Here are 91 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--

A team of researchers from Penn State published a new article in the journal Science of the Total Environment summarizing their research showing wastewater from conventional oil and gas wells fails to meet beneficial reuse criteria for use as road dust suppressants and poses “unique risks to environmental health.”

In response to a citizen complaint on February 15, DEP inspected a tributary that feeds the lake at Marsh Creek State Park in Chester County on February 16 and found a clay-like material contaminating the stream and a portion of the nearby wetlands.

On February 22, the Public Utility Commission approved a Final Form Rulemaking Order strengthening state public utility safety standards related to the pipeline transport of hazardous liquids in intrastate commerce.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 24 PA Bulletin the final technical guidance on using trenchless technology to construct natural gas, other pipelines and underground utilities is now available and effective.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 24 PA Bulletin saying it has issued a Chapter 105 permit to correct violations by PA General Energy in constructing the Shawnee Water Intake on the Exceptional Value Loyalsock Creek in Lycoming County. (PA Bulletin, page 1012)

The following DEP notices were published in the February 24 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

From February 17 to 23, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 494 inspection entries (four day week due to federal holiday).

On February 22, the Department of Environmental Protection reported the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Beaver County paid an additional $2,671,044.75 in civil penalties for air quality violations occurring after the May 24, 2023 consent order.

The following letters first appeared in the Beaver County Times in December and earlier in February.  They provide some useful insights on what some people in Western Pennsylvania are thinking about how the first year of operations went for the Shell Petrochemical Plant.

On February 21, Fernando Treviño, DEP Special Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice, said DEP’s Office of Environmental Justice is taking the lead in developing a community fund as part of the $100 million PCB contamination settlement announced last September with Monsanto.

On February 27, Protect PT will host a program on YouTube featuring Laurie Barr from Save Our Streams PA talking about Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells starting at Noon.

On February 21, the PJM Interconnection and three other regional electric grid operators made a series of 14 recommendations to overcome vulnerabilities in natural gas infrastructure operations to improve electric grid reliability and gas-electric coordination, especially during adverse weather conditions.

On February 20, the Department of Environmental Protection presented six major legislative proposals to the Climate Change Advisory Committee it would like to see adopted to implement the 2024 PA Climate Action Plan.

On February 22, the Public Utility Commission issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) seeking comments from stakeholders and other concerned parties about the use of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as a mechanism to help increase energy efficiency, enhance service, and potentially lower costs.

On February 21, DEP reported that since the state’s PAyback Money Back Permit Review Guarantee Program started on November 1, 2023, no applicant for a DEP permit in the program has requested their permit application fee back.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 24 PA Bulletin an update to its Non-Regulatory Agenda  is now available showing the status of technical guidance in development.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 24 PA Bulletin inviting comments on its determination that 57 major industrial facilities across the state meet Air Quality RACT II and RACT III requirements and the 2015 national ozone pollution standard.

On February 21, DEP announced at the Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting it has two new tools available to communities and organizations to find energy funding and develop equitable climate action programs.

On February 22, Wesley Family Services was joined by Westmoreland County Commissioner, Douglas Chew; West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund; and the PA Solar Center to cut the ribbon on its brand-new rooftop solar energy system at its Pioneer Apartments location, which was installed by local developer, EIS Solar.

The Conservation Voters of PA and PennFuture are hosting a February 28 webinar on the Local Experts Who Are Making Our Communities Sustainable starting at 6:00 p.m.

Jobs for the Future and the Ares Charitable Foundation have chosen Sustainable Pittsburgh as one of ten organizations across the United States to advance to Phase 2 of the Quality Green Jobs Regional Challenge.

On February 21, Louie Krak, DEP’s Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator briefed DEP’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board on the more than $2 billion in federal funding the agency expects to receive over the next decade or more to address legacy pollution problems-- conventional oil and gas well plugging, clean energy, climate resiliency and clean water.

On February 19, POWER Interfaith brought together hundreds of faith leaders, advocates, and community members at the Roadmap for Justice Interfaith Convention in Norristown, PA.

The Faith and Waters Restoration Summit hosted by the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake attracted nearly 200 participants from throughout the Chesapeake Bay region February 19 in Annapolis, MD.

By Kelly Jedrzejewski, Penn State News

On February 20, the PA Environmental Council and Aqua Pennsylvania are pleased to announce a new grant program aimed at improving the health of waterways that supply drinking water in Pennsylvania.

The latest Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension highlights lots of upcoming learning opportunities.

On February 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $200 million from the federal Investing in America program for Pennsylvania drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.

On February 19, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority announced Joanne Shafter, Deputy Executive Director and County Recycling Coordinator will retire on February 29.

On February 20, Keep PA Beautiful recognized Sheila Shea, Fayette County Recycling Coordinator, with the Community Pride Award.  She was nominated for the Award by Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-Fayette).

The Land Conservancy of Adams County recently finalized easements on several parcels of land through collaboration with landowners, farmers, and a historic battlefield preservation organization.

On February 20, Natural Lands announced the preservation of two properties that were transferred to state agencies. They provide critical habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife.

The South Mountain Partnership will host its Spring Partnership Meeting and Science Summit on April 12 at Shippensburg University.

Birders of all ages and skill levels are joining forces across the state as part of the monumental effort to map the breeding and wintering status of bird species in Pennsylvania.

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

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 February 24 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.

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