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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
July 31, 2006
(7/28/2006)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 7/31/06
* Ohio River Celebration Set for September, Watershed Groups Can Win $500 Grants
The 5th Ohio River Watershed Celebration gets underway on September 21 and will focus on the efforts and impacts that small local watershed organizations have had on the restoration of the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh.
* DEP Rule Could Reduce Electric Generating Capacity to Respond to Heat Waves
Electric generators met the record demand for electricity caused by the heat wave last week, but that may not be the case in the future if a rule proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection is not changed to prevent the premature retirement of power plants needed to meet that demand, according to Douglas L. Biden, President of the Electric Power Generation Association (EPGA).
* Expedition Susquehanna Team Successfully Concludes Journey
After 30 days and more than 400 miles, the Expedition Susquehanna team has completed its journey to explore the Susquehanna River and the communities that connect to it.
* NRCS Assists In Repairing Watershed Damage From Recent Flooding
The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service announced this week that Pennsylvania has received $600,000 in emergency funds from the USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
* Managing Rural PA’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Capacity
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania just released a new report entitled, “Rural Pennsylvania’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure,” by Penn State’s Dr. Beverly A. Cigler analyzing the capacity of rural communities to meet their water and wastewater needs.
* Volunteers Needed for Rain, Snow Monitoring Network
The Penn State Master Well Owner's program will hold a training session for anyone interested in joining the program on August 2 in Summit Hill near Jim Thorpe.
* Remining Permit Issued for Westmoreland Abandoned Mine
DEP’s Greensburg District Mining Office issued a remining permit that will result in the reclamation of 8.7 acres of abandoned mine lands and restore the health of a stream in the Yougiogheny River watershed.
* Builders for the Bay Roundtable Promotes Watershed-Friendly Development
Communities in Blair County will now have guidance on how to protect their region’s natural resources in the face of new commercial and residential development.
* Sponsor An Event for the 4th Annual York County Watershed Weekend
The Watershed Alliance of York (WAY) will be sponsoring its 4th Annual Watershed Weekend in York County on September 23 and 24.
* PA Invasive Species Council Seeking Input on Developing Management Plan
The Governor’s Invasive Species Council is in the process of developing an aquatic invasive species management plan and is asking for input into shaping the potential contents of the plan, according to Sarah N. Whitney, Chair of the Council’s AIS Management Plan Committee.
* Lehigh University Selected to Assess Industrial Energy Efficiency
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Northampton County, is one of 26 universities across the country selected for negotiation of award to set up and operate regional Industrial Assessment Centers.
* PA’s Annual Green Power-Turn It On! Awards Luncheon in September
On September 21, PennFuture will honor people, businesses and institutions that are blazing the trail towards a cleaner and healthier Pennsylvania by purchasing green power, advancing policies that develop the renewable energy market and taking the lead in creating new renewable energy supplies.
* National Renewable Energy Conference Set for October
On October 10-12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Energy will co-host a national renewable energy conference to help create partnerships and strategies necessary to accelerate commercialization of renewable energy industries and distribution systems
* Maria Elvia Zavala Wins Sue Wiseman Scholarship from PA Cleanways
PA CleanWays announced this week that Maria Elvia Zavala of Chester County, has been named recipient of the 2006 Sue Wiseman Scholarship.
* Save the Date - State College Hosts East Coast Soil Builders Conference in 2007
The East Coast Soil Builders Conference will be held September 20-21, 2007 in State College, sponsored by the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania and the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service.
* Register Now for Land Conservation Appraisers Workshop At Tom Ridge Center
Register today for the Land Conservation Appraisals Seminar to be held on September 18 from 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center located directly outside the entrance of the Presque Isle State Park.
* Who Needs the French Countryside When You Can Bike in PA?
Who needs the French countryside and the Tour de France when you can bike in Pennsylvania?
* Antlerless Deer License Application Process Now Open to Hunters
The Game Commission announced this week that hunters can begin applying for regular antlerless deer license applications August 7 for resident hunters and August 21 for non-residents.
* 75 State Forest, Parks Enrolled In Deer Management Assistance Program
More than 874,000 acres of state forest and parkland have been enrolled by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).
* Bills Introduced
Two bills on environmental topics were introduced this week. Here are some quick links…
* See & Hear - Learn About Pennsylvania’s Eviro-Pioneers
Many people know Rachel Carson as the pioneer of the modern environmental movement, others may know John James Audubon or J.I. Rodale, but you may not know Maurice Goddard or Rosalie Edge. Together they all had a profound affect on how we look at our environment and how we protect it.
* Special Photo Feature - State Historical Marker Dedicated at Quecreek Mine Rescue Event
A crowd of more than 150 helped the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation dedicate an official State Historical Marker to commemorate the efforts to rescue nine miners trapped in the Quecreek Mine in July 2002.
* Opinion - Comments on DEP’s Proposed Rule Regulating Mercury Emissions from Power Plants
By Victor Fiore, President Local 29, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state.
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Regulations
The Department of Community and Economic Development published final-omitted rules changing building conservation standards and the State Board of Landscape Architects published proposed changes to its rules governing the practice of landscape architecture.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
No new guidance documents were published this week.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .

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