PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa January 28, 2013

Growing Leaner: Shrinking Commitment To The Environment Over Last 10 Years On February 5 Gov. Corbett will present his FY 2013-14 budget proposal to the General Assembly outlining how he would spend the $28 billion or so in General Fund tax revenue received by the Commonwealth. In anticipation of the Governors budget address, heres a yardstick readers of PA Environment Digest can use to better judge the impacts of Gov. Corbetts budget proposals on environmental programs. Shrinking Commitment There is no doubt about it, Pennsylvania isnt Growing Greener, its Growing Leaner. The last 10 years have seen a steady shrinking of the commitment to provide adequate funding and staff and innovation for environmental protection and restoration programs. In fact, over $1.7 billion has been cut or diverted from environmental programs over the last decade to balance the state budget or to provide funding to other programs which could not get funding on their own. It all started with the record budget and staff cuts in each and every year of the Rendell Administration. Gov. Rendell's share of these cuts/diversions is $1.4 billion. Gov. Corbett's share is $314.7 million, so far. (Click Here for an itemized list of cuts and diversions.) The cuts included support for operating local wastewater treatment plants, environmental education programs, training programs for staff, citizen water monitoring programs, and staff for water quality and many other programs. The diversions included hundreds of millions of dollars to balance the General Fund budget taken from the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund, Oil and Gas Fund and the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the Recycling Fund to name a few. Programs like Growing Greener set up originally to fund watershed restoration, farm conservation and other on-the-ground projects with real, measurable environmental benefits were first bankrupt by the Rendell Administration and then hijacked to fund windmills, parking garages and other non-environmental projects. DEP Staff Cuts Significant cuts in staff have also occurred. The states PennWATCH website confirmed in December DEP lost 615 permanent positions-- nearly 20 percent-- since FY 2002-03, from 3,211 to 2,596. DCNR's now has 1,300 salaried employees, down from 1,391 in FY 2002-03.

The DEP numbers, however, include over 105 positions added or reassigned by DEP internally to regulate Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling. With these are added in, DEP lost over 22 percent of its permanent positions over the last 10 years. The FY 2009-10 budget cuts alone by Gov. Rendell required DEP and DCNR to furlough or eliminate 333 full time positions. DCNR had to eliminate or reduce hours for 1,131 seasonal workers, putting appropriations for DEP way below 1994 levels and for DCNR below 1995-96 levels. The Rendell Administration also diverted staff time to non-environmental protection and restoration programs. Over 100 DEP Air, Waste and Water Quality field staff were used as managers for federal stimulus projects, projects funded by the Energy Harvest and PA Energy Development Authority programs taking time away from permit reviews, inspections and compliance activities. General Fund Budget Slashed The state's General Fund budget has always been a huge part of how environmental programs and agencies are funded, but that has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. In most cases, General Fund cuts to DEP and Agriculture resulted in significant reductions in agency staff complement with only a small portion being made up in things like permit review fee increases. In the case of DCNR, monies from the Oil and Gas Fund fed by Marcellus Shale drilling revenues on State Forest land made up many of the losses. Here's some perspective on General Fund appropriations since FY 20003--- Environmental Protection: FY 2002-03: $728.2 million; FY 2012-13: $124.8 million -- Conservation & Natural Resources: FY 2002-03: $322.9 million; FY 2012-13: $52.7 million -- Agriculture: FY 2002-03: $274.3 million; FY 2012-13: $129.5 million Fee Increases/More Funding Some funding has been restored through increases in permit review fees and the Marcellus Shale drilling fee enacted in 2012. In an attempt to make up for drastic reductions in General Fund support for environmental protection efforts, DEP adopted a series of permit fee increases totalling about $26.5 million over the last four years. Last February the General Assembly, under the leadership of Sen. Joe Scarnati (RJefferson) and others, adopted Marcellus Shale drilling fees under Act 13 which restored over over $200 million in environmental project funding to programs like Growing Greener, conservation districts and other selected state environmental programs. The Corbett Administration also restored the full $10 million in funding for the Resource Protection and Enhancement Program farm conservation tax credit program to help Pennsylvania meet its federal watershed and Chesapeake Bay cleanup commitments. The Rendell Administration did increase funding for alternative energy and energy conservation projects by passing the $625 million Growing Greener II program and an additional $650 million in funding, however, these initiatives actually diverted funding from real environmental protection and restoration projects. The Growing Greener II bond issue put a cap on new project funding because annual revenues from the $4.25/ton municipal waste fee going to fund Growing Greener projects was actually used to pay off the bond issue collapsing the Growing Greener Program.

Consequences The result of a decade of budget and staff cuts has been a decrease in environmental compliance, an increase in the time between compliance inspections, permit review backlogs and few if any environmental and compliance education programs to improve compliance or our understanding of the environment. There have also been no annual reports on DEPs accomplishments or a detailed annual report on environmental compliance program by program to measure the agencys progress and performance since 2003. In addition, objective measures of indicators like acres of abandoned mine land reclaimed, miles of streams restored and miles of stream buffers installed are not being reported or measured. In fact, there are still 16,599 miles of impaired streams in the state which do not meet water quality standards. In December, the Budget Office released the general 2011-12 Report on State Performance which shows the percentage of sites in full compliance with DEP dropped significantly from 2001. (Click Here for full summary.) The report said compliance dropped 12 percentage points since 2001, from 89.9 percent in 2001 to 77.71 percent in 2011-12 performance report and lower than in 2009-10 at 78.75 percent. At the same time, the report said the percentage of inspections with violations increased by 0.6 percent-- 14.9 percent to 15.51 percent, and higher than in 2009-10 at 15.03 percent. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reported a 10,428 acre drop in the number of land acquired through fee simple acquisition or easements for conservation purposes, from 17,405 last year to 6,977 in 2011-12 and less than in 2009-10 at 11,936 acres. DCNR did see a $2.3 million increase in Community Conservation Partnership Grants awarded in 2011-12-- $29.1 million to $31.4 million, which was more than in 2009-10 at $25.3 million. Another result of all these cuts is the permit review backlog DEP said was already building in 2009 and in truth the last 7 years, delaying hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development projects across the state. For example, the Rendell Administration left a backlog of 5,000 permits and approvals in DEPs Southwest Regional Office alone, according to the Regional Director. The Ridge and Schweiker Administrations left office in 2003 with few backlogged permit applications as a result of the 1995 Money-Back Guarantee Permit Review Program created by Executive Order 1995-5. The recent efforts by the Corbett Administration through its Permit Review Guarantee Program will certainly bring some order back to the permit review process, but the fact remains it will take staff time to clear the backlog and address new permits, staff DEP the agency has too little of. Of course, overall, DEP and DCNR still have the same amount of work to do, the same laws to enforce and the same State Forests and State Parks to protect and manage. Neither the General Assembly nor the Governor eliminated any of the responsibilities of DEP or DCNR like private industry would do when faced with these kinds of significant cuts in budgets and staff. In the case of DEP, they face the further challenge of new programs to get up and running, like the electronics recycling program, and the continuing challenges of regulating Marcellus Shale drilling. Support For Green Funding

Public opinion surveys have repeatedly found significant support for environmental funding. In December, the Growing Greener Coalition pointed to a newly released statewide survey as clear evidence of strong public support for state funding to preserve farmland and open space, provide parks and trails and protect rivers and streams. Overall, the survey found that more than 92 percent of the 608 Pennsylvanians surveyed think that state funds dedicated to preserving farmland and open space, providing parks and trails and protecting rivers and streams should continue to be used for these purposes. In addition, the survey found that nearly 78 percent of respondents support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests and farms even if would cost the average household $10 more annually. Further, these high levels of support are constant throughout every geographic region and every gender, ethnic, educational and economic demographic throughout the state. Bottom Line Given the drastic cuts in funding and staff over the last 10 years, we face three options: consider which programs should be eliminated to match its shrinking resources; find ways to fund those programs without stealing; or take drastic steps to restructure programs. As Gov. Corbett said during his campaign, shouldnt DEP be returning to its core functions? Here are some steps to think about. Are there federally mandated environmental programs Pennsylvania should be returning to the federal government to administer-- Air Quality, Mining, Waste, NPDES Water Quality, etc.? Should DEP really be spending money and staff time on alternative energy and energy efficiency programs when it lacks funds to restore the water quality in our rivers and streams? (You Cant Go Fishing With A Solar Panel) Is climate change a must issue for DEP to address like it is now, or is it a nice to have? Or should state government actually pay for it. Should some programs be turned over entirely to other agencies on a fee-for-service basis, for example, county conservation districts? The Chapter 102 erosion and sedimentation control program comes to mind. Another option is to centralize things like permit reviews rather than have each of DEPs six major regional offices and six district mining offices. In this age of advanced communications technology there is no reason for certain functions to be repeated a dozen times in the field. It seems pretty basic, but the General Assembly should not give DEP any new responsibilities without providing full funding for those programs. Unfunded mandates can be imposed on state agencies as well as local governments and they have been repeatedly in the past. Pretending DEP is now doing everything its required to do by law defies common sense. Its time for state government leaders to deal with that fact and try to dig environmental protection programs out of the hole they spent 10 years excavating by either cutting, funding and restructuring programs. And as a start, why not take some of the $75 million devoted to giving tax breaks to movies like Zack and Miri Make A Porno that was filmed in Pennsylvania, and make that money do some good for a change.

Corbett Will Now Roll Out Transportation Funding Plan Feb. 5 The Associated Press reported Wednesday Gov. Corbett has decided to roll out his proposed transportation funding plan on February 5 with the budget, rather than go ahead with a special announcement. Corbetts comments came during an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board where he talked about school funding, pension reform and funding his transportation plan by uncapping the wholesale tax on gasoline and diesel fuel under the Oil Company Franchise Tax. Corbett again said he did not think the full costs of the tax would be passed on to motorists and said his Administration is still looking at the issue of prohibiting companies from charging motorists for the tax. When Gov. Rendell proposed a similar provision, then Attorney General Corbett issued an opinion saying prohibiting companies from passing along the increase was unconstitutional. Petroleum distributors have estimated uncapping the wholesale tax will increase the price of gasoline by 28 cents and diesel fuel by 33 cents per gallon. To say a tax increase of this size will not be passed along to the public is wishful thinking. Its A Tax Capitolwire.com reported Monday Gov. Corbetts plan to lift the cap on the wholesale tax on gasoline and diesel fuel under the Oil Company Franchise Tax to fund his proposed $1.85 bill transportation plan will violate his 2010 pledge to Grover Norquist and voters to not raise taxes. Patrick M. Gleason of Norquists Americans for Tax Reform, told Capitolwire, It's a clear tax increase whose burden will be borne by consumers, not companies. Unless offset, it is a blatant violation of the pledge that he made to Pennsylvania taxpayers. Since the point of the cap-lifting is to raise more than $1.85 billion in a couple of stages over a couple of years, while the state gets projects shovel-ready no offsetting tax cuts are planned to accompany the cap-lifting, state officials confirmed to Capitolwire. Now the Governors spokesman, Kevin Harley is saying there has been no public statement by any administration official confirming the governor would lift the tax cap. But, according to Capitolwire, there have been private ones. Gleason said raising the cap would be the third time, by their count, Gov. Corbett violated his no tax pledge. The first time was an initiative by the Corbett Administration to ensure residents paid sales tax on items they bought online. The second was imposing the Marcellus Shale drilling fee last year. NewsClips: Much At Stake For Corbetts Budget Address Corbett Will Roll Out Transportation Funding Plan Feb. 5 Corbett: Education Funding Tied To Pension Savings Battle Lines Taking Shape Over Highway Funding Bill Baer: Corbetts New Year Goals Pave Way For Re-Election Editorial: Governors Ready For Road Funding Plan Decision Lawmakers Poised To Work On Transportation Plan Column: Corbetts Gasoline Untax May Raise $1.85 Billion

Editorial: Corbett Tax Increase Not A Good Idea In A Recession Editorial: Governors Ready For Road Funding Plan Decision Editorial: State Should Regulate Pay At Nonprofits Corbett: Education Funding Tied To Pension Savings Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate January 28, 29, 30 February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 House February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Bill Calendars House (February 4): <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (January 28): Senate Bill 164 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) appointing independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board; Senate Bill 196 (D.White-R-Indiana) further authorizing PennVEST funding for stormwater management and non-point sources projects; Senate Bill 259 (Yaw-R-Bradford) further providing for the reporting of royalties from oil and gas wells. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a public hearing on renewable energy legislation in Bryn Mawr. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-House AEPS: House Bill 208 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) deleting the quarterly increase in Tier I alternative energy sources, House Bill 1962 from last session. Water Testing: House Bill 268 (White-D-Westmoreland) requiring DEP to make water testing results available to homeowners without cost. Water Well Standards: House Bill 343 (Miller-R-York) providing for the establishment of water well construction standards. Senate

Water Recreation Board: Senate Bill 261 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing a Water Recreation Advisory Board to conduct an inventory of Pennsylvanias rivers, streams and lakes. Watershed Planning: Senate Bill 287 (Erickson-R-Delaware) enacting the Integrated Water Resources Restoration, Protection and Management Act, Senate Bill 452 from last session. Water Infrastructure Funding Study: Senate Resolution 13 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to review the Commonwealths program of funding drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects under the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-House Agricultural Security Areas: House Bill 84 (Miller-R-York) requiring the biennial inspections of properties within Agricultural Security Areas to assure compliance with conservation easements was reported from the House Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. Senate EQB Counsel: Senate Bill 164 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) appointing independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board was reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Stormwater Funding: Senate Bill 196 (D.White-R-Indiana) further authorizing PennVEST funding for stormwater management and non-point sources projects was reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Mineral Rights: Senate Bill 259 (Yaw-R-Bradford) further providing for the reporting of royalties from oil and gas wells was reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol

Senate Environmental Committee Reports Gas Well, Stormwater, EQB Bills The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee met Wednesday and reported out legislation on oil and gas well royalties and rights, authorizing PennVEST to fund stormwater and non-point source projects and a bill to provide independent counsel to the Environmental Quality Board. The bills include--

-- Senate Bill 164 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) appointing independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board; -- Senate Bill 196 (D.White-R-Indiana) further authorizing PennVEST funding for stormwater management and non-point sources projects; -- Senate Bill 259 (Yaw-R-Bradford) further providing for the reporting of royalties from oil and gas wells; and -- Senate Bill 258 (Yaw-R-Bradford) providing for the disposition of abandoned mineral rights was not considered by the Committee. Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair. Bill Introduced On Disclosure Of Water Sampling Results Rep. Jesse White (D-Westmoreland) introduced legislation this week that would require the Department of Environmental Protection to disclose the full and complete testing results, including raw data and documentation, of any environmental tests conducted by the department on a landowners or leaseholders property in Pennsylvania. According to House Bill 268, DEP would have to make the information available at no cost and within five business days of receiving a written request from the landowner or leaseholder, or face civil penalties of up to $1,500 if the department fails to make the information available. Rep. White, who previously called on DEP to make public the full testing data and other details related to air and water quality tests amid concerns of nearby Marcellus Shale drilling operations, said his legislation would ensure that Pennsylvania residents can access their complete test results, and prevent that information from being withheld through bureaucratic maneuvering. Pennsylvanians have a right to know the entire truth about what DEP discovers from testing on their property; nothing more, nothing less, said Rep. White. DEP has used exemptions in the Open Records Law to deny requests for testing data and has even claimed there was a greater interest in withholding data than in releasing it to the public, which is fundamentally wrong. There is no justification whatsoever for disclosing anything less than 100 percent of the information about the substances in the air and water of Pennsylvania residents. In June, DEP denied Rep. White the complete details of air quality test results taken at Cornerstone Care, a Burgettstown-area health clinic that was forced to close on multiple occasions due to a mysterious odor that sickened employees. After given a series of partial and inconsistent test results, Rep. White said the raw data could have helped identify the cause of the odors at the clinic, which was located next to a Marcellus Shale drilling site. In November, Rep. White criticized DEPs usage of its suite code computer-code system after a DEP scientist testified in an unrelated case that her laboratory tested for a range of hazardous materials while analyzing the water-quality impact from a nearby natural gas drilling site, but reported results for only some of them. Rep. White said of further concern to him was the recent discovery that DEP developed, but never used, a computer-code called Suite Code 944 or Marcellus Inorganic Survey that would test for 45 contaminants in its water analyses, instead opting to use other suite codes that test for fewer than half the number of potentially hazardous materials.

DEP developed a suite code to fully analyze for impacts of Marcellus Shale, and not only did they never use it, they never told anybody that it even existed, Rep. White said. Pennsylvania residents deserve to know exactly whats in their air and water when DEP performs tests on their properties. If DEP is unwilling to provide the full truth, the legislature should reaffirm our commitment to openness and transparency by ensuring DEP does the right thing by law. NewsClips: DEP Shelves More Stringent Water Test Bill Mandating Radon Testing In Schools Introduced Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) announced Tuesday he is reintroducing legislation that would require radon testing in schools, as well as educate and inform parents and guardians of the levels of radon gas in their childs classroom. Rep. Briggs said the Department of Environmental Protection is doing public outreach this month as part of National Radon Action Month, warning residents about the dangers of radon gas. He said his legislation calling for school testing matches DEP Secretary Mike Krancer's message to homeowners that radon gas is present in nearly half of all Pennsylvania homes; that it can be deadly; that everyone needs to test their homes for radon; and that a radon problem can be "easily and inexpensively" fixed. "I am happy the DEP is discussing the dangers of radon gas and bringing the issue to the forefront," Rep. Briggs said. "Radon gas is radioactive, colorless, tasteless and odorless. There is no way of knowing its presence unless you test for it. By not taking the simple precaution of testing, we are needlessly endangering our childrens lives every day they go to school." Rep. Briggs said that next to smoking, radon gas inhalation is the leading cause of lung cancer, killing thousands every year. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, four picocuries a measurement of radioactivity in the air - is considered to be a dangerous level of radon. If the gas is inhaled, the radon atoms decay in the airways or the lungs. After this occurs, cancerous cells start to develop and spread throughout that tissue. "Testing for radon contamination is simple and inexpensive," Rep. Briggs said. "The EPA and DEP have extensive resources available on the dangers of radon gas, and school districts need to step up and take the lead in protecting our kids from this silent killer." According to Rep. Briggs, some schools have been tested and found to contain radon levels as much as eight times greater than that deemed dangerous. He said some school districts have acted to resolve dangerous levels of radon contamination in their school buildings, but there is no law requiring them to do so. Rep. Briggs said Bensalem School District discovered that 15 classrooms in one school alone contained high levels of radon gas after they voluntarily tested their schools. More than five years ago, Howe Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon had radon levels three times the EPA limits: about 15.6 picocuries per liter in the cafeteria. However, some parents said the school district never told them about it. "All parents have the right to know that their childs classroom is a safe environment, but it is impossible to ensure the safety of students if schools arent testing for this gas," Rep. Briggs said. "Informing parents of the potential risk of radon in our classrooms provides a means for greater transparency and cooperation between schools and parents regarding potential health

threats to our children." Rep. Briggs said his legislation would require each school district to contact the parent or guardian of each student in writing regarding radon testing in the school buildings. The notice must include whether or not testing has been conducted, and the highest amount of radon detected in the testing. If the legislation is signed into law, all school districts would be required to complete a radon test of each school building by June 30, 2014. Additionally, any newly constructed school buildings would have to be tested within 19 months of the date of occupancy, and any remodeled school buildings would be retested within 19 months of completion of the remodeling. In addition, the bill would require these tests to be completed every five years from the date of the initial test. House Democrats Outline Issues Coming Up In Committee House Democrats this week sent out a list of issues they believe will come before each Committee in the House along with an invitation to a February 13 meet and greet with Democratic Leaders and Committee Chairs. Among the issue listed are-Environmental Resources & Energy Committee -- Deep Injection (HB 2350 George 11-12 session) -- Marcellus Shale local zoning and local share issues Consumer Affairs Committee -- Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act Sunset Date (expires December 31, 2014) -- Implementation of energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) programs established under Act 129 of 2008. -- Electric Industry Competition/Retail Market Investigation -- Natural Gas Industry Competition -- Deregulation of basic telephone service (traditional landline) (HB 2496 Boyd 11-12 session) -- Payday Lending (HB 2191 Ross 11-12 session) Finance Committee -- Pension Reform -- Property Taxes (School property tax elimination with higher state PIT and Sales Tax (includes expanded base) (HB 1776 Cox 11-12 session) -- Constitutional amendment on homesteads (HB 2300 Maloney 11-12 session ) -- 1% Sales Tax to lower school property taxes. (1% County Sales Tax & local county, municipal, school district) PIT or EIT to lower school property taxes (excludes Philadelphia) (HB 2230 Grove 11-12 session) -- Capital Budget reform bill (HB 2175 Turzai 11-12 session -- Delaware Loophole (HB 2150 Reed 11-12 session ) -- Philadelphia Sales Tax (12/2013 sunset) The complete list of Committee issues is available online.

House Democratic Policy Committee Holds Jan. 29 Hearing On Renewable Energy The House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on January 29 in Bryn Mawr on renewable energy legislation- House Bill 100 (Vitali-D-Delaware) increasing the amount of renewable energy utilities must purchase (not online). Witnesses scheduled to appear include: -- Panel One: Dork Sahagian, professor of earth and environmental sciences, Lehigh University; and Christina Simeone, director, PennFutures Energy Center for Enterprise and the Environment -- Panel Two: Tanya McCloskey, acting Pennsylvania consumer advocate; and Jim Cawley, commissioner, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission -- Terry Fitzpatrick, president and CEO, Energy Association of Pennsylvania -- Panel Three: Tom Bell, former executive director of the Office of Technology Development, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; and Bruce Burcat, executive director, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition. The hearing will begin at noon at the Ludington Library, 5 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawrr. Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) serves as Chair of the Committee. January Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee The January issue of the Environmental Synopsis published by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee is now available. This months issue features articles on: electric choice, brownfield reuse, cyber threats to infrastructure, Great Lakes pollution cleanup, markets for scrap commodities and more. The Joint Committee has also schedule two Environmental Issues Forums--- February 11: a presentation on recycling Marcellus Shale drilling pad liners. Room G-50 starting at noon; and -- April 8: a presentation by PA American Water on new energy recovery technologies in Westmoreland County. Noon in the Capitol Building. Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Committee. For more information, visit the Committee website.

News From Around The State

Create Watershed Hero Trading Cards To Recognize Local Volunteers The PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Planning Committee wants to recognize you and other Pennsylvania volunteers as part of this year's 15th Anniversary of the Conference. Submit your very own "Watershed Hero" trading card in honor of the work that you and other volunteers in your watershed have contributed to cleaning up your local environment and the acid mine drainage impacts in your backyard. Let no one go unnoticed! There are no limitations on how many nominations can come from any single watershed or community group. Nominate the silent individual community leaders and volunteers that deserve to be recognized for their efforts, time, talents, and treasures.

Only adults should nominated as a Watershed Hero due to concerns with publicizing the images of children on the Conference website without consent or permission. Five winners will be chosen from all nominations submitted to win a cash prize donation to their home watershed organization they represent. An anonymous donor has contributed significantly to the cash prize donation. All Watershed Hero trading cards will be displayed on the Conference website and will be printed on a full color Poster-sized Board to be showcased at the Conference. Selected Watershed Heroes will be featured in a slideshow at the conference and other publicity as well. No private businesses or company can submit for this cash prize program event. By creating a Watershed Hero trading card with your photo submitted, the PA AMR Conference Committee reserves to right to use images and all information obtained from the trading cards to advertise for the Conference and future Conferences. Click Here to begin making your own Watershed Hero Trading Card. Share the Final Trading Card with Michael Hewitt, EPCAMR Program Manager by sending email to: hardcoal@epcamr.org. Abstracts Wanted For PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Aug. 8-10 The planning committee for the 2013 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference is inviting proposals for presentations. Proposals are due March 29. Presentations on innovative AMD Treatment Technologies, AMD and Environmental Health Studies, Self-sustaining AMD Treatment System Success Stories, Marcellus Shale related Industrial Applications of AMD and Iron Oxides, Watershed Data Management Tools, Economic Benefit Studies in AMD Impacted Watersheds, Economic Redevelopment Opportunities, and Collaborative Coalition Success Stories that have occurred over the last 15 year history of the PA Watershed Movement would be welcome. Please include the Name of the Primary Presenter and Co-Presenters, Brief Biography, Company Affiliation, Watershed Group Affiliation, Address, Phone Number, email, and a one page Abstract detailing an Executive Summary of your proposed presentation. Presenters will be expected to have their full presentations ready to go and available during the Conference on a thumb drive of their own. Presenters selected are expected to pay for the low cost of attendance to the Conference to cover registration and meal costs. Should you decide to only present and leave following your presentation due to conflicts or limited time availability, please discuss this with either EPCAMR or WPCAMR Conference Co-Coordinators in order for us to accurately account for the registration attendance and meal plan coordination for the event. If your presentation is not selected, it may still be able to be exhibited in a Poster Presentation, if you would like to format it in such a way where we could present it at the Conference. Time slots and availability of those slots will be chosen following the selection of the presentations and will be communicated to all presenters. Organizers will make every effort to try and slot presentations without any conflict from presenters as we flush out the agenda for the Conference. Direct your Abstract Submission to Robert E. Hughes, Executive Director, for the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) by email to: rhughes@epcamr.org or call for more information at 570-371-3523. For more information, visit the Call for Abstracts webpage.

Reps Daley, Harhai Salute Launch Of Washington County Mine Reclamation Project Rep. Peter J. Daley (D-Washington) and Rep. Ted Harhai (D-Westmoreland) Friday hailed the imminent start of reclamation efforts at the Mathies Mine in Washington County. "Improving the site will improve safety in the area and job prospects in the Mon Valley," Rep. Daley said. "Improving the property's value and viability is a welcome step." "We also appreciate that a local business was awarded the $230,000 reclamation contract," Harhai said. Canestrale Environmental Control Corp. of Belle Vernon won the bond-forfeiture project, which is expected to get underway soon. The site is part of a 1,300-acre property once mined by the Mon View Mining Co. in Carroll, North Strabane, Nottingham and Union townships. Six mine shafts and 17 boreholes will be sealed, and four mine shaft housings and two temporary mine-shaft seals will be demolished. Safety fencing will be installed around the sealed shafts, and enclosures and an access gate also will be built. One acre will be re-vegetated. The project is expected to be completed in mid-May. At its peak, the Mathies Mine employed about 200 people before Mon View filed for bankruptcy in 2005. The Mathies Mine was purchased late last March in bankruptcy court by the A.T. Massey Coal Co. "The work at the old mine represents an investment in the region," Rep. Harhai said. "It's all part of southwestern Pennsylvania's resurgence in energy production," Rep. Daley said. "Washington County will be better prepared for more jobs and investment through this project." Water Resources Education Network Now Accepting Grant Applications The PA League of Women Voters Water Resources Education Network is now accepting applications for its 2013 round of grants for watershed education, source water protection and WREN Opportunity Grants. Applications are due March 22. Watershed Education: Eligible proposals for watershed education projects are projects sponsored by community based partnerships that educate, build awareness, and promote water-sustaining public policies and/or behavior change. Projects should be designed to encourage individual or collective action that will protect and improve local water resources. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for activities which take place from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. A 5 percent match of in-kind donation or cash is required. Source Water Protection: County and regional projects are eligible which conduct source water protection education and offer guidance about the protection of drinking water in the county or region. Grants of up to $7,000 are available for activities which take place from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. A 5 percent match of in-kind donation or cash is required. Opportunity Grants: Opportunity Grants are available to community groups to carry out local water education projects. Projects must be related to reduction of Nonpoint Source Pollution to Pennsylvania waterways.

Grants from $100 to $300 are available for activities which take place before June 30, 2013. For more information, visit the WREN Grants webpage. PennVEST, DEP Set March 20 Nutrient Credit Trading Auction The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection announced today they will host an auction March 20 for the sale and purchase of nutrient credits in the Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds. The auction, intended to encourage and facilitate the trading of nutrient credits, will be a forward auction, where certified credits will be sold at auction; delivered later; and applied to 2013 and future compliance years. It will afford wastewater treatment plants in the two watersheds the opportunity to purchase credits to meet their nitrogen and phosphorus discharge limits for the compliance years. DEPs nutrient credit trading program provides a cost-effective way for facilities that are subject to nitrogen and phosphorus limits to meet those limits by working with other facilities, non-point sources or both. PennVEST has chosen Markit Inc. to provide the platform for enrollment and eligibility, auctions and registry services. PennVEST anticipates charging buyers and sellers 2.5 cents per credit to offset administrative costs. Future auctions are set for June 12, September 11 and November 6. For more information on these auctions, visit the Markit Inc. Nutrient Credit Auction webpage. For more information on nutrient trading visit the PennVEST Nutrient Credit Trading webpage or call Robert Boos at 717-783-4493 (PennVEST) or Veronica Kasi at 717-772-4053 (DEP). Joint Budget Committee Looks At Competition To Reduce Chesapeake Bay Pollution The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee released a report Tuesday took a very general look at how competition might help reduce the cost of eliminating pollution from Pennsylvania going to the Chesapeake Bay without looking at many of the logistical and legal details involved or the potential impact on individual farmers. The report also only covered nutrient reductions and not sediment reductions. The report said DEP estimated in 2004 its Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy the capital cost to meet the Chesapeake Bay TMDL at $8.2 billion for all sectors, with an additional $665 million in annual costs for operations and maintenance. Agricultural BMPs account for 75 percent of the nitrogen reductions, but only about 7.2 percent of the capital costs ($592 million). Publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and industrial dischargers are estimated to generate about 11 percent of the nitrogen reductions and account for about 4.6 percent of the estimated capital costs ($376 million). Urban BMPs account for about 9 percent of the nitrogen reductions, but 68.5 percent of the capital costs ($5.6 billion). Finally, septic system denitrification accounts for 2.6 percent of the nitrogen reductions and 19.5 percent of the capital costs ($1.6 billion). To help lower these costs, the Joint Committee was directed by a provision added to the Fiscal Code last year-- Act 87 of 2012- to determine if a competitive bidding process would lead

to a more cost-effective approach to paying for the nutrient reduction required to protect the Chesapeake Bay. The concept evaluated in the Committees report had a state agency-- possibly the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority-- issue a Request for Proposal to buy nutrient credits across the Pennsylvania portion of the Bay watershed and across all sectors-- agricultural, wastewater, stormwater, etc. The primary source of the credits, the report concluded, would probably be from the agricultural sector because it has the opportunity to install more cost-effective best management practices to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. The Committee found using a competitive RFP program would lower overall compliance costs to the state by 80 percent or more for the agriculture and urban stormwater sectors based on a very broad-brush analysis. The report did not look at the logistics or scope of an RFP-type process. For example, would the RFP be county-based or by smaller watersheds or for the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania. With millions of pounds of reductions required, any county-wide or larger RFP would mean only large-scale, capital intensive solutions could deliver the needed reductions. Individual farmers could be left out of the initiative altogether. The report said, We estimate achieving the required nitrogen reductions for nonpoint source agricultural and urban runoff through best management practices (BMPs) will cost about $628 million in 2015 and about $1.77 billion in 2025. We estimate a competitive RFP program could achieve these same levels of reductions at a cost of about $110 million in 2015 and $255 million in 2025. However, the reported noted a source of funding would need to be found for the competitive RFP program. In 2010, only about $187 million was spent statewide (federal and state dollars) on nonpoint source pollution management. While the report said some of these funds could be diverted to fund an RFP program, it does not deal with the issue of how this potential diversion of funds would leave individual farmers without funding to install best management practices. The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and DEP already hold competitive Nutrient Credit Auctions as a vehicle for purchasing credits towards Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay cleanup commitments. A new flush tax imposed on individual homeowners such as Maryland imposes ($60 annually) would be another possible source of funds the report said. In addition to needing a major source of funding, the report did not mention major changes were needed to DEPs existing nutrient credit trading program based on concerns expressed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other groups. The significant limitations of the report make it of limited value in guiding state policy decisions. The full report and an executive summary are available online. PennVEST Provides $7 Million To Finance Green Infrastructure In Lancaster The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and the City of Lancaster have finalized an agreement allowing for the investment of $7 million to finance green infrastructure projects at sites throughout the city.

"We are proud to be part of Lancaster's effort to reduce stormwater run-off with these innovative approaches that will save the city a considerable amount of money. We look forward to working with other communities across the Commonwealth to achieve similar results," said Paul Marchetti , Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority otherwise known as PennVEST. Like many older cities, the City of Lancaster has a combined sewer system that conveys household sewage and storm water runoff to the City's Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. During heavy wet weather events, combined sewage flows exceed the plant's capacity. This causes overflows of untreated combined sewage to discharge directly into the Conestoga River. Eventually, this polluted water ends up in the Chesapeake Bay. Combined sewer overflows significantly degrade the downstream water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. An average of one billion gallons of combined sewage is discharged to the Conestoga River each year. Lancaster is undertaking a series of green infrastructure improvements throughout the city. These Green Investments will collect storm water runoff and prevent or delay it from entering the combined sewer system. The projects will be constructed on public and private property. "The projects will include porous pavement in parking lots, paths, alleys, and streets; infiltration and bio retention systems; green roofs; rain gardens; and rain barrels. Overall the projects will capture stormwater runoff from a total of 951,000 square feet of impervious drainage area within the combined sewer district," said Charlotte Katzenmoyer , Director of Public Works for Lancaster. For more information, visit Lancasters Green Infrastructure Plan webpage. PA American Water Opens 2013 Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest Pennsylvania American Water announced Wednesday entries are now being accepted for its 11th Annual Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest. The deadline for submissions is March 29. All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools served by Pennsylvania American Water are eligible, as well as individual students who live in the companys service area. The contest encourages students to draw on their artistic talents to convey the importance of protecting Pennsylvanias watersheds and water resources. This month, Pennsylvania American Water is mailing contest applications to teachers in nearly 500 schools in its service territory. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that understanding. As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of watershed protection. In celebrating the art contests 11th year, we are proud of how it taps into childrens imagination and creativity to instill the importance of environmental stewardship, said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape. Weve seen participation grow year after year as more teachers, parents and students use the contest as a learning opportunity to understand how humans can positively and negatively impact our watershed and drinking water sources. In 2012, the company received more than 800 entries from students across the state. The grand prize winner was Samuel Kagle of Chartiers Valley Intermediate School in Bridgeville, Allegheny County.

In total, six students will be recognized, with a first, second and third place winner selected from eastern and western Pennsylvania. First-place winners will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Two second- and third-place winners will be awarded a $50 and $25 gift card, respectively. In addition, the overall grand prize winner will have her/his artwork featured on Bloomer cards distributed by Pennsylvania American Water. Bloomer cards are seed-filled packets that, when planted and tended, produce a variety of wildflowers. All entrants will receive a Watershed Champion certificate. Awards will be presented in May as part of National Drinking Water Week activities. Contest guidelines and entry forms are available online. PUC Seeks Comments On Proposed Unaccounted-For Water Regulations The Public Utility Commission Thursday sought comments on an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for regulations regarding unaccounted-for water (Docket No. L-2012-2319361). The Commission voted 5-0 to seek comments on revisions to regulations regarding unaccounted-for-water or, whether it is necessary for the Commission to adopt new regulations regarding the implementation of the International Water Association/American Water Works Association Water Audit methodology. On January 27, 2012, the Commission formally adopted the Water Audit methodology and directed all water utilities earning more than $1 million in annual revenue to file the annual Water Audit summaries no later than April 30 of each year. Under consideration is whether the Commission should revise its existing regulations regarding unaccounted-for-water, or, whether it is necessary to adopt new regulations regarding the Water Audit methodology. Interested parties may submit comments up to 60 days from the date the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin by contacting the PUC Secretary, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg , PA 17105-3265. The Water Audit program is designed to enhance companies tracking of levels of unaccounted-for water, which is water that is lost between the treatment plant and sale to customers. Causes of unaccounted-for water include underground leakage, inaccurate billing information and unauthorized use. The Water Audit provides an effective, standardized structure by guiding the water utility to quantify apparent and real loss volumes in a systemized approach and assigning cost impacts to the losses. The program goal is to further overall infrastructure reliability, help preserve water resources, limit water leakage, and enhance customer service. Penn State: Snow- Good For Groundwater? It is the middle of winter and most likely water pollution, droughts, and groundwater levels are not things that you are thinking about right now. For most people these things tend to be more warm weather topicsbut should they be? Chances are there is some snow piled up somewhere in your yard or on your street right now, but it will not be there forever. As the snow melts it is going to end up in local rivers and streams, and also seep into the ground to become part of the groundwater supply.

Just as rain runs off to other locations, so does snow, although because of the form that it is in, it may not be as obvious. For example, ten inches of snow when melted is equal to one inch of rain. So while the initial quantity of water during a snowfall is not as great as in a rain event, it can definitely add up. This period of water recharge is important to assure adequate ground and surface water supplies not only now, but also in the coming summer months. Because it is cold in winter and there is less heat from the sun, there is less natural evaporation of water in wintertime, so more stays in ground and surface reservoirs. Often when there is a milder winter with less snowfall, there is also a greater chance of drought conditions the following summer, as there is less snowmelt to be a source of water recharge. Looking at another angle in contrast to drought, many times late winter and spring brings episodes of flooding. Snow is melting and rain is falling at the same time causing ground and surface water to become overloaded with moisture. The water is not able to sink into the ground because it is already saturated with water from snowmelt, and ends up running off into rivers and streams causing flash flooding. A final consideration from a water quality standpoint, is that just like runoff from a rain storm, snowmelt can also carry pollutants to ground and surface water. Anything that is put on the ground oil, paint, chemicals, garbage are termed non-point source pollutants and can be carried to rivers, streams or groundwater when the snow melts. Just because something is buried under the snow, doesnt mean that it disappears. So the next time you have to shovel several inches of snowthink of it as a fluffy, white way of recharging our groundwater resources! (Written By: Susan Boser, Water Resources Educator, Penn State Extension, Beaver County and reprinted from Penn State Extension's Watershed Wind newsletter.) Wissahicken Watershed Association Names Miranda Executive Director The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association is delighted to welcome Dennis Miranda as the new Executive Director, beginning on February 4. Dennis is a passionate conservationist, avid birder and trail expert with a broad grasp of environmental issues. Dennis and his family are moving to the area from Gainesville Florida where Dennis was the Executive Director of the Florida Trail Association, a statewide non-profit trail organization with the mission to construct, maintain and manage the 1400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. From 2004-2010 Dennis was the Executive Director of the Rahway River Association in Northern New Jersey, a non-profit conservation whose mission is to preserve open space, protect natural resources and improve the water quality of the Rahway River Watershed. Dennis was the Urban Parks Project Manager for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in Chester, NJ from 1994-2004. Dennis is a graduate of St. Peter's University and his hobbies include bird watching, hiking, botanizing, butterfly watching, mountain biking and gardening. Please come out to a WVWA event to meet and welcome Dennis to the Wissahickon Watershed! Since 1957, WVWA has made a critical difference protecting the local environment in the 64 square miles of the Wissahickon Creeks watershed, working with individuals, local

municipalities, Montgomery County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The WVWA protects over 1,200 acres of natural open space in Montgomery County. For more information, visit the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association website. $82 Million In Water Infrastructure Financing Awarded In 5 Counties Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced the investment of $82 million in seven drinking water and wastewater projects in five counties through the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority. While there may be fewer than the usual number of projects approved at todays PennVEST Board of Directors meeting, they nonetheless represent a significant investment on the part of the commonwealth in our clean water infrastructure, Corbett said. These projects will not only protect public health but will also stimulate millions of dollars in new private investment and job creation, all of which are so important to my administration and the citizens of Pennsylvania. Of the $82 million total awards, $69 million is for low-interest loans and $13 million is offered as grants. The awards range from a $997,800 loan to eliminate wet weather discharges of inadequately treated waste into the Ohio River in Allegheny County, to a $28.5 million loan/ grant combination to construct a new regional wastewater treatment plant to eliminate discharges of inadequately treated waste into publicly accessible areas of Lycoming County. The funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PennVEST. The projects include--- Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Allegheny County, received a $2,890,000 loan to eliminate breaks in the water distribution system and eliminate service outages by replacing approximately seventy five gate valves at various locations in the distribution system. Twenty fire hydrants will also be installed to improve fire protection. -- Altoona Water Authority, Blair County, received a $6,631,965 loan to install 23,000 meter interface units throughout the authoritys water distribution system in order to improve water usage monitoring and significantly reduce associated staff time and costs. -- Huntington Borough, Huntingdon County, received a $12,275,475 loan and a $2,779,525 grant to make a wide variety of improvements to the boroughs drinking water treatment plant and water storage tank in order eliminate performance problems that threaten public health. The project will also stimulate the investment of more than $3 million as well as the creation of five new jobs within the next three years. -- Neville Township, Allegheny County, received a $997,800 loan to upgrade two pump stations in order to eliminate wet weather discharges of inadequately treated waste into the Ohio River. -- Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority received a $4,145,000 loan to make improvements to the authoritys wastewater collection system in order to eliminate wet weather discharges of untreated sewage into the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. -- West Branch Regional Authority, Lycoming County, received a $22,969,626 loan and a $5,491,723 grant to construct a new 2.4 million gallons per day regional sewage treatment plant that will replace two outdated and malfunctioning plants that are overloaded during wet weather

events, causing them to discharge untreated and inadequately treated sewage into publicly accessible areas. The authority will also construct two new pump stations and install about five and a half miles of new force mains. -- Warren City received a $19,491,723 loan and a $4,508,277 grant to expand its treatment plant capacity, upgrade two pump stations and install new force main in order to eliminate backups of raw sewage into residential basements as well as discharges of raw and inadequately sewage into publicly accessible areas and the Allegheny River. NewsClip: Pittsburgh Sewage Authority Receives $7M State Loan DEP Announces Comprehensive Oil and Gas Development Radiation Study At the direction of Gov. Corbett, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Thursday it will undertake a study to look at naturally occurring levels of radioactivity in byproducts associated with oil and natural gas development. In the coming weeks, DEP will seek a peer review of its study plan and begin to sample and analyze the naturally occurring radioactivity levels in flowback waters, treatment solids and drill cuttings, as well as associated matters such as the transportation, storage and disposal of drilling wastes. DEP routinely reviews radioactivity data in wastes the oil and natural gas industry and other industries generate, and the information the agency has obtained to date indicates very low levels of natural radioactivity. This study, which is expected to take 12 to 14 months, is aimed at ensuring that public health and the environment continue to be protected. This administration is undertaking what will be the most comprehensive study of its kind anywhere, and Gov. Corbett has directed us to do so in order to be proactive for the future and to continue Pennsylvanias leadership in responsible development of domestic natural gas resources, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. This thorough and rigorous study, which will focus on conditions here in Pennsylvania, is further demonstration that states are best suited to responsibly oversee the natural gas exploration and production activities taking place in our respective borders. DEPs current regulations and monitoring networks are designed to protect the public from exposure to unsafe levels of radiation, and our regulations in this field have led the nation for years, Krancer said. The agency will collect samples of flowback water, rock cuttings, treatment solids and sediments at well pads and wastewater treatment and waste disposal facilities. The study will also analyze the radioactivity levels in pipes and well casings, storage tanks, treatment systems and trucks. Throughout the study, DEP will provide progress reports to its water, waste, radiation and citizens advisory councils. Pennsylvania is the only state that requires through regulation that landfills monitor for radiation levels in the incoming wastes. Should waste trigger a radiation monitor, the landfill must use a conservative and highly protective protocol that DEP developed to determine if the amount and concentration of the radioactive material can be accepted. This protocol ensures that the materials, such as Marcellus Shale drill cuttings and other sources of naturally occurring radiation in the waste stream, do not pose a risk to public health during disposal.

Drill cuttings and other materials associated with oil and gas have occasionally triggered radiation monitors at landfills. DEPs data indicates that less than half a percent of all drill cuttings produced by the Marcellus Shale industry in 2012 that were disposed of in landfills triggered radiation monitors. The cuttings did not contain levels of radioactivity that would be harmful to the public, and they were safely disposed of in the landfills. In 2011, DEP announced the results of in-stream radiation water quality monitoring for seven rivers in Pennsylvania. The monitors were placed downstream of treatment plants that had been discharging treated Marcellus Shale wastewater, a now defunct practice as a direct result of DEPs call to industry to cease delivery of wastewater to plants that were not equipped to fully treat it. The in-stream monitoring results showed that radioactivity levels in all seven rivers were at or below normal background levels and below federal safe drinking water standards. In 2011, DEP also required 14 public water suppliers to report early the results of routine monitoring for radioactivity in drinking water. Such monitoring is required as part of the states oversight of public water supplies. Most results showed no detectable levels of radioactivity, and the levels that were detectable did not exceed safe drinking water standards. DEP will work on the study with Perma-Fix Environmental Services of Pittsburgh, which has worked with the agency as a consultant on health physics and radiological issues and has assisted DEP for more than a decade with radioactivity monitoring and assessments. The agency will consult with independent members of academia to peer review the projects detailed study plan. Once the peer review is complete, DEP will publish the study plan on its website, where the agencys proposal for the study is currently viewable. For more information, visit DEPs Oil & Gas Development Radiation Study webpage. NewsClips: DEP To Study Radioactivity In Drilling Waste DEP Announces Oil And Gas Drilling Radiation Study DEP To Study Radiation Related To Marcellus Drilling PA League Of Women Voters Releases Report On Natural Gas Pipeline Safety The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Wednesday released findings of a study addressing the safety of natural gas pipelines. Olivia Horn, President of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, discussed why the organization addressed the issue of pipelines. Pipelines are a problem in Pennsylvania, Horn said. We have miles and miles of unregulated, large diameter, high pressure pipelines carrying natural gas to remote areas of our Commonwealth. There is a lack of dedicated training for emergency responders to deal with natural gas explosions. New infrastructure poses additional threats to environmentally sensitive areas. The public is unaware of the existence of pipelines, pipeline hazards, and responsible behavior around such lines. We can no longer afford to keep pipelines out of sight and out of mind. These concerns and others pose potentially explosive problems for all of us. Horn explained that the study was conducted with a private donations and a grant from US Department of Transportation. She said Lycoming County was chosen as the site of the study due to expanding natural gas infrastructure in the county and its geography. The study offers more than 60 recommendations and she highlighted the following:

-- Establish comprehensive regulations that encompass the entire transmission system along with publically accessible maps; -- Develop emergency or hazard response contingency plans; -- Provide greater authority, funding, and manpower for the Department of Environmental Protection; -- Adequately enforce permit requirements; and -- Standardize best practices of pipeline design and construction We trust the data collected and the resulting recommendations will serve as the basis for improving citizen awareness and minimizing future impacts of unconventional gas exploration in environmentally sensitive Lycoming County, Horn said. Do we have problems with pipelines in Pennsylvania? Yes. We believe so and we hope you do too. We believe grassroots efforts by the League and others can be part of the solution. We hope you will join us in building communication, protecting pipelines and safeguarding our communities in the days ahead. A copy of the study is available online. This is the second new report on pipelines to be published in the last 45 days. On December 11, Patrick Henderson, the Governors Energy Executive, issued a report on the 1,727.8 miles of natural gas gathering lines in the Commonwealth making 16 recommendations to tighten regulatory and other requirements over the lines. (Click Here for more details.) Emergency Planning/Response Rules Published For Marcellus Shale Operations The Environmental Quality Board and PA Emergency Management Agency published final omitted/emergency rulemaking on January 26 covering Emergency Response Planning at Unconventional Well Sites. (PA Bulletin page 526) The regulation was adopted by the Board in November following a review by DEPs Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board last September. The regulation sets requirements for the preparation and implementation of emergency plans at Marcellus Shale drilling sites. SRBC Sets Feb. 14 Hearing On Water Withdrawal Requests The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a public hearing on February 14 on a series of water withdrawal requests. (formal notice/agenda) The hearing will be held in Room 8E-B East Wing Capitol Building, Harrisburg, starting at 1:00. For more information, visit the SRBCs Public Participation Center webpage. Senators Pileggi, Yaw Discuss Bill To Expand Use Of Natural Gas In a podcast released Friday, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, discuss proposed legislation to facilitate the expansion, distribution and use of Pennsylvania-produced natural gas. Click Here to listen to the podcast. PA American Water Rolls Out New Fleet Powered By CNG

Pennsylvania American Water officials joined with Speaker of the House Sam Smith (RJefferson) and Department of Environmental Protection officials Friday to mark the companys launch of a compressed natural gas (CNG) pilot for its vehicle fleet. The company displayed four new CNG-powered Ford F-250 trucks at its kickoff event, which will be piloted in Punxsutawney and Coatesville. CNG provides Pennsylvania American Water with an exciting alternative fuel option that will help us better control our operational expenses, reduce our carbon footprint, and capitalize on the abundant supply of natural gas right here in the Commonwealth, said President Kathy L. Pape of Pennsylvania American Water. In contrast to gasoline prices that currently range around $3.50 per gallon, Pennsylvania American Water officials noted that fueling with CNG costs approximately $2.00 per gallon. Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Steve Tambini said the company is also sold on CNGs environmental benefits. The new CNG vehicles operate on the same basic principle as traditionally fueled trucks, but they generate significantly less particulate matter, said Tambini. This means cleaner air and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which will benefit the environment and the communities we serve. It is very encouraging to see companies like Pennsylvania American Water begin to convert their fleets to compressed natural gas (CNG), said Speaker Smith. This is exactly the trend we hope to see continuing across the state. More CNG vehicles on the road leads to a greater need for fueling stations, and that ultimately results in less dependence on foreign oil and more jobs in the energy sector here in Pennsylvania. I congratulate Pennsylvania American Water for being a leader in this area. Pennsylvania American Water also announced that it is applying for a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to add more CNG-powered vehicles to its fleet. Tambini also said Pennsylvania American Water will construct a company-owned fueling station in Scranton that will support up to 36 CNG vehicles in 2014. For more information, visit the PA American Water website. Registration Now Open For 2013 Great American Cleanup Of PA Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced registration is now open for the 2013 Great American Cleanup of PA. Event coordinators can visit the Great American Cleanup of PA website to register their event. This annual event is held in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup of Keep America Beautiful and in partnership with support from the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association. Additional partnering businesses include the American Chemistry Council, Greenstar Recycling, Pennsylvania Beverage Association, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Republic Services, Steel Recycling Institute, and Weis Markets. The 2013 Great American Cleanup of PA will begin on March 1 and end on May 31. During this period, registered events can get free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests from PennDOT district offices.

Events consist of litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special collections, and educational events. Events must be registered through the Great American Cleanup of PA website to get these free cleanup supplies. As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring Lets Pick It Up PA Everyday. During the Pick It Up PA Days, registered event coordinators will be able to take the trash collected during their cleanup to participating landfills for free disposal. The Lets Pick It Up PA Everyday event will begin on April 20 and end on May 6. The focus day will be April 20th. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania were represented in the 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA. There were 4,421 events with 141,264 volunteers. Volunteers collected 338,148 bags of trash or 6,762,960 pounds. They cleaned 13,589 miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and 14,046 acres of parks and/or wetlands. Additionally, volunteers planted 22,511 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep Pennsylvania beautiful. Since the inception of this event in 2004, over 68 million pounds of litter and waste have been removed from Pennsylvanias landscape, and tens of thousands of trees, bulbs, and flowers have been planted. To register your event, find an event near you, or to find additional resources on the Keep PA Beautiful Great American Cleanup of PA. Any additional questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org. Counties Want Recycling Fees, Unresolved Marcellus Issues Addressed The County Commissioners Association of PA Wednesday unveiled the associations 2013 legislative priorities. Jeff Wheeland, Lycoming County Commissioner and Chairman of CCAPs Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee, spoke on the priorities for shale gas impacts and restoration of county recycling fees. He praised the progress of Act 13 of 2012 to address the issues that have arisen with increased shale gas drilling, but called for unresolved issues to be address. These unresolved issues include improving safety and planning for gathering pipelines and returning conservation districts to their responsibility for erosion and sedimentation plan review for gas drilling. He noted CCAP is also monitoring proposals relating to injection wells. Wheeland also called for a dedicated source of funding for specialized programs, such as household hazardous waste collection, recycling drop-off centers, and tire recycling. He called for Act 101 to be amended to empower counties to assess fees to fund county recycling programs. For more information, visit the Counties 2013 Priorities. DEP Inviting Applications For Section 902 Recycling Grants The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Section 902 recycling grants. Applications are due May 31. (PA Bulletin page 580)

Municipalities eligible for recycling grants include counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships, home rule municipalities, councils of governments, consortiums, or similar entities established by two or more municipalities under 53 Pa.C.S. Chapter 23, Subchapter A. Municipalities are eligible for 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs. No application requesting more than $250,000 will be accepted. Priority will be given for funding--- Newly mandated municipalities based on the 2010 decennial census by the Bureau of the Census of the U.S. Department of Commerce. -- Applicants proposing incentive-based pricing and collection programs designed to increase the quantities and types of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste collected. -- Applicants proposing multi-municipal collection, processing and/or materials marketing program where capital costs are reduced and/or recycling marketability is enhanced due to intergovernmental cooperation. -- Applicants proposing new or expanded collection, education and outreach for commercial and institutional establishments, including school recycling programs. In addition, communities whose existing recycling programs contain the following components will receive additional consideration: -- Municipally operated or municipal-contracted waste and recycling services that provide consistency and uniformity of the waste and recycling programs. -- The collection of six or more of the following materials: newsprint, office paper, corrugated paper, other marketable grades of paper, aluminum cans, steel or bimetallic cans, colored glass containers, clear glass containers and plastics. For more information, visit DEPs Recycling Grants webpage. MRAB To DEP: Start Drafting Regs Implementing Mining Law Passed In October Members of the DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board wrote to Secretary Michael Krancer on January 16 asking him to start the drafting of regulations to implement a law passed last October to give mining operators additional options to provide financial guarantees for land reclamation Act 157 - House Bill 1813. David Osikowicz, Chair of MRAB, wrote, Act 157 took effect on December 24, 60 days after the governors signature. However, at a meeting of the MRAB on Thursday, January 10, the panel was told by DEP mining personnel that the Department cannot begin to implement the law until regulations are promulgated and in place. Further, they also stated that the mining bureau cannot even begin to develop a rulemaking until it receives written authorization to do so from your (Secretarys) office. MRAB requested Secretary Krancer to give his approval as soon as possible. Act 157 could authorize up to $100 million in bonding guarantees to certain anthracite and bituminous mine operators to cover land reclamation obligations using already available $12.4 million in funding. The Act was passed in part to require the agency to uses these existing funds for this purpose which have been available for several years. Industry representatives said it is important to provide this option to mine operators because the cost of obtaining surety bonds which normally guarantee land reclamation has increased 25 percent in the last year and is likely to increase again this Spring.

Mr. Osikowicz noted Act 157 is also designed to encourage the re-mining of previously mined areas. A copy of the letter is available online. Venango County Refinery Cleanup Ushers In New Round Of Development The Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday remediation is complete at the former Rouseville Refinery in Rouseville Borough, Venango County. Pennzoil Quaker State Co. and Calumet Lubricants Inc. conducted the cleanup as part of a consent order and agreement with DEP. The remediation and redevelopment of one of the oldest oil refineries in the world is an exciting opportunity for Rouseville and Venango County, DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. Pennsylvanias Land Recycling program provides an achievable and common-sense framework to encourage companies in the cleanup of our industrial past. The cooperation and remediation of the Rouseville refinery by Pennzoil Quaker State and Calumet allows a site associated with the birth of the oil industry to re-emerge as a safe and important part of the regions economic vitality into the future, Burch said. All parties involved in the effort to clean up and redevelop the refinery are to be congratulated for their efforts and commitment. The century-old oil refinery started operating in the late 1800s and remained in business under a number of different owners until 2002. After DEP inspectors discovered seeps of crude oil and petroleum products in Oil Creek and Cherry Run, initial cleanup activities began in 1990, concentrating on containing the seeps and recovering petroleum products from the groundwater. More recently, the companies have conducted cleanup work of the soil and groundwater contamination, using the guidance in Pennsylvanias Land Recycling program. Final remediation efforts at the site included active recovery and treatment of contaminated groundwater and petroleum products; removal and capping of contaminated soils; installation of engineering controls to address the migration and use of groundwater at the site. DEP has worked extensively in the past several years with a number of potential purchasers of the property to ensure the site is returned to safe and productive use while the remediation was underway. The property is currently being redeveloped by a number of firms, including GOC Property Holdings LLC, Pennewell Sandblasting & Painting, Klapec Express and PA Brine Treatment. For more information call 814-332-6945. FirstEnergy Awards $110,000 To PA Schools In Ways 2 Save Electricity Video Contest The results of the Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest sponsored by Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power are in, and the judges agree that when it comes to creative ways to educate Pennsylvania residents on conserving electricity, middle, junior and senior high school students across the state are great teachers. In October 2012, the electric companies invited students in their service areas to create their own original 90-second videos demonstrating Ways 2 Save Electricity and correct energy-wasting habits in homes, schools and businesses for a chance to win one of 10 cash grants for their school. All videos were required to be produced under a teachers supervision.

In total, there were nearly 200 videos submitted, competing for cash grants totaling $110,000. A first-place ($20,000), second-place ($10,000) and third-place ($5,000) grant was given in each of the Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power service areas, in addition to one Peoples Choice Award ($5,000) for the most viewed, liked or shared video. The winning videos, the supervising teachers and the schools by electric company are: Met-Ed First place: Ways to Save, Jim Del Conte, Berks Career & Technology Center Second place: Ways to Save Contest, Joe Klinedinst, Dallastown Area High School Third place: Conserve, Daniel Mikula, Lower Dauphin High School Penelec First place: The Power Within One, Kevin Lang, Forest Hills Middle School Second place: Ways 2 Save Contest, Doreen Petri, Northwest PA Collegiate Academy Third place: Just Unplug It!, Erik Puskar, Indiana Senior High School West Penn Power First place: Electracula, Steve Vinton, Penn Trafford High School Second place: DLHS Power Commercial PowerPLUS, Mandy Beck, Deer Lakes High School Third place: Energy Draft, Steve Vinton, Penn Trafford High School Peoples Choice Winner Ways to Save, Jim Del Conte, Berks Career & Technology Center We were truly impressed by the creativity of the videos we received in our Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest and the genuine enthusiasm the students showed in their efforts to help spread the word about electricity-saving measures, said Douglas Elliott, President, Pennsylvania Operations, FirstEnergy. Videos were evaluated based on creativity, effectiveness and quality by a panel of judges that included representatives from Shavers Creek Environmental Center, Penn States nature center that serves as a field laboratory for Penn State students to get hands-on experience in the natural world. We were honored to have the opportunity to serve as judges for the Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest, said Jennifer Bean, program director at Shavers Creek Environmental Center. It was clear to us that all of the students displayed great creativity in applying the information they learned about the importance and benefits of saving electricity. It was a challenge to pick only a few winners. Through the Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest, Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power sought to bring electricity-saving ideas to Pennsylvania residents and businesses from a unique vantage point: that of students who will be tomorrows consumers. The winning entries can be viewed at the Ways 2 Save Contest website. DEP Reissues Invitation To Bid On Energy Education Curriculum Service Contractor

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking the services of an experienced contractor to coordinate a statewide K-12 Energy Education Curriculum Integration Program. The program must be completed by June 30, 2014. The Energy Education Program is designed to educate teachers, administrators and building managers about energy use, ways to save electricity, and enhance student career development to include all energy technologies. DEP is seeking bidders who have experience specifically related to developing and implementing a Pennsylvania-based energy education program for grades 5-7. The contractor will use existing Pennsylvania-based educator guides, materials and other curricular resources to design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation education program. Regional professional development workshops (12 total; two within each DEP region) will be coordinated for teachers of grades 5-7. Energy Star Portfolio Manager benchmarking, student energy teams and web-based information and resources will be included and utilized. The invitation for bid (IFB) for this project has been reissued and the new IFB number is 6100024388. The IFB due (opening date) is 2/15/2013 at 9:00 a.m. The revised specifications (which eliminate the need for DOE Act 48 certification) can be accessed online after 7:00 a.m. on 1/25/2013 and there will be no pre-bid conference. Bids must be submitted online via Department of General Services (DGS) eMarketplace website located at www.emarketplace.state.pa.us. Specifications and all bid related documents can be accessed at the website by entering the previously mentioned bid number. New organizations must register and obtain a DGS vendor number in order to submit a bid. Comprehensive instructions to complete this requirement can be found online. The Supplier Service Center link located on the upper left side of the page contains all the information necessary to utilize the DGS eMarketplace. Difficulties encountered with bid entry or vendor registration should be directed to DGS customer service helpdesk at 877-435-7363 or 717-346-2676. DEP Extends Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Until Funding Gone The Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program will be extended once it reaches its milestone of awarding 500 $3,500 rebates for large-battery system plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles. (formal notice) As we approach this milestone, DEP and this administration remain committed to seeing this alternative fuels market grow, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. Because of this commitment, this agency will offer $3,000 rebates for the next 500 vehicles, which represents an impressive total investment of $3.35 million toward electric vehicles since 2011. Large-battery vehicles that have battery system capacity equal or greater than 10 kilowatt hours (kWh), including models such as the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus and Chevy Volt, are eligible for the highest rebate amount. DEP also offers rebates of $1,000 for large-battery system plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles with battery system capacity less than 10 kWh, including models such as the Toyota Prius plug-in and Ford C-Max Energi. Rebates of $1,000 are offered for natural gas, propane, hydrogen or fuel-cell vehicles. A $500 rebate is available for electric motorcycles and scooters.

DEP provides these rebates as incentives to assist Pennsylvanians with the incremental cost of purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle. To qualify, the vehicle must be registered in Pennsylvania, operated primarily in-state and be purchased no more than six months before the rebate application is submitted. For more information, visit DEPs Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program webpage. Residential, Commercial Rebates Still Available For Solar Energy Projects The Department of Environmental Protection announced January 26 $7.25 million in rebates are still available to residents and small businesses through the PA Sunshine Rebate Program. DEP also outlined changes affecting solar installers. (formal notice) The Department is authorized to fund solar electric (solar photovoltaic), solar hot water (solar thermal) projects and battery back-up systems for homeowners and small businesses in this Commonwealth. Residential projects continue to be offered rebates up to $7,500 towards the purchase of a photovoltaic system with the maximum size being 10 KW ($0.75/watt up to a 10 KW system). Small businesses continue to be offered rebates up to $52,500 towards the purchase of a photovoltaic system, with the maximum size system being 100 KW ($0.75/watt for the first 10KW and $0.50/watt for the next 90 KW). Solar thermal projects are provided rebates up to a maximum of 35 percent of the total cost of the project design, installation and equipment. The maximum solar thermal rebate for a residential project is $5,000. The maximum solar thermal rebate for a small commercial project is $50,000. The Department is amending the Program guidelines to lessen administrative burdens and provide certainty for those participating in the Program as the funding draws to a close. These amendments will go into effect immediately. The amendments include: -- Implementation of a new one-step application procedure process which will remove the previous reservation process and only approve projects for rebate payments upon completion and approval of the solar project. This will be a first come, first served in the order in which they are received and approved rebate process. -- Notification that all existing applications that were reserved/approved for construction by the Program will have to be completed by June 1, 2013, to ensure payment. After June 1, 2013, these projects will be considered first come, first served in the order in which they are received and approved. There will be no extensions to the June 1, 2013, deadline. -- Notification that the Program will cease receiving rebate applications upon the exhaustion of the final funds or by December 31, 2013, whichever occurs first. Solar Installer Changes The Department, as required by the act, established a Photovoltaic and Solar Contract Installer Database. Solar installers were approved and placed into this database based on appropriate training and experience. Over 750 installers have been approved as participating solar installers. The Department will be directly contacting the approved installers to inform them of the changes to the guidelines and the procedures for applying for a rebate. A webinar scheduled for the beginning of February 2013 will be hosted by the Department to educate installers on the new rebate process.

For more information, visit DEPs PA Sunshine Program webpage. Free FirstEnergy Energy Performance Contracting Webinar January 30 FirstEnergy will host another in its series of free webinars on January 30 starting at 12:00 on Energy Performance Contracting Best Practices. The guest speaker will be Andy Cocina of Wendel Energy Services who will provide an in depth look at Energy Performance Contracting from independent sources. The presentation will include input from the US Department of Energy, Housing and Urban Development as well as the Energy Services Coalition. These resources will help provide public entities a base of knowledge to get the most from an Energy Performance Contract. Click Here to register for the program. For more information on our programs, or to download applications, visit www.EnergySavePA.com, or email energysavePA@saic.com. To see a listing of our upcoming webinars and seminar, click Click Here. SEPTA Releases Sustainability Annual Report For 2013 SEPTA Wednesday released its Sustainability Annual Report, which details the Authority's progress on its efforts to pursue a "triple bottom-line" strategy to become environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. For SEPTA, 2013 marks the third year of a formalized Sustainability Program. In 2011, when the SEPTA Board adopted its first-ever Sustainability Plan, it introduced the concept of the triple bottom-line to the organization. Last year, SEPTA put this comprehensive planning framework into action. What emerged were innovative strategies to capture wasted resources and put them back into productive use in a way that added environmental, social, and economic value. Untapped assets were discovered in a variety of forms: -- Energy created by braking trains now being captured and reused at a power substation. -- Landfilled waste now being recycled through a single-stream, source-separated recycling program. -- Unused real estate now being cultivated into a self-sustaining urban farm. The results of these efforts are being shown in a number of areas. Four of 12 sustainability performance targets are already achieved each of the triple-bottom-line focuses. On the environmental end, SEPTA has seen more than 10 percent in water and energy intensity reductions. Work on the social goals has resulted in the hosting of four farmers markets on SEPTA property. And for economic, sustainability efforts have helped control operating expenses. "This report represents our appraisal of progress to-date, and goals for the year to come," said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. "It also reinforces SEPTA's steadfast commitment to continual improvement, and ongoing effort to become a constructive force in regional sustainability." SEPTA's Sustainability Program embraces continual improvement, and the notion that performance enhancements can only be sustained by constantly reevaluating progress over time. While funding challenges continue to constrain levels of capital investment, the results of the first two years of the Sustainability Program have demonstrated that opportunities still exist to advance projects that add value to SEPTA and its region.

SEPTA's 2013 Sustainability Annual Report is available online. Save The Date: PA Environmental Professionals Conference May 8-10 The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will hold their annual conference on May 810 at the Toftrees Resort & Conference Center in State College. The Association has also issued a call for presentations. Check back to the PAEP website for more conference updates. PA Parks & Forest Foundation Recognizes Award Winners At May 7 Dinner The PA Parks and Forest Foundation will honor the 2013 award winners at its annual dinner on May 7 in Harrisburg. The awards recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding service and exemplary work on behalf of Pennsylvanias State Parks and Forests. This years winners include--- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Western PA Conservancy -- Joseph Ibberson Government Award: Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware) -- Presidents Award: John and Jan Halter -- Park of the Year: French Creek State Park -- Forest of the Year: Tiadaghton State Forest -- Education Award: Pat and Carl Leinbach -- Improvement Award: Paul Yost and the Friends of Milton -- Volunteerism Award: Nockamixon Trail Group -- Young Volunteer Award: Hailey Freeman For more information on tickets to the dinner, call 717-236-7644 or send email to: mmowery-ppff@pa.net. Conservation Landscape Summit Draws On Experience, Connections Armed with success stories, questions and project ideas, more than 200 people descended on Harrisburg January 14-15 for the Conservation Landscape Summit to learn how communities are using their natural assets to drive local conservation, planning and community economic revitalization efforts. From small business success stories in the Pennsylvania Wilds to funding land conservation efforts in populated areas of the state, the first Conservation Landscape Summit pulled together those people and organizations that are helping to create economic opportunities through shared visiona vision where natural, cultural and heritage qualities are celebrated and protected. DCNR Secretary Richard Allan opened up the conference by describing how his travels throughout the state have reinforced in him the value of our natural assets to local communities. Our natural, cultural and historic assets are key economic drivers in communities both large and small. People are drawn to visit and live in places where natural beauty abounds, and where there is close access to recreational amenities, parks and trails. We want to foster the regional work that is taking place across the state. We believe that working together across municipal and county boundaries with multiple state, local, private

and nonprofit partners, we will all achieve more. We will protect more land. We will build more trails. We will encourage more economic growth. Following Secretary Allan, keynoter Lynn Scarlett, former deputy secretary for the Department of the Interior and current co-director of the Center for Management of Ecological WealthResources for the Future, described how Pennsylvania was getting it right in protecting our special outdoor spaces. These places have untapped potential. They have the potential to guide Pennsylvanias communities toward cleaner, greener, and smarter futures that are cost-effective, said Scarlett. Many parks include critical watersheds, tree cover, wetlands, and other natural systems that provide basic benefits to human communities. Participants in the summit came from across the state from the tourism, economic development, conservation, recreation, planning, and local government sectors. Many represented work that was already taking place in seven Pennsylvania conservation landscapes: Pennsylvania Wilds, Poconos Forests and Waters; Lehigh Valley Greenways; Schuylkill Highlands; Susquehanna Riverlands; Laurel Highlands; and South Mountain. Attendees were able to choose from four learning tracks: Tourism and Economic Development; Land, River and Greenway Conservation; Visitor Experiences; and Communications and Engagement. The sixteen sessions were wide ranging, from funding and closing trail gaps; to ensuring conservation and recreation success in the Marcellus Shale region; to translating the economic benefits of heritage- and nature-based tourism. Robert Pirani, vice president of environmental program for the Regional Plan Association, said through his work in the 13-state northeastern United States he sees Pennsylvania as a leader in landscape level conservation. He believes landscape conservation is critical because it may be the only way to tackle todays conservation challenges. Buying land isn't enough. Building parks won't get it done. Restoring forests and wetlands by themselves is not an answer. Successful conservation requires a comprehensive, regional approach, Pirani told the dinner crowd. Its the way nature works, and its the way we think about our placesour rural lifestyles, cultural preservation, recreation and tourism. Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy, and Jonathan Doherty, assistant superintendent of the National Park Services Chesapeake Bay Office, both spoke to how rivers and trails arent confined to geo-political boundaries and can serve as galvanizing projects for landscapes, such as the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which spans several states and enters into southern Pennsylvania. The two speakers noted how trailsboth water and landcan expand access and conserve visitor experiences. Because many of the attendees represented tourism industry interests, nature and heritage tourism was a dominant theme throughout the sessions and plenary discussions. Debra Bowman, executive director for tourism, film and marketing for the Department of Community and Economic Development, reminded the lunch audience that tourism is economic development and that our natural, cultural and historic assets are what set Pennsylvania apart from other states. Funding for projects and ideas was also a resounding theme throughout the conference. Attendees and panelists opined that the strain of an economy was an even greater call for cooperative investment in our natural resources. Scarlett noted that in her time as chief budget officer at Interior, she understood the meaning of budget constraints and the competition for taxpayer funds that support health care, education, and basic infrastructure.

It is with this understanding that I note that parks and conservation investments link to these bedrock values of health, education, economy, and infrastructure, she said. Generating funding is not easy in this time of scarcity. Perhaps some hope can arise from transforming the value of natures capital into revenue streams that bring together economy and environment. A funding panel at the summits close kept attendees from hitting the road early. A packed ballroom listened to the advice and wisdom of four experts whose organizations have the ability to advance the regional conservation work: Scott Christie, PennDOT deputy secretary; Andy Tuck, senior campaign advisor for The Nature Conservancy; Brian Hill, program officer for the Richard K. Mellon Foundation; and Andrew Johnson, program officer for the William Penn Foundation. All the panelists spoke to how the landscape work will require continued focus and partnerships at all levels, and that the challenges will be to measure impact and outcomes. The Conservation Landscape Summit was supported by DCNR, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the William Penn Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Presentations from the summit will be posted on the Summit's website. (Reprinted from DCNR's January 23 Resources newsletter.) Rainforest Alliance Recertifies Management Of Pennsylvanias State Forests The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released the results of an independent review teams annual study of state forestlands Tuesday, affirming the states efforts to conserve resources through sound management. The auditors were very pleased with our forest management and our staffs dedication, and I extend thanks to each of the districts involved in this years audit for another job well done, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said. This continued certification is an affirmation of the pride we take in managing our state forest system for many values and uses, while maintaining its long-term health and viability. Forest management faces many threats and challenges, including fragmentation and disturbance, invasive plants, destructive exotic insects and insufficient regeneration, Allan said. The certification process shows we are doing everything we can to improve our management plans and practices. More importantly, it helps us identify areas we can improve to ensure our forests are well managed and in line with stakeholder expectations. For the 15th consecutive year, when a team of scientists first began reviewing management of Pennsylvanias 2.2 million acres of state forestlands, researchers lauded Pennsylvanias commitment to its forests, and exemplary practices and innovation in managing forest resources. The independent, third-party review was conducted in late August 2012 by Rainforest Alliance, recognized as the world's leading forest management certifier. Certification assures consumers that wood products from the states public forests come from a sustainable, well-managed system, which helps Pennsylvania to compete in the growing niche consumer market for green label wood products. The annual assessment is designed to evaluate the ecological, economic and social performance of DCNRs Bureau of Forestry according to guidelines established by the Forest Stewardship Council.

The FSC is an independent organization supporting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. It was formed in 1993 by environmental, social and forest-products industry representatives to establish guidelines for sustainable forest-management practices. A Rainforest Alliance project team consisting of a forestry socio-economic assessor and a wildlife ecologist toured Gallitzen, Clear Creek and Sproul state forest districts. They met with DCNR officials and stakeholders, scoring woodlands on timber-resource sustainability, forestecosystem maintenance, financial and socioeconomic considerations and other categories. Auditors sought stakeholder input on deer impact in the forest; implementation of the Deer Management Assistance Program; forest regeneration; and remediation of trails following a motorcycle enduro race in Sproul State Forest. Specifically, Rainforest Alliance applauded the bureau for: -- Habitat enhancement in a reclaimed surface coal mine, now home to threatened and endangered bird species, and designated as a High Conservation Value Forest in Gallitzin State Forest; -- Cooperation, training, co-coordination and research efforts with the USDA Forest Service in addressing potential regeneration shortfalls in Clear Creek State Forest; -- Reduced impact of the July 2012 motorcycle enduro race in Sproul State Forest; trail remediation after the event; and efforts to balance stakeholder needs and sound forest management in overseeing an event that drew some 250 participants. In each of these districts auditors also looked at the overall condition of our forests, roads, trails and infrastructure, Allan said. Every employee should feel proud of the work they have done to help us maintain such a high standard. The evaluation team and Rainforest Alliance work with the bureau to resolve any issues found during audits. Streamlining of special activity guidelines on motorized trails were requested in the 2012 study, and suggestions were made to improve stakeholder input and regeneration surveys after timber harvests. Just as recycled products have become common in the marketplace, many environmentally conscious timber consumers look for green wood grown in certified forests, Allan said. Continuing certification is especially good news when you consider our quality hardwoods help support the states $7 billion forest products industry that employs more than 60,000 people. Copies of the Rainforest Alliance 2012 state forest evaluation and the State Forest Resource Management Plan are available online. Statewide Conference For Private Forestland Owners Set For May 10 The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will cosponsor a first-ever private forest landowner conference focusing on conservation and management of privately owned woodlands across the state. The two-day event begins May 10 at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona. Past regional and local private forestland conferences have targeted primarily private forest landowners, both industrial and non-industrial, said DCNR Secretary Rick Allan. This event is expanded to include a wider range of landowners with outdoors interests and a commitment to sustaining healthy forests. We invite recreation-related businesses, timber interests, family forest owners, policy makers, and all others with an interest and stake in private

forest land stewardship. The 2013 Private Forest Landowner Conference: the Future of Penn's Woods will focus on the conservation and management of healthy forests with the intent of bringing together landowners who want to demonstrate commitment to forest sustainability. Whether a person owns five or 500 acres, they are among nearly 740,000 Pennsylvania woodland owners who make decisions about the health and well-being of nearly 12 million acres of private forests, Allan said. Regionally and nationally recognized experts will offer presentations on a variety of topics including conservation options, invasive species, taxes, water quality, woodland care, water quality, wildlife, and backyard woodlots. Exhibitors will offer informational and resource displays, and demonstrators will be on hand to showcase tools and services. On Friday morning, May 10, optional tours will address wind energy and forests, invasive species control, vernal ponds, and early successional wildlife habitat. These tours will take place before the conference officially starts at 1 p.m. with general and concurrent sessions. Friday night offers an optional banquet with keynote addresses. The program continues from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, with more general and concurrent sessions. The registration fee is $75. Registration details and other information can be found at the Conference webpage. (Reprinted from DCNR's January 23 Resources newsletter.) Preservation Of More Than 130 Acres By Natural Lands Trust Natural Lands Trust Monday announced it preserved a total of 134 acres in Chester and Delaware counties in the closing weeks of 2012. Preserving land can be one of the most fulfilling choices a landowner can make, said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. It is, however, rarely a simple decision and we are tremendously grateful to the landowners who chose conservation at the end of 2012. Among the projects completed in December were four land conservation easements, one outright purchase, and a land donation that Natural Lands Trust will add to one of its publically accessible nature preserves. Under a conservation easement, property remains in private ownership, but is protected from future development in perpetuity. In Chester County, Natural Lands Trust acquired a conservation easement on 10 acres in West Pikeland Township. The property is owned by the Yellow Springs Foundation and is the southern portion of a larger 113-acre parcel owned by the foundation. Eighty-three acres of that parcel have been under conservation easement since 2000. All of Historic Yellow Springs lands are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 10-acre easement was made possible by funding from West Pikeland Township. Natural Lands Trust also finalized a conservation easement on 10 acres in East Brandywine Township, Chester County. The property, which contains the Bondsville Mill mansion, a barn, and wetlands, is immediately adjacent to East Brandywines Bondsville Mill Park.

The easement on the property is part of a larger conservation effort to protect the mid19th century Bondsville Mill, a textile mill that operated for more than 110 years along Beaver Creek, which runs through the easement property. East Brandywine Township provided support for the easement. Also in Chester County, Natural Lands Trust finalized a 12-acre conservation easement in New Garden Township. The property is located along the East Branch White Clay Creek and is identified as a critical area by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers program. We love the peace and tranquility of our property and its variety of wildlife, said the landowners. It seemed fitting to protect it all with a conservation easement. The property is a key element in a planned trail that will one day connect the White Clay Creek Preserve with New Garden Townships Laurel Woods Preserve. Support for the easement was provided by New Garden Township and Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation. Natural Lands Trust purchased 4.4 acres in Warwick Township, Chester County, which it will transfer to French Creek State Park. Though small, the wooded property will allow access to the park from St. Peters Road. Though small, the wooded property will allow improved access to the park from St. Peters Road. A long-standing, informal trail through the property was heavily-used by fire and safety personnel during last springs French Creek fire. The purchase will enable park staff to establish a more formal point of access. Im so happy that others will be able to enjoy this land, said property owner Lee Henderson. Chester County Preservation Partnership Program; Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Open Space Institute; Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation; and Warwick Township provided support for the purchase. In Delaware County, Natural Lands Trust accepted a 22-acre donation of land that will be added to its Wawa Preserve in Chester Heights Borough. Parts of the preserve were once used to graze cattle for the Wawa Dairy. The addition contains woodlands and a few small fields, and will bring the preserve to 98 acres. Also in Chester Heights Borough, Natural Lands Trust finalized a conservation easement on 75 acres of land, one of the largest, privately held, undeveloped properties remaining in central Delaware County. The property is composed of open pastures and young woodlands. The easement was made possible by the generosity of the landowners. Celebrating its 60th year, Natural Lands Trust is the regions largest land conservation organization and is dedicated to protecting the forests, fields, streams, and wetlands that are essential to the sustainability of life in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Since its founding, Natural Lands Trust has preserved more than 100,000 acres, including 41 nature preserves totaling more than 21,000 acres and 20,000 acres on which it holds conservation easements. For more information, visit the Natural Lands Trust website. DCNR Bureau Of Forestry Applauded For Hurricane Sandy Efforts Its a drill DCNRs Bureau of Forestrys Division of Forest Fire Protection knows so well: alert, feed, house and transport would-be firefighters from their Harrisburg mobilization center to infernos charring distant states like California, Nevada or Utah. Hurricane Sandy changed that operation but not its efficiency. Or its commitment.

This timebetween October 29 and November 16disaster crews were flying into Harrisburg International Airport, bound for the storm-ravaged East Coast. And bureau personnel again tackled the task of feeding, housing and transporting crews. A lot of crews. Soon after the storm passed, requests for additional resources to help New York and New Jersey brought crews swarming into Harrisburg, said Thomas Parent a federal disaster coordination official. At the height of the incident, there were more than 1,100 wildland firefighters engaged in response to this effort, most of which entered through the Harrisburg Mobilization Center. The task of receiving and transporting hundreds of wildland firefighters and their equipmentarriving on chartered aircraft and moving to ground transportation, feeding areas and temporary housing locations throughout the Harrisburg areawas enormous. A lesser prepared unit would have been overwhelmed by this mission. Parent chairs the Eastern Area Coordinating Group, serving federal and state wildland fire agencies within the 20-state Eastern Area. It provides logistical support, resources, and intelligence for anticipated and ongoing wildland fire activity, and facilitates movement of resources (people, aircraft, and ground equipment) among member agencies. In a January 7 letter to DCNR Secretary Richard Allan, Parent expressed sincere thanks to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, noting: The team performed in a highly professional manner, and their work has been recognized by wildland firefighters throughout the U.S. Due to the scope of this operation, the Division of Forest Fire Protection was assisted by other bureau staff from several state forests rest Districts. A total of 30 bureau employees were involved, helping channel disaster crews from airport tarmac to eventual storm-area deployment. In between, crews were moved from the airport to a staging area located at the Lower Swatara Fire Co. Meals and lodging then were obtained, with most crews spending one night in the Harrisburg area before driving to assignments in New York or New Jersey. Many reported to Fort Dix, N.J., where major efforts were coordinated to clear storm damage from roads and towns. (Reprinted from DCNR's January 23 Resources newsletter.) Fish & Boat Commission Presents Inaugural Resource First Award, Other Annual Awards As part of its quarterly business meeting Wednesday and Thursday, the Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) presented various awards to staff and partners. Inaugural Resource First Award: Before the start of Wednesday evenings trout seminar, Executive Director John Arway presented the agencys inaugural Resource First Award to Rod Cross, a resident of Chambersburg, Franklin County. Rod is committed to conservation ethics, youth education, habitat improvement, partnerships and, most of all, to the resource, said Arway. He has devoted his life to partnering with and leading conservation groups for the improvement and protection of natural resources both for public recreation and the environment. The Commission is honored to recognize Rod and to present him with the inaugural Resource First award. During a seven-year term as president of Pennsylvanias Falling Spring Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Mr. Cross helped to secure $1 million in grant money to overhaul four halfmile sections of Falling Spring Branch near Chambersburg, Franklin County. He has served as

operations director for the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp in Boiling Springs, Cumberland County, for 16 years, and previously he helped found a TU chapter in western Pennsylvania. In 2012, Rod was acknowledged for his conservation service and volunteerism by becoming one of Field & Streams selected finalists in its Heroes of Conservation national recognition program. Rod Cross is the kind of individual who keeps the outdoor sports alive and thriving for all us, said Field & Stream Executive Editor Mike Toth. Not only is he making Pennsylvania a better place for sportsmen now, he also is working to create and nurture more sportsmen for tomorrow. Among his many achievements, Rod is most proud of his leadership in operating the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp. The resource starts to make sense for these kids, and they get fired up about fishing and the health of the earth, he said. At the start of Thursdays formal business meeting, Director Arway presented several additional awards. Lifesaving Award: Executive Director Arway presented a Lifesaving Award to PFBC employee Russell Rusty Rupp for heroic efforts. On June 11, 2012, Rusty assisted Pennsylvania State Police during a fatal accident in Penn Township, Cumberland County. Russell helped a man who had a severe arm injury, saving the mans arm and his life. Through the turmoil of the accident, he took the initiative to help the injured. Rusty is a seasonal employee at the PFBCs maintenance area in Lancaster County. Dam Safety Award: The PFBCs Engineering Section received the 2012 Northeast Regional Award of Merit from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO). The section includes PFBC employees Gerald Woomer, Jason Anderson, and Paul Urbanik and former employee Jack Rokavec. Each year the ASDSO selects one candidate from each of its four regions across the country to receive its Regional Award of Merit. ASDSOs Northeast Region is comprised of 11 states, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands. The award is given to individuals, companies, organizations, municipalities, or other entities working in the dam safety field that have made outstanding contributions to dam safety on a regional level. The award was formally presented in September during the associations annual conference in Denver, Colorado. Wave of Excellence Award: In keeping with Executive Director Arways interest in recognizing a job well done, the PFBC in July created a new employee recognition award entitled the Wave of Excellence. The award allows employees to recognize other employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in performing their work or who have provided extraordinary customer service. I am pleased to announce that Teresa Erdman is the second recipient to receive the Wave of Excellence Award or the WE Award, Arway said. Teresa was nominated by a fellow co-worker and the first recipient of the award, Amos Ferguson. Teresa is known to put we - the PFBC - above me. Teresa works in the Executive Office at the Harrisburg headquarters.

As winner of the Wave of Excellence Award, Teresa will be permitted to keep the award for six months before passing it on. The Pennsylvania brook trout sculpture is extremely unique and was specially designed by local artist Brad Gebhart. The base is made of blue river rock and is meant to simulate a brook trout swimming in water. Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Confluence Award: Linda and Bob Steiner are the recipients of the second Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Confluence Award. This award recognizes contributors to the magazine who have exhibited a long-term commitment to promoting recreational fishing or boating within the pages of the magazine and beyond. Linda Steiners start as a contributor to Pennsylvania Angler predates Bob's. Her penand-ink drawing of a jumping trout was published in June 1972. Bob Steiner's first article for Pennsylvania Angler magazine was published in June 1973. It was entitled, "When Johnny Came Marching Home" and was about a young Vietnam War veteran who returns home, but doesn't feel truly "home" until he goes wild brook trout fishing. Linda illustrated the article. Bob and Linda co-authored "Once a year, every year, at Tidioute-Fishing is King," an article with photos about the "state champion" fishing contest, for the September 1976 issue. Linda's first single-author article, with illustrations, was "The Beginning Fly Tyer's Bane." It was published in the March 1979. Linda also wrote the Commissions "Pennsylvania Fishes book. Bob started working for the Fish Commission in 1972, as a fish culturist in the salmon program, and in 1974 went into law enforcement. He contributed numerous "Notes from the Streams" during his tenure as a Waterways Conservation Officer. Both Bob and Linda have received award recognition for their photos and their writing in the Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine, from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Game Commission Urges Participation In Great Backyard Bird Count Game Commission officials are encouraging bird and nature fans throughout the state to join tens of thousands of everyday North American bird watchers for the 2013 Great Backyard Bird Count February 15-18. A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation. This project is a great way to Connect with Wildlife starting at home, said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. Participants count birds and report their sightings online; it doesnt get any easier. These types of activities provide the citizen-scientist with an opportunity to help wildlife, said Doug Gross, Game Commission biologist. Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to our knowledge, the occurrence and abundance of birds in winter and the importance of private lands to wildlife. Thousands of Pennsylvania landowners enjoy birds and other animals on their property. The Game Commission is committed to involving the general public in monitoring bird populations and helping landowners improve their property for wildlife. Additionally, this is a great opportunity for beginning bird watchers to hone their skills, and for all participants to enjoy the winter landscape. The project is a great entry into bird

surveys, allowing and encouraging mentoring within families and between friends. Learning about birds and other wildlife often starts in your own backyard. Last year, observers reported 17.4 million birds of 600 species in the United States and Canada. These records represent 104,000 checklists. Participants are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes on at least one day of the event and reporting their sightings online. Additional online resources include tips to help identify birds, a photo gallery, and special materials for educators. The project goes beyond artificial feeding stations and includes planted and naturallyoccurring vegetation that attracts and protects birds, Gross said. Those submitting reports to the GBBC website also are encouraged to contribute bird sightings by registering at Pennsylvania eBird website managed by the Game Commission. The GBBC information is combined with eBird data, but is concentrated on private lands. The Game Commission was the first state wildlife agency to host and manage a state eBird website, which is dedicated to helping birders throughout North America and the world record their bird observations and improve our understanding of the use of bird habitat and seasonal bird activities, Gross said. With the ability to make each bird record site-specific, the data collected helps the Game Commission and other wildlife researchers understand the importance of particular locations to birds and bird population trends, information that is critical for effective conservation. These efforts enable everyone to see what would otherwise be impossible: a comprehensive picture of where birds are in late winter and how their numbers and distribution compare with previous years. Last year, there was a big invasion of snowy owls, Gross said. This winter seems to feature conifer birds, such as pine siskin, red-breasted nuthatch and crossbills that have travelled to Pennsylvania due to natural crop failures to the north. Each winter provides its own surprises. Each year, in addition to entering their tallies, participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest. Many are featured in the popular online gallery. Visit the Great Backyard Bird Count or the Game Commissions Birding and Bird Conservation webpages for more information. NewsClip: Join Great Backyard Bird Count In Radnor Bluebird Nest Boxes Help Pennsylvanians Connect With Wildlife If you are interested in connecting with wildlife in your own backyard, beginning January 28, the Game Commission will be selling bluebird nesting boxes at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue. The boxes sell for $10.60 (includes sales tax), and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project. Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time to put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes, said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief. These bluebird boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way. Also, building nesting boxes is a great project for individuals, families or civic organizations interested in connecting with wildlife. These box designs are proven to attract bluebirds and other native species, such as tree swallows and house wrens.

Bluebirds live in open country, and are a beautiful songbird native to Pennsylvania. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and became less common due to a lack of suitable nest sites. Many nest sites have been lost through changing land-use practices, as well as to urban and suburban sprawl. But the introductions of house sparrows and starlings in 1851 and 1890 were the primary reasons for the bluebirds decline, as these non-native species took over native bluebird nesting cavities. The bluebird boxes offered by the Game Commission include an opening that is the prescribed one-and-one-half inches in diameter. This precludes starlings from being able to enter. However, house sparrows still are able to enter the boxes. If this occurs, the house sparrow nest should be removed immediately. Theyre usually easy to identify; they fill up the whole nesting cavity with grasses and almost always include feathers and manmade materials in their composition. Native species such as tree swallows and house wrens should not be excluded from nestboxes. Wrens construct nests with twigs; swallows build a nest with a distinct cup below the entrance hole. Boxes should be erected on a free-standing pole three to five feet above the ground facing south, if possible and facing a nearby tree or fence where young birds can safely land on their initial flights from the box. To reduce predation and competition from other species, no perch should be placed on the box; bluebirds do not need one. Boxes placed in pairs, about 20 feet apart, may help reduce competition from swallows. The Game Commissions Howard Nursery has been manufacturing bluebird nest boxes and box kits for more than a quarter century. Each year, about 9,000 boxes are manufactured there and sold or provided to Pennsylvanians to help bluebirds. That annual influx of new nest boxes helps ensure Pennsylvania remains a keystone state in bluebird conservation. Sales will continue while supplies last, and office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Game Commissions headquarters is at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg. To order by phone, call the Game Commissions Harrisburg office at 1-888-888-3459. If ordering by phone, shipping and handling costs will apply depending on how many boxes are ordered. For more information, visit the Game Commissions Bluebird webpage. DCNR Invites Bids On State Park Projects In Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming Counties The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published a notice inviting bids on State Park projects in Bradford, Clinton and Lycoming counties. Help Wanted: Allegheny County Conservation District Manager The Allegheny County Conservation District is seeking candidates to fill the District Manager position. The deadline for resumes is February 14. Send resumes, or for a detailed job description and candidate profile, send email to: williamlafe@gmail.com or call 412 871-0399. Help Wanted: 2 Performance Systems Development Energy Efficiency Coordinators

Performance System Development, which provides a whole-systems approach to EE strategies through our work on advancing energy policies, designing and delivering cost-effective EE programs, and building software tools to improve data tracking and reporting, is seeking to fill two positions. The positions are for Program Coordinators in Philadelphia and Meadville. The successful candidates for these positions will play a key role in the growth of Pennsylvanias green jobs and energy efficiency workforce. Under the supervision of Performance System Developments (PSD) Program Manager, this position will work in a dynamic team environment on the delivery of residential energy efficiency (EE) programs in Pennsylvania. As a Program Coordinator for PSD, you will work closely with a group of highly skilled professionals to manage program communications, provide participant support, oversee project submissions, analyze data and develop and deliver reports on program goals and energy savings. Click Here for details on the Philadelphia position. Click Here for details on the Meadville position.

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 January 29-- No agenda yet. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Vapor Intrusion Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. February 2-- No agenda yet. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 5-- No agenda yet. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. February 7--CANCELED. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Next scheduled meeting is May 16. 10:00. (formal notice) February 8-- NEW. Agenda (posted Jan. 25). DEP Sewage Advisory Committee special meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) -- Housekeeping: 2013 meeting dates, member nominations, selecting Chair -- Presentation on draft guidance: Sewage Facilities Planning Module Review in HQ, EV watersheds <> Click Here for any available handouts February 13-- No agenda yet. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (2013 meeting dates) February 14-- No agenda yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (2013 meeting dates)

February 14-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a public hearing on proposed water withdrawals. Room 8E-B East Wing Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 1:00. (formal notice/ agenda) February 20-- No agenda yet. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP Southcentral Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. (2013 meeting dates) February 27-- No agenda yet. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Technical Guidance Manual Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 5-- No agenda yet. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 6-- No agenda yet. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. March 26-- DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. Bureau of Mine Safety Rescue Training Facility, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (2013 meeting schedule) April 11-- No agenda yet. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (2013 meeting dates) April 11-12-- No agenda yet. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. June 12-- No agenda yet. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events [DEP No Longer Publishes a single Calendar of agency meetings]

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. January 31-- Governors Award For Environmental Excellence January 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Photo Contest February 1-- DEP Natural Gas Vehicle Grants February 1- Appalachian Audubon Hogg Island Student/Teacher Scholarships February 1-- Shale Gas Technology Innovation Contest February 8-- PA American Water Works Assn. Student Scholarship February 15-- Dominion/PEC Western PA Environmental Awards

February 28-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships February 28-- Appalachian Trail Museum Hall Of Fame Inductees March 1-- PHMC Historic Preservation Grants March 1-- Southwest PA Lets Clear The Air Student Poster Challenge March 22-- NEW. WREN Watershed Education Grants March 22-- NEW. WREN Source Water Protection Grants March 22-- NEW. WREN Non-Point Pollution Opportunity Grants March 29-- NEW. PA American Water Protection Our Watersheds Art Contest March 29-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy/Yeaman Student Scholarship April 10-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon College Scholarship May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship Grant May 31-- NEW. DEP Section 902 Recycling Grants No Deadline-- NEW. DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or before if funds run out) July 12-- PROP Recycling Film Fest December 31-- NEW. DEP PA Sunshine Rebates (or before if funds run out) -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Baer: Corbetts New Year Goals Pave Way For Re-Election Budget Much At Stake For Corbetts Budget Address Corbett Will Now Roll Out Transportation Funding Plan Feb. 5 Corbett: Education Funding Tied To Pension Savings Battle Lines Taking Shape Over Highway Funding Bill Lawmakers Poised To Work On Transportation Plan Column: Corbetts Gasoline Untax May Raise $1.85 Billion Editorial: Corbett Tax Increase Not A Good Idea In A Recession Editorial: Governors Ready For Road Funding Plan Decision Editorial: State Should Regulate Pay At Nonprofits Other Riverside 7 Year Olds Test Schools Water Quality New Electronics Recycling Law Takes Effect DEP Says DeNaples Dirt Is Clean Utilities Using New Way To Fund Improvements Lehigh Airport Strikes $4.5 Million Energy-Saver Deal LIHEAP Crisis Grant Program Opens NE Convenience Store Chain Installs CNG Pumps State Questions Allegheny Proposal To Monitor Well Emissions DEP Calling Attention To Radon Many Consumers Want Natural Gas, Cant Get It

Need Cheaper Electric? PPL Will Find It For You FirstEnergy Revises Plan For Waste At Mansfield Plant FirstEnergy To Ship Coal Wastes To Fayette County Beaver Nuclear Plant Makes Snow Editorial: Climate Warming Lies Editorial: Heat Is On, Governments Dont Notice Mine Fire In Olyphant Still Burning Memories Of Knox Mine Disaster Linger Half Of 200 At Risk Historic Properties Remain So Fish Commission Backs Away From Big Spring Creek Restrictions Nature Preserves Approved For Chester, Delaware Lackawanna State Forest Expanding Northwest River Trail Taking Shape In Lancaster Presque Isle Group Discusses Sheetz, Wildlife, Beaches Presque Isle Looks To Buy Coast Guard Houses Amish Farmer Charged With Killing Young Eagle Join Great Backyard Bird Count In Radnor Two Fish Hatcheries To Close PA Joins States Providing For Benefit Corporations

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--DePasquale Launches Marcellus Water Safety Audit PA Auditor To Review Shale Wastewater Program Editorial: DEP Deserves Review Of Marcellus Program DEP Disputes Claims On Missing Drilling Fee Data DEP Says Paper On Impact Fee Gas Well Count Wrong DEP Shelves More Stringent Water Test DEP To Study Radioactivity In Drilling Waste DEP Announces Oil And Gas Drilling Radiation Study DEP To Study Radiation Related To Marcellus Drilling Photographers Seek To Shine Light On Marcellus Drilling Senators Pileggi, Yaw Discuss Expanding Natural Gas Use Judge Upholds Township Decision On Gas Compressor Station Company Picks Route For Natural Gas Pipeline Report Recommends Gas Pipeline Placement Steps Drilling Explore Groundbreaking Fracking Technique State Questions Allegheny Proposal To Monitor Well Emissions Fracking For Natural Gas Powered By It Too NE Convenience Store Chain Installs CNG Pumps Op-Ed: Natural Gas Infrastructure Will Reduce Price Of Goods New Documentary Targets Critics Of Fracking FrackNation Well Received By Drilling Advocates Use Of Allegheny Airport Drilling Money Eyed

Former Drilling Co. Officer Pleads Guilty Many Consumers Want Natural Gas, Cant Get It Deal To Ship Ethane Via Marcus Hook Financial/Other States New Jersey Fracking Moratorium Expires Study Warns Of Increasing Waste From Gas Drilling Op-Ed: Shale Wont Shake Things Up So Much StateImpact: YouTube Facts About Fracking

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Other Watershed NewsClips Mine Drainage Cleanup Expensive, Slow Process Conewago Creek Initiative Plans Feb. 22 Farmers Meeting Pittsburgh Sewage Authority Receives $7M State Loan

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Environmental Quality Board published a notice of final omitted/emergency rulemaking on Emergency Response Planning at Unconventional Well Sites adopted by the Board in November (PA Bulletin page 526). Pennsylvania Bulletin - January 26, 2013 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a final Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Operator Certification Handbook. The Public Utility Commission published a tentative order covering the Registry of Conservation Service Providers under Act 129. Final: DEP ID:391-2300-001. Title:Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Operator Certification Program Handbook. Description:This document serves as a handbook to help drinking water and wastewater system operators, both certified and noncertified and owners understand their requirements defined by the Water and Wastewater Systems Operator Certification Act and 25 Pa.Code Chapter 302 (relating to administration of the water and wastewater systems operators' certification program).

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

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. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. January 29-- House Democratic Policy Committee holds a public hearing on renewable energy legislation. Ludington Library, 5 South Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr. 10:00. January 29-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Vapor Intrusion Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. February 2-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 5-- Governors Budget Address. Noonish. February 5-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. February 7-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing with various industries and issues the Committee deals with on a regular basis. Room 140. 9:00. February 7--CANCELED. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Next scheduled meeting is May 16. 10:00. (formal notice) February 8-- NEW. Agenda Released DEP Sewage Advisory Committee special meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) February 11-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, to hear a presentation from a company that recycles plastic drill site liners used by the Marcellus Shale industry. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon.

February 13-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (2013 meeting dates) February 14-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on natural gas distribution services. Room 140. 9:00. February 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (2013 meeting dates) February 14-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a public hearing on proposed water withdrawals. Room 8E-B East Wing Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 1:00. (formal notice/ agenda) February 19-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 Governors Budget Office; 1:00 Public Utility Commission; 3:00 Independent Fiscal Office-Economic Outlook & Revenue Overview. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 19-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on the Fish & Boat Commission annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 1:00. February 20-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 Department of Environmental Protection. Room 140. February 20-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on the Game Commission annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 9:15. February 20-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP Southcentral Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. (2013 meeting dates) February 25-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 26-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00 Department of Health. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 27-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 2:30 Department of Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 27-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Technical Guidance Manual Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 5-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00 Department of Agriculture. Hearing Room 1, North Office. March 5-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 Department of Agriculture; 11:30 Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Room 140.

March 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 6-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 Department of Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office. March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:30 Public Utility Commission/ Small Business and Consumer Advocates. Room 140. March 6-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. March 7-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 Governors Budget Office; 1:00 House Member Testimony. Room 140. March 26-- DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. Bureau of Mine Safety Rescue Training Facility, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (2013 meeting schedule) April 11-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (2013 meeting dates) April 11-12-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. June 12-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Calendar of Events [DEP No Longer Publishes a single Calendar of agency meetings] Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

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. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-

based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the newly updated Crisci Associates website or call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by going to: www.Twitter.com/PaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

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.