PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa July 30, 2012

Court Strikes Down Drilling Law Limit On Local Zoning, Corbett Appeals Commonwealth Court Thursday struck down provisions of the Marcellus Shale Drilling law enacted in February which would have further restricted the application of local zoning to drilling operations and a provision requiring DEP to issue waivers to setback requirements of the state Oil and Gas Act. The decision leaves in tact stricter environmental standards for drilling operations and the county-adopted drilling impact fee. One day later, Gov. Corbett announced his Administration was appealing the ruling, saying-"The provisions struck down by the Commonwealth Court are critically important for job creators who are employing more than 240,000 Pennsylvanians, for landowners seeking to exercise their property rights, and for local governments looking for guidance on how they may reasonably regulate oil and gas operations," Corbett said. "The provisions are also integral to the enhanced environmental standards and impact fee revenue portions of the Act. Indeed, there would be no Act without each of these crucial pieces." "It is important to note that the provisions casually set aside by the court were the result of months of compromise and negotiation, with significant input and support from Pennsylvania's local government associations," Corbett said. "Both the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, which represents 1,455 municipalities, urged passage of the law. This decision endangers the jobs of tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians and deprives citizens of their property rights. "It is the General Assembly and Governor's prerogative to establish policy; it is the court's job to pass judgment on the constitutionality of this policy, not its merits. Act 13 clearly meets the constitutionality test, and I am confident the Supreme Court will adhere to its responsibility in a prompt and timely manner." The legal challenge to the Chapter of Act 13 that took over municipal zoning of oil and gas operations was challenged by Delaware Riverkeeper Network and seven municipalities: Township of Robinson, Washington County; Township of Nockamixon, Bucks County; Township of South Fayette, Allegheny County; Peters Township, Washington County; Township of Cecil, Washington County; Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County; and the Borough of Yardley Bucks County. A doctor from southwestern Pennsylvania also was a plaintiff, Dr. Mehernosh Khan. Unfortunately the Court did not reach the physician gag rule issue, finding the doctor did not have standing. Counsel for Petitioners are John M. Smith, Esq., Jonathan M. Kamin, Esq., Jordan B. Yeager, Esq., William A. Johnson, Esq., and Susan Kraham of the Environmental Law Clinic, Columbia University School of Law.

A copy of the decision is available online. Industry Comments Marcellus Shale Coalition president Kathryn Z. Klaber issued the following statement on the ruling: The premise for the General Assembly's action earlier this year was to provide certainty and predictability that encourages investment and job creation across the Commonwealth. Lack of uniformity has long been an Achilles heel for Pennsylvania and must be resolved if the Commonwealth is to remain a leader in responsible American natural gas development and reap the associated economic, environmental and national security benefits. Environmental Group Reaction The PA Environmental Council issued this statement on the court decision: Yesterday the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania issued a significant decision that reaffirmed the constitutional rights and responsibilities of local governments to enact rational and necessary controls on natural gas activities. The decision also invalidated provisions of Act 13 that inappropriately expanded waiver allowances to permit siting standards for unconventional gas wells. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council fully supports and commends the Commonwealth Court's decision. Responsible development of natural gas in Pennsylvania requires thorough consideration of our unique community and natural resources, with appropriate site-specific and regional protections in place as a result of that analysis. Responsible development of natural gas is important to the people and economy of Pennsylvania, but of equal importance are appropriate community, health, and environmental protections. The Courts decision ensures that Pennsylvanias Oil & Gas Act better meets those goals. LeeAnn Murray, Pennsylvania Staff Attorney for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation issued the following statement in response to court decision-- The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania yesterday issued a significant win for the states natural resources and citizens by closing a loophole in the regulation of drilling for natural gas. "Their decision ensures the environmental protections of Act 13 are carried out by striking a provision that allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to permit a waiver of established setbacks from water sources. "Section 3215(b) of the Act establishes specific setbacks between the wellbore or disturbed area of the well and a water source. The Court said that as written, the waiver provision does not provide adequate guidance to DEP on when setbacks should or could be waived. Since the ultimate goal is to protect waterways, wetlands, and other water bodies, the waiver provision becomes ineffective in ensuring those protections remain in effect. "While it is likely that this action will be appealed, CBF commends the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in this recent decision. As a member of the Governor Corbetts Marcellus Shale Commission, we advocated and will continue to advocate for environmental protections that protect our natural resources and the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network, one of the plantiffs said, The Court has recognized that the Pennsylvania legislature and Gov. Corbett went too far. This is a great victory for the people of Pennsylvania, for local democracy, for property rights, for our public health, and for the clean water supplies on which we all depend, said Jordan Yeager, attorney for plaintiffs Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Nockamixon Township and Yardley Borough. Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, stated This is why we brought Act 13 to the Court to petition for fairness and to fight off the heavy hand of gas and oil interests

who wanted complete and utter control of every corner of every community in the state. Pennsylvania and the environment we all depend on have won today. This court decision did what the Legislature and the Commonwealths government did not do recognize that municipalities need to act to protect their residents and that under the Law we have a right to that protection and will fight for it. This decision proves the fight is well worth it, concluded van Rossum. Not only has the Court recognized that the law was unconstitutional because of the illegal preemption of municipal zoning but it also recognized the untenable waiver provisions in Act 13, which allowed drillers to have setback provisions in the law (required distances between gas wells and homes, for instance) removed completely, a nightmare that made Act 13 one of the worst pieces of environmental legislation ever passed by the state Legislature, said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network. This is a great start to addressing the lack of protection for public health and the environment from oil and gas activities here in Pennsylvania, added Carluccio. Legislative Comments Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said, I applaud the Commonwealth Court for their decision which declared significant portions of the Republican driven Marcellus Shale legislation, Act 13, unconstitutional. As the Democratic chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I argued from day one that the oil and gas industry should not get a "free pass" when it comes to local zoning and reasonable environmental setback requirements. Today, the court agreed and voided Act 13 provisions that tried to supersede local zoning laws and empowered the DEP secretary to waive setback requirements for gas wells. I want the oil and gas industry to prosper in Pennsylvania, but that prosperity must not come at the expense of our environment and the safety of local citizens." NewsClips: State Leaders Move Swiftly To Appeal Drilling Law Decision Governors Office Appeals Ruling On Shale Drilling State Appeals Marcellus Shale Law Ruling State Judges Throw Out Drilling Law Zoning Provisions Court Strikes Down Some Provisions Of New Drilling Law State Court Knocks Out Key Piece Of Gas Drilling Law Court: Gas Drilling Law Violates State Constitution Court Voids Key Parts Of PA Gas Drilling Law State Court Tosses Zoning Limits In Gas Law Drilling Laws Zoning Restrictions Are Unconstitutional Local Officials Thrilled by Drilling Law Decision Reaction To Drilling Law Court Decision Corbett Issues Order Requiring DEP To Implement Permit Decision Guarantee Program Gov. Corbett Tuesday issued Executive Order 2012-11, which requires the Department of Environmental Protection to immediately begin assessing how best to make timely permitting decisions.

The order establishes a Permit Guarantee Program, in which DEP will strive to make permitting decisions within established processing times for complete and technically adequate applications. One of the biggest complaints I have received over and over again is the time it takes for businesses, non-profit organizations and local governments to work through the permitting process, Corbett said. I promised to correct this, and today we are setting the wheels in motion to deliver on that promise. At the same time, DEP will continue its longstanding mission to protect our environment. While DEP will be working hard to become even more efficient, the new program also must make clear our expectations from those seeking permits. Full and complete applications are necessary for DEP to be able to make a timely decision without sacrificing their duty and commitment to protect the environment, Corbett said. Complete applications mean DEP can make a sound decision quickly. The order also requires DEP to coordinate the review of applications for projects with multiple permits; establish performance standards for staff engaged in permit reviews; and where possible, develop and improve electronic permitting tools. Background Gov. Corbetts Executive Order builds on Executive Order 1995-5 issued by Gov. Tom Ridge creating the Money-Back Guarantee Permit Review Program which put obligations on both permit applicants and DEP during the review process. Under the 1995 Order, if DEP failed to make a decision on a permit during the required review period applicants were given their permit application fees back. During the operation of the program, there were 22 fee refunds out of 125,000 permit actions taken through mid-2002. Robert D. Behen, director of The Governors Center at Duke University, lauded the Money-Back Program in a 1997 article in Governing Magazine as evidence that a public agency can dramatically improve efficiency with the dedicate work of committed managers and staff. Executive Order 1995-5 has been in force since 1995, although there was significantly less emphasis on the program during the Rendell Administration. The last version of the Money-Back Guarantee Policy Guidance is available online. NewsClips: Speedier Environmental Reviews To Be Required Corbett Tells DEP To Expedite Permit Process Corbett Orders Firm Time Limits For Rulings By DEP PA To Revamp Process To Approve DEP Permits Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate September 24, 25 October 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 17 November 14 (Leadership Elections) House September 24, 25 October 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18 Bill Calendars House (September 24): House Bill 1659 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) providing for a uniform permit review and consideration process within DEP; Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) providing for mineral resource development on other state lands and providing for allocation of revenue; Senate Bill 1150 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) providing for an historic preservation tax credit; Senate Bill 1480 (Corman-R-Centre) providing for the 2012-13 Capital Budget; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance

Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (September 24): All bills on the Senate Calendar were Tabled. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

News From The Capitol

July Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Available The Joint Legislative Air And Water Pollution and Conservation Committee Monday published the July issue of its Environmental Synopsis newsletter. This months issue features articles on the national energy outlook, electronics recycling, investing in bike/pedestrian infrastructure and water infrastructure needs. Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Committee.

News From Around The State

EPA Completes Drinking Water Sampling In Dimock, No Further Action Required The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday it has completed its sampling of private drinking water wells in Dimock, Pa. Data previously supplied to the agency by residents, the Department of Environmental Protection and Cabot Oil and Gas Exploration had indicated the potential for elevated levels of water contaminants in wells, and following requests by residents EPA took steps to sample water in the area to ensure there were not elevated levels of contaminants. Based on the outcome of that sampling, EPA has determined that there are not levels of contaminants present that would require additional action by the Agency. Our goal was to provide the Dimock community with complete and reliable information about the presence of contaminants in their drinking water and to determine whether further action was warranted to protect public health, said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. The sampling and an evaluation of the particular circumstances at each home did not indicate levels of contaminants that would give EPA reason to take further action. Throughout EPA's work in Dimock, the Agency has used the best available scientific data to provide clarity to Dimock residents and address their concerns about the safety of their drinking water. EPA visited Dimock, Pa. in late 2011, surveyed residents regarding their private wells and reviewed hundreds of pages of drinking water data supplied to the agency by Dimock residents, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Cabot.

Because data for some homes showed elevated contaminant levels and several residents expressed concern about their drinking water, EPA determined that well sampling was necessary to gather additional data and evaluate whether residents had access to safe drinking water. Between January and June 2012, EPA sampled private drinking water wells serving 64 homes, including two rounds of sampling at four wells where EPA was delivering temporary water supplies as a precautionary step in response to prior data indicating the well water contained levels of contaminants that pose a health concern. At one of those wells EPA did find an elevated level of manganese in untreated well water. The two residences serviced by the well each have water treatment systems that can reduce manganese to levels that do not present a health concern. As a result of the two rounds of sampling at these four wells, EPA has determined that it is no longer necessary to provide residents with alternative water. EPA is working with residents on the schedule to disconnect the alternate water sources provided by EPA. Overall during the sampling in Dimock, EPA found hazardous substances, specifically arsenic, barium or manganese, all of which are also naturally occurring substances, in well water at five homes at levels that could present a health concern. In all cases the residents have now or will have their own treatment systems that can reduce concentrations of those hazardous substances to acceptable levels at the tap. EPA has provided the residents with all of their sampling results and has no further plans to conduct additional drinking water sampling in Dimock. For more information on the results of sampling, visit EPAs Pennsylvania webpage. NewsClips: EPA Says Dimock Water Safe To Drink EPA To Stop Water Deliveries To Dimock EPA To Stop Dimock Water Deliveries EPA Completes Drinking Water Sampling In Dimock DEP Launches 1-Year Marcellus Shale Air Monitoring Study In Southwest PA The Department of Environmental Protection announced Monday it has started a long-term, oneyear air monitoring study of Marcellus Shale development. The study in Washington County will measure ambient airborne pollutants in an effort to determine potential air quality impacts associated with the processing and transmission of unconventional natural gas. We operate on facts and sound science, and this study will provide us with data on long-term air quality in an area of active natural gas extraction, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. There has been a documented downward trend in airborne pollutants across the state over the past 10 years, and Marcellus Shale development holds the promise of emissions benefits from the use of this cleaner-burning fuel in the transportation and electricity generation sectors. The data from the study will allow DEP to assess any potential long-term impact of air emissions from unconventional natural gas operations to nearby communities, and it will help DEP address the cumulative impact of the operations in the Marcellus Shale region. In 2010 and 2011, the agency conducted short-term ambient air quality sampling in the southwest, northcentral and northeast parts of the state, where Marcellus Shale drilling was taking place. DEP also asked natural gas facility operators to report their 2011 emissions. The sampling did not identify concentrations of any compound that would likely trigger air-related health issues. DEP also tested for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide

and ozone, but did not detect concentrations above National Ambient Air Quality Standards at any of the sampling sites. The primary site of the long-term study will be downwind of the Houston gas processing plant in Chartiers Township, Washington County, where DEP will monitor for ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide and methane. The ambient air will also be tested for more than 60 volatile organic compounds, including hazardous air pollutants, and meteorological data will be collected continuously. DEP will also monitor for volatile organic compounds and collect meteorological data at three additional sites in Chartiers Township and Hickory Township, Washington County. Of the two additional Chartiers Township sites, one is upwind of the Houston gas processing plant, and the other is downwind of the Brigich compressor station. The site in Hickory Township will be located downwind of the Stewart compressor stations. DEP intends to collect at least one year of data and compare those results to national ambient air quality standards, then conduct a long-term risk analysis. The Washington County results and risk analysis will aid in determining the need for any further long-term sampling in other regions of the state. NewsClips: State To Study Marcellus Shale Air Quality DEP Begins 1-Year Study Of Washington County Air EPA Fines Talisman Energy $62K For Violations At Natural Gas Facilities Talisman Energy USA Inc. will pay a $62,457 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous chemical reporting requirements at 52 hydraulic fracturing facilities throughout Pennsylvania that include natural gas well sites and compressor stations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday. Talisman discovered the violations and self-disclosed them to the EPA. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) requires companies that store specified amounts of hazardous chemicals to submit material safety data and lists of chemicals on site with state and local emergency response agencies and the local fire departments. The safety data describes health risks associated with the chemicals and safe handling instructions. The lists of chemicals set forth the types and quantities of chemicals present on site. Compliance with these requirements is important for the health and safety of facility occupants and first responders in the event of discharge or accidental exposure to hazardous chemicals. The required information also provides valuable information to emergency planners. The settlement reflects Talismans good faith cooperation with EPA, and its compliance efforts in self-disclosing and swiftly correcting the violations. As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied the alleged violations. In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay the $62,457 penalty for failing to file required chemical information for one or more of the past three years at each of the facilities included in the settlement. Recycling Plastic Liners From Drilling Sites Drives New Business

The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, Inc. announced the formation of a new business partnership to collect and recycle plastic well pad liners from gas drilling sites in the Marcellus Shale region. This is a first-of-its-kind venture that will produce major and dramatic benefits for Pennsylvania in addition to new jobs and growth for the companies directly, RMC Executive Director Robert J. Bylone, Jr. said. The benefits include reclaiming millions of pounds of marketable plastic, slowing the consumption of valuable landfill space, and reducing truck traffic around drill sites. The partners in the venture are WellSpring Environmental Services, LLC, headquartered in Orwigsburg, and Ultra-Poly Corporation, based in Portland, Pa. Both companies are members of the RMCs Center of Excellence, a network of recycled materials processors and end users of recycled materials. The new recycling venture with WellSpring and Ultra-Poly is expected to take at least 20 million pounds a year of plastic well pad liner material out of the waste stream and turn it into useful new products, Bylone said. An estimated 100 million pounds of high-density plastic were used for well pad liners by drillers in the Marcellus Shale region in 2011. Currently most of that material is disposed of in landfills when it needs to be replaced or removed. Ultra-Poly, one of the largest recyclers of polyethylene and polypropylene plastic in North America, has designed a proprietary process for processing the liner material and has built a recycling plant specifically for that purpose in a building leased from the Berwick Industrial Development Authority. We are supplying the recycled plastic to several existing customers, including Axion International, which turns the material into composite railroad ties and other composite building components, said David LaFiura, vice president of Ultra-Poly. The market is potentially huge, we have developed an environmentally responsible method, we are the only company doing this, and we are in position to recycle as much of the liner material as we can get. In tandem with that, WellSpring has developed special equipment for separating well pad liners on site so the pieces from one well site can be trucked away for recycling in a single trailer load. In the past, excavators were used to rip well pad liners into large sections, and then it typically took eight to 10 trips with roll-off containers to take the sections from a single site to a landfill for disposal. Theres not one well pad in Pennsylvania where this new approach doesnt make sense, said Jonas Kreitzer, president of WellSpring. Its estimated that 20,000 pounds of liner material is used per drilling site. The state Department of Environmental Protection issued 3,510 Marcellus Shale well permits in 2011 and another 1,243 through mid-May of this year. We can do liner removal more efficiently, at less cost, while cutting down truck traffic, protecting the environment, and generating commercially reusable material, Kreitzer said. Bylone said, We think this will have tremendous application and value for the shale gas industry in Pennsylvania, as well as elsewhere. That alone will have a beneficial impact on our economy. It also gives a very big boost to our recycling industry in Pennsylvania, which is growing by leaps and bounds. In addition, it will save landfill space and will cut down on truck traffic, which everyone applauds.

State Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said that todays announcement represents the success that can be achieved when agencies, companies and markets work together in a way that benefits all Pennsylvanians. This venture is a win for everyone 80 new jobs will be created and a cleaner environment will result from this creative reclamation and recycling initiative. Vince Brisini, deputy secretary for waste, air, radiation and remediation in the state Department of Environmental Protection commented, The development of the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania is progressing, and to their credit, the natural gas industry and the associated industries and services, are becoming more efficient in the management of resources. This is being accomplished through the expansion in research and development for beneficial re-use of wastewater and other materials that would otherwise simply become part of a waste stream. I am pleased to see another solution that has found a market which allows the recycling and re-use of these plastic well pad liners. Jay Alexander, general manager of the Wayne Township Landfill in Clinton County, said, Since the beginning of 2011, the Wayne Township Landfill has been very active in looking for sustainable recycling opportunities for the plastic liner material being removed from the natural gas well sites. In working with WellSpring Environmental Services, we have found a solution. He said the recycling facility set up in Berwick by WellSpring's partner, the Ultra-Poly Corporation, will create an excellent recycling opportunity for the natural gas industry to help keep this valuable commodity out of landfills. Alexander added that "we are appreciative of the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, which investigated how to recycle this liner and facilitated bringing this project to reality." Bylone said the recycling process used for well-site liners may also be applicable to the recycling of agricultural film plastic and that this could have further value across Pennsylvania. DEP has already issued permits to the two companies for the process. WellSpring and Ultra-Poly have invested roughly a combined $4 million in research and development up to this point. LaFiura said the partnership will generate 80 or more new jobs for Ultra-Poly, provide added job security for another 180 existing company jobs, and add an estimated $1 million a year to state and local tax revenues. Kreitzer said WellSpring would be adding another dozen employees and expanding its truck fleet. Both men credited the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center for making the connection between the two companies and helping them shepherd the partnership into existence. They also said DEP had provided assistance with the permitting process. NewsClip: Recycling Drilling Site Plastic Liners Lt. Gov. Cawley Says Marcellus Shale Creating Jobs In Blair Marcellus Shale natural gas is helping to create family-sustaining jobs in Blair County and across Pennsylvania, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley said during a tour of New Pig Corporation in Tipton this week. "Whether it is at one of the drill sites in the southern end of the county or right here at New Pig, Marcellus Shale is creating good, family-sustaining jobs. Governor Tom Corbett and I want to see more of this happen across the state," said Cawley.

Cawley cited recent Department of Labor and Industry statistics showing that 29,000 people are working in the drilling industry in the state with average annual earnings of $81,000. There are about 238,000 people working in related industries. He also noted that natural gas drilling has produced $1.6 billion in state tax revenues since 2006 and helped to reduce energy costs across Pennsylvania. "Putting Pennsylvanians back to work is a top priority for Governor Corbett and me. We see the economic potential of Marcellus Shale, but we must develop this resource in a responsible way," said Cawley. Since 1985, New Pig has manufactured products for leak and spill management. Employing nearly 360 people in Tipton, it makes 4,000 different products which are used in 70 countries to protect the environment and keep employees safe. In 2011, New Pig developed a well pad containment liner for natural gas drilling sites. This innovation has already led to the creation of a dozen new jobs and increased business for trucking, warehouse and suppliers that work with New Pig. "More trucking, more warehousing, more supply materials all mean more jobs for Blair County," Cawley added. "We want to create more good-news stories like the one here in Tipton all over Pennsylvania." U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Introduces Bill To Help PA Develop Natural Gas Jobs U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) Wednesday introduced the STATE Natural Gas Act to help Pennsylvania develop the growing natural gas industry and create jobs. Sen. Caseys bill would allow Pennsylvania and other states determine the best way to invest in the industry that supplies a vital source of domestic energy and supports economic growth. Despite the industrys growth in recent years natural gas is still a largely untapped resource, so Im working to give states the resources and flexibility to develop this plentiful domestic energy source and create jobs and economic opportunity in Pennsylvania, said Sen. Casey. My bill will encourage the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and encourage private investment in natural gas vehicles and transportation infrastructure, building a base for increased job creation and energy independence. The STATE Natural Gas Act would create a grant program to offer states funding to develop initiatives that encourage the use of natural gas as a fuel and encourage public and private investment in natural gas vehicles and transportation infrastructure. States would apply for grants through the U.S. Department of Energy and would be awarded based on several criteria, including: -- The amount of public and private funds State plans are likely to leverage; -- The degree that initiatives will support a need that is unlikely to be met by the private sector absent grant program funding; -- The degree that initiatives will act as a bridge to private investment and sustainable market conditions; and, -- Each States public and private investment in natural gas transportation and infrastructure. Sen. Casey has also introduced the NGEAR Act to speed the transition of natural gas fueled vehicles by creating a rebate for the purchase of natural gas buses and extending tax credits for natural gas filling stations.

Natural gas has the potential to create jobs and economic across Pennsylvania, especially in areas where unemployment remains high. NewsClip: Casey Introduces Bill To Support Natural Gas Vehicles Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Seeks Award Nominations Ensuring that community efforts to protect and improve the local environment are publicly acknowledged, The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is looking for a few good people, projects and organizations to recognize with an Environmental Award. Nominations are due August 15. Through commitments of time, energy and resources, individuals and organizations in the community have made a positive environmental impact at the local level. It's important that the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy acknowledge these efforts, so we're asking for your help. By nominating someone, a project or an organization, you'll let us know about work that has made a significant contribution to improving the Perkiomen Creek Watershed or protecting local water supplies," said Board member Garrett Burch. To be eligible for the Award, nominees or nominated projects must be located within the 362 square-mile Perkiomen Watershed, comprised of all or part of 57 municipalities within Montgomery, Bucks, Berks and Lehigh Counties. Awards will be given in several categories: Municipal, Land Use, Kids Making a Difference, Advocate of the Watershed, Corporate, Teaching Excellence and Friend of the Watershed. The awards are presented at the Annual Awards Banquet to be held in late October. All nominations will be judged by site visits or interviews performed by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Events Committee. Anyone may make a nomination and all entries are encouraged. For more information or to obtain a nomination form go to the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy website or contact Susan in Outreach 610-287-9383 or send email to: outreach@perkiomenwatershed.org. Infill Philadelphia: Soak It Up! (Stormwater That Is) Call For Entries Got a great green project that can soak up stormwater and serve as a model for creating engaging, healthy, and visually-appealing urban places? Submit it for the upcoming Infill Philadelphia: Soak It Up! Precedent Exhibition. The deadline for entries is August 1. Co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Water Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Community Design Collaborative, this national juried exhibition will show how designing with green tools can enhance cities, engage people, and spur new public-private partnerships. The exhibition will provide inspiring precedents for Philadelphia, leading up to a national competition to be announced in fall 2012. Projects will be on display from September 17 through October 19 at AIA Philadelphia's Center for Architecture. The aim is to present a wide range of projects and engage a diverse group of professionals who share an interest in the management of water resources. The exhibition will provide models for local projects that support Philadelphia's innovative stormwater management

plan, Green City, Clean Waters. For more information, visit the Infill Philadelphia: Soak It Up! webpage. Volunteers Needed August 22-25 For Perkiomen Watershed Stormwater Basin Planting The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is seeking volunteers for a stormwater basin planting August 22-25 and the Vineyards Community, 1230 James Road, Pennsburg, Montgomery County. Click Here for this special event. Penn State Extension: Pond And Lake Water Quality During this hot summer, residents of lake communities and private pond owners are enjoying swimming, boating and fishing in the lake or pond. Your enjoyment of the pond or lake depends on maintaining the water quality of the pond or lake. Testing your pond or lake can provide an ongoing record of conditions in your lake and is an important step for assessing its quality and helping prevent problems before they occur. Changes in water quality can indicate threats from sources such as failed or inadequate septic systems, agricultural and lawn runoff, burgeoning development, erosion from construction sites. For ponds or lakes with an existing water quality program, testing is an essential tool for diagnosing the cause of the problem and determining suitable treatment options. Test parameters that are helpful in assessing the quality of your pond or lake water include pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, hardness, nitrate-nitrogen, aluminum, iron manganese, phosphorus, sulfate, and E. coli bacteria. The pH of a pond should generally fall between 6.0 and 9.0. A pH near 7.0 is optimum for most fish, while fish populations can be reduced or even eliminated when the pH drops below 6.0. Some elements like aluminum increase in the water at a pH below 6.0. A healthy pond or lake should also have some measurable alkalinity, which determines how well the water buffers or maintains the pH at a given level. Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the sum of all chemical ions dissolved in water and is controlled by the natural source of the pond or lake water. Ponds or lakes in limestone areas may have a higher TDS than water bodies in areas underlain by sandstone or shale due to high concentrations of calcium and magnesium (hardness). TDS can also be affected by nearby landuse activities, with a significant increase over time indicating a potential pollution problem. Other test parameters provide important and direct measures of pollutants that may affect the quality of pond and lake water. Elevated levels of nitrate-nitrogen and total phosphorus may be indicative of pollution from fertilizers, manures, or other nutrient-rich wastes and can cause increased growth of aquatic plants and algae. Iron, manganese, sulfate, and aluminum are most common in water bodies in coal mining areas or as a consequence of acid rain. While iron and manganese are not directly harmful to aquatic life, they may adversely affect pond aesthetics. Similarly, sulfate is not generally harmful to aquatic life but may be problematic if the pond or lake is used for irrigation purposes. In contrast, aluminum is extremely toxic to aquatic life when present at even relatively low levels. E. coli bacteria is an important test parameter for ponds or lakes used for swimming or other recreation. Elevated levels can come from septic system runoff, barnyards, or wildlife, especially large numbers of waterfowl. The limit for E. coli bacteria in ponds and lakes for swimming is less than 126 colonies per 100 ml.

Penn State Extension offices have test kits from the Penn State Analytical Laboratory that you can obtain to test your pond or lake. For more information on testing your pond or lake, visit the Penn State Pond and Lake Water webpage. (Written by: Peter T. Wulfhorst AICP, Economic & Community Development Educator, Penn State Extension, Pike County, and reprinted from the Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter.) DEP To Begin Air Quality Forecasting In 8 Additional Regions The Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday it will begin forecasting on August 1 for ozone for eight additional areas across the state, which will help to protect residents who have health concerns that could be worsened by poor air quality. The new forecast areas are: Altoona; Erie; Johnstown; Scranton/Wilkes-Barre; State College; Williamsport; Mercer County; and Indiana County. This summers record heat waves brought the need for increased ozone level surveillance, which will allow for early warning of ozone action days, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. An expanded air quality forecasting program means residents with health concerns will know to take precautions on particular days. Ground level ozone, a key component in smog, forms during warm weather when pollution from power plants, industry, vehicles and households cooks in the hot sun, creating breathing difficulty for sensitive people, including young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. For days when DEP forecasts unhealthy concentrations of ozone in the air, the agency and its regional air quality partnerships issue Air Quality Action Day alerts using a color-coded scale to represent the level of air pollution. These alerts advise precaution on days with poor air quality and recommend steps residents can take to reduce air pollution. The ozone forecasts use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys color-based Air Quality Index to provide daily reports on air quality conditions. The AQI colors are designed to assist the general public in understanding air pollution: -- Green means a good AQI in the 0-50 range; -- Yellow means a moderate AQI ranging from 51-100; -- Orange means that the AQI ranging from 101-150 warns of unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive people, such as the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory problems; and -- Red warns of unhealthy pollution levels for everyone, with an AQI ranging from 151-200. DEP currently forecasts for air quality in five regions across the state. The Lehigh Valley region is Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties; the Susquehanna Valley region is Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties; the Philadelphia region is Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties; the Pittsburgh region is Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties; and the LibertyClairton region is the southeastern Allegheny County municipalities of Clairton, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue. To sign up to receive air quality forecasts via email, visit the AirNow Sign-up webpage. The forecast information will also be available on EPAs AirNow website. Forecasts and other air quality information is also available on DEPs Air Quality Partnership webpage.

NewsClips: Erie County To Receive Air Quality Forecasts Air Quality Alerts Planned For Johnstown Shenango, Inc. Settles Air, Water Pollution Violations With EPA, PA, Allegheny County The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Allegheny County Health Department have reached a settlement with Shenango Inc. resolving alleged air and water pollution violations at the companys coke manufacturing plant on Neville Island, Allegheny County, Pa. The consent decree requires the company to pay $1.75 million in civil penalties and make significant upgrades to the plant, which is located about five miles north of downtown Pittsburgh. Manufacturing coke involves heating coal at high temperatures in an industrial oven until it forms a residue. This residue, known as coke, is used in steel manufacturing as a fuel in blast furnaces, which are used to refine iron ore into steel. Coke manufacturing also produces gases and particles, some of which are hazardous, that are regulated by the federal Clean Air Act. The Shenango facility has a history of noncompliance with federal, state and county regulations protecting public health from air pollution. In 2000, the previous owner of the plant entered into a consent decree with EPA and ACHD to bring the facility into compliance. Since that time, the violations including emissions of sulfur and visible emissions of particulate matter have continued. As part of this settlement, the company must take actions to reduce visible particulate emissions to meet Clean Air Act standards by making repairs to the plants coke ovens. The governments complaint also alleges numerous violations of the Clean Water Act including: exceeding the pollutant limits of the facilitys permit for discharging wastewater for several years; failure to properly operate and maintain the facilitys wastewater treatment plant; and unpermitted discharges of polluted runoff from the coal pile directly to the Ohio River. The part of the consent decree between EPA, PADEP and Shenango resolving Clean Water Act violations requires the company to take remedial actions including: -- Building a new biological wastewater treatment plant; -- Implementing immediate upgrades to its current treatment processes while the new treatment facility is being constructed; and -- Constructing a coal pile runoff management system. The civil penalties in the proposed consent decree include $1.25 million to be divided equally between the United States and Allegheny County for the facilitys Clean Air Act violations. The company has also agreed to pay Clean Water Act civil penalties of $500,000 divided equally between the United States and Pennsylvania. The consent decree is subject to federal court approval, after a 30 day public comment period. NewsClip: Driller Agrees To EPA Penalty Settlement Berks Property Once Slated For Development Becomes Nature Preserve Natural Lands Trust Tuesday announced it has preserved 168 acres in Robeson Township, Berks County. The property, now known as Green Hills Preserve, provides crucial habitat for wildlife including a species considered to be critically endangered, the highest risk category assigned for

wild species. The property, originally slated for a high-density development, went into foreclosure in 2009. Prudential Fox & Roachs Land Development Division, under the guidance of Vice President and Associate Broker Edward Ritti, took the unusual step of seeking a conservation solution. After more than two years working to piece together critical funding, Natural Lands Trust was able to purchase the property from the lender. "Thanks to Ed Ritti's out-of-the-box thinking and the support of many funders and partners, this beautiful property will be protected forever," said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. "We are thrilled to now have a presence in Berks County and to add Green Hills to our network of 41 nature preserves." The property features gently rolling agricultural fields, woodlands, and wetlands. Allegheny Creek, a Department of Environmental Protection-designated Cold Water Fishery stream, bisects the newly established preserve. Green Hills Preserve is situated within the Schuylkill Highlands, a region at the nexus of two landscapes that have been prioritized for protection: the Highlands (as defined by the US Congress) and the Schuylkill River watershed (a focus of much planning work by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Philadelphia Water Department). The areas importance derives from the need for water quality protection, habitat conservation, and recreational development in a region set for considerable growth over the next 20 years. Since its founding in 1953, Natural Lands Trust has protected more than 100,000 acres of land, including 41 nature preserves that it owns and manages in 13 counties. Green Hills is the organizations first preserve in Berks County. Natural Lands Trust and DCNR have enjoyed a long, successful history of working together in the conservation of deserving land tracts such as Green Hills Preserve, said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan. DCNR is proud to assist in funding this invaluable investment that will pay rich dividends for generations to come. The Wyomissing Foundation is very pleased and proud to be a part of this wonderful endeavor, said Karen Rightmire, president of the Wyomissing Foundation. We have partnered with Natural Lands Trust in the past, and are delighted that they now have a nature preserve in Berks County. Like many of Natural Lands Trusts other nature preserves throughout the region, Green Hills Preserve eventually will be openfree-of-chargeto visitors for passive recreation once a hiking trail system has been established and a parking area is built. Funds to construct those amenitiesas well as ongoing habitat restoration and stewardship workstill need to be raised. Funders and partners for this project include Berks County Conservancy, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Open Space Institute, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, Susquehanna Bank, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation, and the Wyomissing Foundation. Friends Of The Wissahickon Awarded Two Grants For Sustainable Trails Initiative The Friends of the Wissahickon has been awarded grants from REI and the McLean Contributionship for two Sustainable Trails Initiative projects.

STI is a multi-year project to make the 50 miles of National Recreation Trails in Wissahickon Valley Park a physically and socially sustainable system that works for all park users. The REI grant of $15,000 will fund work at Kitchens Lane, where FOW will close two dangerous, rapidly eroding sections of trail totaling 800 feet. These closures will be replaced with 700 feet of new trails that are more sustainable and encourage proper use of the trail. In addition, FOW will restore approximately 1.75 acres of habitat through native plantings and invasive plant removal. The grant from the McLean Contributionship in the amount of $25,000 will support the installation of a large back porch with a living green roof at the Wissahickon Environmental Center. This project is part of Stage 4 of the Sustainable Trails Initiative, in which FOW will restore and enhance the WEC building, also known as the Tree House, and its immediate grounds, and rehabilitate and restore 3.3 miles of adjacent trails used as an outdoor classroom. DCNR Celebrates Revitalization of South Philadelphia Park Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials joined Philadelphia representatives and The Friends of Dickinson Square Park Wednesday in a celebration of wide-ranging renovations at the historic Dickinson Square Park in the Pennsport area of South Philadelphia. DCNR provided $350,000 in Community Conservation Partnership Program grant funds toward improvements on the 3-acre tract at Fourth and Tasker streets. Partnership is what it takes to make projects like this come to fruition, said DCNR Deputy Secretary John Giordano, who will represent the department at the event. Like many of our projects across Philadelphia, the cooperative work of the city, state and community organizations are what made this all possible. Dedicated in 1900 and named for the late Pennsylvania Gov. John Dickinson (17321808), Dickinson Square Park was once hailed as one of the most complete playgrounds of its kind found anywhere in the United States. The park is located on the site of the former Pascal Iron Works, which was founded in 1821 to manufacture parts for sugar refineries. This evenings dedication is part of a Dickinson Square Park Renovation Celebration hosted in the park by the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department and The Friends of Dickinson Square. This investment hits the triple bottom line -- improving environmental quality, neighborhood economic value, and the social fabric of our community, said Giordano. Across the state, natural and cultural assets such as Dickinson Square Park drive the economic revitalization and competitiveness of our cities. The public support and enthusiasm surrounding this park fuels that engine. Specifically, DCNR funding, undertaken as part of its Green and Sustainable Park Initiative, helped to finance: renovation of the park building and park center; basketball and bocce courts; pedestrian walkways; installation of playground equipment with required safety surfacing; storm water management measures, site amenities; ADA access; landscaping and plantings; project signage and other related site improvements. Replacement of sidewalks along Tasker, Fourth and Morris streets also is planned, providing visitors with safe, easy access to a wealth of restaurants and shops located on the parks periphery.

The ongoing commitment and support from DCNR for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation -- coupled with a steady commitment and dedication from the Pennsport community and neighbors of Dickinson Square Park -- made this project a reality, said Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Mike DiBerardinis. A project of this magnitude needed all the help and support it could get and this was a perfect combination. Other funding sources besides DCNR included: City of Philadelphia, $300,000; Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department; $240,000; and city Councilman Frank DiCicco, $360,000. For more information, visit the Dickinson Square Park webpage and DCNRs Green and Sustainable Park Initiative webpage. Corbett Tours Western PA On 3-Day Kayak Trip Gov. Corbett Monday began a three-day kayak tour through Western Pennsylvania to promote Pennsylvanias vast natural resources and array of recreational opportunities. Gov. Corbett will be joined on the water by First Lady Susan Corbett and representatives of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection. Pennsylvania is a vast state with an abundance of scenic landscapes, Corbett said. There are many ways to see Pennsylvania and, for the second year in a row, I will get to experience the beauty of our Commonwealth from our rivers. Setting off this morning from Tidioute, Warren County, Corbett will be kayaking down the Allegheny and Conemaugh rivers; visiting Forest, Venango and Warren counties, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Throughout the trip, the governor will be spending time on water as well as on land touring several Pennsylvania parks and historic sites. Preserving our natural resources for generations to come is critical to the growth of our commonwealth. Not only do they support a high quality of life for our residents, but they support the continued success of Pennsylvanias tourism industry, Corbett said. Gov. Corbett will also visit parks and historic sites in the region to see the successful partnership of preservation and economic growth. Pennsylvania parks are more popular than ever as an affordable destination and outdoor recreation option. Every dollar in state money we invest in our award-winning state park system generates $12 in local economic activity that helps communities prosper and maintain jobs, said Corbett. Businesses such as outfitters, bike shops, B & Bs and restaurants all crop up to support the visitors to our parks. In addition to DCNR and DEP, the governor will be joined throughout the trip by representatives from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Fish and Boat Commission and various local tourism and recreation groups. For more information about state parks, visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website and to find historic sites across the state, visit the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission online. NewsClip: Corbett Flaunts Western PA Recreation PA Wilds Artisan Trail Announces New Artisans, Trail Sites

The Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail held a jury session at the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center last spring. We are proud to announce the artists whose scores earned them membership in this unique network of artisans and the new trail sites that will populate the PA Wilds Artisan Trail map. New Artisans -- Diane Delarme, acrylics/oils, Warren County; -- Teresa Genaux, fiber/alpaca, Cameron County; -- Marilyn Dunkle, watercolor, Warren County; -- Tonya & Dan Wennin, photography, Cameron County; -- Carol McDonald, mixed media, Forest County; and -- Jim Merritt, photography, Elk County (renewing membership) New Trail Sites -- From the Forest Gallery, at the Forest County Visitors Center; -- The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County; -- The Crary Art Gallery; -- Sinnemahonning State Park; and -- Old Charm Gift Shoppe. Since its inception in 2006, this program has proven to raise visibility and profitability of artisans and arts-related businesses in the PA Wilds by increasing sales of high-quality products made by local artisans and traffic to local galleries and retail shops. Use of the Proudly Made in the Pennsylvania Wilds brand helps command a higher price while getting more of these items to market through retail partners throughout the region. A key benefit to joining the PA Wilds Artisan Trail is the ability to advertise under the PA Wilds Artisan Trail brand, and benefit from its strong online and social media presence as well as print materials to help artisans more easily market their products to residents, visitors, design professionals and the like. For more information on the program and our Fall Jury Session, visit the PA Wilds Artisan Trail website or contact trail manager Ines Nelson by sending email to: pawildsartisans@yahoo.com or 814-688-9336. The PA Wilds Artisan Development Initiative is funded with support from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Appalachian Regional Commission. To learn more, visit the PA Wilds website, find us on Facebook/PAWilds or on YouTube. Natures Greatest Airshow Begins August 15 At Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Some call the annual Autumn Hawk Watch at the world-famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary one of the greatest spectacles of nature. Since 1934, biologists at the Sanctuary have recorded the number of migrating raptors that pass each autumn on their way to southern wintering grounds. The annual ritual begins August 15 and continues daily, pending visibility, through December 15, and records an average annual 18,000 hawks, eagles and falcons. Late August and early September are optimal times to see bald eagles, ospreys and American kestrels, as well as migrating hummingbirds and monarch butterflies. In mid to late September, broad-winged hawks pass in flocks or kettles containing up to 100 birds or more.

By mid October visitation soars as fall foliage peaks, and northwest winds at this time bring the greatest species diversity, 16 in all. The colder winds of November bring red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and goshawks. It is an age-old story: raptors have followed the Appalachian Mountains southward for thousands of years on their seasonal migration. Some birds migrate to wintering grounds in Central and South America. Others, like the bald eagle, shortstop in the southeastern United States. Monitoring Raptor Populations Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been monitoring the autumnal passage since 1934. For biologists, the migration represents a unique opportunity to estimate populations of these normally widespread, reclusive birds. Today, the Sanctuarys annual count represents the longest and most detailed record of raptor migration in the world. By annually counting migrating hawks over the decades, scientists can determine shortand long-term population trends, assessing the health of each species and its habitats. Scenic Overlooks and Trails In addition to intimate views of soaring birds, Hawk Mountains overlooks provide sweeping views of the fall foliage and vistas that stretch as far as 70 miles. Other landforms visible from the South Lookout, a scenic 1,100-foot overlook just 100 yards from the Visitor Center, include the River of Rocks, a 3/4 mile-long Ice-age boulder field, and the Kettle, a fault basin situated between Hawk Mountain and the Pinnacle ridge. North Lookout, a one-mile walk, offers a 180-degree panorama of Pennsylvanias Appalachian ridge and valley province. The longer trails in the Sanctuarys eight-mile network are rocky and somewhat challenging. The trail system also connects to the 2,000-mile long Appalachian Trail. History In the late 1800s and early 1900s, thousands of migrating hawks were shot from Appalachian ridges in the belief that the only good hawk is a dead hawk. Amateur ornithologist Richard Pough reported details of the carnage at Hawk Mountain to various gatherings of society folk in eastern cities in 1933, hoping to stir action. His message caught the attention of New Yorker Rosalie Barrow Edge, who stopped the gunfire by buying an option on 1,400 mountaintop acres and installing a curator and warden in 1934. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary became the worlds first refuge for birds of prey. General Information The 2,500-acre Sanctuary is open year round and includes a Visitor Center open 9 am to 5 pm and includes exhibits, Wings of Wonder raptor gallery, bookstore and gift shop. Located about 25 miles north of Reading, the Sanctuary is just 12 miles north of I-78. Sturdy shoes for trail walking and a backpack or fannypack to carry gear are recommended. Binoculars can be rented at the Visitor Center, where light snacks are available. Trail fees are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children ages six to 12. Children under six are free. On weekends, September through November, trail fees increase to $8 for adults and seniors and $4 for children. Members are always admitted free for one year, and memberships can be purchased on-site, online or by phone during business hours. A family membership begins at $40. For more information, please call 610-756-6961 or call the info line at 610-756-6000 between August 15 and December 15 after sunset for the days flight report and local forecast. Visit the Hawk Mountain website for daily updates of hawk counts.

DCNR Sets August 30 Hearing On Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will hold a hearing August 30 on Wild Resource Conservation Program grant applications submitted for the FY 2012-13 grant round. (formal notice) At the hearing, the WRCP will have available a summary of each grant application for review. Contact Greg Czarnecki at 717-783-1337 or send email to: gczarnecki@pa.gov for more information. DEP Opportunity To Bid On Projects In Butler, Clarion, Somerset, Westmoreland Counties The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on mine reclamation projects in Butler, Clarion, Somerset and Westmoreland counties.

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. July 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Wildlife Grants - Mussels July 31-- Keep PA Beautiful Fresh Paint Days PA Grants July 31-- DCNR Southcentral PA Natural Resource Protection Grants August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants August 1-- NEW. Infill Philadelphia: Soak It Up! Exhibit August 15-- NEW. Perkiomen Watershed Environmental Award August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants September 3- PA Parks & Forest Foundation Photo Contest September 26-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program October 1-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants October 15-- DEP Coastal Zone Management Grants October 30-- Schuylkill River Network Photo Contest October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest December 14-- EPA College Campus RainWorks Challenge May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship Grant -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Schweiker Remembers The Moment Of Triumph At Quecreek

Radiio Smarttalk: Quecreek Mine Rescue Mine Safety Improves Since Quecreek Quecreek Mine Rescue Marks 10th Anniversary Rescue Workers, Mners Recall Quecreek Miracle Quecreek Miners Get Together With Their Rescuers Desperate Days At Quecreek Recalled Quecreek Miners Thankful For 2nd Chance At Life All 9 Alive, The Quecreek Rescue 10 Years Later Tuesday Marks 10 Years Since Quecreek 9 Trapped Quecreek Miner Recounts Story Of Survival Quecreek 9 Face 10th Anniversary With Gratefulness DEPs Sbaffoni Returning To Quecreek Quecreek Mine Rescue Turns 10 Museum Documents Quecreek Mine Rescue Quecreek Foundation Plans 10th Anniversary Celebration Quecreek Mine Rescue Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary Fateful Day At Quecreek Mine Started With Hugh Noise Despite Trauma, Rescued Miner Longs For Days In The Mine Not All Quecreek Miners Trapped Inside From Quecreek To Chile, Company Makes Mission Of Saving Miners How Quecreek Changed The Coal Industry Somerset Link To 9/11 To Be Honored By Navy Budget Corbett Willing To Spend Big On Energy Other Speedier Environmental Reviews To Be Required Corbett Tells DEP To Expedite Permit Process Corbett Orders Firm Time Limits For Rulings By DEP PA To Revamp Process To Approve DEP Permits Erie County To Receive Air Quality Forecasts Air Quality Alerts Planned For Johnstown Corbett Willing To Spend Big On Energy Major Layoffs At PBS Coal Two Coal Companies Downsize TMI Report Slightly Elevated Tritium Levels FirstEnergy Compelled To Close Beaver Waste Dump Saint Clair To Appeal Schuylkill Landfill Decision Ban On Bucks Sewer Hookups Stalls Construction Neville Plant Pollution Nets $1.75 Million Fine Fish & Boat Commission President Bring Experience To Position Corbett Flaunts Western PA Recreation See Presque Isle From A Kayak Allentown Steering Away From Bike Lanes? Column: Lancaster County Needs Trees, Plenty Of Them

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--State Leaders Move Swiftly To Appeal Drilling Law Decision Governors Office Appeals Ruling On Shale Drilling State Appeals Marcellus Shale Law Ruling State Judges Throw Out Drilling Law Zoning Provisions Court Strikes Down Some Provisions Of New Drilling Law State Court Knocks Out Key Piece Of Gas Drilling Law Court: Gas Drilling Law Violates State Constitution Court Voids Key Parts Of PA Gas Drilling Law State Court Tosses Zoning Limits In Gas Law Drilling Laws Zoning Restrictions Are Unconstitutional Local Officials Thrilled by Drilling Law Decision Reaction To Drilling Law Court Decision Corbett Willing To Spend Big On Energy Residents In Marcellus Shale Want Voice In The Process EPA Says Dimock Water Safe To Drink EPA To Stop Water Deliveries To Dimock EPA To Stop Dimock Water Deliveries EPA Completes Drinking Water Sampling In Dimock Derry Well Sites Empty As Low Prices Stop Drilling Protesters Hold Mock Funeral Criticizing Shell Subsidies Clearfield Residents Worry About Planned Disposal Well Campers Learn About Gas Industry First-Hand Westmoreland Residents Give Ideas For Shale Revenue State To Study Marcellus Shale Air Quality DEP Begins 1-Year Study Of Washington County Air Driller Agrees To EPA Penalty Settlement Casey Introduces Bill To Support Natural Gas Vehicles Recycling Drilling Site Plastic Liners Financial/Other States EQT Profit Drops 64 Percent Due To Lower Gas Prices Consol Doubles Profit Despite Drop In Revenue

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding Casey Seeks to Keep Flood Ranking Repeat Flood Victims Demand Fixes From City Of Pittsburgh Displaced Feel Flood Of Distress New Flood Maps In Luzerne Mean Huge Changes Middletown Receives $3 Million To Buy Flooded Homes Lawsuit Targets Developer In Flooding Death

Other Watershed NewsClips Pittsburgh Region Is Abnormally Hot, Dry Recent Rain Did Little To Ease Western PA Dry Spell Westmoreland Conservation District Wins Western PA Award Counties Have Role To Play In Helping Clean Chesapeake Bay Camp Was Way To Get People Thinking About Water Bethlehem Explores Water, Sewage Authority Presque Isle Bay May Be Removed From Water Quality Watch List DEP: Lake Erie Fish Kill Result Of Natural Causes

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - July 28, 2012 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice of final 2016 ozone season allocations, final 2016 new unit allowance allocations and and final redistribution of 2011-2015 allowances for offsetting sulfur dioxide emissions (PA Bulletin page 4788) Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
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. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. July 31-- NEW. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 2-- Agenda Released. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria District Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg, PA. 1:00. (formal notice)

August 2-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. (formal notice) August 15-- CANCELED. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is October 17. (formal notice) August 30-- NEW. DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program hearing on FY 2012-13 grant applications. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. (formal notice) September 12-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

Stories Invited
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 edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service from Crisci Associates, a Harrisburgbased government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the newly updated Crisci Associates website or call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a

once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

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