the goal of maintaining the reliability of the bulk electric system as more renewable resources connect to the grid.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that it is detected at high levels in about 40% of homes in Pennsylvania.

On January 9, EPA Region 3, PennEnvironment, Moms Clean Air Force PA and PECO will host a webinar on applying for EPA's Clean School Bus Rebates starting at Noon.

The latest Chesapeake Bay Update newsletter from DEP highlights upcoming grant opportunities, grants awarded to support clean water projects, clean water updates from counties and much more.

The Appalachian Region Independent Power Producers Association (ARIPPA) is partnering with the Eastern and Western Pennsylvania Coalitions for Abandoned Mine Reclamation to offer competitive awards to watershed and conservancy organizations facilitating abandoned mine drainage (AMD) and/or abandoned mine land (AML) remediation projects in Pennsylvania.

The second deadline for USDA NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding in Pennsylvania is March 1, 2024.

Registration is now open for Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Level 1 training and certification.

The PA Sea Grant Program and Penn State Extension are now accepting registrations for three Choose Native Plants Workshops for landscapers and water gardeners in Erie, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in March.

The January issue of Pike County Conservation District's newsletter highlights the results of its 2023 Water Quality Report, the multiple benefits of Pennsylvania's Forests and a series of upcoming educational programs.

The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania will host a January 25 webinar on the Lower Delaware River Bacteria Study from Noon to 1:15 p.m.

By Carol Hillestad for the Brodhead Watershed Association

By Carol Hillestad for the Brodhead Watershed Association

Join the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) and your watershed colleagues on January 12 for an evening of learning, thoughtful engagement, exploration, and conversation at the Climate Awakening: Crafting a Sustainable Future exhibit at Contemporary Craft located at 5645 Butler St. in Pittsburgh.

The Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake Bay will host a January 15 webinar on the Impact of Climate Change on Black Communities starting at 7:00 p.m.

The PA Emergency Management Agency published guidelines to apply for State Disaster Recovery Assistance for homeowners and renters when other federal, state, local, nongovernmental or private aid is not available to assist victims of disasters.  (formal notice)

On January 5, the Insurance Department announced Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys, as Chair of the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force, is seeking public input on the accessibility and affordability of flood insurance throughout the Commonwealth.  (formal notice)

The PA Emergency Management Agency, Delaware River Basin Commission and the Federal Emergency Management will host the first of a series of workshops on Flood Loss Reduction Project Funding online January 18 starting at 1:00 p.m.

The Penn State Extension will host another of its online Water Cooler Talks January 29 on Green Infrastructure and Salty Stormwater from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for 2023 reimbursement for the Municipal and Hazardous Waste Host Municipality Inspectors Program.  The deadline for applications is March 31.  (formal notice)

The Department of Environmental Protection is now being accepted for Act 101 County Recycling Coordinator Grants.  The deadline to apply is April 30.  (formal notice)

By Mary Beth Mueller, PA Resources Council

Projects are being accepted for the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade.  The deadline for entries is January 31.

The PA Resources Council is now accepting entries for the Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest, an annual statewide photography contest rewarding amateur photographers who snap unusual or eye-catching images of litter across the Commonwealth.

Registrations are now being accepted for WeConservePA's Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference, the premier networking, training, and inspirational event for people working to conserve land, to be held in Bethlehem April 3 to 5.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is now accepting applications from eligible high school seniors for the Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship.

The Tinicum Conservancy recently announced it has protected 86 acres of exceptional value stream and forest land in Bucks County with a new conservation easement.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy recently announced the purchase of conservation easements to permanently protect and limit development on two forested properties, totaling 163 acres, within the Ligonier Valley of Westmoreland County.

On January 4, Natural Lands announced the permanent preservation of 458 acres of vulnerable open space in New Hanover and Upper Frederick Townships, Montgomery County.

On January 30, WeConservePA will host a webinar on Building Reliable Support for Land Preservation from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.

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

The January 5 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

The Sinnemahone Triple Crown continues to grow while supporting local businesses and giving residents the opportunity to explore Cameron County waterways and trails.  In 2024 changes are coming to two of the events.

On January 4, Feet First Philly is Philadelphia’s only pedestrian advocacy group dedicated to protecting the rights of pedestrians and is a project of the Clean Air Council.

The Keystone Trails Association is seeking qualified candidates to fill two new, full-time positions--

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

The Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lebanon County will reopen for visitors January 16 and the annual migration of snow geese, tundra swans and Canada Geese may begin about the same time.

On January 4, Asbury Woods Environmental Center in Erie County announced they will  have a yearlong theme once again for their  programs and outreach activities--  The Year of Trees.

On January 18, Penn State Extension will host a webinar on Unlocking the Power of Hydrogen from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

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

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

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

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

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the January 6 PA Bulletin--

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 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.