pa environment digest jan. 2, 2012
Post on 06-Apr-2018
222 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 1/29
PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa January 2, 2012
Read About Hundreds Of Award-Winning Environmental Stewards From 2011
Individuals, businesses, farmers, schools, local governments, students of all ages, nonprofit
groups and organizations just like you are doing great things to protect and restore
Pennsylvania's environmental all the time and in every corner of the Commonwealth.
If you don't believe us, read about these award-winning performances in the following 92stories included in the PA Environment Digest in 2011.
You've got NO excuse!
Peach Bottom Power Plant Receives International Habitat Conservation Award
Somerset Firm Involved In Quecreek, Chilean Mine Rescues Recognized By President
EPA: Commonwealth Ranks 5th In Green Power Usage
Chester County Recognizes West Chester University With Green Business Award
Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation Honors Award Recipients May 3
Clean Air Award Presented To Director Of Coalition For Appropriate Transportation
EPA Recognizes Communities For Sustainability Initiatives
Junior Achievement Of Western PA Honors Marcellus Shale Coalition
PA American Water Earns Honors From American Engineering Council Of PA
Blue Mountain School District EPA Energy Star Leader
PA's RecycleBank Tops Wall Street Journal's List Of Top Green Companies
Chatham University Selected For Bicycle Friendly Business Designation
EPA Recognizes Philadelphia School District With National Great Start Award
Sunoco Wins EPA Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award
EPA Recognizes Saint-Gobain With Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award
Swarthmore Among Top Five In EPA's Green Power Community Challenge At Mid-Point
Philadelphia Ranks 14th In Number Of Green Buildings
Brandywine Christina Clean Water Partnership Announces Award Winners
Jack Ubinger Receives PA Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award
PEC Named Only Top-Rated Green Non-Profit Based In PA
Carlisle Solar Project Presented With A 2011 PV Projects Of Distinction Awards
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 2/29
DEP Congratulates Award-Winning Lancaster Brownfields Revitalization Project
Four Penn State Water Quality Projects Honored By U.S.D.A.
Delaware River Designated As National Great Water
EPA Recognizes Leaders In Energy Efficiency, Including 4 In PA
Winners Of Western PA Environmental Awards Announced, Dinner May 26EPA Names Regional Environmental Achievement Award Winners, 5 In PA
Philadelphia High School Student Wins President's Environmental Award
DCNR Recognizes Chester County Parks & Recreation With 2nd Annual Green Park Award
Chatham University, Other PA Schools Featured In The Princeton Guide To Green Colleges
Big Ten Conference Leader In College, University Green Power Challenge
2011 State Park, Forest Award Winners, Gala Dinner May 3
Water Resources Association Of Delaware Basin Presents 2011 Awards
Gov. Corbett Announces 2011 Environmental Excellence Award Winners
Senate Resolution Congratulates 186,000+ Great American Cleanup Of PA Volunteers
PA Wilds Honors 16 Residents, Small Businesses, Organizations
Winners Of PPFF State Park And Forest Awards Honored
Howard Neurug, Philadelphia Water Dept., To Receive PEC's Lifetime Achievement Award
DCNR Salutes Employees' Award-Winning Efforts
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Announces 2011 Photo Contest Winners
Penncrest High School Wins 2011 Pennsylvania Envirothon
Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan Recognized As Nation's Best
PRC, SW Air Quality Partnership Announce Let's Clear The Air Poster Contest Winners
North Pittsburgh School Wins National Pennies For The Planet BioBash PrizeRoss Levin Wins Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship
Dr. James K. Bissell To Receive 2011 John C. Oliver Environmental Leadership Award
Spotlight - Susquehanna River Basin Commission Marks 40 Years
9 American Water Plants Receive National Recognition In PA
Winners Of Chester County High School Recycling Video Contest Announced
National Best Restored Beach Award Honors Presque Isle State Park
Wildlands Conservancy’s Friend of the Lehigh River Award Recipients Announced
CBF, Partners Celebrate EPA Award For Conservation Improvements To PA Farms
Janie French Nominated For Women Greening Pittsburgh Honor Students Share Their Bright Ideas With PPL Electric Utilities
Conservation Districts Celebrate Environmental Success, Discuss Challenges, Recognition
PA Farmers Recognized For Efforts To Protect Chesapeake Bay
Conservation District Staff Recognized For Work To Improve PA’s Environment
Dickinson College Receives Highest Possible Score On Green Honor Roll
Penn State Achieves Silver Rating In First Sustainability Review
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 3/29
PA Recyclers Announce FilmFest Winning Videos, Conference Success
Northeast Environmental Partners Announce Award Winners, October 27 Dinner
2011 Waste Watcher Recipients Recognized By PROP
Trail Challenge Award Presented To Accomplished Hiker: Lois Ludwig
Federal Office Of Surface Mining Recognizes Luzerne County Reclamation ProjectSwarthmore Ranks 3rd In National Green Power Competition
Jacobsburg EE Center's Bill Sweeney Honored By Conservancy
Dominion Earns One Of Three EPA Energy Star CHP Awards
Laurie Popeck, Maurice K. Goddard Legacy Task Force Win 2011 Karl Mason Award
2 Pennsylvanians Among Chesapeake Bay Forest Champions Honored
Ohio River Watershed Celebration Attracts Nearly 1,000, Recognizes Partnerships
First LEED Public Housing Project Wins Commonwealth Award In Philadelphia
Livziey's 2011 Maurice K. Goddard Forest Management & Sustainability Award Winners
Aqua PA Receives Crum Ridley Creek Watershed Association AwardWestern PA Conservancy Watershed Conservation Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Genesee & Wyoming's David Powell Wins Professional Environmental Excellence Award
EPA Recognizes Carnegie Mellon As Top Green Energy Buyer
Trout Unlimited, Fish Commission, DEP Celebrate West Branch Susquehanna Recovery
Chatham University Receives Green Power Award
White Deer Drinking Water Treatment Plan Receives National Award
Delaware River Honored As 2011 River Of The Year
U.S. Dept. Of Interior To Highlight 2 PA Recreation ProjectsKeep Pennsylvania Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers and Programs
Pennsylvania Woman Recognized For Innovative Environmental Leadership
Pittsburgh's PPG Glass Used In Three Of AIA's Top 10 Green Building Projects
EPA Recognizes 3 PA Colleges For Green Power Leadership
Green Vision Award Bestowed On Philadelphia International Airport
Plan Shaping Philadelphia's Green Spaces Wins Award
Southeast Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program Wins Recognition
Western PA Conservancy Gardens Receive Greening Awards
Independent Peer Review Praises DEP’s Bureau Of Laboratories
Mountaintop Area Elementary School Wins Recycling Competition In Centre County
PennDot Litter Cleanup Efforts Win National Recognition
Major Environmental Legislative Issues In 2012, Same As 2011
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 4/29
Following his 12 minute inaugural address last January, Gov. Corbett did not start his
administration with the usual laundry list of "to-dos" like most Governors. He only had one--
bring in an on-time budget without raising taxes.
He accomplished that goal with the help of his Republican colleagues in the Senate and
House literally at the 11th hour in June 30 with very painful cuts reducing the size of state
government by 4.1 percent.The new FY 2011-12 budget preserved the disastrous Rendell cuts to environmental
programs, but at least didn't make too many more. The bright spots were the Resource
Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program, which was
restored to its full $10 million in funding, and a transfer of $15 million from the PA
Infrastructure Investment Authority to the H2O Water Infrastructure Program administered by
the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
After the budget, Marcellus Shale legislation was the top environmental priority for the
year, which ultimately did not make it to the Governor's desk and is now in conference
committee.
Almost all of the same environmental issues will be returning in 2012 to face the Corbett
Administration and the General Assembly. Here is just a sampling of what's ahead--
-- Budg-a-geddon II: As the calendar ticks down to his February 7 budget address, the outlook
for this budget season is in some ways grimmer than last year.
Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said during his mid-year budget briefing the Corbett
Administration expects an end of fiscal year deficit of $500 million. As a result, Secretary
Zogby said his office is preparing a list of current year spending cuts the Governor will consider
implementing immediately at the beginning of the new year.
He said there is more than $1 billion in unavoidable spending growth which needs to be
accommodated in the 2012-13 state budget. He pointed to a $520 million in increase school
($320 million) and state employee ($200 million) pension costs, $400 million increase inMedical Assistance and an $80 million increase in debt service, inspite of efforts to cut costs.
Secretary Zogby said the bottom line is the Governor is likely to need about $750 million
to bring the FY 2012-13 budget into balance. He said the Governor is not going to make up this
shortfall with tax increases.
State agencies have already been asked to submit a budget assuming a further 5 percent
reduction in spending, with no exemptions, but Secretary Zogby said no decisions have been
made on any line items.
He also said the Corbett Administration has cut the number of new Capital Budget
project authorizations in half and noted next year there will be an increase in Unemployment
Compensation insurance for businesses, additional steps taken in controlling Corrections costs
and more cuts or automatic sequestration of federal funding which will all have an impact on planning for FY 2012-2013.
-- Marcellus Shale: A late session flurry of activity where the Senate and House each passed
separate Marcellus Shale bills ended when, on the last day of session, the House voted to
send House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) to a conference committee.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 5/29
The separate bills passed by the Senate and House would amend the Oil and Gas Act to
include additional environmental protection measures, but proposed very different drilling fee
schemes.
The Senate favors a uniform, statewide fee supporting local communities and state
environmental programs. The House Republicans supported the Governor's optional, county-
imposed drilling fee to support local communities and would finance some state environmental programs through a separate allocation from DCNR's Oil and Gas Fund.
Intense negotiations for weeks prior to adjournment between Senate and House
Republicans and the Corbett Administration failed to come to an agreement. They will continue
into the new year in hopes something can be cobbled together to pass.
-- Renew Growing Greener: 2011 ended as it began-- without a plan to renew funding for the
award-winning Growing Greener Program.
“Pennsylvania faces the imminent end of Growing Greener – a popular initiative that has
provided investments in farmland preservation, conservation of open space, restoring and
protecting Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers, improving and expanding state and local parks,
preserving historic resources, and developing new trails and greenways. Unless action is takenin the near future, funds available for Growing Greener will be all but gone within a year,” said
Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition.
Even with such a comprehensive record of success, the Commonwealth continues to face
a variety of pressing problems that threaten our communities, our rich natural and cultural
heritage, and our quality of life:
-- Pennsylvania is losing three times as much forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other open
spaces to development as we are able to conserve;
-- The Commonwealth currently has 16,000 miles of streams that are unsafe for fishing or
swimming;
-- Abandoned mines scar almost 190,000 acres in 44 counties and are the cause of over 5,000miles of dead streams; and
-- More than 2,000 family farms remain on a statewide waiting list requesting protection from
encroaching development so that they may continue Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural legacy.
Nearly 350 supporting organizations and local governments representing over 7 million
people are part of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition.
NewsClip: Clearfield Commissioners Support Growing Greener Program
-- Paying For Flood Damages: Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee roared through
Pennsylvania causing hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage and at least seven
deaths in September. It also caused yet another budget problem for the Commonwealth because
the state is responsible for paying 25 percent of at least the public infrastructure cost of FederalDisaster Assistance in the 27 counties declared a disaster area.
In November the Senate passed a package of eight flood recovery bills sponsored by
Senators John Gordner (R-Columbia), Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John
Blake (D-Lackawanna) and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne). The bills included:
-- Senate Bill 1264 (Baker-R-Luzerne) enacting the Flood Relief Act for September 2011
making an appropriation of $20 million for individual assistance;
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 6/29
-- Senate Bill 1266 (Gordner-R-Columbia) authorizing the incurring of $150 million in debt to
fund flood damage recovery projects;
-- Senate Bill 1267 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) authorizing real estate tax abatement as a result of
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee;
-- Senate Bill 1268 (Gordner-R-Columbia) authorizing the incurring of debt to repair flood
damaged highways;-- Senate Bill 1269 (Yaw-R-Bradford) adoption of capital projects to repair or replace flood
damaged highways and bridges;
-- Senate Bill 1271 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) an itemized list of flood damaged highway and bridge
repair projects;
-- Senate Bill 1297 (Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing a $10 million Small Business Flood Relief
Program of 2011; and
-- Senate Bill 1323 (Yaw-R-Bradford) establishing the Agriculture Disaster Recovery Program
to provide disaster assistance to agricultural operations.
The House has yet to act on any specific flood recovery legislation.
-- Transportation Funding: The Governor's Transportation Commission issued a report inAugust detailing a list of recommendations for closing the more than $2 billion funding gap for
highways, bridges and transit in the state.
Although the Senate and House Transportation Committees have had a series of joint
hearings on the report, the Corbett Administration has yet to say what it supports in the
recommendations. Everyone had listed transportation funding on their priority list for last Fall,
but of course it did not get done.
Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee,
put together his own transportation funding package and floated it out for comments in late
October.
In December, the Senate did pass Senate Bill 344 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) which wouldestablish Public-Private Partnerships in order to allow the private sector to join with the
Commonwealth to provide funding to address transportation deficiencies throughout the state.
At nearly the same time, the House Transportation Committee amended and reported
out House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation partnerships doing the
same thing. The House version is on the Calendar awaiting a vote when they return.
In their latest comments, both Gov. Corbett and Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said the
stubbornly weak economy will have a significant impact on the timing of any transportation
funding proposal.
Translation: Don't expect any fee increases as long as the economy is bad and don't
expect any tax increases period.
Here's The Status Of Some Individual Environmental Bills
During 2011, the Senate and House each passed a number of environmental bills dealing with a
variety of issues and sent them to the other chamber. Here's a quick rundown on some of those
bills--
Now In Senate
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 7/29
Marcellus Shale: Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) would impose additional
environmental protection measures on Marcellus Shale drilling and enact a uniform, statewide
drilling fee. The bill is in the House Finance Committee. A now identical bill, House Bill
1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) was sent on its way to a conference committee by the House just before
adjourning in December. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.
Gas Well Emergencies: Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring gas well operators to post
certain 911 response information at the entrance to each well site was returned to the Senate for
concurrence in House amendments.
Infrastructure Replacement: House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC
to establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate
cases to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure was
passed by the House in October. The bill is in the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional
Licensure Committee. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) adding additional measures to enforce the biodiesel
mandate is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and
House Fiscal Note are available.
Bioenergy Mine Reclamation: House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) providing for using
bioenergy crops for reclamation of abandoned mines is in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
Small Business Relief: House Bill 1349 (Pickett-R-Susquehanna) requiring the review of
regulations for their impact on small businesses and granting pre-enforcement review of regulations by small businesses aggrieved parties is in the Senate Appropriations Committee. A
summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
Engineers/Geologists: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) amending the Engineer,
Surveyor and Geologists Registration Law further providing for continued professional
competency requirements is in the Senate Appropriations Committee. A summary and House
Fiscal Note are available.
Leaf Waste: House Bill 1691 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further dealing with leaf waste under
Act 101 is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and
House Fiscal Note are available.
Anthracite Mining Reclamation: House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Berks) amending the surface
mining act to further providing for anthracite reclamation financial guarantees is in the Senate
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and House Fiscal Note are
available.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 8/29
Conservation Corps: House Bill 1683 (Culver-R-Northumberland) transferring the PA
Conservation Corps Program from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources was Tabled in the Senate. A summary and Senate Fiscal
Note are available.
DEP Fund Reporting: House Bill 1416 (Evankovich-R-Armstrong) requiring additional reportson expenditures from the Clean Water, Solid Waste Abatement and Clean Air Fund administered
by DEP is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and
House Fiscal Note are available.
Now In House
Marcellus Shale: House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) was sent on its way to a conference
committee by the House just before adjourning in December. The bill, as amended by the
Senate, is identical to Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson). A summary and Senate Fiscal
Note are available.
Drilling On Other State Lands: Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) authorizing the leasing of
mineral rights on other state lands and depositing the proceeds in the Environmental Stewardship
Fund. The bill is in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
The bill requires a minimum of 50 percent of revenue received from bonus and lease
payments to go to the Environmental Stewardship Fund or the Key '93 Fund. The remaining
revenue will go into the General Fund. All money derived from the PA State System of Higher
Education land will be deposited into the Key '93 Fund.
Gas Lease Payments: Senate Bill 460 (Yaw-R-Bradford) requiring when payment is made for
oil or gas production to an interest owner, itemized deduction information will be included on thecheck stub or an attachment to the form payment. The bill is in the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee.
Hazardous Sites Cleanup: Senate Bill 303 (MJ White-R-Venango) further providing for reports
under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act was Tabled in the House.
Air Quality Plans: Senate Bill 304 (MJ White-R-Venango) requiring further public review of
state Air Quality Implementation Plans was Tabled in the House. A summary and Senate Fiscal
Note are available.
Trail Liability: Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) allows walking, jogging, bicycling,exercising and horseback riding on nature trails as a recreational purpose by limiting liability is
in the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee.
Transportation Partnerships: Senate Bill 344 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) authorizing private-
public partnerships on transportation projects is in the House Transportation Committee. A
summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. Similar legislation-- House Bill 3 (Geist-R-
Blair)-- is on the House Calendar for action.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 9/29
Environmental Bills Signed Into Law In 2011
The following bills related to environmental funding and programs or resolutions requiring
action were signed into law or adopted during 2011--
General Fund: House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware)-- which contains $27.1 billion in
spending and a 4.1 percent reduction from the FY 2010-11 General Fund budget. It was signed
into law by the Governor and is now Act 1A. A summary and House Fiscal Note and Senate
Fiscal Note are available.
Natural Gas Well/Coal Spacing: Senate Bill 265 (MJ White-R-Venango) updates the Coal and
Gas Resource Coordination Act to establishing adequate and safe spacing between Marcellus
Shale natural gas well clusters and workable coal seams was signed into law by Gov. Corbett as
Act 2. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.
Fiscal Code: Senate Bill 907 (Browne-R-Lehigh) the Fiscal Code was signed into law by theGovernor and is now Act 26. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
The bill includes provisions related to: Filing returns for certain sales and use taxes;
Neighborhood Improvement Zone Fund; Financially Distressed Municipalities; Creating a new
Keystone Special Development Zone; Vocational Rehabilitation Fund applications; Tobacco
Settlement Fund deposits; Transfer from PennVEST to H2O Water Infrastructure Program; and
Audits of Race Horse Development Fund.
Act 319 Exceptions: House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) amending Act 319 to authorize the
splitting off of land for noncoal mining was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 34.
A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.House Bill 144 (Pickett-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize taxation of oil and
gas well production was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 35. A summary and
House Fiscal Note are available.
Ag Security Areas: House Bill 562 (Cillen-R-Berks) further providing for the purchase of
conservation easements under the Agricultural Area Security Law was signed into law by the
Governor and is now Act 44. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.
Recreation Liability: House Bill 870 (Everett-R-Lycoming) further providing for recreation
liability for opening land to recreational noncommercial aircraft operations was signed into law
by the Governor and is now Act 47. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
Air Penalties: Senate Bill 151 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) sharing Air Pollution Control Act fines
with municipalities was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 57. A summary and
House Fiscal Note are available.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 10/29
Acceptable Data: Senate Bill 263 (Erickson-R-Delaware) requiring data to support rulemakings
was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 60. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are
available.
Keystone Fund Report: Senate Bill 302 (MJ White-R-Venango) further providing for annual
reports from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was signed into law by theGovernor and is now Act 61. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.
Bluff Recession: Senate Bill 791 (Earll-R-Erie) further defining bluff under the Bluff Recession
Setback Act was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 72. A summary and House
Fiscal Note are available.
Pipeline Safety: House Bill 344 (Baker-R-Tioga) authorizing the PUC to regulate pipeline
safety. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Corbett as Act 127 A summary and new Senate
Fiscal Note are available for the bill.
LIHEAP Study: Senate Resolution 165 (Fontana-D-Allegheny) directing the Legislative Budgetand Finance Committee to study the efficiency of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program
was adopted by the Senate.
Water Trails: Senate Resolution 143 (Pippy-R-Allegheny) directing the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee to conduct an economic impact study of water trails in the Commonwealth
was adopted by the Senate.
Did You Know You Can Search 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?
Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.
Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from : PAEnviroDigest.
PA Environment Daily: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and
announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.
PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from
environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including
NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 11/29
updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest aswell as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the Senate and House schedule
Senate
January 3, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
February 6, 7, 8
Governor's Budget Address: February 7
Budget Hearings: Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and March 1March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28
April 2, 3, 30
May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
House
January 3 (non-voting), 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
Budget Hearings: Feb. 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, March 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
March 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28April 2, 3, 4, 30
May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Bill Calendars
House (January 3): House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation
partnerships; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a
waste tire removal and disposal program. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (January 3): Senate Bill 1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) allowing the use of preservedagricultural land for agricultural composting. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committees
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 12/29
Capitol News
Sen. Mary Jo White Announces She Will Not Run For Re-Election
Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the SenateEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced Thursday
she would not seek re-election in 2012.
"Today I am announcing that I will not be a candidate for re-
election to the Senate of Pennsylvania in 2012. After a career in the private
sector, I never expected to have an opportunity to enter political life," said
Sen. White. "It has been an exciting and challenging time, and I would not
have missed it for the world. I have worked with talented and dedicated
people in and out of government. I sincerely thank the people of the 21st
District for their confidence and support."
Sen. White has served in the Senate for 14 years and chaired the Senate Environmental
Committee for 12 years and has been involved in every major environmental law passed since
1999, including the Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection (Growing Greener)
Act, the Water Resources Planning Act and has been in the middle of the debate over Marcellus
Shale legislation.
"Sen. White's leadership and practical approach to environmental issues has
fundamentally changed how we think about these issues," said David E. Hess, former Secretary
of the Department of Environmental Protection. "She is more concerned with whether a program
or law will make a real difference in protecting the environment, rather than just a political
statement. Her leadership on the enactment of the award-winning Growing Greener Program, in
particular, put in place an indispensable tool for reclaiming mines, helping communities restore
their watersheds and meeting our Clean Water Act obligations."Sen. White also worked in concert with Democratic members like Sen. Ray Musto and
John Yudichak to develop bipartisan solutions to problems, something that is a rare commodity
in today's very partisan world," said Hess.
"I look forward to her continued leadership on Marcellus Shale environmental protection
and drilling legislation as the General Assembly brings that issue and the renewal of the Growing
Greener Program to a conclusion, hopefully early in 2012," Hess added. "Resolving these issues
would be a fitting bookend to her dozen years as Chair of the Environmental Committee."
She became the first woman elected to Senate Republican Leadership as Caucus
Administrator in 2001. Prior to becoming Senator she served as a public defender in Venango
County and was Vice President for Environment/Government Affairs for Quaker State
Corporation.NewsClip: Sen. Mary Jo White Retiring In 2012
News From Around The State
Governor's Environmental Excellence Award Applications Due January 30
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 13/29
The Department of Environmental Protection is
encouraging environmentally-conscious businesses and
organizations to apply for the 2012 Governor's
Environmental Excellence Award. Applications are due January 30.
"This award is a gem because it recognizes environmental innovation, which makes a
business or organization more competitive and efficient," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said."The winners are creating a brighter and cleaner future for all Pennsylvanians. We want to
showcase them as role models and say, 'Thank you.'"
The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational
institution, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that
promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.
Eligible projects include environmental technology innovation, clean energy innovation,
pollution prevention and resource efficiency, community revitalization, environmental education
or outreach, watershed stewardship, and mine safety, among others.
Projects will be evaluated based on applicants' demonstration of how their project will
protect the environment, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach,
pollution prevention, economic impact - including potential job creation, and the use of innovation technology.
The project must have been completed between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011. While
each candidate may submit only one application for a particular project, companies with multiple
facilities may submit an application for each facility.
Projects that have previously received a Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence
are not eligible for this award, though past winners may submit applications for new projects for
consideration.
Each project will be reviewed by a committee of DEP employees. Recipients of the
award will be honored during an evening reception and the winning projects will also be listed
on DEP's website.For more information, visit the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence
webpage. Projects should be submitted by email to: RA-EPgovenviroawards@pa.gov. For
assistance with completing the application, please call 717-783-8727.
Foundation For PA Watersheds Sets Grant Application Deadlines
The Foundation for PA Watersheds Tuesday set deadlines for its 2012 grant application rounds:
February 13 and August 24.
Spring letters of intent are due February 13 with applications due March 12. Decisions
will be made at the April 24 Board meeting. Fall letters of intent are due August 24 and
applications September 28 and decisions made at the November 13 Board meeting.Click Here for details on the application process.
PennVest, DEP Announce First Nutrient Credit Trading Auction For March 21
The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection
announced Wednesday they will host an auction March 21 for the sale and purchase of nutrient
credits in the Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 14/29
The auction will be a “forward” auction, where certified credits will be sold at auction,
delivered later and applied to 2012 and future compliance years. The auction will afford
wastewater treatment plants in these two watersheds the opportunity to purchase credits as a
means of meeting their nitrogen and phosphorus discharge limits for the compliance years.
PennVEST is hosting the auctions to encourage the trading of nutrient credits in the
Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds. DEP’s nutrient credit trading program provides a cost-effective means for facilities that are subject to nitrogen and phosphorus limits to meet those
limits by working with other facilities, non-point sources or both.
PennVEST has chosen Markit Inc. to provide the platform for enrollment and eligibility,
auctions and registry services. Markit, a financial information services company, has provided
operations and infrastructure services to environmental programs worldwide.
PennVEST anticipates charging buyers and sellers 2.5 cents per credit to offset
administrative costs.
For more information, visit PennVEST's Nutrient Credit Trading Program webpage or
call 717-783-6776 (PennVEST) or 717-772-4785 (DEP).
York County Receives Grant For Integrated Water Resources Plan
The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it is awarding a $35,000
grant to fund a project in York County that will help integrate water resource planning activities
and streamline permitting processes related to water resources management.
The project, developed by the York County Planning Commission, will “web enable” the
York County Integrated Water Resources Plan. They will also make it available as a model and
template to all Pennsylvania counties.
“York County’s IWRP is innovative and has the potential to help municipalities and other
entities develop projects that will help curb pollution discharged to Pennsylvania waters,” DEP
Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner said. “We are excited to be part of thiseffort.”
The York County IWRP offers a variety of tools for users to understand the
interconnection of water-related components that are critical to project implementation,
including regulations; studies; plans; and their relationship to environmental resource
management; land use; citizen health and safety; and other important topics.
Specifically, the flow chart component provides a step-by-step guide for public or private
entities implementing activities such as the placement of stormwater controls or the design and
planning of large construction projects. The IWRP helps provide information on project needs
from beginning to end, while ensuring that necessary plans are referenced; appropriate agencies
are contacted; pertinent issues are considered; and that the applicant applies for all required
permits.Education and outreach are important components of the plan and will be provided to get
as many as five counties up and running by the end of 2012. The York County Planning
Commission will train interested counties in using the IWRP and can be reached at
717-771-9870 or through their website.
Spotlight
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 15/29
Student Intern Persuades Landowners To Protect Conewago Watershed
Justin Kauffman let his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors
guide him to the right Penn State major and to a meaningful
internship helping to protect natural resources.The York, Pa., native graduated from the College of
Agricultural Sciences in December with a degree in Environmental
Resource Management and a minor in Watersheds and Water
Resources.
He interned with the Conewago Creek Initiative, a
collaboration between Penn State Extension and environmental groups aimed at improving water
quality in the Conewago Creek watershed. Its goal is to engage local residents and landowners to
increase awareness of water-quality issues and encourage adoption of land-management
practices that will improve water quality of local streams.
That ensures healthy farms, forests and communities, Kauffman said, protecting and
maintaining quality of life. And because Conewago Creek is a tributary of the SusquehannaRiver and the Chesapeake Bay, the initiative could provide solutions for improving water quality
downstream as well.
"I started looking at environmental degrees and found that Penn State had a great
program that is well established," he said. "I also was attracted to Penn State because it is a large
school, and a lot of my friends and family attended the university. It offers great networking
opportunities."
Kauffman believes he was the perfect student for this internship because of his previous
experience in the area. "I had prior connections with the region and knew its geology and how to
deal with its landowners," he said.
Kauffman previously had interned with a stream-restoration firm and with the CodorusCreek Improvement Partnership, a nonprofit watershed group, in York County.
He worked under the director of the Conewago Creek Initiative on projects in the
watershed, which spans Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin counties.
His responsibilities included everything from project development and management to
scheduling meetings and events. "I worked on a monitoring plan to identify indicators and
quantify our results so we could show the success of our actions," he explained.
Kauffman believes the work with the initiative strengthened his public-communication
and time-management skills. "My favorite part of the internship was the freedom I was given to
creatively develop new ideas that the organization could use," he said.
His post-graduation plans were to enter the work force, but graduate school is an option.
Ultimately Kauffman would like to run an environmental consulting firm and give guidedhunting and fishing tours on the side.
Related Story
Conewago Creek Conservation Initiative Preliminary Survey Results
Spotlight
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 16/29
Student Watershed Learning Project, Presentations Highlighted In Butler County
The November 12 edition of the Grove City Allied News included an excellent article by Monica
Pryts detailing the research work and presentation of findings by students in Dr. Helen Boylan's
Advanced Laboratory (Westminster College) course for chemistry and biology majors interestedin stream pollution and remediation.
The De Sale Phase II passive treatment system in the Slippery Rock Creek Watershed in
Butler County which relies on natural processes, such as wetlands, settling ponds and limestone
drains to treat the highly acidic, metal-bearing, drainage from abandoned coal mining operations,
was selected to provide the "hands-on" learning opportunity.
Ten Westminster College chemicstry/biochemistry majors presented water quality results
at the November 10 meeting of the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition at Jennings
Environmental Education Center.
Their presentations included data on how much of a certain substance such as iron or
calcium was found in their samples, which were collected in the field in October and analyzed in
the lab at Westminster.Their results confirmed that the De Sale Phase II passive treatment facility is functioning
well, and their new data was enlightening, greatly appreciated, and vital to determining the
continued performance of the 11-year old system.
The work of collecting and analyzing water samples to determine how well a passive
treatment system is working often requires manpower and funding not readily available to
volunteer-based organizations like the SRWC.
Hence the value of the partnership between Westminster College and the SRWC.
College students from Westminster have been volunteering with the SRWC for six years.
"This is what we call service-learning," said Dr. Helen Boylan and mentioned how
thankful she was to show her students "chemistry in action" at passive treatment sites, whichhave been visited by people from around the world. She also expressed her appreciation of
SRWC members Wil Taylor and Cliff Denholm, who "have been instrumental in facilitating this
service-learning project."
Wil Taylor, JEEC Manager, called the college-Coalition partnership "unique, interesting
and rewarding." The SRWC is always looking for more volunteers to help out. Anyone can
contribute to the effort! For more information, please contact Cliff Denholm at 724-776-0161 or
Wil Taylor at JEEC at 724-794-6011.
Thank you to Monica Pryts and Dr. Helen Boylan and a special thank you, to the
following students for the positive, encouraging news from our watershed: Stephen Cornich,
Daniele Figuroa, Jaimie Daum, Nicole George, Sarah Welsh, Hannah Anderson, Olivia Miller,
Gavin Steadman, Mark Biedka and Kelly Cholewa.
(Reprinted from The Catalyst newsletter, Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition , January 2012
issue.)
DEP, PSATS Offer Stormwater Management-MS4 Training January-March
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 17/29
The Department of Environmental Protection and the PA State Association of Township
Supervisors will host a series of three training sessions in January dealing with stormwater
management and the MS4 permit process.
The courses are part of a sixteen session package of training to be offered through March.
The first workshops will be held January 5: Berks County Agricultural Center; January
19: Monroeville, Allegheny County; and January 24: Trevose, Bucks County.For the remainder of the workshop dates and locations and to register, download the
workshop brochure.
Spotlight
Penn State Extension: Protecting Your Water Well
Wells can be protected from contamination by bacteria and
chemicals through good management practices.
A sealed well cap prevents insect entry along with
any bacteria they are carrying. Hazardous materials can be
kept out of the well's recharge area. Water testing verifies
the success of these protective practices.
A couple married for 61 years brought me a water
test report for clarification. They have tested their well
periodically for years and for the first time they had a positive total coliform test. They had the
usual questions, “is that bad? (we haven’t been sick or anything).” And, “what should we do
about it?”
This couple is to be commended for their regular habit of water testing. That they tested
this fall was wise – all the wet weather may have been responsible for the high coliform count.
You can read more about the mechanics of that by clicking here: For some ideas about what todo about a positive test, read on.
Wells have a watershed – rain falling within the watershed percolates to the water table
and supplies the well with water. The size of the area depends on the amount of water withdrawn
from the well.
A typical residential well collects enough water from rain falling inside a circle of 100 ft
radius to supply the household. On sloping ground the area must be stretched in the uphill
direction. Extending the "sides" of the circle to the crest of the hill defines the watershed area of
the well and results in a "hot dog" shape.
If you talk to a hydro-geologist about this, they will tell you that you can’t exactly define
the watershed area for the well unless you monitor the water table around the well while it is in
production. That is true, difficult, time consuming, and expensive.The simplistic approach above has the practical advantage of describing an area that you
can define and protect from activities that can pollute your well. Why not fuel your lawn mower
outside this area and protect your water from a fuel spill? Why not fertilize or spray other parts
of your yard first - making sure the application rate is correct - then do the watershed area? Why
not make sure the dog’s business is conducted outside the watershed area?
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 18/29
This couple also considered the possibility that insects were responsible for the high
bacteria count. Earwigs and other insects can crawl under the typical well cap and fall down the
well carrying coliform bacteria with them.
The couple liked the sanitary well cap shown in the picture and plan to replace the current
cap on their well. The cap has three pieces. A top cover, a bottom ring, and a rubber gasket
sandwiched between the two. When the top cover and the bottom ring are bolted together thegasket is compressed completely sealing the top of the casing from the insect world.
They plan to shock chlorinate their well and do a follow up test to verify that bacteria
were eliminated from their water supply. They also plan to discontinue the use of a carbon filter
when they learned that such a filter can encourage bacteria growth.
When asked about the secret of 61 years of happy marriage, do you think they said “high
quality drinking water?” No! The husband said “choose a good wife,” and his sweetheart smiled
in agreement!
Another Link To Useful Information
Protecting Wells with Sanitary Well Caps and Grouting Water Supply Testing and Protection
(video)
(Written by: Thomas McCarty, send email to: trm3@psu.edu , Carlisle, Pa, and reprinted from
Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter.)
Local Businesses Contributed More Than $600,000 To Flood Relief
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker announced
Thursday that Northeastern Pennsylvania businesses will receive Neighborhood Assistance
Program tax credits for donating more than $600,000 to support flood relief efforts.
“Businesses that contributed to the flood recovery effort are proactively helping their local communities recover from the devastation of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,”
said Walker. “Residents in areas of the northeast that suffered substantial damage to their homes
during the fall flooding will receive assistance in making necessary repairs and accessing
suitable housing. This support will be a key step in the process to making their lives whole
again.”
Local businesses that contributed to the flood relief effort will receive a tax credit through
the Neighborhood Assistance Program Special Program Priorities– a program designed to
support distressed areas and support neighborhood conservation.
The program provides tax credits of up to 75 percent of approved projects, with an annual
limit of $500,000. DCED has approved $460,275 in tax credits to local businesses that donated
$613,700 to support the flood recovery effort.Three local community development organizations received monetary donations from
businesses to assist with flood and disaster recovery efforts. Some of the services these
neighborhood organizations will provide include emergency shelter and food for displaced
residents, assistance funding necessary mechanical and electrical repairs to homes, and helping
residents locate affordable housing.
NAP-SPP projects must specifically support one of the following activities: flood and
disaster recovery efforts related to Hurricane Irene and/or Tropical Storm Lee; integrated
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 19/29
weatherization and housing rehabilitation; preventing mortgage foreclosure; reduction of blight
and abandoned properties; encouraging diversity within communities and Marcellus Shale-
related projects.
Sen. Casey Urges Support For Flood Forecasting Systems
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) Tuesday called on the Department of Commerce to include
robust funding for flood forecasting systems and weather monitoring technologies in the fiscal
year 2012 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget.
In the wake of historic flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the
importance of flood forecasting systems like the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and
Warning System has come into focus due to their critical role in helping communities prepare for
and protect against natural disasters.
“Flood forecasting systems like the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and Warning
System protect communities, help Pennsylvanians prepare for natural disasters and ultimately
save taxpayers money by reducing payouts from the federal government for flood damage,” said
Senator Casey. “We have an obligation to ensure that these systems are in place and operating properly so Pennsylvanians are prepared for the next flood.”
In the immediate aftermath of the historic flooding from Irene and Lee, Senator Casey
urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to increase funding for flood forecasting systems
and weather monitoring technologies in NOAA budget in the fiscal 2012 Commerce, Justice and
Science Appropriations bill.
NOAA ultimately received $4.9 billion for fiscal year 2012, which is $306 million over
the fiscal year 2011 level. It is now up to the Department of Commerce and NOAA to decide
how to distribute the funds.
Senator Casey has been a long-time advocate for flood forecasting, having worked to
secure Congressionally-directed funding for flood forecasting.Earlier this year Senator Casey sent a letter to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, urging the agency to fund the Susquehanna
River Flood Forecasting and Warning System. Funding for the system, which helps communities
located within the Susquehanna River basin prepare for flooding threats, was eliminated when
the 2011 budget bill was blocked late last year.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission reports that for every dollar invested by the
federal government, the System saves $20 through reduced flood damages and reduced payouts
through the federal flood insurance program.
NewsClips: Penn State Scandal, Flooding Top PA's News Stories In 2011
Picking Up The Pieces: Christmas After The Flood
Flood Victims Settling Into Federal Trailers For HolidayCMU Designed Disaster App Could Speed Assistance
Rainfall Adds To Record Year In Lehigh Valley
Hurricane Irene Didn't Stir Up Much Trouble In Chesapeake Bay
Op-Ed: After The Flood: Family Learns What Really Matters
Op-Ed: Weatherman Reflects On 2011: A Case Of Extremes
Editorial: Upgrade Flood Forecasting
Editorial: Utilities Should Learn Lesson From 2011 Weather
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 20/29
Philadelphia Unveils Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, Invites Public Comments
The Philadelphia Managing Director's Office of Emergency Management invites the public to
learn about the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan being developed for Philadelphia.
The plan will be rolled out on January 7 at 10:00 a.m. through noon at the FederationHousing Inc., Rieder House, 10102 Jamison Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. (Snow Date:
January 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m.)
Between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., residents will view a series of poster displays featuring
the natural hazards. The Office of Emergency Management will provide a brief presentation
about the development of the Hazard Mitigation Plan at 10:30 a.m.
After the presentation, residents will have more time to review the poster displays and
provide their feedback and concerns about natural hazards in their community.
The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will address a comprehensive list of natural hazards -
- droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, wind storms and tornadoes, hurricanes
and tropical storms, Nor'easters, and severe winter storms -- that may impact Philadelphia.
In addition, the Office of Emergency Management will provide a risk assessment, whichincludes prioritizing the natural hazards that have the potential of impacting Philadelphia. The
purpose of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to
human life or property from natural disasters through cost-effective and sustained mitigation
actions.
The Office of Emergency Management will continue to hold a series of meetings through
mid-February around Philadelphia to rollout the various components of the Natural Hazards
Mitigation Plan. Future components of the plan will focus on identifying short and long-term
mitigation strategies for reducing risks associated with the natural hazards.
Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O'Keefe encourages the
public to the attend meetings. "It's important for us to hear about Philadelphians' concerns aboutnatural hazards that could impact their neighborhoods, so we welcome them to attend any of the
upcoming meetings."
The public can find out more about upcoming public meetings on the plan and how to
submit comments by going to the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan webpage.
Marcellus Shale Industry Statement On Pennsylvania, Federal Pipeline Safety Measures
Marcellus Shale Coalition President Kathryn Z. Klaber Tuesday released the following statement
on pipeline safety legislation authored by Rep. Matthew Baker (R-Tioga)-- House Bill 344-- and
signed last week by Gov. Tom Corbett and a federal pipeline safety bill authored by U.S. Rep.
Bill Shuster and sent to the President earlier this month:“The American natural gas industry values the safety of our workforce and our
communities above all – from the initial development of the resource to the delivery of this
clean-burning fuel to consumers. Rep. Baker’s and Rep. Shuster’s measures establish important
safety standards for Pennsylvanians and all Americans, preserve competitive markets, and
further encourage the development of our nation’s shale gas resources. Passage of these bills is
yet another unmistakable sign of the sustainability of the natural gas industry here in
Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.”
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 21/29
The MSC testified in favor of Rep. Baker’s legislation in a Pennsylvania House
Consumer Affairs Committee hearing in February. Separately, the U.S. Congress has passed the
Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 with broad bipartisan
support. The legislation has been sent to the White House where it is awaiting the President’s
signature.
Penn State Extension Sponsors 4 Marcellus Shale Webinars
The Penn State Extension Service will hold a series of webinars on Marcellus Shale-related
issues during the first three months of 2012. They include:
-- January 19: Seismic Testing: What's It All About?;
-- February 16: Transportation Patterns and Impacts From Marcellus Development;
-- February 23: Shale Gas Development in Northwest PA (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.); and
-- March 15: Municipality's Roles, Water Use & Protections.
Each webinar will run from 1:00 to 2:15 except where noted.
To register for any of these webinars, go online to the Upcoming Webinar
Schedule webpage or contact Carol Loveland, Penn State Extension energy development andspecial projects coordinator, at 570-433-3040 or send email to: cal24@psu.edu.
For more information generally, visit the Penn State Extension Marcellus Shale webpage.
DEP Accepting Host Municipal Inspector Grant Applications Until March 31
The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Host Municipal
Inspector Grants for municipal and hazardous waste facilities until March 31. ( formal notice )
Reimbursements are available to any municipality that has a municipal waste landfill,
resource recovery facility, or commercial hazardous waste storage, treatment and disposal
facility located within its geographic borders to help fund a host municipal inspector.Upon application from any host municipality, the Department shall award
reimbursements for authorized costs incurred for the salary and expenses of up to two certified
Host Municipality Inspectors. The reimbursement may not exceed 50 percent of the approved
costs of salaries and expenses. Reimbursement is available only for Host Municipality Inspectors
trained and certified by the Department.
Applications are available online and for more information contact the DEP Bureau of
Waste Management at 717-787-9870.
State Parks Marking New Year With First Day Hikes Across PA
Helping visitors ring in 2012 with healthy exercise and a glimpse of nature’s winter beauty, theBureau of State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 13 State Parks on New Year’s Day as
part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.
“We are excited to join in hosting these hikes as part of this national effort to get people
outdoors and into our parks,” said Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck. “First Day
Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off
the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful State Parks.”
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 22/29
Organized by the National Association of State Park Directors, the nationwide, New
Year’s Day hikes originated more than 20 years ago in Milton, Mass. The program was launched
to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks.
State involvement has to grown to the point where, for the first time in 2012, all 50 state park
systems will join together to sponsor First Day Hikes.
“We hope to draw both novices and trail-hardened veterans alike into our state parks inwhat will become an annual salute to healthy exercise and the winter beauty and serenity of our
120 state parks,” Norbeck said. “Weather will dictate activities at our state parks on Jan. 1, but
different hikes will match different abilities. The accent is on enjoyment.”
Pennsylvania State Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which are usually about
one or two miles, but can be longer depending on the park and its terrain. Details about hike
locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the
America’s State Parks website.
“What better way to kick off the New Year than with a hike at a state park?” said Ruth
Coleman, president of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Think of it as the start
of a new and healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or
traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”Pennsylvania hikes will be offered at the following state parks: Delaware Canal, Bucks
and Northampton counties; Hickory Run, Carbon County; Hills Creek, Tioga County; Keystone,
Westmoreland County; Kings Gap, Cumberland County; Kinzua Bridge, McKean County;
Laurel Hill, Somerset County; Moraine, Butler County; Nolde Forest, Berks County; Parker
Dam, Clearfield County; Promised Land, Pike County; Shawnee, Bedford County and
Sinnemahoning, Cameron County.
Additional details can be found on DCNR's Calendar of Events webpage.
Reminder: Complete Wissahickon Valley Park Survey Before February 28
The Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties encourages park
visitors to complete the survey My Park Counts, before its conclusion on February 28. All
persons who complete the survey in the park or online will be entered into a drawing in mid 2012
for a free IPAD and one of ten free annual FOW memberships.
My Park Counts is the most comprehensive park survey of the Wissahickon Valley ever
undertaken. It includes, for the first time, state-of-the-art mechanical counters of park users as
well as observational information and personal interviews.
For more information or to complete the park survey online, visit the My Park Counts
webpage.
PCN Announces PA Farm Show Coverage January 7-14
The PA Cable Network will chase away the post-holiday blues with its popular annual week-
long coverage of the PA Farm Show starting January 7 at 12:00 p.m.
This year, PCN will air LIVE coverage of the butter sculpture unveiling. The first-hand
look at this year’s creation will air at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 23/29
Throughout the week, PCN will provide round-the-clock coverage. New to the show are
exhibits like the barn display with Penn Ag Industries and the Butterfly House. Both will be
featured by PCN as they make their debut at the show this year.
These highlights and many more farm show favorites make up the network’s extensive
coverage of the event which encompasses over 100 hours of network programming in just one
week.This is the 19th year that PCN will move its operations from the Camp Hill studios to the
Farm Show. During the week, PCN devotes its programming schedule to this agricultural
showcase which puts a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s largest industry.
This year’s coverage is being underwritten, in part, by the Pennsylvania Pork Producers
Council, Penn Ag Industries, Pennsylvania Egg Farmers, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the
Pennsylvania Treasury 529 College Savings Program.
PCN will air taped highlights of various events and displays throughout the week. A
schedule of LIVE farm show favorites is available online. Click Here for highlights of this year's
PA Farm Show.
Brinley Leaving DEP Brownfields Program
Denise Brinley, Director of DEP's Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields,
announced Tuesday she was leaving state government to pursue an opportunity in the private
sector.
"My time in public service is just about the sunset, as I will be leaving for a position in
the private sector starting in early January," said Brinley. "I found that working with those trying
to 'make things happen' outside of state government has been one of the most rewarding aspects
of my time at DEP."
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.
January 6-- EPA Document Your Environment Student Contest
January 6-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants
January 13-- NRCS Farm Conservation Stewardship Program
January 15-- Endless Mountains Region Mini-Grants
January 23-- EPA Urban Waters Program
January 30-- Ben Franklin Marcellus Shale Innovation Prizes
January 30-- NEW. Governor's Environmental Excellence AwardJanuary 31-- Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grants
February 3-- PALTA Government Conservation Leadership Awards
February 12-- NEW. Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
February 15-- Delaware Valley Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn. Student Scholarships
February 17-- PA Legislative Black Caucus Student Scholarships
February 16-- County Agricultural Land Conservation Grants
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 24/29
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 31-- NEW. DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction GrantsAugust 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- NEW. Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects.
Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
State Bureau Of Forestry Offers Christmas Tree Recycling
Budget
Big Issues Elude GOP Legislature
Legislature Pushes Many High-Profile Issues Into 2012
2011 PA Politics In Review
Blog: Top Political Stories: Argument Over Marcellus Shale
Shale Gas Industry Hoping For Statewide Regs In 2012
West Virginia's New Marcellus Shale Law
Op-Ed: Legislators Would Be Wise To Start Over On Marcellus BillClearfield Commissioners Support Growing Greener Program
Editorial: Attend To Revenue Side Of State Budget
Coalition Backs Committee's Transportation Funding Ideas
Blog: Top Political Stories: No. 5 Transportation Funding
Post-Gazette Mining Series
Coal's Reign In Western PA Has Long History - Part 1
Mining Issues In Shadow Of Shale - Part 2
New Technology Makes Coal Mines Safer - Part 3
Region Hosts Cutting-Edge Coal Research - Part 4
Brownsville Barge Plant Investing In Its Future - Part 5
Draeger Has Name Recognition In Mining Industry - Part 6 New Fuel For Coal vs. Gas Debate
King Coal Makes Comeback As Home Fuel
PA Power Plant To Convert To Natural Gas
PA Coal-Fired Plants Looking To Run On Gas
Other
Sen. Mary Jo White Retiring In 2012
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 25/29
PennFuture's Leaders Ran Afoul Of Political Opponents
New Jersey Strives To Regain Its Recycling Reputation
Homewood Teens Focus On Green Movement
PUC Issues New Rules On Gas Leak Monitoring
More NFG, Penelec Customers Without Heat This Year
Editorial: Obama's EPA Chooses Health Over PollutionEditorial: Cleaner Air For Christmas
Editorial: Clear The Air With New Emission Regulations
Column: More PA Enviro-Insanity? C'mon Man!
Essroc Cement Agrees To $33 Million In Pollution Controls
Midstate College Offers Electrical Engineering Lab
Relentless Pump Prices A Pain In Pocket
Borough Preps For Billboard Battle
Op-Ed: Urban Farms Offer Way To Dig Gardening
Rail Trail Group Balances Future In Pipeline Rights Of Way
Grants Give A Boost To Back Mountain Trail
Grant To Help Susquehanna TrailSusquehanna Greenway Creates 95-Mile Driving Tour
$250K Grant Goes To Susquehanna Heritage Group
Small Landscapes Can Make A Positive Difference
Robins More Than Signs Of Spring
Deer Once Again The Outdoors Story Of The Year
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Big Issues Elude GOP Legislature
Legislature Pushes Many High-Profile Issues Into 2012
2011 PA Politics In Review
Blog: Top Political Stories: Argument Over Marcellus Shale
Shale Gas Industry Hoping For Statewide Regs In 2012
Op-Ed: Legislators Would Be Wise To Start Over On Marcellus Bill
EPA: Dimock Water Supplies Merit Further Consideration
Lycoming Twp Official Drops Trees To Block Drilling Company
Small Town Takes On Gas Driller Over Road Repairs
Op-Ed: Keep Drilling Out Of State Parks
Range Resources Appeals South Fayette Zoning LawsFinal Shale Forum Brings Discussion To Johnstown
Op-Ed: Shale Gas? Credit The Feds Too
Fracking Or Facing?
Six StateImpact Marcellus Reports Worth Another Listen
Penn State Faculty Member Captures Faces Of Marcellus Shale
Penn State DuBois Partners For Marcellus Shale Education
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 26/29
Delaware River Master Parts The Water
Truck Collision Spills Marcellus Drilling Mud Into Lycoming Creek
Rail Trail Group Balances Future In Pipeline Rights Of Way
Gas Boom Is Sweet Music To Sand Supplier
PA Power Plant To Convert To Natural Gas
PA Coal-Fired Plants Looking To Run On GasLaFarge Receives $300,000 Grant To Convert To Gas
Ethane Cracking Plant In Western PA Could Create Jobs
Butler County Cranks Up Gas Processing Plant Construction
Rex Energy Gets OK For Cryogenic Gas Plant In Butler
Financial/Other States
West Virginia's New Marcellus Shale Law
Chesapeake Energy To Sell $865 Million In Pipelines
Oklahoma Firm Seeks Pipeline Across Southern PA
Epsilon Energy Provides Update On PA Marcellus Production
With Gas Drilling Next Door, New York Gets Economic Lift
Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
Penn State Scandal, Flooding Top PA's News Stories In 2011
Picking Up The Pieces: Christmas After The Flood
Flood Victims Settling Into Federal Trailers For Holiday
CMU Designed Disaster App Could Speed Assistance
Rainfall Adds To Record Year In Lehigh ValleyEditorial: Upgrade Flood Forecasting
Editorial: Utilities Should Learn Lesson From 2011 Weather
Op-Ed: After The Flood: Family Learns What Really Matters
Op-Ed: Weatherman Reflects On 2011: A Case Of Extremes
Hurricane Irene Didn't Stir Up Much Trouble In Chesapeake Bay
Other Watershed NewsClips
Foundation For PA Watersheds Grant Application Schedule
Environmental Lawsuits Could Hit U.S. Agriculture In 2012
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists
published notice of proposed regulations covering certification of geologists-in-training and
other regulation changes affecting these professions. ( PA Bulletin page 6975 )
The Public Utility Commission published notice of its order implementing standards for
participation in demand side management resources technical manual under the Alternative
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 27/29
Energy Portfolio Standards Act.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 31, 2011
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of final technical guidance on
impoundments, stockpiles and coal refuse disposal areas.
Final: DEP ID: 563-2112-656. Liners—Impoundments, Stockpiles, and Coal Refuse Disposal
Areas. Pages 1 and 2 of the previously listed technical guidance document referenced 25 Pa.
Code Chapters 101, 101.3 and 101.4, which were moved to Chapters 91, 91.34 and 91.35 in
2000. These references have been changed to reflect this update of 25 Pa. Code. Contact:
Questions regarding this technical guidance document should be directed to Michele Hamlin at
717-787-8320 or mhamlin@pa.gov.
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the
online Calendar webpage.
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week.
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of its advisory committee
and board schedule for 2012. Click Here for the complete list.
January 3-- NEW. General Assembly's First Day of Session 2012. Noon.
January 5-- Agenda Released. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 28/29
January 5-- Agenda Released. Chesapeake Bay Commission meeting. Annapolis, MD. 9:30.
January 10-- House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee holds a hearing
on closings of Sunoco and ConocoPhillips refineries in Southeast PA. Room 140. 1:30.
January 10-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1855
(Miller-R-York) setting standards for water well construction. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 1:00.
January 11-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1580 (Ross-R-
Chester) increasing the solar share in the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. Room 140.
10:00.
January 12-- DEP Southwest Regional Office Roundtable meeting. DEP Southwest Regional
Office, Waterfront A & B, 500 Waterfront Dr. 10:30. Contact Holly Cairns at 412-442-4116 or
send email to: hcairns@pa.gov. ( formal notice )
January 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is
February 21. ( formal notice )
January 23-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control
and Conservation Committee featuring a discussion of Pennsylvania's Sustainable Forestry
Initiative. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon.
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. (Location
to be determined) Noon.
DEP Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 2, 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pa-environment-digest-jan-2-2012 29/29
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call
717-234-1716.
PA Environment Digest 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
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited.
top related