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Chesapeake Bay Leaders Say 2010 Bay Cleanup Goal Will Not Be Met
By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Chesapeake Bay Commission Reports Progress During First Meeting Of New Year
Gearing up for the new year, the Chesapeake Bay Commission held a productive meeting last week in Annapolis, Maryland, reported Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York).
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On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
The Senate and House published floor Calendars for January 14 and committee schedules—
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Senate Committee Set to Consider Mine Safety Law Update
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets on January 15 to consider Senate Bill 949 (Kasunic-D-Somerset) making the first comprehensive revisions to the Bituminous Coal Mine Safety Act in 45 years, in-part based on recommendations made after the 2002 Quecreek Mine Rescue.
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Flood Mapping, Energy Price Resolutions to Be Considered by House Committee
House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider resolutions urging an update of the state’s flood control maps and a Congressional investigation of energy prices. The resolutions include:
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Senate Appropriations Releases Budget Hearing Schedule
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week released its schedule of budget hearings starting February 25 and ending March 6. The Governor’s Budget Address will be February 5. Here are some highlights—
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Sen. Vance Proposes Third-Party Study of Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Costs
Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland) this week announced plans to introduce a Senate resolution that would require a third-party study of the costs for sewage treatment facilities to execute the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.
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Environmental Issues Forum Features PA Center for Environmental Ed
The January 14 Environmental Issues Forum sponsored by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will feature a presentation by Kathleen Cowles Paul, Director of the PA Center for Environmental Education.
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Drought Watch Lifted in 34 Counties, 20 Counties Remain in Drought Watch
Due to improving conditions in many parts of the state, the Department of Environmental this week lifted the drought watch declaration in 34 counties and upgraded Clinton County from drought warning to drought watch.
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DEP Recognizes Wellhead Protection Efforts in Bucks, Montgomery Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection recognized three southeastern public water suppliers this week for voluntary efforts to protect drinking water sources.
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Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund Grant Applications Due February 29
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, will provide grants to support innovative conservation practices on farms in the Chesapeake Bay region under its Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund
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PRWA Seeks Nominations for Annual Conference Awards
The Pennsylvania Rural Water Association is accepting nominations for the Tribute to Excellence Awards to be presented at its 2008 PRWA Conference banquet in April.
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EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Seeks to Preserve 100,000 Acres of Forests in PA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program announced a goal of permanently protecting 695,000 acres of forests by 2020, with an interim goal of protecting 266,400 acres by 2012.
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DEP Invites Comments on Six Watershed TMDLs in Three Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection this week invited comments on Total Maximum Daily Load Plans for six watersheds in three counties. They include:
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Calling All Young Artists: Clean Water Begins and Ends With You
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is now accepting entries on behalf of the Philadelphia Water Department for the 2008 “Clean Water Begins and Ends With You” Drawing Contest, an annual art competition for kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout the City of Philadelphia.
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Erosion and Stormwater Inspection Workshop in Westmoreland January 25
To help inspectors better know when these erosion and stormwater controls are being installed and maintained properly, the Westmoreland County Conservation District will host a short course for construction site inspectors called “Verifying Proper Installation of Site Controls,” on January 25.
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Nutrient Credits Used to Reduce Impact of Susquehanna County Development
The Department of Environmental Protection this week approved the use of nutrient credits to reduce the water quality impact of a planned resort community in Ararat Township, Susquehanna County.
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Time to Renew Your Aging (Infrastructure) System, February 7-8 Workshop
The PA Section American Water Works Association is sponsoring a two-day workshop in Philadelphia on new tools to help renew aging infrastructure on February 7-8.
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Allegheny Land Trust Protects Last Undeveloped Island in Allegheny County
The Allegheny Land Trust announced the protection of the 14-acre Sycamore Island located in the Allegheny River near Blawnox. The Colcom Foundation provided full funding for the conservation of the island.
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Reduce Costs by Using Low Impact Development Practices
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a new report "Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development Strategies and Practices," which contains 17 case studies from across North America that show the economic viability of LID practices.
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New PCEE Environmental Ed Connections Newsletter Now Online
The January EE Connections, the environmental education newsletter published by the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education, is now available online.
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PA Assn. for Environmental Ed 2008 Conference – Early Registration Due
“LEEAP IN! Linking Environmental Education and Play in Nature,” is the theme of the 2008 PA Association of Environmental Education Conference set for February 28 to March 2 in Antiochian Village Camp and Conference Center near Ligonier, Pa.
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Environmental Education Resources Supported By EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has supported a variety of environmental education resources for students, teachers and the public. Here is a sampling of what’s available—
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Healthy Home Solutions Workshop Offers Personal Sustainable Living Tips
Springside School in Philadelphia will host a Health Home Solution class on January 29 that will focus on ways to enhance the health and performance of your living space offered by school alumna Lili Wright of Wright Design.
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January 18 Rachel Carson Forum Examines Environmental Justice Partnerships
The first Rachel Carson Forum of 2008 on January 18 will feature the documentary “Environmental Justice: The Power of Partnerships.”
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Three Mile Island License Renewal Submitted to Nuclear Regulatory Commission
AmerGen Energy Co. this week submitted an application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the operating license of Three Mile Island Unit 1 Generating Station by 20 years.
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3 PA Landfill Gas to Energy Projects Recognized by EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week recognized the accomplishments of seven landfill methane partners that are generating renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including three in Pennsylvania.
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PROP Announces Municipal Recycling Meeting for January 24
The municipal committee of the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania will hold the second of two public meetings for anyone from the public or private sector involved with municipal collection programs on January 24.
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Save the Date: 2008 Recycling and Composting Conference July 30-August 1
The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania will hold its annual Recycling and Composting Conference in Gettysburg July 30 to August 1.
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Planet Aid Non-Profit Clothes Recycler Expands Into Pittsburgh
Planet Aid, the 10 year-old non-profit clothes recycler has entered the Pittsburgh market, planting its distinctive yellow recycling bins throughout the city and offering residents greater convenience and more choices when discarding old clothes and other items.
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State Parks Completing Phase-In of Open Swimming Policy for Lakes
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis this week announced that, with the exception of Presque Isle State Park in Erie, all swimming beaches at lakes in state parks will implement an open swim policy this year.
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Wildlife for Everyone Selects Architect for Wildlife Research And Education Center
Russ Schleiden, Chairman of the Board of the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation, announced that JSA Architects, Inc., Pittsburgh, has been selected to design the Wildlife Research and Education Center for the Foundation.
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Governor’s Advisory Council Seeks Commissioner for Fish and Boat Commission
The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking qualified candidates to fill a vacancy on the board of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in district seven, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
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Help Wanted -- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Invasive Species Council
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Governor’s Invasive Species Council are seek applicants to fill positions in their organizations. Here are the details--
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Spotlight - Bullock Oriole Brings Birders to Juniata County
Want to add something special to your birding life list? Then the Game Commission suggests that you head to Oakland Mills, just outside of Mifflintown, Juniata County, to see a Bullock oriole, a neotropical songbird not normally found in Pennsylvania at any time that has made itself at home here.
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Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for grants and financial assistance as well as nominations for awards and other recognition programs. NEW means from last week—
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Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state
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Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
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Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board published proposed rules on Diesel Vehicle Idling and proposed changes to water quality regulations under the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission published comments on the Department of Agriculture Odor Management Certification Program regulations.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection proposed amendments to the Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy for public comment.
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Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW indicates new from last week. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
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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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Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.
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04/22/24 - 117 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/9bh4zbtr
