The partner governments who cooperatively manage the Delaware River—Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and New York City—announced Friday more than 120 million gallons of water per day are being released from the Neversink Reservoir in Sullivan County, New York.

Gov. Tom Corbett Friday declared a statewide disaster emergency to enable state, county and municipal governments to respond effectively to the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

Pennsylvanians, unfortunately, have a lot of experience dealing with the results of hurricanes and with Hurricane Sandy forecast to impact the state, here are some tips for homeowners and businesses on how to deal with those issues--

As the National Weather Service forecasts devastating winds, rain and the possibility of snow for parts of Pennsylvania as a result of Hurricane Sandy, the Public Utility Commission  Friday provided tips for those residents who may lose electrical power.

Gov. Tom Corbett Friday toured communities in northeastern Pennsylvania that were affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Irene one year ago, reviewing recovery efforts and talking with residents.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action--

According to a story in the Harrisburg Patriot-News Friday reprinted here in part, some managers in the state workforce are seeing red these days over the indiscriminate way Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration doles out hefty raises.

Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the 2013 Pennsylvania River of the Year.  Selected nominations will be voted on by the general public in December and January.   Nominations are due November 16.

The 14th annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference held in State College attracted over 120 attendees who explored innovative ways to achieve abandoned mine reclamation in Pennsylvania under the theme, “New Frontiers In Reclamation.”

Gov. Corbett Tuesday announced the investment of $79 million in 27 non-point source, drinking water, and wastewater projects in 16 counties through the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is soliciting projects to include in its Delaware Estuary Project Registry which serves as a one-stop-shop for restoration, enhancement and conservation projects seeking support from potential funders and supporters.

As cold weather approaches, the Department of Environmental Protection is urging homeowners to act now to save energy and money by inspecting indoor and outdoor home heating oil tanks for potential problems prior to re-filling them.

A coalition of regional, state and local groups Tuesday called on Gov. Corbett to reverse a new policy that would delay warning homeowners of water pollution from oil and gas development.

Commonwealth Court Friday said the Public Utility Commission has no authority to review local gas drilling ordinances and subsequently withhold Marcellus Shale drilling impact fee payments in four townships challenging the state’s drilling law.

Aqua America, Inc. Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said he supports the use of efficiency mandates for vehicle manufacturers to increase the use of clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) for cars and trucks.

The Department of Environmental Protection will host an open house and public hearing on October 30, about a permit application from Laurel Mountain Midstream LLC for the construction and operation of new equipment at its Shamrock Compressor Station in German Township, Fayette County.

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on November 8, to answer questions and accept comments regarding an air quality operating permit for the Fayette Energy Facility in German Township, Fayette County.

Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley Thursday touted the positive impact that natural gas is having in Erie County. Although there are not many natural gas wells near Erie, Cawley spoke about how it is benefitting the area, through cleaner air, job growth and economic assistance.

Animal lovers can drop off clean, empty aluminum pet food cans at “Pet Expo Pittsburgh” November 2 – 4 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center – and one lucky recycler will win free pet food for a year!  Look for the “Cans for Pets” booth

The Department of Environmental Protection will conduct an environmental cleanup at Rapid Circuits in Bristol Township, Bucks County, to remove hazardous materials remaining at the property. 

With forecasters predicting a cold, longer winter, the Public Utility Commission continues to prepare for winter by asking industry experts what they expect for natural gas and propane reliability for the winter months.

The Public Utility Commission Wednesday issued a final rulemaking order for marketing and sales practices used by electric generation suppliers and natural gas suppliers and also established interim guidelines regarding standards for changing a customer’s EGS.

Employees, former Commissioners, retirees and friends of the Commission Wednesday gathered to mark 75 years of public service at the Public Utility Commission and to remind consumers the PUC is available to help with utility issues.

Applications are now being accepted for the 19th annual Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp being held June 16 –21 at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Cumberland County.

Author, ornithologist and naturalist Scott Weidensaul will present, “Birds and Beans: Simple Ways to Save Migratory Birds,” a free lecture and slideshow that begins at 5 p.m. on November 3 at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Visitor Center in Kempton.

Halloween is not only about tricks and treats, ghosts and goblins, it's also about bats!  And Pennsylvania is home to nine species of bats that may be scary to look at, but perform a very valuable function-- they eat at least 25 percent of their body weight in inspects like mosquitoes at every feeding.

The Friends of the Wissahickon’s November 7 Valley Talks lecture series will feature Andy Hamilton of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, who will discuss this revolutionary trail system and how it enhances local communities and the region at large.

State and local officials broke ground on a new segment of the Delaware River Greenway Monday, a multi-use trail threading through Philadelphia and linking its residents and visitors to the rebounding Delaware River.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Thursday joined local officials celebrating the groundbreaking for a 1.8-mile stretch of the McClintock Trail near Oil City.

State and local officials Friday broke ground on an improvement project for Raccoon Creek Park, a 195-acre park that lies along the shoreline of Lake Erie and provides access to Raccoon Creek.

The Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation and the Windber Coal Heritage Center announced an agreement this week to consolidate equipment and other artifacts from the 2002 mine rescue at the visitors center at the rescue site in Somerset County

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs.  NEW means new from last week.

Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

No new regulations were published this week.  Pennsylvania Bulletin - October 27, 2012

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.  Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week.  Go to the online Calendar webpage.

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to:  DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.