Here are 108 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--

By Penn State News

By Kelly Jedrzejewski, Penn State News

On November 1, the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force announced drought conditions in 35 counties-- Berks and Schuylkill are under a Drought Warning due to consistent dry conditions and 33 other counties are under a Drought Watch.

On November 1, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hydrologic Conditions Monitor reported a significant increase in low stream flows that have triggered water withdrawal restrictions on water users, including multiple shale gas development water withdrawals.

On October 31, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced it is now accepting applications for $6 million in Consumptive Use Mitigation Grants to improve the drought resiliency of the river basin.  The deadline for application is January 31.

During a routine inspection on October 25, 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection discovered an oil and gas wastewater release from the Bear Lake Properties LLC Bittinger #4  conventional injection well site in Columbus Township, Warren County.

On January 11, 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection approved a permit for the Catalyst Energy, Inc. oil and gas wastewater injection well in Keating Township, McKean County over the objections of the residents of the community of nearby Cyclone.

On October 30, the full Public Utility Commission approved the October 17 emergency order issued by Administrative Law Judge Mark A. Hoyer appointing Aqua Pennsylvania as temporary receiver of six Rhodes Estate water companies effective October 31.

On October 23, 2024, the Clean Air Council and the Environment Integrity Project filed a notice of intent to sue the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Beaver County for emitting particulate matter (PM 2.5) and nitrogen oxides in violation of the federal Clean Air Act, the state Air Pollution Control Act and the plant's permit.

From October 26 to November 1, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 657 inspection entries, and added reports from previous weeks..

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on a new State Only Minor Air Quality Operating Permit for the continued operation of the ETC Northeast Pipeline LLC [Energy Transfer] Revolution Natural Gas Cryogenic Processing Plant in Smith Township, Washington County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7239)

The following notices were published in the November 2 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to meet on November 12 to consider a proposed regulation on notification of spills, corrections to Air Quality regulations on RACT requirements for nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds and final-omitted regulations on noncoal mine blasting.

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council and DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board are scheduled to hold a joint meeting November 12 to hear presentations on the new federal oil and gas methane emission reduction rule, hydrogen hubs and discuss issues of joint concern.

On October 25, Gov. Josh Shapiro joined the governors of Delaware, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey in calling on the PJM Interconnection to take "swift action" to change its electricity generation capacity auction rules to "prevent unnecessary increases in capacity costs" for their residents and businesses.

The PA Turnpike Commission recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking businesses to develop, install and support a planned stationary Inductive Charging Showcase at its Central Administration Building.

On November 1, Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Public Utility Commission Chairman Stephen DeFrank visited Camp Curtin YMCA and the Harrisburg Area Food Pantry this week to announce the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2024-25 season.

As a defining moment for Chesapeake Bay restoration approaches, officials proposed a course for the next phase of Bay cleanup on October 25, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Despite a slight improvement from previous years, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said more than two-thirds of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers and streams did not meet clean water standards between 2020 and 2022, according to an assessment by the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program released October 31.

On October 31, the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership said it is at it again, doing the dirty work of adding 130,000 new trees for Pennsylvania during the fall planting season.

PASA Sustainable Agriculture is now accepting registrations for the 2025 PASA Sustainable Agriculture Conference to be held February 5 to 7 in Lancaster.

On October 30, the PA Council of Trout Unlimited announced it is now accepting applications for approximately $215,000 in Coldwater Heritage Partnership’s Coldwater Conservation Grants.  The deadline to apply is December 18.

The US Geological Survey’s Pennsylvania Water Science Center released a new video on what the science says about water quality in the Susquehanna River.

On October 30, the Shapiro Administration launched the new Discover State Grants website-- a  one-stop state funding search tool to streamline the process of learning about government funding opportunities.

On October 28, the Department of Environmental Protection and its Office of Environmental Justice announced the agency will host a public meeting November 14 to answer questions from the public regarding operations at five Schuylkill County facilities that have been the subject of public interest over the past several months.

On October 28, Department of Environmental Protection and its Office of Environmental Justice announced the agency will host a November 19 public meeting to answer questions from the public with concerns regarding the Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site (BRADS) in Blythe Township, Schuylkill County.

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a December 10 hearing on a proposed State Air Quality Implementation Plan amendment to incorporate the RACT III requirements for the Holcim Solutions and Products US, LLC facility in Youngwood Borough, Westmoreland County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7272)

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on a proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act consent order and agreement with the County of Venango concerning an unlined landfill in the Borough of Sugarcreek and City of Franklin.  (PA Bulletin, page 7266)

On November 2, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of $18.9 million in Section 902 Act 101 Recycling Grants to 126 municipalities to support local recycling programs.  (formal notice)

On October 30, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority announced the award of $44,755 in Recycling Mini-Grants to five recipients. 

On October 30, the PA Resources Council announced it will conclude its 2024 household chemical collection campaign on November 9 by hosting a drive-thru event in Pittsburgh to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides, e-cigarettes and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

Groups and individuals are cleaning up their favorite shared public spaces through Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Pick Up Pennsylvania Program, supporting the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

By Kevin Sliman, Penn State News

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 Penn State Extension will host a December 9 webinar on PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' In Land-applied Biosolids - Research Update And Discussion from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

On October 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrated $34 million in Inflation Reduction Act grants awarded to the five organizations across the country that will use these funds to work with school districts to improve indoor air quality in schools.

On October 28, the Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner visited Easton Outdoor Company to announce the launch of Elevate, a new business engagement initiative designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry by engaging directly with the businesses that drive it.

On October 28, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Parks Director John Hallas celebrated the induction of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County into the national Old-Growth Forest Network, an organization that connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected forests.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy recently announced the protection of 23 acres of land in Sadsbury Township, Crawford County. The land is now a new addition to the Conservancy’s Tryon-Weber Woods Natural Area.

On October 31, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its last Fall Foliage Report saying the prolonged dryness, cold nights, and some windy days have taken many of the leaves that remained on Pennsylvania’s trees.

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association will hold its 138th Annual Symposium - What Makes A Health Forest November 16 at the Ramada Conference Center in State College from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The latest What’s The Buzz? Pollinator newsletter from Penn State Extension Master Gardeners features articles on the 18th Habitat of Merit Award winners from York County, late blooming native plants, creating safe havens for pollinators and much more.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Grants Program Administrator to be based in the State College area or to work remotely.

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

On October 29, the PA Association of Environmental Educators announced it is accepting nominations for the annual PAEE Awards and the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences Awards programs.

By Penn State News

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will host a November 12 webinar on Threatened and Endangered Species Policies Updates from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

The following bills have passed the Senate and House and are now on the Governor’s desk for his action--

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 November 2 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 Outdoor Writers Association, PA PA Council Trout Unlimited, Organization for Watersheds & Rivers and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.