Scrapbook Photo 12/09/24 - 104 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3r3a83kh
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
January 15, 2024 - Issue #1,017
(1/15/2024)
* 92 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

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.

* Weekly List Of PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

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

* Myers Family Farm In Centre County Receives 2023 PA Leopold Conservation Award

On January 8, Joel and Don Myers and the Myers Family Farm of Spring Mills in Centre County were recognized with the 2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

* Interim DEP Secretary Shirley Tells Citizens Advisory Council Priorities Of Permitting Reform, Environmental Justice, Customer Service, Moving Forward

On January 9, Interim Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley told DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council the initiatives started by former DEP Secretary Richard Negrin are moving forward.

* DCNR Blog: Message From The Secretary On New Beginnings In 2023

By DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn

* DEP Issued At Least 512 Violations To 95 Conventional Oil & Gas Operators For Abandoning Wells Without Plugging Them In 2023; 10 Shale Gas Operators Issued NOVs For Abandoning Wells

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued at least 512 notices of violation to 95 conventional oil and gas operators and 20 NOVs to 11 shale gas operators for abandoning their wells without plugging them in 2023, according to DEP’s Oil & Gas Compliance Reporting Database.

* DEP Issued Record 6,860 Notices Of Violation To Conventional Oil & Gas Operators In 2023-- Nearly 52% More Than In 2021; ‘Culture Of Non-Compliance’ Continues

The Department of Environmental Protection issued a record 6,860 notices of violation to conventional oil and gas operators in 2023, according to DEP’s December 29, 2023 Weekly Workload Report.  

* 2023 Shale Gas Operator Compliance Report: 1,310 Violations; Explosions; Pad Fire, Evacuation; Uncontrolled Gas Venting; Frack-Outs; Polluting Water Supply; Spills; Pipeline Crashing Thru A Home; More

Unconventional shale gas operators were issued a total of 1,310 notices of violation in 2023, according to DEP’s December 29 Workload Report.

* Environmental Hearing Board Allows Protect PT Appeal Of Olympus Shale Gas Well Permits In Westmoreland County To Proceed; Olympus Was Trying To Deprive Protect PT Of Its Rights

On January 10, the Environmental Hearing Board denied a motion by Olympus Energy, supported by the Department of Environmental Protection, to declare an appeal of two shale gas permits in Westmoreland County filed by Protect PT as moot because the wells have already been drilled and fracked.

* PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Jan. 4 to 12 - 9 More Abandoned Conventional Wells; Leaking Wastewater Tanks; Rager Mountain Gas Storage Area Cleanup Continues; Pipeline Land Slips

From January 4 to 12, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 1,020 inspection entries.

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - January 13

The following notices were published in the January 13 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* DEP Issues Water Quality Certification For Equitrans Project To Replace Abandoned Natural Gas Storage Wells In Greene County Due To Coal Mining

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 13 PA Bulletin that it has issued a Section 401 Water Quality Certification covering an Equitrans project to drill two new horizontal natural gas storage wells in the Swarts Complex and Hunters Cave Gas Storage Fields in Center, Franklin, Morris and Washington Townships, Greene County.  (PA Bulletin, page 213)

* DEP Reviewing Equitrans Act 2 Soil Cleanup Report On Rager Mountain Gas Storage Area Conventional Well That Failed Venting 1.1 Billion Cubic Feet Of Natural Gas In Cambria County

The Department of Environmental Protection has received and is reviewing the Act 2 Land Recycling Final Report by Equitrans on the cleanup of soil around the conventional gas well that failed and resulted in the uncontrolled venting of 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas from the Rager Mountain Gas Storage Area in Jackson Township, Cambria County in November 2022. (PA Bulletin, page 201)

* DEP Issued Air Quality Permit For Leachate Evaporation System At Westmoreland Landfill With Special Radiation Monitoring Due To The Disposal Of Shale Gas Drilling Waste

On January 10, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has authorized an Air Quality Plan Approval to allow an onsite leachate treatment and evaporation system to be installed at Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill, located in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County. 

* DEP Sets Feb. 27 Hearing On Helix Ironwood Gas-Fired Power Plant Air Quality Permit Renewal, Lebanon County

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a February 27 hearing on the Helix Ironwood gas-fired power plant Title V Air Quality Permit renewal for the facility located in South Lebanon Township, Lebanon County.  (PA Bulletin, page 176)

* Evangelical Environmental Network: EPA Proposes Waste Charge On Methane Leaking From Large Oil & Gas Facilities

On January 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposal for a methane waste charge on large sources of oil and gas methane pollution.

* No False Solutions PA Coalition Issues Position Statement On Hydrogen, Carbon Capture & Storage, Chemical Recycling Of Plastics, Other Climate 'Solutions'

On January 8, the No False Solutions PA Coalition released a position statement on hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, chemical recycling of plastics and what they say are other false climate 'solutions.'

* PJM Interconnection: Winter Weather Forces Natural Gas Pipeline Fuel Restrictions, ‘Conservative Operations’ Declared To Assure Electric Grid Reliability Through Jan. 17

On January 12, the PJM Interconnection declared ‘Conservative Operations’ to maintain electric grid reliability forced by natural gas pipeline fuel restrictions brought on by winter weather impacts on their operations.

* EPA Awards $3 Million Grant To DEP To Support Development Of Climate Action Plan, Grant Program To Reduce Emissions In Heavy Industry; Public Input Needed By Jan. 22

On January 12, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it received $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan focused on reducing emissions in the Commonwealth’s industrial sector.

* DEP Awards $39.6 Million In Grants To Replace Aging Diesel Fleets With Zero-Emission Vehicles From VW Settlement Funding

On January 10, the Department of Environmental Protection awarded 16 applicants more than $39.6 million in Volkswagen Settlement Funding to replace diesel-fueled fleets with modern, zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a part of the 2022-2023 Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Pilot Grant.

* Penn State Extension: Feb. 19 Webinar - Climate Change Projections For PA & Conservation Practices To Help Farmers Cope

On February 19, Penn State Extension will host a webinar on Climate Change Projections for PA and Conservation Practices to Help Farmers Cope from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* WeConservePA: EPA Accepting Applications For Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grants

The US Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants. EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis through November 21, 2024.

* DCNR Begins Accepting Community Conservation Partnership Grant Applications Jan. 16; Snowmobile/ATV Grants Feb. 1

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will begin accepting Community Conservation Partnership Grant applications on January 16.  The deadline to submit applications is April 3.

* CFA Begins Accepting Applications For Act 13 Watershed Restoration, Mine Reclamation, Sewage, Flood Mitigation, Recreation Grants Feb. 1

The Commonwealth Financing Authority begins accepting applications for Act 13 Program watershed restoration, abandoned mine drainage abatement, baseline water quality data, orphaned or abandoned well plugging, sewage facilities, flood mitigation programs and recreation grants on February 1.

* Public News Service: Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Has Tracked The Planting Of More Than 5.9 Million Trees In PA To Improve Water Quality

By Danielle Smith, Producer

* PA Interfaith Power & Light, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Offering Free Native Trees & Shrubs To Plant This Spring Anywhere In PA

PA Interfaith Power and Light and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are partnering to offer free native trees and shrubs to plant this spring in Pennsylvania.  The deadline for ordering is January 20.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Guardian Newsletter Features Groundwater Recharge Study; Octoraro StoryMap; Stream Salinization Study; Tioga River Stewards Honored; More!

The Winter issue of The Guardian newsletter from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission features articles on--

* PUC Calls On PA Congressional Delegation To Support Permanent Program To Provide Financial Assistance For Water, Wastewater Services To Low-Income Households

All five Public Utility Commission commissioners recently urged members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation to support a permanent program to provide financial assistance for water and wastewater services to low-income households.

* Still Time To Register! PA Recycling Markets Center’s PA ReMaDE Conference Jan. 18-19

The PA Recycling Markets Center will host the 2024 PA ReMaDE Conference on January 18-19 at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, PA.

* Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Awards Mini-Grants; New Grant Round Now Open

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program, as well as the exciting opening of a second application round to distribute funds still available.

* Jan. 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The January 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Northcentral PA Conservancy Partners With Landowner To Preserve 64 Acres In Columbia County

On January 8, the Northcentral PA Conservancy highlighted a recent partnership with a Columbia County sportsman to preserve 64 acres in Briar Creek Township.

* Game Commission: Howard Nursery Seedling Sale Accepting Orders; Seedlings For Schools Program Ordering Begins Feb. 5

On January 8, the Game Commission announced Howard Nursery is now accepting orders for its annual Seedling Sale and will be accepting orders for the Seedlings for Schools Program starting February 5.

* Penn State Extension Community Trees Update: DCNR Helping Communities Map Trees; Input Needed On Forestry Programing; Education Opportunities

The latest Community Trees newsletter from Penn State Extension features articles on DCNR help mapping trees, asking for input into forestry programing and green infrastructure training opportunities.

* Penn State Extension Hosts 9-Part Woods In Your Backyard Webinar Series Starting Jan. 17

Explore planning and implementing simple stewardship practices on your forest lot to create and enhance natural areas and make a positive impact on the environment during Penn State Extension’s nine-part Woods In Your Backyard webinar series.

* Eckley Miners’ Village Awarded Willary Foundation Grant To Design, Research Lodging Facilities

Eckley Miners’ Village in Luzerne County has been awarded a $17,000 Willary Foundation grant to design an interdisciplinary research center and overnight lodging in two of the historic site’s 19th-century homes.

* Help Wanted: Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center Agricultural Outreach Specialist

The Penn State Institute of Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science and its Agriculture and Environment Center seek a dynamic self-starter with experience and training in agricultural and natural resource sciences to join its team in the AEC Lower Susquehanna Office as its Agricultural Outreach Specialist.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

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

* PA Sea Grant: Grade 5-12 Teachers Can Apply Now For Spot Aboard EPA's Lake Guardian Research Vessel For Hands-On Scientific Exploration Of Lake Erie In July

The Center For Great Lakes Literacy is now accepting applications from Grade 5-12 teachers for a spot aboard EPA's Lake Guardian research vessel for hands-on experience in scientific exploration in Lake Erie.

* New PA Parks & Forests Foundation Video Explores The Benefits Of Nature & Silence

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation set out to learn about the health and experience of a quiet environment.

* Shenango River Watchers, US Army Corps Of Engineers Host 4th Annual Eagle Fest At Shenango River Lake Jan. 13 In Mercer County

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, in partnership with the Shenango River Watchers, will host the fourth annual Eagle Fest at Shenango River Lake, January 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

* Jewish Earth Alliance, Beth Am Israel Hosting Jan. 23 Online Program Rethinking Our Connection To Fossil Fuels - A Discussion

The Jewish Earth Alliance and the Beth Am Israel are hosting a webinar January 23 on Rethinking Our Connection To Fossil Fuels - A Discussion from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

* Appalachian Audubon Society Chapter Offering Scholarships To Hog Island Audubon Camp In Maine

The Appalachian Audubon Society Chapter is now accepting applications for Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarships to the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine.  The deadline to apply is January 29.

* Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Accepting Applications For Student Scholarships

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation is now accepting applications for up to five $1,000 student scholarships.  The deadline to apply is February 9.

* Interns Wanted: Departments Of Environmental Protection, Conservation & Natural Resources, Agriculture - Deadline Feb. 16

The deadline to apply for internships with state agencies like the Departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Health is February 16.

* Intern Wanted: Penn State/The American Chestnut Foundation

Penn State and The American Chestnut Foundation are accepting applications for a Spring/ Summer 2024 internship to help restore the American chestnut tree.  Applications are due February 5.

* 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--

* NRCS-PA Pennsylvania State Technical Advisory Meeting Jan. 18

The Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA State Technical Advisory Committee will meet January 18 from 1:00 and 3:00  p.m.

* 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 Public Notices

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the January 13 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.

* 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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