Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
March 25, 2024 - Issue #1,027
(3/25/2024)
* 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 93 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* Weekly List Of PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

PA Environment Digest Puts Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic--

* DEP Reports The Number Of Methane Contaminated Water Supplies From Oil & Gas Drilling Is Up ‘Across The Board,’ ‘Not A Good Trend’

On March 19, DEP told the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board they have seen an “across the board” increase in the number of methane contaminated water supplies from oil and gas drilling, both conventional and unconventional shale gas wells.

* DEP: Shale Gas Drilling Resulted In 54 Incidents Of New Wells Interfering With Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells, Water Wells Or Other Shale Gas Wells In Last 8 Years

On March 19, DEP told the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board there have been 54 incidents of new unconventional shale gas wells “communicating” [interfering] with abandoned oil and gas wells, or other shale gas wells or water wells.

* DEP Pursuing Federal Funding To Further Define Human Health Impacts Of Abandoned Conventional Oil & Gas Wells

On March 19, DEP advised the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board the agency is pursuing funding through the US Department of the Interior to get a “really good understanding” of some of the human health impacts of leaking, abandoned conventional oil and gas wells.

* Spring Road Dumping Season Underway As Conventional Oil & Gas Operators Get Rid Of Their Wastewater

The Spring road dumping season is underway in Northcentral and Northwest Pennsylvania as conventional oil and gas operators get rid of their wastewater on the region’s dirt and hard roads.

* Fayette County Commissioners Unanimously Pass Ordinance Restricting Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Wells

On March 21, Fayette County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance restricting oil and gas wastewater injection well development to protect the health and welfare of Fayette County residents.

* DEP Issued Conventional Oil & Gas Operators 663 Violations For Abandoning, Not Plugging Wells In Last 15 Months; 392 In 2024 Alone

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued conventional oil and gas well operator 663 violations for abandoned, unplugged wells in the last 15 months. In 2024 alone, DEP issued 392 violations.

* PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - March 16 to 22 - Truck Rollover; 12 More Abandoned Wells; Failure To Submit Annual Reports; Another Chewed Wastewater Line Leaking

From March 16 to 22, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 609 inspection entries.

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - March 23

The following DEP notices were published in the March 23 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Approves 8 Shale Gas Drilling Water Withdrawals, Adopts New General Permit For Cooperative Fish Nurseries

On March 14, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved eight shale gas drilling water withdrawals and adopted a new general permit for cooperative fish nurseries.

* DEP Notified Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County It Can No Longer Operate Under An Air Quality Construction Permit And Has 120 Days To Submit A Full Title V Air Quality Permit Application

The Department of Environmental Protection notified the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Beaver County it will no longer be able to operate under an Air Quality Construction permit and must submit an application for a full Title V Air Quality Permit within 120 days, according to the Clean Air Council.

* Sen. Comitta, Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Otten, Rep. Abney To Introduce Gov. Shapiro’s Energy, Climate Initiatives

On March 20, Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks), Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) and Rep. Aerion Abney (D-Allegheny) announced they are circulating co-sponsor memos to introduce Gov. Shapiro’s energy and climate initiatives in the Senate and House.

* Solar United Neighbors Hails House Committee Action On Community Solar Legislation

On March 19, the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee amended and unanimously reported out House Bill 1842 (Schweyer-D-Lehigh) that would authorize a community solar program.

* US DOE Awards Mineral Basin Solar Project In Clearfield County $90 Million For 402 MW Facility On Abandoned Mine Lands; Filling Gap Left By Closure Of Homer City Coal-Fired Power Plant

On March 21, the U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $475 million in funding for five projects in Arizona, Kentucky, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to accelerate clean energy deployment on current and former mine land.

* PUC To Host March 28 Meeting Of PA Sustainable Energy Board

The Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board, in conjunction with the Public Utility Commission, will hold its annual meeting at 11 a.m. on March 28, 2024, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.

* Master Watershed Stewards In York County Recognize Betsy Leppo, Western PA Conservancy, Gifford Pinchot State Park Staff As 2023 Outstanding Partners For Work On Vernal Pools

By Jodi Sulpizio, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator, York County

* Master Watershed Steward Robert Pace Partners To Protect Watersheds In Montgomery County

By Kelly Jedrzejewski, Penn State News

* Learn How Your Property Could Be Certified Watershed-Friendly By Penn State Extension At April 25 Workshop In Cumberland County

Join the Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County for an April 25 workshop on how your property could be Certified Watershed-Friendly.

* Call For Artists: Street 2 Creek Storm Drain Street Art Contest In City Of York

By Jodi Sulpizio, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator, York County

* Penn State Extension: April 9 Webinars: Introduction To Working Riparian Buffers You Can Eat; Other Buffer Resources

 Penn State Extension will host two webinar sessions on April 9 on Introduction To Working Riparian Buffers You Can Eat at Noon and 7:00 a.m.

* Penn State Extension, Partners Host Volunteer Tree Plantings/Workshops April 13 - Lebanon County, April 16 & 20, May 11 - Lancaster County

 Penn State Extension and the Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center's Greening the Lower Susquehanna Program will host three volunteer tree plantings/ workshops on April 13 in Lebanon County and April 16 in East Petersburg and April 20 and May 11 in Elizabethtown,  Lancaster County.

* April 23 Webinar: Importance Of Tree Equity Amidst Changing Community Climates Hosted By Penn State Extension, Partners

 Penn State Extension is hosting an April 23 webinar on the Importance Of Tree Equity Amidst Changing Community Climates from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* Penn State Extension Hosts April 25 Webinar On PA Countywide Clean Water Action Plan Public Engagement Strategies

On April 25, Penn State Extension will host another in its Water Cooler Talk series of webinars on Pennsylvania's Countywide Clean Water Action Plan Public Engagement Strategies from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* DEP Invites Comments On Draft Strategy For Prioritizing Development Of Total Maximum Daily Load Watershed Plans From 2024-2032

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 23 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a draft strategy for prioritizing the development of Total Maximum Daily Load Plans for impaired watersheds from 2024 to 2032.

* DEP Sets April 29 Hearing On Stormwater Permit For Arcadia Develop Corp. Industrial Project In Northampton County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 23 PA Bulletin announcing it will hold a hearing April 29 on an individual NPDES Stormwater Permit for the Arcadia Development Corporation proposed industrial project located in Hanover Township, Northampton County.  (PA Bulletin, page 1632)

* DEP Will Hold May 2 Hearing On Stormwater Permit For Maiden Creek Warehouse Project In Berks County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 23 PA Bulletin announced it will hold a hearing May 2 on an individual NPDES Stormwater Permit for the Maiden Creek Associates, LP warehouse project in Maidencreek Township, Berks County.  (PA Bulletin, page 1633)

* Allegheny National Forest Partnership Projects Improve Stream Health Using Federal Inflation Reduction Act Funds

On March 21, the USDA Forest Service announced that a joint effort continues to improve the health of streams in the Allegheny National Forest.

* Insurance Dept.: Stay Protected With Flood Insurance During Flood Awareness Week

On March 18,  the Insurance Department and the PA Emergency Management Agency reminded consumers about the importance of flood insurance to protect consumers from the costly repairs often associated with flood damage and urged property owners to consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes, businesses and possessions.

* NRCS To Help Property Owners In Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming Counties Damaged By Flooding

On March 20, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced funds have been made available to help private residents and businesses that received damage during the September 2023 storm.

* Delaware River Basin Commission Releases New Tool To Help Communities Understand Local Impacts Of Extreme Precipitation Events

On March 20, the Delaware River Basin Commission released a new tool aimed at helping communities throughout our Basin understand the local impacts of extreme precipitation and empowering them to make informed planning and design decisions.

* Groups Send Letter To Congress Seeking Critical Investments In Appalachian Flood Recovery And Resilience Program

A group of organizations spanning the Appalachian region have crafted and delivered an open letter to Congress, urging the support of crucial investments for flood recovery and resilience in their communities.

* Register Now For PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Training

Want to learn more about nature and how to protect it? Want to meet like-minded nature enthusiasts and make a difference together?

* Quality Industrial Coatings Receives National Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award

Quality Industrial Coatings, a leading provider of automotive, truck, and RV painting and body repair services, has been honored with the 2024 Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award by the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs).

* DEP To Hold April 23 Hearing On Jessop Steel Air Quality Permit For Washington County Facility

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 23 PA Bulletin announcing it will hold a hearing April 23 on a proposed modification of the Title V Air Quality Permit for the Jessop Steel LLC plant in Canton Twp., Washington County.  (PA Bulletin, page 1592)

* Friends Of Wissahickon Celebrate Earth Day And Their 100th Anniversary With Super-Mega Service Day April 20

Earth Day is always a special day for Friends of the Wissahickon, but this year it will be a super mega day in Philadelphia.

* Litter Lifters Of West Vincent, Keep PA Beautiful Young Ambassador Kaelyn Stek Plan, Carry Out Litter Cleanup In Chester County

“The Luck of the Irish” was with the Litter Lifters of West Vincent March 16 at our litter cleanup event of Route 401/202 interchange in Malvern!

* Gov. Shapiro Launches Outdoor Business Alliance To Support PA’s Outdoor Economy At Gilson Snow in Snyder County

On March 20, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited ski and snowboard manufacturer Gilson Snow in Snyder County to launch the Pennsylvania Outdoor Business Alliance.

* DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Meets March 27 To Hear Update On Grant Programs, State Budget

DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on March 27 to hear a presentation on the state budget and to get an update on the Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program.

* Western PA Conservancy Accepting Applications For Canoe Access Grants In Western PA

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking grant applications for its Canoe Access Development Fund (CADF), which supports projects that will improve canoe and kayak access to Western Pennsylvania’s waterways.

* Northcentral PA Conservancy Hosts April 21 A Night For Nature And Helles-bender Beer At Turkey Hill Brewing In Bloomsburg

Join the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, nature enthusiasts and craft beer lovers for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and community spirit at the upcoming fundraiser-- A Night for Nature-- on April 21 at Turkey Hill Brewing Company in Bloomsburg.

* Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition Highlights Jennings Environmental Ed Center Beavers; March 25 & April 8 Eclipse; More Activities

The March issue of The Catalyst from the Butler County-based  Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition highlights the beaver impacts at Jennings Environmental Education Center and upcoming solar eclipse and other activities.

* US Forest Service: Weathering The Warmth - Early Spring's Impact On Trees

By Joseph M. Phillips, US Forest Service Northern Research Station

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Now Accepting Applications For Science Scholarships; Call For Conference Presentations

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals is pleased to announce that the 12th Annual PAEP Environmental Science Scholarship application period is now open! The deadline to apply is May 17.

* Bills On Governor's Desk

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

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* PA Bulletin Public Notices

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the March 23 PA Bulletin--

* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

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

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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