Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, Sept. 10, 2018 Issue #741
(9/10/2018)
* Study: Riparian Buffers Provide Over $10,000/Year/Acre In Benefits - Reducing Erosion, Flooding, Increased Water Purification, Habitat, Property Values, More

A new study released Wednesday found just one acre of riparian forested buffer results in more than $10,000 in annual economic benefits, including reducing erosion and flooding, increasing water purification, wildlife habitat and property values.

* Bay Journal: Washed Away By Sediment? Torrential Rains Threaten Chesapeake Bay Restoration Gains, But Also Helped

By Jeremy Cox, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* Chesapeake Bay Program Releases Best Management Practice Guide

By Joan Smedinghoff, Chesapeake Bay Program Blog

* Bay Journal Op-Ed: Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership Leads The Way In Lancaster County

By Jenna Mitchell, Alliance For Chesapeake Bay

* Westmoreland Conservation District To Recognize Award Winners Sept. 12

The Westmoreland Conservation District Tuesday announced it will present two awards for outstanding conservation service and induct a former District director posthumously into its Hall of Honor.

* Renovated City Of Harrisburg Playgrounds Become Green Infrastructure To Address Recreation, Stormwater Pollution, Flood Reduction Needs

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials Thursday joined Harrisburg and city resident groups in the celebration of the state-supported renovations at five neighborhood playgrounds across the city.

* Add Your Name To Petition Urging House To Name The Hellbender Official State Amphibian

A group of inspiring young people are attempting to help clean Pennsylvania's waters with a one-of-a-kind critter—the Eastern Hellbender.

* 10,000 Friends Of PA To Recognize Bethlehem With 2018 Commonwealth Awards Dec. 6

On December 6, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania will recognize the winners of the 2018 Commonwealth Awards for smart growth initiatives, including the revitalization efforts of the City of Bethlehem.

* Report: PA Residential, Industrial Consumers Saved Over $30.5 Billion Between 2006 - 2016 From Increased Natural Gas Production

A report by the Consumer Energy Alliance, an industry energy group, Thursday reported Pennsylvanians saved more than $30.5 billion between 2006 and 2016 thanks to increased natural gas production.

* DEP-Related Initiatives Selected As Finalists For National Assn. Of State Chief Information Officer Awards

Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich Thursday announced two state technology initiatives have been selected as finalists by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) for its 2018 recognition awards.

* DEP: Aerial Mosquito Spraying Set For Luzerne County On September 10

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced it will conduct an aerial ultra-low volume mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of mosquitoes that cause West Nile Virus on September 10 over the City of Wilkes-Barre and surround communities in Luzerne County.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

* Senate Environmental Committee Sets Sept. 25 Hearing On Foreign Influence On Natural Gas Development In PA

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing September 25 to discuss foreign influence on natural gas development in Pennsylvania.

* Rep. Quinn Introduces House Resolution To Require DEP, PUC To Do Mariner East 2 Pipeline Risk Assessment

Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware) this week introduced House Resolution 1034 that directs the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utility Commission to prepare a comprehensive risk assessment of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline (sponsor summary).

* Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center Offers 4 Workshops On Holistic Floodplain Management

The Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center will offer 4 Workshops on Holistic Floodplain Management  in Western Pennsylvania during September and October.

* Pike Conservation District: Proactive Stormwater Management

The Pike County Conservation District published this overview of proactive stormwater management in their most recent District newsletter--

* Woodland Stewardship Network Connects Neighbors And Forested Landscape In PA

By Ryan Davis, PA Chesapeake Bay Forests Program Management

* Sun-Gazette: Lycoming College Field Station Expands College Stream Biology Research Efforts

Mike Reuther of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette Tuesday reported Lycoming College’s recent acquisition of property to establish a biology field station will mean expanded hands-on research for students studying the environment, plant science and vertebrate and invertebrate zoology.

* Lancaster County Graziers Group To Host Founder Of Savory Institute Sept. 19

The Lancaster County Graziers Group Wednesday announced Allan Savory, cofounder of the Savory Institute, a wildlife biologist and former farmer from Zimbabwe will be featured at their September 19 meeting.

* Allegheny Mountain Woodland Assn. Stream Buffer Workshop Sept. 15, Cambria County

The Allegheny Mountain Woodland Association will host a Streamside Forest Buffers Workshop from 9 a.m. to Noon on September 15 at the Ebensburg Borough Meeting Room, 300 W. High Street in Ebensburg, Cambria County.

* Feature: Recognizing The Value Of Native Plants For Pollinators

Dr. Doug Tallamy is the distinguished professor of ecology at the University of Delaware renowned for his research on the ecosystem services of plants.

* EPA Settles Multi-Site Stormwater Case Resolving 209 Violations By PennDOT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation  Wednesday announced they have agreed to settle a multi-site construction-related stormwater case.  PennDOT will also pay a penalty of $100,000.

* SRBC Small Water System Finances, Funding, Preparing For Emergencies, Regulatory Updates Workshop Oct. 18

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a System Finances, Funding, Preparing For Emergencies and Regulatory Updates Workshop on October 18 at the SRBC offices, 4423 North Front Street in Harrisburg from 8:40 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

* OSM Approves Removing 11 Sites From Alternative Bonding System Abandoned Mine Sites Lists

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin listing sites the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has approved removing from the Alternative Bonding System Legacy Sites list..

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Projects In Cambria, Luzerne Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the September 8 PA Bulletin of opportunities to bid on mine reclamation projects in Cambria County and Luzerne County.

* West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition Quarterly Meeting Sept. 11 In Clearfield County

The West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition will hold its quarterly meeting September 11 at Irvin Park, Irvin Park Road in Curwensville, Clearfield County from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

* DEP Invites Comments On Rules, Procedures Implementing The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Sustainable Water Resources Agreement

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting public comments on new and proposed changes to rules and procedures implementing the  Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement developed by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact Council(formal notice)

* Agriculture Officials Visit Wilson College's Organic Fulton Farm, Center For Sustainability Studies

Department of Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary Michael Smith and other officials Friday toured Wilson College’s Fulton Farm, a working organic produce farm and environmental education facility at the Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies in Chambersburg, Franklin County.

* DEP Teaching Green: Environmental Ed Grant Success Stories

The latest edition of DEP's Teaching Green environmental education newsletter features a collection of success stories about local education projects funded through DEP's Environmental Education Grant Program.

* CBF-PA: 16 Student Groups In 6 Counties To Participate In Fall Susquehanna Watershed Environmental Education Program

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Tuesday announced 16 student groups from 6 Pennsylvania counties in grades 6 through 12 will participate in the Fall Susquehanna Watershed Environmental Education Program.

* Delaware River Watershed Initiative: Clean Water, Healthy Fish, Happy Kids In Chester County

A one-room schoolhouse in Honey Brook Township, Chester County-- located between a small stream and Amish farm-- is a fitting place to nurture the next generation of stewards and learn about the role fish and farming are playing in local efforts to protect clean water.

* Stroud Water Research Center: Get Slimed, Good Fences-Good Water, Educating Stewards Of Tomorrow

The latest newsletter from the Stroud Water Research Center in Chester County includes articles on--

* Municipalities In 8 Counties Receive Fresh Paint Days Grants From Keep PA Beautiful, Behr, The Home Depot

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced the award of 2018 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Grants to eight municipalities in Berks, Clarion, Erie, Franklin, Monroe, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Westmoreland counties.

* Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness 10th Annual Allegheny River Cleanup Sept. 10-15

The Friends of Allegheny Wilderness and their partners will hold the 10th Annual Allegheny River Cleanup from September 10 to 15 along the western edge of the Allegheny National Forest in Warren County.

* Professional Recyclers Of PA Offering Recycling Professional Certification Courses In Sept., Oct.

The Professional Recyclers of PA will be offering Recycling Professional Certification Courses during September and October.  The courses will include--

* PA Superior Court Upholds County Court Ruling Dismissing SLAPP Suit Filed By A Developer Against Delaware Riverkeeper

The PA Superior Court Thursday upheld the decision by Chester County Court of Common Pleas to dismiss a lawsuit by the developer of the Bishop Tube Hazardous Waste Site seeking damages for public comments made by the Delaware Riverkeeper about the project.

* DEP Receives Application Proposing Major Modifications To Closure Plan For Hatfield Ferry Power Station CCB Landfill In Greene County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin it has received an application for major modifications to the closure plan for the Hatfield Ferry Power Station Coal Combustion Byproducts Landfill in Monongahela Township, Greene County (Permit ID No. 300370). (PA Bulletin page 5625)

* PUC Hosts 8 ‘Be Utility Wise’ Consumer Education Events Across The State

The Public Utility Commission Wednesday announced it will host eight consumer education events across the Commonwealth as part of this year’s “Be Utility Wise” campaign.

* PUC Seeks Comments On Alternative Ratemaking Tentative Implementation Order

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin seeking comment on a Tentative Implementation Order for Act 58 of 2018, which provides for alternative ratemaking for natural gas distribution, electric distribution and water/wastewater companies.

* Tech Startup Module In Pittsburgh Constructs First Adaptable, Energy Efficient Home

Module, a technology startup in Pittsburgh that designs homes that can grow as the owner’s needs, family or lifestyle changes, has pre-sold its first adaptable, energy efficient home to a customer in Pittsburgh, the company announced Thursday.

* Buchanan Forest District Resource Center Awarded LEED Silver Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council of Central Pennsylvania recently awarded the Buchanan Forest District Resource Management Center in McConnellsburg, Fulton County with LEED Silver certification.

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In August Now Available

The In Case You Missed It In August is now available from the PA Environmental Council featuring articles on--

* Agriculture Encourages PA Students To Enter Spotted Lanternfly Calendar Contest

In an effort to continue to raise awareness about the threat of the Spotted Lanternfly, the Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced its 2018 youth calendar contest for students across the state in grades 1 through 8. The deadline for entries is October 31.

* Penn State Extension, Tree Pittsburgh Offering 5 More Tree Tender Classes This Fall

If you would like to become a Tree Tender, Penn State Extension and Tree Pittsburgh have scheduled 5 more training sessions for this fall.

* PA Forestry Assn: Managing & Conserving Pennsylvania's Forested Waters Oct. 6, State College

The PA Forestry Association will hold its 132nd Annual Meeting on October 6 with the theme Managing and Conserving Pennsylvania's Forested Waters at the Toftrees Resort in State College, Centre County.

* Pittsburgh's Landforce 2017 Annual Report: 13,000 Hours Of Land Stewardship Work, Constructed, Maintained 26 Miles Of Trails

The Pittsburgh-based Landforce Thursday released its annual report outlining accomplishments in 2017, including--

* DCNR Highlights Importance Of Fire Towers To Wildfire Detection In Monroe County

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials Wednesday visited the newly constructed fire tower at Big Pocono State Park in Monroe County to highlight readiness for wildfire prevention and suppression in Pennsylvania.

* DCNR Good Natured Blog: Pursue Your Trail!

In Pennsylvania, we’re fortunate to have thousands of miles of trails of all types to hike, ride, and paddle, just waiting to be explored at little to no cost.

* South Mountain Partnership Trails Workshop: Building Strong Community Connections Nov. 20 In Shippensburg

The South Mountain Partnership, Capital Resource Conservation & Development Area Council and other partners invite you to attend the South Mountain Partnership Trail Workshop: Building Strong Community Connections on November 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shippensburg University in Cumberland County.

* Sept. 5 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The September 5 edition of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--

* Western PA Conservancy Protects 377 Acres Along Bald Eagle Mountain, Centre County

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Wednesday announced the donation of a conservation easement from landowners Denny and Joan Thompson to protect 377 acres of forestland along Bald Eagle Mountain in Halfmoon Township, Centre County.

* Natural Lands, Partners Preserve 88-Acre Historic Revolutionary War Site In Chester County

Natural Lands Tuesday announced it has completed placing the 88-acre Osborne Hill Farm-- the quintessential Chester County countryside with rolling fields, early 19th century buildings, and pastures-- under a conservation easement ensuring its permanent protection.

* 49 Acres Of Land At Friends Hospital In Philadelphia Permanently Protected By Natural Lands

Natural Lands Thursday announced 49 acres of the Friends Hospital campus have been placed under conservation easement permanently protecting it from development.

* Scenic Beauty Photo Contest Seeking Entries From Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest, Cameron Counties

The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Tuesday announced it is now seeking entries in a new Scenic Beauty Photo Contest for photos taken in Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest, or Cameron Counties.  The deadline for entries is November 20.

* Fish & Boat Commission Statement On Leak In High Point Lake Dam, Somerset County

The Fish and Boat Commission Tuesday released this statement on the leak found in the Commission-owned High Point Dam in Somerset County.  The High Point Lake Dam is a 45-foot high dam that was constructed in 1965. The dam inundated the waters of Glade Run to create a 300-acre, 37-foot deep lake.--

* Game Commission Participating In 10 Events Around The State To Help The Public Understand Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer

To help the public better understand chronic wasting disease and what it means for Pennsylvania’s deer and deer hunting, the Game Commission is taking part in informational events across the three areas of the state where the disease has been detected and special rules are in place.  So far, 10 events have been scheduled.

* Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease Rules Apply To Hunters Bringing Carcass Parts Back To PA

The Game Commission Tuesday reminded Pennsylvania hunters who harvest deer, elk, mule deer or moose out-of-state likely can’t bring them home without first removing the carcass parts with the highest risk of transmitting chronic wasting disease (CWD).

* Keith Salador Named Executive Director Of DEP Citizens Advisory Council

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell Tuesday announced the appointment of Keith Salador to the position of Executive Director of DEP Citizens Advisory Council.

* Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Announces Management Change, Seeks New Executive Director

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation Thursday announced a change in its management.  The Foundation’s recent growth and the wish to expand beyond central Pennsylvania has necessitated a change in its operations.

* Help Wanted: Headwaters Charitable Trust Intern, Process For Identifying Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells

The Headwaters Charitable Trust, in partnership with Penn State University’s Methane and Legacy Oil and Gas Infrastructure Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is seek candidates for a paid intern or short-term fee for service opportunity.

* Environmental NewsClips - All Topics

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

* 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.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

* CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest

CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire PA Environment Digest.  This Digest is 94 pages long.

* Stories Invited

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

* About PA Environment Digest

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  He can be contacted by sending email to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.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.

Previous PA Environment Digests