PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates

Winner2009
PAEEBusinessPartner
OfTheYearAward

Harrisburg,PaFebruary16,2015

WolfUnveilsNaturalGasSeveranceTaxProposal,NothingForTheEnvironment

Gov.TomWolfWednesdayproposedaneducationreinvestmentplanfeaturingaseverancetax
onnaturalgasextractionaspartofhissolutiontoproperlyfundpubliceducationinthe
Commonwealth.
Theproposalwouldcontinuepaymentstolocalcommunitiesimpactedbydrilling
currentlyfundedundertheAct13drillingimpactfee,butsaidnothingaboutanfundingfor
environmentalrestorationorprograms.
PresscoverageaftertheannouncementmentionedtheAct13impactfeewouldbe
retainedforfundingcommunitiesimpactedbydrillingandasmallerportionforthe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontohelpregulatedtheindustry.Gov.Wolfwasalso
quotedassayinghehasnotyetdeterminedtheexactformulaforspendingtheseverancetax
revenue.
Pennsylvaniasschoolshavesufferedfrom$1billioninfundingcutsinrecentyears,
Gov.Wolfsaid,forcingschooldistrictstoincreaseclasssizes,layoffteachersandotherstaff,
andmakeseriousprogramcutsthatmakeitmoredifficultforstudentstogetastrongeducation
inPennsylvaniaspublicschools.
WecangetPennsylvaniabackontrack,andwecanstartbypassingacommonsense
severancetaxthatwillhelpfundourschoolsanideawithbipartisansupport,Gov.Wolfsaid.
TheCommonwealthranks45thinthenationinpercentageofstatefundingforpublic
education,andasaresult,wehaveseenlargerclasssizes,fewerteachers,andvitalprogramcuts.
ThesecutshavemadeitmoredifficultforstudentstogetastrongeducationinPennsylvanias
publicschools.Thisistherightthingtodoforourchildrenandoureconomyandtomove
Pennsylvaniaforward.
Theproposal,calledthePennsylvaniaEducationReinvestmentAct,enactsareasonable5
percentseverancetaxplus4.7centsperthousandfeetofvolumeonextraction,whichisexpected
togenerateoverabilliondollarsinfiscalyear2017priortoexemptions.Itismodeledon
neighboringWestVirginiasseverancetaxplan.
Pennsylvaniasitsononeofthelargestdepositsofnaturalgasintheworld.Othernatural
gasproducingstates,includingTexasandOklahoma,levyasimilarandinsomecaseshigher
taxonextractiontofundkeyprioritiesandinitiatives.
ImplementingasimilarstructuretoWestVirginiawillensurethatPennsylvaniais
competitivewithneighboringstates.Inaddition,thisapproachhasthebenefitofbeingfield
tested.WestVirginiaoffersproofthatastatecanbuildathrivingandunconventionalnaturalgas
industrywhilesimultaneouslyusingaportionoftheproceedstohelpmakeabetterfutureforits

citizens.
Theproposalwouldcontinuethepaymentsmadetoimpactedcommunitiesandmake
reasonableexemptionsfor:gasgivenawayforfreegasfromlowproducingwellsandwells
broughtbackintoproductionafternothavingproducedmarketablequantitiesofgas.Itwillalso
containprovisionstoprotectpropertyownerswholeaselandfornaturalgasexploration.
Gov.WolfsBackgroundMemoSentToLegislators
Pennsylvaniasschoolshavesufferedfrom$1billioninfundingcutsandalackof
resources.Wehaveseenlargerclasssizes,fewerteachers,andprogramcutsthatmakeitmore
difficultforstudentstogetastrongeducationinPennsylvaniaspublicschools.
IfwearegoingtogetourCommonwealthbackontrackandbecompetitiveinthe21st
centuryeconomy,wemustprovideouryoungpeoplewiththeeducationalfoundationnecessary
tobesuccessful.
Pennsylvaniacurrentlyranks45thinthenationinthepercentageoffundingthestate
providesforpubliceducation.Thisisintolerable.Pennsylvaniamusttaketheleadininvestingin
earlychildhood,K12,andhighereducation.
WithPennsylvaniasittingononeofthelargestdepositsofnaturalgasintheworld,itis
uptoustousethisresourcewiselysoitbenefitsallPennsylvaniansandhelpstofundour
schools.
Pennsylvaniaiscurrentlytheonlymajorgasproducingstateinthecountrythatdoesnot
chargeataxonoilandnaturalgasextractionandwerefailingtotaxthisresourceatatime
whenourschoolsneedmorefunding.
IfstateslikeTexas,WestVirginia,andOklahomaareabletochargeaseverancetaxto
fundkeypriorities,itislongpasttimePennsylvaniadoestoo.
Inordertoensurethatweareappropriatelyfundingeducationatalllevels,Iamtoday
proposingthePennsylvaniaEducationReinvestmentAct.Thiswillraiseneedednewrevenuefor
ourstatespubliceducationsystembyimposingareasonabletaxinlinewithourneighbors
ontheextractionofnaturalgaswithinthestate.
ThetaxproposedintheEducationReinvestmentActwillbemodelledaftertheseverance
taxinneighboringWestVirginia,whichlikePennsylvaniahasseenarecentboominproduction
ofnaturalgasfromunconventionaldrilling.
ImplementingasimilarstructuretoWestVirginiawillensurethatPennsylvaniais
competitivewithneighboringstates.Inaddition,thisapproachhasthebenefitofbeingfield
tested.WestVirginiaoffersproofthatastatecanbuildathrivingunconventionalnaturalgas
industrywhilesimultaneouslyusingaportionoftheproceedstohelpmakeabetterfutureforits
citizens.
Iamproposinga5percentplus4.7centsperMCFtax.Myproposalwouldnotbeontop
oftheexistingimpactfeebutincludesit.Myproposalwouldcontinuethepaymentsmadeto
communitiesimpactedbydrillingthatarecurrentlyfundedbytheimpactfee.
WecangetPennsylvaniabackontrack,andwecanstartbypassingacommonsense
severancetaxthatwillhelpfundourschoolsanideawithbipartisansupport.Atatimewhen
ourbudgetisfacingsignificantchallengesandourschoolsarestruggling,itsimplymakessense
topassacompetitive,commonsenseseverancetax.
KeyFeatures
Taxof:5percentofthevalueofgasatthewellhead4.7perthousandcubicfeetof
volumesevered.

Reasonableexemptionsfor:gasgivenawayfreegasfromlowproducingwellsand
wellsbroughtbackintoproductionafternothavingproducedmarketablequantitiesofgas.
Ataxwiththisstructureisexpectedtogenerateoverabilliondollarsinfiscalyear2017with
revenueexpectedtogrowwithproduction.
Thisnumberisbasedonthefollowingestimatesofproductionfrombothconventional
andunconventionalwells:2015:4,915.0bcf2016:4,978.2bcf2017:5,065.3bcf2018:
5,114.0bcf2019:5,186.2bcf2020:5,265.5bcf
Finally,theEducationReinvestmentActwillcontainprovisionstoprotectproperty
ownerswholeaselandfornaturalgasexploration.Noportionofthetaximposedinthis
legislationwillbeallowedtobedeductedfromroyaltypayments.
NewsClips:
WolfProposes5%SeveranceTaxForSchools
WolfOutlinesPromisedShaleTaxAsEducationFund
WolfOutlines5PercentTaxOnNaturalGasDrilling
WolfUnveilsSeveranceTaxOnNaturalGas
WolfSeveranceTaxKeepsImpactFeeForCommunities
WolfProposesNaturalGasSeveranceTax
WolfProposes5%NaturalGasTax
WolfPresentsPlanToTaxNaturalGasDrilling
SeveranceTaxPlanPromptsSwiftResponse
Editorial:WolfSeveranceTaxOnerous
Editorial:WhatsBestUseOfSeveranceTaxRevenue
WolfPressuredToRestrictGasDrilling

CBFPA:SeveranceTaxProposalShouldIncludeFundingWaterQualityCleanup

ChesapeakeBayFoundationPennsylvania
ExecutiveDirectorHarryCampbellissuedthis
statementWednesdayfollowingGov.TomWolfsproposalforanaturalgasseverancetaxtobe
usedexclusivelyforeducation:
WhileacknowledgingtheneedforadditionalfundsforPennsylvaniaschools,the
ChesapeakeBayFoundation(CBF)stronglyurgesthatatleastaportionofanynewrevenues
fromanapprovedseverancetaxbeusedtosupportthestaffandresourcesatthestate
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,particularlyinthewaterprograms,tohelprestore
Pennsylvanias19,000milesofimpairedstreamsthroughconservationprogramslikeGrowing
Greener.
ArecentCBFanalysisdeterminedthatfullyrestoringPennsylvaniasChesapeakeBay
watershedriversandstreamswouldresultinmorethan$6billionineconomicbenefitstothe
Commonwealth.
CBFalsostronglysuggeststhatthecurrentAct13impactfeesdistributedtocounties
continuetobeavailableanddirectedtoaddresslocalwaterqualityissues,suchasimproved
managementofpollutedrunoff.
RelatedStories:
GrowingGreenerCoalitionRenewsCaseForEnvironmentalFundingInSeveranceTax
WITFSmartTalk:IsPennsylvaniaGrowingGreener?
Analysis:WhereIsTheEnvironmentalFundingInGov.WolfsSeveranceTaxProposal?

Analysis:PAIsntCleaningUpItsAbandonedMines,StreamsFastEnough

GrowingGreenerCoalitionRenewsCaseForEnvironmentalFundingInSeveranceTax

The
PAGrowingGreenerCoalition
Fridayreiterateditscaseforwhyenvironmentalfunding
mustbecontainedinanyseverancetaxpackagepassedbytheCommonwealth.AndrewHeath,
executivedirectorfortheCoalition,issuedthefollowingstatement:
SincetheCoalitionfirstcameintoexistencein2008,ourpositionconcerninga
severancetaxonnaturalgasextractionhasbeenconsistentitmustincludeconservation,
restoration,andpreservationfundingforprogramssuchastheGrowingGreenerEnvironmental
StewardshipFund.Thispositionstemsfromthefactthatwhennaturalresourcesareusedand/or
degradedinoneregionoftheCommonwealth,theremustbeareinvestmentinresourcesin
another.
OnWednesday,theGovernorannouncedhisplanstoenacta5percentdrillingtaxplus
afeeongasproduction.Thesetaxeswouldgeneratehundredsofmillionsofdollarsforthe
Commonwealtheachyear.TheCoalitionurgestheAdministrationandGeneralAssemblyto
reinvestaportionoftheserevenuesforconservation,recreation,andpreservationprograms.
TheimpactsofdrillinginPennsylvaniaareevidentthroughouttheCommonwealth.Ourparks,
forests,scenicandculturalareas,andwaterwaysareatriskofbeingdisturbedanddegraded.
Fundingthroughaseverancetaxisessentialtoaddressingtheseissuesandisastepintheright
directiontoincreasingfundsavailablefortheGrowingGreenerandotherenvironmental
programs.
The
PAGrowingGreenerCoalition
isthelargestcoalitionofconservation,recreation,
andpreservationorganizationsintheCommonwealth.
RelatedStories:
CBFPA:SeveranceTaxProposalShouldIncludingFundingForWaterQualityRestoration
WITFSmartTalk:IsPennsylvaniaGrowingGreener?
Analysis:WhereIsTheEnvironmentalFundingInGov.WolfsSeveranceTaxProposal?
Analysis:PAIsntCleaningUpItsAbandonedMines,StreamsFastEnough

PennFutureLaudsWolfsSeveranceTaxProposalEvenWithoutMoneyForEnvironment

PennFuture
WednesdayofferedstrongsupportforGov.TomWolf'sproposaltoenacta5
percentseverancetaxonnaturalgasdrillingactivityinPennsylvania.
"Gov.WolfhasheededthecallofPennsylvanians,whostronglysupportaseverancetax
onnaturalgasdrillingintheKeystonestate,"saidJohnNorbeck,actingpresidentandCEOof
PennFuture."Pennsylvaniaiscurrentlythelargestnaturalgasproducingstatewithouta
severancetax,andit'stimethatdrillerspaytheirfairshare.Asthegovernornoted,aportionof
thetaxwilldealwiththeenvironmentalimpactsofdrilling,aninherentlyindustrialactivity.We
urgehimtoalsoapportionfundingfromthistaxtowardrenewableenergyandenergyefficiency.
"Pennsylvaniahasahistoryofextractiveindustriesthathaveharmedtheenvironment
andleftsuccessivegenerationstopayforthedamage.Gov.Wolf'sactionstodayclearlyshow
thatthispatternwillcometoaclose.
"ThegovernorismakingitclearthattherightsofthecitizensofPennsylvaniacomefirst,
andtheSheriffisbackintownwhenitcomestonaturalgasdrilling.Wecheeredhis

reinstatementlessthantwoweeksagoofthemoratoriumonnewdrillingleasesofpubliclands,
andapplaudhisactionstodayontaxingshalegasdrillinginPennsylvania.Enactingaruleto
controlmethaneemissionsfromnaturalgasoperationsshouldbenextonGov.Wolf'slist,a
movesupportedby70percentofPennsylvaniansinarecentpoll."

IndustryReactionToWolfsSeveranceTaxProposal

MarcellusShaleCoalition
presidentDavidSpigelmyerissuedthefollowingstatementonGov.
WolfsnewenergytaxproposalunveiledWednesdayinThorndale,Pennsylvania:
Gov.Wolffailstoacknowledgethatthenaturalgasindustryalreadypayssignificant
taxesinPennsylvania.Naturalgasoperatorspaythesametaxesthateveryotherbusinessin
Pennsylvaniapays,whichhashelpedgeneratemorethan$2.1billionthrough2013.
Pennsylvaniaistheonlystatethatimposesaspecialimpacttaxthatwillhavegenerated
nearly$830millionbyAprilofthisyear,directlybenefittingall67countiesthroughoutthe
Commonwealth.Pennsylvanianshaverealizedmorethan$700millioninroyaltiesfrom
energydevelopmentonpubliclands.
Byanymeasure,thesearesignificantrevenuesthatareboostinglocalcommunities,as
wellasimportantenvironmentalprograms.Moreimportantly,revenueestimatesfailtoaccount
forthemorethan200,000hardworkingPennsylvanianswhoareemployedbyorsupportthis
industryandgeneratesubstantialrevenuefortheCommonwealthbypayingtheirtaxes.
WhilewelookforwardtoevaluatingthepolicydetailsoutlinedbytheGovernortoday,
itsclearthatnewenergytaxeswilldiscouragecapitalinvestmentintothecommonwealthand
makePennsylvanialesscompetitive.Makenomistake,addingafivepercenttaxtoanybusiness
sectorincludingtheenergyindustryisgoingtoreducecapitalspendingandhitthesupply
chain,especiallyPennsylvaniabasedsmallandmidsizedbusinesses,aswellasourregions
laborandbuildingtrades.
Pennsylvaniansarelookingtotheirelectedofficialstohelpcreatenewjobs,notnew
taxes,especiallyduringthesedifficultandchallengingtimeswithinanindustrythathasreduced
energycostsforeveryconsumerandbeenabrightspotfortheCommonwealthseconomy.
AssociatedPetroleumIndustriesofPA
Thegovernor'sproposalforanewseverancetaxonnaturalgasdevelopmentin
Pennsylvaniawillharmjobgrowthandweakenthestate'seconomy,saidStephanieCatarino
Wissman,executivedirectorofAssociatedPetroleumIndustriesofPennsylvania.
"Thegovernor'sproposedtaxhikecouldthreatenthefutureofourstate'sbestjob
creators,"saidWissman."Thecurrentlocalimpacttax,whichiscollectedfromeveryshale
drillingsiteinthestate,hasdistributedmorethan$630milliontocommunitiessince2012
includingmorethan$224millioninjust2014.That'sontopofover$2.1billioninstateand
localtaxesgeneratedbytheenergyindustry.DrivingdevelopmentawayfromPennsylvaniawill
ultimatelycostjobsandleadtolessrevenueforeducation,transportation,healthcare,andother
stateprograms.Thegovernorneedstolookforbetterbudgetsolutionsthatwillkeepthe
Commonwealthcompetitive,protectlongtermeconomicgrowth,andpreservetheengineof
Pennsylvaniajobcreation."

Senate,HouseReactionToWolfsSeveranceTaxProposal

Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)
,MajorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommittee,issuedthisstatementonthenewseverancetaxproposal
Itsabsurdtothinkdevelopmentwillincreasetothepointofgenerating$1billionby
2017whencompaniesarealreadyslowingdowndevelopmentwithoutaseverancetax,Yaw
said.ThissameproposalwasrejectedundertheRendellAdministrationduringmuchbetter
economictimes.DoesanyoneintheAdministrationrealizethereisanoversupplyofnaturalgas
intheworldmarket?
Gov.Wolfopinesthatthis(severancetax)isacommonsensewaytofundeducation.
Whatisthelogicbehindmoretaxesonanindustrythatisatitslowestpointinseveralyears?
Moreover,accordingtoEducationWeek,Pennsylvaniaranksveryhigh,numbereight,in
fundingandaccomplishmentsinpubliceducationamongall50states.Commonsense?
Sen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne)
,MinorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommittee,releasedthisstatementontheseverancetaxproposal:
"Ihaveintroducedlegislationandhavefoughtforafairandresponsible5percent
severancetaxonnaturalgasproduction.IamveryencouragedwithGov.Wolf'sannouncement
thatheisproposingaseverancetaxplanthatwillinvestineducation,theenvironmentand
sustainableeconomicdevelopmentforallofPennsylvania.
Finally,theconversationaroundacomprehensiveenergypolicyforPennsylvaniabegins
todaywithGov.Wolf'sseverancetaxproposal."
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(RCentre)
said,"Ifit'sabilliondollars,that
wouldbeanamazingtax,so,look,we'llholdhearingsonallhisproposals,includingthisone,to
seewhattheyactuallyachieve,toseewhetherithelpsorhurtstheeconomyofPennsylvania.
Sen.JayCosta(DAllegheny),SenateMinorityLeader
,issuedthefollowing
statement:TheGovernorhasmadearesponsibleandbalancedproposaltotaxtheshaleindustry
tohelpfundeducation.Theconnectionbetweentheproposedseverancetaxandeducational
investmentsmakessense.Thenewtaxwillprovideresourcesthatwillhelpreversethe
devastatingimpactofthe$1billionineducationcutsmadebytheCorbettadministrationthat
haveplaguedtheeducationcommunity.
Investingineducationandmeetingtheneedsofschools,studentsandtaxpayersrequires
newresources.Usingtheproceedsofareasonabletaxonshaledrillingisapolicyoptionthat
shouldbeexploredindetailbylawmakers.
Pennsylvaniascurrentimpactfeeisinsufficientanddoesnothelpschoolsand
taxpayers.Gov.WolfsproposedPennsylvaniaEducationReinvestmentActisthecorrect,
balancedapproachthatwillgenerateadditionalrevenuesfromtheMarcellusindustry.This
reasonableproposalwillallowPennsylvaniagastobecompetitiveinthemarketandwillnot
overburdentheindustry.
House
HouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed(RIndiana)
issuedthisstatementregarding
Whilethegovernors7.5percentnaturalgasseverancetaxproposalshouldnotsurpriseanyone,
weallneedtoremember,thereisnofreemoney.
Byadding4.7centsforeach1,000cubicfeetontopofthe5percentonthevalueofthe
gas,thegovernoris,inactuality,pushingroughlya7.5percenteffectivetaxrateoneofthe
highestinthenation.Infact,ofthetopnaturalgasproducingstates,onlyTexastaxesatthisrate,
andcomparatively,theydonthaveacorporatetaxlikePennsylvania.
AcomparisontoWestVirginiaisntexactlyfaireither.Theircorporatetaxrateisjust

6.5percent,comparedtoour9.9percentrate.Itsenergyproductionandjobgrowthhasslowed
comparedtoPennsylvaniapossiblyduetothehighertax.Theirunemploymentratestandsat
6.3percent,comparedtoour4.8percent.
Taxingquestionscannotbediscussedinavacuum.Whenthegovernordivulgesthefull
detailsofhisplan,wewillevaluatehispolicyonthemeritsandwillhave,andthepublic
deserves,afullandfairdiscussionofPennsylvaniastaxstructurecomparedwithotherstates.
Unfortunately,thecostofdoingbusinessinPennsylvaniaisoneofthehighestinthe
nation,andwehavebeenworkingtoreducethosecostsandencouragejobcreatorscometo
Pennsylvania.Increasingthosecostsmightnotbethebestmessage.
Thenaturalgasindustryhashelpeddrivethestatesunemploymenttoitslowestratein
nearlysevenyearsandaddedbillionstooureconomicactivity.
Therealquestionbecomeswhatimpactsuchahightaxratewouldhaveonjobcreation
throughoutthestate."
Rep.KateHarper(RMontgomery)
issuedthefollowingstatementinresponsetothe
severancetaxproposalofferedbyGov.TomWolf:
Clearly,howtotaxthenaturalgasindustryandtheMarcellusShaleisadebatewewill
needtohavethisyearintheCapitol.Ihavemyownproposal.
Mybiggestconcernwiththegovernorsplanisthatitdoesnotkeeptheexistingimpact
feeintact,andthatcouldmeanamajorhittothebudgetsofcommunitiesdirectlyimpactedby
drillingandtothemanyvaluablestatewideenvironmentalprogramssupportedbythefee.The
impactfeehassofargeneratedmorethan$630million,andeverycommunityeven
MontgomeryCounty,whichdoesnothaveasinglegaswellisbenefittingfromthesefunds.
Ibelievethegovernorisalsooverestimatinghowmuchmoneyhisproposed5percent
taxwillgenerategivenrecentdropsinproduction.
IhaveintroducedaplanIbelievewillbettermeettheneedsoftheCommonwealthby
leavingtheimpactfeeanditsdistributionscheduleinplace,andthenaddinga3.5percent
severancetax.Myproposalwouldgenerateapproximately$400millionannually,allofwhich
wouldbededicatedtoaddressingthe$32billionunfundedliabilityinthePublicSchool
EmployeesRetirementSystem.Failuretoaddressthisproblemwillleadtoskyrocketing
propertytaxesacrosstheCommonwealthintheverynearfuture.
Thatsaid,Iamcertainlylookingforwardtothedebateandnegotiationonthisissue,
whichIbelieveisvitaltoourCommonwealthsfinancialwellbeing.Thisgrowingindustry
providesuswithanopportunitytohelpthealreadyoverburdenedtaxpayersofthe
Commonwealth,butitisimportanttodoitrightwedonotwanttopushtheindustryoutofour
stateandtheareasthatneedjobgrowththemost.
Rep.Harpersseverancetaxproposal,
HouseBill82
,wasreferredtotheHouse
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeforconsideration.
HouseDemocraticLeaderFrankDermody(DAllegheny)andDemocraticWhip
MikeHanna(DCentre)
saidtheyareencouragedbyGov.TomWolfsEducation
ReinvestmentAct,whichproposestoincreasethemoneyavailableforPennsylvaniaschoolsby
levyingareasonableseverancetaxonnaturalgasproduction.
Thisisgoingtobeakeyissueasweworkonclosingthelargestructuralbudgetdeficit,
Rep.Dermodysaid.Gov.Wolfisfollowingthroughonwhathelaidoutinhiscampaignwitha
proposaltobringPennsylvaniaintolinewithalltheotherstatesthatalreadytaxnaturalgas
production.

Theresultingrevenuewillallowustobeginundoingtheseriousdamagethatwasdone
toeducationduringthelastfouryears.Nodoubttherewillbealotofdebateaboutthis,butthe
governorsplanprovidesaframeworkforthelegislaturetoconsiderinthenextfewmonths.
Henotedthatadditionalstatefundingofeducationwillhelprelievetheupwardpressureon
schoolpropertytaxes.
Rep.Hannaadded:TheWolfplanissomethingconstructivewecanbuildon.The
governorandIagreeweneedtopreservethedollarsthataregoingtoallthemunicipalitiesand
countiesimpactedbydrilling.
Enactingaseverancetaxcomparabletootherstatesalsowillincreasepublicsupportfor
responsiblegasdrillingwhentheindustrybecomesanimportantpartnerinfundingeducation.
Theaddedprotectionfornaturalgasleaseholdersisanotherexcellentcomponentofthe
governorsproposal,Rep.Hannasaid,anditwouldfixamissingelementoftheimpactfee
lawpassedthreeyearsago.

Analysis:WhereIsTheEnvironmentalFundingInGov.WolfsSeveranceTaxProposal?

Gov.Wolfthisweek
proposedanewseverancetax
onnaturalgasproductionwithnomention
yetoffundingforenvironmentalrestorationprograms.
ThisisespeciallyoddsincePennsylvaniaisfacingsignificantenvironmentalcleanup
challengesincluding,butcertainlynotlimitedto:220,000acresofabandonedminelands,with
thefederalAbandonedMineReclamationFeeendingin2021whichfundsthebulkofthiswork,
andeliminating10poundsofnitrogenand212millionpoundsofsedimenttomeetour2017
ChesapeakeBaycleanupmilestonesoverthenext683days.
Theproposalwoulddoawaywith,atleastinpart,althoughthatisntcleareither,the
currentAct13drillingimpactfee.Fundingforlocalcommunities,whichtakes60percentofthe
currentimpactfeerevenue,wouldbepreserved,theproposalsaid,butwithoutanyadditional
details.
EliminatingtheAct13drilling
impactfeesfortheotherprograms
wouldputatleast$76
millioninfundingfortheseenvironmentalprogramsatrisk
$20.5milliontoPennVEST,CommonwealthFinancingAuthorityforwaterandsewer
projects
$16.4milliontoCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityforabandonedminereclamation,
watershedrestoration,waterqualitymonitoring,abandonedoilandgaswellplugging,clean
energyprograms
$12.3millionforGreenways,recreationtrails,openspace,naturalareaspreservation
$8.2milliontotheEnvironmentalStewardship(GrowingGreener)Fundforwatershed
restorationandotherenvironmentalprojects
$7.5millionannuallyforcountyconservationdistricts,StateConservationCommission
$6milliontoDEPforenforcementofcleanwaterandcleanairstatutes(althoughtherewasa
briefmentionofthispossibilityaftertheannouncement)
$4.1milliontoHazardousSitesCleanupFundand
$1milliontotheFishandBoatCommissionforreviewofdrillingpermitapplications.
Alsoatriskisfundingfornaturalgasconversionandsupportprojects,housingfinance
assistance,PennDOTrailfreightgrantsandfundingforthePublicUtilityCommission,PA
EmergencyManagementAgencyandtheOfficeofStateFireCommissioner.

Thelackofenvironmentalrestorationfundingisevenmoreglaringbecausethreeother
naturalgasseverancetaxproposalsannouncedinrecentweeksbybothRepublicansand
Democratsincludedfundingenvironmentalrestorationprograms,likeGrowingGreener.
Aproposal
byRep.KateHarper
(RMontgomery)
HouseBill82
wouldleavethe
currentdrillingimpactfeeinplaceandalongwithitsfundingforenvironmentalprograms.
Anotherproposal
byRep.GeneDiGirolamo
(RBucks)wouldearmarkatleast$56millionfor
environmentalprograms.
Athirdproposal
bySenatorsArtHaywood(DMontgomery)and
VincentJ.Hughes(DPhiladelphia)wouldallocate$100milliontotheEnvironmental
Stewardship(GrowingGreener)Fund.
Withover
$2.4billioninenvironmentalfundingcut
,divertedorusedtobalancethestate
budget,includinghundredsofmillionsofdollarsfromMarcellusShalegasleasesonstateland,
overthelast12years,wipingoutthemodestfundingincreasestoenvironmentalrestoration
programsprovidedbytheAct13drillingimpactfeeswouldpilemorepainonanalreadytragic
situation.
Hopefully,inthecomingweeks,moredetailswillbeavailableonwhetherany
environmentalfundingwillbeincludedintheGovernorsproposal.
Ifisntincluded,Pennsylvaniawillmissyetanotheropportunitytoaddresstheserious
environmentalproblemsfacingtheCommonwealth.
RelatedStories:
CBFPA:SeveranceTaxProposalShouldIncludingFundingForWaterQualityRestoration
GrowingGreenerCoalitionRenewsCaseForEnvironmentalFundingInSeveranceTax
WITFSmartTalk:IsPennsylvaniaGrowingGreener?
Analysis:PAIsntCleaningUpItsAbandonedMines,StreamsFastEnough

3OtherSeveranceTaxProposalsProvideFundingForEnvironmentalRestoration

ThreeothernaturalgasseverancetaxproposalsannouncedinrecentweeksbybothRepublicans
andDemocratsincludedfundingenvironmentalrestorationprograms,likeGrowingGreener,
makingtheomissionofenvironmentalfundingfromGov.WolfsproposalWednesdayallthe
moreglaring.
Rep.GeneDiGirolamo(RBucks)
February4heldapressconferencetodiscuss
legislationtoimposeadrillingtax
withintheMarcellusShaleanddistributethoseproceedsto
statewideinitiatives.
Inkeepingwithpoliciesinotherstateswithlargenaturalgasreserves,Rep.DiGirolamo's
proposalcallsfora3.2percentdrillingtax,whilealsokeepingtheimpactfeecreatedbyAct13
tohelpcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbydrilling.
Revenuewouldbedistributedtothefollowingpriorities:basiceducation,40percent
pensionobligations,35percenthumanservices,15percentandenvironmentalprograms,10
percent
BasicEducation$226million
Pensions$197million
HumanServices$85million
Environmentalprograms$56million
Rep.KateHarper(RMontgomery)
announcedDecember18sheisintroducing
House
Bill82
toplaceaseverancetaxonnaturalgasdrillingintheCommonwealth.

Thetaxratewouldbecompetitivewithnearbyshaledrillingstates,andtherevenueit
generateswouldbedirectedtopublicschoolemployeepensioncosts.ThePublicSchool
EmployeesRetirementSystemcurrentlyhasanunfundedliabilitythatexceeds$32billion.
Asthisindustrycontinuestogrow,wehaveanopportunitytogeneratemuchneeded
revenuetomeettheongoingeconomicchallengesfacingourstate,Rep.Harpersaid.My
proposalstrikestheappropriatebalancebetweenkeepingthisjobcreatingindustrycompetitive
andcapitalizingontheopportunitytoprotectourschooltaxpayersfromskyrocketingpension
costs.
ThetaxwouldbeinadditiontoimpactfeesassessedondrillingunderAct13of2012.
Thosefeesareusedtoaddressinfrastructureandotherimpactsincommunitieswheredrilling
takesplace,andtocontributetoseveralstatewideenvironmentalprograms.Sofar,theimpactfee
hasgeneratedmorethan$630million.
Theimpactfeehasbeenveryeffectiveinmeetingtheneedsofdrillingcommunitiesand
theCommonwealthsenvironmentoverall,andmyplanwouldnotchangeonethingaboutthe
collectionordistributionofthesefunds,Rep.Harpersaid.
Rep.Harpersproposalwouldassessataxof3.5percentofthegrossvalueofunits
severedatthewellhead.Itisestimatedthetaxwouldgeneratemorethan$400millionannually.
SenatorsArtHaywood(DMontgomery)andVincentJ.Hughes(DPhiladelphia)
February5
announcedlegislation
toimposean8percenttaxonMarcellusShalegasalongwith
the1.9percentimpactfee.
JoinedbySen.LarryFarnese(DPhiladelphia),HaywoodandHughessaidmostofthe
revenue,whichcouldreachnearly$2billionayearwithinafewyears,willgotowardpublic
education,theunderfundedpensionliabilityandenvironmentalprotection.
Sen.Hughes,MinorityChairoftheSenateAppropriationsChairman,saidthebillcould
generatemorethan$1billionfornextyearsbudget.
Fromtherevenueraisedintheproposal:
$100milliondollarswouldgototheGrowingGreenerProgram
60percentofthemoneywouldgotofundPublicSchoolsand
40percentwouldgotowardsreducingtheunfundedpensionliability.

PAEnvironmentDigestGoogle+Circle,Blogs,TwitterFeeds

PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour
Google+pageandsearchfor
DHess@CrisciAssociates.com
,theemailfortheDigestEditor
DavidHess,andletusjoinyourCircle.
Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,
Weekly,Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource.
YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,daily
NewsClipsandlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos.

Alsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfrom
CrisciAssociates

PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed
:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.

PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:
providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
andannouncementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupand
receiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupfora
oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
NEW!
Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.

PACapitolDigestDailyBlog
togetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
includingNewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveasthey
arepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedaily
emailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.

PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed
:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethe
PACapitolDigest
Twitter
feedtogetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaState
Capitol.

GovernorsSchedule

Gov.TomWolf'sworkcalendarwillbepostedeachFridayandhispublicschedulefortheday
willbepostedeachmorning.
ClickHere
toviewGov.WolfsWeeklyCalendarandPublic
Appearances.

Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule
(
Updated
)
/BillsIntroduced

HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestas
wellasalistofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

BillCalendars

House(February23):
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseBillCalendar.

Senate(February17):
<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateBillCalendar.

CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek

House:
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.

Senate:
the
AppropriationsCommittee
meetstoconsider
SenateBill279
(HutchinsonR
Venango)creatingthePAGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncilwithinDEP(
sponsor
summary
)the
AgricultureandRuralAffairsCommittee
meetstoconsider
SenateBill201
(SchwankDBerks)allowingthethelocationofagriculturerelatedbusinessonpreserved
farmland(
sponsorsummary
)the
TransportationCommittee
meetstoconsider
SenateBill385
(PileggiRDelaware)creatingaTransitRevitalizationInvestmentDistrict(
sponsorsummary
)
AgricultureandRuralAffairsCommittee
meetstoconsider
SenateBill201
(SchwankD
Berks)allowingthethelocationofagriculturerelatedbusinessonpreservedfarmland(
sponsor
summary
).<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.


BillsPendingInKeyCommittees

HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingin
each

House
Appropriations
Education
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerAffairs
GamingOversight
HumanServices
Judiciary
LiquorControl
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees

Senate
Appropriations
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment
Education
Judiciary
LawandJustice
PublicHealthandWelfare
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees

BillsIntroduced

Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek

RemovingEthanolFuelBlending:

HouseBill471
(MarshallRBeaver)removingthestate
ethanolfuelblendingrequirement(
sponsorsummary
).

StreamClearanceBill:
SenateBill444
(BrooksRCrawford)allowingstreamclearingwithout
apermit(
sponsorsummary
).

SessionSchedule
(
Updated
)

HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse

Senate


February17,18,23,24,25
March2,3,4
April13,14,15,20,21,22
May4,5,6,11,12,13
June1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,29,30

House
(Updated)

February23,24,25,
26,27
March2,3,4,30,31
April1,13,14,15,20,21,22
May4,5,6,11,12,13
June1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

Senate/HouseBillsMoving

ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate

House

WindGenerationOnPreservedFarms:
HouseBill188
(SonneyRErie)allowingforwind
powergenerationsystemsonpreservedfarmland(
sponsorsummary
)wasreportedfromthe
HouseAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommitteeandTabled.

NewsFromTheCapitol

HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeHearsPUCPriorities

The
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
heldaninformationalmeetingTuesdayonthe
legislativeandotherprioritiesofthePublicUtilityCommissionthissession.
RobertF.Powelson
,ChairoftheCommission,saidtheirnumberonelegislativepriority
isupdatingthebudgetcapimposedontheCommission.
PUCoperatingexpenseshaveincreased,duetocontractualsalaryincreases,therising
costofhealthcarebenefitsandpensioncosts,andtheCommission'stakingonofdutiesnot
relatedtotheregulationoftraditionalutilities,saidPowelson.Thecombinedresultofthese
forcesisasqueezeontheCommission'sbudgetthatrequiresafurtherlegislativeamendmentand
modernizationofthebudgetcapinSection510oftheCode.
OtherlegislativeprioritiesincludetransferofthePAOneCallauthoritytothePUC,
legislationtoregulatenewtransportationserviceslikeUberandLyftandexpandPUCauthority
toorderatakeoveroftroubledutilities.
PowelsonalsolistedanumberofIssuesofPrimaryImportancetothePUC.Among
themwere
Adoptingnewcustomerprotectionsintheretailelectricitymarket
Doingmoretoencouragecompetitioninthenaturalgasretailmarket

Replacementofagingutilityinfrastructureand
ImplementationofEPAsCleanPowerRuletoreduceclimateemissions.
Alsoprovidingcommentsatthehearingwere
TanyaMcClosky
,ActingConsumer
Advocate,and
JohnEvans
,SmallBusinessAdvocate.
The
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
hasasimilarinformationalmeetingsetfor
March31tohearpresentationsfromtheelectricandnaturalgasindustriesonpriorities.
TheCommitteealsomeetsonFebruary25toconsider
HouseBill57
(PayneRDauphin)
relatingtoimprovingnaturalgasretailcompetitionbyprovidingamorefrequentmechanismfor
truingupnaturalgascosts(
sponsorsummary
)inRoom39EastWingCapitolBuildingstarting
at9:00a.m.
Rep.RobertGodshall(RMontgomery)servesasMajorityChairandRep.PeterDaley
(DWashington)servesasMinorityChair.

PATroutUnlimitedPresentationToJointConservationCommitteeMarch2

BrianWagner,Presidentofthe
PACouncilofTroutUnlimited
,willbethefeaturedpresenterat
theMarch2EnvironmentalIssuesForumhostedbythe
JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollution
ControlandConservationCommittee
inHarrisburg.
Wagner,andKathyDunlap,
EasternWatersProjectDirector
,willdiscussthehistory,
conservationeffortsandpublicoutreachofTroutUnlimitedintheCommonwealth.
TheForumwillbeheldinRoom8EAEastWingoftheCapitolstartingatnoon.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheJointCommittee.

NewsFromAroundTheState

ColdwaterHeritagePartnershipAnnounces2015GrantAwards

The
ColdwaterHeritagePartnership
Tuesdayannouncedover$58,000ingrantshavebeen
awardedtolocalorganizationstoprotectandconservePennsylvaniascoldwaterstreams.
Thepurposeoftheprogramistoprovideleadership,coordination,technicalassistance,
andfundingsupportfortheconservationandprotectionofPennsylvaniascoldwaterstreams.
Theprogramawardsplanningandimplementationgrantstoconservationorganizationsinan
efforttoprotectandconservePennsylvaniascoldwaterresources.
Theplanninggrantisawardedtoorganizationstocreateacoldwaterconservationplan
thatevaluatesthebiological,physical,andchemicalfeaturesofthestreamorwatershedto
identifypotentialthreats,impacts,andopportunitiesandcompilerecommendationsforfuture
protection.
Theimplementationgrantisawardedtoorganizationstocompleteprojectslistedas
recommendationsinColdwaterConservationPlansorsimilardocuments.Potentialprojectsmust
conserve,protect,orenhancetheresources.
Grantshavebeenawardedtothefollowingorganizations:
NaturalLandsTrust,Inc.:
$5000tocreateacollaborativeandcomprehensiveplaninan
efforttounderstandandprotectShadeCreek,LuzerneCounty.
WesternPennsylvaniaConservancy:
$4,300todevelopaColdwaterConservationPlanfor
theEastBranchTionestaCreek,McKeanCountytoaidregulatoryagencies,localresidents,and

conservationgroupsinamoreinformedmannerinthemanagementoftheresource.
SusquehannaChapterofTroutUnlimited:
$5,000todevelopacomprehensiveColdwater
ConservationPlanfortheRockRunwatershed,LycomingCountythatmaybeusedtosecure
additionalfundingfortherestorationprojectstoenhancethenativebrooktroutfishery.
EasternPennsylvaniaCoalitionofAbandonedMineReclamation:
$5,000tocompletean
assessmentofnaturaltroutpopulationsandpotentialAMDandAMLimpactstotheLaurelRun,
LuzerneCounty,atributaryintheMillCreekwatershed.
HeritageConservancy:
$6,923toimprovethehabitatqualityandstreambufferalongthe
CooksCreek,BucksCounty.
TroutUnlimited,EasternAbandonedMineProgram:
$4,000tostabilize500600ftof
erodingstreambankandenhancehabitatthroughtheplacementofmultiplePFBCapproved
habitatstructuresontheChaseEstatepropertyinthePottsRunWatershed,ClearfieldCounty.
WildlandsConservancy:
$7,000toimplementstreamrestorationrecommendationsalong
highpriorityreachesinCoplayCreek,LehighCounty.
MonocacyChapterofTroutUnlimited:
$7,000torestoretheMonocacyCreek,
NorthamptonCountythroughdamremovalasrecommendedintheMonocacyCreek
ManagementPlan.
LackawannaValleyChapterofTroutUnlimited:
$7,000tocompleteinstreamhabitat,
shadetreeplantings,bankstabilization,riparianbufferimprovementandknotweederadication
ontheLackawannaRiver,LackawannaCounty.
PennsValleyConservationAssociation:
$7,000tocomplete20fishhabitatandstreambank
stabilizationstructures,andestablisha2.5acreforestedbufferof400nativetreesandshrubsin
MuddyCreek,CentreCounty,atributarytoPennsCreek.
TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershipisacollaborativeeffortbetweentheDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResources,
FoundationforPennsylvaniaWatersheds
,FishandBoat
Commissionand
PACouncilofTroutUnlimited
.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
ColdwaterHeritagePartnership
website.

EPA,DEPProposedAgreementToResolveSomeHarrisburgCleanWaterActViolations

TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyHarrisburgWednesdayannouncedaproposedpartial
settlementwithcoplaintiffDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheCityofHarrisburg
and
CapitalRegionWater
toresolveallegedCleanWaterActviolationsinvolvingsewer
overflowsanddischargesofpollutedstormwatertotheSusquehannaRiverandPaxtonCreek.
Theagreementwillhelpprotectpeopleshealth,thetwoimpactedwaterways,andultimatelythe
ChesapeakeBay.
Undertheproposedagreement,CapitalRegionWaterwilltakemajorstepstoimprove
theoperationandmaintenanceofHarrisburgswastewaterandstormwatercollectionsystems,
includingconstructionupgradesatitswastewatertreatmentplant.Theupgradeswillsignificantly
reducedischargesofnitrogenpollutionfromtheplant,whichiscurrentlythelargestpointsource
ofnitrogenpollutiontotheSusquehannaRiver.
Inaddition,CapitalRegionWaterwillconductacomprehensiveassessmentofexisting
conditionswithinitscombinedsewersystemanddevelopalongtermcontrolplantocurtail
combinedseweroverflows.
Theworkunderthepartialsettlementisestimatedtocost$82millionandbecompleted

withinaperiodofaboutfiveyears.OncealongtermcontrolplanisapprovedbyEPA,thecourt
agreementwillneedtobemodified,oranewonewillneedtobeputinplacetoinclude
implementationoftheplan.
ThissettlementreflectsEPAscommitmenttoanintegratedapproachfortackling
multiplesewerandstormwateroverflowproblems,andhelpingPennsylvaniameetthenitrogen
andphosphorusreductiongoalsforimprovingitslocalwatersandrestoringahealthy
ChesapeakeBay,saidEPARegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvin.Thisphasedapproach
forcontrollingcombinedseweroverflowsovertimeincludessomeearlyactionprojectsto
reducepollutionnow,whileconductingfurtherassessmentandplanningforlongterm
solutions.
CapitalRegionWaterissuedthisstatementontheproposedsettlement,The
announcementtodaybyEPAfollowsmonthsofproductivenegotiationsbetweenCapitalRegion
Water,EPA,DOJ,andPADEPtomakeimprovementsthatwillbenefitthehealthofourlocal
waterwaysandourcommunityinafiscallyresponsiblemanner.OurBoardapprovedthispartial
consentdecreelastDecemberandmanyoftheprojectsoutlinedintheagreementareunderway.
AsthestewardoftheHarrisburgcommunityswatersystems,weencourageallofour
customerstoreadtheagreement,providecommentstoEPAduringtheir30daypubliccomment
period,andcontactuswithanyquestionsorconcerns.
Thesettlement,filedsimultaneouslywiththecomplaintinfederalcourtinHarrisburgby
theU.S.DepartmentofJusticeonbehalfofEPAandDEP,addressesproblemswithHarrisburgs
combinedsewersystem,whichduringraineventsanddryweather,frequentlydischargesraw
sewage,industrialwasteandpollutedstormwaterintoPaxtonCreekandtheSusquehannaRiver,
whicharepartoftheChesapeakeBayWatershed.
ThesettlementdoesnotimposecivilpenaltiesagainsttheCityduetoHarrisburgs
currentfinancialsituation.
KeepingrawsewageandcontaminatedstormwateroutofthewatersoftheUnitedStates
isoneofEPAsNationalEnforcementInitiatives.EPAisworkingtoreducedischargesfrom
seweroverflowsbyobtainingcommitmentsfromcitiestoimplementtimely,affordable
solutions.
Theproposedsettlementissubjecttoa30daycommentperiodandcourtapprovalafterit
ispublishedinthefederalregister.Thesettlementagreement
willbeavailableonline
.
NewsClips:
Greenvs.GraySolutionsAtAlcosanMakingNoOneHappy
CampMichauxProjectsPreservesHistory,ProtectsBrookTrout
AgreementReachedInLawsuitOverFirstEnergyDisposalImpoundment
CapitalRegionWaterHearingOnLandSale
JacobsCreekWatershedAssn.NamesNewExecutiveDirector

CBFPA:VenangoCountyCommissionersAdoptCleanWaterCounts!Resolution

The
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA
TuesdayapplaudedtheVenangoCountyCommissioners
foradoptinga
CleanWaterCounts!
resolution,callingonstateofficialstomakecleanwatera
toppriorityfortheKeystoneState.
Sincelaunchingthisinitiative,Berks,Luzerne,Westmoreland,Wyoming,York,
Northumberland,Schuylkill,Fayette,Cumberland,Washington,Erie,Greene,Jefferson,and

nowVenangocountieshavealljoinedtheeffortandhavepassedresolutions.
Healthyfamilies,strongcommunities,andathrivingPennsylvaniaeconomydependon
cleanwater,saidHarryCampbell,CBFsPennsylvaniaExecutiveDirector.Weapplaudand
thanktheVenangoCountyCommissionersforpubliclyvoicingtheirsupportforcleanwaterin
theKeystoneState.
CBFembarkedontheCleanWaterCountscampaigninresponsetothePennsylvania
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsmostrecentstatewidesurfacewatersassessment.The
resultsshowthatofthe86,000milesofwaterwaysflowingthroughtheCommonwealth,nearly
20,000milesarepolluted.DEPalsoreportedthatthetoppollutionsourcesareagriculturaland
urban/suburbanrunoff,andabandonedminedrainage.
AccordingtoDEP,1,233milesofwaterwaysflowthroughVenangoCounty,but
unfortunatelymorethan250ofthosemilesarepolluted.Theleadingcauseofpollutionis
abandonedminedrainage,polluting119milesofriversandstreams.
Throughpubliceducationandengagement,CBFishopingtoincreaseawarenessofwater
pollutionissues,likethoseinVenangoCountyandelsewhereintheKeystoneState.Thegoalis
tourgestateofficialstomakecleanwaterapriorityandcommittheneededfundingand
programstoensurethatthewatersthatwerelyonfordrinkingandhouseholduses,recreation,
andtogrowourfoodallmeetcleanwaterstandards.
Inadditiontocallingonlocalofficialstopassresolutions,CBFisaskingresidentsto
showtheirsupportbysigningtheCleanWaterCountsonlinepetition.Ittakesonlyafew
minutes,butsignatureswillgoalongwaytowarddemonstratingtheimportanceofcleanwater
toourelectedofficials.
Tolearnmoreaboutthecampaign,visitthe
CleanWaterCounts!
webpage.
NewsClips:
Greenvs.GraySolutionsAtAlcosanMakingNoOneHappy
CampMichauxProjectsPreservesHistory,ProtectsBrookTrout
AgreementReachedInLawsuitOverFirstEnergyDisposalImpoundment
CapitalRegionWaterHearingOnLandSale
JacobsCreekWatershedAssn.NamesNewExecutiveDirector

InteractiveWebsiteHighlightsPioneeringApproachToWatershedRestoration

Franklin&MarshallCollege
andmultiplepartnerswhocollaboratedtodevelopandtestanew
approachtoawetlandecosystemrestorationatBigSpringRun(BSR)inLancasterCountyare
pleasedtoannouncethelaunchofthe
BSRProjectwebsite
.
TheBSRProjectwebsiteconsolidatesmorethanadecadeofresearchandmonitoringof
apioneeringapproachtoecosystemrestorationwithintheChesapeakeBaywatershed,withthe
researchleadbyFranklin&MarshallCollegeandtherestorationdesignandimplementationby
LandStudiesInc
.fromLititz,Pennsylvania.
TheBSRProjectwebsiteprovidesavirtualexperienceofboththerestorationworkand
approximately10yearsofresearchthatlaidthefoundationforthedevelopmentofanew
restorationtechniqueaimedatrestoringcriticalwetlandecosystemfunctionsandservices.T
hewebsiteisintendedtoserveastoolforcommunicatinginformationthatisvitalto
mitigatingthedownstreamflowofexcesssedimentandnutrientstotheChesapeakeBay.The
audienceforthisinformationrangesfromresearchscientistsandstudentstopolicymakersand

restorationprofessionals.
Thewebsitefeaturesthreemainsections:Restoration,Research,andMediaGallery.
NavigatingthroughtheRestorationsection,userscangainasenseforthemotivationbehindthe
restorationapproachbynavigatingthroughavarietyofstoryboardstyleinteractivedisplays.
TheResearchsectionallowsuserstodownloadpublicationsbyBSRproject
collaborators,accessrawdata,andlinktorealtimemonitoringoftherestorationsite.TheMedia
Galleryisarichvisuallibraryfeaturingvideos,photos,interactivevisualizationsandpodcasts.
TheBSRProjectoutreachteamhasdevelopedanextensiveplanofoutreachin
coordinationwiththegroupofinstitutionsandagenciesinvolvedintheProject.Theplan
utilizespreexistingsocialmediaplatformsincludingTwitter,FacebookandYoutube.
TheBSRProjectoutreachteamincludesfaculty,staffandstudentsinFranklin&
MarshallColleges
DepartmentofEarthandEnvironment
.Membersoftheteamhavereceived
nationalrecognitionfortheirworkinthefieldsofgeologyandenvironmentalscience.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
BSRProjectwebsite
.
NewsClips:
Greenvs.GraySolutionsAtAlcosanMakingNoOneHappy
CampMichauxProjectsPreservesHistory,ProtectsBrookTrout
AgreementReachedInLawsuitOverFirstEnergyDisposalImpoundment
CapitalRegionWaterHearingOnLandSale
JacobsCreekWatershedAssn.NamesNewExecutiveDirector

PAMustMeet2017StreamCleanupMilestoneIn683Days

Pennsylvaniahas683daystoputthebestmanagementpracticesonthegroundneededto
eliminate10millionpoundsofnitrogenand212millionpoundsofsedimentfromgoingintoour
riversandstreamstomeetthe2017ChesapeakeBaycleanupmilestones.
SimplemathshowsPennsylvaniawillnothaveachancetomeetthosemilestoneswith
thecurrentlevelofefforttoimprovewaterquality.
LastJune,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyreportedPennsylvaniaexceededits
2013ChesapeakeBaycleanup
milestoneforphosphorusby242,000pounds,butfellshortin
meetingthenitrogengoalby2millionpoundsandsedimentreductionmilestonebynearly116
millionpounds.
IfPennsylvaniadoesnotmeetthe2017milestones,EPAhastheauthoritytoimpose
additionalreductionrequirementsdirectlyonwastewatertreatmentplantsandsetadditional
controlsonfarmlandandstormwaterrunoff.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
ChesapeakeBayCleanWaterBlueprint
webpage.
NewsClips:
Greenvs.GraySolutionsAtAlcosanMakingNoOneHappy
CampMichauxProjectsPreservesHistory,ProtectsBrookTrout
AgreementReachedInLawsuitOverFirstEnergyDisposalImpoundment
CapitalRegionWaterHearingOnLandSale
JacobsCreekWatershedAssn.NamesNewExecutiveDirector

DEPInvitesCommentsOnProposedTMDLForWatershedInArmstrong,Indiana

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedanoticeinvitingcommentsona
proposedTMDL(TotalMaximumDailyLoad)watershedplanforCrookedCreekWatershedin
ArmstrongandIndianacounties(
PABulletin,page830
).AcopyoftheTMDLisavailableon
DEPsTMDLwebpage
.

SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionMeetsMarch5OnBudget,Projects

The
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
isscheduledtomeetonMarch5attheHershey
Lodge,325UniversityDrive,Hershey,startingat9:00a.m.
Theagendaforthemeetingincludes:(1)informationalpresentationofinteresttothe
LowerSusquehannaSubbasinarea(2)revisionofFiscalYear2016budget(3)
ratification/approvalofcontracts/grants(4)resolutiontoencouragetheuseofdrycooling
technologyforpowergenerationandotherfacilitiesfortheconservationofthewatersofthe
SusquehannaRiverBasin(5)noticeforFourSeasonsGolfCourseprojectsponsortoappearand
showcausebeforetheCommission(6)regulatorycompliancematterforCabotOil&Gas
Corporationand(7)RegulatoryProgramprojects.
Formoreinformation,visitSRBCs
PublicParticipationCenter
webpage.
NewsClip:

CabotToPay$50KForViolatingSRBCWaterRegulations

CreekInCrisisMeetingToAddressProblemsInWissahickonWatershedMay13

ApanelofregionalexpertswilladdressthemanyissuesrelatingtotheWissahickonwatershed
inMontgomeryandPhiladelphiacountiesonMay13,andwilloffertangiblewaysfor
communitymemberstoengageinprotectingthe64squaremilearea.
HostedbyFriendsoftheWissahickonandthe
WissahickonValleyWatershed
Association
,themeeting,
ACreekinCrisis:TimeforAction
,willtakeplaceonMay13from
6p.m.to8p.m.attheArtsCenterTheateratGermantownAcademyinFortWashingtonandis
opentothepublic.At5:30,lightrefreshmentswillbeserved.Localorganizationsandbusinesses
willalsobeexhibitingbeforethemeeting.
Thisisafollowuptoa2012townhallmeetingwhichbeganaregionalconversation
aboutthecurrentconditionsintheWissahickonCreekwithrespecttoflooding,waterchemistry
andbiologyandtherelationshipsbetweenlanduseandwatershedhealth.
ThepanelwillincludeMikeHelbing,astaffattorneywithPennFutureJeffrey
Featherstone,directorofthe
CenterforSustainableCommunities
andprofessorinthe
DepartmentofCommunityandRegionalPlanning(CRP)atTempleUniversityChrisCrockett,
deputycommissionerofplanningandenvironmentalservicesatthePhiladelphiaWater
Department.TheprogramwillbemoderatedbyPatrickStarr,executivevicepresidentof
PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil
.
BybringingcitizenstogethertolearnmoreabouttheWissahickonanditsimportanceto
theregion,wehopetoraiseawarenessaboutthecreekasavaluableresource,saidMaura
McCarthy,executivedirectorofFriendsoftheWissahickon.
Whenyoueducatemunicipalitiesandcitizensalikeontheissuesfacingthewater
qualityoftheWissahickonCreekandgeteveryoneonthesamepage,allofourcollective
actionscanmakeapositiveimpactandmovetheneedleonimprovingwaterquality,said
DennisMiranda,executivedirectoroftheWissahickonValleyWatershedAssociation.

Moreinformationonregistrationwillbepostedonthe
FriendsoftheWissahickon
website.

BrodheadWatershedAssociationSeeksVolunteersToHelpMonitorStreamQuality

The
BrodheadWatershedAssociation
inMonroeCountyislookingforvolunteerstohelpprotect
thepristinewatersinthePoconosbybecomingtrained
Streamwatchers
.
TheBWAisholdingtwoupcomingStreamwatchTrainingsessionswherethepubliccan
learnhowmonitorstreamqualityandreportfindingsbacktotheBWA.
ThevolunteerStreamwatchProgramisBWAsfirstandlongestrunningprogram,
enlistingthehelpofover50volunteersfromthecommunity.
ThoseinterestedinbecomingavolunteerStreamwatchermustcompleteatraining
sessiononeitherMarch19,from78:30p.m.orMarch21from10a.m.12p.m.Thetrainings
willbeheldatStPaul'sUnitedChurchinSwiftwater,PAandwillbeledbyBWAmembers
TomSalmonandEllenDavis.
VolunteerStreamwatcherstakeamonthlysnapshotofthestreamdesignatedtothem.
Theycheckwaterlevels,waterandairtemperature,pHvalue,thephysicalconditionofstreams
andbanks,plusnitrateandphosphatelevels.Streamsidetimeisapproximately10minutes
athometestingisapproximatelyahalfhourpersite.
StreamsincludetheCherry,Paradise,McMichaels,UpperandLowerBrodhead,Pocono,
andMarshallsCreek,plustheirmanytributariesthatcollectivelymakeuptheBrodhead
watershed.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontactthe
BrodheadWatershedAssociation
at
5708391120orbyemailto:
info@brodheadwatershed.org
.

PreventingDriveway,LaneWashoutsWorkshopMarch10,12InWestmoreland

Meltingsnow,heavyspringrainsandfloodingcanwashoutunpaveddriveways,farmlanes,and
accessroads.
Tohelpsolvethisproblem,the
WestmorelandConservationDistrict
willhostaworkshop
called
AftertheStorms:HowtoRepairandMaintainGravelDrivewaysandUnpavedLanes
.
Theworkshopwillshowparticipantshowtomakecosteffectiverepairsandpreventrepeat
problemsinthefuture,savingbothtimeandmoney.
Theexactsameworkshopwillbeofferedontwodifferentdaysattwodifferentlocations.
Thepublicisinvitedandparticipantsneedtoattendonlyoneworkshoptoobtainallthe
information.
Thesameworkshopwillbeoffered:
March10
from7:00p.m.to8:00p.m.attheLoyalhannaWatershedAssociation,110Andi
Lane,Ligonier.
March12
from7:00p.m.to8:00p.m.attheAlleghenyTownshipCommunityBuilding,136
CommunityBuildingRoad,Leechburg.
AccordingtoRobCronauer,watershedspecialistfortheWestmorelandConservation
Districtandfacilitatoroftheworkshop,quickfixesmightseemtowork,butactuallywillcost
moremoneyinthelongrun.
Thisworkshopwillshowhowmanagingwaterbeforeitgetstothelaneordrivewaywill

reducemaintenance,improvedrivingsurface,savemoney,andhelptheenvironment.
HerbGundy,aparticipantwhoattendedtheworkshoplastyear,hassinceinstalledsome
ofthepracticeshelearnedabout.Hesaysthatoneofthemconveyorbeltdiversionshave
decreasedtheerosiveeffectsofstormwateronseveralaccessroadsonmyproperty.Theywork!
Costtoattendtheconferenceis$5perperson.RegistrationdeadlineisMarch6.Goto
the
WestmorelandConservationDistrict
websitetoregisterandpayonlineortodownloada
registrationflyerthatcanbemailedinwithpayment.

MakeYourYardASustainableLandscapeWorkshopMarch8InDelawareCounty

The
ChesterRidleyCrumWatershedsAssociation
,PennStateUniversityBrandywine,and
CRCsmunicipalstormwaterpartnershipwillholdalectureonMarch8atPenn
StateBrandywineinMedia,DelawareCounty.
SustainableLandscapeManagementforLandownerswillbepresentedbyJennifer
Nichols,PresidentofGreenWeaverLandscapesLLC,at2:00p.m.inthecampusTomezsko
Buildingauditorium,25YearsleyMillRoad,Media.
Theprogramisfreeandopentothepublicbutadvanceregistrationisrecommendeddue
tolimitedseating.
JenniferNicholshasbeeninvolvedinhorticultureforover20years,includingservingas
PresidentofGreenWeaversince2008.SheholdsaCertificateofMeritinOrnamentalPlantsand
aCertificateofMeritinLandscapeDesignfromLongwoodGardensandisactiveinContinuing
Educationinecologyandlandscapedesign.
Hertalkwillcoverhowsoilandplantmanagementaffectswaterqualityandbest
practicesfordesigningandmaintainingyourlandscape.
Attendeesareencouraged
toregisteronlin
eorbycontactingtheCRCofficeat
6103591440orbysendingemailto:
info@crcwatersheds.org
toreserveaspot.

SlipperyRockWatershedCoalitionFeb.CatalystNewsletterNowAvailable

The
SlipperyRockWatershedCoalitions

FebruaryCatalystnewsletter
isnowavailable
featuringarticlesonwatershedprotectioneffortsinButlerandsurroundingcounties
DataLoggersFullyUnderwayInTheWatershed
ContributionsOfSRWCSoilScientistDr.ValentinKefeli
UpcomingAnnualCherryPikeHikeOnFeb.23
NaturalGatherings:AYearLongProjectWithJenningsAndEMJC
TheKidsCatalyst:NaturalResourcesWordSearch

ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.

CelebrateEarthDayAtClearWaterConservancysWatershedCleanupApril25

OnApril25thfrom8:00a.m.to12:00p.m.atsites
throughoutCentreCounty,
ClearWaterConservancy
willhostitsannualWatershedCleanupDay.
Overthepast18years,WatershedCleanup
Dayvolunteershaveproperlydisposedof5.82million

poundsofillegallydumpedtrashfoundthroughoutthewatershedsofcentralPennsylvania.
Throughapartnershipwith
CentreCountyRecycling&RefuseAuthority
,anarmyof
citizenvolunteersandthegenerosityoflocalcontractors,heavyequipmentoperators,businesses,
municipalities,CentreRegionParksandRecreationandtheMS4partners,WatershedCleanup
Daycontinuestogroweveryyear.
Apileoftrashisnotanattractivesight,buttrashcandoworsethanspoilthenatural
beautyofourarea.Pollutantsleachingfromtrashcanenterdrinkingwater.Garbagecanalso
causeinjuries,harmwildlife,anditsremovalcanusetaxdollarsthatcouldbeputtootheruses.
Removingtrashfromourwatershedsnotonlymakesitmorebeautiful,butkeepsthesurrounding
communityhealthy.
WatershedCleanupDayhasenjoyedsuchsuccesslargelybecauseofthepeopleand
organizationswhocontinuetodonatetheirtime,equipment,labor,andfundingsupportyearafter
year.
(Photo:Enthusiasticvolunteersfromthe2014BrowniesfromTroop1253.)
Wehopethatoneyeartherewillnolongerbeanylitterpollutingourenvironment,and
thereforenothingforourvolunteerstocleanup,saidLoriDavis,WaterResourcesCoordinator
ofClearWaterConservancy.However,untilthenwewillcontinuetodoourbesttovisibly
improvethelandscapesofcentralPennsylvaniawhileprotectingitswaterresources.
Donationsofequipmentormoneyaregreatlyappreciatedandbringusonestepcloserto
removingthistypeofunsightlynonpointsourcepollutionfromcentralPennsylvaniaslandscape
andwaterways.TodonatecontactLoriDavis.
Tovolunteer,asimpleonepageformcanbefilledoutat
Clearwaterswebsite
orcontact
LoriDavis,at8142370400.

KeepPABeautifulRecognizesOutstandingVolunteersFor2014

Eachyear,
KeepPABeautiful
awardsthePresidentsAwardtoavolunteerwhohas
demonstratedasustainedcommitmentandexceptionalcontributionsonbehalfofKeepPA
Beautifultomakeourcommunitiescleanandbeautiful.In2014,DaleFrazierfromBucks
Countywasrecognizedforthedistinction.
DaleFrazier,Founderof
GreenbeltOverhaulAllianceofLevittown
(G.O.A.L),hasbeen
instrumentalincoordinatingallaspectsofillegaldumpcleanups,littercleanups,plantings,
invasivespeciesremovalandeducationalinitiativesinandaroundthelowerBucksCounty
region.
DalefirstbroughthisideasforG.O.A.LtoaKeepPABeautifulcleanupeventatBristol
Marchin2009.
Sincethen,KeepPABeautifulhaspartneredwithG.O.A.Loneightcleanupprojects
withinLowerBucksCountyhelpingtoremoveandproperlydisposeof47,580poundsoftrash
and1,041tires.G.O.A.LhasalsotakentheBucksCountyIllegalDumpSurveycompletedin
2011andcleaned18ofthoseillegaldumpsites.
Inaddition,KeepPABeautifulprovidesanopportunityfortheirstatewideaffiliatesto
recognizetheoutstandingeffortsoftheirlocalvolunteers.Thesevolunteerswerepresentedwith
acertificateofappreciationasatributetotheireffortstokeepPennsylvaniabeautiful.
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifuls
2014AffiliateVolunteersoftheYear
include:
KeepBucksCountyBeautiful

DaleFrazier
,founderofGreenbeltOverhaulAllianceof
Levittown(G.O.A.L),forhiseffortstocoordinateillegaldumpcleanups,plantings,invasive

speciesremovalandeducationalinitiativesinandaroundthelowerBucksCountyregion
KeepHuntingdonCountyBeautiful

AndyPatterson
,foundingmemberoftheaffiliate
andHuntingdonCountyConservationDistrictManager,forhissupportoftheaffiliateasa
programoftheDistrictinadditiontophysicallyhelpingtomovethousandsoftiresandtonsof
trashfromthehillsidesofHuntingdonCounty
PACleanWaysofMifflinCounty

BrysonWagner
,memberoftheGranvilleVolunteer
FireCompanyRiverRescueSquadandtheLewistownElksClub,forraisingawarenessofand
participatinginlocalcleanupsoftheJuniataRiverand
KeepPerryCountyBeautifulLaurenChubb
,ScienceandEcologyteacher,and
EnvironmentalClubadvisoratNewportHighSchool,foreducatingaboutandengagingstudents
incommunitycleanupsandspecialcollections.
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulbelievesthatbyengagingvolunteers,weextendthereach
ofoureducationaleffortsandmultiplytheimpactofouractions.Thesecommunityvolunteers
exemplifythemeaningofcommunitystewardship.Theyserveasaninspirationtousall,stated
ShannonReiter,KeepPABeautifulPresident.
AwardwinnersandtheirprogramscanbefoundonKeepPABeautifuls
Grants&
Awards
webpage.
NewsClips:
Karns1stDerryTwpRecycleBankPartner
DEPSues,ShutsDownErieTrashHauler
AntiLandfillGroupHoldsPublicMeeting
GroupIncreasinglyOrganizedToOpposeKeystoneLandfill
CompaniesOrderedToPay$1.2MToCleanupJunkYard

DelawareEstuary,ChesapeakeBayGroupsJoinGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA

KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful
Wednesdayannouncedtheyareteamingupwiththe
Partnership
fortheDelawareEstuary
andthe
AlliancefortheChesapeakeBay
/ProjectStreamCleanforthe
2015GreatAmericanCleanupofPA.
WhathappensonthelandaffectsthewaterandinordertokeeptheSchuylkillRiver
clean,weneedtokeepourcommunities,parks,roads,andneighborhoodsclean.Byregisteringa
cleanuporvolunteeringforone,anyonecanhelpcreateahealthySchuylkillRiveranda
beautifulPennsylvania,saidTomDavidock,SchuylkillActionNetworkCoordinatorofthe
PartnershipfortheDelawareEstuary.
AllianceExecutiveDirectorAlToddsaid,ThisimportantpartnershipwithKeep
PennsylvaniaBeautifulwillconsiderablyexpandtheenvironmentalimpactofProjectClean
Stream.Itsanexcitingopportunityformorepeopleandmorecommunitiestotakeactionand
joinourcleanupeffortsandalsogainadeeperappreciationforwhyitssocriticaltocareforthe
environmentandkeeptheirlocalstreamshealthy.
Weareproudandgratefulforthesepartnerships.Bothgroupsdoamazingworkto
improvethequalityoftheSchuylkillRiverWatershedandtheChesapeakeBayWatershed.
ThesepartnershipswillmakeiteasierforresidentsofPennsylvaniatoaccesscleanupresources
tomaketheircommunitiescleanandbeautiful,statedShannonReiter,PresidentofKeep
PennsylvaniaBeautiful.
Registrationisopenforthe2015GreatAmericanCleanupofPAwhichrunsfromMarch

1sttoMay31st.Duringthisperiod,registeredeventscangetfreetrashbags,gloves,andsafety
vestsfromPennDOTdistrictoffices.
Eventscanbelittercleanups,illegaldumpcleanups,beautificationprojects,special
collections,andeducationalevents.Eventsmustberegisteredthroughthe
GreatAmerican
CleanupofPA
websitetogetfreecleanupsupplies.
Aspartofthisevent,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandPAWaste
IndustriesAssociationaresponsoringLetsPickItUpPAEveryday.DuringthePickItUpPA
Days,registeredeventcoordinatorswillbeabletotakethetrashcollectedduringtheircleanupto
participatinglandfillsforfreedisposal.
TheLetsPickItUpPAEverydayeventwillbeginonApril11thandendonMay4th.
ThefocusdaywillbeApril25th.
The2015GreatAmericanCleanupofPAsponsorsinclude:Departmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,PennDOT,PAWasteIndustriesAssociation,thePAFoodMerchants
Association,WeisMarkets,Inc.,Wawa,Inc.,Sheetz,ShopRiteandTheFreshGrocer.
Additional2015eventsupportersinclude:SteelRecyclingInstitute,LancasterCounty
SolidWasteManagementAuthority,GiantEagleInc.,GiantFoodStores,Inc.,Republic
ServicesandWegmansFoodMarkets.
Sincetheinceptionofthiseventin2004,morethan1,565,967volunteersremoved
80,575,227poundsoflitterfromthePennsylvanialandscapeandplanted136,321trees,bulbs,
andflowers.
Toregisteryourevent,findaneventnearyou,ortofindadditionalresourcesontheKeep
PennsylvaniaBeautiful
GreatAmericanCleanupofPA
website.Anyadditionalquestionscanbe
answeredbyMichelleDunn,GreatAmericanCleanupofPAProgramCoordinator,at
18777723673ext.113orbyemailto:
mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org
.
NewsClips:
Karns1stDerryTwpRecycleBankPartner
DEPSues,ShutsDownErieTrashHauler
AntiLandfillGroupHoldsPublicMeeting
GroupIncreasinglyOrganizedToOpposeKeystoneLandfill
CompaniesOrderedToPay$1.2MToCleanupJunkYard

DEPNowAcceptingApplicationsForRecyclingPerformanceGrants

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeitisnowacceptingapplications
for2014RecyclingPerformanceGrantsinthe
February14PABulletin
.Thedeadlinefor
applicationsisSeptember30.
ClickHere
formoreinformationorcontactMarkVottero,DepartmentofEnvironmental
Protection,BureauofWasteManagement,RachelCarsonStateOfficeBuilding,P.O.Box8472,
Harrisburg,PA171058472orbyemailto:
mvottero@pa.gov
.

Bucks,MontgomeryHazardousWasteSitesProposedForRemovalFromPriorityList

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
publishednotice
itisproposingtoremovetwo
sitesfromthestateHazardousSiteCleanupPriorityListinBucksandMontgomerycountiesand
isinvitingpubliccommentsontheactions.

BothsiteshavebeenlistedontheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysSuperfund
ListandbystatelawcannotbelistedonPennsylvaniasHazardousSiteCleanupPriorityList.
DEPproposestoremove
ChemFab,DoylestownBoroughandDoylestownTownship,BucksCounty
TheChem
FabSiteislocatedat300NorthBroadStreet,DoylestownBorough,BucksCountyit
encompassesanapproximately1acreparcelandanassociatedplumeofcontaminated
groundwater,extendingfromtheSitesouthwestintoDoylestownTownship.
BaghurstAlleySite,UpperSalfordTownship,MontgomeryCounty
TheBaghurstAlley
Siteisanareaofgroundwatercontaminatedbychlorinatedsolvents.
DEPwillacceptcommentsontheseactionsuntilMarch16.
FormoreinformationcontactStephanSinding,EnvironmentalCleanupandBrownfields
ProgramManager,RageshPatel,Chief,HazardousSitesCleanupProgram,DustinArmstrong,
ProjectOfficer,orColinWade,ProjectOfficer,DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,
SoutheastRegionalOffice,2EastMainStreet,Norristown,PA19401orcall6102505900.

FirstEnergyProjectsSupportWesternPennsylvaniaShaleGasBoom

FirstEnergyCorp.
isinvestingnearly$35millioninnewelectrictransmissionprojectstosupport
theMarcellusShalegasindustryinwesternPennsylvania.Thenewtransmissionfacilitiesalso
willhelpenhanceservicereliabilityforWestPennPowercustomers.
Theprojectsincludeupgradinganexistingtransmissionlineaswellasbuildingor
expandingtwoelectricsubstationstoaccommodateexpandingnaturalgasprocessingplantsand
compressorstationsinwesternPennsylvania'sMarcellusShalegasfields.
Newgasfacilitiesintheareaaccountforabout370megawatts(MW)ofprojectedload
growth,ortheequivalentofmorethan180,000newhomesinFirstEnergy'swestern
Pennsylvaniautilityterritory.
"Ourinvestmentinnewtransmissionfacilitiesdirectlysupportsthefastgrowing
MarcellusShaleindustry,"saidCarlBridenbaugh,vicepresident,TransmissionatFirstEnergy.
"ThisindustrycontinuestogeneratejobsandeconomicprosperityacrosswesternPennsylvania,
andweareworkingquicklytoupgradeoursystemtocontinueprovidingourcustomersaccessto
safe,reliableandaffordableelectricpower."
PJMInterconnection,theregionalgridoperator,hasdirectedFirstEnergytobuildthese
projectstomaintainelectricreliabilityintheregion.Theprojectsincludea$31million
substationinWashingtonCountytosupportanewmidstreamgasprocessingfacilitynear
Burgettstown,Pa.,thatseparatesnaturalgasintodryandliquidcomponents.
Therefinementandseparationprocessesrequirelargeamountsofelectricity.Thenew
substationalsowillreinforcetheregionaltransmissionsystemwhichisexpectedtobenefitmore
than40,000WestPennPowercustomersinWashingtonandAlleghenycounties.Thenew
substationisscheduledtobecompletedandoperationalin2016.
FirstEnergyalsoplanstoinstallnewequipmenttoincreaseandmaintainvoltagelevelsin
anexistingtransmissionsubstationnearHouston,Pa.Thesubstationimprovementswillsupport
operationsatalocalgasprocessingplant.
The$1millionupgrade,expectedtobecompletedandoperationalin2015,alsowill
reinforcetheregionaltransmissionsystemandisexpectedtobenefitmorethan23,000customers
inWashingtonCounty.

Thecompanyalsowillupgradeaninemile,138kilovolttransmissionlineconnectinga
highvoltagesubstationnearWeirton,W.Va.,toahighvoltagesubstationnearBurgettstown,
Pa.
The$2.3millionprojectinvolvesreplacingseveralexistingwoodpolestructureswith
tallerstructures,ormodifyingthoseexistingstructurestoincreasetheirheight.Thiswillincrease
lineclearancesandallowthelinetocarrymoreelectricitytosupportareagascompressor
stationsandenhanceservicereliabilityfornearly12,000customersinWashingtonCounty.
Thisworkispartofa$250millioninvestmentinregulatedtransmissionprojectsin2015
acrossFirstEnergy.Theseprojectswillsupportapproximately1,100megawattsofexpected
electricloadgrowththrough2019.FirstEnergyiscurrentlyevaluatingadditionaltransmission
upgradesasnewservicerequestsfromshalegasdeveloperscontinuethroughouttheregion.
NewsClips:
FirstEnergyPlans$35MInUpgradesForShaleGasFacilities
ShaleGasHasUtilitiesRushingToIncreaseElectricitySupply

PUC,Gov.WolfUrgeConsumersToPrepareForColdWeather

Withfrigidtemperaturesandextremewindchillsforecastedformuchofthestateinthe
upcomingdays,thePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayremindedconsumerstoprepareforthe
coldweatherbyreviewingconservationandsafeheatingtips.
Severecoldtemperaturesputextrademandsonutilitysystems,butenergyconservation
canhelptoreduceconsumption.Trytheseenergysavingtips:
Insteadofturninguptheheat,addanextrablanketorsweater,ifyourhealthpermits.
Useaprogrammablethermostatandsetittolowerthetemperatureatnightorwheneverthe
houseisunoccupied.
Keepdoorsandwindowsclosedasmuchaspossible.Thisincludesoverheaddoorson
attachedgarages.
Sealoffunusedrooms.Closethefloororwallregistersandreturnairvents,andkeepthe
doorsclosedinthoseareas.
Opensouthfacingwindowcurtains,drapesandblindsduringtheday.Closecoveringsat
nighttokeeptheheatin.
Weatherstripandcaulkwindows.
Foradditionalenergyconservationtips,visitthe
PUCwebsite
.
SinceOctober,thePUChasbeenremindingconsumersto
PrepareNow
forhigh
energycoststhiswinter.ThePUCsmessageissimple:PrepareNowforwinterenergycosts.
Learnmoreaboutconservation.Checkyourelectricandnaturalgasbillsandsuppliercontracts.
Use
PAPowerSwitch.com
toshopforservice.Lookintoprogramsthathelplowincome
customersmaintainserviceorcallthePUCat18006927380.
AccordingtotheU.S.FireAdministration,morethanonefifthofresidentialfiresare
relatedtotheuseofsupplementalroomheaters,includingwoodandcoalburningstoves,
keroseneheaters,gasspaceheatersandelectricheaters,sobeforeyouputlogsonthefireplaceor
plugintheelectricheater,takesomeprecautions.
Also,neveruseanovenorstovetohelpheatyourhome.Foralistofhomeheatingsafety
tips,visitthe
PUCwebsite
.
Residentsareremindedtocheckonneighbors,especiallytheelderly.Ifsomeoneis

withoutheatrelatedutilityservice,helpthemcalltheirlocalutilitytoobtaininformationabout
programsavailabletohelpthemrestoreandmaintainutilityservice.
Consumerswithaseriouslyillresidentinthehouseoraprotectionfromabuseordermay
haveadditionaloptionsforservicerestoration.Consumersshouldcalltheirutilityfirst.Ifthey
areunabletoreachanagreementwiththeutility,thePUCmaybeabletoprovideassistance.The
PUCcanbereachedtollfreeat18006927380.
GovernorWolf
Gov.TomWolf,alongwiththedepartmentsofHumanServicesandHealth,areurging
Pennsylvanianstotakenecessarystepstoreducetheriskofhealthhazards,astheNational
WeatherServicehasissuedwindchilladvisoriesandwindchillwarningsthroughoutmuchof
thestate.
IencourageallPennsylvanianstobesafeandstayawareoverthenextfewdaysof
extremecold,saidGov.Wolf.Alsobesuretocheckonyourneighborsandbringyourpets
indoors.
FollowingarehealthandsafetytipsfromtheCommonwealth:
Preventcarbonmonoxidepoisoningduringpoweroutages:
Neveruseanelectricgenerator,campstoveorsimilardeviceindoorssincethey
producecarbonmonoxide,anodorless,colorlessgasthatbuildsupinclosedspacesandis
deadly.
Leaveyourhomeimmediatelyandcall911ifyourcarbonmonoxidedetectorsounds.
Getmedicalhelprightawayifyoususpectcarbonmonoxidepoisoningandaredizzy,light
headedornauseous.
ItscriticallyimportantthatPennsylvaniansusecautiontoprotecttheirhealthandsafety
thiswinter.Extremetemperaturesareexpected,posingseverehealththreatsincludingfrostbite
andhypothermia,saidDr.RachelLevine,ActingPhysicianGeneral,PennsylvaniaDepartment
ofHealth.Ifyouwillbespendingtimeoutdoors,trytodresswarmlyandbesuretokeep
exposedskinareascovered.
Stayaswarmaspossible:
Hypothermiaisaseriousconditionthathappenswhenyourbodytemperatureistoo
low.OlderPennsylvaniansandbabiesaremostatriskandshouldbecheckedfrequently.Ifyour
powerisoutforalongtime,staywitharelativeorfriend,orgotoashelterifoneisopeninyour
area.
Ifyoumustventureoutdoors,maketripsbriefanddresswarmly.Coveryourears,
head,mouthandfacetopreventfrostbite.
TheDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS)isstillacceptingapplicationsforthe
LowIncomeHomeEnergyAssistanceProgram
(LIHEAP)201415heatingseason.LIHEAP
assistswithhomeheatingbillstokeeplowincomePennsylvanianswarmandsafethroughout
thewinter.CrisisandregularLIHEAPgrantsareavailabletorentersandhomeowners.
Onlineapplicationscanbecompletedbyvisiting
www.compass.state.pa.us
.Paper
applicationsarestillavailablethroughlocalcountyassistanceoffices,orinterestedapplicants
candownloadandprintanapplicationfromthedepartmentswebsite.
TheCommonwealthsReadyPAcampaignencouragescitizenstotakethreebasicstepsbefore
anemergencyoccurs:BeInformed,BePrepared,BeInvolved.Moredetailedinformation,
includingdownloadableemergencyhomeandcarkitchecklistsandemergencyplantemplates,is
availableonlineat
www.ReadyPA.org
.

Formoreextensiveinformationonmanagingcoldweather,visitthe
Departmentof
HumanServices
websiteorcall1877PAHEALTH.

PennTAPStrategicEnergyManagementShowcaseApril7InStateCollege

The
PATechnicalAssistanceProgram
willholda
StrategicEnergyManagementShowcase
on
AprilatthePennStaterConferenceCenterinStateCollegefrom8:00a.m.to4:30p.m.
LearnaboutstrategicenergymanagementinitiativesincludingtheDOE'sBetterPlants
Program,ISO50001,andSuperiorEnergyPerformance(SEP).
Formoreinformation,visitthe
StrategicEnergyManagementShowcase
webpageor
contactLaurieLintonbysendingemailto:
lxl182@psu.edu
orcall8148634293.

NuclearEnergyInstituteBriefing:PowerMarketFlawsMustBeCorrected

Recognitionoftheelectricitymarketflawsthatareputtingevenhighperformingnuclearenergy
facilitiesatriskhasgrownquicklyamongthosewiththeauthoritytofixtheproblemandinitial
marketreformsaretakingshape.
ThiswasthemessagedeliveredtofinancialanalystsThursdayatabriefingconductedby
the
NuclearEnergyInstitute
.ThereportofmeaningfulactionbytheFederalEnergyRegulatory
Commissionandthe
PJMInterconnection
,whichoperatesthegridfromthemidAtlantictothe
Midwest,comesinthewakeofnuclearplantshutdownsinWisconsinandVermontoverthepast
20monthsduetoeconomicissues.
WeveseensignificantmovementinthepastyearonthepartofFERCandtheregional
transmissionorganizationsinrecognizingtheunderlyingproblemsincapacitymarketdesigns
andpricesincompetitiveenergymarkets,saidNEIPresidentandChiefExecutiveOfficer
MarvinFertel.Butitsimperativethatconcreteactionsbetakenthatrecognizetheinherent
valueofnuclearassetsintimetoensurethatwedontloseadditionalnuclearplantsthatare
excellentperformers."
TheprogressincludesongoingFERCactionstoexplorechangestobothcapacityand
energymarkets,lastNovembersFERCordertoregionaltransmissionorganizationsforfuel
assurancereportsduein90days,andPJMsrequestlastDecemberforFERCapprovalofanew
capacityperformanceproducttodrivegreaterreliability.
AnumberofreactorsoperatingintheMidwestandNortheastareatriskofpremature
shutdowndespitetheirsafeandefficientoperatingperformance.
TheclosingsoftheKewauneeandVermontYankeenuclearplantsresultedinthe
immediatelossofbulk24/7electricityandmorethan1,000highpayingjobsinthecommunities
wheretheyoperated.
Theshutdownshaveraisedlongertermconcernsaboutenergydiversity,electricgrid
stabilityandcoststocustomers,whilemakingitfarharderforstatesandregionstomeettheir
cleanairgoals.
Itmadenoeconomicsensetoallowthesefacilitiestoclosebecausereplacementelectric
generatingcapacity,whenneeded,wouldlikelyproducemorecostlyelectricity,morepollution
andfewerjobsthatwouldpayless,Fertelsaid.Eachsourceofelectricityhasitsownsetof
attributesthatprovidevaryingdegreesofvaluetothegrid,andthoseattributesmustbereflected
inthetotalcompensationprovidedtoeachgenerator.

Nuclearenergysuniquevaluepropositioncentersonthesebenefits,Fertelsaid:
supportforgridstabilitystable,affordableelectricitypricenuclearpowerplantsproduce
electricitywhenneeded,especiallyinextremeweather,becausetheyhave18to24monthsof
uraniumfuelinthereactorcontributetofuelandtechnologydiversitypreventcarbon
emissionsandanchorthelocalcommunitywithjobsandtaxrevenue.
ThevalueofAmericasnuclearenergyfacilitieswasunderscoredbytheirrecord
performancein2014,Fertelnoted.U.S.nuclearpowerplantsoperatedatarecordaverage
capacityfactor(ameasureofefficiency)of91.9percent,accordingtopreliminaryNEIestimates.
Also,theindustryundergirdedtheelectricgridduringthe2014PolarVortexandlast
monthswinterstormJuno,withweeklyaveragecapacityfactorsinthemidtohigh90sfar
aboveotherelectricityproductionsources.
CitingarecentIHSEnergystudyonthevalueofenergydiversity,Fertelwarnedthatthe
nationisatseriousriskoflosingthislongvalueddiversityifcurrenttrendscontinue.
Themagnitudeoftheinvestmentneededtomeetfutureelectricitydemandspresentsa
strongcaseforcontinuedelectricityproductionatwellrunnuclearpowerplantsandconstruction
ofnewnuclearenergyfacilities,Fertelsaid.ThisisoneofthereasonsthatatopNEIpriorityis
toaddressthecumulativeimpactofrequirementsimposedbothbytheNuclearRegulatory
Commissionandtheindustryitself.
Wecannotaffordtoletspendingtomeetregulatoryrequirementsoflowsafety
significancecrowdoutmoreimportantinitiativesthatwouldmakemeasurableimprovementsto
safetyandreliability,Fertelsaid.TheU.S.nuclearindustryhasanenviablesafetyrecord,and
wewillalwaysinvesttoensuresafetyandreliability.
Inthemostrecent15yearsofreportingtoCongressonoperationsatNRClicensed
facilities,theagencyhasidentifiedonlyfourincidentsdeemedsignificantenoughtomentionas
abnormaloccurrences.Thissafetyrecordisnotconsistentwithadoublingofregulatorycapital
expendituresoverthepast10yearsinresponsetonewNRCrequirements.
Fertelhighlightedadvancesinotherareas,including:
Continuedimplementationoffederalregulatoryrequirementstoaddevenmorelayersof
safetyinresponsetothe2011FukushimaDaiichiaccident,includingtheopeningoftwonational
responsecenterstoprovidesupplementalemergencyequipmenttoanyplantsitewithin24hours.
Movementonaviableusednuclearfuelmanagementprogramascourtssuspendedthe
NuclearWasteFundfeeandorderedtheNRCtocontinuethelicensingprocessfortheproposed
YuccaMountain,Nev.,repository.NRCevaluationsofYuccaMountainhaveaffirmedthesafety
ofthesiteandCongresshasexpressedinterestinintroducinglegislationtomovetherepository
programforward.
ClickHere
towatchavideoofthefullNEIbriefing.

DEPLaunchesMineSubsidenceInsuranceCampaignInAlleghenyCounty

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtections
MineSubsidenceInsuranceProgram
Tuesday
announceditissendingoutnoticestoabout2,000propertyownersinPleasantHillsBorough,
AlleghenyCounty,toalertthemofabandonedcoalminesbeneaththeirproperty,increasingtheir
riskofdamagefromminesubsidence.
Thenoticesincludemapsthatshowunderminedareasbeneathpropertyownershomes.
Thelongabandonedminescandeteriorateandcollapse,causingthesurfacetosink.Thismine

subsidencecancauseexpensivetorepaircracksinfoundationsandwalls.Inextremecases,
subsidencecanrenderbuildingsuninhabitable.
Standardhomeownersinsurancerarelycoversminesubsidencedamage,leavingthe
propertyownerwiththerepairexpense.DEPoffersaffordableMSItoprotecthomeownersfrom
potentialdamagescausedbyminesubsidence.
In2013,subsidencedamaged10homesonFredrickStreetinMountOliver,Allegheny
County.OnlyoneofthosehomeownershadMSI.
DuetoincidentsliketheMountOliversubsidence,DEPhasdevelopedanotification
programtoalertpropertyownersinunderminedareasoftheriskofcostlydamagecausedby
minesubsidence,andtheavailabilityofaffordableMSIcoverage.PleasantHillswaschosenasa
targetareafortheprogrambecausemostoftheboroughisundermined.
Additionalmassmailingswillbesystematicallysenttootherpropertyownersacrossthe
statewhoarealsoatriskforsubsidence.
Minesubsidencedamageoftenexceeds$100,000.Premiumsareabout55centsforevery
$1,000ofcoverage.Anaveragepolicyof$175,000wouldcostjust$95ayear,about$8a
month,or25centsaday.Despitethemodestcost,onlyabout60,000buildingsareinsured
statewide.Itisestimatedthatmorethan1,000,000buildingsarebuiltoverabandonedminesin
Pennsylvania.
Formoreinformation,visitDEP
MineSubsidenceInsurance
website.

EPAAwardsCleanDieselSchoolBusGrantsIn30States,PAGetsOne

TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyTuesdayannouncedtheawardofmorethan$3
millioninrebatestoreplace210olderdieselschoolbuseswithnewbusesthataremorethan90
percentcleaner,reducingpollutantssuchasnitrogenoxidesandparticulatematterthatarelinked
tohealthproblemsincludingasthmaandlungdamage.
Seventysixschoolbusfleetsin30stateswillreceiverebatesthroughEPAsDiesel
EmissionsReductionActfundingtoreplaceschoolbuses.
RJRhodesTransitinAmbridge,BeaverCounty,receivedagrant.Thecompanyserves
severalschooldistrictsinWesternPA.
Americansputtheirchildrenonschoolbusesforasaferidetoschool.Theyshouldnt
havetoworryaboutharmfulpollutantsemittedfromthesebuses,saidJanetMcCabe,acting
assistantadministratorforEPAsOfficeofAirandRadiation.Thisfundingwillhelpkeepour
childrensafeandimprovethehealthofthoseincommunitiesacrossthecountry.
Since2008,theDERAprogramhasfundedover600cleandieselprojectsacrossthe
country.Theseprojectshavereducedemissionsformorethan60,000engines.
Formoreinformation,visitEPAs
CleanDieselSchoolBusGrants
webpage.

87EmployersSignUpInSustainablePittsburghGreenWorkplaceChallenge

SustainablePittsburgh
Wednesdayannounced
87employers
signeduptocompeteinthe
20142015
GreenWorkplaceChallenge
.Theyrepresentamixofbusinesses,nonprofits,local
governments,universities,andK12schoolscomprisingthousandsofemployeesacross
southwesternPennsylvania.
Thisstrongresponseinparticipationdemonstratestheleadershipandcommitmentof

theseorganizationsinshapingamoresustainablePittsburghregion.Whencomparedwithgreen
officechallengesinotherregions,theGWCparticipationoutperforms.
A12month,friendlycompetition,theGWCempowersorganizationstotrackand
measureimprovementsinenergy,water,waste,andtransportation.Thecompetitioninvolves
usingaguidebookthatprovidesover240actionitemstoearnpoints,verification,and
recognition.
Forexample,participantscanestablishanenergybaseline,wheretheyinput12months
ofpastenergyusageusingthe
U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysPortfolioManager
(a
freesoftware).
Establishingabaselineforcomparisonearnsanorganizationpoints.Thenparticipants
canearnadditionalpointsforsettinggoalsandachievingenergyreductionsoverthecourseof
thecompetition.
ParticipationintheGreenWorkplaceChallengeenablesanorganizationtosavemoney,
engageandmotivateemployees,andreceiveduerecognitionforitsgreenachievements.
Overthecourseofthetwopriorcompetitions,nearly100employersinsouthwestern
Pennsylvaniavoluntarilycompletedover2,000measurableactions,saving$7.4millionin
energycosts.WinnersofthisGWCwillbeannouncedinNovember2015.
Whilethesignupdeadlinetocompetehaspassed,additionalorganizationsdohavethe
optiontosignonasanobserver,anoncompetitivecategory.
CongratulationstoallparticipantsSustainablePittsburghlooksforwardtoreportingon
thecollectivemeasuredimpactsthisgroupofleaderswillbemakingoverthenext10months.
ConstellationEnergyistheGWCPresentingSponsor.ThePittsburghBusinessTimes,
90.5WESAand91.3WYEParetheGWCMediaSponsors.
GreenWorkplaceWorkshop
OnFebruary26,SustainablePittsburgh,incollaborationwith
GreenFriends
Development
andthe
WestmorelandCountyCommunityCollegeAdvancedTechnologyCenter
,
ishostinga
GWCWorkshop
focusingonemergingtechnologyopportunitiesmotivatedby
sustainabilityinSouthwesternPennsylvania.
Theprogramaddressquestionsincluding:whatadvancementsareoccurringinourregion
thatfeaturethebenefitsofgoinggreenerhowcanGWCparticipantsputsomeofthese
advancementsintopracticehowcanweputgreenideasandveteranstoworkwiththese
advancements.
Moreinformation,includingregistration,isavailableatthe
GreenWorkplaceChallenge
website.
TheGreenWorkplaceChallengeisaninitiativeofSustainablePittsburghsChampions
forSustainabilitybusinessnetwork.Moreinformationisavailableat
SustainablePittsburghs
websiteorbycontactingSimonaLoberantbyemailto:
gwc@sustainablepittsburgh.org
.The
GWCisonTwitter
and
onFacebook
.

PennsylvaniaAdds18Farms,Nearly1,500AcresToPreservationProgram

PennsylvaniasAgriculturalLandPreservationBoardThursdaysafeguarded1,495additional
acreson18farmsin10countiesthroughthestatesnationleadingfarmlandpreservation
program.
Sincetheprogrambeganin1988,federal,state,countyandlocalgovernmentshave

investednearly$1.3billiontopreserve504,252acreson4,750farmsin57countiesforfuture
agriculturalproduction.
Itsanhonortoagainchairthemeetingsoftheboardofournationleadingfarmland
preservationprogram,saidactingAgricultureSecretaryRussellRedding.Theprograms
successcomesthroughtheworkofstaffatalllevelsofgovernment,supportfromapublicwho
valuesfarmland,andfromthefarmersthemselveswhooffertheirlandforpreservation.Ilook
forwardtotheprogramsfuturesuccess.
Theboardapproveda$30millionstatefundingthresholdfor2015easementpurchases.
CountiesacrossPennsylvaniahavecertified$14.7millionforfarmlandpreservationin2015.
Theboardpreservedfarmsintencounties:Allegheny,Berks,Bucks,Chester,Lancaster,Lehigh,
Montgomery,Susquehanna,UnionandYork.
ThePennsylvaniaAgriculturalConservationEasementPurchaseProgramidentifies
propertiesandslowsthelossofprimefarmlandtononagriculturaluses.Itenablesstate,county
andlocalgovernmentstopurchaseconservationeasements,alsocalleddevelopmentrights,from
ownersofqualityfarmland.
Insomecases,thefederalFarmandRanchlandsProtectionProgramprovidesadditional
assistance.Lastfiscalyear,Pennsylvaniareceived$541,000infederalreimbursements.
Formoreinformation,visitAgricultures
FarmlandPreservation
webpage.

HeritageRailTrailInYorkCountyIsPAs2015TrailOfTheYear

Gov.TomWolfWednesdayannouncedthe
HeritageRailTrail
inYorkCountyisthe2015Trail
oftheYearinPennsylvania.
ImexcitedthatatrailinYorkCountyhasreceivedthisspecialdesignation,Gov.Tom
Wolfsaid.Ithighlightshowtrailsprovideourcitizenswithnearbyopportunitiesforaffordable
outdoorexercise,andplayanimportantroleintheeconomicvitalityofnearbycommunities
attractingvisitorswhostay,eatandshop.
ThisdesignationiscoordinatedbytheDepartmentofConservationandNatural
ResourcesPennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommitteetoelevatepublicawarenessofthe
thousandsofmilesoftrailsavailableforpublicenjoymentinPennsylvania.
Twentyonefantastictrailswerenominatedduringthesecondyearforthisdesignation,
DCNRActingSecretaryCindyAdamsDunnsaid.TheHeritageRailTrailstoodoutbecauseof
itsimportancetothehealthandfitnessofresidentsinnearbycommunitiesitsconnectiontothe
historyofthesurroundingareaandasarareexampleinPennsylvaniaofarailtrailwithnearby
activerails.
The21.5mileHeritageRailTrailrunsfromtheCityofYorktotheMarylandborderand
includessevenrailroadstructuresontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces,aswellasan
operatingtourismtrainalong10milesoftrack.Thetrailhasbeenthecatalystfortheformation
oflocalhistoryorganizationsandcommunityfestivalsalongitslength.
TheHeritageRailTrailconnectstoMarylandsTorreyC.BrownTrailtocreatemore
than43milesofrailtrail.Trailvisitationin2013exceeded311,000.
ThetrailcorridorismaintainedasacountyparkbytheYorkCountyDepartmentof
ParksandRecreation.
CarlKnoch,chairmanoftheYorkCountyRailTrailAuthority,developeroftheHeritage
RailTrailsaid,TheHeritageRailTrailCountyParkhasbecomeoneoftheCountysmost

cherishedassets.Itprovidesasafevenueforthousandsorresidentsandvisitorstogetoutof
doorsandparticipateinhealthyexercise.Ithasproventobeaneconomicenginethathas
spawnednewbusinessformationsandbusinessrevitalizationfromNewFreedom,throughGlen
RocktoSevenValleysandtheCityofYork.
TammyKlunk,directorofYorkCountyDepartmentofParksandRecreationand
manageroftheHeritageRailTrailsaid,ItstrulyanhonorfortheHeritageRailTrailtobe
awardedDCNRsTrailoftheYear.WehaveamazingtrailsallacrossPennsylvania,andtobe
recognizedthisyearasthebestisagreathonor.
TohonortheTrailoftheYear,theadvisorycommitteeandDCNRwillcreatea
commemorativeposterforstatewidedistribution.Plansalsoareunderwayforagrandopening
forasecondphaseofthetrailsnorthernextensionwithaneducationaleventonEarthDay,April
22.
The
PennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommittee
includesdifferenttypesoftrailusers,
buildersandadvocates,andpeoplewithdisabilities.
ThecommitteesresponsibilitiesaretoadviseDCNRontheuseoftrailfundingin
Pennsylvaniareviewandranktrailprojectapplicationsandpresentanannualreporttothe
secretaryontrailactivities.
FormoreinformationabouttheHeritageRailTrailvisit
YorkCountyParks
orthecounty
orthe
YorkCountyRailTrailAuthority
websites.
Formoreinformationaboutthedesignationvisitthe
ExplorePATrails
websiteand
choosethe
2015TrailoftheYear
slide.Featuredonthesiteare497trailscoveringmorethan
11,000milesinPennsylvania.
NewsClips:
YorkCountysHeritageRailTrailPATrailOfTheYear
OhioRiverTrailCouncilReadiesForNextPhase
NewTrailToLinkRidgeCenterToPresqueIsleBay
Editorial:MakeLastingCommitmentToDelawareWaterGap

FebruaryPAWildsEUpdateNowAvailable

The
FebruaryissueofPAWildsEUpdate
isnowavailablefromthe
PennsylvaniaWilds
ResourceCenter
featuringarticleson
April23AwardsDinner,KeynoteSpeakerAnnounced
PAWilds:HopeBloomsInDowntownWilliamsport
PAWildsSeekingNominationsFor
PAWildsChampionAward

ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.

Feb.11DCNRResourceNewsletterNowAvailable

The
February11issueoftheResource
newsletterisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResourcesfeaturingarticleson

HeritageRailTrailInYorkCountyTrailOfTheYear

DCNRInvitesStudentsToApplyForSummerEnvironmentalCareersCamp

WhiteWaterReleaseIntoBucksCountysTohickonCreekCanceled

DCNRReorganizesRecreation&ConservationBureau


POWR:2015PASojournGrantsNowAvailable

PennStateExtensionGreenInfrastructureWebinarSeries

ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy(bottomofthepage).

LacawacSanctuarySummerStudentProgramSchedule

The
LacawacSanctuary
inLackawannaCounty
announcedtheirupcoming
studentresidential
campandothersummerprograms,including
ResidentialProgramFor1315YearOldsInPike,WayneCounties
DrexelEnvironmentalScienceLeadershipAcademyForHighSchoolStudents
SummerNatureSeriesForYoungStudents

ClickHere
formoreinformation.

WillAbbo,Kit,America,HawkEyeReturnToHawkMountain?

Fourbroadwingedhawks
taggedbyscientistsat
Hawk
MountainSanctuary
inBerksCounty
havebeentracked
morethan4,000milestoCentralandSouthAmerica,and
oneiscurrentlymovingaboutcentralBrazil.
Werenotsureifthisisthebeginningofareturn
migrationorifsheisjustwandering,butwelookforward
towatchingherjourneyandhopetoseeherreturnto
Pennsylvaniathisspring,saysDr.LaurieGoodrichwho
overseesthefieldresearch.
Lastsummerbiologiststaggedthreejuvenilesand
oneadultbroadwingedhawkduringthepilotyearof
research.TelemetrysignalsstoppedononejuvenileduringSeptember,buttheothertwo
juvenilesbornonHawkMountainmigratedtosouthernMexicoandPanama.
ThetwowerelastheardfrominNovember,while"Abbo,"theadult,continuestomake
sporadicappearancesontheradareachtimeshemovesherlocation.
Goodrichexplainsthatthelackofasignalfromtheotherbirdsislikelybecausethebirds
areinlargetractsofthick,unbrokenforestwherethesolarpoweredtransmittersdon'treceive
enoughsunlighttorecharge.
Wehopetohearfromthemagaininspringwhenthebirdsstartsoaring,andeventually
begintomigratenorth,saysGoodrich,butAbboischeckinginwithusregularly.
AbboraisedthreeyoungfromanestinNewRinggold,andwastrappedbytheteam
usingmistnetting.Shewasnamedbyadonorwhosponsoredhertelemetryunitatacostof
$5,000.
AfterAbboandhermateraisedtheiryoung,shesetoffonhermigration,travelingsouth
throughCentralAmericatocentralBrazil.HereshewaslocatedsouthoftheAmazonneara
nationalparkinlateDecember,butinJanuary,shebegananothermovementbacktowardsPeru.
ShenowisinthegreatforestedareaofcentralBrazilinthestateofAmazonas.
HawkMountainSanctuarylaunchedthestudyofthisiconicPennsylvaniaraptorlastyear
withsupportfromtheKittatinnyCoalition,GameCommission,andseveralgenerousprivate
donors,withthegoaltolearnmoreaboutthebroadwinganditsimpressivelongdistance

migrationaswellasitsnestingecology.
EachSeptemberlargeflocksofthesmall,soaringhawksgatherinswirlingkettlesas
theytakeadvantageofenergysavingthermals,orrisingcolumnsofwarmair.Thebroadwings
followtheAppalachianssouthandbuildinnumbersbeforefunnelingthroughCentralAmerica
wherenearlytheentireworldspopulationwillpasswithinatwoweektimeframe.
InApriltheyreturntoPennsylvaniaforeststoraisetheiryoungandbeginthecycleanew.
ManybirdwatchersmakeaspecialvisittoHawkMountaininmidSeptemberinhopes
ofseeingbroadwingsonthemove,saysGoodrich.Ifyourtimingisright,itsanamazingsight
tosee.
Thegoalofthestudyistousethepopularityofthismigrationandthepowerofsatellite
telemetrytolearnmoreabouttheconservationthreatsandhabitatneedsofthisspecies
yearround,andtotracktheirmovementsfromPennsylvanianestsitestoCentralandSouth
Americainthefall,andbacktoPennsylvaniainthespring,andforuptotwoyears.Findings
willguideconservationefforts.
Thissummer,HawkMountainplanstotaguptoeightmorebroadwingsfromnestsalong
theKittatinnyRidgeandintheDelawareWaterGaparea.
Tofollowthework,visitHawkMountains
BroadWingedHawkProject
webpageto
linktoadedicated
Facebookpage
,
blog
andtolearnmore.
ClickHere
towatchapresentation
ontheproject.
HelpNeeded
Scientistsalsoareinneedofvolunteerswithastronginterestinbirdwatchingtoreport
anysightingsofbroadwingnestsduringMayandJuneanddonationsof$100to$5,000are
neededtosupportfieldwork,nestfindingandtelemetry,$5000donorshavetherighttonamea
taggedbird.Tolearnmore,pleasecontactDr.Goodrichbysendingemailto:
Goodrich@hawkmountain.org
.
NewsClips:
AudubonPrepsForGreatBackyardBirdCount
PairTheseBirdEventsWithGreatBackyardBirdCount

iConservePA.org:MonarchsOnTheBrink,WhyBirdsCount

TheFebruaryeditionofSEEDS,thenewsletterfromthe
iConservePA.org
environmental
educationwebsite,featuresarticleson
MonarchsOnTheBrink,EffortsToRebuildTheMonarchButterflyPopulation:
Two
decadesofhabitatloss,primarilyduetotheeradicationofmilkweedwithherbicideson
agriculturallands,hasledtoabout970millionmonarchsdisappearingnearly90percentofthe
species.Today,onlyabout30millionmonarchsremain.LearnmorebyvisitingtheU.S.Fish&
Wildlifes
SaveTheMonarch
website.
WhyBirdsCount:The
BackyardBirdCount
Feb.1316:
Spendingafewminutesthis
weekendwatchingbirdswillberelaxingforyouandhelpfultoscientistswhocombinethe
backyardcountinformationwithothercitizenscienceprojectssuchastheChristmasBirdCount,
ProjectFeederWatch,andeBirdtogetthebigpictureaboutwhatishappeningtobird
species.
GetRewardedForConservationActions:
Weallliketodogooddeedstohelpprotectour
naturalresources,butalittlerewardgoesalongwaytomotivateustodojustalittlemore.

Thatstheconceptbehind
Recyclebank
,awebsitethatawardspointsforcompletinginteractive
featuresonthesite,liketakingcrashcourses,readingstoriesandreferringfriends.

ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.

PennsylvaniaiMapInvasivesInteractiveWebsiteNowAvailable

Anewinvasivespeciesreportinganddatamanagementtoolisnowavailable.Called
PA
iMapInvasives
,thesitewasdevelopedthroughapartnershipbetweenTheNatureConservancy,
NatureServe,theNewYorkNaturalHeritageProgramandtheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory.
TheprimaryfocusforiMapInvasivesistotrackinvasivespecieslocationsand
distributionsthroughthecollectionofobservation,assessment,survey,andtreatment
information.
ToolsiniMapInvasivescanbeusedbycitizenscientists,landowners,naturalresource
managers,andotherswhoareworkingtoprevent,control,ormanageinvasivespecies.
Theprojectworkswithgroups,institutions,andstategovernmenttogatherdataon
aquaticandterrestrialinvasivespecies,prioritizeinvasivespeciescontrol,andassistinthe
restorationofnaturalhabitats.
Projectinformationisusedtoanalyzedatagapsandprioritizesurveyefforts,create
emerginginvasivespecieswatchlists,andpublicizeinvasivespeciesthreats.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
PAIMapInvasives
webpage.

KenReisingerNamedActingDEPDeputyForWaste,Air,Radiation,Remediation

KennethReisingerhasbeennamedActingDeputyforWaste,Air,RadiationandRemediationat
theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.
KenhasworkedforDEPfor31years,initiallyintheWaterManagementprogramasan
environmentalplanner,andthen16yearsasChiefoftheDivisionofWaterways,Wetlandsand
StormwaterManagement.
Since2005heservedasDirectoroftheBureauofWasteManagementwithresponsibility
forstatewideimplementationofthehazardous,municipalandresidualwasteprograms
municipalwasteplanningandrecyclingprogramsand,untiltheDepartment'sreorganizationin
2012,healsodirectedthehazardoussitescleanupandstoragetanksprograms.
From2009to2011KenservedasActingDeputySecretaryoverseeingtheDepartment's
waste,airandradiationprotectionprograms.
KenisaU.S.AirForceveteranandagraduateofShippensburgUniversitywherehe
earnedaBachelorofArtsdegreeinSocial,Cultural,andEconomicGeographyin1980anda
MasterofSciencedegreeinGeoenvironmentalStudiesin1981.
ClickHere
forthecurrentlistingofDEPExecutiveStaff.

SarahClarkNamedDirectorOfDEPLegislativeAffairsOffice

ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleyTuesdayannouncedtheappointmentofSarahClarkas
DirectorofLegislativeAffairs.
ShewillberesponsibleformonitoringlegislativeproposalsthatimpactDEP,providing
informationaboutDEPprogramsandrespondingtolegislatorsconstituentinquiries.

PriortojoiningDEP,ClarkwastheMinorityExecutiveDirectorofEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommittee.Shewasresponsibleforresearchinganddraftingproposed
legislation,analyzingproposedregulationsandbriefingDemocratlegislatorsonenvironmental
legislation.
ShehasservedasLegalCounseltotheDemocratOfficeofChiefCounselandtothe
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
ClarkholdsaBAinArtHistoryandBusiness,andaJurisDoctordegreein
EnvironmentalLaw,ScienceandPolicyfromtheUniversityofPittsburgh.

JulieLaloNamedDEPDirectorOfCommunications

ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleyWednesdayannouncedtheappointmentofJulieLaloas
DirectorofCommunicationsattheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.
Lalowillberesponsibleformanagingthedepartmentsstatewidecommunicationsefforts
includingstrategicplanning,mediarelationsandeducationaloutreach.
Forthepastsixyears,LalowasDirectorofAffiliatePartnershipsforNationalWildlife
Federation.Priortothat,sheservedasVicePresidentofCommunicationsandAdvocacyfor
10,000FriendsofPennsylvania
,focusingoncommunityrevitalizationandlanduseprotection
andasVicePresidentofPublicAffairsat
WesternPennsylvaniaConservancy
,whereshe
directedthepublicpolicyandcommunicationsprograms.
AnativeofLehighCounty,shehasaBAinJournalismfromthePennsylvaniaState
University.

HelpWanted:AlleghenyLandTrustChartiersCreekWatershedIntern

The
AlleghenyLandTrust
isnowacceptingapplicationsforits
2015JohnHammInternship
.
Theinternwillassistwithstewardship,landmanagement,volunteerrecruitment,environmental
educationandrestorationoftheChartiersCreekWatershedinAlleghenyandWashington
counties.ApplicationsareduebyApril1.
ClickHere
forallthedetails.

PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents

ThissectionlistsHouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,DEPandotherpublichearingsand
meetingsandotherinterestingenvironmentalevents.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
[AgendaNotPosted]
meansnotpostedwithin2weeks
oftheadvisorycommitteemeeting.Gotothe
onlineCalendar
webpageforupdates.

February16
CLOSED
.PresidentsDayStateandFederalOfficesAreClosed.

February17

NEW
.
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
meetstoconsider
SenateBill279
(HutchinsonRVenango)creatingthePAGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncilwithin
DEP(
sponsorsummary
).RulesRoom.OfftheFloor.

February17

NEW
.
SenateTransportationCommittee
meetstoconsider
SenateBill385
(PileggiRDelaware)creatingaTransitRevitalizationInvestmentDistrict(
sponsorsummary
)
.

Room8EAEastWing.10:30.

February17
NEW
.
SenateAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommittee
meetstoconsider
Senate
Bill201
(SchwankDBerks)allowingthethelocationofagriculturerelatedbusinesson
preservedfarmland(
sponsorsummary
).Room8EAEastWing.Noon.

February17
CANCELED.

EnvironmentalQualityBoard
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)

February17

AgendaPosted
.DEP
CitizensAdvisoryCouncil
meeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.
PresentationonAct54UndergroundMiningImpactReport,DEP,UniversityofPittsburgh
IllegalDumpingInPA:Policies&ProgramsForPreventionandEnforcement
ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigley

ClickHere
forFebruaryDEPReportToCouncil
<>

ClickHere
foravailablehandouts.

February17

DEPpublichearingonoperatingpermitforSunocopumpstationinLebanon
County
.QuentinVolunteerFireCompanyHall,20SouthLebanonSt.,Lebanon.7:00.

February18

AgendaPosted
.
DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:30.
TriennialReviewofWaterQualityStandards
IonicCompositionofPAReferenceStreams
StroudStudy:ImpactofSulfateonMayflies
NutrientAssessmentProtocol
AtlanticWatershedsWarmWaterWadeableFishIndexofBioticIntegrity
ImplementationofAct162of2014changingstreambufferrequirements
<>

ClickHere
foravailablehandouts.

February19

NEW
.
Rep.GregVitali
(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouse
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,holdsapressconferenceonreintroductionof
legislationexpandingtheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards,fundingtheSunshineSolar
Programandreducingdemandforenergy.CapitalMediaCenter.11:00.

February23

HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
informationalmeetingonwaterand
wastewaterindustries.Room60EastWing.11:00.

February24
UGIEnergyServicespublicmeetingson
Sunburynaturalgaspipeline
.
LairdsvilleVolunteerFireDepartment,143SchoolLane,Lairdsville,LycomingCounty.5:30.

February25

NEW
.
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
meetstoconsider
HouseBill57
(PayneRDauphin)relatingtoimprovingnaturalgasretailcompetitionbyprovidingamore
frequentmechanismfortruingupnaturalgascosts(
sponsorsummary
).Room39EastWing.
9:00.


February25
DEPpublicmeetingonKeystoneLandfillexpansionpermit.DunmoreHigh
School,300WestWarrenSt.,Dunmore,LuzerneCounty.6to10p.m.
ClickHere
formore
information.

February25
DEPpublicmeeting,hearingonNPDES,WasteManagementpermitsforthe
WellsboroJohnstonAirportexpansion.Thepublicmeetingwillbeheldat6:00p.m.,followed
bythepublichearingat7:30p.m.attheWellsboroFireDepartmentAnnex,21EastAve.,
Wellsboro.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
(formalnotice
PABulletinpage458
)

February25
UGIEnergyServicespublicmeetingson
Sunburynaturalgaspipeline
.Sunbury
SocialClub,352EastDrive,Sunbury,NorthumberlandCounty.5:30.

February25
PennStateExtensionGreenInfrastructureWebinar:
EcosystemServicesBy
GreenInfrastructure.
Noon.

February26

NEW
.SustainablePittsburgh
GreenWorkplaceChallengeWorkshop
.
WestmorelandCountyCommunityCollegeAdvancedTechnologyCenter
,1333Old119,Tarrs,
PA.8:30.

March2

EnvironmentalIssuesForum
,JointLegislativeAirAndWaterPollutionControland
ConservationCommittee.PresentationbyBrianWagner,PACouncilofTroutUnlimited.Room
8EAEastWing.noon.

March3
GovernorsBudgetAddress.
(tentative)

March3

AgendaPosted
.
DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.
UpdateOn:FederalUSTRegulations,GuidelinesforUSTCathodicProtection,USTOperator
TrainingCompliance,SignificantOperationalCompliance,TOSExtensionApprovals,USTIB
AllocationRequests,LandRecyclingProgramDraftChapter250,RevisionstoVaporIntrusion
Guidance
CommitteeRecommendationOnChapter250
<>

ClickHere
foravailablehandouts.

March4

NEW
.
HouseGameandFisheriesCommittee
informationmeetingtoreceivetheFish
andBoatCommissionsannualreport.RoomB31MainCapitol.9:00.

March5

DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoard
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.

March5

NEW
.
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
meetingtoconsider:(1)informational
presentationofinteresttotheLowerSusquehannaSubbasinarea(2)revisionofFiscalYear
2016budget(3)ratification/approvalofcontracts/grants(4)resolutiontoencouragetheuseof
drycoolingtechnologyforpowergenerationandotherfacilitiesfortheconservationofthe

watersoftheSusquehannaRiverBasin(5)noticeforFourSeasonsGolfCourseprojectsponsor
toappearandshowcausebeforetheCommission(6)regulatorycompliancematterforCabot
Oil&GasCorporationand(7)RegulatoryProgramprojects.HersheyLodge,325University
Drive,Hershey.9:00.

March8

NEW
.
ChesterRidleyCrumWatershedsAssn
.
MakeYourYardASustainable
Landscape
.PennStateBrandywineCampus,Media,DelawareCounty.2:00.

March9
HouseAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:10:00IndependentFiscal
Office/Economic&RevenueOutlook.Room140MainCapitol.

March11
NEW.

HouseAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:2:30Departmentof
Agriculture.Room140MainCapitol.

March10

DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark
Rd.,Ebensburg.10:00.

March10
DEPWebinaron
Act162StreamBufferImplementation
:10:00
RiparianBuffer
Equivalency
,1:00
RiparianBufferOffsets
.

March11
DEPWebinaron
Act162StreamBufferImplementation
:10:00
RiparianBuffer
Equivalency
,1:00
RiparianBufferOffsets
.

March11
Change.

HouseAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:
9:30PublicUtility
Commission
,11:00PUCConsumerAdvocateandSmallBusinessAdvocate,1:00Department
ofEnvironmentalProtection,
3:00PublicUtilityCommission
.Room140MainCapitol.

March11

DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:00.

March11

DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommittee
.BureauofLaboratories
Building,2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.

March16
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:9:30GovernorsBudgetOffice,
1:00IndependentFiscalOffice.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.

March16

HouseAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:1:30Departmentof
ConservationandNaturalResources.Room140MainCapitol.

March17
EnvironmentalQualityBoard
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

March17
DEP
CitizensAdvisoryCouncil
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

March18

DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficers
meeting.Room
11BConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

March19

DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:00.

March23
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:9:30PublicUtilityCommission.
HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.

March23

NEW
.
HouseGameandFisheriesCommittee
informationalmeetingtoreceivethe
GameCommissionannualreport.Room60EastWing.10:00.

March24

DEPSewageAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:30.

March25
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:9:30Dept.ofEnvironmental
Protection.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.

March25
Change.

HouseAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:9:30Emergency
ManagementAgency,
11:00DepartmentofAgriculture
.Room140MainCapitol.

March26
HouseAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:9:30BudgetSecretaryOfficeof
theGovernor,1:00HouseMemberTestimony.Room140MainCapitol.

March31

NEW
.
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
informationalmeetingtohear
presentationsfromtheelectricandnaturalgasindustriesonpriorities.Room60EastWing.
9:15.

March31
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:3:00Dept.ofAgriculture.
HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.

April1
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
budgethearing:11:00Dept.ofConservationand
NaturalResources.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.

April2

DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.14thFloorConference
Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

April2

DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

April8

DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredEquipment
meeting.DEP
NewStantonOffice,131BroadviewRoad,NewStanton.10:00.

April13

EnvironmentalIssuesForum
,JointConservationCommitteetohearapresentationby
theChesapeakeBayFoundationPAontheeconomicbenefitsofcleaninguptheBay.LTBA.

Noon.

April15
DEP
StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperators
meeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

April16
DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:15.

April21
DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.

April22

DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoard
meeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:00.

April22

DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.12thFloor
ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

April23

DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoard
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.

April29

DEPMineFamiliesFirstResponseandCommunicationsAdvisoryCouncil
meeting.
DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.

May6

2015PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium
.RamadaInnConferenceCenter,State
College.

May68

PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionals

AnnualConference
.ToftreesResort,
StateCollege.

May79
PALandTrustAssn.
PALand&WaterConservationConference
.Wyndham,
Gettysburg.

May1315
DEPand
Engineers'SocietyofWesternPennsylvania

2015Pennsylvania
BrownfieldsConference
.ErieBayfrontConventionCenter,Erie.

May19
DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoard
meeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor,
RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30.

May28

DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.

June3

DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.10thFloorConference,Rachel
CarsonBuilding.9:30.

June9

DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark

Rd.,Ebensburg.10:00.

June24

DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommittee
.BureauofLaboratoriesBuilding,
2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.

July22

DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommitteeforWaterandWastewaterSystems
Operators
meeting.14thFloor,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)

September24
DEP
RecyclingFundAdvisoryCommittee
&
SolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

October2

DEPLowLevelWasteAdvisoryCommittee
.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

October2830
2015PartnershipforSafeWater
2015WaterSystemOptimizationConference
hostedbythe
PennsylvaniaSectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociation
.

VisitDEPs
PublicParticipationCenter
forinformationonhowyoucan
BeInformed!
and
Get
Involved!
inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForComment
DEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriods
DEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulations
DEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdate
DEPwebpage

DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocuments
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlines
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage

OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicComment
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposals
DEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage

ClickHere
forlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

DCNRCalendarofEvents

Note:
TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePA

CenterforEnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY
201112statebudget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedto
the
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators'
website.

SenateCommitteeSchedule

HouseCommitteeSchedule

Youcanwatchthe
SenateFloorSession
and
HouseFloorSession
liveonline.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Grants&Awards

Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandother
recognitionprograms.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.

February18

WesternPAEnvironmentalAwards
February20
ClearWaterConservancyOutdoorEducationGrants
February27

POWRPASojournGrants
February27

CocaCola,KeepAmericaBeautifulRecyclingBinGrants
February28

AppalachianTrailMuseumHallOfFameNominations
March2

GovernorsEnvironmentalExcellenceAward
s
March2
DominionResourcesEnvironmentalStewardshipGrants
March13

PAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgram
March13

EPAPresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators
March16

PAAmericanWaterStreamOfLearningScholarships
March20

WRENSourceWaterProtectionCollaborativeGrants
March20
PAWildsChampionsAwards
March21

PAEPKarlMasonAndWalterLyonAwards
March27
PECO/NaturalLandsTrustGreenRegionGrants
March31

DEPHostMunicipalityWasteInspectorReimbursementGrants
March31

DelawareHighlandsConservancyYeamanStudentScholarship
April5

DCNRECOCamp,StudentsInterestedInEnvironmentalCareers
April10

PAAmericanWaterProtectOurWatershedsStudentArtContest
April15

DEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants
(oruntilfundsrunout)
April16

DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants
June30

CFAWatershedRestorationProtectionGrants
June30

CFAAbandonedMineDrainageAbatementandTreatmentGrants
June30

CFABaselineWaterQualityDataGrants
June30

CFAOrphanorAbandonedWellPluggingGrants
June30

CFASewageFacilitiesGrants
June30

CFAFloodMitigationGrants
June30

CFAGreenways,TrailsandRecreationGrants
June30

DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates
(oruntilrebatesrunout)
July30

TreeVitalizeInventory,PlantingGrants
September12
PPFFStateParksandForestsThroughTheSeasonPhotoContest

September30

NEW
.
DEPRecyclingPerformanceGrants
October31

PAResourcesCouncilLensOnLitterPhotoContest

Visitthe
DEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpage
formoreideasonhowtogetfinancial
assistanceforenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

GeneralEnvironmental/BudgetNewsClips

Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate

PunxsutawneyPhilNowWantedVarmintInNH
Gov.WolfTellsNHToBackOffPunxsutawneyPhil
Confirmation
ConfirmationHearingForQuigleyCouldStirDebate
NotAllPaperworkToSenateOnWolfNominees
Budget
WolfProposes5%SeveranceTaxForSchools
WolfOutlinesPromisedShaleTaxAsEducationFund
WolfOutlines5PercentTaxOnNaturalGasDrilling
WolfUnveilsSeveranceTaxOnNaturalGas
WolfSeveranceTaxKeepsImpactFeeForCommunities
WolfProposesNaturalGasSeveranceTax
WolfProposes5%NaturalGasTax
WolfPresentsPlanToTaxNaturalGasDrilling
SeveranceTaxPlanPromptsSwiftResponse
OpEd:TaxTheDrillers?Wait,WeDoThatAlready
Editorial:WolfRightOnNaturalGasTax
Editorial:WolfSeveranceTaxOnerous
Editorial:WhatsBestUseOfSeveranceTaxRevenue
WolfPressuredToRestrictGasDrilling
Other
CMUProfMakesNewPollutionMapsPublic
BiofuelsMarketFlattenedByCheapDiesel
FirmDropsPlansForPlantToConvertGasToOtherFuels
Editorial:Charge!TheElectricVehicleMarket
UPSToBuildRefuelingStationsInNewStanton
ShaleGasHasUtilitiesRushingToIncreaseElectricitySupply
AgreementReachedInLawsuitOverFirstEnergyDisposalImpoundment
PUC:InefficienciesCostingFirstEnergyMillions
SmallCoalProducersAwaitShiftInDemand,Prices
TeamRaisingTributeToCecils271FallenMiners
PennState,OtherUniversitiesDropFossilFuelInvestments
FossilFuelDiversementMovementGainsMomentum

Sen.BartolottaVowsToProtectRegionsEnergyJobs
OpEd:NortheastStatesSeekEnergyEfficientPartner
DemolitionOfSteamHeatPlantThatCausedOilSpill
BeaverValleyPowerPlanMayHaveCausedAutoAccident
Karns1stDerryTwpRecycleBankPartner
DEPSues,ShutsDownErieTrashHauler
AntiLandfillGroupHoldsPublicMeeting
GroupIncreasinglyOrganizedToOpposeKeystoneLandfill
CompaniesOrderedToPay$1.2MToCleanupJunkYard
YorkCountysHeritageRailTrailPATrailOfTheYear
OhioRiverTrailCouncilReadiesForNextPhase
NewTrailToLinkRidgeCenterToPresqueIsleBay
Editorial:MakeLastingCommitmentToDelawareWaterGap
AudubonPrepsForGreatBackyardBirdCount
PairTheseBirdEventsWithGreatBackyardBirdCount

DEPsNewsClipswebpage

ClickHere

ThelatestenvironmentalNewsClipsandnewsisavailableatthe
PAEnvironmentDigestDaily
Blog
,
TwitterFeed
and
addustoyour
Google+Circle
.

MarcellusShaleNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling

WolfProposes5%SeveranceTaxForSchools
WolfOutlinesPromisedShaleTaxAsEducationFund
WolfOutlines5PercentTaxOnNaturalGasDrilling
WolfUnveilsSeveranceTaxOnNaturalGas
WolfSeveranceTaxKeepsImpactFeeForCommunities
WolfProposesNaturalGasSeveranceTax
WolfProposes5%NaturalGasTax
WolfPresentsPlanToTaxNaturalGasDrilling
SeveranceTaxPlanPromptsSwiftResponse
OpEd:TaxTheDrillers?Wait,WeDoThatAlready
Editorial:WolfRightOnNaturalGasTax
Editorial:WolfSeveranceTaxOnerous
Editorial:WhatsBestUseOfSeveranceTaxRevenue
WolfPressuredToRestrictGasDrilling
Editorial:AlleghenyCouncilPansDrillingBan
NewOil,GasRegsTestForWolfAdministration
CabotToPay$50KForViolatingSRBCWaterRegulations
NativeAmericanProtestAgainstPipeline
PennEastPipelineOfficialsProjectEconomicBenefits
FERCPennEastPipelineScopingMeetingInWilkesBarre

BackersToutEconomicImpactOfPennEastPipeline
SunocoToutsNaturalGasPipelineInLebanon
PennEastPipelineFoesPackLehighValleyMeeting
Cumberland,PerryPipelineAwarenessHoldingFeb.12Meeting
FirstEnergyPlans$35MInUpgradesForShaleGasFacilities
ShaleGasHasUtilitiesRushingToIncreaseElectricitySupply
BiofuelsMarketFlattenedByCheapDiesel
FirmDropsPlansForPlantToConvertGasToOtherFuels
PlummetingFuelPricesMeanBigSavingsForTransitAgencies
SeasonalIncreaseInGasolinePricesFirstSinceJune
Letter:PADrillingRegulationsAmongNationsStrongest
Letter:JonesActAntiquated,ProtectionistLaw
Sen.BartolottaVowsToProtectRegionsEnergyJobs
EnergySpotlight:KirbyWalkerPetroleumEngineer
CourtDeniesAppealByWorkerClaimingFrackingChemicalBlindedHim
Financial/OtherStates
BISSaysFinancialFlowsPartlyToBlameForOilCollapse
OilPriceReboundPredicted
OilFallsAsIEAWarnsTocksMayHitAllTimeHigh

ThelatestenvironmentalNewsClipsandnewsisavailableatthe
PAEnvironmentDigestDaily
Blog
,
TwitterFeed
and
addustoyour
Google+Circle
.

Watershed/FloodingNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate

Flooding
PreservationPACallsForFloodInsuranceChanges
OtherWatershedNewsClips
Greenvs.GraySolutionsAtAlcosanMakingNoOneHappy
CampMichauxProjectsPreservesHistory,ProtectsBrookTrout
AgreementReachedInLawsuitOverFirstEnergyDisposalImpoundment
CapitalRegionWaterHearingOnLandSale
JacobsCreekWatershedAssn.NamesNewExecutiveDirector

LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

ThelatestenvironmentalNewsClipsandnewsisavailableatthe
PAEnvironmentDigestDaily
Blog
,
TwitterFeed
and
addustoyour
Google+Circle
.

Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheFishandBoatCommission
publishedformalnotice
adding10streamstotheClassAWild
TroutStreamsList.


PennsylvaniaBulletinFebruary14,2015

DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForComment
DEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriods
DEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulations
DEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdate
DEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheGovernorsOffice
formallypublishedacopy
ofExecutiveOrder201503imposinga
moratoriumonfurtherleasingofStateParkandForestLandsforoilandgasdevelopment.

The
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
publishednoticesofprojectapproved
October
December2014
andprojectsrescindedin
October2014
.

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofchangestothelistof
individualsandcompaniescertifiedtoperformradonrelatedactivities(
PABulletin,page829
).

DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocuments
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlines
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage

OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicComment
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposals
DEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage

VisitDEPsnew

PublicParticipationCenter
forinformationonhowyoucan
BeInformed!
and
GetInvolved!
inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

ClickHere
forlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

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.

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iseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartment
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