PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaNovember25,2013 DrillingFeesFundMoreThan$28.5MillionEnvironmental,RecreationProjects Gov.TomCorbettFridayannouncedtheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityapprovedmorethan $28.5millioninfundingtosupportminedrainagetreatment,watershedrestoration,recreation, abandonedwellpluggingandfloodmitigationprojectsfromtheMarcellusLegacyFund. Act13drillingfeeshavefundedatotalof$28,854,560inprojectsundertheseprograms AbandonedMineDrainage,Abatement&Treatment$5,272,694 WatershedRestorationandProtection$5,686,048 WaterQualityData$500,000 Greenways,TrailsandRecreation$16,460,533 OrphanorAbandonedWellPlugging$225,000 FloodMitigation$710,285 ClickHereforalistofAct13fundedprojectsundertheseprograms. Weestablishedtheseprogramstoensureaportionofthefundscollectedgoesbacktolocal communitiestosupportenvironmentalenhancementandconservationprograms,saidCorbett. AbandonedMineDrainage TheAbandonedMineDrainageAbatementandTreatmentProgramprovidesgrantsfor projectswhichinvolvethereclamationofabandonedminelandstotreatAMD,newAMDsite remediationandtherepairofexistingAMDprojectsites. TheprogramalsosupportstheoperationandmaintenanceofcurrentAMDremediationsites throughtheestablishmentofatrustfundtoensureongoingmaintenanceandmonitoringofwaterquality isachieved. The12approvedAMDabatementandtreatmentprojectsarelocatedinAllegheny,Bedford, Blair,Butler,Centre,Clarion,Clearfield,Clinton,Elk,Jefferson,Indiana,Northumberland,Schuylkill, Somerset,Venango,TiogaandWestmorelandcountiestotaling$5,272,694. WatershedRestoration&Protection TheWatershedRestorationandProtectionprogramfundsprojects,whichrestoreandmaintain restoredstreamreachesimpairedbytheuncontrolleddischargeofnonpointsourcepollutedrunoff. ProjectswillbefundedwiththegoalofremovingthestreamsfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental ProtectionsImpairedWaterslist. The32approvedwatershedrestorationandprotectionprojectsarelocatedinBedford,Centre, Chester,Cumberland,Dauphin,Delaware,Elk,Greene,Lancaster,Lehigh,Philadelphia,Potter, McKean,Montgomery,Northampton,Schuylkill,UnionandWestmorelandcountiestotaling $5,686,048. AbandonedWellPlugging

TheOrphanorAbandonedWellPluggingprogramfundsprojectstoplugabandonedand orphanedwellswiththepotentialtocausehealth,safetyorenvironmentalconcerns.Twoprojectswere approvedinAlleghenyandWashingtoncountiestotaling$225,000. BaselineWaterQualityData TheBaselineWaterQualityDataprogramfundsstatewideprojectsthatinvolvewatersample collectionandanalysistodocumentexistinggroundwaterqualityconditionsonprivatewatersupplies nearnaturalgasextraction.ThetwoapprovedBaselineWaterQualityDataprojectsarelocatedin BradfordandLycomingcountiestotaling$500,000. FloodMitigation TheFloodMitigationprogramfundsstatewideprojectsauthorizedbyafloodprotection authority,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,theU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers,theU.S. DepartmentofAgriculture'sNaturalResourcesConservationServiceoridentifiedbyalocal governmentforfloodmitigation. ThefourapprovedfloodmitigationprojectsarelocatedinBlair,Bucks,Lackawannaand Northumberlandcountiestotaling$710,285. Greenways,TrailsandRecreation The116approvedgreenways,trailsandrecreationprojectswereapprovedunderthe Greenways,TrailsandRecreationprogramtotaling$16,460,533. TheprojectarelocatedinAllegheny,Armstrong,Beaver,Berks,Bucks,Butler,Cambria, Carbon,Chester,Clarion,Columbia,Cumberland,Dauphin,Delaware,Elk,Erie,Fayette,Greene, Huntingdon,Indiana,Lackawanna,Lawrence,Lehigh,Luzerne,Mercer,Mifflin,Montgomery,Monroe, Northampton,Northumberland,Philadelphia,Schuylkill,Snyder,Susquehanna,Washington,Wayne, Westmoreland,WyomingandYorkcounties. Act13,whichCorbettsignedintolawin2012,authorizedcountiestoimposeanimpactfeeon unconventionalnaturalgaswells. Todate,thefeehasgeneratedmorethan$400millionthatisbenefittingeveryPennsylvanian. Themajorityoftherevenuesaredistributedtolocalgovernmentswheredrillingistakingplace,withthe remainderofthemoneyusedforstatewideinitiatives. TheprogramsareadministeredjointlybytheDepartmentofCommunityandEconomic Development,theDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,andtheDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection,underthedirectionoftheCFA. RelatedStories $8.7MillionInAlternativeAndRenewableEnergyProjectsFundedByDrillingFees LuzerneCountyMineDrainageTreatmentProjectReceives$1MillionFromDrillingFees DEPNowAcceptingNominationsFor2014GovernorsEnvironmentalExcellenceAwards TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionis encouragingenvironmentalstewardstoapplyforthe 2014GovernorsEnvironmentalExcellenceAwards. ThedeadlinefornominationsisJanuary14. Organizationsthathavedevelopedinnovativeprojects toimprovetheenvironmentinPennsylvaniadeserverecognition,ActingDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo said.GovernorCorbettandIareproudtocontinuethistraditionofrecognizingtheorganizationsand individualsthatshowPennsylvaniaseconomicdevelopmentdoesnotcomeattheexpenseofthe

environment. TheawardsareopentoallPennsylvaniabusinesses,farms,governmentagencies,educational institutions,nonprofitorganizationsandindividualsthathavedevelopedinnovativeenvironmental programsorhaveimplementedprojectsthatbalanceenvironmentalstewardshipandeconomic development. Examplesofeligibleprojectsincludewastewaterrecyclingtechnologyinnovation,resource development,renewableandalternativeenergyinnovation,watershedrestorationstrategiesand environmentaleducationoutreach,amongothers. Projectswillbeevaluatedbasedonsevencriteriadetailedwithintheguidelines,including environmentalbenefitsanduseofinnovativetechnology.Theprojectmusthavebeencompleted betweenAugust1,2012,andJuly31,2013.Whileeachcandidatemaysubmitonlyoneapplicationfor aparticularproject,companieswithmultiplefacilitiesmaysubmitanapplicationforeachfacility. ProjectsthathavepreviouslyreceivedaGovernorsAwardforEnvironmentalExcellenceare noteligible.Pastwinnersmaysubmitapplicationsfornewprojects. RecipientsoftheawardswillbehonoredduringaneveningreceptiononApril22,2014,and thewinningprojectswillalsobelistedonDEPswebsite. Projectsshouldbesubmittedviaemailto:RAEPgovenviroawards@pa.gov.Faxedormailed submissionswillnotbeconsidered. Formoreinformation,visittheGovernorsAwardsforEnvironmentalExcellencewebpage. Forassistancewithcompletingtheapplication,call7177838727. Senate,HouseSend$2.3BillionTransportationFundingPlanToGovernor TheHouseandSenatethisweekgavefinalapprovaltoHouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)that wouldraise$2.3billionintransportationfundingbyFY201718$1.3billionforhighwaysand bridges,atleast$480millionformasstransitand$144millionforanewMultimodalTransportation Fund. ThebillisnowontheGovernorsdeskandheannouncedplanstosignthebillnextweek. TheplanuncapstheOilCompanyFranchiseTaxinstepsoverfiveyearswhichisestimatedat currentpricestoincreasegasolinepricesby25to28centspergallon.Vehicleregistrationfeesand driverslicensefeesareincreased.Asurchargeisimposedontrafficticketsandcertainfinesare increased. ThenewIntermodalFundwillprovide$2millionannuallyforbicycleandpedestrianfacilities, amongotherpurposes.ThebillincludesaprovisionconsolidatingPennDOTdeputatesandcreatesa DeputySecretaryforMultimodalTransportation. Theplanincludesa$30millionincreasetotheDirtandGravelRoadProgrambringingthetotal fundingto$35millionannually$28milliontotheStateConservationCommissionand$7milliontothe DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources. TheFishandBoatCommissionwillreceivefundsfromtheOilCompanyFranchiseTaxbased ontheamountoffuelusedbypowermotorboats. Theplanalsoestablishesanew$2/stickerfeeforvehiclesexemptfromthevehicleemissions testingprogramwhichdrivefewerthan5,000milesayear. Theamendmentalsoincludedalimitedreformoftheprevailingwageincreasingthethresholdfor projectsitappliesto$100,000from$25,000. AHouseFiscalNote(betterone)andSenateFiscalNotesummaryofthebillareavailable.

NewsClips: TeaPartyVowsToTorpedoTransportationFundingBill TransportationFundingActionPromptedByCongressionalInaction TransportationFundingGetsFinalOK,HeadsToCorbett HousePasses$2.4BillionTransportationFundingBill HouseSendsTransportationFundingPlanToCorbett CorbettLaudsDemocraticHelpIn$2.5BTransportationFundingBill HouseSends$2.3BillionTransitBillToGovernor FoesClaimCorbettHighwayFundingRequiresTaxIncrease WhatTransportationFundingBillWillCostYou TransportationFundingPassesSenate,1MoreHouseVote SenatePassesTransportationFundingPlan477 MajorRoadsMeasurePassesSenateByWideMargin ConsumersWouldPayMoreAtPumpToFundTransportation TransportationBillTradeoff:SaferJourneysForHigherPumpPrices HouseReversesCourse,OKsTransportationFundingAmendment InReversal,HousePassesTransportationFundingAmendment HouseRegroups,OKs$2.3BTransportationFunding HouseApproves$23BTransportationPackageAmendment HousePassesTransportationFundingAmending OneDayLater,TransitFundingAmendmentPasses HouseApproves$2.3BillionTransportationPlan AgencyCastsGloomyFinancialForecastForState HouseDefeatsMajorCorbettBackedTransportationFundingBill HouseRejects$2.3BillionTransportationBill HouseShootsDownFundingForTransportation HouseRejectsNewTransportationProposal HouseVotesDownTransportationSpendingBill CorbettCallsOnLawmakersToVoteOnTransportationFunding TransportationFundingBillShowsTheresNoFreePotholePatch Corbett,Rendell,Schweiker,RidgeCallForHighwayFunding Corbett,PredecessorsPleaForTransportationFunding PrevailingWageHasBeenARoadblockInLegislature Editorial:MostLawmakersVotedInFavorOfPATransportation Editorial:HighwayBillForLongHaul Editorial:TransportationBill,RedefiningProsperity Editorial:PassATransportationFundingBillNow Editorial:LegislatureUnsafeAtAnySpeed CitizensAdvisoryCouncil:DEPAddsHearingToReviewPeriodForDrillingRegs ActingDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzoTuesdaytoldDEPsCitizensAdvisoryCounciltheagencywas addinganothersetofmeetingsandhearings,nowtotallingseven,duringtheupcomingcommentperiod ontheproposedChapter78drillingregulationtoprovidemoreopportunitiesforpubliccomment. HesaidhearingswillbeheldinornearHarrisburg,Indiana,Meadville,Tunkhannock,

Washington,WestChesterandWilliamsport.Themeetingsshouldbeinsimilarlocationsaroundthe state. AtpublicmeetingsDEPdoesapresentationontheregulationchangesandanswersquestions, butdoesnottakepubliccomments.Publichearingsareforreceivingpubliccommentsinadditionto commenterssubmittingthembymailoremailtoDEP.ClickHereforaDEPCitizensGuideToDEPs RegulatoryProcess. Abruzzosaidthedrillingregulations,adoptedbytheEnvironmentalQualityBoardinJuly,have beendelayedinthereviewprocesspriortopublicationforcommentasaresult,inpart,ofwhathesaid weresomeroutinequestionsfromtheOfficeofAttorneyGeneral.DEPsentanswerstothosequestions onNovember1andtheyexpectedtohearbackfromtheAttorneyGeneralshortly. AbruzzosaidworkiscontinueswiththeFishandBoatCommissiononfindingthecauseofthe smallmouthbassdieoffinthelowerSusquehannaRiver.HenotedDEPstaffhavebeenontheriver takingsamplesfor188daysoverthelastyearanalyzingwaterforeverythingfrompharmaceuticalsand pesticidestomoreroutinepollutants. Henotedthebasspopulationdidseesomeimprovementthisyear. Abruzzoalsoreportedanelectronicsystemforacceptingandreviewingoilandgaswellpermit applicationsstartedtestingonNovember1andhesaidheexpectsittobeavailablegenerallyto applicantsinJanuary. Hesaidthenewsystemwillbeapilotforotherpermittypesintheagencymakingiteasierto storepermitinformationandmakeitavailablethroughDEPseFACTSpermitinformationsystem. HenotedDEPisexpectedtofinalizeitspublicparticipationpolicyonpermitreviewsbytheend oftheyearandaproposedrevisiontotheenvironmentaljusticepermitreviewpolicyshouldbeavailable thefirstquarterof2014. DEPprovidedCouncilwithitsregularmonthlyreportforNovember. NationalRiversAssessment CouncilalsoheardapresentationontheNationalRiversandStreamsAssessmentbytheU.S. EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandhowtheresultsarecausingconfusionabouttheconditionof Pennsylvaniastreams. RepresentativesfromEPAassessmentprogramsaidtheresultsareintendedtoshowthewater qualityconditionoverbroadecologicalregionscoveringseveralstateeachbasedontakingsamplesat 1,942locationsinthe1,194,000milesofriversandstreamsintheUnitedStates. Theresultsshow55percentofthenationsriverandstreammilesareinpoorbiological conditionandthereare7percentfewerstreammilesingoodconditioncomparing2004and2008 results. Theseresultsareincontrasttothedetailedassessmentsandmonitoringdonebystatesunder Section305(d)ofthefederalCleanWaterActtodeterminewhetherbodiesofwatermeetfederal waterqualitystandards. Themostrecent305(d)reportcompletedbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection showsabout77percentofPennsylvaniastreamsmeetfederalwaterqualitystandards,butabout23 percentdonotnearly20,000miles. Pennsylvaniasmostsignificantcausesofwaterqualityimpairmentaredrainagefromabandoned mines,whichtheEPAassessmentdoesnotspecificallyaddress,agriculturalrunoffandurban runoff/stormwater. EPAstaffcomplimentedPennsylvaniaonhavingaverygoodstreamassessmentandmonitoring program.

TheCACalsoheardpresentationsonthesetopics DEPRightToKnowRequests:DEPreceivesabout99requestsforinformationunderthestate RightToKnowlaweachmonthrequiringaresponsebyagencystaff.Generallyanydocumentinthe agencyisconsiderapublicrecord,unlessitisspecificallyexcludedfromrequestsunderthelaw.Trisha Salvia,fromDEPsBureauofRegulatoryCounsel,saidgenerallyoncetheagencyreleasesadocument tothepublicatanadvisorycommitteemeeting,forexample,itispublicregardlessofwhetheritwas originallyprotectedundertheRightToKnowlaw. CommunityEnvironmentalProjectsPolicy:ThepolicyprovidesguidancetoDEPstaffin determiningwhenitwouldbeappropriatefortheagencytoacceptlocalenvironmentalprojectsinlieu ofpayingpenaltiestothestatewhenenvironmentalviolationsoccur.Councilheardapresentationona responsetocommentstheCouncilprovided.ThecommentperiodonthepolicyclosesNovember25. PublicComments DuringtheCouncilsopenpubliccommentperiod,severalindividualsappeared RobertaWinters,PALeagueofWomenVoters,commendedMarjorieHughes,CACExecutive Director,forherworkwithCouncilontheoccasionofherretirement,notedtheRightToKnowlaw providesanimportanttoolforcitizenstoobtaininformationfrompublicagencies,presentedaseriesof questionsabouttheproposedCommunityEnvironmentalProjectPolicyincludingwhatdeterminesan appropriatesituationfortheiruse,isitbasedontheabilitytopayandothers,andsaidtheLeague supportsstrongwaterresourceprogramsandpolicies,inconnectionwiththepresentationonthe NationalRiversandStreamsAssessment. StephenKunz,Schmid&Company,Inc.,providedCouncilwithhisdetailedcommentson proposedchangestotheGP8GeneralPermitcoveringtemporarycrossingsandenvironmentaltesting ormonitoringactivitiessayingtherevisionsdramaticallyexpandthescopeofactivitiescoveredbythe permitwithoutthedetailedagencyreviewrequiredbyindividualpermits.Henotedpubliccomments aredueJanuary10.Inresponse,CouncilChairTerryDaytonaskedtheCouncilsPolicyand RegulatoryOversightCommitteetoreviewtheissueandreportbacktoCouncil. JeffSchmidt,JoanneKilgour,PASierraClub,alsocommendedMarjorieHughesforherwork withCouncil.SchmidtnotedheisretiringfromhispositionwiththeSierraClubandintroducedthenew DirectorJoanneKilgour. CouncilMemberLeaving,NewExecutiveDirector TheCounciladoptedaresolutionrecognizingRichardManfrediforhis11yearsofserviceto theCACasaCouncilmember,notingheservedonthePublicParticipationandOutreach,Airand WaterCommitteesofCouncil. TheresolutionnotedManfredislocalgovernmentexperiencewasveryvaluableinhelping CouncilbemoreeffectiveinaddressingenvironmentalissuesfacingtheCommonwealth. MichelleTatewasnamedthenewExecutiveDirectorofCouncil,replacingtheretiring MarjorieHughes.ShewilltakeoverthepositiononJanuary3. TatehasworkedinDEPfor17yearsandmostrecentlyservedasDEPsRegulatory Coordinatorsince2003andwasresponsibleformovingregulationsthroughthedevelopmentand adoptionprocessinternallywiththeEnvironmentalQualityBoardandtheexternalreviewprocess involvingtheGeneralAssemblyandtheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommission. PreviouslysheservedinpositionswiththeBureauofLandRecyclingandWasteManagement andtheformerOfficeofPollutionPreventionandComplianceAssistance. In1997TatewaspartofagroupofDEPemployeeswhowererecognizedwithaSecretarys AwardforExcellencefortheireffortsintheStrategicEnvironmentalManagementTeam.

TatehasaMasterofPublicAdministrationdegreefromtheUniversityofPittsburghanda BachelorsDegreefromGannonUniversityinErie.SheisalsoacertifiedISO14001Environmental StandardsAuditor. MarjorieHugheswaspresentedwithaletterofcongratulationsfromGov.Corbettforher servicetotheCommonwealthbySecretaryAbruzzoattheCouncilmeeting. FutureMeetingDates ThereisnomeetingoftheCouncilinDecember.Meetingdatesfor2014are:January21, February18,March18,April15,May21,June17,July15,September16,October21and November18. Formoreinformation,visittheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilwebpage. NoActionFromSenateYetOnGovernorsNomineesForDEP,DCNR TheSenatehasyettoscheduleanyconsiderationoftheGov. CorbettsnomineesfortheSecretariesofEnvironmental ProtectionandConservationandNaturalResourcessince theirnominationswereannouncedSeptember20. ChrisAbruzzowasnominatedtobeDEPSecretary andEllenFerrettiwasselectedforDCNR.Bothnominations areintheSenateRulesCommitteeandhavenotyetbeen referredtotheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committeeforconsideration. TheSenatehas25legislativedays,thedaystheSenateisinvotingsession,toconsider nominations.InthiscasetheclockstartedofficiallyonOctober20withbothnominationsbecause thatswhenthepaperworkgottotheSenate. Bothnominationsarenowonday16. TheSenateisscheduledtoreturntovotingsessionDecember3andwillbeinsessionatotalof fivedaysinDecember. IfthenominationsarenotactedoninDecember,theGovernorwillhavetoresubmitthe nominationpaperworkinJanuary,includingnewfinancialdisclosurestatements,andtheSenatewill have10additionallegislativedaystoconsiderthenominations. TestsFindAsianCarpeDNAInPA,WVSectionsOfOhioRiver StateofficialsfromtheFishandBoatCommissionandtheWestVirginia DivisionofNaturalResourceshaveconfirmedWednesdayenvironmental DNA(eDNA)fromtheinvasiveAsiansilvercarphasbeenfoundintwo watersamplescollectedfromtheOhioRiver. TheU.S.FishandWildlifeServicetested200watersamples collectedfromtheupperOhioRiverbetweenWheeling,W.V.,and PittsburghonOctober2122.ThetestsfoundeDNAinonePennsylvaniasampletakenfromtheOhio RiverinAliquippa,BeaverCounty,aboutsixmilesupstreamoftheconfluencewiththeBeaverRiver. AsecondpositiveeDNAresultwasfoundinaWestVirginiasamplenearChesterinHancock County.Noneofthesamplestestedpositiveforbigheadcarp. ResearchersuseeDNAanalysisasatoolfortheearlydetectionofAsiancarp,whichinclude

silverandbigheadcarp.Thefindingsindicatethepresenceofgeneticmaterialleftbehindbythespecies, suchasscales,excrementormucous.ButeDNAdoesnotprovidephysicalproofofthepresenceof liveordeadAsiancarp. Unfortunately,thetestresultsprovidesomeevidencethatthisinvasivespeciescouldbeinthe upperOhioRiverinPennsylvania,saidPFBCExecutiveDirectorJohnArway.Thisisanearly warningsign,sincewedontknowforcertaintheoriginofthegeneticmaterial.Wedontknowifthe eDNAcamefromliveordeadfishorifitwastransportedfromothersources,likebilgewaterorstorm sewers,orevenwaterfowlvisitingthebasin. ThestatesofPennsylvania,Ohio,KentuckyandWestVirginiahavebeencooperatively workingoverthelasttwoyearstoaddressAsiancarpupstreammigrationsintheOhioRiver,added CurtisTaylor,ChiefoftheWestVirginiaWildlifeResourcesSection.Theseeffortshavefocusedon fishingdownthesespeciesatthepopulationsleadingedgebyusingcontractedcommercialfishermen. ThemainreachofthisefforthascenteredintheMeldahlandGreenupnavigationpoolsthatspanthe riverbetweenOhio,KentuckyandWestVirginia.Thiscooperativeeffortwillcontinuein2014. Asiancarpareasignificantthreattoaquaticecosystemsbecauseoftheirvoraciousappetiteand abilitytoquicklyreproduce.Onceinawaterway,theydevourmuchofthemicroscopicalgaeand animalsthatotherspeciesrelyonforfood,effectivelydecimatingotherspecies.This,inturn,canharm localeconomieswhichrelyontherevenuegeneratedfromsportfishingandboating. BecauseofthedestructivenatureoftheAsiancarpspecies,officialsurgeanglersandboatersto helpslowthespread.Anglersandboatersshouldthoroughlycleangearandboatsbeforeenteringnew watersandlearnhowtoidentifyAsiancarp. AvideoteachingpeoplehowtoidentifybigheadandsilvercarpisavailablefromtheUSFWS onYouTube. AnglersandboatersareurgedtocontactthePFBCorWVDNRiftheysuspectthepresenceof Asiancarp.Bothagenciesmaintainawebsiteforeasycommunication:PFBCAsianCarpand WVDNRAsianCarp. AdditionalinformationisavailableonthenationalAsiancarpwebsite.Moreinformationabout theCleanYourGeareducationalcampaignisavailableonline. NewsClip:AsianCarpDNADiscoveredInPAWaterways EQBAcceptsPetitionFrom19YearOldOnSettingGreenhouseGasReductionsInPA OnNovember19theEnvironmentalQualityBoardvotedtoacceptforstudyarulemakingpetition submittedby19yearoldAshleyFunkfromMountPleasant,PaaskingtheBoardtoadoptedastate regulationrequiringa6percentreductioninbaselinecarbondioxideemissionsinPennsylvaniaby2050. ClickHereforacopyofthepetition.ClickHereforDEPspresentationonthepetition. DEPmustnowreportbacktotheBoardwithin60dayswithitsrecommendationonwhetheror nottoadopttheregulationaskedforbythepetitioner,adifferentversionoftheruleornottomove aheadwithanyregulation. IfthereisnomeetingoftheEQBwithinthe60daysortheagencycannotevaluatethepetition withinthattimeframe,DEPisrequiredtoreporttotheBoardonhowmuchtimeitwilltake. TheBoardalsoapprovedproposedregulationssettingRACTlimitsonmajorsourcesof nitrogenoxideandvolatileorganiccompoundsandafinalregulationonthemeasurementandreporting ofcondensableparticulateemissions. TherulemakingpetitiononclimatechangewassubmittedtotheBoardinSeptemberbyAshley

FunkandKidsvs.GlobalWarming. FunksubmittedearlierrulemakingpetitionstotheEQBinMay2012,July2012andOctober 2012whichwerereturnedtothepetitionerinNovember2012asnotmeetingtheguidelinesfor rulemakingpetitionstobebroughtbeforetheBoard. InDecember2012,Funkandthepetitionersappealedthereturnofthepetitionto CommonwealthCourtandtheEnvironmentalHearingBoard.(PAEnvironmentDigest12/24/13) InJuly2013CommonwealthCourtsidedwithDEPandtheEQBandrejectedFunksappeal withoutprejudicesayingitdidnothavejurisdictionintheissuebecausetheEnvironmentalHearing Boardhadnotacted. OnOctober24,2013theEnvironmentalHearingBoardapprovedamotionbyFunktodismiss theappealasaresultofanactionbyDEPdeterminingFunksOctoberpetitiontobecompleteand wouldbesubmittedtotheEnvironmentalQualityBoardforconsiderationattheNovembermeeting. AshleyFunkwasalsothe2012winneroftheSueWisemanScholarshipfromKeepPA BeautifulforhereffortstocleanuplitterandillegaldumpsinandaroundMountPleasantBorough, WestmorelandCounty. ClickHeretolearnmoreabouttheEQBrulemakingpetitionprocess. The20membersoftheBoardincludeelevenstateagencies:DepartmentofEnvironmental Protection(Chair),Agriculture,Health,CommunityandEconomicDevelopment,thePublicUtility Commission,theFishandBoatCommission,theGameCommission,LaborandIndustry,the Governor'sOfficeofPolicy,theHistoricalandMuseumCommission,Transportationfivemembersof theCitizensAdvisoryCouncilandfourmembersoftheSenateandHouse. Formoreinformationandavailablehandouts,visittheEnvironmentalQualityBoardwebpage. CrisciAssociates:PAEnvironmentDigestTops5,000OnlineSubscribers ThePAEnvironmentDigest,theweeklyonline newsletterofrecordcoveringenvironmentalissuesin Pennsylvania,reachedamajormilestoneofover5,000 emailsubscribersthisweek,accordingtoDavidE. Hess,editoroftheDigestandformerSecretaryofthe PennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection. WeareverypleasedtheonlinecommunitywecreatedwiththeDigesthasexpandedsteadily tonowincludesomanymembers,saidHess.OurweeklyDigest,andassociatedblogandTwitter feed,helpkeepthoseinterestedinenvironmentalissuesinPennsylvaniainformedaboutlegislation, regulationsandissuesthepublicshouldhavearoleinshaping. OneofthestrengthsoftheDigestistheinformationwereceiveandsharefromgroupsand companiesalloverthestateshowcasingtheirsuccessesinrestoringtheirwatersheds,preventing pollutionandreducingenergycostsaswellaspromotingtheeventstheyhold,Hessexplained. EducatingthepublicaboutthepositivethingsgoingontoprotectandrestoretheenvironmentIve foundpromptsotherstodothesame. WestartedpublishingtheDigestinMayof2004andourpastissuesareagreatwaytodo researchandgetbackgroundonenvironmentalissuesinPennsylvaniaoverthelastnineyears,said Hess.Wevepostedover27,000articlesoverthelastnineyearsyoucansearchbytopics,counties orkeywordtogettheinformationyouneed. TheDigestincludesinformationonlegislationmovingthroughtheGeneralAssembly,whenDEP

advisorycommitteesaremeetingandonwhatissuessogroupsandindividualscanhaveanimpacton policyandregulatorydevelopment,whengrantandawardapplicationsaredue,linkstonewsstories fromaroundthestateandmuchmore. TheDigestwasthewinnerofthePennsylvaniaAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators2009 BusinessPartneroftheYearAwardwhichrecognizesoutstandingcontributionsbyindividuals, programsandbusinessestothefieldofenvironmentaleducation. WehavenodoubttheDigestcommunitywillcontinuetogrowandshareinformationabout environmentalissuesthataffectusall,saidHess. ThePAEnvironmentDigestisafreeserviceofCrisciAssociates,aHarrisburgbased governmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500companiesandnonprofit organizations. Formoreinformation,visitwww.PaEnvironmentDigest.comorwww.CrisciAssociates.com. AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House December9,10,11,16,17,18(NonVoting) 2014 January7(NonVoting),13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate December3,4,9,10,11 2014 January7,13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 BillCalendars House(December9):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPfora competitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303 (MoulRAdams)transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlarge masstransitfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransit busestonaturalgasHouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternative FuelsIncentiveFundtocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclesto naturalgasandprovidea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308 (SaylorRYork)redirecting$6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversions tonaturalgas.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(December3):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)providingforthereuseofwaterin abandonedminesforMarcellusShaledrillingSenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)torepealsummer RVPgasolinerequirementsSenateBill1077(ArgallRSchuylkill)railroadmaterialtheftprevention HouseBill920(SonneyRErie)amendingtheAgriculturalAreaSecurityLawtodefinewindpower generationsystemandclarifyinganagriculturalconservationeasementshallnotpreventgrantingan easementforawindpowersystemsummaryHouseBill1285(CutlerRLancaster)establishingthe StateGeospatialCoordinationBoard.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar.

CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees

BillsOnGovernor'sDesk
ThefollowingbillsweregivenfinalapprovalbytheSenateandHouseandarenowontheGovernor's deskforaction TransportationFunding:HouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)establishesa$2.3billion transportationfundingplanforhighways,bridgesandmasstransit.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNote areavailable.

Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate Senate TransportationFunding:HouseBill106(CarrollDMonroe)providingfor$2.3billioninfundingfor highway,bridgeandmasstransitsystemswasamendedontheFloorTuesday(aftertwotries)and referredtotheHouseRulesCommittee.TakingitscuefromtheHouse,theSenateamendedidentical languageintoHouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)thatwaswaitingontheSenateCalendarandthen passedthebillandsentitbacktotheHouseforconcurrence.TheHouseconcurredandsentthebillto theGovernorforhisaction.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable. RecycleMineWater:SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)providingforthereuseofwaterin abandonedminesforMarcellusShaledrillingwasremovedfromtheTable,amendedontheSenate FloorandisnowontheSenateCalendarforaction. GeospatialCouncil:HouseBill1285(CutlerRLancaster)establishingtheStateGeospatial CoordinationBoardwasreportedfromtheSenateVeteransAffairsandEmergencyPreparedness CommitteeandisontheSenateCalendarforaction.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable. SummerRVPGasoline:SenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)torepealsummerRVPgasoline requirementswasamendedandreportedoutoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy CommitteeandisnowontheSenateCalendarforaction. TheftOfMaterial:SenateBill1077(ArgallRSchuylkill)railroadmaterialtheftpreventionwas amendedandreportedoutoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandisnow ontheSenateCalendarforaction. DisasterAssistance:SenateBill720(BakerRLuzerne)establishingthePADisasteremergency AssistanceProgramsummarywasreportedfromtheSenateVeteransAffairsandEmergency PreparednessCommitteeandwasreferredtotheSenateAppropriationsCommittee. House TransportationFunding:HouseBill106(CarrollDMonroe)providingfor$2.3billioninfundingfor highway,bridgeandmasstransitsystemswasamendedontheFloorTuesday(aftertwotries)and referredtotheHouseRulesCommittee.TakingitscuefromtheHouse,theSenateamendedidentical languageintoHouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)thatwaswaitingontheSenateCalendarandthen passedthebillandsentitbacktotheHouseforconcurrence.TheHouseconcurredandsentthebillto theGovernorforhisaction.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.SenateBill1 (RaffertyRMontgomery),theSenatetransportationfundingproposalwasreferredtotheHouseRules Committee.

NewsFromTheCapitol

NovemberEnvironmentalSynopsisAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee TheNovemberissueoftheEnvironmentalSynopsisnewsletterisnowavailablefromtheJointAirand WaterPollutionControlandConservationCommittee. Topicscoveredinthenewsletterinclude:listofprogramsathighriskoffraud,airqualitytrading program,tappingCaliforniashaleoilandrenewalofwindtaxcredits. CommitteeChairSen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)alsosummarizedsomerecenthearings heldbytheJointConservationCommitteeontopicsasvariedascuttingedgedrinkingwatertreatment systemsandwaterqualityplanningdata. Formoreinformation,visittheJointConservationCommitteewebsite.

NewsFromAroundTheState
LuzerneCountyMineDrainageTreatmentProjectReceives$1MillionFromDrillingFees Sen.JohnBlake(DLackawanna),Rep.MikeCarroll(DLuzerne)andRep.SidMichaelsKavulich (DLackawanna)Thursdayannounceda$1millioninvestmentbytheCommonwealthtobeginthe cleanupoftheLackawannaRiver. Theoutlay,approvedbytheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityunderAct13of2012,means SusquehannaMiningSolutionsLLCwillbeabletosecurelandinDuryeaBoroughneartheOldForge borehole "TheOldForgeboreholeintheLackawannaRivercontinuestobethemosttoxicanddamaging sourceofpollutioninthewatershedsoftheLackawannaandSusquehannarivers,"Sen.Blakesaidin announcingCFA'sapprovaloftheproject."Severalpastattemptstomobilizethenecessaryresources andthecommitmenttocorrectthisenvironmentalcalamityhavefallenshort. "Currentefforts,however,supportedbyanimpressivepartnershipofforprofit,nonprofitand scientificstakeholdersholdspromisetofinallysolvethisproblem.Itisproperandnecessaryforthe statetoadvancethiseffort.Iamgladtojoinmycolleaguesinannouncingthisstatesupportfor SusquehannaMiningSolutions,"Sen.Blakesaid. IronoxidefromtheOldForgeborehole,whichwasdrilledin1962toreleasewaterthathad pooledinundergroundmines,hasturnedtheLackawannaRiverorange.Becauseofthepollution,the riveristhelargestpolluteroftheChesapeakeBay. The$1millionCFAinvestmentwilladvanceaplanthatwillleadtotheconstructionofafacility totreattheacidminewater. "Itispasttimethatthecommonwealthandourcommunityleadersstrategizeasolutiontoclean theLackawannaRiver.Thiseffortwillresultinasignificantimprovementtothewaterqualityofthe SusquehannaRiverthroughtheWyomingValley,continuingtotheChesapeakeBay,"saidRep.Mike Carroll. "Toooftenwetakecleanwaterforgranted,butwithcooperationlikethiswecantruly guaranteecleanwaternotonlyherebutforthosedownstreamtodayandforgenerationstocome.This isaperfectexampleofhowbusinessandgovernmentcanpartnertobuildabetterPennsylvania,"said Rep.SidMichaelsKavulich. TheminepoolreportedlycanholdasmuchwaterasLakeWallenpaupack,whichis13miles longand,onaverage,30feetdeep.

Blake,CarrollandKavulich,alongwithstakeholders,intendtohighlightthespecificsoftheplan toimprovetheLackawannaRiverinthenearfuture. NewsClip:DrillingFeeFundOldForgeBoreholeMineWaterTreatment SinnemahoningWatershedGrantsAvailableForCameron,Elk,McKean,PotterCounties TheFishandBoatCommissionFridayinvitedprojectapplicationsfortheSinnemahoningCreek WatershedRestorationGrantProgram.ApplicationsaredueJanuary25. ThePFBCsprimaryemphasiswillbeonprojectsintheSinnemahoningCreekWatershed upstreamoftheconfluencewiththeFirstForkofSinnemahoningCreek.Projectsthatwillbe consideredforfundinginclude,forexample,acidminedrainageabatementhabitatprotection, enhancementandrestorationandtheacquisitionofpropertiesforpublicfishingandaccess. ThePFBCwillconsiderindividualgrantawardsintherangeof$10,000to$200,000. Applicantsmustsecurematchingfundsequaltoatleast25percentofthetotalprojectcosts. Thisfundingisavailablethrougha2007settlementagreementwithNorfolkSouthernas restitutionforenvironmentaldamagesfromaJune30,2006,trainderailmentinruralNorwich Township,McKeanCounty.TheaccidentspilledsodiumhydroxideintoBigFillRun, SinnemahoningPortageCreekandtheDriftwoodBranchoftheSinnemahoningCreek.Under thesettlement,NorfolkSouthernagreedtopaytheCommonwealth$7.35millionasrestitutionfor environmentaldamages. ThePFBCreceived$3.675millionofthesettlementandmustusethefundstodevelopand implementprojectsthatbenefitfishing,boatingandaquaticresourcesinCameron,Elk,McKeanor Pottercounties. Awardingoffundsforanyselectedprojectswillbecontingentuponavailabilityoffunds. Currently,thebalanceoffundsremainingintheprogramaccountisapproximately$2million. TheCommissionanticipatesfinalselectionandpublicannouncementofgrantawardsby midMay2014. Formoreinformationaboutapplyingforthisgrantprogram,visittheSinnemahoningCreek WatershedRestorationGrantProgramwebpageorcontactFisheriesBiologistJeffSchmidat 8143595242orsendemailto:jschmid@pa.gov. VolunteersRepairFloodDamageAtLynchFieldInWestmorelandCounty VolunteersfromFirestoneBuildingProductsCompany,LLC andmembersofSewickleyCreekWatershedAssociation plantedtreesandshrubstohelpstabilizethebanksand preventerosionalongJacksRunthispastweekend. Theeffortispartofathreephase,threeyearproject torepairdamagefrompreviousfloodsandtopreventfuture damageatLynchFieldRecreationComplexinGreensburg, Pa. SewickleyCreekispartneringwiththeCityof GreensburgsDepartmentofParksandRecreationand FirestoneBuildingProductsCompany,LLContheproject. (Photo:Volunteersinclude(foreground)FirestoneWarehouseManagerTomMolinaand

grandsonTaylorHalland(background)SCWABoardMemberDeanNelsonandFirestonePlant ManagerMichaelMcCreaplanttreesalongJacksRun.) Lastfallthegroupregradedthestreambanks,placedripraptostabilizethebanks,andplanted trees,shrubsandgrasstohelppreventerosion. Theprojectbenefitstheparkbyminimizingdamagefromfloodwatersandmakestheparkeven moreaestheticallypleasing.But,italsoservesasamodelforothercommunitiesandhomeownerson howtodealwithsimilarfloodproneareas. Thegroupalsorepairedajackdamthathadbeen installedonthestreamseveralyearsago.Thedamhelps channelthewaterawayfromtheerodingbanksandadds oxygentothestreamtosupportaquaticlife. PhaseIIIoftheprojectwillincludeaneducation kioskbetweenthewalkingtrailandthestream,alongwith interpretivesigns,toexplainthefunctionoftheproject componentsandhowtheycanbereplicatedatrelativelylow costelsewhere. Asvisitorswalkalongthetrail,theycanreadthe signsandseefirsthandhoweachcomponent,includingthe riparianbuffer,servestoprotecttheareasurroundingthestream. WithtwograntsfromTheBridgestoneTrustFundformaterials,andmatchingdonationsin termsofmanpowerandheavyequipmentfromtheCity,twoheavilydamagedsectionsofstreambank havealreadybeenremediated. Wearehappytoworkwithlocalgroupsonprojectssuchasthisasawaytoexpressour Companyssupportforthecommunity,saidMichaelA.McCrea,PlantManagerforFirestones Youngwoodfacility.JacksRunisoneofthetributariestoSewickleyCreekwhichflowsdirectlypast theirplant. LarryD.MyersfromSewickleyCreeksBoardofDirectorsnoted,TheWatershed Associationisveryappreciativeofthepartnershipeffortsandthevolunteersprovidedtohelpwiththe restorationefforts.Wehopevisitorstotheparkwilltakethetimetoinspecttheprojectandbeinspired totrysimilarriparianbufferactivitiesintheirbackyards. Formoreinformation,visittheSewickleyCreekWatershedAssociationwebsite. CleanCreekProductsHolidaySale!SupportMineReclamationProjects Lookingforaholidaygiftthatwillpleasethemostdiscriminating tasteandhelptheenvironment?Considerpotteryproductsfrom CleanCreek. CleanCreekProducts,adivisionofStreamRestoration Inc.,anonprofitwatershedrestorationorganization,wasformed tomarketthemetalsrecoveredintreatingabandonedmine drainage.Oneoftheusesforthesemetalsisinceramicpottery glazing. EveryproductyoupurchasefromCleanCreekwillnot onlysupporttheartiststhatcreatethem,butalsohelpssupportwatershedgroupsdoinglocalprojects tohelprestorePennsylvania'sover16,500milesofpollutedwaterways.

ClickheretoseeanewvideoonCleanCreekpottery. ArmstrongConservationDistrictHostsJan.25VolunteerWorkshop TheArmstrongCountyConservationDistrictandtheAppalachianCoalCountryTeamwillbeproviding avolunteerworkshoptobuildthecapacityofnonprofitorganizationsinArmstrongCountytoencourage andbettermanagementvolunteersonJanuary25. Theworkshopwillbeheldat124ArmsdaleAdministrativeBuilding,Kittanningstartingat 10:00a.m. Participantswilllearnnowtofostersustainablevolunteermanagementprograms,strengthen partnerships,buildcoalitions,andincreasevolunteerrecruitmentandretention.Youwillalsoreceivesix monthsofprovidedsupport,wereACCTwillassisteachorganizationthroughouttheimplementationof theirvolunteermanagementplans. Supportincludesatoolkitof25differentvolunteerpracticesthatwork,withadozen worksheets,templatesandcheckliststhatanysmallcommunitywillfindusefulastheybeginaprojector astheycarrythatprojectouttosuccess.Directcontacttoassistyourorganizationsincludingphone calls,emailcommunications,andvisitsifnecessary. Spaceislimited.Nomorethan2peopleperorganizationshouldattend.PleaseRSVPto ChelseaWalkerat7245453658orsendemailto:cdwalker@co.armstrong.pa.us. PAFarmersUnion:SB994DivertsAttentionFromNeededConservationPractices ThePennsylvaniaFarmersUnionrecentlysentalettertoSen.ElderVogel(RBeaver),MajorityChair oftheSenateAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommitteeandprimesponsorofSenateBill994,saying theywereconcernedthebillmaydivertattentionandresourcesawayfromhelpingfarmsacrossthe statetoestablishnecessaryconservationpractices. Theywentontosay,ThetechnologiessupportedthroughSenateBill994arefarmore expensivethanothernutrientreductionpractices,practicesthatalsocontrolsedimentthebiggest contributortopollutionintheChesapeakeBay. ThePAFarmersUnionjoinsmanyothers,includingtheChesapeakeBayFoundation,thePA MunicipalAuthoritiesAssociationandPennFuture,inopposingthislegislation. Thetextoftheletterfollows ThePennsylvaniaFarmersUnion,amembershiporganization,iscommittedtoenhancingthequalityof lifeoffamilyfarmersthroughoutourCommonwealth.Our600membersincludefarmers,foresters, horticulturalists,consumers,farmorganizationsandcooperatives. InregardtoSB994(TMDLparametercreditsbill),weareconcernedthebillmaydivert attentionandresourcesawayfromhelpingfarmsacrossthestatetoestablishnecessaryconservation practices.ThetechnologiessupportedthroughSB994arefarmoreexpensivethanothernutrient reductionpractices,practicesthatalsocontrolsedimentthebiggestcontributortopollutioninthe ChesapeakeBay. Thereissubstantialscientificresearchdemonstratingthesourceandimpactsofsediment, phosphorusandnitrogenloadingintheBaywatershed.Aftersediment,phosphorousfromchemical fertilizersonagriculturalandotherheavyuselandiswhatismostgreatlyimpactingourwatersheds, muchmoresothannitrogenfrommanurewhichappearstobethesoleemphasisofthepractice promotedbythisbill.

Weallknowthereisnoeasyanswertoimprovingourwatersheds.But,asafarmermember organizationcommittedtosustainablepractices,wedoknowitwilltakeallofus,workingtogether,to havethegreatestimpact.SB994anditsemphasisonapracticethatdoesnotsupporta comprehensive,diverseandholisticapproachtoimprovingwaterqualityseemscounterproductivewhen somanyimportantstridesarebeingmadebyfarmsacrosstheCommonwealthtostewardour watersheds. Westronglybelievethatfundingstreamsmustremainat100%forcurrentandfutureprograms thatwillhelpallfarmerswewantsmallerfarmstohavethesameaccesstomoneyforbest managementpracticesandnotallthefundstobedirectedtoonetypeoftechnology.Whilewe understandthecurrentdraftofthelegislationsaysthattheprogram'sfundscantbetakenfrom conservationprogramsorfundsalreadyappropriated,itdoesntpreventfundsfrombeingmovedtothis programinfuturebudget/appropriationsprocessesandthisisofgreatconcerntoourfarmermembers. Sincerely,HannahSmithBrubakerExecutiveVicePresident Acopyoftheletterisavailableonline. ChesapeakeBayCleanupFactSheets TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAOfficehasissuedaseriesoffactsheetsoutliningthe waterqualityproblemsandsolutionsbeingimplementedinthePennsylvaniaportionoftheChesapeake BayWatershed APrimerOnPollutantsOfConcernoutlinesthecontributionsPennsylvaniasportionofthe ChesapeakeBayWatershedmakestonitrogen,phosphorusandsedimentpollutiontotheBay. Nearly20,000MilesOfPAStreamsArePolluteddetailsthefacttherearethousandsofstream milesandhundredsofacresoflakesallacrossPennsylvaniathatareconsideredimpairedunderthe federalCleanWaterActthateitherhaveorwillrequirewhatisknownasaTotalMaximumDailyLoad (TMDL). CostEffectiveSolutionsAreKnown,DocumentedForTheChesapeakeBaynotescosteffective pollutionsolutionshavealreadymadesignificantprogressinreducingpollutiongoingtotheBay, particularlyinPennsylvania. LancasterCountyPlainSectFarmsAsCleanWaterStewardsprovidesasnapshotoftheBuffer BonusinitiativefromCBFtoencouragetheinstallationofstreambuffersbyAmishandPlainSect farmersinLancasterCounty. AmishandOldOrderMennoniteFarmsProtectStreamsAndTheBayprovidesanoverviewofa CBFinitiativetoworkwithPlainSectfarmersinLancasterandChestercountiestoinstallbest managementpracticesunderfederalFarmBillProgramsliketheConservationReserveEnhancement Program(CREP). Inaddition,Dr.BethMcGee,SeniorWaterQualityScientistatCBF,gaveaPowerPoint presentationOctober16onthestatusoftheChesapeakeBayCleanupinPennsylvaniaandthe challengesthatremain. CallForAbstracts:PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssn.Aug.47,2014Conference ThePASectionoftheAmericanWaterWorksAssociationhasputoutacallforabstractsfor presentationsatitsAugust47,2014ConferenceattheSonestaHotelinPhiladelphia.Abstractsare dueFebruary4.ClickHerefordetails. PROPsRecyclerMagazineFallIssueNowAvailable

TheFallissueofRecyclermagazineisnowavailablefromtheProfessionalRecyclersofPennsylvania. Thisissueincludesarticlesabout:LincolnFinancialFieldsfoodwastecompostingprogram, howthreeindustriesaremovingtoreducelandfillwaste,RegupolAmericaandmakingrecycledrubber flooring,toward100percentcartonrecyclinginPennsylvania,greenmulchlandscapingmaterialand muchmore. ClickHeretoreadRecycler. $8.7MillionInAlternativeAndRenewableEnergyProjectsFundedByDrillingFees Gov.TomCorbettFridayannouncedPennsylvaniaisexpandingitscommitmenttoadvanceclean, alternativeandrenewableenergysourceswiththeinvestmentofmorethan$8.7millioninloansand grantsthroughtheCommonwealthFinancingAuthority. Todaysinvestmentswillassistbusinessesandschooldistrictslocallywhilebenefittingall Pennsylvaniansthroughtheadvancementofcleanenergyresources,saidCorbett.Theexpansionof alternativeenergyisresultingincostsavingsforbusinessesandresidents,newjobopportunities,anda cleanerenvironment. TheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityapprovednineprojectsthroughthestatesAlternative andCleanEnergyPrograminBradford,Chester,Franklin,Lancaster,Lehigh,Luzerne,Montgomery andNorthamptoncounties.Thestateinvestmentsareprojectedtoresultinmorethan$81.9millionin additionaleconomicinvestments. Theapprovedprojectsincludefundingfourcompressednaturalgasfuelingstations.The proliferationoffuelingstationsisexpectedtoresultinreducedemissions,fuelsavingsandtheutilization ofdomesticallyproducednaturalgas. Wehaveanavailable,abundant,domestic,economicalandcleanburningsupplyofnaturalgas throughoutPennsylvania,saidCorbett.Increasingthenumberofnaturalgasfuelingstationsinthestate willgrowtheindustry,createjobsandresultinabetterenvironment. TheACEProgramprovidesfinancialassistanceintheformofgrantsandloanfundsthatwillbe usedbyeligibleapplicantsfortheutilization,developmentandconstructionofalternativeandclean energyprojectsintheCommonwealth. NewApplicationDeadlines Thedeadlinesforthenextroundsoffundingare:January20,March5,May7,July7and September19. FormoreinformationvisittheCFAsAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgramwebpage. NaturalGasVehicleGrantWorkshopInClintonCountyDec.19 TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitesfleetmanagerstoaNaturalGasVehicleGrant workshopfrom10a.m.untilnoononDecember19,attheClintonCountyConservationDistrictoffice, 45CooperationLane,MillHall,Pa. Anestimated$11millionisavailabletohelppayfortheincrementalpurchaseorconversion costsofheavydutynaturalgasfleetvehicleswithgrossvehicleweightratingsof14,000poundsor greater.PennsylvaniasAct13NaturalGasVehicleGrantsarefinancedbyimpactfeespaidbynatural gasoperators. Fiftypercentofthisfundingisallocatedexclusivelyforlocaltransportationorganizations,

includingnonprofitagenciesprovidingpublictransportationservicesandpublictransportation,portand redevelopmentauthorities,andschoolbusprojects. Otherseligibletoapplyincludeincorporatednonprofitorganizations,forprofitcompanies, stateownedorstaterelateduniversities,commonwealthormunicipalauthorities,andthePennsylvania TurnpikeCommission. Thedepartmentishostingtheworkshoptoassistpotentialapplicants.Theworkshopwill consistofareviewoftheAct13grantprogramrequirements,followedbyalivedemonstrationand walkthroughoftheonlineapplication. Departmentstaffwillthenbeavailabletoprovideoneononeassistancetoapplicantsand answerquestionsabouttheapplicationprocess. Thedeadlinetosubmitgrantapplicationsis4p.m.onJanuary10.Grantswillbeawardedin thespring. Theworkshopisfreeofchargeandopentoeligibleapplicantsonly.Seatingislimitedandthe registrationdeadlineisDecember16. FleetownersandmanagerscanregisterfortheworkshopbycontactingMichelleFergusonin DEPsNorthcentralRegionalOfficeofPollutionPreventionandEnergyAssistance,bysendingemailto: miferguson@pa.gov,orbycalling5703273783.Pleaseincludetheattendeesnameandorganization. Formoreinformation,visittheDEPNaturalGasVehicleProgramwebpage. EPAOffersFundingToReducePollutionFromDieselEngines TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyhasmadeavailable$2millioninfundingforrebatestohelp publicandprivateconstructionequipmentownersreplaceorretrofitolderdieselconstructionengines. Therebateswillreduceharmfulpollutionandimproveairqualityinlocalareas. Exhaustfromdieselconstructionequipmentaffectschildren,seniorcitizensandothersin neighborhoodsacrossthecountry,saidJanetMcCabe,actingassistantadministratorforEPAs OfficeofAirandRadiation."Theserebateswillhelpequipmentownersprotectpublichealthand improveairqualitynearconstructionsiteswhileupdatingtheirfleets. RebateswillbeofferedaspartoftheDieselEmissionReductionAct,alsoknownasDERA. ThisisthesecondrebateprogramofferedsinceCongressreauthorizedDERAin2010toallowrebates inadditiontograntsandrevolvingloans. Therebateswillsupporttheprogramsefforttoreplaceandupdateexistingdieselvehicles,and willtargetwherepeopleareexposedtounhealthyair. Since2008,DERAhasawardedmorethan$500milliontogranteesacrossthecountryto retrofit,replace,orrepowermorethan50,000vehicles.Bycuttingairpollutionandpreventing thousandsofasthmaattacks,emergencyroomvisitsandprematuredeaths,thesecleandieselprojects areprojectedtogeneratehealthbenefitsworthupto$8.2billion. Publicandprivateconstructionequipmentownersineligiblecountiesthatarefacingairquality challengesareencouragedtoapplyforrebatesforthereplacementorretrofitofconstructionequipment engines.EPAwillacceptapplicationsfromNovember20,2013,toJanuary15,2014andanticipates awardingtherebatesinFebruary2014. Constructionequipmentenginesareverydurableandcanoperatefordecades.EPAhas implementedstandardstomakedieselenginescleaner,butmanyolderpiecesofconstructionequipment remaininoperationandpredatethesestandards. Olderdieselenginesemitlargeamountsofpollutantssuchasnitrogenoxides(NOx)and

particulatematter(PM).Thesepollutantsarelinkedtohealthproblems,includingasthma,lungandheart disease,andevenprematuredeath.Equipmentisreadilyavailablethatcanreduceemissionsfromthese engines. Tolearnmoreabouttherebateprogram,thelistofeligiblecounties,applicanteligibilityand selectionprocess,pleaseEPAsDieselRebatewebpage. TreeVitalizePartOfGettysburgHallowedGroundLivingLegacyProject DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesActingSecretaryEllenFerrettiTuesday participatedinaceremonydedicating168treesontheBlissFarminGettysburgaspartoftheJourney ThroughHallowedGroundLivingLegacyProject. Inadditiontotheirmanyenvironmentalbenefits,treesareasymboloflifeandgrowth.These treeswillserveaslivingmonumentsatthisplacewherewereflectonthesacrificesmadebysomany duringtheAmericanCivilWar,oneofournationsmostdefiningmoments,Ferrettisaid. Fundingfor150oftheappletreeswascontributedbytheDCNRTreeVitalizeprogram, PennsylvaniaUrban&CommunityForestryCouncilandWITFPublicRadio.Thenewtreeswillhelp restorethehistoricorchardonthefarm,apartoftheGettysburgNationalMilitaryPark. ThenumberofsponsoredtreeswaschosentomarkthesesquicentennialoftheBattleof Gettysburg.AnadditionaldonationprovidedthroughtheJourneyThroughHallowedGround Partnershipallowedfor18additionaltreestobeaddedtotheplanting. TreeVitalizeisaDCNRpublicprivatepartnershipefforttoincreasepublicawarenessofthe importanceofcommunitytrees,andtoreversethelossoftreecoverinthestatescommunities. SupportedbyDCNRsBureauofForestrygrantsandmunicipal,privateagencyandcompany involvement,TreeVitalizeisdependentoncommunitysupporttoincreasetreecanopies,andeducate andengagecitizensinthecareandselectionofthesenewtrees. Wearehappytosupportthisprojectwhichdemonstratestheimportantrolethattrees, landscapesandournaturalresourcesplayduringsomeofourmostimportantnationalmoments, Ferrettisaid.TreeVitalizeisalsoagreatpublicprivatepartnershipthatembodiesthesuccessthatcan beachievedthroughsharedgoalsandsharedsupport. TheBlissFarm,whichislocatedjustofftheJourneyThroughHallowedGroundNational ScenicByway,wasabandonedbythefamilypriortotheBattleofGettysburg.Layinginthevalley betweenSeminaryRidgeandCemeteryRidge,itwasinthemiddleofLeesandMeadesarmies. OnJuly2andJuly3,1863,thefarmwasexchangedmanytimesbetweenUnionand Confederatetroopsduetoitsstrategicpositionandofferings.Around11:15a.m.onthemorningofJuly 3,1863,thehouse,bankbarnandotheroutbuildingswereburnttotheground. TreesplantedaspartoftheLivingLegacyProjectwillstretchalongtheJourneyThrough HallowedGroundNationalScenicByway,a180mileswathoflandthatrunsfromGettysburgto ThomasJeffersonsMonticelloinCharlottesville,Virginia. FormoreinformationvisittheTreeVitalizewebsite. DCNRCelebratesAcquisitionOfAdditionalWatershedLandsInLackawannaCounty DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesofficialsThursdayannouncedthedepartmenthas receivedthedeedforabout825acresofprimewatershedandforestlandinLackawannaCountyto addtothestateforestsystem.

Theselandswillhelpprotectourair,cleanwater,numerousspeciesandprovideopportunities fortremendousoutdoorexperiencesforourcitizens,DCNRActingSecretaryEllenFerrettisaid. Thestateinvested$1.2millionofGrowingGreenerIIfundingtoacquiretheland.The ConservationFundfacilitatedthepurchase. ThelandwillbeaddedtoLackawannaStateForestforprotectionoftheSpringBrook watershed,creationofpublicaccessforadditionalrecreationandsustainablemanagementoftheforest resourcesforfutureforestproducts. "TheconservationoftheselandsrepresentsanimportantadditiontotheLackawannaState Forestandwillhelpprotectthedrinkingwatersupplyforthousandsoflocalresidents,"saidTodd McNew,PennsylvaniastatedirectorofTheConservationFund."Overthelastdecade,weareproud tohaveassistedDCNRinaddingnearly20,000additionalacresofforest,barrensandwetlandstothe LackawannaStateForest." TheSpringBrookTownshippropertyisconnectedtothelargerThornhurstTractofthe LackawannaStateForest.TheAshGapRoadprovidesaccessintothisnewparcel,aswellasthe Mashswamparea. Theseparcelsprotecthighlydiverseecologicalhabitats,includingtheheadwatersofSpring Brook,whichisawildtroutwaterway,aswellasagreatconnectortoourexistingforestrylandsinthe county,Ferrettisaid.Followingsubstantialpublicinput,theselandswereidentifiedasapriorityfor protectionintheLackawannaandLuzerneOpenSpace,GreenwaysandOutdoorRecreationPlan. Withthisrecentaddition,LackawannaStateForestencompassesmorethan32,000acresin Luzerne,LackawannaandMonroecounties. FormoreinformationaboutLackawannaoranyofPennsylvanias20stateforestdistricts,visit DCNRsStateForestwebpage. Fish&BoatCommissionNewsletterFeaturesEcosystemFlowStudiesPartnership TheNovember20issueoftheCurrentsnewsletterfromtheFishandBoatCommissionfeaturesastory ontheinnovativepartnershipbetweenTheNatureConservancyandtheCommissiontodevelop ecosystemflowstudiesfortheSusquehannaandOhioriverbasins. Commissionstaffrecentlycompletedamilestoneintheagencysstrategicplanbyhelpingthe NatureConservancyproduceareportthatprovidesrecommendationsforflowsthatsupportecological processes,animalsandplantsintheSusquehannaandOhioRiverbasins. TheCommissionsrolehasbeentohelpcharacterizestreamtypesandspecificlifestagesand functionsofaquaticlife,reptilesandamphibianswhichmaybeaffectedbyvariouscomponentsof seasonalflows. Agenciesandscientistsusetheflowrecommendationstopreserveecologicalfunctionsof differentstreamtypesbyminimizingeffectsofflowalterationatkeytimes.Forexample, recommendationsfromtheresearchwasusedtodeveloptheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissions revisedLowFlowProtectionPolicy,adoptedinDecember2012. StudiesandrecommendationsforthePotomacRiverBasinEcosystemandfortheGreatLakes tributarieswerecompletedearlierthisyear.AsimilarstudyfortheDelawareRiverbasinisexpectedto bedoneinDecember.Whencomplete,allmajorriverbasinsinPennsylvaniawillhavebeenstudiedand flowrecommendationsgenerated,fulfillingaPFBCstrategicgoalfirstoutlinedin2010. ClickHerefortheconservancyscompletedstudiesandmorebackground. Otherstoriesinclude:WaterqualityimprovementsinNorthcentralstreamsallowmorefish

stocking,Newlifejacketrequirements,BuildingahabitatprojectonLoyalhannaCreek,Volunteer awardforSMARTAnglerFishingProgramandbuyingfishinglicensesfortheholidays. 2014RiversConservationCampForStudentsNowAcceptingRegistrations TheCumberlandValleyChapterofTroutUnlimitedhasopenedtheapplicationperiodforthe2014 RiversConservationandFlyFishingYouthCampscheduledforJune1520attheAllenberryResortin BoilingSprings. Thecampisforstudentsages1417. Inadditiontoclassroominstructioninecology,aquaticbiologyandwatershedmanagement, studentsparticipateinahandsonstreamhabitatimprovementprojectandin10fishingsessions. Formoreinformation,visittheRiversConservationandFlyFishingCampwebsite. WildlandsConservancyPromotesDecemberEducationPrograms,SpecialEvents TheWildlandsConservancyinAllentownwillholdaseriesofeducationprogramsandspecialprograms duringDecember.ClickHeretoscrollthroughthecalendarforsomethingyoumightlike. GameCommissionDeerHunterStudyIncludesTextingDeer AspartoftheDeerForestStudy,acooperativeresearchprojectbeingconductedbytheGame Commissionandahostofotherpartners,severaldeerinPennsylvaniaarewearingGPSradiocollars thatcanbecontrolledviatextmessages. Shorttextmessagesaresentfromthecollartoresearchers,andviceversa,toinstantlyrecord thelocationofcollareddeerandallowresearcherstolearnmoreaboutdeermovementsandbehavior, particularlyinrelationtohunting. Overtheyears,theGameCommissionhasplacedcollarsonthousandsofPennsylvaniadeer. Throughsuchmonitoring,researchershavelearnedthingssuchas70percentofyearlingbuckswill dispersemilesfromwheretheywereborn,andhavebetterunderstoodharvestratesofantleredand antlerlessdeerduringthehuntingseasons. Butthenewtextingcollarsprovideinnovativeandexcitingopportunities,saidChristopher Rosenberry,whosupervisestheGameCommissionsdeerandelksection.Thecollarsmonitordeer behavioracrosslargeareasatalltimesoftheday,Rosenberrysaid. Collectingthismuchlocationdatawouldntbepossiblewithregularradiocollars,hesaid. WiththesenewGPScollars,wecantrackadeersmovementsevery20minutesduringthe twoweeksofthefirearmsseason,Rosenberrysaid.Therejustwouldntbeenoughtime,moneyor equipmenttocollectthismuchinformationusingtechniciansandregularradiocollars.AndtheGPS collarsalsowillprovidebetterdeerlocationdatatolearnaboutfinescaledeermovementsthroughout theyearandespeciallyduringthehuntingseasons. Becausethestudylooksatdeerinrelationtohunting,itcantbecompletedwithoutcooperation fromhunters. ThestudyareaswithinBaldEagleStateForestinCentre,UnionandSnydercountiesRothrock StateForestinCentre,MifflinandHuntingdoncountiesandSusquehannockStateForestinPotter Countyallaremarkedwithsignsatparkinglotsandalongroads. Andthosehuntingthestudyareasareaskedtoregisterandreporttheirexperiencestothe

GameCommission. HunterscanregisterbyvisitingthewhitetaileddeerpageattheGameCommissionswebsite. Afterdeerseasonconcludes,hunterswillbemailedasurveytorecordtheirhuntingsuccessand experiences.Individualsurveyswillremainconfidential.Onlysummaryinformationwillbeprovidedto thepublic. Rosenberrysaidinputfromhuntersusingthestudyareasiscriticaltothesuccessofthestudy. Withouthuntersregisteringandtellingusabouttheirhuntingexperiences,wewillnotbeableto completelyassessdeerhunterinteractions,hesaid. Exploringhowdeerrespondtohuntingpressure,andhowtheirbehavioraffectshunter experiencesandopinions,isoneobjectiveoftheDeerForestStudy.Thestudyalsolooksattheimpact deerhaveonforestregeneration,aphenomenonthathasbeenstudiedfordecadesbutnowcanbe measuredatahigherlevelofdetail. ThestudyisbeingconductedinpartnershipbytheGameCommission,Departmentof ConservationandNaturalResources,thePennsylvaniaStateUniversityandU.S.GeologicalSurveys CooperativeFishandWildlifeResearchUnit.ItsetsouttoanswerasimplequestionCanwedo betterwhenitcomestomonitoringforesthealth,oneofmanyfactorstakenintoconsiderationwhen makingdeermanagementdecisions? Forestsareimportanttodeer,providingvitalfoodandcover.Andasprimaryconsumersof forestsplants,deerimpactforesthealth. Buttheirbrowsingintheforestunderstoryoftenmakesdeeraneasytargetwhenitcomesto assigningblameforlaggingforestregenerationevenwhenotherfactorscouldberesponsible. Thenewstudywillhelpensurethat,incaseswheredeerarentresponsibleforlaggingregeneration, theywontbeblamedforit. Recommendationstoadjustdeerpopulationsneveraretakenlightly,Rosenberrysaid.And thisstudyisdesignedtostrengthenthedataweuseinmakingourannualrecommendationstoeither increase,decreaseorholdsteadydeerpopulationsinagivenarea. Formoreinformation,visittheGameCommissionDeerForestStudywebpage. GregPhillips,WestmorelandConservationDistrict,ReceivesHonor,EducatorNamed GregoryM.Phillips,DistrictManager/CEOoftheWestmorelandCounty ConservationDistrict,wasrecentlyhonoredbytheNortheastAssociationof ConservationDistrictEmployeeswithits2013RegionalEmployeeAward. Phillipswaschosenfromconservationdistrictprofessionalsinthirteen statesforhisprofessionalismanddedicationtothecauseofconservation. TheDistrictalsoannouncedJanetteNovakrecentlyjoinedtheDistrict staffasitseducationprogramcoordinatorandwillberesponsiblefordeveloping workshops,tours,fielddaysandspecialeventsthatpromoteconservation principlesandpractices. PhillipsRecognized PhillipshasbeentheheadoftheWestmorelandConservationDistrictsince1984,andhas createdanddirectedavarietyofprogramsthatpromotethewiseuseofthestreamsandwaterways, farmfields,forests,soils,andothernaturalresourcesinWestmorelandCountyandthesurrounding region. Underhisleadership,WestmorelandCountybecamethefirstcountyinPennsylvaniatoinitiatea

programtomanagestormwater(1988)andthefirstinthestatetoawardaprojectunderthe LandownerReclamationProgram,whichallowedpropertyownerstoreclaimabandonedminelandsfor theamountofforfeitedbonds(1987). Healsohelpedtoimplementanumberoflandmarkconservationprojects,includingtheJacobs CreekWatershedProtectionandFloodPreventionProject,whichisoneofonlyafewintheentire UnitedStatestoaddressanentirewatershed,andtheinnovativeuseofpassivewetlandstoimprove waterqualityinMonasteryRun/LoyalhannaCreek. Hehelpedtocreateandcontinuestosupportanumberofareagrassrootsconservation organizations,includingWestmorelandCleanways,WestmorelandCountyAgriculturalLand PreservationProgram,SmartGrowthPartnership,WesternPennsylvaniaCoalitionforAbandoned MineReclamation,andmanywatershedassociations. TheNortheastAssociationofConservationDistrictEmployeesisanotforprofitorganization dedicatedtothedevelopment,strengtheningandpromotionofConservationDistrictswithinthe northeastregionoftheUnitedStates. Membershipiscomposedofallprofessionalconservationdistrictemployeesin:Connecticut, Delaware,DistrictofColumbia,NewYork,Maine,Maryland,Massachusetts,NewHampshire,New Jersey,Pennsylvania,RhodeIsland,Vermont,andWestVirginia. JanetteNovak Novakworkedintheenvironmental/conservationfieldfor18yearsinpositionswiththe PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilandfor3RiversWetWeather.SheinternedattheWestern PennsylvaniaConservancyandvolunteeredfortheCarnegieMuseumofNaturalHistorysSectionof Botany. ShehasaBachelorofScienceinEcologyandEvolutionfromtheUniversityofPittsburghanda MasterofEnvironmentalSciencefromMiamiUniversity. Formoreinformation,visittheWestmorelandCountyConservationDistrictwebsite. DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilNamesMicheleTateExecutiveDirector TheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilTuesdaynamedMichelleTatethenewExecutiveDirectorfor Council,replacingtheretiringMarjorieHughes.ShewilltakeoverthepositiononJanuary3. TatehasworkedinDEPfor17yearsandmostrecentlyservedasDEPsRegulatory Coordinatorsince2003andwasresponsibleformovingregulationsthroughthedevelopmentand adoptionprocessinternallywiththeEnvironmentalQualityBoardandtheexternalreviewprocess involvingtheGeneralAssemblyandtheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommission. PreviouslysheservedinpositionswiththeBureauofLandRecyclingandWasteManagement andtheformerOfficeofPollutionPreventionandComplianceAssistance. In1997TatewaspartofagroupofDEPemployeeswhowererecognizedwithaSecretarys AwardforExcellencefortheireffortsintheStrategicEnvironmentalManagementTeam. TatehasaMasterofPublicAdministrationdegreefromtheUniversityofPittsburghanda BachelorsDegreefromGannonUniversityinErie.SheisalsoacertifiedISO14001Environmental StandardsAuditor. MarjorieHugheswaspresentedwithaletterofcongratulationsfromGov.Corbettforher servicetotheCommonwealthbySecretaryAbruzzoattheCouncilmeeting. JanetSweeneyPromotedToVicePresidentOfPAEnvironmentalCouncil

ThePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil,aleadingstatewideenvironmental organization,hasnamedJanetSweeneytothepositionofvicepresident. Ms.SweeneyhasbeenthedirectorofthePennsylvaniaEnvironmental CouncilsnortheastofficeinLuzernesince2005,whereshehasdirected operationsandactivitiesrelatedtotheorganizationsconservationand environmentalprogramsin16countiesthroughoutthatpartofthestate. InadditiontoherdutiesmanagingPECsnortheastofficeanditsvarious programs,Ms.SweeneywillalsoassumemanagementresponsibilityforPOWR, thePennsylvaniaOrganizationforWatershedsandRivers.POWRisanonprofit organizationaffiliatedwithPECtoprotectPennsylvaniaswatersheds. JanetSweeneyisanimportantvoiceonourmanagementteam,saidPECpresidentPaulKing. Shesalsoprovenherselftobeaneffectiveadvocateforenvironmentalstewardshipandconservation innortheasternPennsylvania.WereconfidentthatshellbeatremendousassettoPECsmissionas wepursuetheenvironmentalchallengesandopportunitiesinthatpartoftheCommonwealth. PriortojoiningPEC,Ms.SweeneywasaplanningconsultantinnortheasternPennsylvania. ShewasalsovicepresidentofcommunityandgovernmentservicesfortheNortheasternPennsylvania Alliance.Herbackgroundalsoincludespositionsintransportationandcommunityplanninginboththe privateandnonprofitsectors. SheholdsherbachelorofartsfromtheStateUniversityofNewYorkatGeneseoandamaster ofscienceinplanningandregionaldevelopmentfromtheUniversityofArizona. Ms.SweeneyisamemberoftheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisory CouncilforConservationandNaturalResources,theCountrysideConservancyAdvisoryBoard,the PennsylvaniaPlanningAssociationandtheAmericanPlanningAssociation. Anavidoutdoorrecreationenthusiast,Ms.SweeneyresideswithherfamilyinClarksSummit, Pennsylvania. HelpWanted:SRBCWaterResourceManager TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionisseekingcandidatestofillthepositionofWaterResource ManagerforitsMonitoringandProtectionProgram.ThedeadlineforresumesisDecember15.Click Herefordetails.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased December3AgendaReleased.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. UndergroundStorageTankIndemnificationFundupdate RegulatorDEPupdatesonpermits,training,LandRecyclingregulationchanges,andmore <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. December3NEW.AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingonproposed

waterwithdrawalsandotherwaterrelatedprojects.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitor Center,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.1:30.(formalnoticeandagendas) December4CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding10:00. December4NEW.AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionmeetingoninteractive mappingcapability,updatedPCBcriterionandotheritems.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitor Center,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.12:45.(formalnoticeandagendas) December5NEW.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetingtocontinuereviewof workplans.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. December10StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting. 10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December11DEPCoalandClayMineSubsidenceInsuranceFundBoardmeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. December12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. December12NEW.AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.Lowe HouseOfficeBuilding,HouseofDelegates,PrinceGeorgesDelegation,Room150,6BladenSt., Annapolis,MD.8:30.(formalnotice) December17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. December1DCNR2014TrailOfTheYear December1PHMCHistoricMarkerNominations December13ColdwaterHeritagePartnershipConservationGrants December20WesternPAConservancy,DominionWatershedMiniGrants December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14NEW.GovernorsAwardsForEnvironmentalExcellence January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing January20NEW.CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram January20NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram January25NEW.SinnemahoningCreekWatershedGrants February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March5NEW.CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May7NEW.CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing July7NEW.CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19NEW.CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate Budget TeaPartyVowsToTorpedoTransportationFundingBill

TransportationFundingActionPromptedByCongressionalInaction TransportationFundingGetsFinalOK,HeadsToCorbett HousePasses$2.4BillionTransportationFundingBill HouseSendsTransportationFundingPlanToCorbett CorbettLaudsDemocraticHelpIn$2.5BTransportationFundingBill HouseSends$2.3BillionTransitBillToGovernor FoesClaimCorbettHighwayFundingRequiresTaxIncrease WhatTransportationFundingBillWillCostYou TransportationFundingPassesSenate,1MoreHouseVote SenatePassesTransportationFundingPlan477 MajorRoadsMeasurePassesSenateByWideMargin ConsumersWouldPayMoreAtPumpToFundTransportation TransportationBillTradeoff:SaferJourneysForHigherPumpPrices HouseReversesCourse,OKsTransportationFundingAmendment InReversal,HousePassesTransportationFundingAmendment HouseRegroups,OKs$2.3BTransportationFunding HouseApproves$23BTransportationPackageAmendment HousePassesTransportationFundingAmending OneDayLater,TransitFundingAmendmentPasses HouseApproves$2.3BillionTransportationPlan AgencyCastsGloomyFinancialForecastForState HouseDefeatsMajorCorbettBackedTransportationFundingBill HouseRejects$2.3BillionTransportationBill HouseShootsDownFundingForTransportation HouseRejectsNewTransportationProposal HouseVotesDownTransportationSpendingBill CorbettCallsOnLawmakersToVoteOnTransportationFunding TransportationFundingBillShowsTheresNoFreePotholePatch Corbett,Rendell,Schweiker,RidgeCallForHighwayFunding Corbett,PredecessorsPleaForTransportationFunding PrevailingWageHasBeenARoadblockInLegislature Editorial:MostLawmakersVotedInFavorOfPATransportation Editorial:HighwayBillForLongHaul Editorial:TransportationBill,RedefiningProsperity Editorial:PassATransportationFundingBillNow Editorial:LegislatureUnsafeAtAnySpeed Other McCaskeyHighSchoolStudentsLookUpstream,Downstream LatrobeAgencySaysItsPreparedForWaterEmergency DEPToFineWestmorelandAuthorityAfterBoilWaterOrder BerwickNuclearPlantRatingDowngraded PhiladelphiaBiogasElectricPlantGoesOnLine EPASeeksCourtApprovalOfChrinPollutionLawsuit AlleghenyCountyInTop2%ForCancerRiskFromAirPollution PlanToMineCoalBeneathSouthParkAbandoned

ConservationByDesignWorkshopNov.21DallasTwp TextingDeerRoamingDeerForestStudyAreas ToddNatureReserve,AudubonBirdEnthusiasts OnlyOwlsExhibitOpensAtNedSmithCenter BearCreekToUseTreatedEffluentOnSkiTrails NewSectionOfNorthwestLancasterRiverTrailDripsHistory BehrendOfficialsPlanningNewGorgeTrails BikersHaveSafePassageAcrossRoute13 SeasonForBrilliantLeavesInWesternPA AsianCarpDNADiscoveredInPAWaterways DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling ShellRethinkingPAEthaneCrackerPlant ShellActivelyExploringWesternPACrackerProject BeaverCountyUpbeatAsShellPondersNewPlant GasDrillingMayBeIssueInGovernorsRace GasDrillingMayNotBeTopIssueInGovernorsRace TroutUnlimited:SedimentBiggestThreatFromDrilling SomeSusquehannaCountyResidentsLeaveFrackingDebateBehind RoyaltyDisputesFuelAngerOverGasProductionData EHBRulesDEPHasToConsiderForcedPoolingRequest TheMarcellusShaleGame,ShillingForDollars CabotsNEPAWellsStillHowlingAYearLater OpEd:PAsShaleIndustryInvestingInInfrastructure OpEd:FrackingsAchilles'sHeel:Methane BillOffersIncentivesToConvertVehiclesToNaturalGas JudgeToRuleOnEasementsForPipeline AlleghenyCountyCouncilWontBanDrillingInParks DrillingInAlleghenyCountyParksStillInPlay PlanToMineCoalBeneathSouthParkAbandoned DrillingFeeFundOldForgeBoreholeMineWaterTreatment 10CommandmentsOfDrilling Financial/OtherStates DrillingIndustryGivesPAMixedGrades SunocoLogisticsPlansMarcellusGasPipelineThruSusquehanna

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate TroutUnlimited:SedimentBiggestThreatFromDrilling DrillingFeeFundOldForgeBoreholeMineWaterTreatment Editorial:Gray,Green,SewerProjectShouldAidEnvironment AsianCarpDNADiscoveredInPAWaterways LatrobeAgencySaysItsPreparedForWaterEmergency BearCreekToUseTreatedEffluentOnSkiTrails FederalLawmakersWorkOnWaterResourcesBill

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinNovember23,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofarevisiontoGeneralPermit WMGR097relatingtothebeneficialuseofmunicipalandresidualwastewhichwillbecomeavailable foruseonMarch1,2014.VisitDEPseLibrarywebpageandtypeWMGR097inthesearchbox forthefinalpermitandacomment/responsedocument. TheGovernorsOfficepublishedanindexofExecutiveOrders,managementdirectivesandother issuancesforreferencepurposesintheNovember23PABulletin,page6901. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents

Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. December3AgendaReleased.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December3NEW.AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingonproposed waterwithdrawalsandotherwaterrelatedprojects.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitor Center,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.1:30.(formalnoticeandagendas) December4CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding10:00. December4NEW.AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionmeetingoninteractive mappingcapability,updatedPCBcriterionandotheritems.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitor Center,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.12:45.(formalnoticeandagendas) December5NEW.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetingtocontinuereviewof workplans.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December9LocationAdded.EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollution ControlandConservationCommitteewillhearapresentationbyEricJesperson,ananalystand researcher,onPAWaterDataRetrospectiveandForwardonthehistoryofwaterdataplanningin Pennsylvania.Room8EAEastWing.Noon. December10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. December10StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting. 10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December11DEPCoalandClayMineSubsidenceInsuranceFundBoardmeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. December12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. December12NEW.AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.Lowe

HouseOfficeBuilding,HouseofDelegates,PrinceGeorgesDelegation,Room150,6BladenSt., Annapolis,MD.8:30.(formalnotice) December17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle StoriesInvited
Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesorprogramsfor publicationinthePAEnvironmentDigestto:DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PAEnvironmentDigestiseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceofCrisciAssociates,aHarrisburgbased governmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500companiesandnonprofit organizations. Didyouknowyoucansearch10yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozensof topics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose?Justclickonthesearchpage. PAEnvironmentDigestweeklywasthewinnerofthePAAssociationofEnvironmental Educators'2009BusinessPartneroftheYearAward. AlsosignupfortheseotherservicesfromCrisciAssociates AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol.

SupportingMemberPAOutdoorWritersAssn./PATroutUnlimited
PAEnvironmentDigestisasupportingmemberofthePennsylvaniaOutdoorWritersAssociation, PennsylvaniaCouncilTroutUnlimitedandtheDocFritcheyChapterTroutUnlimited.