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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 15, 2007
(10/12/2007)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 10/15/07
* Video Blog Feature - Doc Fritchey T.U. Guides Spring Creek Restoration Efforts
Bob Pennell, Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited, describes the restoration projects the Chapter has underway in the Spring Creek Watershed, Dauphin County.
* Online Training - EPA's Watershed Academy Webcast on Watershed Financing October 17
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Watershed Academy will hold a free webcast on watershed project funding on October 17 starting at 1:00 p.m.
* On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
The Senate and House have the following committee meetings scheduled next week and published voting Calendars for October 15—
* Senate Committee to Consider Waste, Detergent, Brownfields and Other Bills
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets next week to consider six bills on a variety of subjects that include--
* House Environmental Committee Meets on Coal Miner’s Day Resolution
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets next week to consider House Resolution 410 (DeWeese-D-Greene) that designates December 19 as “Coal Miner’s Day” in Pennsylvania.
* Environmental Issues Forum to Feature Presentation on Climate Roadmap for PA
The October 15 Environmental Issues Forum sponsored by Joint Legislative Air & Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will feature a presentation by Brian Hill, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, on its stakeholder-driven Climate Roadmap for Pennsylvania.
* Pennsylvania’s Energy Future Topic of House Republican Policy Committee Hearing
Pennsylvania’s role in the ever-changing energy market and finding the best mix of both traditional and alternative energy resources for the state was the focus of a House Republican Policy Committee hearing this week in Berwick.
* PA Trout Unlimited Announces Winners of Annual Awards
Each year, the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited honors those individuals and local chapters who have made outstanding contributions in meeting Trout Unlimited goals of “conservation, protection and restoration of the Commonwealth’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.”
* DEP Accepting Applications for New or Innovative Water/Wastewater Grants
The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for grants under the New or Innovative Water/Wastewater Technology Grant Program.
* Villanova Stormwater Management Workshop to be Webcast Live
Villanova University’s annual Stormwater Management Workshop “Moving Toward Sustainability” will now be available through a live, online webcast on October 17-18.
* Sixth Annual Pennsylvania Ground Water Institute for Teachers October 22-23
The American Ground Water Trust’s Sixth Annual Pennsylvania Ground Water Institute for Teachers will be held at the Nestle Waters Facility near Allentown on October 22-23.
* NOAA Open Rivers Initiative Grant Applications Due October 31
The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative Grants Program is now accepting applications to provide funding and technical expertise for community-driven, small dam and river barrier removals, primarily in coastal states.
* Summit on Reducing Spread of Invasive Mussels Set for November 14
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program this week announced they are holding a free, “Stemming the Tide: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Summit,” on November 14 at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.
* Gov. Rendell Supports Illinois Clean Coal Power Plant
Gov. Rendell this week announced his support to bring FutureGen, a $1.4 billion, coal-to-energy, state-of-the-art facility, to Illinois in a letter to the FutureGen Industrial Alliance that is developing the facility for the U.S. Department of Energy.
* Erie Biodiesel Plant, and Mercer County BioGas Facility Dedicated
The $54 million Lake Erie Biofuels plant and an anaerobic digester that will produce biogas at the Fairview Swiss Cheese Plant in Mercer County were dedicated this week.
* EPA Recognizes Marple Township for Energy Conservation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week recognized Marple Township in Delaware County for its efforts to protect the environment for future generations by encouraging individuals to take the EnergyStar Change a Light pledge.
* New Science Building at Muhlenberg Awarded LEED Silver Certification
The new science building at Muhlenberg College in Allentown has been awarded a Silver Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System.
* Citizen-Powered Energy Event at St. Francis University October 23
Saint Francis University’s Renewable Energy Center will host “Citizen-Powered Energy: An Evening with Author and Community-Based Energy Expert Greg Pahl” on October 23, on the Loretto, Cambria County, campus at the John F. Kennedy Student Center.
* EPA Honors Pittsburgh Hospitals for Exceptional Efforts to Protect Children
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized two Pittsburgh hospitals as part of the third annual Children’s Environmental Health Excellence Awards Program this week.
* Program to Explore Carbon Climate Initiatives for Recycling October 22
The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center will conduct an evening program titled “Carbon Climate Initiatives for Recycling” from 5 p.m.– 6 p.m.October 22 at Penn State Harrisburg.
* State Bureau of Forestry Urges Care to Protect Woodlands Against Wildfires
As hunting and other outdoor activities increase at a time when woodlands and brush can become tinder dry in just a few days, the state Bureau of Forestry is urging all residents to guard against wildfire outbreaks in Pennsylvania's 17 million acres of forestlands.
* Northern Flying Squirrels Listed as State Endangered Species
The Game Commissioners has given final approval to add the northern flying squirrel, which is the larger and rarest of Pennsylvania's two flying squirrel species, to the state's endangered species list.
* DCNR Urges Celebration of Earth Science Week October 14-20
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis this week urged students, teachers and residents to observe Earth Science Week, which Gov. Rendell proclaimed for October 14-20.
* Informational Meeting On Forming York County Conservation Alliance October 23
Conservation minded citizens in York County are invited to a meeting on October 23 to explore the idea of forming the York County Conservation Alliance.
* Community Design for Bike and Pedestrian Access Workshop October 29-31
The Cumberland County Planning Commission, in partnership with the Carlisle Area Health & Wellness Foundation, is hosting a three day training event on healthy community design and planning for bicycle and pedestrian accessibility.
* NEW! - Grants & Awards
This NEW section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for grants and financial assistance as well as nominations for awards and other recognition programs—
* 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 Environmental Protection published notice of a proposed 8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plans for Columbia, Crawford, Juniata, Lawrence, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Susquehanna, Warren and Wayne counties. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published a proposed change to the definition of “agricultural water use” for comment.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published proposed revisions to the General NPDES permit for petroleum product contaminated groundwater remediation systems and changes to the list of persons certified to perform radon-related activities (PA Bulletin page 5567)
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW indicates new from last week. 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 .
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

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