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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
May 15, 2006
(5/12/2006)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 5/15/06
* More Than 160 Attend West Branch Susquehanna River Symposium
The third major watershed conference this year attracted over 160 people interested in learning more about how they can protect and restore the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
* On the Senate, House Agenda/Bills Moving
The Senate and House were not in session this week, but Gov. Rendell took action on several bills. Here’s the rundown…
* Water Association Recognizes Rep. Carole Rubley with James McGirr Kelly Award
Rep. Carole Rubley (R-Chester) was presented this week with the James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC-PA) at the organization’s annual meeting and awards luncheon in Harrisburg.
* EPA Recognizes PA Schools for Protecting Schuylkill River
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized seven schools in the Schuylkill River Watershed this week for developing environmental and educational projects that help to protect sources of drinking water.
* Lafayette College Students Win EPA’s People, Prosperity and Planet Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the winners of its People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) awards this week that included a project by students from Lafayette College.
* Presque Isle Bay Event To Raise Funds for Youth Environmental Program
On May 20, students, educators and hundreds of area bicyclists will participate in the 4th annual Bike Around the Bay in Erie to raise funds for the non-profit organization Lake Erie-Allegheny Earth Force located in Erie and Pittsburgh.
* Innovative Dairy Program Improves Impacts on Water Quality
Dairy farmers can reduce their impact on water quality, while maintaining or increasing profitability, through an innovative project called Precision Feeding, conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn State University, and the Department of Agriculture.
* Mingo Creek Well-Head Protection Workshop May 22
The Friends of Mingo Creek and other partners in Montgomery County will hold a special workshop on well-head protection May 22 in the Upper Providence Township Meeting Hall from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
* Next Rachel Carson Forum on Dam Removal and River Restoration
The next Rachel Carson Forum on the Future of the Environment features a program on dam restoration problems and opportunities on May 18 at noon in the second floor auditorium of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg.
* River Connections Newsletter Now Available Online
The Susquehanna Greenways Partnership’s spring 2006 River Connections newsletter is available online.
* New Group To Study Proposal to Mandate BioFuels Use in PA
Gov. Rendell this week announced the creation of a stakeholders group to develop a legislative initiative that would mandate the use of biofuels in gas and diesel vehicles and in heating oil for homes.
* New Landfill-Gas-to-Energy Project Dedicated in Lancaster County
PPL, the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority and Turkey Hill Dairy this week dedicated a new landfill-gas-to-energy project at the authority’s Frey Farm and Creswell Landfills.
* Good Compost Made Better Aim of Rodale Institute Project
The New Farm website by The Rodale Institute teaches farmers practical steps to more effective and sustainable ways to convert agricultural waste from animals and crops into a resource that will build healthier soil with more balanced fertility.
* Wilson College to Host Farm-Based Composting Workshop May 13
The Richard Alsina Fulton Center for Sustainable Living at Wilson College, Chambersburg, Franklin County, is hosting a free farm-based composting workshop May 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and an educators’ workshop on biodiesel production, also on May 13 from, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
* Dauphin County to Hold Electronics Recycling Event May 20
Dauphin County is conducting its tenth semi-annual Community Recycling Day May 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harrisburg Area Community College.
* Growing Greener II Supports Lehigh Valley Brownfield Redevelopment
Gov. Rendell announced this week the state is investing $2.3 million to support revitalization projects in Bethlehem and Easton that will restore underutilized buildings and bring new jobs and new housing opportunities for the Lehigh Valley.
* PA Receives $2.5 Million in Brownfields Funding for Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week that Pennsylvania will receive $2.5 million in brownfield assessment grants, more than any other state in this EPA Region.
* DCNR to Resume Spraying Woodlands to Combat Gypsy Moth Damage
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will again begin spraying to control gypsy moths in at least 8 counties whose moth population have grown recently despite a virtual collapse in numbers of the woodland insect a few years ago.
* New Green Delaware Water Gap Welcome Center to Help State Save Green
With just a few weeks until the grand opening of the Delaware Water Gap Welcome Center, Department of General Services Secretary James P. Creedon hosted a tour of the facility this week to outline its energy-saving design features.
* May Environmental Education Newsletter Now Available Online
The May EE Connections newsletter published by the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is now available online.
* Game Commission Provides Wildlife Workshops for Teachers
With summer just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced a series of upcoming wildlife education workshops for educators and Scout and youth group leaders.
* Local High School Students Will Compete in 2006 PA Envirothon May 22-23
The 2006 Pennsylvania Envirothon will be held May 22 and 23 at the Penn State Mont Alto Campus in Franklin County.
* See & Hear - Learn How to Integrate Wetlands into Watershed Protection in May 17 Webcast
The EPA Watershed Academy will hold a live webcast on May 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Integrating Wetlands into Watershed Protection Plans.
* Feature - Part I – Smart Growth Opportunities In PA

Small Steps Toward Smart Growth in Southwestern PA, by Jonathan R. Farrell

* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state.
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Watershed Awareness Month Activities
This special Calendar section is devoted to activities going on in and around Watershed Awareness Month in May. If you have events to add, send them to: DHess@crisciassociates.com.
* Regulations
There were no new regulations published this week.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published two draft guidance documents for comment this week, a model stormwater management ordinance and guidelines for submitting oil and gas well bonds as well as a proposed Air Quality General Permit for Feed Mills and the latest list of certified radon testing and remediation firms (PaB 2340)
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .

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