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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, Jan. 13, 2014
(1/13/2014)
CLICK HERE To Print Entire Digest
* Schuylkill River Named Pennsylvania’s 2014 River Of The Year

Once among Pennsylvania’s most heavily-polluted waterways, the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania has undergone a dramatic recovery and has been voted the 2014 Pennsylvania River of the Year.

* Corbett Calls On Drillers To Meet Waterway Setbacks Struck Down By Court

Gov. Tom Corbett Monday called upon Pennsylvania’s oil and gas operators to help protect the Commonwealth’s rivers, streams and wetlands from impacts during oil and gas development by continuing to meet waterways and wetlands setbacks recently struck down by the PA Supreme Court December 19.

* PA Environmental Council On PA Supreme Court Act 13 Drilling Law Opinion

The PA Environmental Council issued this statement Friday on the December 19 decision by the PA Supreme Court declaring several provisions of the Act 13 Marcellus Shale drilling law unconstitutional.  The text of the statement follows--

* Environmental Quality Board To Consider Final Gas Well Permit Fee Increase Reg. Jan. 21

The Environmental Quality Board will consider the final regulation increasing oil and gas well permits fees at its meeting on January 21.  It is the only issue on the agenda.

* Wyoming County Chapter 78 Drilling Reg Hearing Rescheduled For Jan. 27

The January 7 Environmental Quality Board hearing in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation changes required by Act 13 has been rescheduled for January 27 due to weather conditions.

* DEP Chapter 78 Drilling Regulation Webinars Now Available Online

The two webinars conducted by staff from the Department of Environmental Protection to answer questions about the proposed  regulations for environmental protection performance standards associated with oil and gas activities currently open for public comment are now posted to DEP’s website for on-demand viewing.

* Sportsmen Call On General Assembly To Protect Sensitive Fish & Wildlife

Pennsylvania’s largest sportsmen’s groups joined forces Thursday to send a strong message to members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly: Hunters and anglers throughout the Commonwealth oppose House Bill 1576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) and Senate Bill 1047 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson).

* Senate Committees Hold Hearing On Endangered And Threatened Species Bills

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee and Senate Majority Policy Committee Friday held a hearing to examine Pennsylvania laws pertaining to endangered and threatened species.

* Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA.  Just go to your Google+ page and search for DHess@CrisciAssociates.com, the email for the Digest Editor David Hess,  and let us join your Circle.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

* Senate Appropriations To Consider Mine Water Reuse Bill Jan. 13

The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet January 13 to consider Senate Bill 411 (Kasunic-D-Somerset) which would encourage the reuse of mine drainage and mine pool water for drilling operations. 

* House Committee Hearing Jan. 29 On Bill Prohibiting Stream Buffer Mandates

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing January 29 on House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) prohibiting DEP from mandating the use of stream buffers to control erosion and sedimentation in High Quality and Exceptional Value Watersheds under Chapter 102 of DEP’s regulations.

* Senate/House Set Early Hearings On Governor’s Budget Proposal

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Wednesday released their schedule of hearings on Gov. Corbett’s FY 2014-15 budget proposal which has them finishing up during February, a week or two earlier than usual.

* House Appropriations Committee Invites Questions From Public On Budget

Majority House Appropriations Chair Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) Thursday announced the Committee is encouraging the public to submit questions to his office to be asked by members during the upcoming budget hearings on the Governor’s FY 2014-15 budget proposal.

* Senate Committees Set Jan. 28 Hearing On Changes To Federal Flood Insurance Program

The Senate Banking & Insurance and Senate Republican Policy Committee will hold a joint hearing on changes to the federal flood insurance program on January 28 in Harrisburg.  The hearing was requested by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

* DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets Jan. 21 On Climate Plan, GP-8 Stream Crossings

On the agenda for the January 21 meeting of DEP’s DEP Citizens Advisory Council will be presentations on the recently finalized PA Climate Change Action Plan Update and the proposed changes to the GP-8 General Permit covering stream crossings.

* Still Time To Apply For 2014 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards

The Department of Environmental Protection is reminding environmental stewards there are two weeks left to apply for the 2014 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on January 17.

* Nominations Invited For Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion are seeking nominations for the 2014 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards which recognize people and organizations who are working to improve the environment of Western Pennsylvania. Nominations are due by February 14.

* CBF-PA Hosts Stormwater, MS4 Workshops In Central PA, Jan. 27, 29, Feb. 3

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA and its partners will host a series of stormwater management (MS4) workshops in January and February for municipal officials, employees, and engineers working in Dauphin, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, and Franklin Counties.

* PennAG Industries, CBF Partner On Today’s Agriculture Farm Show Exhibit

PennAG Industries and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA partnered on a “Today’s Agriculture” exhibit at the 2014 Farm Show illustrating modern animal raising techniques and steps taken by farmers to control pollution runoff from their operations, in particular forested stream buffers.

* Water Resource Education, Source Water Collaborative Grant Applications Due March 21

The PA League of Women Voters Water Resource Education Network is now accepting applications for Watershed Education and Source Water Protection Collaborative Grants.  Applications are due March 21.

* iConservePA.org Video: New Herron Playground Helps Stormwater Management

Watch an amazing transformation of a South Philadelphia playground going from a drab slab to a healthy and green play area that manages 100 percent of its stormwater while keeping smiles on kids’ faces.  Click Here to watch this new iConservePA.org video and learn more about this Philadelphia Water Department project.

* January Is The Perfect Month For A Home Water Audit

Saving water is easy when you think about it.  Here’s a fun and easy way to see how water-wise you are by taking a Home Water Audit, courtesty of iConservePA.org H20 Water Use It Wisely Program.  Click Here to watch the iConservePA.org Home Water Challenge to learn more about how to save water.

* PA Section Water Works Assn. Fresh Ideas Student Poster Presentation Competition

The PA Section of the American Water Works Association is sponsoring a Fresh Ideas Poster Presentation competition for students and young professionals.  The deadline for proposals is March 7.

* Agriculture, Energy Industries Hold Forum On PA Natural Gas Development

The Keystone Energy Forum, in partnership with PennAg Industries Association & the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania Thursday held its third annual “Agricultural Forum” focusing on natural gas development and its interaction with Pennsylvania's agricultural community.

* DEP Posts Gas Well Mechanical Integrity Assessment Tutorials, New GP‐5 Fact Sheet

The Department of Environmental Protection recently posted two compliance assistance tools to its website to assist oil and gas industry professionals.

* Agriculture Celebrates Recycling 1.8 Million Pounds Of Pesticide Containers

A Department of Agriculture program that collects empty, cleaned plastic pesticide containers from licensed pesticide applicators, celebrated 20 years of recycling them during the 2014 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg Tuesday.

* EPA Awards Grant To Penn State, Others On Reducing Pesticide Risk To Bees

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced agricultural grants for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to Penn State University, Louisiana State University and the University of Vermont to reduce the use of potentially harmful pesticides and lower risk to bees all while controlling pests and saving money.

* DEP’s New Brownfields Guide Available Online

The Department of Environmental Protection’s new Brownfield Development Guide that was unveiled at the recent Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference is now available on the department’s website. 

* DEP Accepting Applications For Act 101 & 108 Municipal Inspector Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for 2013 Municipal Inspector Reimbursement Grants for municipal and hazardous waste facilities.  The deadline is March 14. (formal notice) For more information, visit DEP’s Host Municipality Programs webpage.

* Polar Vortex Causes Record Energy Use In PA, Mid-Atlantic Region

The frigid temperatures caused by the polar vortex resulted in record-setting electric and natural gas use in Pennsylvania and public appeals by both PJM Interconnection, the regional electricity grid operator, and the Public Utility Commission to conserve energy.

* PPA: Governor’s Action Helps Ensure Uninterrupted Deliveries Of Heating Oil, Propane

The PA Petroleum Association Friday thanked Gov. Corbett for his prompt action to temporarily waive certain restrictions on commercial drivers to help ensure uninterrupted deliveries of heating oil and propane gas.

* Northeast Pocono Reliability Project Takes Big Step Forward

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved the utility’s proposed Northeast Pocono Reliability Project, a $335 million project that involves building new electrical substations and a new 230-kilovolt power line running approximately 60 miles, primarily in Lackawanna and Wayne counties.

* PUC Approves PECO Customer Assistance Shopping Plan

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a plan for PECO Energy Co. to allow customers enrolled in its Customer Assistance Program to purchase generation supply from electric generation suppliers (EGSs).

* PA Statewide Sustainable Energy Board Highlights Current Projects

The Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board, in conjunction with the Public Utility Commission, held its annual meeting in Harrisburg Thursday to update Commonwealth agencies and other interested groups on activities of the regional sustainable energy funds.

* Fish-Friendly Turbines Installed At Holtwood Hydroelectric Plant

Voith Hydro celebrated the recent completion of PPL Generation's expansion of the Holtwood Hydroelectric facility on the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County.

* PA Coal Alliance Says EPA Carbon Emission Limits For New Plants Not Achievable

The following statement was issued Wednesday by John Pippy, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance about a new proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency setting carbon emission limits for new coal-fired power plants—

* Secretary Ferretti Provides Highlights Of 2013 DCNR Accomplishments

DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti published a special message in the January 8 DCNR Resource newsletter reviewing the highlights of her agency’s accomplishments during 2013.  The following is the text of that message--

* Lower Paxton Twp. Receives $200,000 DCNR Grant, New Applications Due April 16

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti Monday met with Lower Paxton Township officials in Dauphin County to formally announce funding of two park projects that will enhance the township’s commitment to honoring military veterans and conserving energy.

* Penn State Extension Lunchtime Webinar On Planting Trees, Landscaping Jan. 21

Penn State Extension, DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry and the TreeVitalize initiative will host a free lunchtime webinar on how to request and select the best plants to match your landscaping purposes on January 21.   Click Here for all the details.  Find out about more educational environmental programs by visiting iConservePA.org.

* Friends Of Wissahickon Host MLK Day Of Service Jan. 20

Join the Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County on Martin Luther King Day of Service on January 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will meet at Historic RittenhouseTown to remove debris on and around the Lincoln Drive Trail.

* PA Wilds January Artisan Trail e-News Is Now Available

The PA Wilds January edition of the Artisan Trail e-News is now available.

* Hawk Mountain Hosts Wild About Winter Programs Jan. 18

The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County will host a series of special events January 18 called Wild About Winter from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

* Winter Eagle Watching Season Begins In Upper Delaware River Region

Wintering eagles have begun arriving in the Upper Delaware River region, and the Delaware Highlands Conservancy has numerous opportunities for you to view and learn about our magnificent national bird.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Opens Year-Long Digital Photo Contest

Grab your camera and head outside: The Hawk Mountain Digital Photo Contest is now open and accepting entries through October 31. Entry costs just $10 for up to five images, and there is no limit to the number of times a participant may enter.

* Paul King Leaving PA Environmental Council, Search Begins For New President

Paul King has announced he will be retiring from his position as President and CEO of the PA Environmental Council in 2014, a position he has held in an interim and permanent basis for over five years.

* John Norbeck, Former State Parks Director, Moves To PennFuture

PennFuture announced Monday the appointment of John Norbeck as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer bringing three decades of experience as a manager, most notably as head of the Pennsylvania state park system, where he led the organization to a national gold medal award as the best-managed park system in the U.S. during the period 2010-2011.

* Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Assn. Names Brian Byrnes Executive Director

Brian Byrnes has been named Executive Director of the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association.  Mr. Byrnes replaces Anne Murphy, who stepped down after eleven years, a time during which CRC’s programs expanded greatly.

* Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released.

* 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.

* Budget/Quick NewsClips

Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--

* Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

* Flooding/Watershed NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The  Environmental Quality Board meets January 21 to consider a final regulation increasing Oil and Gas Well Permit Fees.

* 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.

* Stories Invited

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

* 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.

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