Pa Environment Digest April 17, 2017

PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

Business Partner Of The Year Award
PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed
Issue #668 Harrisburg, PA April 17, 2017
PUC Intends To Appeal Court Ruling Jeopardizing Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee Collections
Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown notified Gov.

Tom Wolf in a letter Tuesday the Commission intends to appeal a
March Commonwealth Court decision that it believes significantly
jeopardized the current and future fees generated by Act 13 drilling
impact fees.
This year alone, Brown said, the decision would reduce the already
declining revenue from the impact by $16 million or approximately
10 percent of the total collection.
The Independent Fiscal Office estimated in January the impact fee
would generate $13.1 million less for calendar year 2016 compared
to the previous year-- $174.6 million. Thats down $61.2 million from its high in 2013 of $225.7
million-- a 27 percent reduction.
The Commission expects this reduction to increase in future years given the
age/production level of wells and the producers ability to fully take advantage of the Courts
interpretation, Brown said.
The Court decision in Snyder Brothers, Inc. v. PUC dealt with a provision in Act 13 that
provided an exemption from the impact fee for so-called stripper wells. These are wells the
law defines as incapable of producing more than 90,000 cubic feet of gas per day during any
calendar month.
The PUC consistently held that a well is not a stripper well and is subject to the impact
fee if it exceeds minimum production levels in one calendar month in a year, but Commonwealth
Court held otherwise saying wells had to pay the impact fee only if a well exceeds the minimum
production levels in every month in a year.
Brown said the Commissions interpretation was based on examination of prior
legislative versions of Act 13 which explicitly required production levels be met in every month
of a year for the impact fee to apply, the purpose of Act 13 to provide relief to municipalities
affected by drilling and other provisions in Act 13 which clarify the impact fee applies if a well
meets specified production levels in one month in a year.
The Courts interpretation may lead to unreasonable results. For instance, if well A
produces 100,000 [cubic feet] per day/month for 12 months, it pays the fee. If well B produces
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200,000 [cubic feet] per day/month for 11 months, falling short in one month, it does not pay the
fee.
This unreasonable result, said Brown, was noted by the dissenting opinion in Snyder Bros
which said the General Assembly does not intend a result that is absurd, impossible of execution,
or unreasonable.
Because the Commission believes that the Courts decision is not in accord with the
statute nor the intention of the General Assembly, the Commission will file a Petition with the
Supreme Court for allowance of appeal.
However, that process is time consuming and uncertain. To the extent appropriate, a
legislative solution may provide the clarity required. A possible legislative solution to clarify the
intention of the General Assembly would be to change the word any to every in Act 13s
definition of stripper well.
A copy of Chairman Browns letter is available online.
Gov. Wolf Urges Fix
In response to the PUCs letter, Gov. Wolf issued this statement-- As a result of the
recent court decision, counties and municipalities across the state which receive impact fee
revenues to address critical infrastructure needs and impacts of natural gas development will
receive millions less this year and in future years. The Governor believes that the language
should be fixed to ensure that counties and municipalities receive the funding they depend on.
NewsClips:
Legere: Stripper Well Ruling Could Cause $16 Million Drop In Drilling Impact Fees
Wolf Says Act 13 Language Should Be Fixed To Protect Impact Fee Revenue
[Posted: April 12, 2017]
Citizens Advisory Council To Host Legislative Forum, Nuclear Power, Seismic Discussions
DEPs Citizens Advisory Council meeting on April 18 will

feature a Legislative Forum on priority issues of the House
and Senate Environmental Committees with members or
representatives of the four committee Chairs.
The environmental committee chairs invited
include: Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair;
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair; Rep.
John Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair; Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair.
Also on the agenda is a presentation on the Lawrence County Seismic Event Report
released by DEP in February that demonstrated a connection between a specific kind of fracking
done by Hilcorp Energy Company and a series of low-magnitude earthquakes.
Seth Pelepko from DEPs Office of Oil and Gas Management and Dr. Andrew Nyblade
from the Penn State University Department of Geosciences will make the presentation.
The Council will also hear a presentation by Dr. Dean Murphy from The Brattle Group
on the contribution nuclear power plants make to the states economy and to reducing climate
changing emissions.
The presentation is based on a report issued in December commissioned by the PA
Chamber of Business and Industry, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and the PA Statewide Building Trades Council.
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Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell will provide an update on agency activities. In
addition, DEPs regular monthly report to Council is also available. The report include
year-to-date numbers on inspections, violations and enforcement actions taken in the Oil and Gas
Program.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 10:00. Click Here to register to attend the meeting via WebEx.
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council
webpage or contact Katie Hetherington Cunfer, 717-705-2693 or send email to:
khethering@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
PAs Ailing Nuclear Industry Looks To Harrisburg For Salvation
AP: Nuclear Power Plant Owners Expand Search For Rescue To More States
Legere: PA Opponents Of Nuclear Bailouts Organize Early
Competitive Battle For Electricity Market Share In PA Will Harm Customers In Long Run
New Gas Build, Coal Retirements Could Lead To Distressed Power Prices In PJM
Related Stories:
Exelon Nuclear: Efficiency, Innovation, State Policy Reforms Key to Nuclears Future
Natural Gas, Oil Square Off Against Nuclear Power Over Potential Bailout
Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus Meets April 26 to Hear From PJM Interconnection
Senate Bill Attempts To Retroactively Influence Decision Protecting Ryerson State Park,
Streams From New Mine Subsidence
Legislation introduced Thursday would fundamentally change

the standard used to judge whether an underground mining
plan approved by DEP can be challenged on the issue of
whether it prevents temporary or permanent damage to
surface streams.
Senate Bill 624 says any underground mining plan
approved by DEP which does not predict permanent or
temporary damage to streams shall not be considered
presumptive evidence that a bituminous coal mine subject to
this act has the potential to cause pollution.
Since the standard under the states Act 54-- the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land
Conservation Act-- says underground mining must be conducted in a way that prevents damage
to streams and aquifers, mining plans submitted to DEP typically claim that there will be no
permanent damage to streams or that any temporary damage can be mitigated.
If enacted, it would mean any plan approved DEP would automatically be presumed to
not allow permanent harm to streams or their designated uses.
This raises the threshold of permit appeals, because challengers would have to prove
nearly conclusively that permanent damages will occur to streams if the underground mining was
allowed to proceed.
In practice, this likely means that challengers to any plan would all but have to wait until
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damage occurs to a stream before a challenge would have a chance of being successful.
Retroactivity
The bill not only applies to future actions, but also applies retroactively to all permits
issued under the act that were the subject of an appeal heard by the Environmental Hearing
Board after June 30, 2016.
Retroactively applying a new standard to any action by a state agency involving a private
company is extraordinarily rare.
One case that fits this very specific provision is a December 19, 2016 appeal to the
Environmental Hearing Board of a Consol longwall mining permit under Ryerson Station State
Park in Greene County by the Center for Coalfield Justice (EHB Docket No. 2014-072-B).
On January 24 the Environmental Hearing Board issued a rare supercedeas in that appeal
to temporarily stop mining before it could impact Polen and Ken Runs, portions of which are in
the state park, until the merits of the case could be heard.
Before the appeal could be filed, Consol undermined and damaged a section of Polen
Run just outside the park boundary.
The Consol permit predicted significant damage, notably subsidence and flow loss to the
streams in the park.
The EHB supercedeas is being appealed by Consol to Commonwealth Court.
Veronica Coptis, Executive Director of the Center for Coalfield Justice said in reaction to
the bill, After three permit challenges and nearly 3 years of litigation before the environmental
hearing board on the eve of a decision the proposed bill takes that decision away from the
expertise of the EHB.
This kind of legislative overreach challenges our democracy and allows the legislative
body to act as the judicial body. The future of Ryerson Station State Park is at stake with this
bill. Elected officials will decide whether future generations get to fish at the park or whether the
streams will be destroyed in a matter of years.
The original appeal of the Consol permit was filed in May of 2014.
Click Here for more background on the decision by the Center for Coalfield Justice.
40% Of Streams Damaged
A report on surface damage caused by underground coal mining issued in January of
2015 covering 2008 to 2013 by DEP said 40 percent of the streams undermined by deep coal
mining (39 of 96 miles) suffered flow loss or pooling that had an adverse impact on aquatic life,
pH and conductivity in the streams.
In addition, 8 of 55 stream segments identified in a previous report had yet to recover
from the impacts of mining.
According to the most recent status report given to DEPs Citizens Advisory Council this
month, DEP said, The Bureau of Mining Programs is working with the California District
Mining Office to systematically review the Act 54 report [from 2015 as noted above].
Discussions have identified a few categories of action items. The Department has received the
CAC comments and will work with the Council to address their concerns. The TGD Surface
Water Protection- Underground Bituminous Coal Mining Operations will be revised to address
some of the issues raised in the Act 54 report and in response to recent litigation.
For more information on mining and mine subsidence prevention, visit DEPs Act 54
webpage.
Additional Background On Consol Permit
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In 2013, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Consol reached an
agreement to repair the damage longwall mining did to the lake dam at Ryerson Station State
Park by replacing the dam and allowing Consol to conduct additional mining in certain areas.
Replacing the dam did not prove feasible and DCNR is in the process of determining the
best recreational opportunities that could be developed in the park.
(Photo: The dam damaged by underground mining at Ryerson State State Park.)
Related Stories:
EHB Stops Longwall Mining Under Ryerson State Park Until Appeal Can Be Heard
DEP Report: 40% Of Streams Show Adverse Impacts Of Underground Coal Mining
Op-Ed: The Latest Act 54 Deep Mining Impact Report, Its Past Time To Rewrite The Law
DEP Citizens Advisory Council OKs Comments On Act 54 Deep Mining Impact Report
Bill Adding Natural Gas Gathering Pipelines To PA One Call On Senate Committee
Agenda April 18
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Committee is scheduled to meet on April 18 to consider Senate Bill 242
(Baker-R-Luzerne) which adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA
One Call utility construction safety program so they can be identified
and mapped for emergency services (sponsor summary).
Sen. Baker noted in a background memo on the bill there are
more than 6,000 incidents of striking utility lines every year, with
approximately half involving natural gas lines because facility owners
do not join the PA One Call program or for other reasons.
All of these instances jeopardize public safety, place workers at
risk, compromise infrastructure, trigger outages, generate
environmental hazards and cost consumers, businesses, and utilities time and money, said Sen.
Baker. Preventing this unnecessary damage will increase public safety and reduce costs.
This issue must be dealt with again this year because Senate Bill 1235 only authorized an
extension of the entire PA One Call program until the end of 2017.
There are 60,000 to 100,000 miles of natural gas gathering lines in 33 counties, according
to testimony presented at a hearing by the Senate and House Emergency Preparedness and
Veterans Affairs Committees in November.
The Public Utility Commission, PA One Call and UGI Energy Services are
recommended gathering lines be regulated for safety and mapped for emergency services during
the hearing.
A similar effort failed last year when the House stripped the provision from Senate Bill
1235, also sponsored by Sen. Baker, after stiff opposition from conventional oil and gas drillers.
Sen. Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: rtomlinson@pasen.gov and Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) serves
as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: boscola@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Bucks County Community College Offers Gas Pipeline Mechanics Training
NY Nixes Water Permit For National Fuel Gas Northern Access Pipeline
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Related Stories:
PA One Call Debunks Myths On the Cost Of Its Pipeline, Utility Safety Program
Hearing: 60,000+ Miles Of Natural Gas Gathering Lines Should Be Regulated For Safety
DEP: EM Energy Pipeline Assessed $185,000 Penalty For Surface Water, Wetland Impacts
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated] /Govs Schedule/ Bills

Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
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House (April 17): House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) congratulating the PA National
Guards environmental office on winning first place in the Sustainability Team in the 2016 Army
National Guard Environmental Awards Contest (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full
House Bill Calendar.
Senate (April 18): Senate Bill 50 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) further providing for notice of
flood history in home sales disclosures (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill
Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 1071 (Farry-R-Bucks)
prohibiting bans, fees, surcharges and taxes on recyclable plastic bags (sponsor summary) and
holds an informational meeting with the Public Utility Commission and Attorney Generals
Consumer Advocate Office. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee meets to consider
Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call utility
construction safety program so they can be identified and mapped for emergency services
(sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
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Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Arbor Day: House Resolution 255 (Marsico-R-Dauphin) recognizing April 28 as Arbor Day
(sponsor summary).
Pipeline Regulation: Senate Bill 604 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) transferring the authority for
pipeline safety from the Public Utility Commission to the Department of Transportation (sponsor
summary).
Pipeline Impact Fee: Senate Bill 605 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) establishing a pipeline impact
fee calculated based on the acreage of linear feet plus the right-of-way width of a pipeline. Fees
generated would be distributed to areas affected by pipelines (sponsor summary).
Quarts Official State Mineral: Senate Bill 610 (Killion-R-Delaware) designating quartz as the
official state mineral of the Commonwealth (sponsor summary).
Retroactively Changes Protection From Mine Subsidence Damage: Senate Bill 624
(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) fundamentally and retroactively changes the standard used to judge
whether an underground mining plan approved by DEP can be challenged on the issue of
whether it prevents temporary or permanent damage to surface streams. Click Here for more
complete background.
Session Schedule [Updated]
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
April 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
April 17 (non-voting), 18, 19, 24, 25, & 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, & 24
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June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
Governors Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
The Feds
Op-Ed: Reclaiming PAs Coal Heritage With New Federal Legislation-- RECLAIM
By Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
Pennsylvanias coal fueled an industrial revolution, built dozens of cities,

provided affordable heating for millions of homes and helped win two
world wars. We all enjoy a better life because of the hard work done by
generations of the Commonwealths coal miners and the innovations made
possible by their efforts and sacrifices.
These benefits did not come without a cost. In a bygone era where
production was the only goal, the environmental risks were not understood.
Modern technologies to mitigate these risks were not yet developed, and in
the rush to the future, unintended consequences were not considered.
While deep appreciation of those early miners is ingrained in our history,
Pennsylvania is faced with legacy issues stemming from hundreds of
abandoned coal mines.
In 1977, Congress established the Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Fund, which
required coal companies to pay a fee on every ton produced. For nearly 40 years more than $10
billion has been collected into the fund, which is used for reclamation and restoration efforts on
lands affected by legacy mining.
Today, more than $8 billion has been sent to communities that have abandoned mine
lands in states such as Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The AML fund currently
contains nearly $2.4 billion, which can only be released through congressional action.
Despite a history of working in a collaborative manner to address these clean up
challenges, Pennsylvania still has more abandoned mines than any other state in the nation.
For these reasons, I have worked with my colleagues to introduce a bipartisan bill, known
as the RECLAIM Act. This bill has set a goal of releasing $1 billion in AML funds to the states,
with nearly one third available to Pennsylvania over the next five years.
This will double Pennsylvanias annual allotment and will have countless environmental
and economic benefits, and can be done without any cost to the taxpayer.
The RECLAIM Act has not only partnered Democrats and Republicans, but has also
brought coal producers and environmental advocates to the table. R. John Dawes, executive
director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, has said, This bill represents a huge
opportunity to accelerate the restoring of those lands while creating jobs and providing economic
opportunity in the communities where they exist. Providing ecosystem functions to these lands
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whether its for replanted forests or agricultural purposes is a huge benefit to quality of life
issues for citizens of Pennsylvania.
Nonprofits and charitable organizations in Pennsylvania have been steadfast in their
commitment to reclaim our abandoned mines, but they cannot do it alone. We must fast track the
release of these funds to aid in the effort.
In doing so, we will create jobs in our coal towns and boost our regional economy while
ensuring that streams are restored and viable for future generations.
On April 5, the House Natural Resources Committee held a legislative hearing to receive
testimony from stakeholders on how the law can better promote economic revitalization and
development in economically distressed communities, through the reclamation and restoration of
land and water resources.
This is a welcomed step forward for the RECLAIM Act. Congress has a great
opportunity to do right by Pennsylvania and increase the federal commitment to reclamation
projects and I look forward to continue working in partnership with my colleagues to make this a
reality.
Congressman Thompson represents the 5th Congressional District which includes all or parts of
16 counties in Northwest and Northcentral Pennsylvania.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: Reclaiming PAs Coal Heritage, Cong. Thompson
Culm To Go, Trees Added At Weiser State Forest To Improve Scarred Land
Related Stories:
U.S. House Hearing On RECLAIM Making $200M Available For Mine Reclamation
Bipartisan RECLAIM Reintroduced In Congress To Cleanup Abandoned Mine Lands
Op-Ed: EPCAMR: Federal RECLAIM Act Can Help In Reshaping Northeast PAs Economy
Wolf: $30M Pilot Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Economic Development Program
Campaign Starting Now To Reauthorize Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee
PA Cong. Thompson Offered Amendment To Gut Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program
News From Around The State
ClearWater Conservancy: Slab Cabin Run Water Quality Initiative Advances In Centre
The ClearWater Conservancy announced Monday

it has met the second fundraising deadline of
$1.75 million by March 31 for the Slab Cabin
Run Initiative, a proactive source water protection
effort to permanently conserve 300 acres of
agricultural land in College and Harris Townships
owned by the Meyer and Everhart families of
State College.
A total of $2.1 million has been raised since the
project was announced in October 2016 and
reaching the recent deadline keeps the project on track.
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The property ClearWater targeted for conservation lies in a vital portion of the Spring
Creek Watershed, within the Source Water Protection Area for the Harter-Thomas wells, which
supply the majority of drinking water for residents in State College and much of the Centre
Region.
A portion of the farmland, which supports production of dairy products sold at Meyer
Dairy, is visible when looking east along University Drive Extension or directly across from
Foxdale Village and the State College Friends School.
The $2.75 million project is the largest financial undertaking in ClearWaters 36 year
history. Funding sources include $935,000 in private contributions and $1,165,000 from local
municipalities and municipal authorities.
It is noteworthy that State College Borough Water Authority extended a challenge grant
of $50,000 to municipalities that commit more funding than originally requested by ClearWater.
To date, State College Borough has responded with a commitment of $10,000 more than
ClearWaters original request of $100,000.
On April 12 Patton Township Board of Supervisors will consider ClearWaters request
for $125,000 for the Initiative. Funding requests from Benner and Halfmoon Township are
pending.
Direct fundraising efforts are underway to fulfill the $2.75 million target by September
30, 2017.
Deb Nardone, ClearWaters executive director explained, Were looking for the public
to invest is this great success story, helping conserve an iconic and much loved place while
protecting the regions drinking water. We know that local businesses and neighbors will want
to look back on and say they were a part of making it happen.
Upon completion of the project, land conservation of 300 acres will result in Meyer Dairy
Partnership owning both farms and ClearWater Conservancy holding permanent conservation
easements on both farms.
The conservation easement is a legally binding encumbrance on the property deed,
ensuring protection of the farmland and stream corridor forever.
Once the land conservation easement is in place, ClearWater can begin restoration efforts
on Slab Cabin Run, which, according to a 2012 by the Fish and Boat Commission, supports an
excellent Class A wild brown trout population for its entire length and warrants maximum
protection against any future degradation to water quality, habitat or biota due to encroachment,
water withdrawal, or other impact.
For more information, visit the ClearWater Conservancys Slab Cabin Run Initiative
webpage or contact ClearWater Conservancy directly by sending email to:
contactus@clearwaterconservancy.org or call 814-237-0400.
April 11 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension
The April 11 Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring
articles on--
-- Drought Warning Lifted For Mifflin, Union Counties, Watch Still In Place For 19 Counties
-- Keeping Well And Septic System Records
-- DEP: Federal Budget Cuts Will Have Immediate, Devastating Effect In PA
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-- Engineering Team Develops New Approach To Limit Water Contamination By Lead
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
Stroud Water Research Center Previews Upcoming Educational Events
The Stroud Water Research Center in Chester County Friday

previewed a series of educational events coming up in late
April and May, including--
-- Watershed 101 Workshops On Stream Ecology Coming in
April, May
-- Education Open House April 23
-- Joan & Dick Stroud Lecture: Flint Water Crisis-Where Are
We Now April 23
-- Volunteer Tree Planting April 27
-- White Clay Creek Fest May 6
-- A Day Of Horse Racing, Tailgating, Family Fun May 14
-- Fore Fresh Water Golf Outing May 22
-- Rally For Fresh Water June 11
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Stroud, Like them on
Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube
Channel.
Related Stories
April 21-29 Philly Science Fest Highlights STEM - Water Relationship
Central PA Conservancy Hosts Student Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute July 10-15
KEEA Energy Education Fund Recognizes Schools Saving 2.9 Million Kwh Of Electricity
Recyclebank Green Schools Program Funds 44 Eco Projects
PA Wild Resources Educator Symposium May 20, Frick Environmental Center Pittsburgh
Enter Now! PA-AWWA Best Of PA Public Water Taste Test
The PA Section American Water Works Association is putting out a call

for entries to its 2017 Best of PA Taste Test, a statewide competition to
crown the best tasting public water supplies in Pennsylvania.
Entrants may not have incurred any state or federal drinking water
violations during the previous calendar year and be an AWWA utility
member. Water utilities with multiple water systems are limited to two
entries.
Winners will move on to the National Best of the Best Taste Test
Contest at AWWA national conference in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania winners will be recognized at the PA-AWWA
Annual Conference in Hershey April 25-27.
Click Here for an entry form and all the details. Note: The deadline to apply is April 14,
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but late entries will be accepted.
Send entries to: Andres Bliss, Capital Region Water, by email to:
andrew.bliss@capitalregionwater.com or call 717-216-5254 with questions.
NewsClips:
Boil-Water Advisory In Place For PA American Water In Lackawanna County
Boil Water Advisory Lifted For All In Lackawanna County
Is Pittsburgh The Next Flint? Activists Brace For Fight Over Lead In Water
Pittsburghers Outline Water Concerns At East Liberty Town Hall
Pittsburgh Town Hall: Not Another Flint
Flint, MI Water Activist To Discuss Pittsburgh Water Problems Tuesday
How Tech Is Empowering Citizen Scientists To Tackle Real Problems
When you turn on the tap for a fresh glass of Philadelphia

water, do you think about all the scientists and engineers
who make this daily convenience possible?
If your answer is "no," you're not alone.
But the fact is, science and engineering are a big part of
the work we do at the Philadelphia Water Department
every day.
From the biologists who monitor our source water Wto
the laboratory technicians at the Bureau of Laboratory
Services who sample and test the finished product to
ensure safety, we rely on a variety of scientific experts to
bring you top quality water around the clock every day of the year.
Philadelphia Water Department also has environmental scientists studying how climate
change will impact our rivers and infrastructure, engineers working to transform waste water into
energy, hydrologists fine-tuning green stormwater systems, and more.
Thats why the Water Department excited to once again be a part of the Philadelphia
Science Festival on April 21 to 29 we want to highlight the science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) that makes access to clean, abundant water possible and attract young people
considering STEM careers to this critical field.
A nine-day, community-wide celebration of science, the Philadelphia Science Festival
features lectures, debates, hands-on activities, special exhibitions and a variety of other informal
science education experiences for all ages.
For more information, visit the Philadelphia Science Festival website.
NewsClips:
Saint Clair Area Students Release Trout Into Schuylkill River
Pocono Environmental Ed Center Plans New Sustainability Lodge
Climate, Flattening Earth: Teaching Science In A Fake News World
Related Stories
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(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Blog.)

The Central PA Conservancy Tuesday announced

its annual youth conservation leadership camp, the
Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute, an
innovative, residential conservation leadership
program from July 10-15 for ages 13-15.
This program provides students in rising 8th, 9th,
and 10th grades with opportunities to become
immersed in the natural, scenic, historic,
agricultural, and recreational resources of the South
Mountain Landscape while learning about its key
role and impact as part of the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed.
Up to 20 students will be selected to participate in this weeklong program. The deadline
for applications is June 4.
Students will bring back important lessons about their watershed as well as leadership
and volunteer service.
This program is a partnership between the Central PA Conservancy and the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation-PA. Students will reside at the Ironmasters Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace
State Park in Cumberland County for the first half of the week and finish the week on an
extended field visit to the Chesapeake Bay.
At Pine Grove, students will learn about regional history and Pennsylvanias conservation
heritage as well as important connections between Pennsylvanias headwater streams and the
Chesapeake Bay.
Students will engage in high adventure through team-based activities that include rock
climbing, rappelling, and tyrolean traverse at Pole Steeple. Students will also complete a
community service project for the park by planting a riparian buffer along Mountain Creek and
constructing rain barrels near planting beds in the park.
At the Chesapeake Bay, students will explore the Karen Noonan Memorial
Environmental Education Center and 20 acres of marsh in southern Dorchester County,
Maryland.
Participants will encounter pine forests, underwater grass beds, and native oyster reefs
that surround the center as well as the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, one of the
largest tidal wetlands on the East Coast.
On the final day, students will have the opportunity to interact with other student leaders
from Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA programs and present a display at CBFs 50 Forward
Event to celebrate the Chesapeake Bay Foundations 50th anniversary.
14
The cost is $350 per student and there are a number of scholarships available.
The GLLI is coordinated by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy in partnership with
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, and the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources.
Key funding partners include the Chris Thorpe Foundation, the Kate Svitek Memorial
Foundation, the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the Cumberland County Conservation
District (scholarships), and Appalachian Audubon (scholarships).
To learn more about this program and scholarship opportunities, visit the Goddard
Leadership Legacy Institute website. Questions should be directed to Anna Yelk, Executive
Director, Central PA Conservancy 717-241-4360 or send email to:
ayelk@centralpaconservancy.org.
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The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance Energy Education Fund has

announced the winners of this years Moving to the Head of the Class
Awards. The annual awards program celebrates schools that have realized
significant energy savings through energy efficiency and conservation
measures.
This year, the award goes to three schools, with three honorable mentions.
Winners were selected from applications from across the Commonwealth:
-- Springhouse Middle School in Allentown, Lehigh County: With a
team of teachers and support staff, Springhouse Middle School students
save energy through with support from PPL's Act 129 Continuous Energy
Improvement Program, their Think Energy! program and the Bright Ideas poster contest. Their
creative student engagement includes a "Green Cribs" project, where students create short video
documentaries that explore their own homes' savings potential, and feature teaching members of
their community how to save energy. Springhouse Middle's energy savings through behavioral
changes was impressive!
-- Parkland High School in Allentown, Lehigh County: Parkland High School spearheaded a
multifaceted behavioral change program that begins with a Continuous Energy Improvement
(CEI) team of teachers, administrators, custodial staff and business members that meet monthly,
and includes green teams that involve students in a variety of creative projects to promote energy
conservation and efficiency. Parkland is supported by PPL's Act 129 Energy Efficiency
15
Education Programs, and implemented smart metering and tracking software to monitor and
adjust their efforts as needed.
-- McKee Elementary School in Oakdale, Allegheny County: Part of 2016's Honorable
Mentions, West Allegheny School District, McKee Elementary School has engaged their
Director of Buildings, grounds team, teachers, students and staff in a behavioral strategy, in-class
lessons in energy efficiency, and incentives for faculty and staff that encourage compliance with
shutdown procedures. The school has participated in their local utility's Act 129 programs to
both educate students and implement capital improvements like lighting, HVAC and controls
projects to save energy and money.
-- Moshannon Valley Jr.-Sr. High in Houtzdale, Clearfield County honorable mention;
-- Donaldson Elementary School in Oakdale, Allegheny County honorable mention; and
-- The Corry Area School District in Corry, Erie County honorable mention.
Together, these six schools have saved 2,951,657 kilowatt hours of electricity roughly
enough electricity to power 300 Pennsylvania homes for a year.
Because each school implemented student education as part of their energy saving plans,
students are likely saving thousands more kilowatt hours in their homes, as well.
The awards are made possible by the generous support of the Emily Hall Tremaine
Foundation, this energy efficiency award provides a unique opportunity for K-12 schools in
Pennsylvania to receive recognition for all of the work they have done to save energy and
money.
Past award winners have together saved over 10,000,000 kWh and $1,300,000!
The awards will be conferred upon the winning schools in a ceremony in the Capitol
Rotunda in Harrisburg on May 17 at 9:00 a.m. with many invited guests including legislators,
representatives of electric utilities and businesses involved in helping the schools complete
program work.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Keystone
Energy Efficiency Alliance website.
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Monroe County Earth Day Set To Take Tires, E-Waste, 9th Give & Take On April 22
To mark the 47th anniversary of Earth

Day, a Give & Take will be part of the
free Monroe County Earth Day event at
the Monroe Campus of Northampton
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Community College Route 715 in Tannersville on April 22.
A great way to reuse items that are too good to throw away but you just dont have a use
for them anymore just bring along any gently used items between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., then take
away anything you want from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. its free!
You dont have to bring something to take something. Leftover items stay within the
community and are donated to local nonprofit organizations like Salvation Army, Pleasant
Valley Ecumenical Network, churches, etc.
You must provide your own vehicle for transporting items. There will be volunteers
assisting and reviewing the items being dropped off.
Click Here to register as a volunteer.
Besides the Give & Take Day, there will also be Exhibitors, Live Music, children's
activities, and much more.
Electronic waste recycling, Tire Amnesty (Monroe County residents only) will also be
available. Eight tires will be recycled for free. Recycling is sponsored by the Monroe County
Municipal Waste Management Authority.
For Earth Day, there are new additions to the Monroe County Trail map-- Parks, Nature
Preserves & Open Space Properties. The map now includes locations of Food Pantries and
Thrift Stores in Monroe County along with Dog Parks. The map is also accessible online.
For the full day's event, visit the Monroe County Earth Day website, #MCEarthDay on
twitter or Facebook.
Among the many event sponsors is Close the Loop.
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Brodhead Watershed Association Joins Monroe County Earth Day Celebration April 22
Brodhead Watershed Association will join the Monroe

County Earth Day celebration on April 22 offering
family-friendly activities to educate kids and parents
alike about issues that affect the watershed and things
families can do to make a difference.
The county-wide Earth Day celebration will be held 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. that day at Northampton Community
Colleges Tannersville campus.
BWA will host a booth centering on the themes of
native plants and green infrastructure. The new Get
Outdoors Poconos booklet of local hiking
opportunities will also debut stop by BWAs booth for your free copy!
There will also be a chance to win a BWA T-shirt or rain barrel.
New exhibitors will include the Coast Guard auxiliary, Trout Unlimited and residential
17
solar vendor and installers.
The celebration will also include electronics recycling, tire amnesty, crafts, TED Talks,
entertainment throughout the day and more. The Close the Loop Give & Take Day will occur
again this year to repurpose gently used items. Last years popular passport activity for children
will also return.
For information, visit the Monroe County Earth Day website.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website.
(Photo: Sherwood Forest Greenway, Monroe County.)
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PRC, PA American Water Host 3 Drug Take-Back Collections April 29 In Allegheny

County
In conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

13th National Drug Take-Back Day, the PA Resources Council
and its partners will provide several local venues to safely dispose
of unwanted medication on April 29.
PRC will partner with PA American Water and other
organizations to host three drop-off collection events in western
Pennsylvania on April 29 from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. The events will
be held--
-- Green Tree: Green Tree Borough Building, 10 W. Manilla
Ave., Pgh., PA 15220
-- Mt. Lebanon: Medical Rescue Team South, 315 Cypress Way,
Pgh, PA 15228
-- Robinson: The Mall at Robinson, Sears parking lot, 100 Robinson Centre Dr., Pgh., PA 15205
Nationwide on Drug Take-Back Day, more than 5,000 collection sites will enable
patients, caregivers and pet owners to properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs and
over-the-counter medications at no cost.
Hundreds of drop-off locations will be available throughout western Pennsylvania,
including approximately 40 sites in Allegheny County alone.
Click Here for a complete list of collection locations in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
This program provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of
prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of
medications, according to PRC Regional Director Justin Stockdale. People should not flush
medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash since improper disposal poses a very real
threat to the environment.
Since launching the nationwide Drug Take-Back Day effort in 2010, the DEA and its
18
partners have collected more than 7 million pounds about 3,500 tons of medication.
Building off of the success of past collections, PRC will again collaborate with the DEA
and local law enforcement to provide residents with a safe and convenient option, thanks to the
support of our many sponsors, said Stockdale. PRC is proud to collaborate with PA American
Water as well as the Borough of Green Tree, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon, Robinson Township,
The Mall at Robinson and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
According to the DEA, studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are
obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Take back programs offer a safe, simple, and anonymous way to keep dangerous
prescription drugs out of the wrong hands and prevent substance abuse, said Chuck Rosenberg,
Acting DEA Administrator.
For more information on this and other recycling collection events, visit PRCs 2017
Collection Events webpage or call 412-488-7452.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar.
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Recyclebank, the incentives and education platform

focused on waste, Thursday announced 44 schools from
Recyclebank's partnering communities successfully raised
a total of $90,670as part of the annual Recyclebank Green
Schools Program.
In Pennsylvania, the schools included
-- William Allen High School, Allentown, $600.00
-- Hershey High School, Hershey, $2,200.00
-- Philadelphia Schools
-- Bache-Martin Elementary School, $2,500
-- C.W. Henry School, $941
-- Frances E. Willard Elementary, $1,886
-- George W. Nebinger Elementary School, $2,100
-- George Washington Carver Engineering & Science, $1,000
-- Germantown Friends School, $1,650
-- Green Woods Charter School, $2,500
-- Independence Charter School, $2,500
-- Inquiry Charter School Philadelphia - Charter, $2,147
-- John B. Kelly Elemenatry School, $2,500
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-- John Story Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences, $2,423
-- Jubilee School, $2,146
-- Overbrook Educational Center, $2,500
-- Roman Catholic High School, $2,500
-- Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, $2,134
-- The Waldorf School of Philadelphia, $2,273
-- Thomas May Peirce Elementary School, $1,895
-- WB Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, $2,483
-- William Cramp Community School, $2,400.00
-- William M. Meredith Home and School Association, $2,500
-- E.M. Stanton, $1,725
-- McCall School, $2,231
Each year, participating schools work to encourage residents to donate Recyclebank
points to fund their unique and creative environmental projects designed to positively affect
students, educators and communities.
Recyclebank then transfers the points into real dollarsturning the community's green
actions into funds (up to $2,500) for the school.
This year, almost all of the participating schools (38 out of 44) were able to successfully
raise the full amount of funds they needed for their projects. A complete list of participating
schools and the funds awarded to them is available upon request.
"I am thrilled that this year, our Recyclebank Green Schools Program was once again
able to successfully inspire sustainable behavior among schools and students, while encouraging
innovation," said Javier Flaim, CEO of Recyclebank. "I want to thank the students and educators
who work so hard on their projects, and our members who donated their points towards the
program. We are proud of this program that encourages environmentally-conscious actions and
brings us a step closer to a waste-free future."
Since 2007, Recyclebank Green Schools Program has granted over $500,000 to more
than 500 school projects.
To learn more, visit the Recyclebank Green Schools Program webpage.
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PA Horticultural Society Volunteers To Plant 831 Trees During Earth Month
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Volunteers trained by the PA Horticultural
Society in Philadelphia and other partners will
plant 831 trees in the city and surrounding
counties as part of Earth Month, including
plantings dedicated to a longtime community
activist who was slain earlier this year.
PHS Tree Tenders groups from throughout the
region will pick up the bare-root trees this week
at the PHS Warehouse at the Navy Yard, and
plant the trees on April 21 through 23.
The plantings will be conducted by 29 Tree Tender groups in Philadelphia and 25 groups
in the surrounding counties.
Highlights of the tree plantings include:
Memorial Trees
The UC Green organization will plant 31 trees on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, in
University City, including one tree planted in Clark Park in memory of Winnie Harris, who was
UC Greens interim executive director and a driving force in the beautification of her Powelton
neighborhood. Winnie was found slain in her home in February.
A walking procession will leave from the City School parking lot, 41st Street near
Baltimore Avenue, at 10 a.m. for the memorial tree planting and short ceremony at Clark Park,
45th and Chester Streets.
PHS Tree Tenders will honor Winnie by tagging a tree dedicated to her memory in each
neighborhood planting across the city.
Philly Tree People
More than 100 volunteers from the community and TD Bank will participate in the
planting of 96 trees on Sunday, April 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at 2771 Jasper St., coordinated
by Philly Tree People, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and PHS.
The planting is funded by a $20,000 grant for tree planting and maintenance in the
Kensington/Fishtown neighborhood awarded through TD Green Streets, a program of TD Bank
and the Arbor Day Foundation supporting innovation in urban forestry.
A ceremony to thank the partners and volunteers will be held at 1 p.m. at Philadelphia
Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Ave. (Entrance at Martha and Hagert Streets.)
TreeVitalize Watersheds Crew
The Philadelphia City Rowing program, which provides city public school students with
the opportunity to join a Schuylkill rowing crew, will participate in a TreeVitalize Watersheds
planting on April 22, at 11:30 a.m.
More than 30 students and their PCR mentors will practice on the river in the morning,
then disembark at the disabled rowers dock on the west side of the river. They will run the mile
to the planting site, and add 50 trees to the Fairmount Park landscape.
Home Runs for Trees
To launch the sixth season of Home Runs for Trees, a partnership of the Philadelphia
Phillies, Philadelphia Gas Works and PHS, a tree will be planted at the Congreso Education and
Training Center, West Somerset and American Streets, on April 26 at 10 a.m.
Joining in the planting ceremony will be senior citizens who participate in programs
21
coordinated by Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a nonprofit organization that strengthens Latino
communities through social, economic, education and health services, leadership development
and advocacy.
For each home run hit by a Phillies player this season, a tree will be planted by PHS in
locations such as parks, urban neighborhoods, and watershed areas.
PHS Tree Training Programs
At the forefront of the urban tree movement across the U.S., the PHS Tree Tenders
program is one of the oldest, most respected volunteer urban tree planting and stewardship
efforts.
The program trains participants in choosing the right trees for urban settings, proper
planting methods, pruning and tree care.
Working in neighborhood groups, the volunteers are responsible for planting 2,000 trees
each year. The next classes start May 2 in Plymouth Meeting and May 8 at PHS in Philadelphia.
These efforts are part of Plant One Million, the campaign to restore the regions tree
canopy.
The campaign encompasses 13 counties in three states and is led by PHS, Philadelphia
Parks & Recreation, the TreeVitalize Program of the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, the New Jersey Tree Foundation, and the Delaware Center for Horticulture.
Click Here to view a map of the tree planting locations.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA
Horticultural Society website, Like PHS on Facebook, Join PHS on Instagram and Follow on
Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PHS.
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Inaugural Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival Earth Day Weekend-April 21-23
The Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival is proud to

announce the full film line-up of the inaugural Philadelphia
Environmental Film Festival, launching Earth Day weekend,
April 21 April 23, at the historic Prince Theater, 1412
Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
Opening on April 21st with Fisher Stevens' Before the Flood
and closing on April 23rd with James Cameron's Avatar, the
Festival will showcase dozens of new shorts and features from
international and domestic filmmakers over Earth Day
weekend.
"Philadelphia is brimming with passionate people who care about environmentally
focused issues like farm-to-table eating, sustainability and environmental justice," said Executive
22
Director, Debra Wolf Goldstein. "We wanted to do something big and impactful and what could
be more impactful than utilizing these visually stunning and moving films to engage and inspire
appreciation and conversation about the environment?"
Festival founders, Debra Wolf Goldstein and Alexandra Drobac Diagne are thrilled to
integrate the Festival into Philadelphia's vibrant arts, culture, and green scene.
"The idea of bringing an environmental film festival to Philadelphia immediately struck a
chord in me like ... lightning! It seemed long overdue for a vibrant major city of ours," said
Alexandra Drobac Diagne, Artistic Director. "I am proud to be part of a global passion for the
environment, and aim to program visually beautiful and emotionally engaging films from around
the world, each year."
The Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival will honor Fisher Stevens, Director of the
critically acclaimed climate change documentary Before the Flood, on Opening Night with the
Festival's first Environmental Advocacy Award, presented by founding sponsor The Nature
Conservancy.
Prestigious environmental organizations The Nature Conservancy and the Media,
PA-based Natural Lands Trust provided critical funding for this inaugural year of the Festival.
The Wyncote Foundation and Drexel University also provided major support, along with an
extensive list of environmentally-minded donors and community partners.
Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival aims to bring the planet to Philadelphia
through the power of environmental films. We showcase thought-provoking, exceptional new
shorts and features that entertain, inform, and inspire personal action.
To purchase tickets and for all the details, visit the Philadelphia Environmental Film
Festival website.
Gov. Wolf Requests Formal FEMA Damage Assessment For NE PA Snowstorm
Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday the PA Emergency Management Agency has requested a
formal federal Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment in search of federal aid for costs related to
last months severe snowstorm in Northeastern PA.
Gov. Wolf plans to request a Presidential Declaration of Disaster Emergency pending the
formal assessment.
We are asking the federal government to formally review damage costs to determine if
counties and communities in the Northeast may be eligible for federal aid, Gov. Wolf said.
PEMA has worked hand-in-hand with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
since the storm began and will continue to make every effort towards getting a Presidential
Declaration to get federal aid to these communities.
Preliminary estimates supplied by counties to PEMA and reviewed informally by FEMA
suggest the region may not reach thresholds but the formal FEMA review will confirm whether
or not the federal government will reimburse counties and communities.
However, even if formal assessments also do not show counties meeting the threshold,
Governor Wolf may still request a Presidential Declaration in hopes that the severity of the storm
may grant northeast Pennsylvania special status to get relief.
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PEMA: Winners Of Student Weather Safety Poster Contest Announced
23
PEMA: Winners Of Student Weather Safety Poster Contest Announced
The PA Emergency Management Agency Friday

announced the statewide winner in the student weather
safety poster contest held earlier this year was submitted
by Maximilian Marcieski, a 5th-grader from West
Hempfield Elementary School in Westmoreland County.
A list of all winners follows
-- Grade 1 Winners
1st Place $100:Jenna Campbell, Trinity East, Washington
2nd Place $50: Panayiotis Giovanis, Keystone Christian
Academy, York
3rd Place $25; Evan Seesholtz, Central Columbia Elementary, Columbia
-- Grade 2 Winners
1st Place $100: Katrina Cameron, Conneaut Valley Elementary, Crawford
2nd Place $50: Timothy Lengle, Shiloh Hills Elementary, Berks
3rd Place $25: Jacey Blood, Conneaut Valley Elementary, Crawford
-- Grade 3 Winners
1st Place $100: Haydyn Wagner, Nancy Grayson Elementary, Cumberland
2nd Place $50: Charles Zhao, Danville Area School District, Montour
3rd Place $25: Eliza Hockenberry, Nancy Grayson Elementary, Cumberland
-- Grade 4 Winners
1st Place $100: Nevin Eicher, Ramsay Elementary,Westmoreland
2nd Place $50: Benjamin Leflar, Cumru Elementary, Berks
3rd Place $25: Emily Lin, Tracy Elementary, Northampton
-- Grade 5 Winners
1st Place - $100: Brooke Woll, Liberty Valley Intermediate, Montour
2nd Place $50: Maggie Prock, Reiffton School, Berks
3rd Place $25: Emily Hasson, Trinity East, Washington
-- Grade 6 Winners
1st Place $100: Katie Patchell, Reiffton School, Berks
2nd Place $50: John Ferster, Central Dauphin Middle School, Dauphin
3rd Place $25: William Scott, St. Anne School, Lancaster
"We were so impressed by the poster submissions that came in to us," said PEMA
Director Richard D. Flinn Jr. "The students who took the time to participate in this contest
should be commended for their creativity and clarity in sharing this important safety message."
The contest focused on the safety message "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors" and was
open to all Pennsylvania students in grades 1-6.
PEMA received more than 180 submissions, which were initially judged at the agency's
regional offices to select finalists by grade, which were then judged at PEMA headquarters last
month by emergency management partners.
The winning poster will be displayed at Pennsylvania State Parks, Forest Lands,
Welcome Centers, and Rest Stops throughout the summer, when outdoor activities and lightning
24
are most prevalent, to remind people of the dangers of lightning.
For his efforts, Marcieski won a cash prize of $500. Other winners by grade level and
their corresponding prizes are listed below.
The cash prizes were made possible with generous support from AccuWeather, Price
Chopper Supermarkets, the PA Turnpike Commission, and the PA Association of Broadcasters
Foundation.
Flinn thanked the following organizations for their assistance in making the contest a
success: the state departments of Education, Transportation and Conservation and Natural
Resources; American Red Cross; United Way of Pennsylvania; Keystone Emergency
Management Association; and National Weather Service.
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Delaware County Refinery Pays $400K In Penalties For 3 Years Of Air Quality Violations
The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has reached settlement on a

penalty of $400,000 against Monroe Energy, LLC, which owns and operates a refinery in Trainer
Borough, Delaware County, for air quality violations at its facility.
Through a Consent Assessment of Civil Penalty, Monroe has agreed to pay the settlement
amount, which will be paid to the Pennsylvania Clean Air Fund.
Emissions reports submitted to the Department by Monroe showed that the company
exceeded several permitted emission limits for several pollutants, including hydrogen sulfide,
carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, and failed to satisfy the data availability
requirements.
The settlement covers the period between July 2013 and June 2016.
This penalty reinforces how important it is for companies to accurately control, track
and report their emissions, said DEP Southeast Acting Regional Director Anderson Hartzell.
We take air quality issues seriously, and it is our duty to protect the health and welfare of the
citizens of the Commonwealth and the environment.
In November 2015, Monroe installed a flare gas recovery system to recover flare gas and
reduce emissions. Since this installation, reports from the facilitys continuous emission
monitoring system have shown significant reduction in emissions.
A Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) is a combination of hardware and
software used for the continuous monitoring and recording of compliance for certain emissions
standards.
Questions should be directed to Virginia Cain, DEP, 484-250-5808.
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DEP Fines Delco Refinery For Air Pollution Violations
DEP: EM Energy Pipeline Assessed $185,000 Penalty For Surface Water, Wetland Impacts
25
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced EM Energy Pipeline
Pennsylvania, LLC has agreed to a $185,000 civil penalty for oil and gas violations of the Clean
Streams Law, Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, and the Oil and Gas Act in Allegheny and
Butler counties.
Beginning in October 2014 through 2015, the DEP inspected various areas of the
Constellation Pipeline Project and determined that violations existed including:
-- Failure to comply with the conditions of the Erosion Control Permit and maintain best
management practices during earth moving activities
-- Failure to prevent accelerated erosion and sedimentation
-- Discharge of sediment into the waters of the Commonwealth
-- Constructing an encroachment or water obstruction without a permit
EM Energy has resolved all the violations identified in this civil penalty.
Sediment can cause severe impairment to Pennsylvania streams and rivers, said DEP
Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. DEP ensures the oil and gas construction activities are
appropriately inspected and when violations are identified, that operators are held accountable.
For more information, contact Melanie Williams, DEP, 814-332-6615.
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April 18
DEP: New Marcellus Shale Wells Drilled In First 3 Months Up Over 60 Percent
In the first three months of 2017, the number of new

unconventional (Marcellus Shale) wells drilled in
Pennsylvania has increased by 61 percent-- 104 to 169--
over the same period in 2016, according to reports
submitted to DEPs Citizens Advisory Council in April
2017 and April of 2016.
The number of violations cited by DEP for
conventional drilling operations-- 624-- is still running
over three and a half times the number of violations
unconventional drillers are cited for-- 170-- during the
first three months.
Inspections of conventional wells decreased from 3,778 to 2,682 this year so far. The
number of inspections increased for unconventional wells-- from 3,434 to 3,890 this year.
The number of new unconventional wells permitted decreased from 391 to 275 and the
number of new conventional wells permitted increased from 34 to 52 for the first three months.
Since DEP began reviewing conventional oil and gas permit applications, there are now
103,336 active conventional well permits of the 196,153 permits issued. DEP has processed
197,374 permit applications for conventional wells as of March 24, 2017.
Again, since DEP began reviewing unconventional oil and gas applications, there are
26
now 10,260 active unconventional (Marcellus Shale) well permits of the 22,264 permits issued.
DEP has processed 22,728 applications for unconventional wells as of March 24, 2017.
Conventional Wells
Comparing the numbers on conventional wells from January 1 through mid-March--
2017* 2016**
Inspections 2,682 3,778
Violations 624 758
Enforcement 62 86
Actions
Wells Drilled 18 15
Permits Issued 52 34
Wells Permitted 52 34
* Jan. 1 to March 24
** Jan. 1 to March 25
Unconventional (Marcellus) Wells

Comparing the numbers on unconventional wells from January 1 through mid- March--
2017* 2016**
Inspections 3,890 3,434
Violations 170 169
Enforcement 27 44
Actions
Wells Drilled 169 104
Permits Issued 276 392
Wells Permitted 275 391

* Jan. 1 to March 24
** Jan. 1 to March 25
Click Here for a copy of DEPs report to the Citizens Advisory Council in April 2016.
Click Here for a copy of DEPs report in April 2017.
DCNR Signs Submerged Lands Agreements With EQT Drilling Worth Over $2.5 Million
27
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published two notices in the April 15
PA Bulletin that it has executed new and revised agreements to lease publicly-owned submerged
lands in and around the Monongahela River with EQT Production Company for over $2.5
million.
The first notice is to lease 553 acres of streambeds under the Monongahela River in
portions of Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties for a $2.2 million upfront
payment plus royalties on the natural gas produced. Click Here to read the lease.
The second notice is for an amended agreement for 79.55 acres of streambeds under
Tenmile Creek in Greene and Washington counties for an $318,200 upfront payment. Click
Here to read the amended agreement.
Methane Mitigation Fuels U.S Job Creation, Minimizes Waste For Oil & Gas Industry
New research released Tuesday offers an inside

look at the methane leak detection and repair
(LDAR) industry - a growing field of service
providers that utilize technology to identify and
repair leaking equipment at industrial oil and gas
facilities.
The study, titled Find and Fix: Job Creation in the
Emerging Leak Detection and Repair Industry,
profiles the industry and its employees and
assesses future growth potential.
What we discovered is a growing industry that creates U.S. jobs, saves oil & gas
operators money and time, and improves the environment and climate, said Marcy Lowe, CEO
of Datu Research, the company that conducted the survey.
Specifically, the research, commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund, found that
the LDAR industry offers well-paying employment opportunities across the country that cannot
be offshored, saves money by minimizing waste and keeping otherwise lost product in the pipe,
and reduces emissions of a highly potent greenhouse gas along with other co-pollutants, thereby
contributing to cleaner air for communities.
The research released today proves that sensible regulations coupled with the right
corporate commitments can help this burgeoning LDAR industry continue to create well-paying,
boots-on-the-ground jobs in communities from coast to coast, said Ben Ratner, Director at
Environmental Defense Fund. Policymakers at all levels who are serious about creating
American jobs should seize the opportunity to support the fast-growing methane mitigation
industry, recognizing that economic development and environmental progress can go
hand-in-hand.
Methane is an ongoing economic and environmental concern for industry. The U.S.
natural gas systemincluding the production, gathering, transmission and distribution of gasis
the nations largest industrial source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
Methane emissions also result in an estimated $1.3 billion in lost product each year for
the oil and gas industry (ICF, 2014).
The growing leak detection and repair industry is comprised of service firms that are
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hired by the oil and gas industry to find and fix leaks in the system. Hiring these service firms
makes it easier for oil and gas operators to address methane emissions by eliminating the need to
purchase their own equipment and train in-house staff.
The research released today is based on primary data collected from 60 leak detection and
repair firms in the U.S. Key findings include:
-- The leak detection and repair industry in the U/S has a national footprint, with at least 60
companies providing services to oil and gas companies in 45 states.
-- The majority (55 percent) of American LDAR firms are small businesses.
-- More than one-third (37 percent) were founded within the last 6 years, reflecting an emerging
industry.
-- Companies have already experienced up to 30 percent business growth in states with methane
regulations.
-- The industry anticipates future growth and hiring, though the rate of growth will depend on the
regulatory direction at the federal and state levels.
-- Nearly a quarter (22 percent) of firms have 40 percent+ workforce diversity.
-- Jobs within the LDAR industry promise upward mobility, with annual salaries of up to
$113,110.
A copy of the study is available online.
Datu Researchs study builds on 2014 research titled The Emerging U.S. Methane
Mitigation Industry, which assessed the market landscape for companies providing solutions to
reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
The follow-up study focuses on the subset of firms that perform leak detection and repair
services specifically.
For more information on methane pollution, visit EDFs Research Effort Tackles
Methane Leaks webpage.
NewsClips:
Methane Detection At Natural Gas Operations Has Economic Benefits Group Says
Op-Ed: How Polluting Less Can Help Pennsylvania Employ More (Methane)
Related Stories:
PA, 8 States Call On EPA To Reduce Midwest, Southern Coal Power Plant Emissions
U.S. Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Fell 1.7 percent In 2016, Natural Gas Use Up 1.1%
The Hartford Courant reported Friday Pennsylvania joined eight other states in calling on the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants in nine
midwest and southern states.
The comments were made at an EPA hearing Thursday in Washington.
Pennsylvania joined Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New York, Rhode Island and Vermont in asking for emission reductions for coal power plants in
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West
Virginia.
A similar request made last year to the Obama Administration was turned down.
29
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said a final rejection by EPA would be the last step
before the Northeast states head to court.
NewsClip:
PA, CT, NY Asking EPA To Limit Air Pollution From Midwest, Southern Coal Power Plants
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The U.S. Energy Information Administration

reported Monday U.S. energy-related carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2016 totaled 5,170
million metric tons (MMmt), 1.7 percent below
their 2015 levels, after dropping 2.7 percent
between 2014 and 2015.
These recent decreases are consistent with a
decade-long trend, with energy-related CO2
emissions 14 percent below the 2005 level in
2016.
As noted in a recent article on energy use, both oil and natural gas consumption were
higher in 2016 than in 2015, while coal consumption was significantly lower.
Consistent with changes in fuel consumption, energy-related CO2 emissions in 2016
from petroleum and natural gas increased 1.1 percent and 0.9 percent, respectively, while
coal-related emissions decreased 8.6 percent.
The U.S. transportation sector was the only consumption sector where CO2 emissions
increased in 2016. CO2 emissions from the transportation sector increased by 1.9 percent percent
largely reflecting emissions from motor gasoline, which increased 1.8 percent in 2016.
Emissions from the transportation sector surpassed those from the power sector during
2016a trend that persists through at least 2040 in the Reference case projections in EIAs 2017
Annual Energy Outlook.
CO2 emissions from the electric power sector fell by 4.9 percent in 2016. A significant
reduction in coal use for electricity generation was offset by increased generation from natural
gas and renewable sources.
Renewables do not emit CO2, and a shift towards natural gas from coal lowers CO2
because natural gas has lower emissions per unit of energy than coal and because natural gas
generators typically use less energy than coal plants to generate each kilowatt hour of electricity.
Overall, the data indicate about a 5 percent decline in the carbon intensity of the power
sector, a rate that was also realized in 2015. Since 1973, no two consecutive years have seen a
decline of this magnitude, and only one other year (2009) has seen a similar decline.
Weather also affected the level of energy use and CO2 emissions in 2016. Because more
energy is used for heating than for cooling, warm years can translate to less energy consumption
if increased cooling needs during warm summers are less than the reduced heating needs during
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warm winters.
Based on preliminary data, 2016 is expected to have had 10 percent fewer heating degree
days (indicating lower heating demand) and 13 percent more cooling degree days (indicating
more cooling demand) than normal.
Heating degree days in 2016 were the second fewest of any year since at least 1949,
consistent with relatively warmer winter months.
NewsClips:
Peoples Climate March, Rally Set For April 29 In Erie
College Republicans Poised To Reform Party On Climate Change
Editorial: Fund NASA Climate Effort
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A diverse coalition of Pennsylvania

citizens groups, power generators and
energy, business and manufacturing
associations Tuesday launched Citizens
Against Nuclear Bailouts in opposition
to any legislative effort to require
consumers to pay higher energy rates to
bail out an uncompetitive nuclear energy industry.
Members of the Citizens Against Nuclear Bailouts Coalition include: AARP, Americans
for Prosperity PA, Associated Petroleum Industries of PA, BASF, Calpine, Dynegy Inc.,
Industrial Energy Consumers of Pennsylvania, Marcellus Shale Coalition, Moxie Energy LLC,
National Federation of Independent Businesses - Pennsylvania, NRG, Pennsylvania
Manufacturers Association, Panda Patriot LLC, Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council,
Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association, Tenaska, and UGI Energy Services.
The bailout would mean higher energy costs for all consumers, including Pennsylvania
senior citizens, manufacturers, small businesses and public institutions such as transit systems,
hospitals and schools.
AARP opposes any proposed bailout that would raise electricity rates for older adults
living on fixed incomes and working families simply to increase profits for nuclear plant
owners, AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh said. Having ratepayers prop
up failing nuclear plants also directly conflicts with Pennsylvanias deregulated electricity
market, which was created to help consumers of all ages save money by shopping for
competitive electricity rates.
If Pennsylvania follows recent actions in Illinois and New York, the states electric
customers could pay an additional monthly fee or have electricity prices artificially inflated to
31
prop up the nuclear industry, according to the group.
Those same customers already shouldered this burden when the nuclear industry
benefited from recovering an estimated $10 billion in stranded costs, said the group. The
industry calls this new proposed fee a subsidy, but coalition members likened it to yet another
tax increase on working families.
The funding for nuclear bailouts will come from the pockets of hardworking
Pennsylvania families and job-creating businesses, said Michael Messer, president of the
Industrial Energy Consumers of Pennsylvania. In 1996, Pennsylvania implemented electric
industry restructuring because our lawmakers determined that competitive market forces are
more effective than economic regulation in controlling the cost of generating electricity.
For years after, the nuclear generation industry boasted about how well they could
compete in the wholesale market and kept the profits, Messer added. Now, when market
conditions have changed, they want to return to ratepayer subsidies and a bailout.
PJM Interconnection, responsible for the reliability of the transmission grid serving a
13-state region that includes Pennsylvania, recently released a study on the impact of reductions
in coal and nuclear power generation related to electric reliability.
It concluded that reliability would not be impacted if generators burned more natural gas
and renewables to replace other declining sources of power generation.
While noting the unnecessary burden placed on ratepayers, coalition members also
responded to the zero emissions claims of the nuclear industry by pointing to the radioactive
waste that nuclear plants create.
We believe in market-based energy production, said David N. Taylor, president of the
PA Manufacturers Association. Like every other industry, nuclear power providers should be
free to compete for customers in the electricity market, but they shouldnt benefit from a
taxpayer or ratepayer bailout. If nuclear power generators didnt want to compete in a
deregulated electricity market, they shouldnt have accepted billions of dollars in ratepayer
stranded cost payments to assist in their transition to a competitive market.
Taylor said electric competition, combined with inexpensive, abundant natural gas, has
driven down the cost for electricity and lessened demand for coal and nuclear power.
Consumers are crying foul in other states that recently enacted bailouts.
In March, nearly 70 local elected officials from New York called on the governor to halt
a nuclear bailout program. The New York Public Interest Research Group found that the cost to
public institutions, such as transit systems, housing authorities and hospitals, was a staggering
$112 million a year in just the first two years of the bailout plan.
In Illinois, IMPLAN modeling found that the total cost of the nuclear bailout through
2030 is projected to result in at least 44,000 jobs being lost while slashing economic output by
$14.7 billion and reducing state and local government tax revenue by $429 million.
Pennsylvania is struggling to address a budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, and a
bailout to the nuclear industry would result in yet another increase on Pennsylvanias taxpayers.
The bailouts enacted recently in Illinois and New York provide a clear picture of what to expect
the nuclear industry to push for in the Commonwealth.
For more information, visit the Citizens Against Nuclear Bailouts website.
NewsClips:
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Related Stories:
Exelon Nuclear: Efficiency, Innovation, State Policy Reforms Key to Nuclears Future
Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus Meets April 26 To Hear From PJM Interconnection
Op-Ed: Nuclear Energy - A Keystone For Pennsylvanias Economy And Environment
PJM Study: Electric System Reliable Even With Much More Natural Gas, Renewables
PJM Hosts Grid 20/20: Focus On Resilience, Fuel Mix Diversity & Security April 19
New Report On Economic, Carbon Emissions Benefits Of PAs 5 Nuclear Power Plants
Exelon, Illinois OK Bill To Keep Nuclear Plants Open, Expand Renewables, Energy Efficiency
New York PSC Approves 50% Clean Energy Standard, Nuclear Subsidies
Is Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Next For Early Shutdown?
Exelon Nuclear: Efficiency, Innovation, State Policy Reforms Key To Nuclears Future
Exelon Generations Chief Nuclear Officer, Bryan Hanson

addressed the 19th annual Electric Power Conference this
week in Chicago, highlighting nuclears vital role in
Americas clean energy future.
In a keynote speech Tuesday, Hanson said power
generators must adapt, innovate and advocate for policy
reforms to survive and grow in todays challenging power
markets.
Efficiency improvements and new technologies are
making our facilities safer, cleaner and more effective, but operating our nuclear units safely and
reliably isnt enough anymore, Hanson said. We have to adapt, innovate and advocate for the
value of our people and our plants.
Hanson detailed Exelons support of a clean energy standard in New York and legislation
in Illinois that together are expected to preserve thousands of nuclear jobs, retain billions of
dollars in annual economic activity, enhance energy efficiency programs and deliver additional
benefits to customers.
Other states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Connecticut may explore
similar types of programs.
In the absence of coordinated federal policy, states have an important role to play, as
New York and Illinois have demonstrated, Hanson said. Sensible state energy policies can
unleash investment, accelerate job growth and create an environment for innovation to thrive.
Preserving our financially challenged nuclear plants is essential if we are to meet our nations
clean energy goals and maintain a reliable electric grid.
Hanson also described how Exelon recently identified more than $160 million in
operational efficiencies and continues to build a culture of innovation to incubate game-changing
ideas and new technologies from within the company.
Click Here to watch a video to learn more about Exelons nuclear innovations. Click
33
Here to learn more about Exelons nuclear facilities.
For more information on programs and initiatives, visit Exelons Sustainability webpage.
(Photo: Three Mile Island, Dauphin County.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus Meets April 26 To Hear From PJM Interconnection
Op-Ed: Nuclear Energy - A Keystone For Pennsylvanias Economy And Environment
New Report On Economic, Carbon Emissions Benefits Of PAs 5 Nuclear Power Plants
Exelon, Illinois OK Bill To Keep Nuclear Plants Open, Expand Renewables, Energy Efficiency
New York PSC Approves 50% Clean Energy Standard, Nuclear Subsidies
Is Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Next For Early Shutdown?
PJM Interconnection is hosting its Grid 20/20: Focus on

Resilience (Fuel Mix Diversity & Security) on April 19 in
Philadelphia.
The conference will feature expert panelists speaking to
issues raised in the recent PJM's Evolving Resource Mix
and System Reliability report, including the amount of
natural gas and renewable generation the system can
reliably use.
PJM President and CEO Andrew Ott will kick-off the conference of three expert panels,
with his remarks on PJM's perspective on the issue.
Among the panelists are: Mark McCullough, executive vice president - Generation,
AEP; Joseph McClelland, director, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Jackie Roberts,
director, West Virginia Consumer Advocate Division; Robert Kott, Operations Policy Manager,
Regional Operations Policy and Analytics, CAISO and Rick Mroz, President, NJBPU.
Click Here for a complete list of panelists.
"As important as we feel our recent study is in informing the discussion on resilience, we
need our stakeholders engaged in taking the next steps," Ott said. "The diversity of panelists
represented at this conference brings the kind of rich perspectives to help guide where we go
from here."
PJM's Grid 20/20 will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT and can be attended virtually
through WebEx. However, registration is required. The limit has already been reached for
34
in-person attendance.
More information, visit PJMs Grid 20/20 webpage.
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
DCNR Warns Anglers, Others Of High Woodland Fire Danger
With the approach of Pennsylvania's traditional statewide

trout season opener on April 15, and weather conditions
that keep firefighters busy responding to wildfires across
much of the state, the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources is urging anglers, property owners and
others to take steps to prevent forest and brush fires.
"We ask trout anglers and other forest visitors to
be extremely careful this weekend because fire danger is
increasing rapidly amid sunny, warm days and little
rainfall," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "One act of carelessness could prove
disastrous among tinder-dry conditions in some of our forests, where wildfire dangers climb with
each day of sun and wind."
Anglers and campers are reminded open fires are forbidden on state forestland from
March 1 through May 25, and when fire danger is listed as high, very high or extreme. A person
who has caused a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for damages, costs of
extinction and fines.
"We remind folks to be careful with campfires and backyard burning, and to take the
proper precautions at all times," said Dunn. "One has to only look back on this week to see how
fires spike quickly when the combination of sun, wind and lack of rain create tinder-like
conditions. Just this week, despite a wet start, there were more than 60 fires that burned at least
600 acres."
Camper advice from DCNR includes:
-- Clear the area around a campfire before starting;
-- Keep fires small and never leave unattended;
-- Before you strike a campfire match, first consider if it is too warm, dry or windy for a fire and
if the surrounding area is free of leaves and other combustibles;
-- Make sure there is a ready source of water (bucket or hose) nearby and a rake to extinguish
any embers that might escape; and
-- When you are done with the fire, put it out with water until all ashes are cold to the touch.
Dunn noted that light rainfall in many areas, lack of green foliage in the spring, low
humidity and sunny, windy days all combine to increase chances of forest and brush fires
spreading. Such fires are almost always traced to human carelessness, she said.
Nearly 10,000 acres of state and private woodlands are burned by wildfires each year,
and nearly 85 percent of all fires in Pennsylvania woodlands occur during the months of March,
35
April and May. Almost all threaten people and their homes, as well as trees and wildlife.
State forestry officials urge landowners to check with local municipalities to see if
outdoor burning is allowed, and to avoid entirely or use extreme caution when burning trash and
debris -- one of the most common causes of wildfires.
Residents are also advised to create "safe zones" around homes and cabins by removing
leaves and other debris from the ground and rain gutters, stack firewood away from structures
and trim overhanging branches.
The Bureau of Forestry is responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires on
Pennsylvania's 17 million acres of private and state-owned woodlands.
For more information on fire prevention, contact local district foresters; call the Bureau
of Forestry at 717-787-2925; or visit DCNRs Wildland Fire webpage.
For more information on state parks and forests, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to
sign up for the Resource newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click
Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
DCNR Officials Planning Prescribed Burns In State Parks, Forestlands
PA Horticultural Society Tree Tenders Basic Training Begins In May In Southeast
The PA Horticultural Society announced Thursday it will

offer the PHS Tree Tenders training series this spring in
Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and Chester County.
The course is available for ISA credit and is appropriate for
anyone over age 16. The course fee is $25.
The nine-hour, three-session PHS Tree Tenders training
course empowers and teaches concerned residents how to
make dramatic strides toward restoring and caring for trees
in their region, community, or even their own yard.
This program supports Plant One Million, a regional partnership led by PHS to plant one
million trees in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. The series will
take place at the following locations this fall:
-- Montgomery County: Tuesdays, May 2, 9, and 16, 6 to 9:15 p.m., Greater Plymouth
Community Center, 2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting ;
-- Philadelphia: Mondays, May 8, 15, and 22, 5:45 to 9 p.m., PHS Town Hall, 100 North 20th
Street, Philadelphia; and
-- Chester County, Thursdays, May 25, June 1 and 8, 5:30 to 8:45 p.m., Tredyffrin Public
Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford.
PHS Tree Tenders training offers hands-on instruction and covers tree biology,
identification, planting, proper care, and working within your community. Tree Tenders work
36
alongside local tree agencies, leveraging resources and extending the impact of municipal tree
stewardship.
A community can form a PHS Tree Tenders group by having three or more people
graduate from the course. Benefits include tree grant and volunteer tree planting opportunities.
Pre-registration is required.
Please register online. Click Here for an application for Philadelphia TreeVitalize Street
Tree Planting.
For more information, visit the PHS Tree Tenders webpage or contact Mindy Maslin by
sending email to: mmaslin@pennhort.org or Barley Van Clief by sending email to:
bvanclief@pennhort.org or call 215-988-1698.
For training opportunities and more in Western PA, visit the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh
webpage.
Horticultural Society website, Like PHS on Facebook, Join PHS on Instagram and Follow on
Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PHS.
NewsClips:
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PA Horticultural Society Volunteers to Plant 831 Trees During Earth Month
PA Organization For Watersheds And Rivers Announces PA Sojourn Grant Awards
The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Thursday

announced the recipients of the 2017 Pennsylvania River
Sojourn Grants.
These grants are awarded on a competitive basis for single
and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania Rivers.
Grant recipients receive $500 for a single-day sojourn and
$900 per day for multi-day sojourns.
This years grantees are:
-- Allegheny Aquatic Alliance for the Connie Q Canoe
Trip Celebration on the Connoquenessing Creek, which
will take place on June 24th and June 25th, 2017
-- Armstrong Center for Community Learning for the 20th Annual Allie-Kiski-Connie Canoe
Sojourn on the Red Bank Creek, Conemaugh River, Loyalhanna Creek and the Kiskiminetas
River, which will take place from May 18th through May 21st, 2017
-- Conemaugh Valley Conservancy for the Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers Sojourn on the
Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers, which will take place from June 1st through June 4th, 2017
-- Endless Mountains Heritage Region for the 2nd Annual Susquehanna Student Sojourn on
the Susquehanna North Branch, which will take place from May 12th through May 14th, 2017
-- First Waves for the First Waves Sojourn on the Stonycreek and Ohio Rivers, which will take
37
place in June of 2017
-- French Creek Valley Conservancy for the French Creek Summer Sojourn 2017 on the
French Creek Water Trail, which will take place on June 17th, 2017
-- Lackawanna River Corridor Association for the Lackawanna Riverfest 2017 on the
Lackawanna River, which will take place on May 13th, 2017
-- Loyalhanna Watershed Association, Inc. for the 4th Annual Loyalhanna Sojourn on the
Loyalhanna Creek, which will take place on May 20th, 2017
-- National Road Heritage Corridor Mon River Town Program for the Rebel Rebel Float
Trip: The Whiskey Rebellion as told by David Bowie Impersonators on the Monongahela River,
which will take place on July 29th, 2017
-- Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy for the Perkiomen Creek Sojourn on the Perkiomen
Creek, which will take place on June 3rd, 2017
-- Schuylkill River Greenway Association for the Schuylkill River Sojourn on the Schuylkill
River, which will take place from June 3rd through June 9th, 2017
-- Susquehanna Greenway Partnership for the Pedal/Paddle on the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek
and the West Branch of the Susquehanna which will take place on June 19th, 2017
-- Swatara Watershed Association for the Swatara Sojourn on the Swatara Creek, which will
take place from May 6th through May 7th, 2017
-- Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition for the 23rd Annual Delaware River Sojourn
Flowing Together on the Delaware River, Lehigh River and Lehigh Canal, which will take
place from June 16th through June 23rd, 2017
-- Wildlands Conservancy for the Lehigh River Sojourn on the Lehigh River, which will take
place from June 24th through June 26th, 2017
The PA Sojourn Program is administered by POWR in partnership with the Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources. The PA Sojourn Program is nationally unique,
distributing grants across the state to local organizations and their sojourn events.
These grants support between 12 and 17 paddling events each year, encompassing over
500 river miles and 50+ on-the-water days, offering more than 100 educational programs, and
engaging over 4,000 people.
Sojourns are not only a fun outdoor activity, but are also an effective tool for raising
awareness about our rivers and the issues affecting them, educating and enhancing community
involvement about natural and cultural resources, and promoting and encouraging watershed
stewardship.
The Sojourn program serves as a bridge to bring our communities to our rivers and
streams to educate them, enabling them to become lifelong stewards of these resources. River
sojourns offer a different point of view on some of Pennsylvanias treasured landscapes and
historic and cultural assets.
To learn more about sojourns planned statewide this year, visit POWRs 2017 Sojourn
Map webpage.
Organization for Watersheds and Rivers website.
NewsClips:
Tour Of Susquehannock State Park Set for April 30
Murphy: State Park Rangers To Carry Antidote To Combat Opioid Overdoses
38
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation: https://goo.gl/kdZ3jD
Work At Park Will Improve Stormwater Systems In Dallas Twp
Crable: New Guides To History, Outdoors Along Susquehanna River In Lancaster, York
5 Months, 500 Miles Of Trails: The Circuit Trails Challenge
Delco Trail Gets Its Debut, With Promises Of More To Come
Lost At Gov. Dick Park In Lebanon? Rescue Can Cost You $500
National Parks Offer Free Admission For Next 2 Weekends
DCNR Rangers, Managers Will Carry Naloxone To Combat Opioid Overdoses
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the

Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources is equipping state park and state forest
rangers, managers and assistant managers with
life-saving naloxone to minimize opioid
overdose fatalities, especially in rural settings
such as state parks and state forests where police
and first responders may not be readily available.
We are announcing today that DCNR will train
and equip 300 employees -- state park and state
forest rangers, managers and assistant managers -- with the life-saving drug naloxone to
minimize opioid overdose fatalities, the Governor said.
Gov. Wolf was joined at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County for the
announcement by Cindy Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources; Karen Murphy, Secretary of the Department of Health; and Jen Smith, Acting
Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
The opioid epidemic is a health crisis that cannot be ignored, Gov. Wolf said
surrounded by rangers and DCNR staff at the event. It affects all groups and locations urban
and rural, young and old, people from all walks of life. Rural areas, including state parks and
forests, are not immune to this epidemic.
Since 2015, there have been seven drug-related deaths on DCNR lands, and more than a
dozen incidents where assistance was provided related to an overdose.
DCNR oversees 121 state parks with most having assigned managers and rangers, and 20
state forest districts encompassing more than 2.2 million acres. The Bureau of Forestry currently
has 33 full-time and seasonal rangers policing those 2.2 million acres of state forestlands.
These men and women often are the first responders when tragedy strikes among our
more than 38 million state park visitors and as many as 5 million state forest visitors, DCNR
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. The safety of our visitors is an important priority to DCNR.
Naloxone will be an added tool in helping our state park and forest staff provide an important
public service.
First responders across the Commonwealth have saved more than 3,000 lives using
naloxone, Department of Health Secretary Karen Murphy said. Knowing that all state park
rangers will now have this medication and are trained to use it adds another opportunity for us to
39
save lives and get people into treatment.
DCNR enforcement officers will complete official naloxone training and maintain current
certification status through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Training, PA Virtual
Training Network. They will carry the naloxone kits in their vehicle when in uniformed patrol
status.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource
newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
DCNR Officials Planning Prescribed Burns In State Parks, Forestlands
When weather conditions permit, the

Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources will be conducting prescribed fires on
selected state forests and state parks across
Pennsylvania, State Forester Dan Devlin
announced today.
"Prescribed fire, also known as 'controlled
burning,' is an important tool in growing young
trees, restoring native plants, controlling
invasive species, and reducing wildfire danger," Devlin said. "It is especially important in
Pennsylvania because of the large amount of land in the wildland-urban interface -- that area
where our neighborhoods meet nature."
The Bureau of Forestry director said highly-trained firefighters use special equipment to
carry out these burns. Temperature, wind, and moisture levels must remain within limits defined
in an approved plan.
Devlin noted these plans also identify burn boundaries; explain reasons for burning an
area; and specify the minimum number of firefighters and equipment needed to safely execute a
prescribed burn.
"As spring also is our wildfire season, fire managers carefully consider the current and
expected weather," Devlin said. "They also notify local fire departments and emergency
management officials before conducting any prescribed fire."
40
State forest and state park resource managers submitted burn plans for 18 of the state's 20
forest districts this year, and prescribed fires could occur in nearly any part of the state.
Forest district officials expect to conduct burns on state forests or state parks in the
following forest districts: Michaux, Buchannan, Tuscarora, Forbes, Rothrock, Gallitzin, Bald
Eagle, Clear Creek, Moshannon, Sproul, Tiadaghton, Elk, Susquehannock, Tioga, William Penn,
Weiser, Delaware and Loyalsock. Click Here to find a state forest near you.
Local roads and highways may be briefly affected, and travelers should take care if they
see road signs warning of prescribed fire activity. Smoke reduces driver visibility, and
firefighters often work along edges of roads.
Landowners and managers are reminded it is illegal to start a prescribed fire without prior
approval by DCNR officials.
For more information, visit DCNRs Prescribed Fire webpage.
For more information on creation and Pennsylvanias state parks and forests, visit
DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Click Here to be part of
DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media--
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
DCNR Warns Anglers, Others Of High Woodland Fire Danger
Game Commission Plans Controlled Burns Over 11,000 Acres To Improve Habitat, Safety
PRPS, PPFF Encourage Use Of Fund Your Park Crowdfunding Tool
The PA Recreation and Parks Society and the PA Parks

and Forests Foundation are encouraging local park and
recreation managers to use a crowdfunding tool called
Fund Your Park.
Members of the National Recreation and Park
Association can use the tool for free.
Applications are open through May 16 for crowdfunding campaigns from July 25 to
August 24.
Crowdfunding is a tool for funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of
money from a large number of people usually through the internet. Fund Your Park is a platform
for parks and recreation!
Click Here for all the details.
Delaware Canal Vision Study Complete And Work Begins
The ambitious Delaware Canal Vision Study is
41
complete. With a broad scope, extensive public outreach and innovative findings, its the first
study of its kind for the National Historic Landmark located in Bucks and Northampton counties.
The vision process involved residents, municipal officials, engineers, architects,
landscape architects, planners and environmental professionals who engaged in collaborative
discussions about the Canals history, structure, opportunities for revenue-generation, storm
water relief and partnerships.
Acknowledging the fragility of the Delaware Canal and the need for robust public input,
Philadelphia based William Penn Foundation provided funds to the Delaware & Lehigh National
Heritage Corridor for the Vision Study.
Conceived by Delaware Canal 21, the project was directed and administered by the D&L
with key guidance provided by the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the
Friends of the Delaware Canal.
Project leaders have already initiated several strategies outlined in the Vision Study
including wide access to the Study on the project website as well as partner websites.
To move study findings forward, research is underway, meetings with key cohorts have
taken place and applications are being prepared to bring recommendations to fruition.
Impetus for the project recognized the D&L Trail Delaware Canal Towpath Section as
one of the most historic segments of Philadelphias Circuit Trails. The Study also addresses
potential impacts and benefits of the 182 year old Delaware Canal to the larger Delaware River
Watershed.
Three 100 year floods that devastated large sections of the Canal in the early 2000s left
no water in the in the channel that passes through some of Pennsylvanias most scenic and
historic landscape.
Damages, coupled with state budget austerity, catalyzed Delaware Canal 21 to seek a
comprehensive public Vision Study to help reimagine the Delaware Canal as a multi-use
economic, environmental, and public utility asset.
The resulting 163-page Delaware Canal Vision Study was prepared by Simone-Collins
Landscape Architects of Norristown. Principal Bill Collins, with assistance from urban
innovation expert Harris Steinberg, led the partners and hundreds of participants through the
visioning process that started in early 2014.
The final study creates a framework for the future of the Delaware Canal that takes into
account the regional historic context and operational complexities of the Canal as a man-made
environmental system.
It addresses how the industrial revolution-era waterway can be optimized to help steward
and conserve the region as a working artifact.
The Study process brought new insight into the challenges and opportunities presented
when multiple civic systems are integrated with recreation and conservation priorities within
Pennsylvanias state parks system.
Finally, the Delaware Canal Towpath as part of the regional alternative transportation
network to interconnect with the Circuit Trail, D&L Trail and East Coast Greenway networks
was explored.
For more information, visit the Delaware Canal Vision Study website or contact Elissa
Garofalo by sending email to: elissa@delawareandlehigh.org or call 610-923-3548 x223.
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Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor 3rd Annual Dinner & Silent Auction April 27
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor will

hold the third annual D&L Spring Dinner & Silent Auction
on April 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Northampton Country
Club, 5049 William Penn Highway, Easton.
As one of the D&Ls biggest fundraisers, all proceeds will
directly support the D&Ls mission to connect all 165 miles
of D&L Trail.
This year, funds raised will support the D&L Trail network.
The trail network connects residents of, and visitors to,
Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, and Luzerne counties, to the regions nationally
significant heritage. These connections are made through education, nature, cultural and
community events, recreation and interpretation.
The funds will also enable the D&L to establish strong partnerships to close trail gaps,
maintain existing parts of the trail, and cover costs relating to projects like the Carbon County
Pedestrian Bridge at Jim Thorpe.
Guests will enjoy a lovely evening of bidding on some of the regions most unique items.
The sounds of DJ Steve Capwell will entertain them while they peruse the auction floor and
enjoy cocktails and hors doeuvres.
Auction items include assorted gift baskets, bottles of wine, tickets to museum outings
and restaurants, sporting events and artwork.
The event has generously been sponsored by: Wilson Consulting Group, France
Anderson Basile & Co, P.C., Marmaras & Smith LLC, PPL, Daniels BMW, Simon Collins
Architecture, Strauss & Associates, and The Waterfront Development Partners.
To request an invitation or donate an item, contact Loretta Susen 610-923-3548 x221 or
send email to: loretta@delawareandlehigh.org.
For more information, visit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website.
Click Here to sign up for regular updates.
The Western PA Nature Center Roundtable will host the

Pennsylvania's Wildlife Resource Symposium, a day-long
learning event on the latest research in wildlife and
conservation, on May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the
Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd. in
Pittsburgh.
During the symposium, researchers and experts from various
fields will present the latest information on such timely topics
as bears; ticks and tick-borne illness; behaviors toward wildlife;
and mushrooms.
Participants will have the opportunity to network with staff from environmental
education centers across the region.
43
Included in registration are materials, resources, and Act 48 hours for teachers.
Participants should bring a bagged lunch and be prepared to go outside.
Symposium presentations and sessions:
-- Attitudes and Behavior Towards Wildlife: Dr. Becky Thomas, Slippery Rock University;
-- Mushrooms: Ann Berger, Education Chair and Secretary, Western PA Mushroom Club;
-- Ticks: Dr. Tom Simmons, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and
-- Bears in PA: Douglas Bergman, Game Commission.
Click Here to purchase tickets for the program and for more information.
The Western PA Nature Center Roundtable is a collaborative of: Pittsburgh Parks
Conservancy, Fern Hollow Nature Center, Allegheny College Creek Connections, Audubon
Society of Western Pennsylvania, Independence Conservancy, National Aviary, Beaver County
Conservation District, Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center, Jennings Environmental
Education Center, Winnie Palmer Nature Preserve, Allegheny Land Trust, Lutherlyn
Environmental Education Program.
(Photo: LEED-certified Platinum Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh)
Related Stories
Fish & Boat Commission To Sponsor Fish PA! Kayak Giveaway
The Fish and Boat Commission has partnered with Bass

Pro Shops in Harrisburg to sponsor a giveaway that
includes a Penn State themed fishing kayak, camping
equipment, and a rod/reel combo, all to be awarded to three
lucky winners who enter either online or in person at one
of two events.
There are three prizes to this unique giveaway, including:
-- An Ascend 10T sit-on-top kayak;
-- A camping package including a BPS Eclipse 6-Person
Dome Tent, two BPS Eclipse 20 Degree rectangular
sleeping bags, and a BPS 2 Mantle Propane Lantern; and
-- A BPS Pro Qualifier Reel/Jonny Morris Carbon Lite spinning combo.
All prizes were donated by Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg.
The public can enter this giveaway by visiting www.GoneFishingPA.com from April 14
through May 12, or by entering in person at the PFBC booth/table at one of two following
events:
-- Penn State Blue White football game, taking place at Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA on
April 22; or
-- PFBCs Family Fishing Festival at the Conewago Day Use Area in Gifford Pinchot State Park,
York County, on May 6.
44
This is an opportunity for us to partner with Bass Pro Shops and Penn State and promote
fishing and boating opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts, said Steve Kralik, Director of the
PFBC Bureau of Outreach, Education and Marketing. It also gives us a chance to remind people
that the start of trout season is here and that great fishing and outdoor activities are upon us.
We particularly want to thank the Bass Pro Shops for donating the prizes, he added.
Three lucky individuals are going to be launched into the outdoors, either fishing, camping or
both, and will be well equipped to take advantage of Pennsylvanias great opportunities.
The winners will be notified after June 2. A date, time and location for the winner to pick
up the kayak will be determined in the weeks after the winner is notified, and the other prizes
will be mailed after theyve been awarded.
No purchase is required and only one entry per qualifying adult will be accepted.
For more information, visit the www.GoneFishingPA.com website.
Help Wanted: PA Parks & Forests Foundation Bookkeeper
The PA Parks & Forests Foundation is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of
bookkeeper in in Camp Hill, Cumberland County office. The deadline for applications is April
26. Click Here for all the details.
DEP Opportunity To Bid On Mine Drainage Abatement Project In Clinton County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 15 PA Bulletin of an

opportunity to bid on a mine drainage abatement project in Clinton County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published its 2017 schedule of advisory committee and board meeting in the
December 17 PA Bulletin, page 7896.
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April 18-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 1071
(Farry-R-Bucks) prohibiting bans, fees, surcharges and taxes on recyclable plastic bags (sponsor
summary) and holds an informational meeting with the Public Utility Commission and Attorney
Generals Consumer Advocate Office. Room B-31 Main Capitol. 9:30.
April 18-- NEW. Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee meets to
consider Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call
utility construction safety program so they can be identified and mapped for emergency services
(sponsor summary). Room 461 Main Capitol. 2:00.
April 18-- Agenda Posted. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
-- Final Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Fee Package
-- Proposed Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards-Ammonia
-- Proposed Statement Of Policy - Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
-- Click Here for available handouts
April 18-- Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box
8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, khethering@pa.gov. Click Here to register to
attend the meeting via WebEx.
-- Legislative Forum: (invited) Chairs of House, Senate Environmental Committees-- Sen. Gene
Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair; Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair; Rep.
John Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair; Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair; or
representatives
-- Presentation On PA Seismic Network & Lawrence County Seismic Event Related To Drilling,
DEP, Penn State
-- Presentation On Nuclear Power Plant Contribution To PA Economy, Brattle Group
-- Update On DEP Activities from Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell
-- April Monthly Report From DEP To Council
-- Click Here for available handouts
April 18-- DEP Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, Fayette Room, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Allison Gaida, 724-404-3147 or send email to: agaida@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 18-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Lauri Ann West Community Center,
Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
April 19-- DEP public meeting/hearing on proposed Air Quality Plan Approval for an
emergency generator at a Transco natural gas pipeline compressor station in Mifflin Township,
Lycoming County. Salladasburg Elementary School, 3490 State Route 287, Jersey Shore.
6:00-- meeting, 7:15-- hearing. Contact: Muhammad Zaman, DEP Williamsport Office,
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570-327-3648. (formal notice PA Bulletin page 1536)
April 19-- NEW. PJM Interconnection Grid 20/20: Focus On Resilience, Fuel Mix Diversity &
Security. Philadelphia.
April 20-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. The next
scheduled meeting is June 15.. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436.
(formal notice)
April 20-- CANCELED. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. 4th Floor
Training Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden,
dsnowden@pa.gov or 717-787-5103. (formal notice)
April 20-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. The Genetti Hotel & Suites, 200 West
4th St., Williamsport, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
April 20-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. South Park-Buffalo Inn, Allegheny
County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
April 21-22-- PEC, KPB Pinchot State Forest Earth Day Tree Planting. Luzerne County.
April 21-23-- NEW. Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival. Prince Theater, 1412 Chestnut
St., Philadelphia.
April 22-- PA Environmental Council Tree Planting, Weiser State Forest. Columbia County.
April 22-- Green Valleys Watershed Association French Creek Cleanup. Chester County.
April 22-- Earth Day!
April 22-- NEW. Monroe County Earth Day Celebration. Monroe Campus of Northampton
Community College Route 715 in Tannersville. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
April 22-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Ross Township Community Center,
Allegheny County. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
April 22-- PA Resources Council Reuse Fest. UPMC Passavant Green Lot off Babcock Blvd,
McCandless, Allegheny County.
April 22-23-- Friends of Allegheny Wilderness Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail Stewardship
Days. Warren County.
April 25-- PA Environmental Council. Dinner Recognizing Winners Of 2017 Governors

Environmental Excellence Awards. Harrisburg Hilton.
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April 25-27-- PA Section American Water Works Association Annual Conference. The
Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
April 26-- House Consumer Affairs Committee hearing on House Bill 107 (Godshall-R-
Montgomery) expanding access to natural gas service (sponsor summary). Room B-31 Main
Capitol. 9:30.
April 26-- NEW. House Game and Fisheries Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 30
(Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and Boat Commission to adopt its own fees (Senate
Fiscal Note and summary), Senate Bill 192 (Stefano-R-Fayette) authorizing the Game
Commission to adopt its own fees (Senate Fiscal Note and summary). Room 60 East Wing.
9:30.
April 26-- NEW. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill
187 (Sonney-R-Erie) authorize wind power generating systems in Agricultural Security Areas
(sponsor summary), House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) establishing the Controlled Plant and
Noxious Weed Committee (sponsor summary). Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:00.
April 26-- Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus meeting to hear a presentation from PJM
Interconnection on the impact of decommissioning a nuclear power station will have on the
regional electric grid. Room 8E-A East Wing, Capitol Building. 8:00 to 9:00 am. Questions
should be directed to Jake Smeltz 717-787-4420 or send email to: jsmeltz@pasen.gov.
April 26-- CANCELED. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. The
next scheduled meeting is July 26. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov or 717-783-9269.
(formal notice)
April 27-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov or 717-772-5636.
April 27-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301
Peninsula Dr., Room 112, Erie, 5:00 to 7 p.m.
April 27-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Boyce Park-Activity Center,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
April 27-- NEW. Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor 3rd Annual Dinner & Silent Auction.
Northampton Country Club, 5049 William Penn Highway, Easton. 6:00-10:00 p.m.
April 29-- Manada Conservancys Spring Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
April 29-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water Drug Take-Back Day. Green Tree, Mt.
Lebanon and Robinson Township, Allegheny County.
May 2-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
48
Elmerton Ave., Conference Room, Harrisburg, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
May 3-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee informational meeting on the forest
products industry. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford. 9:00.
May 3-- Registration Open. Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference
Center, State College.
May 4-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, dhissner@pa.gov or 717-772-2189.
(formal notice)
May 4-6-- Registration Open. PA Land Trust Association Land Conservation Conference &
Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Lancaster.
May 6-- 2017 Environmental Advisory Committee Conference. DoubleTree Resort, 2400
Willow Street Pike in Lancaster. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 6-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Ross Twp.
Community Center, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
May 6-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. North Park, Allegheny
County.
May 6-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Dinner & Live, Silent Auctions. Silver Birches
Waterfront in Hawley, Pike County.
May 8-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
May 9-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, mbrojakows@pa.gov or 717-772-3429.
(formal notice)
May 9-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Carnegie
Municipal Building, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 10-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee holds an information meeting with
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on budget and other priorities of the agency. Room 60
East Wing. 9:00.
May 10-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel E. Snowden, dsnowden@pa.gov or
717-787-5103.
49
May 10-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, diawilson@pa.gov or 717-787-3730.
May 10-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Fern
Hollow, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
May 11-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Allentown Public Library, Community
room, 1210 Hamilton St, Allentown. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 13-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Galleria at Pittsburgh

Mills, Frazer Township, Allegheny County.
May 15-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. HACC Lancaster Campus, East
Building, Room 203, 1641 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 16-- Primary Election Day.
May 16-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. North
Park-Rose Barn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 17-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP
Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
May 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, khethering@pa.gov.
May 18-- CANCELED. DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email to:
kklapkowsk@pa.gov. (formal notice)
May 18-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD. 1:00.
May 18-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Boyce
Park-Activity Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 19-21-- PA Outdoor Writers Association Spring Conference. Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday

Inn Grantville, Dauphin County. Click Here for more information.
May 20-- NEW. PA Wild Resources Educator Symposium. Frick Environmental Center, 2005
Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30.
May 20-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests
Annual Conference. Mercer County.
50
May 20-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Concurrent
Technologies Corporation, Johnstown, Cambria County.
May 20-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Lauri
ann West Community Center, 10:30 to Noon
May 20-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation. Highmark Walk For A Healthy Community.
Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg.
May 20-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Money Does Grow On Trees Workshop. Grey
Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 22-- Environmental Issues Forum. Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee to hear a presentation on Pennsylvanias pollinator population and
emerging threats to agriculture and the beekeeping industry. Pollinators play a significant role in
the production of fruit and vegetables. Room 8E-A East Wing Capitol Building. Noon.
May 23-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. City of Chester (Delaware County),
Location TBA. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 24-- PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership. PA Green & Healthy Schools Forum with
PA Envirothon. University of Pittsburgh Campus-Johnstown .
May 24-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. South
Park-Buffalo Inn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 25-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Philadelphia, Location TBA. 4:00 to
6:00 p.m.
June 1-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
June 5-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee public
input session. Location and time to be announced.
June 7-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622 or send email to:
sbox@pa.gov.
June 7-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room 206, Bureau of
Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200.
June 7-- DCNR PA Trails Advisory Committee Public Forum. Murrysville Community Center,
51
3091 Carson Ave, Murrysville, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 8-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps
Garden Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 15-- NEW. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building, Harrisburg. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436.
(formal notice)
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
June 21-22-- PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel
and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre. Click Here for more information.
June 24-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Quaker Valley High
School, Leetsdale, Allegheny County.
July 12-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems: Metering
and Billing Operations. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:30 to 3:30.
July 22-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Consol Energy Park,
Washington County.
July 29-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. La Roche College,

McCandless, Allegheny County.
August 12-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall, West
Mifflin, Allegheny County.
August 16-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems:
Fundamentals of Leakage and Pressure Management. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
8:30 to 3:30.
August 17-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD. 1:00.
August 19-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Boyce Park,
Allegheny County.
September 16-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County.
September 21-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
joint meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
52
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
October 4-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, rjanati@pa.gov or 717-787-2147.
October 7-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Allegheny County.
October 14-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
Beaver County.
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
December 5-7-- National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.

LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
53
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
April 17- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Land Transaction Grants

April 19-- SBA Economic Damage Disaster Loans In 5 Southwest Counties
April 21-- NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program Grants
April 26-- Green Building Alliance Western PA Emerald Awards
April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 1-- PEC/DCNR Pocono Forests & Waters Initiative Grants
May 3-- Renewal Of NRCS Conservation Stewardship Contracts
May 3-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
May 9-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Grants
May 12-- DEP PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program
May 12-- CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
May 12-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
May 12-- CFA Solar Energy Program
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May 12-- CFA High Performance Building Program
May 18-- DCNR Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire Fighting Grants
May 26-- PennAg Industries College Scholarships
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Water-Related, Recreation Grants
May 31-- Abandoned Mine Land Programs Assn. College Scholarship
May 31-- PROP/Keystone SWANNA Waste Watcher Recognition Program
June 1-- DEP Vehicle Fleet Owner Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program
June 2-- Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest
June 4-- Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute For Youths 13-15
June 5-- NRCS PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Grants
June 30-- Susquehanna Greenways Partnership 2017 Photo Contest
July 14-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
July 14-- CFA Solar Energy Program
July 14-- CFA High Performance Building Program
August 18-- SBA Flood Disaster Economic Injury Assistance In Northcentral PA
September 5-- SBA Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Economic Injury NC PA
September 7-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Thru The Seasons Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Program
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Program
September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
Federal Policy
EPA Seeks Public Input On Trump Regulatory Reform Agenda
Whats At Stake In Trumps Proposed EPA Budget Cuts
Trump To Lift Hiring Freeze, Asks Agencies For Cuts
Trumps EPA Budget Requests Security Detail For Pruitt
AP: EPA Head Tells Coal Miners In PA Regulatory Assault Is Over
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EPAs Pruitt Says Federal War On Coal, Energy Over During Western PA Visit
EPAs Pruitt Touts Coal Regulatory Changes During Visit To Harvey Mine
Touring Western PA Coal Mine, Pruitt Says Hell Be Friend To The Industry
EPAs Pruitt Says Hell Be A Friend To Coal Industry
Energy Star Ratings Are Cheap, Effective, Why Does Trump Want To Kill Them?
Op-Ed: Whats Trump Got Against Bald Eagles Anyway
Court Strikes Down Bush-Era Pollution Reporting Exemption For Farms
Trump Halts EPA Rule Aimed At Curbing Toxic Wastewater From Coal Power Plants
Federal Court Grants EPAs Request To Delay Smog Rule Case
Jobs vs. Environment? Trumps EPA Chief Gets It Backward
Barge Industry In PA Eyes Unknown Future Under Trump
Air
Pittsburghers Still Breathe Some Of The Worse Air
Letter: Shell Cleaning Up Ethane Plant Site
Letter: Ethane Plant Will Emit Dangerous Pollutants
Federal Court Grants EPAs Request To Delay Smog Rule Case
Beautification
Beautification Project Set For Plains Twp Intersection
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Your Yard, Lot Or Land Can Become A Welcoming Habitat
Crable: Insect Harmful To Onions, Garlic Plants Found In Lancaster County
Budget
EPA Cuts Would Leave States With More Work, Less Money
AP: Budget Fight Of Cuts vs. Taxes Heads To PA Senate
Swift: States Fiscal Problems Take Toll
John Baer: Take The PA Legislative Challenge
Bumsted: Authorities: The Largest Unaccountable Form Of Govt. In PA
Editorial: Every Organization Needs To Be Accountable, Including Authorities
What Would Trumps Budget Mean For Philadelphia Transit?
Whats At Stake In Trumps Proposed EPA Budget Cuts
Trump To Lift Hiring Freeze, Asks Agencies For Cuts
Trumps EPA Budget Requests Security Detail For Pruitt
Casey, Cartwright Call For Funds For Infrastructure, To Fix Solomon Creek Wall
Chesapeake Bay
CBF Gives Media First-Hand Look At The Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay Conservationists Talk PA Pollution, EPA Cuts
CBF-PA, Sen. Alloway Students Plant Trees In Franklin, Cumberland Plant Trees
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
56
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Citizen Action
Documentary
Climate
Peoples Climate March, Rally Set For April 29 In Erie
College Republicans Poised To Reform Party On Climate Change
Coal Mining
2,000+ Retired Coal Miners In PA Could Lose Health Care By May
Editorial: Bills To Help Coal Miners Test Sincerity
AP: EPA Head Tells Coal Miners In PA Regulatory Assault Is Over
EPAs Pruitt Says Federal War On Coal, Energy Over During Western PA Visit
EPAs Pruitt Touts Coal Regulatory Changes During Visit To Harvey Mine
Touring Western PA Coal Mine, Pruitt Says Hell Be Friend To The Industry
EPAs Pruitt Says Hell Be A Friend To Coal Industry
Op-Ed: Restoring The Coal Industry Is A Lose-Lose Proposition
Op-Ed: Trump Needs To Face It, Coal Jobs Arent Coming Back
Obama Funded Clean Coal Plant, Rick Perry is Celebrating Its Opening
Trump Halts EPA Rule Aimed At Curbing Toxic Wastewater From Coal Power Plants
Compliance Action
Delaware River
How Did 8,000 Pieces Of Trash Land In One Delaware River Cove?
Drinking Water
Boil-Water Advisory In Place For PA American Water In Lackawanna County
Boil Water Advisory Lifted For All In Lackawanna County
Is Pittsburgh The Next Flint? Activists Brace For Fight Over Lead In Water
Pittsburghers Outline Water Concerns At East Liberty Town Hall
Pittsburgh Town Hall: Not Another Flint
Flint, MI Water Activist To Discuss Pittsburgh Water Problems Tuesday
Economic Development
Finalists Announced In Shale Gas Innovation Contest
Jobs vs. Environment? Trumps EPA Chief Gets It Backward
57
Education
Energy
Company Seeks Permit For Hydroelectric Plants Along Lackawanna River
NRG Wants To Add Philanthropic Element To Your Electric Bill
PUC Sets Public Hearings On Philadelphia Gas Works Proposed Rate Increase
PUC Sets Dates For Public To Vent On PGWs Rate Request
Obama Funded Clean Coal Plant, Rick Perry is Celebrating Its Opening
Dont Be Zapped By Door-To-Door Electricity Salespeople
Energy Conservation
Energy Star Ratings Are Cheap, Effective, Why Does Trump Want To Kill Them?
Environmental Heritage
Millersburg Ferry Boats Mark 200 Years Of Service
Environmental Justice
Public Sounds Off On DEPs Environmental Justice Policies
Farming
Fewer Farms In U.S. Erie Region Grow More Food Than Ever
Consultant: Erie Urban Farming Plan Must Engage Community
Court Strikes Down Bush-Era Pollution Reporting Exemption For Farms
Flooding
Flood Insurance Costs A Shock To Fawn Twp Residents
Casey, Cartwright Call For Funds For Infrastructure, To Fix Solomon Creek Wall
Forests
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Letter: EPAs Help Needed With Lead Waste Issue In Reading
Editorial: Laureldale (Reading) Lead Problem Needs Further Study
Op-Ed: Protect Citizens, Demand Safe Solutions For Celotex Site
In Memoriam
Michael Texter, DEP Recycling/Waste Grants Program, Passes
Lackawanna River
Company Seeks Permit For Hydroelectric Plants Along Lackawanna River
Land Conservation
Western PA Conservancy Acquires More Land Along French Creek
58
Ice Harvesting Program At Bear Creek Offers Lesson In Local History
Land Recycling
On Toxic, Abandoned Site, Developer Sees Townhouses Sprouting In Chesco
Dauphin County Begins Process To Redevelop Brownfield Properties
Litter/Illegal Dumping
Over 20,000 Philadelphians Cleaned Up Last Weekend
How Would Philly Waste Management Plans Curb Illegal Dumping?
How Did 8,000 Pieces Of Trash Land In One Delaware River Cove?
Mine Reclamation
Culm To Go, Trees Added At Weiser State Forest To Improve Scarred Land
Op-Ed: Reclaiming PAs Coal Heritage, Cong. Thompson
Mining
Geologists Search For Former Lead Mines
Oil & Gas
Wolf Says Act 13 Language Should Be Fixed To Protect Impact Fee Revenue
Cusick: Townships Agree To Back Off Drilling Waste Injection Well Bans
New Lawsuit Alleges Fracking Polluted Dimock Twp Water Well
Documentary
Letter: Shell Cleaning Up Ethane Plant Site
Letter: Ethane Plant Will Emit Dangerous Pollutants
Finalists Announced In Shale Gas Innovation Contest
Gasoline Prices Rise In Pittsburgh Area
Gasoline Prices Will Rise This Summer But Should Remain Low
Pipeline
Personnel
Anna Shipp Named Executive Director Of Sustainable Business Network In Philly
Public Participation
PUC Sets Public Hearings On Philadelphia Gas Works Proposed Rate Increase
PUC Sets Dates For Public To Vent On PGWs Rate Request
Radiation Protection
Recreation
59
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
Lawsuit Claims Pittsburgh Battery Company Fired Workers Without Notice
Stormwater
Allegheny Twp Must Expand Testing Of Stormwater Runoff
Susquehanna River
Sustainability
Anna Shipp Named Executive Director Of Sustainable Business Network In Philly
Water Resources
Wastewater Facilities
Editorial: Scranton Sewer Fee Increase New Surprise
Watershed Protection
CBF Gives Media First-Hand Look At The Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay Conservationists Talk PA Pollution, EPA Cuts
CBF-PA, Sen. Alloway Students Plant Trees In Franklin, Cumberland Plant Trees
Documentary
Allegheny Twp Must Expand Testing Of Stormwater Runoff
Once Nearly Devoid Of Life, Roaring Run Stocked With Trout
Great Lakes Gain Mind-Boggling Amount Of Water In Past 12 Days
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
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Wildlife
Video: Trout Unlimited Eastern Gas Shale Gas Monitoring Program Highlighted In PBS
Documentary
PAs Statewide Opening Day Of Trout Season Kicks Off April 15
60
Schneck: Last First Day Of Trout Season Saturday
Once Nearly Devoid Of Life, Roaring Run Stocked With Trout
Video: Glade Run Lake, Butler County Is Back; Glade Run Lake Conservancy
AP: PA To Spend $1.8 Million To Fix Lake Causing Sinkhole In Cumberland County
Crews Rescue 2 Anglers From Rising Erie Stream
Schneck: PA Fly Fishing Museum Expands Into New Carlisle Home
Crable: State Game Lands Controlled Burn Underway In Lancaster County
Game Commission Plans Controlled Burns In Erie Region
Bucks Development Turns Itself Into Audubon PAs Top Bird-Friendly Neighborhood
Op-Ed: Whats Trump Got Against Bald Eagles Anyway
Other
Bethlehem Twp Residents Express Concerns With Development Impact On Wetland, Golf
Course
Sale Of West Philly Community Garden Causes Stir
Johnstown Area 3rd Fastest Shrinking City In The U.S.
NPR: Richard Florida On The New Urban Crisis
PennEnvironment Fined By PA Ethics Commission
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - April 15, 2017
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 61 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the April 15 PA Bulletin - pages 2192 to 2253.
61
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 15 PA Bulletin of
final Nonelectric Generating Unit 2017 Ozone Season Nitrogen Oxide Emission Limitations.
DEP also published notice in the April 15 PA Bulletin of a proposed mass certification of
nutrient credits from wastewater treatment plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed under the
Nutrient Credit Trading Program or public comment.
DEP published notice in the April 15 PA Bulletin of changes to the list of companies certified to
perform radon-related activities (PA Bulletin page 2248).
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice in the April 15 PA Bulletin
it has executed an oil and gas lease with EQT Production Company for 553 acres of
publicly-owned streambeds under the Monongahela River in portions of Allegheny, Fayette,
Greene and Washington counties for a $2.2 million upfront payment plus royalties on the natural
gas produced.
DCNR published a second notice in the April 15 PA Bulletin it has amended to an existing oil
and gas lease with EQT Production Company for 79.55 acres of publicly-owned streambeds
under Tenmile Creek in Greene and Washington counties for an $318,200 upfront payment.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

62
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CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. The April 17 PA Environment
Digest is 63 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know you can search 14 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens
of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited
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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #668 Harrisburg, PA April 17, 2017

Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown notified Gov.

DEPs Citizens Advisory Council meeting on April 18 will

Legislation introduced Thursday would fundamentally change

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated] /Govs Schedule/ Bills

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Session Schedule [Updated]

By Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA)

Pennsylvanias coal fueled an industrial revolution, built dozens of cities,

News From Around The State

The ClearWater Conservancy announced Monday

Stroud Water Research Center Previews Upcoming Educational Events

The Stroud Water Research Center in Chester County Friday

Enter Now! PA-AWWA Best Of PA Public Water Taste Test

The PA Section American Water Works Association is putting out a call

April 21-29 Philly Science Fest Highlights STEM - Water Relationship

When you turn on the tap for a fresh glass of Philadelphia

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Blog.)

The Central PA Conservancy Tuesday announced

The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance Energy Education Fund has

To mark the 47th anniversary of Earth

Brodhead Watershed Association will join the Monroe

PRC, PA American Water Host 3 Drug Take-Back Collections April 29 In Allegheny

In conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Recyclebank Green Schools Program Funds 44 Eco Projects

Recyclebank, the incentives and education platform

PA Horticultural Society Volunteers To Plant 831 Trees During Earth Month

Inaugural Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival Earth Day Weekend-April 21-23

The Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival is proud to

Gov. Wolf Requests Formal FEMA Damage Assessment For NE PA Snowstorm

PEMA: Winners Of Student Weather Safety Poster Contest Announced

The PA Emergency Management Agency Friday

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has reached settlement on a

In the first three months of 2017, the number of new

Inspections 2,682 3,778

Violations 624 758

Unconventional (Marcellus) Wells

Inspections 3,890 3,434

Violations 170 169

Wells Drilled 169 104

Permits Issued 276 392

Wells Permitted 275 391

New research released Tuesday offers an inside

The U.S. Energy Information Administration

A diverse coalition of Pennsylvania

Exelon Generations Chief Nuclear Officer, Bryan Hanson

PJM Interconnection is hosting its Grid 20/20: Focus on

DCNR Warns Anglers, Others Of High Woodland Fire Danger

With the approach of Pennsylvania's traditional statewide

PA Horticultural Society Tree Tenders Basic Training Begins In May In Southeast