Pa Environment Digest August 13, 2018

Issue #737 Harrisburg, PA August 13, 2018
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PA Resources Council Names Winners Of 2018 Environmental Leadership Awards;

Awards Celebration Nov. 15
The PA Resources Council Tuesday

announced the winners of the 2018
Environmental Leadership Awards-- Wawa,
Philadelphia Media Network, LLC,
Eldredge, Inc. and the Falk School of
Sustainability & Environment, Chatham
University.
The Awards recognize the
commitment these four organizations have demonstrated to environmental stewardship in their
communities.
The awards will be presented at PRC’s Annual Awards Celebration on November 15 at
Material Culture in Philadelphia.
Here’s more about the awardees--
-- Wawa – Leadership in Recycling (Wawa, PA): Wawa is built on a commitment to its
communities, and it has continued that commitment by taking steps to understand and lessen
environmental impact. Wawa promotes recycling to its customers and vendors and practices
recycling throughout its operations.
Since 2013, all Wawa stores have been equipped with customer recycling bins. In 2017,
Wawa recycled a total of 16,353 tons of single stream recycling from its 797 stores.
-- Philadelphia Media Network LLC – Leadership in Environmental Reporting
(Philadelphia, PA): In its Toxic City series, the Philadelphia Media Network alerted the
community and provided critical information regarding dangerous environmental hazards
threatening the health and safety of students and teachers in Philadelphia’s public schools.
In Trash Tirade and related articles, the Philadelphia Media Network drew attention to
illegal dumping and litter in Philly neighborhoods and reported on community and individual
efforts to combat litter.
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-- Eldredge, Inc. – Leadership in Waste Reduction and Reuse (West Chester, PA): Eldredge,
Inc., has been in the business of sourcing hazardous and non-hazardous materials for nearly 60
years.
As a team, Eldredge has been creatively closing industrial waste loops through crafting
triple bottom line recycling solutions. Eldredge has sourced responsible solutions in an era of
climate change by minimizing the inputs of new raw materials, thereby reducing the
environmental and economic impacts.
-- The Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, located at Chatham University’s Eden
Hall – Leadership in Sustainability (Pittsburgh, PA): The Falk School of Sustainability &
Environment at Eden Hall is an international showcase of sustainable building and design
techniques, as well as a laboratory for developing next-generation tools and process that will
provide social, economic and environmental benefits.
“We have another great group of awardees, who are driving progress on diverse
environmental challenges across Pennsylvania,” said PRC Regional Director Mario Cimino.
“We're looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments with old and new friends, at a
unique new venue, Material Culture, on November 15!”
The awards celebration will feature keynote speaker Christine Knapp, Director of the
City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability.
The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a networking reception featuring spirits, wine and
beer tastings, a silent auction and raffles, followed by a dinner program with Director Knapp’s
remarks and the presentation of awards to PRC’s 2018 honorees.
“We anticipate a great night of connecting with our supporters, congratulating our
honorees, and celebrating PRC’s impact over the past year,” said Cimino.
Information on tickets and sponsorships is available at PRC’s 2018 Awards Celebration
webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar. Click Here to support their work.
Related Stories:
PA Resources Council Holds Watershed Awareness/Rain Barrel Workshop Sept. 27 In
Allegheny County
PA Resources Council Sets Fall Recycling Awareness, Backyard Composting, Vermicomposting
Workshops, Hard-To-Recycle, HHW Collection Events In Allegheny, Beaver Counties
PA Resources Council 2017 Annual Report Highlights Work In Litter Prevention, Collection
Events, Zero Waste, Recycling, Watershed Protection, Education
[Posted: August 7, 2018]
Lancaster County’s Matt Kofroth Receives Watershed Champion Award From Alliance
For The Chesapeake Bay
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will recognize four environmental
leaders at its annual Taste Of The Chesapeake Awards dinner on
September 13 in Annapolis.
Matt Kofroth from Lancaster County will be honored with the
Watershed Champion Award.
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Kofroth’s knowledge and “can do” spirit are at the heart of his local watershed work, and
the Watershed Champion Award recognizes his incredible impact on each downstream neighbor
who has benefited from the many projects and programs he’s implemented.
During his years of volunteering in watershed efforts prior to his work at the Lancaster
County Conservation District, he steadily built a base of understanding about the improvements
and best practices needed to help Lancaster County, PA, waterways.
As the watershed specialist at the district for almost 20 years, Matt has coordinated
volunteer monitoring programs, helped to organize local watershed associations, reviewed and
written grants for restoration projects and created resources for county homeowners to improve
their water use.
His innovations in watershed education have empowered numerous volunteers to make a
difference in their own watershed.
Recognizing that one person can’t do it all, he guides and serves as a resource to enable
others to excel and complete goals broadening the ripples in the stream, so to speak.
Matt has contributed to the Alliance’s Pennsylvania work, including the READY
program and Restoring the Octoraro Reservoir project, as well as serving as a guide for the
Alliance’s state team in writing a watershed implementation plan.
Matt has been involved in countless Alliance efforts and is a resident watershed expert
for many groups in Lancaster County and beyond.
Matt also coordinated a project-- restoration of a section of Big Beaver Creek on a Plain
Sect farm-- recently highlighted by DEP and the Department of Agriculture during Chesapeake
Bay Watershed Awareness Week. The project won the Governor’s 2018 Award For
Environmental Excellence.
Click Here for a list of the other award recipients.
For more information on this special event, visit the Alliance’s Taste Of The Chesapeake
webpage.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events on the Alliance
for the Chesapeake Bay website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Alliance,
Like the Alliance on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+
and visit the Alliance’s YouTube Channel. Click Here to support the Alliance’s work.
NewsClips:
AP: DEP Secretary- PA Clearly Behind In Meeting Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Obligations [No
Surprise]
PA Officials Admit Their State Is Behind In Curbing Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Next Steps To Help Chesapeake Bay? Tackling Polluted Runoff
Hayes: Gov. Wolf Wants Federal Money To Reduce Farm Runoff
Chesapeake Bay States, EPA Call For More Assistance To Region’s Farmers
Bay Journal: Chesapeake Executive Council Pledges More Help For Farmers
CBF Blog: Three Things Chesapeake Bay Restoration Leaders Need To Do
Maryland Officials Ask Conowingo Dam Owner To Help Deal With Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Kummer: Maryland: We’re Drowning In Pennsylvania’s Trash
Maryland Gov. Ready To Push Neighboring States To Do More To Restore Chesapeake Bay
NRCS Unveils Conservation Strategy For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Related Stories:
DEP, Agriculture Leaders Tour Award-Winning Stream Restoration Project At Plain Sect Farm
In Lancaster
CBF-PA: Teachers Get Their Feet Wet At Envirothon Workshop
Related Stories This Week:
Lancaster County’s Matt Kofroth Receives Watershed Champion Award From Alliance for The
Chesapeake Bay
Trout Unlimited Offers Free Technical Assistance For Conservation Projects In PA Chesapeake
Bay Watershed
DEP Highlights Farm Conservation Practices To Improve Water Quality In Lycoming County
Forests For The Bay Accepting Nominations For 2018 Chesapeake Forest Champions Contest
NRCS Unveils Conservation Strategy To Improve Health Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Backs Maryland In Conowingo Lawsuits
Bay Journal: PA Bill Seeks Traction On Fraction Of A Cent Fee For Largest Water Users
Agriculture, Forestry Workgroups Present Key Recommendations To Meet PA’s Chesapeake
Bay Pollution Reduction Obligations
USDA Encourages Rural Communities To Apply For Funding To Upgrade, Rebuild Rural Water
Infrastructure
Apply Now For DCNR Multifunctional Riparian Forest Buffer Grants
Grants Available To Improve Sinnemahoning Watershed In Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter
Counties
Take Action:
How Good Is The Water Quality In Streams In Your Community? Take A Look, Then Act
DEP Highlights Farm Conservation Practices To Improve Water Quality In Lycoming

County
Pennsylvania residents Monday learned how

conservation and farming can work
hand-in-hand to improve soil and water
quality, wildlife habitat, and farm animal
health during a tour of a Lycoming County
farm held by the Department of
Environmental Protection.
Approximately 45 attendees, including
members of the public and the media, toured
the Ted and Tracey Barbour Farm, a small,
family-operated beef cattle farm, as part of
DEP Connects, a new program inviting the public to engage with DEP in their communities
through events hosted by the department’s six regional offices.
“The health of local waterways depends on individual stewardship decisions made by
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landowners, especially agricultural producers, whose operations can create significant benefits
that flow downstream to every community below them,” said DEP Northcentral Regional
Director Marcus Kohl. “The Barbour Farm is a great example of taking voluntary, incremental,
achievable steps that we hope others will emulate. One-by-one, these best management practices
add up to create monumental change in the landscape.”
Guests on the tour also saw a solar panel array on the farm’s 100-year-old barn and
learned how harvesting the sun supports the farm operation.
The solar array not only generates clean, renewable energy for use on the property, but it
also feeds electricity fed back into the power grid and generates renewable energy credits, both
of which are sold to create a supplemental income source for the farm.
“This event demonstrated that small and medium-sized family farms can access a variety
of resources to increase their environmental and economic sustainability, supporting the farm
operation’s viability for future generations,” said Kohl.
Representatives from DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office, the Lycoming County
Conservation District, and the USDA Farm Service Agency were on hand to discuss the
importance of conservation practices and resources available to landowners.
The Barbour Farm was recognized by the Lycoming County Conservation District in
2013 as their “Cooperator of the Year” for their environmental stewardship efforts.
The farm tour was part of the new DEP Connects public engagement program, in which
each of DEP’s regional offices hosts a series of in-person events, targeted to specific topics of
interest and geographic areas within the region.
All Pennsylvania residents are invited to learn more and sign up for DEP Connects by
visiting the DEP Connects webpage.
For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website,
Click Here to sign up for DEP’s monthly newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up
for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit
DEP’s YouTube Channel.
NewsClips:
Surprise]
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Related Stories:
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Watershed
Infrastructure
Counties
Take Action:
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Friday filed a motion

to intervene in a federal lawsuit that may determine
whether Exelon Corporation, the owner of the
Conowingo Dam, must contribute to clean up pollution
problems related to the dam.
"We have a unique interest in the outcome of this case.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation has worked for decades to
reduce pollution coming down the Susquehanna River
and despoiling the Chesapeake Bay," said CBF Vice
President for Litigation Jon Mueller. "Most recently, we
commissioned an economic study proving that Exelon can make a sizeable contribution towards
rectifying harm to natural resources and the Bay exacerbated by the dam. As the recent heavy
rains and resulting discharges from the dam demonstrated, it is critical that CBF be permitted to
present our information and represent the interests of our members to the court."
For decades, the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River in Maryland trapped much
of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution carried by the river and prevented it from
reaching the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay.
But now the area behind the dam has silted in, and more quickly than scientists had
anticipated. Major storms scour some of that sediment and wash it downstream.
The Bay states have agreed to share some of the responsibility for this problem. The
Maryland Department of the Environment also has ordered that Exelon be accountable for a
major portion of the pollution reduction or contribute significant funding.
That mandate was part of Maryland's Water Quality Certification for the dam, required
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by Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Exelon is seeking a 46-year license from the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission to continue operating the dam.
Among other things, the certification requires Exelon to account for and reduce the
amount of nitrogen and phosphorus discharged through the dam due to the dam's reduced
trapping capacity.
In addition, Exelon must mitigate all the lost capacity by any combination of dredging,
installing best management practices or ecosystem restoration actions, or paying an annual
fee-in-lieu based on pounds of pollution discharged.
This final option would amount to an annual payment of approximately $172 million.
In response, Exelon filed two judicial actions: one in the U.S. District Court for District
of Columbia and another in the Circuit Court of Baltimore City.
On May 25, Exelon also filed a "Protective Petition for Reconsideration and
Administrative Appeal" with the Maryland Department of the Environment in which it requests
Maryland reconsider and stay its decision to issue the certification.
Exelon argues Maryland exceeded its authority under state and federal law, and that the
state's decision was arbitrary and capricious, among other things.
The state moved to dismiss Exelon's DC Circuit Court action on July 11, arguing that the
state is immune from suit under the Eleventh Amendment and that Exelon failed to exhaust its
administrative remedies prior to filing suit. CBF supports those arguments.
A similar motion will be filed in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Surprise]
Related Stories:
Bay Journal: Exelon, Maryland Come To Legal Blows Over Conowingo Dam Cleanup
Requirements
Bay Journal: Exelon Sues Maryland Over Unfair Burden Posed By Conowingo Dam
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Requirements
Bay Journal: States Collaborate On Implementation Plan For Conowingo Dam On Susquehanna
Bay Journal: Conowingo, Growth, Climate May Threaten Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Deadline
Take Action:
New NFWF, Fish & Wildlife Service Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund Now
Accepting Grant Applications
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National

Fish and Wildlife Foundation Tuesday announced the
launch of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund,
a competitive grant and technical assistance program of
$4.3 million that will provide new support for the
protection, restoration and conservation of fish and
wildlife habitats in the Delaware River Watershed.
The fund is now accepting grant applications through
September 27.
Through the DWCF, NFWF will award Conservation Action Grants to nonprofit
organizations; federal, state, interstate and local governments; Indian tribes; and educational
institutions to implement on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects that achieve the
goals of the framework.
Projects also will engage and equip the public to:
-- Support coordinated restoration and protection;
-- Facilitate resilience of natural systems;
-- Increase scientific knowledge, monitoring and research needed for successful project
implementation;
-- Provide technical assistance for restoration and conservation; and
-- Conserve areas of regional significance in the Delaware River Watershed.
Congress provided funds to the FWS in fiscal year 2018 to leverage public and private
funding to support the environmental and economic health of the Delaware River Watershed for
boots-on-the-ground conservation projects — as outlined in the Delaware River Basin
Restoration Partnership and Program Framework.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to
launch this conservation grant program in the Delaware River Basin that will improve the natural
environment, economic health and quality of life for all citizens in the watershed,” said Wendi
Weber, northeast regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We look forward to
getting these appropriated federal dollars on the ground to accomplish our shared conservation
goals and augment existing efforts.”
“This new fund complements and enhances the incredible work already underway in the
Delaware River Watershed,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “We are
excited to play a role in sparking an even bigger and broader conservation impact on the habitats
and communities of the watershed.”
Visit the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund webpage for more information on how
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to apply.
NewsClips:
AP: $4.3 Million Fund To Support Delaware River Watershed Conservation
Darby Creek Valley Assn: Stream Smart House Call
Rodale, Stroud: What We’re Learning About Reducing Farm Pollution In Delaware Watershed
Delaware River Watershed Restoration Gets Extra $1 Million Under U.S. House Bill
Study Values Carbon County Natural Resources At $800 Million
AP: Freight Train Derailment Along Delaware Blamed On Flooded Tracks
Delaware RiverKeeper August 10 RiverWatch Video Report
Take Action:
DEP Accepting Applications For Coastal Zone Grants Starting Aug. 13
The Department of Environmental Protection will be

accepting applications for the next round of Coastal
Zone Grants from August 13 to October 15. (f ormal
notice)
Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements,
for example, the applicant must be an authority, an
incorporated nonprofit organization, a political
subdivision or an educational institution.
Projects must be located within the Delaware Estuary
Coastal Zone or the Lake Erie Coastal Zone boundaries
as noted in the Coastal Program Grant Application Instruction Guide.
Proposals must also support the Coastal Resources Management Program's mission to
protect and enhance coastal resources in this Commonwealth.
Click Here for all the details (when posted).
For more information on programs and initiatives, visit DEP’s Coastal Resources
Management Program webpage.
(Photo: Presque Isle, T
om Ridge Environmental Center, Erie.)
Take Action:
Adequacy, Stability Of Funding For DEP Water Quality Protection Programs Again On
Aug. 21 EQB Agenda
The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to meet

on August 21 and high on its agenda is providing stable
and sustainable funding to support Pennsylvania’s water
quality protection programs.
The final regulation increasing permit fees for the
Noncoal Mining Program is scheduled for action which
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recommends fee increases be phased in to provide full funding of this program’s $3.5 million
annual costs.
DEP is also recommending an $8 million combined increase in permit fees for 2 critical
water quality protection permit programs covering wastewater and stormwater facilities.
The EQB will review two reports on the adequacy of funding to support the state
program to review and issue permits for the construction of sewage and industrial wastewater
facilities and NPDES water quality permits covering discharges from sewage, industrial waste
and municipal and industrial stormwater facilities, including the application of pesticides.
The first report covers Chapter 91 wastewater facility construction permits and notes the
program currently costs about $1.4 million a year to run, even with recent efforts to streamline
program implementation. Revenues from permit application fees only cover about $125,000 of
that cost (2017).
“... [T]he WQM permit application fees are outdated. The consumer price index (CPI)
has increased over 600 percent since 1971. Accounting for inflation, the typical WQM permit
application fee of $500 in 1971 would now be over $3,500.
“Given the potential fluctuations in appropriations by the legislature, a more stable and
sustainable funding source is desired.
“DEP is recommending an overall fee increase of approximately $1 million from Chapter
91 WQM permit application and NOI [Notice of Intent application] fees.”
Click Here for a copy of the report.
The second report covers Chapter 92a NPDES permits for wastewater and stormwater
and notes DEP did increase permit fees in 2010 for this program that regulates over 10,000
wastewater facilities in the state.
The report also outlines steps DEP has taken to streamline the permit program, however,
program expenses still come to $20.4 million annually, with fees now paying for about $4.1
million of that expense.
The NPDES Program is also support by $6.6 million in federal funds, which have
recently been threatened with cuts or elimination.
“Based on the current funding structure, DEP’s ability to adequately comply with federal
and state environmental requirements relating to the NPDES program is continually strained due
to a lack of program solvency.
“Without adequate funding for all required aspects of the NPDES program, public health
may suffer, and environmental gains previously made may be lost due to a reduced capacity to
conduct compliance and enforcement efforts.
“Additionally, DEP’s ability to efficiently and timely process permit applications, meet
its obligations under the Clean Streams Law, satisfy increasing federal requirements, and
promptly serve the public in areas, including but not limited to municipal stormwater (MS4s) and
agriculture, are all affected by this funding gap.
“Given the potential fluctuations in appropriations by the legislature, a more stable and
sustainable funding source is desired.”
To meet DEP’s annual revenue objective for this program, DEP is recommending an
overall fee increase of approximately $7 million in NPDES permit application and NOI fees.
Click Here for a copy of the second report.
Also on the agenda are--
-- Final Storage Tank Regulations Update; and
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-- Final-Omitted Electronic Submission Of Air Quality Permit Applications.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 9:00.
For more information and available handouts, visit the Environmental Quality Board
webpage. Questions should be directed to Laura Edinger by calling 717-772-3277 or send email
to: ledinger@pa.gov.
(Photo: Obviously not a good stormwater pollution control strategy.)
Related Stories:
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Watershed
Infrastructure
Counties
Take Action:
Meeting The Challenge Of Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing
Pennsylvania’s original Growing Greener

Program was signed into law as Act 68 in
December, 1999 and next year it will celebrate its
20th anniversary.
The original $650 million program remains
the single largest commitment of funding in the
state’s history focused on addressing
Pennsylvania’s two biggest water quality
problems-- abandoned mine reclamation and
nonpoint source pollution from farms and
stormwater, funding for water and wastewater
systems, saving farmland and open space for
future generations and creating more recreation opportunities throughout the state.
It was based on recommendations in the 21st Century Environment Commission Report.
The Commission was created by Gov. Ridge to look into the future and identify the policy
initiatives we could adopt to deal with the environmental issues we found there.
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The unique aspect of the program was that it was primarily designed to support projects
by watershed, community-based groups, farmers, land trusts and other locals who were not only
close to the problems, but had a direct stake in the solutions.
Another landmark aspect of Act 68 was the establishment of the Environmental Good
Samaritan Act that encouraged local groups with no responsibility for abandoned mine lands or
orphan oil and gas wells to undertake projects to reclaim those lands and plug those wells
without incurring further liability. Click Here for more.
In 2002 under Gov. Schweiker, Growing Greener funding was expanded with a dedicated
$4.00/ton fee on trash allowing the state to invest a constant stream of over $50 million annually
into the future to support Growing Greener’s priorities.
How committed were watershed groups and local governments to local restoration
projects? For every $1 invested by the state, the groups added another $1.25 to the projects, even
without a formal matching requirement.
The original Growing Greener funding also supported county watershed specialists and
other technical support to build local capacity for completing local projects. The number of
watershed groups expanded from 300 to 425 or more by January 2003.
Citizen water quality monitoring was expanded to create a more complete baseline of
water data against which to judge the effectiveness of restoration projects. By January 2003
more than 11,000 citizens and seniors were regularly engaged in water sampling and submitting
their results to DEP.
In 2005 voters approved authorizing a bond issue that became a $625 million, 6-year
Growing Greener II Program. It capped the original Growing Greener program by using the $4
fee to finance the bond so the annual $50+ million commitment to ongoing annual funding was
gone.
The program was expanded beyond the initial focus to also include funding for energy
programs, main street and downtown redevelopment, brownfields programs and projects by the
Fish and Boat and Game Commissions.
A $90 million County Environmental Initiative Program was also added to fund more
local projects through county governments.
Priorities changed and funding for citizen water quality monitoring and building the
capacity of local groups to take on projects was cut or eliminated.
In 2010 a report by the Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee confirmed all of
the $625 million in Growing Greener II bond funds were already spent with no replacement
funding source in sight.
Among the projects funded by Growing Greener II, the report noted, was a parking
garage in Scranton. Really? Is that “Growing Greener?”
In 2012, the General Assembly passed the Act 13 drilling impact fee which transferred a
portion of the fee revenue-- currently $20 million (it was initially $35 million)-- to DCNR’s Oil
and Gas Lease Fund to be re-transferred to the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener)
Fund.
And that’s where the program stands today.
Accomplishments Many
Since 1999, the original provisions of Growing Greener have funded hundreds of local
parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored
hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.
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The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than
1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400
watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment
improvements. Click Here for more.
Economic Value/Benefits
The economic benefits of the kinds of investments made by the original Growing Greener
Program have been quantified a number of different ways over the last few years.
As a result of the original Growing Greener and the Keystone Fund investments, the
economic benefits of investments in recreation facilities are estimated to be $1 billion annually
supporting 13,000 jobs across the state For every dollar invested in State Parks and Forests, $12
of value added income is generated.
Investments in Pennsylvania’s 6,000 local parks generate $1.6 billion in annual economic
activity.
The economic and other benefits of open space, trails and other green infrastructure have
also been well document over the past few years.
Green Infrastructure Investment Returns
Recent studies done on the county level show the annual environmental and economic
value from the services provided by natural resources and investments in conservation, farmland
preservation, watershed restoration and more is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Here are studies from just three counties that add up to over $2.4 billion in annual
environmental and economic benefits.
A study done in Lancaster County- Beyond Food: The Environmental Benefits of
Agriculture In Lancaster County-- identifies quantifiable benefits such as providing water,
pollination, recreation, tourism and flood protection, soil and trees that absorb carbon dioxide.
Their total value-- without counting the value of agricultural products themselves-- $676
million annually in Lancaster County alone.
A similar study for Dauphin County found the return on investment in protection and
restoring natural resources provided a $939.2 million annual investment return.
Another study of the value of natural resources and open space in Carbon County found
the return on investment was estimated to be $800 million annually.
Challenges
Since the original Growing Greener Program was created in 1999, there has been a 75
percent reduction in its funding for the original focus areas of the program-- water quality
improvement (mine reclamation, nonpoint source pollution), land conservation, recreation, water
and wastewater infrastructure.
At the same time, the original challenges in environmental restoration are still there and
growing.
Take one area as an example-- water quality impairment--
-- Polluted Streams: 19,900 miles of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams are polluted and do not
meet federal water quality standards primarily due to abandoned mine drainage, agricultural and
stormwater runoff, Click Here for more;
-- Chesapeake Bay Obligations: $326.9 million is estimated (so far) to be needed to meet the
specific Chesapeake Bay agriculture nutrient and sediment reduction obligations covering half of
Pennsylvania, Click Here for more;
-- Abandoned Mine Lands: 250,000 acres of abandoned mine lands remain polluting 5,500
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miles of streams, Click Here for more.
-- Drinking Water: Pennsylvania has $10.2 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs
(2015), Click Here for more; and
-- Wastewater: $8.4 billion in wastewater infrastructure needs (2015), Click Here for more.
The Future Is Green... Infrastructure
Communities and the state have started to rely more and more on green infrastructure for
cheaper, more effective ways to deal with critical water pollution and flooding problems faced
by the Commonwealth.
Green infrastructure includes forest buffers, stormwater infiltration areas, porous
pavement, parks and recreation areas, passive mine drainage treatment, stream restoration,
preserved land and more.
Green infrastructure also provides multiple benefits for a single investment like
reductions in flooding, water pollution, providing recreation, wildlife habitat and they make
quantifiable economic contributions to the community.
And once installed, green infrastructure like forest buffers, infiltration areas and rain
gardens become more effective because they are living, growing practices, not cement and cinder
block structures.
Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, as well as Lycoming, Monroe and York
counties and groups of communities like in the Wyoming Valley have already turned to green
infrastructure with its multiple benefits to meet water quality goals with a single investment.
Pennsylvania’s initiative to develop the state’s Phase III Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Implementation Plan covering half the state is focused on developing county by county list of
green infrastructure policies and practices needed to fulfill the state’s obligations.
Using 30 years of experience with best management practices and water monitoring
information, this data-driven effort is identifying the most cost effective solutions with the most
benefits for every dollar invested.
Last September, Matt Johnston of the University of Maryland Chesapeake Bay Program
and Dr. Emily Trentacoste of the U.S. Geological Survey presented the Phase III Steering
Committee with the list of the top 11 most cost effective practices to reduce nitrogen going to the
Chesapeake Bay based on all this experience and data (page 73 of his presentation) .
The practices include alternative crops on farmland at $1/pound of nitrogen reduced to
exclusion fencing with grass buffers at $6/pound.
In between are-- less expensive to more-- water quality conservation plans, grass buffers
on row crops, barnyard runoff control, water control structures, wetland restoration, forest
buffers on row crops ($2/pound), narrow buffers on row crops, narrow forest buffers on row
crops and nutrient management on the land.
A Funding Workgroup for the Phase III effort is also looking at creative ways to stretch
or redirect existing funding or provide creative new funding options to support water quality
restoration initiatives.
Creative Solutions
There are many proven ideas for increasing funding for much needed green
infrastructure. Here are just a few--
-- Increase/Broaden REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit: In 2007 the Resource
Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program was established to
provide tax credits to farmers who use their own money to install best management practices.
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Each year this program is oversubscribed with many more eligible requests for the $10
million annual appropriation than can be granted.
This public-private initiative could easily be expanded in terms of dollars and to allow
other third-party tax paying companies and individuals to fund on-farm conservation practices
just like another successful initiative-- the Education Improvement Tax Credit Program.
Private taxpayers would use their money to fund the practices and in return they receive a
public tax credit benefit; a true public-private partnership.
-- Institute A Pay-For-Success Public/Private Investment Program: The Pay-For-Success
model for installing farm conservation practices allows municipalities to satisfy stormwater
pollution reduction requirements and returns profits to private capital investors who pay for those
practices.
Recently, the National Resources Conservation Service awarded a Conservation
Innovation Grant to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA to develop a pilot Pay-For-Success
Program.
A second NRCS grant funded a pay-for-success project in the Brandywine-Christiana
Watershed that straddles the Pennsylvania-Delaware border.
This kind of program has the potential to bring millions of private dollars to Pennsylvania
to pay for farm conservation practices. (Click Here for more.)
-- Encourage BMP Construction In Local Development: Thousands of new developments go
in every year all across Pennsylvania. Encouraging those developments to incorporate
stormwater BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment loads seems like a no-brainer.
The American Water Resources Association recently highlighted the Rock Lititz
Floodplain Restoration Project in Lancaster County as an innovative private-public partnership
to reduce sediment and nutrient loads going to the Chesapeake Bay without using any taxpayer
money.
LandStudies, Inc. describes how the world-famous entertainment technology company
Clair Global planned its new 93.3 acre Rock Lititz campus in Warwick Township, Lancaster
County to house 13 companies supporting live entertainment production.
Over 3,100 feet of Santo Domingo Creek runs through the site and offered an opportunity
to maximize land area for development, reduce long-term site costs and employ best
management practices to permanently reduce flooding and water pollution coming from the site.
Rock Lititz committed an estimated $755,000 for the floodplain restoration initiative
because they recognized the environmental, community and economic benefits of using the
floodplain restoration technique. (Click Here for more.)
3 Rivers Wet Weather in the Pittsburgh area has developed some language municipalities
can use to encourage green infrastructure in stormwater management ordinances. (C lick Here
for more.)
Expediting DEP permits for these multi-benefit projects for local governments could also
encourage local green infrastructure in new development.
-- Double-Down On Recreation Investments By Incorporating Stormwater BMPs:
Communities all across the state are realizing local and regional parks and recreation facilities
can be fully integrated into helping those communities comply with MS4 stormwater pollution
reduction requirements.
Parkland is often viewed as leftover land, land with environmental constraints such as
wetlands, floodplains, and steep slopes, or land a developer did not want or could not develop.
15
Parks. This underutilized open space offers settings that could help to address stormwater
pollution reduction challenges.
Instead of single-purpose solutions that may address one aspect of the environmental
challenges we face, solutions that consider all of a municipality’s assets, including parks and
underutilized lands, may yield multiple benefits in stormwater management and reduced
flooding.
The very recent severe stream flooding Pennsylvania has experienced is a great example
of the kind of benefits green infrastructure can provide in reducing flooding. Examples of its
effectiveness can be found in Lancaster County. Click Here for more.
In fact, both the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and EPA have
step-by-step guides and other resources to help communities realize these benefits. (C lick Here
for more.)
Again, expediting permits, changing grant award criteria to encourage multiple benefit
projects, could encourage more of these projects to better use the scarce resources we now have.
-- Chesapeake Bay, Mine Reclamation And Other Water Quality Success Depends On A
Fully Participating Federal Partner: The success of the Chesapeake Bay Program and water
infrastructure investment programs in Pennsylvania depend significantly on a fully participating
federal partner.
Whether its agriculture and forest conservation programs in the federal Farm Bill,
reauthorization of the federal abandoned mine reclamation fee or fully funding the Clean Water
and Drinking Water Revolving Loan Funds, Safe Drinking Water and other programs, federal
participation in successful, multi-benefit water quality restoration initiatives is critical.
Support
To support this and other clean water green infrastructure efforts, the bipartisan
Pennsylvania members of the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission have already spotlighted
the need for a Clean Water Fund in Pennsylvania to help accomplish many of these goals
statewide.
Public polls consistently show strong, consistent, and bipartisan public support for
programs that improve our quality of life, boost the economy, and protect the environment
throughout Pennsylvania.
A Penn State poll found more than 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed support
increasing state funds dedicated to protecting rivers and streams; conserving open space, forests,
natural areas and wildlife habitats; providing parks and trails; and preserving farmland.
Refocused funding efforts at the state level on what we really need, not want we want,
with more local control to emphasize green infrastructure investments and a demand projects
achieve multiple benefits from a single investment would get the biggest bang for the taxpayer’s
buck.
Green infrastructure investments also need to be targeted to areas on the landscape where
they will do the most good, particularly for water quality improvements, further increasing their
effectiveness. We have the data, let’s use it.
Continuing to disperse scarce state resources on dozens of different, single purpose
programs that will collectively have little real impact just doesn’t seem smart with today’s fiscal
realities.
It will take a combination of tools to achieve our green infrastructure objectives and
restore the hope created when the original Growing Greener Program was passed in 1999.
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(Written By: David Hess, Former Secretary Of PA Department of Environmental Protection.)
Related Stories:
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Investing In Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits: Reduces Flooding, Nutrient, Sediment
Runoff
Brandywine-Christiana Watershed Pay-For-Success Project To Bring Up To $10 Million In
Private Capital For Farm Conservation Projects
CBF-PA: NRCS Grant Will Help Communities Meet MS4 Stormwater Requirements With
On-Farm Practices
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Leads MS4 Stormwater Effort To Save Communities More
Than 50% In Compliance Costs
LancasterOnline: Lancaster Farmland Provides $676M In Annual Environmental Benefits
Estimated $939.2 Million Return On Investment In Protecting, Restoring Dauphin County’s
Natural Resources
Carbon County Has $800 Million Return On Investment From Natural Resources
Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater Pollution,
Reducing Flood Damage
Rock Lititz Project Reduces Sediment, Nutrient Runoff Without Taxpayer Money
DEP: Reauthorizing Federal Mine Reclamation Fee Critical To Continued Success Of AML
Program
Feature: Parks To The Rescue On Stormwater, Flooding
Other Environmental Policy Challenges
PA’s Waste Planning, Recycling & Waste Reduction Act 101 Is 30 Years Old; Challenges For A
$22.6 Billion PA Industry
PA’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Is 30 Years Old; Where Will Future Funding Come From?
Take Action:
Congress On Track To Pass RECLAIM Initiative To Clean Up Abandoned Mines, Create

Jobs
John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for

Pennsylvania Watersheds Monday said he is
heartened by Congress’ support for funding for a
federal program that supports cleanup project in coal
communities.
“We are very glad to see that the House approved $30
million and the Senate approved $25 million in
appropriations to fund PILOT programs that both
clean up abandoned mine land and mine polluted
streams. These projects specifically put the land and
water back to productive use, creating jobs and promoting economic development,” he said. “As
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market forces cause coal mines and coal-fired power plants to shut down, this funding serves as a
lifeline for the hardest hit communities.”
“The bad news is that we have the most abandoned mine sites in the nation, and cleaning
up all of our abandoned mine land and polluted water will cost an estimated $15 billion. The
good news is that the Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned Mine Remediation (BAMR) leads the
nation in tackling this problem,” he continued. “The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is
there to support cleanup efforts on a site-specific, local level, creating the public/private
partnerships that result in usable land and clean water and quality of life improvements in the
coal regions of Pennsylvania.”
If finally passed by Congress and signed by the President, it will mark the fourth year of
funding for these PILOT programs that demonstrate how mine reclamation benefits workers and
the economy in the coalfields.
Pennsylvania has received $55 million for 30 of these projects, and $25 million more was
approved last year. These projects include:
-- Ehrenfeld in Cambria County, laid-off coal workers have removed a mountain of coal waste
that loomed over the town;
-- Carbondale, Susquehanna County workers have put out a stubborn mine fire; and
-- 160 households in Rayburn Township, Armstrong County were provided with clean drinking
water for the first time.
The RECLAIM Act, which is also pending in Congress, would provide about $258
million over five years from the Abandoned Mine Land Fund for similar projects that accelerate
job creation and spur economic development.
Differences between the U.S. House and Senate versions of the bills will be negotiated by
a conference committee.
“We hope to see this legislation get full Congressional approval and President Trump’s
signature before the end of the fiscal year in September,” said Dawes. “After the August recess
there will be only 11 legislative days, and for the sake of our coal communities our Congressmen
must make this a priority.”
For more information on watershed initiatives, visit the Foundation for Pennsylvania
Watersheds website.
(Photo: Ehrenfeld Mine Reclamation Project, Cambria County.)
NewsClips:
Underground Mine Fire Beneath PPG Glass Plant In Allegheny County Appears To Have Spread
Former Coal Mine Entrances Uncovered In Westmoreland County
Related Stories:
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Project In Washington County
Our Work’s Not Done: Mining States Push For Reauthorization Of Federal Abandoned Mine
Reclamation Fee
DEP: Reauthorizing Federal Mine Reclamation Fee Critical To Continued Success of AML
Program
John Dawes Urges Congress To Reauthorize Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee
EPCAMR: Tell Congress To Act NOW On Bill To RECLAIM PA’s Abandoned Mines
Take Action:
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DEP Assesses $148,000 Penalty Against Mariner East 2 Pipeline For Violations in Berks,
Chester, Lebanon Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has assessed a $148,000

penalty against Sunoco Pipeline LP for violations of the Clean Streams Law and Dam Safety and
Encroachment Act that occurred during the construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline in Berks,
Chester, and Lebanon counties.
In all three counties, Sunoco impacted the private water supplies of several citizens by
causing cloudy, turbid, discolored and/or lost water in their wells, in addition to causing
pollution and potential pollution to waters of the commonwealth.
In Chester County, Sunoco also failed to immediately notify DEP of the adverse impacts
to the private water supplies.
“Sunoco’s actions violated the law and will not be tolerated,” said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell. “Sunoco cannot impact water supplies. If it does, Sunoco must address those
impacts to the satisfaction of the water supply’s owner, including replacement or restoration of
the impacted water supply.”
The collected penalty will be divided and deposited into the Clean Water Fund and the
Dams and Encroachments Fund.
“No company is above the law. Sunoco must comply with all conditions in its permits,”
said McDonnell. “DEP will continue to monitor Sunoco’s compliance with those conditions and
take all steps necessary to ensure Sunoco complies with its permits and the law.”
For more information, visit DEP’s Mariner East 2 Pipeline webpage.
NewsClips:
Phillips: DEP Fines Mariner East 2 Pipeline For Damaging Drinking Water In Berks, Chester,
Lebanon Counties
Sunoco To Pay $148K For Harming Private Wells During Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Nears Completion In Berks County
Sauro: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Foe Gets 2-6 Months In Jail
Mariner East 2 Pipeline 99% Done, Online In About 2 Months
Activists Nationally Trying To Get Huntingdon Woman Opposing Mariner East 2 Pipeline Out
Of Jail
New Pipelines Being Built In Western PA, Here’s Why Homeowners, Environmentalists, Water
Authorities Are Worried
Op-Ed: Repurposing Existing Pipelines Safe, Necessary
Editorial: Infrastructure Progress Gas Industry’s Key To Future In State
Federal Court Tosses Construction Permits For Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Report: Trump To Nominate DOE Policy Director Bernard McNamee To FERC
Related Story:
Public Utility Commission Partially Lifts Mariner East 2, 2x Pipeline Construction Shut Down In
Chester County
PA Supreme Court Orders Rehearing Of Challenge To Zoning Permit Allowing Drilling In
Butler County Based On Environmental Rights Amendment
Penn State Extension Marcellus Shale Landowner Coalitions- Form, Function, Impact Webinar
19
Aug. 23

On August 3, the PA Supreme Court ordered Commonwealth Court to rehear a challenge to a
zoning permit allowing shale gas drilling in Middlesex Township, Butler County specifically on
the grounds of whether it is consistent with that Court’s Environmental Rights Amendment
decision in 2017.
The challenge was brought by the Delaware RiverKeeper Network, Clean Air Council
and several individuals against the Township and R.E. Gas Development LLC.
On June 7, 2017 Commonwealth Court affirmed the decision of Butler County Common
Pleas Court to deny an appeal of a zoning permit allowing drilling saying the Middlesex
Township zoning ordinance allows drilling in a residential-agricultural zoning district.
The county court and Commonwealth Court pointed to the fact the township supervisors
expressly adopted a change to the zoning ordinance, over the objections of the Township’s
Planning Commission and after extensive public hearings, to allow for oil and gas well site
development in these areas.
Several of the objections to the zoning permit and ordinance brought by the Delaware
RiverKeeper, et al included--
-- Violates Article 1, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution because it was not designed to
protect the health, safety, morals, and public welfare of its citizens and, therefore, is not a valid
exercise of the Township’s police power;
-- Violates Article 1, Section 1 by injecting incompatible industrial uses into a non-industrial
zoning district in violation of the Township’s Comprehensive Plan thereby making the ordinance
irrational; and
-- Unreasonably infringes on their rights under Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania
Constitution to clean air, pure water, and a healthy local environment in which to live, work,
recreate, and raise their children.
The PA Supreme Court remanded the case to Commonwealth Court specifically “in light
of Pa. Envtl. Def. Found. v. Commonwealth, 161 A.3d 911 (Pa. 2017)” relating to the Court’s
finding local and state government and agencies have an obligation under the Environmental
Rights Amendment to act as trustees for the environment.
The PA Supreme Court also directed Commonwealth Court to consider it’s ruling in June
that local zoning ordinances must specifically provide for drilling, saying--
“In addition, in light of the amendments contained in Middlesex Township Ordinance
127, which expressly include gas well development as a permitted use in the subject R-AG zone,
and our decision in Gorsline v. Bd. of Sup. of Fairfield Twp. , ---A.3d---, 2018 WL 2448803 (Pa.
2018) wherein we noted “this decision should not be misconstrued as an indication that oil and
gas development is never permitted in residential/agricultural districts, or that it is fundamentally
incompatible with residential or agricultural uses,” we direct the Commonwealth Court to
reconsider the relevance of Gorsline to its analysis of the issues on appeal in this case.”
Click Here for a copy of the PA Supreme Court order. Click Here for the
Commonwealth Court decision.
20
Related Stories:
PA Supreme Court Says Local Governments Must Amend Zoning Ordinances To Specifically
Allow For Drilling
PA Supreme Court Declares Law Diverting Oil & Gas Lease Funds To General Fund
Unconstitutional
Penn State Extension Marcellus Shale Landowner Coalitions- Form, Function, Impact Webinar
Aug. 23
Loyalsock Creek River Of The Year Celebration Continues Aug. 25 With Worlds End Day
In Sullivan County
The year-long series of special events to recognize

Loyalsock Creek as the 2018 Pennsylvania River of
the Year heads to the Endless Mountains at Worlds
End State Park in Sullivan County on August 25 for
the day-long Worlds End Day! celebration.
Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association in
partnership with Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources are bringing art, music, history,
nature, and more to the banks of the Loyalsock Creek
and to residents and visitors who cherish this 64-mile
mile long natural resource.
“One of the gems of the Loyalsock Creek watershed
is Worlds End State Park, a destination location for
campers, hikers, paddlers, birders, and photographers. It is the perfect setting to provide
opportunities for the public to connect with our Pennsylvania River of the Year,” explains Carol
Parenzan, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Middle Susquehanna
Riverkeeper Association, Inc., the nominating organization for this waterway distinction.
The day is divided into three main parts. The morning will focus on The Art of Fly
Fishing from 10:00 to Noon.
The Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited, Fish and Boat Commission, and Lycoming
College Clean Water Institute will provide hands-on angler education for all ages, to include fly
tying, casting, and macroinvertebrate identification.
The afternoon is filled with a variety of programs.
Two-hour workshops from 2:00 to 4:00 include Nature and Wildlife Photography for
Beginners with award-winning photographer Joseph Simons, Quick Sketch Poetry with Ann
Keeler Evans, who authored the Loyalsock Creek blessing for the official River of the Year
sojourn, Songwriting: Playing with Words and Notes with Adirondack folk musician Dan
Berggren, Women in the Mountains with author and historian Peggy Lynn, and Hammered
Dulcimer for Beginners with Grammy nominee Dan Duggan.
Additionally, during that same time period, families can rotate among a series of
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hands-on activities and explore Birds of the Watershed with Lycoming County Audubon,
Freshwater Mussels with Bucknell University, Found Instruments and Nature Journaling with
DCNR Worlds End State Park, and Creek Bugs and Other Slugs with Sullivan County
Conservation District.
“Our goal for this afternoon of hands-on activities is to connect our future environmental
stewards to our creek and watershed,” said Jane Swift, DCNR Worlds End State Park
Environmental Education Specialist. “They are our future caretakers and we will be leaving this
beautiful Loyalsock Creek – and all waterways in Pennsylvania – in their hands.”
Running concurrent with the workshops will be a Loyalsock Creek Watershed Small
Business Spotlight, where local business owners will showcase their products and services and
engage with the public. The spotlight will conclude at 6:00, when all ears will tune in to a
concert along the creek.
The Jamcrackers of the Adirondacks from upstate New York, comprised of Dan
Berggren, Dan Duggan, and Peggy Lynn, will bring music to the mountains through their
original songs about mountain life and the environment.
“In 1998, this Pennsylvania girl migrated north to the Adirondacks to experience living in
a cabin and working in a sparsely populated part of the country. One of my first Adirondack
experiences was the music of the Jamcrackers,” explains Parenzan. “I quickly grew to love
“Mountain Air,’ ‘One with the Water,’ ‘This Planet We Call Home,’ and ‘Power from Above.’
“Since returning to Pennsylvania in 2016 to serve as your Middle Susquehanna
Riverkeeper, it has been one of my goals to bring the music of the Jamcrackers here to those who
call the Susquehanna River watershed home. The message is universal,” Parenzan added.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before or during the
concert. McCarty Mercantile, in Hillsgrove, is offering special Picnic under the Pines take-out
dinners for the event.
Please contact them at 570-924-3425 for details and to place an order.
All activities will take place in the day use area of Worlds End State Park. Please bring a
lawn chair for the workshops and evening concert. In the event of bad weather, the evening
concert will be moved to an indoor location.
Worlds End State Park is a 780-acre park situated in a narrow S-shaped valley of the
Loyalsock Creek. It is located south of Forksville in Sullivan County.
This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation
Partnerships Program, using Environmental Stewardship Funds, under the administration of the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and
administered by the Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and Rivers.
For more information, visit the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper website or contact
Carol Parenzan at 570-768-6300 or send email to: midsusriver@gmail.com.
(Photo: The Eastern Hellbender pictured on the Loyalsock Creek logo is still w aiting for the
House to name it the official state symbol of clean water.)
Related Stories:
Loyalsock Creek Named 2018 PA River Of The Year In Public Voting
Eastern Hellbender STILL Waits For House Action To Name It The Official State Symbol Of
Clean Water
22
2018 Greenways Awards Presented In Clarion, Crawford, Venango Counties Aug. 15
The public is invited to attend a free ceremony on

August 15 where the annual Greenways Awards will
be presented by the Council on Greenways and Trails
in Clarion, Crawford and Venango counties.
These annual awards celebrate individuals, groups, and
businesses which reach out to assist the communities
in these three counties to enhance or protect greenways
and trails, which can be parks, land and water trails,
hiking /walking paths, scenic and cultural resources.
Award Winners
The Thomas Allen Greenways Partner of the Year Award will be presented to Tom
Jennings, recognizing his talent and expertise in organizing the Oil Creek 100 Trail Race held in
Oil Creek State Park. This year the event will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.
To date, it has introduced thousands of people to greenways in the Oil Region National
Heritage Region with over 450 runners and their families participating annually each autumn.
This award is sponsored by the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority.
Clarion County Chapter of the North Country Trails will be receiving the 2018
Greenways Neighbor of the Year Award for their work developing the new Clarion Loop
Trail.
This 1.5 mile loop connects Main Street in Clarion to the Clarion River; it has quickly
become an asset to the community with many recreational enthusiasts using it daily. This award
is sponsored by the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism.
The James E. Holden Greenways Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to
Michael O’Neill for his work on the Rail 66 Country Trail. This Award is co-sponsored by the
Holden family and the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce.
All award recipients will receive framed certificates issued by the CGT, plus native
serviceberry trees will be planted in their honor in an active greenways project site of their
choice within the three-county area.
For best tree survival, the actual tree plantings occur in the autumn; a custom bronze
plaque made by Franklin Bronze Plaques is also positioned at the base of each of these award
trees.
The awards event will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Oil Creek Memorial Landing, located on
Route 8 North in Oil City adjacent to the Dollar General store.
Refreshments will be served at the ceremony; there people planning to attend are asked to
RSVP by calling Kim Harris, Awards Chair, at 814-677-3152; Ext. 120 or send email to:
kharris@oilregion.org.
For more information about programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Council
on Greenways and Trails website.
Smoke From Western U.S. Wildfires Starting To Show Up In Pennsylvania, East Coast
Smoke from the wildfires burning in California and
23
other Western states is beginning to show up in the upper atmosphere over Pennsylvania and
other areas of the East Coast, but it’s too soon to tell whether it will have an impact on our air
quality.
Impacts to Pennsylvania’s air quality from wildfires in the Western U.S. and Canada that
can actually be measured by air monitors, seen and even smelled have happened before.
Starting in July of 2002 impacts to levels of ozone and fine particulate pollution in
Pennsylvania were measured from wildfires burning in eastern Canada that moved south into the
Commonwealth. (D EP Report, page 13)
In the case of the 2002 wildfires, not only were DEP air monitors picking up the pollution
from the smoke, but you could actually smell the smoke in the air for several days.
Similar impacts were found from Saskatchewan, Canada wildfires in 2015. (DEP Report,
page 14)
When events like this occur, states can request the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency to declare an Exceptional Event that has a specific and documented impact on air quality
monitoring results over and above what would be expected from weather conditions at the time.
Air monitoring results are important because if the impact of an Exceptional Event is to
cause of violation of the ozone, particulate or another air pollution standard it could have an
impact on which areas of the state are declared in nonattainment of that standard.
DEP filed for an Exceptional Event declaration based on the horrific 2016 Fort
McMurray wildfire in Canada. The wildfire burned from May 1 to July 5 when it was brought
under control.
DEP’s analysis and modeling demonstrated the Fort McMurray fires caused “abnormally
high” ozone and fine particulate concentrations from May 24 to 26, 2016 in Pennsylvania.
At that time, DEP said 43 air quality monitors in the state were affected.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s report on the impact of the Fort McMurray fires.
With smoke from the Western U.S. wildfires just reaching the East Coast in the upper
atmosphere, it’s too soon to tell if the smoke will start mixing lower in the atmosphere to actually
start having an impact on Pennsylvania’s air quality.
NewsClips:
Smoke From California Wildfires Reaching East Coast
Smoke From California Wildfires Spreading 3,000 Miles To New York City
Williamsport Area Firefighters Battle Western Blazes
PA Firefighters Return After Battling Western Wildfires
Editorial: Tip Of The Hat To PA Firefighters Fighting Western Wildfires
Southern California Firefighters Rush To Keep Wildfire Flames From Reaching Homes
California Firefighters Battle To Curb Wildfire Before Winds Return
Devastating Carr Fire In Northern California Sparked By A Flat Tire
AP: Firefighters Battle Biggest Blaze In California State History
AP: Twin Northern California Blazes Become Largest In State’s History
California’s Carr Wildfire Claims A 7th Victim, Mendocino Fire Continues To Grow
As Wildfires Rage, California Frets Over Future Of Greater Perils, Higher Costs
California Gov. Asks Feds For Wildfire Aid As State Battles 17 Blazes
Editorial: Global Wildfires Declining
Related Story:
DEP Invites Comments On Report Of PA Air Quality Impacts From The Fort McMurray,
24
Canada Wildfires
DEP: Positive West Nile Virus Results Reported In 4 New Counties Bringing Total To 56
The Department of Environmental Protection West Nile

Virus website reported Friday positive sampling results in
4 new counties, including-- Armstrong, Butler, Crawford
and Venango. This brings the total to 56 out of 67
counties.
DEP previously reported West Nile Virus was found in
these counties-- Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford,
Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Chester,
Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin,
Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata,
Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer,
Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia,
Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Union, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.
Prevention
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help
eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
-- Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold
water.
-- Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most
mosquitoes breed.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
-- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a
tendency to plug drains.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
-- Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on
pool covers.
If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy Bti (short for
Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home
improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is
safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people
who are most at risk:
-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
-- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when
mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of
mosquitoes.
-- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods,
usually April through October.
25
-- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will
contain DEET, picardin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician
for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children
under the age of two months.
Control Operations
DEP and county partners throughout the state will also conduct routine, localized
spraying events to control infected adult populations of mosquitoes. These operations are
conducted when and where deemed necessary based on recent population survey results.
Click Here for a schedule of mosquito adulticiding events.
For more information about West Nile Virus and the state's surveillance and control
program, visit the West Nile Virus website.
NewsClips:
DEP: Conditions Ripe For Spread Of West Nile Virus
Venesky: Conditions Ripe For Mosquito West Nile Virus
West Nile Numbers Jumping
West Nile Hot Spots In PA, What’s The Risk In Your County?
Cumberland County Conducts Mosquito Spraying Operations
Mosquito Spray To Be Applied Monday In Ligonier
Mosquito Spraying In Luzerne County Set For Aug. 7
Allegheny County Health To Treat For Mosquitoes
Allegheny County Plans Mosquito Spraying To Prevent West Nile Virus
York County Leads State In Positive West Nile Virus Mosquito Samples
Lyme Disease Now In All States, But PA Has Most Cases
Penn State: Don’t Avoid The Outdoors, Avoid Tick Bites
Pennsylvania Reports First Longhorned Tick
Just Over Half Of Ticks Studied In Pike County Carried Disease
Study: 1 In 7 Children Of Zika Virus-Infected Moms Have Problems
Agriculture, Penn State Extension, USDA Provide Update On Spotted Lanternfly In PA
The Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department

of Agriculture, and Penn State Extension Monday
provided an update on their work to control the
spread of the Spotted Lanternfly-- an invasive insect
that has the potential to seriously impact the
tree-fruit, grape, and timber industries, which are
collectively worth nearly $18 billion to the state's
economy.
“Through this partnership, we have been able to
successfully raise awareness about this pest: what it
looks like, where it’s found, and the damage it could
do,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This coalition has been the boots on the
ground working to control the Spotted Lanternfly’s spread--and we’ve made significant
strides--but we know there’s still much work left to do.”
26
Gov. Tom Wolf and the General Assembly approved $3 million in dedicated state
funding to combat the Spotted Lanternfly as part of the fiscal year 2018-19 budget. This funding
supplements $17.5 million in federal funding from USDA, received earlier this year.
Redding noted this funding has helped the coalition, which also includes numerous local
partners, invest in a statewide survey, control and treatment services, grants, and research.
This year, the partners are engaged in a multi-pronged approach to control the invasive
pest.
PDA has taken responsibility for suppressing Spotted Lanternfly populations in the core
infestation area, while USDA has established a perimeter extending 18 miles out from the core
area, where they are working to eliminate any infestation.
Between the two agencies, the entire spotted lanternfly quarantine area--13 counties in
southeastern Pennsylvania--are being covered. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has
taken the lead on public outreach through its Cooperative Extension service.
“Our main operational goal this season is to treat all the known positives from last year,
and treat any new properties this year into mid-September,” said Timothy Newcamp, USDA
APHIS State Plant Health Director in Pennsylvania. “Our scientists are studying the
effectiveness of different pesticides, working on trap and lure development, exploring biological
control options, and studying alternative host suitability. This research, along with that of our
partners, will not only help in the battle against this invasive pest, but it will also help shape the
direction of the Spotted Lanternfly Program.”
"Penn State Extension and Research within the College of Agriculture Sciences is
focused on increasing the public and industries awareness of the SLF and studying the pest to
learn more about its biology, damage potential and how to more effectively manage its
populations," added Dr. Dennis Calvin, Associate Dean and Director of Special Programs at
Penn State Extension.
Redding said that public outreach and education is critical to controlling the Spotted
Lanternfly’s spread.
“We want the public to not only understand the urgency of this problem, but also be able
to help us in trying to eliminate it,” said Redding. “If people are aware of the pest, and know
what it looks like, they can report sightings to us so that we can respond more quickly. If the
insect is found someplace outside of the quarantine zone, the sooner we know about it, the
sooner we can react and prevent it from spreading.”
Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report sightings of the pest through an online reporting
tool found at extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly or by calling the new hotline,
1-888-4BADFLY. The hotline will connect callers to Penn State Extension staff who will
provide guidance and next steps.
The Commonwealth is also engaging with the business community, stressing the risk that
interstate and international commerce may be impeded.
Businesses operating within the quarantine must obtain an operating permit, which
requires training and passing a test to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of
the pest and quarantine requirements.
Permits demonstrate that individuals can identify the pest and ensure that it is not present
on transported items.
New York, for example, has begun inspecting shipments moving from the quarantined
areas of Pennsylvania into their state to ensure trucks are permitted.
27
New Jersey also recently instituted a quarantine in three counties that may affect the
interstate movement of goods from Pennsylvania.
Redding added that the Wolf Administration has been training employees and issuing
permits to those state workers who have taken the test. The Commonwealth also plans to permit
state vehicles that travel through the quarantine zone.
“The Commonwealth is leading by example, and has taken the important step of
permitting its state vehicles. Thus far, state employees in a number of agencies have taken the
permitting test online and are training their teams to know what to do when they’re traveling in a
state vehicle,” Redding added.
Click Here for video from the press conference.
Find out more about Spotted Lanternfly, visit Agriculture’s Lanternfly webpage, USDA’s
website and Penn State Extension.
NewsClips:
AP: Officials Work To Stop Spread Of Spotted Lanternfly
Pennsylvania Ground Zero For Spotted Lanternfly
Agriculture Officials Work To Eradicate Spotted Lanternfly
State Spending Millions To Halt Spotted Lanternfly, But Is It Winning?
Sauro: Spotted Lanternfly A Buzzkill For State College Winery
$20 Million Pledged In Spotted Lanternfly Fight
Forget Kumbaya: Kids At This Camp Are On Front Lines Of Spotted Lanternfly War
Related Stories:
Penn State Helps To Assemble Expert Task Force To Combat Spotted Lanternfly
Invasive Asian Longhorn Tick Confirmed In PA, State Urges Precautions To Protect People,
Livestock, Pets
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Sept. 12): House Bill 107 (Godshall-R- Montgomery) providing a mechanism to cover
costs of extending natural gas distribution systems; House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks)
which amends Title 58 to impose a sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act
13 drilling impact fee, on natural gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and
includes provisions related to minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Bill 1446
(Quinn-R- Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles; House
Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 1172
(Vulakovich-R-Allegheny) further providing for enforcement of price gouging provisions during
an emergency declaration (Senate Fiscal Note and summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill
Calendar.
28
Senate (Sept. 24): Senate Bill 820 (Aument-R- Lancaster) providing liability protection for
owners and operators of on-farm agritourism activities (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 917
(Dinniman-R-Chester) amends Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling Act to include
spent mushroom compost under the definition of “compost materials to encourage its reuse
(sponsor summary); Senate Bill 930 (Dinniman-D- Chester) sets notification requirements
related to pipeline emergencies (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 931 (Dinniman-D-Chester)
requires the installation of automatic or remote controlled safety values in natural gas pipelines
in densely populated areas; Senate Bill 1199 (Rafferty-R- Montgomery) providing for a
landowners’ bill of rights in cases of eminent domain, including by private entities like pipeline
companies (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R- Washington) resolution
urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling
on state forest land (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 373 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) is a
concurrent Senate-House resolution to establish a Senate-House legislative Commission to Study
Pipeline Construction and Operations and to recommend improvements for the safe transport of
oil, natural gas and other hazardous liquids through pipelines; House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams)
further providing for liability protection for landowners opening their land for public recreation;
House Bill 927 (Rader-R-Monroe) amends Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling
Act to eliminate the mandate on smaller municipalities to have a leaf waste collection program
(House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1550 (Klunk-R-York) amending the Agricultural
Area Security Law to allow for a residence for the principal landowner (House Fiscal Note and
summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds an informational meeting on
Senate Bill 799 which makes significant changes to the Environmental Stewardship (Growing
Greener) Funding Programs. The bill would require programs previously funded through the
General Fund or other agencies, plus add several new initiatives that would draw money out of
the Environmental Stewardship Fund without providing any more money. Click Here for more.
<> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
3-Year Review Of Regulations: Senate Bill 1231 (Brooks-R-Crawford) requiring a review of

economically significant regulations exceeding $1 million in impact every three years (sponsor
summary).
29
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Recessed to the call of the President Pro Tempore
September 24, 25, 26
October 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 17
November 14
House
Recessed to the call of the House Speaker
September 12, 13, 24, 25, & 26.
October 1 (Non-Voting), 2 (Non-Voting), 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17.
November 13
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
The Feds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture

Monday released a comprehensive,
three-year action plan that outlines its
priorities and goals for using current and
future Farm Bill conservation programs
to help agricultural producers improve
the water quality and overall health of
the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“Agriculture is an integral part of the
Chesapeake Bay watershed’s culture and economy, and it plays a critical role in improving water
quality and the health of the bay,” said Bill Northey, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm
Production and Conservation. “This plan reaffirms our commitment to continue our partnerships
to help agricultural producers plan and implement improvements on their land using voluntary
conservation programs.”
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Action Plan outlines the goals of USDA’s Natural
Resources Conservation Service for fiscal years 2018-2020, which include:
-- Helping producers implement conservation practices that improve water quality on 920,000
acres, improve soil health on 700,000 acres, and improve fish and wildlife habitat on 120,000
30
acres;
-- Training 4,700 public and private conservation professionals to plan and implement
conservation practices that improve water quality, soil health, or fish and wildlife habitat; and
-- Increasing public participation by engaging 27,700 public and private partners and citizens in
NRCS public meetings and committees to gain feedback about the agency’s programs and
services in the watershed.
As USDA’s private lands conservation agency, NRCS developed the action plan, which
will rely on financial and technical support Farm Bill conservation programs.
These programs help producers plan and implement conservation activities that are
scientifically proven to be effective at reducing excess nutrients and sediment loadings.
Since 2009, NRCS has helped improve 3.6 million acres of private, working agricultural
and forest land within the Chesapeake Bay watershed by providing more than $1 billion in
technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and others.
USDA’s most recent Conservation Effects Assessment Project report documented a
significant reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus loss resulting from conservation practices
implemented since 2006.
Farmers have implemented conservation practices on critical cropland acres that helped
reduce nitrogen losses by 20 percent and phosphorus losses by 44 percent.
In addition, recent monitoring in the bay has shown that submerged aquatic vegetation or
bay grasses have recovered to record levels.
Click Here to read a copy of the plan.
The Chesapeake Bay has been the focus of ongoing efforts to improve its water quality
and natural resources.
NRCS works closely with soil and water conservation districts, government agencies and
non-government organizations to improve water quality through conservation efforts on public
and private lands.
Northey made this announcement from the National Association of Conservation
District’s summer meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia. This meeting pulls together representatives
from soil and water conservation districts from around the country, who are important to helping
deliver key USDA conservation programs.
Learn more about NRCS activities in the watershed by visiting the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed webpage. For more information on NRCS conservation programs in Pennsylvania,
visit the NRCS-PA webpage.
NewsClips:
Surprise]
31
Related Stories:
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Watershed
Infrastructure
Counties
Take Action:
News From Around The State
By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal
Pennsylvania could generate up to $500 million annually

to help clean polluted streams and the Chesapeake Bay by
charging large users of water a fraction of a cent per
gallon.
That’s the findings of a report released June 6 by a joint
committee of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The bipartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
conducted the study to look at the costs and revenues
should a new water use fee be enacted.
Three attempts to pass such a water fee bill have failed, but
Rep. Michael Sturla (D-Lancaster) introduced another such
bill during the 2017 budget season [-- House Bill 20].
32
Just before the bill’s introduction, the five Pennsylvania members of the Chesapeake Bay
Commission — a body of state legislators, cabinet secretaries and citizens from Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia — stressed the need for a dedicated fund to address Pennsylvania’s water
pollution woes and its lagging performance in Bay cleanup efforts. Sturla is a member of the
commission.
The new report lists the industries that use most of the water withdrawn from
Pennsylvania’s surface and ground sources each year.
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, that number in 2015
totaled 25.8 trillion gallons. Hydroelectric power, thermoelectric power and public water
supplies accounted for 98.4 percent of the withdrawals. Hydroelectric power, alone, accounted
for 92 percent.
The remaining 1.6 percent of withdrawals served commercial, agriculture and
recreational land users, such as golf courses and ski resorts.
Rep. Sturla’s bill would levy a fee of 0.001 cent per gallon on water withdrawals greater
than 10,000 gallons per day, with the fee reduced to 0.0001 cent per gallon if similar amounts of
water withdrawn are returned to the source. Under the bill, agricultural, municipal and nonprofit
withdrawals would be exempt.
Based on 2015 usage data, those fees would raise about $2.6 billion per year, with most
of that amount — $2.4 billion — coming from hydroelectric plants along the Susquehanna.
“The impacts of the legislation on existing hydropower resources is unclear and could be
wide-ranging and, as a result, we will continue to monitor it,” said Andrew Davis, a spokesman
for Brookfield Renewable, which owns several energy facilities in Pennsylvania, including the
Holtwood and Safe Harbor dams on the lower Susquehanna.
Instead of solely focusing on the proposed bill, the report evaluates various scenarios of
rates and revenue, all based on 2015 withdrawal rates.
For example, the report breaks down how much per gallon would be charged to each of
11 sectors of industry — such as commercial, agriculture and public water — should the fund
raise $100, $300 or $500 million a year.
“I’m still trying to digest it-- there’s a lot of data to be sorted through,” said Marel King,
Pennsylvania director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, soon after the report was released.
King took on the task of summarizing the findings for commission members. “The combination
of rates and exemptions at this point seem infinite.”
Research for the report included reviews of water use programs in 11 other states.
According to the report, only three of them charge an annual fee for water withdrawals:
Minnesota, Wisconsin and New Jersey.
“However, no state imposes a fee that would generate anything remotely close to what is
being contemplated in [the bill],” said Christopher Latta, deputy executive director of the
Legislative Finance and Budget Committee. For example, he said, approximately $4.7 million is
generated in Minnesota, $5.1 million in New Jersey, and $1 million in Wisconsin.
The study did not research or speculate on whether those costs would be passed on to
electric consumers or to people buying lift tickets or enjoying a round of golf.
Rep. Sturla’s bill would support water protection programs across the state that impact
not only the Chesapeake, but also the Ohio River and Delaware Bay, although most of the water
use is in the Susquehanna Basin.
About $65 million would go to state environmental agencies, some that have seen budget
33
cuts for nearly 16 years. That includes $5 million for the Fish and Boat Commission, which has
been at the center of a legislative battle to allow the agency to close an estimated $2 million gap
in revenue by raising the fees for fishing permits.
John Arway, executive director of the Commission, told the committee that the funds
would “remove the need to raise the fishing license fees and take the burden off the backs of the
boaters and anglers that spend $1.2 billion a year in Pennsylvania.”
Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming), a Republican representing parts of two counties in the
northern part of the state, said that conceptually there isn’t anyone in the general assembly who
is against clean water. Everett, also a member of the Bay Commission, said last year that he was
going propose another water use fee bill.
He decided not to bother, and he doesn’t think the Sturla bill will get any traction because
of the opposition of the Republican-dominated legislature to increased taxes or fees is too strong.
“The political reality — even if Mike Sturla’s bill is the most perfect bill that was ever
drafted — the chances of it passing with the current membership is less than zero,” Rep. Everett
said. “Even if we put it in my name it would be, ‘Oh here comes Garth and the Chesapeake Bay
again.’ We need someone who is viewed more moderately. We put the snowball together-- we
just need someone to throw it.”
(Photo: Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, York County.)
NewsClips:
Surprise]
Related Stories:
Joint Budget & Finance Committee Water Use Fee Report Lays Groundwork For Further
Discussion
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Watershed
34
Infrastructure
Counties
Take Action:
(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.)

Trout Unlimited Offers Free Technical Assistance For Conservation Projects In PA

Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Trout Unlimited is pleased to announce a new technical

assistance program which aids watershed organizations,
conservation districts, townships, TU chapters, and others in
Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The new program provides support with project
planning/prioritization guidance, BMP design and layout,
permitting, and construction oversight to address nonpoint
source sediment and nutrient pollution.
TU’s Nonpoint Source Technical Assistance Program is a
free service provided to eligible groups or individuals so they, in turn, can better plan and
implement projects that reduce sediment and/or nutrient loadings caused by agricultural runoff
and stream degradation across the Commonwealth.
The Chesapeake Bay drainage area in Pennsylvania covers half the state and all or part of
42 counties. Click Here for a map.
If you or your organization is looking for technical assistance with a project that will
reduce sediment and/or nutrient runoff in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, please contact Jake
Tomlinson by sending email to: jacob.tomlinson@tu.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Council
of Trout Unlimited website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates (top of page). Like them
on Facebook. Follow PATU on Twitter. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to
support their work.
NewsClips:
Surprise]
35
Related Stories:
Chesapeake Bay
Infrastructure
Counties
Take Action:
(Reprinted from the Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout newsletter, P

A Council of Trout
Unlimited. )
Forests For The Bay Accepting Nominations For 2018 Chesapeake Forest Champions
Contest
The Forests For The [Chesapeake] Bay

Program is now accepting nominations
for the 2018 Chesapeake Forest
Champions Awards. The deadline for
entries is August 31.
Coordinated by the Alliance for the
36
Chesapeake Bay, the contest recognizes the outstanding efforts of groups and individuals from
around the bay watershed to conserve, restore, and celebrate Chesapeake forests.
The contest is open to all including landowners, community groups, nonprofits, forestry
and natural resource professionals, schools, youth organizations, businesses, public agencies and
others working in rural, suburban and urban areas.
Basically, if you know any group or individual who is doing outstanding work for forests,
as a volunteer or professional, nominate them.
The Chesapeake Bay drainage area in Pennsylvania covers half the state and all or part of
42 counties. Click Here for a map.
Winners will be recognized at the annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum on November
2nd, in Shepherdstown, WV.
Click Here for all the details and for a nomination form. Submit nominations by sending
email to: orests@allianceforthebay.org.
For more information on forest initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, visit the
Forests For The Bay Program website.
NewsClips:
Surprise]
Chesapeake Bay
Bay Watershed
37
Infrastructure
Counties
Take Action:
Pittsburgh Quarterly: Western PA Weaves A Web Of Groups To Protect Local

Watersheds
By Rebecca Lessner
Watershed expert April Claus called to the 20

Quaker Valley High students splashing through
a creek bed in their muck boots: “Who wants to
release the brown trout?” They were part of
Claus’s environmental science internship-- the
Quaker Valley Creekers. And on that autumn
day they waded into Little Sewickley Creek,
releasing some fish and collecting others.
“That’s how you get the kids hooked,” said
Claus. “Give them a meaningful project that they are a part of, that they are going to remember.”
The youngsters awaited the job of “electrofishing,” in which a metal rod sends up to 300 volts
into the water, briefly stunning fish so students could net them and place them into buckets.
Among the fish found that day were Creek Chub, Central Stonerollers, White Suckers, Black
Nose and Long Nose Dace, Sculpin, and some Darter species.
The creek didn’t always have as many species upstream. Claus remembers sampling a
mile up from the Ohio River in 2009 and noticing something was wrong. “Every time we went
below this dam we found about 30-plus species of fish, and every time we went above the dam,
we found like six.”
The dam built in 1928 to supply water for a local estate had fallen in disrepair, halting
fish from migrating any farther upstream from the Ohio River. Before the dam, the free-flowing
creek had a high diversity of fish.
Then, as the land was clear-cut for development, the more sensitive species died out from
exposure to runoff, and higher water temperature and sedimentation.
The dam was removed in 2015, replenishing biodiversity along the entire 17.8 miles of
the stream. “We are seeing things that we never saw upstream in my 12 years here,” Claus said.
“It was a rapid response.”
Removing that old dam on Little Sewickley Creek was the result of pooled efforts and
resources from several state and local watershed organizations. And just as Little Sewickley
Creek is a small but integral stream that flows into the much larger Ohio River, its watershed
association is part of something much larger — a kind of patchwork network — that protects
western Pennsylvania’s larger water ecosystem.
A Variety Of Overseers
38
As with many parts of the country, efforts to protect the Pittsburgh region watershed have
been of a motley nature, ranging from small, local and largely volunteer watershed groups to
multi-state, federal commissions with broad jurisdiction.
Pennsylvania’s three main waterways are under the official oversight of three such
commissions: The Delaware River Basin Commission, The Susquehanna River Basin
Commission and the Ohio River Basin Sanitation Commission.
The latter, ORSANCO, was created in 1948 to control and abate pollution in the Ohio
River Basin. It has jurisdiction over Pittsburgh’s major waterways, as well as vast swaths of New
York, West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana and Illinois.
ORSANCO programs focus on improving water quality by “setting wastewater discharge
standards, performing biological assessments, monitoring for the chemical and physical
properties of the waterways,” and coordinating emergency response activities for spills or
accidental discharges.
ORSANCO feels that it does a good job listening to the many organizations working to
revitalize and protect the watershed, and while ORSANCO commissioners are mostly retired or
acting members of the Environmental Protection Agency, volunteers from all eight states
comprise its committees.
“We have excellent representation in our committees,” said Lisa Cochran, ORSANCO
communications coordinator. “For instance, we have a power industry committee, they bring
issues to the commission on what are the energy companies doing, what do they need, what are
their issues, and we also have a watershed committee, and those tend to be the conservationists.
Those individuals have equal representation with ORSANCO. We bring as many of those small
organizations together as possible through our committee structure.”
Smaller watershed groups have mixed feelings about ORSANCO. “It’s a good thing
they’re there, because who would be there?” said Youghiogheny Riverkeeper Eric Harder of the
Mountain Watershed Association, which uses state and federal laws to protect Youghiogheny
River watersheds in court. Harder respects ORSANCO but wishes it would take a more
aggressive stance on issues affecting the watershed’s health.
Dr. Stanley Kabala, retired associate director of the Center for Environmental Research
and Education at Duquesne University, wishes ORSANCO had as much authoritative pull as the
neighboring Delaware and Susquehanna Commissions-- or as much funding as the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation.
The Susquehanna and Delaware commissions, Kabala says, monitor and legally enforce
water withdrawal and pollution standards. “I’d like to have a commission with real clout, real
regulatory power.”
An Example To The East
Perhaps the most unusual thing about local efforts to protect the waters of Western
Pennsylvania is their proximity to the organization that is known as the national gold standard
for watershed oversight and protection-- the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Formed in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation manages the Chesapeake Bay as it
stretches through parts of Eastern Pennsylvania along with six other states and the District of
Columbia.
The Bay is also managed by the Chesapeake Bay Commission, an arm of the EPA.
However, the clout of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is such that, nine years ago, it
sued the EPA, claiming the agency had failed to take adequate measures to protect and restore
39
the Chesapeake Bay under the Clean Water Act and the Chesapeake 2000 agreement.
The EPA settled the suit and established a strict pollution diet-- or total maximum daily
load-- to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
“The Chesapeake Bay topic burns a lot of us up in the Ohio River watershed,” said
Rebecca Zeyzus, executive director of the Allegheny Watershed Alliance and leader of the
municipal stormwater program at the Allegheny County Conservation District. “Chesapeake Bay
gets much more support, more grant opportunities, more coverage, and I do not think that suing
the EPA to get more involvement in our watershed would get the same results.”
The Allegheny Watershed Alliance was created in 2016 to give a variety of kinds of
support to smaller local watershed groups. And there are many — Allegheny County alone has
nine.
Zeyzus and April Claus theorize that the Chesapeake may be held in such high regard
because of its food supply (oysters, mussels, crabs and clams) and tourism draw. The Ohio
River, by comparison, is more of a working waterway, mostly used for shipping.
According to members of Zeyzus’s group and others, if Western Pennsylvania
watersheds were held in as high regard as the Chesapeake Bay, the chance for more federal
funding and larger organizational management might be possible.
“We are not in the Chesapeake Bay so we do not get any of that funding,” said Amy
Miller, watershed specialist and watershed program leader for the conservation district. “The
Ohio River Watershed is kind of forgotten, because Kentucky has not sued Pennsylvania for
their pollution yet.”
Eric Chapman, director of aquatic science at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy,
believes that the Pennsylvania section of the Ohio River is so small, just 40 miles, that it may be
overlooked despite its origin in Pittsburgh. “The whole headwaters of the Ohio come from
Pennsylvania and New York, but I think what we have in Pennsylvania is so urbanized that it’s
not well represented, I guess.”
Smaller Groups Working Together
While the Commissions are good for getting large-scale projects covered, such as sewer
runoff management and educating the public, they can sometimes be inattentive to each
community’s needs, which is where state’s 66 county conservation districts get involved.
These state-funded districts, under the state Dept. of Environmental Protection, seek to
protect, soil, air, wildlife and water. Allegheny County’s Conservation District is one of the
largest in the state, with nearly 20 full-time employees.
Recently, during a Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Assessment walk, representatives
of the Allegheny Watershed Alliance, Allegheny Conservation District and the Fern Hollow
Nature Center discussed the need for partnership among larger commissions and smaller
organizations.
“It’s sort of grassroots up, you need both ends to be working towards each other, you
need that support,” said Zeyzus, adding that most nonprofit watershed groups are community
members working where they live.
For such groups to succeed, sharing resources is necessary, which is why her Allegheny
Watershed Alliance is urging the creation of inter-municipal watershed groups. For instance, if
every borough had a designated watershed specialist, Claus believes it might enhance chances
for success.
Claus not only serves on the board of the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Association
40
but also works as a naturalist at Fern Hollow Nature Center for the Borough of Sewickley.
She holds a position not many municipalities support as a designated watershed
specialist, and she acknowledged that the watershed would receive more care if every borough
had someone like her. “They (Sewickley) find value in having somebody like me manage trails,
the park lands, habitat project, but right now one of my jobs is to work with the local watershed
association.”
Watershed advocates worry about funding cuts because of state budget woes. With a lack
of support from the state budget, communities and advocates step up to carry the burden of
watershed management.
“There’s no template for what we’re doing,” Zeyzus said. “Ours is evolving as we see
these needs arise, and saying ‘Oh okay, I think we can fit in here.’” The Allegheny Watershed
Alliance attempts to be resourceful and creative, designing eye-catching flyers, logos and
inventive creative marketing. “We are trying to make watershed groups sexy.”
How the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Came About
Across the Chesapeake watershed, blue and white bumper stickers with the emblem of a
seagull are a common sight to travelers making their way towards the bay.
These travelers may be on their way to work within the marble halls of the Maryland
state house or to stroll along the docks of Annapolis, but most likely they’re venturing to the
heart of the bay, where the wild ponies run along the marsh beaches of Chincoteague.
Those who paste the stickers on their cars are more than likely one of the 240,000
members of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), which encompasses regions in eastern
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
“There are a lot of supporters who would call themselves environmentalists instead of
sportsmen; that said, there are a lot of sportsmen,” said foundation Senior Naturalist John Page
Williams. “There are a lot of sailors. The hunting contingent tend to be waterfowl people,
because waterfowl are connected to waterways… it’s that business of being a populated area,
and people who have a stake in this waterway, who feel a personal connection.”
The Chesapeake Bay is arguably the most studied large body of water on Earth thanks to
its complex ecosystem, said a CBF spokesman. And the foundation is considered by ecologists
and environmentalists to be the gold standard of such organizations.
According to its annual report, the foundation had an operating revenue of $27.4 million
in 2016, with 62 percent of its funding coming from grants and gifts, and 17 percent from
membership contributions.
The organization spends 79 percent of its income on program services such as
environmental education, protection, restoration, and strategic communications, and 8 percent on
general and administrative services.
Through its education program in 2016 alone, CBF personnel interacted with an
estimated 40,000 students, teachers and adults. The foundation uses 15 different hands-on,
outdoor educational programs to help visitors and residents of the bay walk away with a deeper
and more personal connection to the bay’s health.
Williams started the foundation’s education program and has been teaching and writing
about the bay for more than 40 years. After living on the bay all his life, he has a pretty good
idea of how people interact with waterways.
“We are all connected, its health affects our property value. One of my jokes in
Annapolis is, ‘What’s the connection between the health of the bay and the quality of
41
healthcare?’ Well, I’ll let you guess how many doctors in Annapolis have boats.”
With Johns Hopkins Medical Center just around the corner in Baltimore, Williams draws
the connection between a healthy bay and its appeal as a place to live and work.
The foundation began when a group of people with a passion for the wildlife residing
near their homes stepped up to protect it from the pollutants that come with urbanization and
development.
In 1964, a group of businessmen with outdoor passions in sailing, hunting and fishing set
up a lunch with then U.S. Rep. Rogers C.B Morton (R-Md.), a native of Maryland’s Eastern
Shore.
Their mission was not to leave everything to the government. Instead, they would act as a
liaison between the government and the people, encouraging the two to work in unison to protect
the bay, which supports not just their hobbies, but the tourism and commercial industries that
reside along its shores.
Things were up and running by 1970, with the CBF membership at 2,000 and an
operating staff of three.
During these early years, Maryland and Virginia established their tidal wetland protection
acts, being two of the first five states to do so. These acts established state governments as the
leading authority in the management and maintenance of their coastal zones, rather than relying
on federal, or smaller, local governments.
Within six years of its start-up, foundation members had raised public concern over the
future of the bay high enough that its board of trustees convinced Congress to approve a
seven-year Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Study.
During these seven years, foundation staff members joined forces with the EPA to study
the bay. At its conclusion in 1983, the EPA was able to document declines in the overall health
of the bay, such as elevated nitrogen levels from manure and sewage runoff.
The same year, governors of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania and the mayor of the
District of Columbia worked with the Foundation and several smaller environmental
organizations to create the first interstate Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
Now, 40-years later, as changes arise in agriculture, drilling and land-use policies, the
Foundation, with a staff, now 160 strong, is there to offer legislative advice, lobbying each
state’s legislative process, as well as creating and implementing education programs in schools.
Rebecca Lessner is a graduate student in the School of Communication at Point Park University,
where her studies concentrate on environmental journalism.
ittsburgh Quarterly.)
(Reprinted with permission from the P
Take Action:
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Project In Washington County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 11 PA Bulletin of

an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Washington County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
42
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Congress On Track To Pass RECLAIM Initiative To Clean Up Abandoned Mines, Create Jobs
Attention Teachers! Keep PA Beautiful Invites Schools To Participate In Litter Free School
Zone Program
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful invites all

educators to check out their Litter Free
School Zone Program for the coming
school year.
This comprehensive program
encourages young people to play an active
role in protecting and improving our
environment through recycling, litter
awareness, and community stewardship.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provides a
sign and other support recognizing the
participating school as a Litter Free School
Zone. The school, in turn, organizes two
cleanup or beautification events per year.
There are currently over eighty schools participating in the program. All schools are
welcome-- elementary through high school, public or private.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful welcomes students, clubs, classes, and even entire school
districts to participate in the Litter Free School Zone program,” said Shannon Reiter, President of
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “This program provides a fun and easy way for students to work
together, learning valuable community leadership and responsibility skills while gaining a
respect for the environment and the world around them. It is also an opportunity to develop a
school-wide stewardship ethic and set a community example.”
The Litter Free School Zone Program is sponsored by the Department of Environment
Protection.
Anyone interested in participating should visit KPB’s Litter Free School Zone Program
webpage or contact Stephanie Larson at 877-772-3673.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
43
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
(Photo: Haine Middle School, Cranberry Township, Butler County.)
NewsClips:
PEC Podcast: 30th Anniversary Of Act 101 Recycling Law
Crable: Lancaster County Residents Struggling With Recycling Reset
Allegheny Front: How You Recycle Plastic Is About To Change
Pittsburgh Announces Major Changes For Recycling In South Hills: No Glass
Waste Management Recycling To Undergo Changes In Sewickley Elsewhere
What You Can, Can’t Recycling In Lancaster - Video
Op-Ed: Here’s What We Can Do About Recycling
PA Resources Council: When & Where You Can Dump Your Old TV In Pittsburgh
Westmoreland Cleanways To Host HHW Collection In Latrobe Aug. 18
Cure For Philly Recycling Glut, Make It Into Fuel?
Bethlehem Twp Considers Tighter Controls On Recycling Center
Philadelphia’s Junkyards Are A Dumpster Fire
Keystone Landfill Seeks Smell Lawsuit Dismissal
To Vanquish Food Waste, A Competition In Philadelphia Aims To Design And Compost
Related Stories:
Trash Travels: Join Keep PA Beautiful For International Coastal Cleanup To Keep Our
Waterways Clean
Keep PA Beautiful Invites Groups, Communities To Join Adoption Programs To Keep
Roadsides Litter Free
Erie Emerging 2030 District Hosts Energy Efficiency Workshop Aug. 16
Emerging Erie 2030 District will host an August 16

Energy Efficiency Workshop at the Nash Library, Gannon
University, 619 Sassafras Street in Erie from 3:00 to 4:30
p.m.
The emerging Erie 2030 District is a collaborative,
nationally recognized, but local community of high
performance buildings that aim to dramatically reduce
energy and water consumption, transportation emissions,
and improve indoor air quality while increasing
competitiveness in the business environment and owner's
returns on investment.
This is the first in a series of bi-monthly workshops offered by the Erie Emerging 2030
District to help educate downtown organizations and businesses about energy efficiency
opportunities.
Every other month, the District will provide experts and presentations on a variety of
efficiency topics, in order to help achieve the District’s overall goal of reducing energy use 50
44
percent by the year 2030.
The first workshop will be held at the recently renovated (including a green roof) Gannon
Nash Library. The session will include the following presentations, as well as a building tour:
-- What is the Erie Emerging 2030 District? Guy McUmber, Green Building Alliance
-- Act 129 Electrical Equipment Rebate Program: Ron Butch, Sodexo
-- PA Small Business Advantage Grants: Geoff Bristow, PADEP
-- Nash Library Energy Efficient and Green Renovation: Ken Brundage, Library Director
and Dr. Steve Ropski, Professor, Biology
The workshop is free to attend but registration is required. Click Here to register or for
more information.
The session will also be preceded by a meeting of the District 2030 Advisory Committee
from 2:30 to 3:00. Anyone interested in becoming a committee member, or in the District in
general, is welcome to attend.
The Erie Emerging 2030 District, a Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance strategic
innovation, is made possible through the generous support of these sponsors-- Total Energy
Resources, LLC and WGL Energy.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both have 2030 District Programs.
NewsClips:
Legislators Visit LEED-Platinum Saint-Gobain HQ Tour In Malvern
Editorial: There Must Be Good Reasons To Freeze Fuel Standard
California Moves To Preserve Vehicle Standards In Face Of EPA Rollback
Related Story:
Gov. Wolf Announces Energy Efficiency Funding For Riverside School District, Lackawanna
County
Gov. Wolf Announces Energy Efficiency Funding For Riverside School District,
Lackawanna County
Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced new funding to the Riverside School District in Lackawanna
County for significant energy efficiency and facility upgrades to several buildings within the
district.
“Investing in our schools to provide a good education for our children in safe and secure
classrooms is one of my top priorities,” said Gov. Wolf. “This project will help the Riverside
School District to make safety improvements, while expanding the use of energy efficient
equipment that will help to reduce costs to taxpayers.”
Riverside School District was approved for a $500,000 grant for lighting upgrades,
building envelope improvements, and HVAC improvements at the elementary school.
Additionally, a new front entrance will be designed and built for the high school and new
energy-efficient lights will be added at the all-purpose football field to improve lighting
conditions.
“The approval of this grant by Governor Wolf comes at a great time for Riverside School
District officials who will be able to leverage the money for long-term cost savings through
overall facility improvements,” said Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich (D-Lackawanna). “This will
benefit students, teachers and most importantly local taxpayers.”
45
In addition to lowering energy consumption and costs to Riverside School District
taxpayers, the project will also address safety concerns with improved lighting fixtures and
sidewalks at school facilities.
Supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) program,
funding will support critical expansion projects, some of which will provide opportunities for
additional economic development.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Erie Emerging 2030 District Hosts Energy Efficiency Workshop Aug. 16
Penn State Extension Marcellus Shale Landowner Coalitions- Form, Function, Impact
Webinar Aug. 23
Penn State Extension is hosting a Webinar on August

23 on the Form, Function and Impact of Marcellus
Shale Landowner Coalitions from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
This webinar is intended for landowners and
organizations interested in coalition models.
You'll learn about: Coalition models and forms; The
benefits and detriments of joining a coalition; The
special effects of participation in a coalition for
agriculturalists; and Potential future applications of the
landowner coalition model.
Grace Wildermuth, Penn State PhD student in rural sociology, will discusses her research
on landowner coalitions.
This webinar is free. Sign up today! Click Here to register or for more information.
For more information on shale gas in Pennsylvania, visit the Penn State Extension
Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas webpage.
NewsClips:
Legere: Chesapeake Energy Reaches $7.75M Settlement With Some PA Landowners Over Gas
Royalties
Legere-Litvak: How One Conventional Drilling Company Can Leave A Mark On Pennsylvania
Where Does A Gas Storage Field Begin, End? For EQT, That’s Now A Legal Question
Hopey: As Super-Fine Frack Sands Swirls In Stowe, Health Concerns Grow
Related Stories:
46
Gov. Wolf Announces Funding For Coal Cleaning Plant, Rail Line In Somerset County
Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced new funding to construct a coal cleaning plant accessible
by a new rail line in Shade Township, Somerset County.
“I am pleased to announce this funding, which will help keep Pennsylvania miners
working and Pennsylvania mines producing the high-quality, low-emitting metallurgical coal
that helped build America’s cities and continues to fuel advanced manufacturing both here and
around the world,” said Gov. Wolf.
LCT Energy was awarded a $2 million grant to build the plant, which will process 400
tons of locally sourced coal per hour, as well as 3.5 miles of railway to service the facility. The
facility will specialize in processing metallurgical-grade coal that will be shipped to overseas
markets.
In addition to jobs running the plant, the facility is also expected to spur job creation at
southwest Pennsylvania mines.
The new 3.5-mile rail line will link to existing track and will be maintained by LCT
Energy.
Every 200 rail trips will eliminate 91,000 truck trips, preventing wear and tear on road
infrastructure, minimizing additional traffic congestion, and decreasing hauling costs.
Supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) program,
funding will support critical expansion projects, some of which will provide opportunities for
additional economic development.
NewsClips:
Despite Legal Challenges, Consol Continues Longwall Coal Mining Under Ryerson Station State
Park
A Timeline Of Consol Coal Mining Beneath Ryerson Station State Park
Murray Coal Throws Its Weight Behind Opposition To Lake Erie Wind Farm
Report: FERC Working With White House, National Security Council On Coal, Nuclear Bailout
AP: Coal Miners’ Union Picks Fiery President To Serve 6th Term
Gifford Pinchot's Grey Towers Hosts Climate Change & Conservation: Is It Getting Hot In
Here? Aug. 25
“Climate Change and Conservation: Is It Getting Hot in Here?” will be

presented on August 25 at 5:30 p.m., at Gifford Pinchot’s Grey Towers
National Historic Site, Milford, Pike County, by Dr. Anthony A.
Serine, Associate Professor of Biology at Misericordia University.
Concerned with the complexity of the issue of today’s climate
conditions and growing confusion about its effects on natural resource
conservation, Dr. Serine has developed a program that will introduce
the science of this phenomenon in basic and understandable language.
The program, free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the
Gifford Pinchot Audubon Society and the Grey Towers Heritage
Association, with support from the US Forest Service.
47
Light refreshments will follow and participants will have an opportunity to speak with
Dr. Serine during the reception.
Dr. Serine is the Director of the Clinical Laboratory Science (Medical Technology)
Program at MU, and maintains affiliation agreements with several Clinical Laboratory Science
centers throughout Pennsylvania and serves as the Pre-medicine Director for the University.
In addition, Dr. Serine received a Strategic Initiative Grant in 2002 to found and direct
the Science Education Enhancement Program (SEEP).
This active outreach program provides elementary and secondary teachers with
demonstrations and hands-on activities at their schools or as field trips to MU laboratories to
encourage and promote active learning of basic science.
The SEEP program interacts with more than 1,000 young students a year at more than 10
school districts in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Click Here to register for this program or for more information. You can also send an
email to: info@greytowers.org.
This lecture is the third in a series of 5 lectures provided at no charge by the Grey Towers
Heritage Association and the US Forest Service.
For information on the remaining lectures and other programs and events at Grey Towers
please visit the Grey Towers Events webpage or call 570-296-9625.
Happy Birthday Gov. Pinchot!
Grey Towers will celebrate the 153rd birthday of Gifford Pinchot on August 11. Stop by
and take a tour or just wish the Governor “Happy Birthday!”
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Grey
Towers Heritage Association. Click Here to sign up for updates from the Association, Like them
on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, become part of their
Google+ Circle and follow them on Instagram.
Also visit the Grey Towers Historic Site website and the Pinchot Institute for
Conservation website for information on its conservation research and policy programs. Click
Here to sign up for the Institute’s regular updates.
NewsClips:
Inside Philadelphia’s Green Roof Revolution
CMU Vertical Gardens Create Living Walls
Sisk: As More Storms Roll In, How Will Power Companies Keep Lights On?
Editorial: Forces Working In PA For Climate Change Solutions
Farm Preservation Board Adds 2,300 Acres In 16 Counties To Farmland Preservation

Program
The state Agricultural Land Preservation Board

Friday preserved 2,303 acres on 30 farms in 16
counties for agricultural production.
“These newly preserved farms represent an
48
investment in the future of our state economy, our environment, and the world’s food supply,”
said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “The partnership of state, county, local and federal
government working to protect these farms from non-agricultural development combines with
the farmers’ commitment to a longstanding tradition of conservation. Together our efforts benefit
the common good.”
Since the Commonwealth’s program began in 1988, federal, state, county, and local
governments have purchased permanent easements on 5,359 farms totaling 555,006 acres in 59
counties for agricultural production.
Under Gov. Wolf, funding has increased by more than $12.5 million, which means $40
million is available for the program this fiscal year, Redding added. Since taking office, the Wolf
administration has preserved 627 farms totaling 52,342 acres of prime farmland across
Pennsylvania.
In some cases, federal funding helps to preserve these lands. In 2016, the department
signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service that allows Pennsylvania’s program to submit farms for consideration by
the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
The department secured more than $1.7 million under its most recent cooperative
agreement to preserve eight farms totaling 1,652 acres.
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as it is
formally known, is dedicated to slowing the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses.
Funding allows state, county, and local governments to purchase conservation easements
from owners of quality farmland. State, county, local, funds committed at this week’s meeting,
and allocated to county programs, will secure the purchase of development rights to preserve
farms waiting on the county backlog lists.
Click Here for a list of farms preserved.
For more information, visit Agriculture's Farmland Preservation Program webpage.
(Photo: LancasterOnline.com)
NewsClips:
Family-Run Farm Touted For Conservation Achievements In Lycoming
As Land Prices Climb In Chester County, Small Farmers Look To Leasing
Penn State Helps To Assemble Expert Task Force To Combat Spotted Lanternfly
49
By Amy Duke, Penn State News
As a grape and hop integrated pest management

specialist in New York state, Tim Weigle has been
keenly following news about the spotted lanternfly's
invasion of neighboring Pennsylvania and the
considerable harm it is inflicting on agricultural crops.
"The impact of this devastating insect on agriculture and
homeowners cannot be overstated," said Weigle, whose
appointment falls under the New York State Integrated
Pest Management Program, Cornell Cooperative
Extension. "From what I have heard and seen, it is not a
matter of if spotted lanternfly will get to New York — it is more a matter of when."
For that reason, he readily accepted an invitation to join a multistate, interdisciplinary
task force of more than 80 university, regulatory and agricultural industry representatives
assembled to fight the looming threat, led by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
The group came together for an inaugural, two-day summit at Albright College in Berks
County, Pennsylvania-- the county in which the planthopper, native to Southeast Asia, first
appeared in 2014.
Co-hosting the meeting were Albright College and Northeastern IPM Center, supported
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"It's going to take more than one state, one university and one regulatory agency to defeat
this pest," said Heather Leach, Penn State's spotted lanternfly extension associate, who was the
principal organizer for the July meeting. "This is a war that is going to take an army and tons of
reinforcements to win."
Spotted lanternfly-- now in 13 Pennsylvania counties and recently spotted in New Jersey
and Virginia-- feeds on sap, weakening plants and leaving behind a sugary excrement called
honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold-- further harming the plant-- while
attracting other insects and creating a mess that can render outdoor areas unusable.
The pest threatens Pennsylvania's grape, tree fruit, hardwood and nursery industries,
which collectively are worth about $18 billion to the state's economy.
The forum featured presentations on research, panel discussions on current outreach and
education programs, and open discussions with industry stakeholders. Members were tasked with
developing priority lists in the areas of research, extension and regulation.
In the research realm, Leach reported that participants developed a list of immediate
priorities, which include learning more about the pest's feeding habits; understanding its
preference for Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as tree of heaven; developing a biological
control program; and coming up with safe insecticide recommendations.
"To control it, we first have to understand it," said Julie Urban, senior research associate
in Penn State's Department of Entomology, emphasizing that Penn State and other universities
are involved in research efforts. "This is a new insect to the United States, and there is a lot we
don't know."
Carrie Brown-Lima, director of the New York Invasive Species Research Institute,
agreed.
50
She said what she has found most surprising is how spotted lanternfly is affecting quality
of life for citizens in the core of the infestation, forcing them to stay inside and alter their
activities. That is another reason for those on the frontlines to be "simultaneously seeking
short-term and long-term control methods."
Along with research, another focus has been stopping the pest's spread through outreach
and education efforts. Driven by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State and the
USDA, these communications are aimed at teaching citizens how to identify spotted lanternfly,
how to destroy egg masses, and reporting methods.
Building on that foundation, Leach said the group wants to enhance and expand public
awareness campaigns, especially in regions outside of the current 13-county quarantine zone in
southeastern Pennsylvania. The members suggested hosting more industry-specific and public
information sessions.
Nancy Cusumano, program extension aide for the Northeastern IPM Center, commended
current public awareness efforts, saying, "When you think of all the ways spotted lanternfly can
be spread, it is truly a testament to the quarantine and education that it has not spread further or
faster."
However, she advocated ramping-up education even more.
"Getting the information to truck drivers, rail companies and others to prevent the insect's
migration to new habitats needs to be further explored," she added.
Making sure that spotted lanternfly is not hitching a ride to other areas was one of the
concerns discussed during the regulatory sessions, with participants brainstorming ways to
develop inspection procedures such as vehicle checks at state borders, and the need for
surveillance at campgrounds, rest stops and forests.
While the presentations and information exchanges were informative, the activity most
talked about, according to Leach, was a field trip to The Pagoda in Reading, a local landmark,
where thousands of lanternflies have taken up residence.
"It is one thing to hear about the pest, but I was stunned to see it in person," Weigle said.
"Not only did I see it at The Pagoda, but all I had to do was walk 100 feet outside of my hotel
and I was able to find tree of heaven infested with spotted lanternfly along a fence line on a
four-lane highway."
Going forward, the task force will meet regularly and keep the public informed of its
progress. Leach is pleased with the new team's willingness to link arms to stop the pest's
advancement, with Cusumano among those supporters.
"I do believe the group will make progress," Cusumano said. "We have learned some
things from recent invaders like brown marmorated stink bug and emerald ash borer that these
pests need to be stopped faster and with better and more research early on. I think the quick
reaction by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and USDA in research funding reflects
this."
Continued funding will be critical — as will public involvement — to make significant
headway, noted Urban.
"We won't have answers overnight, but bringing these experts together is an imperative
first step," she said. "We won't give up until this menace is defeated."
In addition to Penn State and Cornell, research institutions represented at the meeting
included USDA-ARS, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech University, Albright College,
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Temple University, University of Rhode Island, Drexel
51
University, Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and University of
Delaware. Extension programs from several of those universities also attended.
Regulatory agencies involved are Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, United States
Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets; Delaware Department of Agriculture; and New Jersey
Department of Agriculture.
Among the key stakeholders in attendance were New Castle Lawn and Landscape, PA
Hardwoods Development Council, The Morton Arboretum, IPM Center, USDA Forest Service,
Arborjet Inc., City of Reading, Wines and Vines, Maple Springs Winery, NYISRI, Salix Springs
Landscaping, and Weaver's Orchard.
Find out more about Spotted Lanternfly, visit Agriculture’s Lanternfly webpage, USDA’s
website and Penn State Extension.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Agriculture, Penn State Extension, USDA Provide Update On Spotted Lanternfly In PA
South Mountain Partnership Speakers Series: Save The Bounty Of Our Counties Aug. 16
In Gettysburg
The South Mountain Partnership will hold the

second in its 2018 Speakers Series on August 16
on Save The Bounty Of Our Counties: Preserving
Produce With The Gleaning Project Of South
Central PA.
This program is presented In collaboration with
the Gleaning Project of South Central PA which
processes and preserves excess produce gleaned
from local farms.
Keep your hands busy while learning about the
work this nonprofit collaborative community
solution is doing in South Central PA to reduce
food loss on farms and improve regional food security.
All preserved produce will be distributed to food insecure community members through
our South Central Community Action Programs Produce Stand.
The program will be held at the Adams County Arts Council, 125 South Washington
Street in Gettysburg, Adams County starting at 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Programs
52
The remaining programs in the Speakers Series include--
-- September 17: Twilight Of The Hemlocks & Beeches, Tim Palmer, in collaboration with the
PA Parks & Forest Foundation, Shippensburg University, 7:00 p.m.
-- September 29: The Cradle Of Conservation: Hike At The Historic Pennsylvania State Forest
Academy, Penn State Mont Alto Campus, 10:00 a.m.
-- October 2: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space: Cumberland County’s Return On
Environment Report, Carlisle.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the South
Mountain Partnership website.
More information is available on landscape initiatives in other areas of the state by
visiting DCNR’s Conservation Landscapes webpage.
August 8 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The August 8 issue of the Resource newsletter is now

available from the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources featuring articles on--
-- DCNR Blog: Going The Distance: The Beauty Of
Long Hikes In Pennsylvania
-- DCNR/PennVEST Accepting Apps For
Multifunctional Riparian Stream Buffer Grants
-- DCNR Makes $488,000 Investment In Snowmobile,
ATV Trails
-- Good Natured Pennsylvanians: DCNR’s Levi Gelnett
Receives Gold Smokey Award (photo)
-- DCNR Names New District Forester At Tiadaghton State Forest
-- Author, Photographer Tim Palmer To Discuss Fate Of Hellocks, Beeches Sept. 14
-- Agriculture, Penn State Extension, USDA Provide Spotted Lanternfly Update
-- 2018 Pennsylvania One Health Forum August 18
-- Submit Your Wild Turkey Sightings
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click
Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Crable: Another Paddler Gets In Trouble On Swollen Conestoga River
Heavy Rain Prompts Precautions For Kayakers, Rafters
After Glut Of River Rescues, Police In Bucks Urge Caution
Indiana Trail Bridge Would Benefit Region’s Hikers, Bikers
Montco Commissioners OK Countywide Plan To Boost Bike Infrastructure
Park
53
Aug. 10 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Letter: Volunteer Group Needs Help To Maintain East Erie Park
AP: Death Of Ligonier Man During Boating Accident Investigated
PA Outdoor Corps Members Show Off Projects In Fairmount Park Philadelphia
PA Wilderness Activist Howard Zahniser And The Atomic Bomb
Chimes Give Voice To Flight 93 Heroes Across Windy Memorial Site Near Shanksville
Pennsylvania Chautauqua Raising Funds To Preserve Historic Soldiers Field PA National

Guard Encampment Site In Mount Gretna
The 18-acre Soldiers Field in Mount Gretna,

Lebanon County was the annual encampment and
training ground for the Pennsylvania National Guard
between 1885 and 1935, before the Guard moved to
Fort Indiantown Gap.
Troops trained on Soldiers Field for duty in the
Spanish-American War and World War I.
Now, however, the historic tract finds itself under
development pressure in the growing Mount Gretna
community.
Pennsylvania Chautauqua has launched a campaign
to raise $975,000 to permanently preserve Soldiers Field.
Chautauqua wants to not only preserve this historic site, but help protect and enhance
water quality in Conewago Creek, a high quality watershed.
They are also looking at compatible recreation opportunities, including a rails-to-trails
link, bird watching, picnic areas and other nature experiences.
Click Here for details on this project and how you can become a part of saving
Pennsylvania’s military history and the watershed.
Outdoor Art Show
To see the site for yourself, take advantage of the upcoming Mount Gretna Outdoor Art
Show on August 18-19 to make a visit.
For more on the Mount Gretna community, visit the Pennsylvania Chautauqua website.
NewsClips:
PA Chautauqua In Mount Gretna Agrees To Buy, Preserve Soldiers Field
Crable: A Push To Keep Overdevelopment At Bay Comes To A Head In Mount Gretna
Fundraising Effort Launched To Preserve Mount Gretna’s Historic Soldiers Field
NewsClips This Week:
Crable: Logging Begins On Girl Scout Camp Furnace Hills, Groups Trying To Buy Property
New Cumberland Arboretum Dedicated To 2 Pioneering Women
Natural Lands, West Vincent Twp Plan To Open Bryn Coed Farm To Public In Chester County
Editorial: Wildlands Conservancy Works To Preserve Blue Mountain We All Win
54
TU Pennsylvania Route 6 Brook Trout Odyssey Offers Glimpse Of Challenges Facing

Brook Trout
By Matteo Moretti
Not very often does a college kid get told that they’ve
been selected for an all-expenses paid, three-week long
adventure.
So, you know that when four passionate, engaged, and,
frankly, pretty quirky fishing geeks were presented
with the opportunity to create a life-long connection to
the native brook trout that call Pennsylvania’s waters
home, there was not a second of hesitation.
The trip: The TU Pennsylvania Route 6 Brook Trout
Odyssey.
Piggy-backing off of National TU’s Costa 5 Rivers
Native Odyssey, Charlie Charlesworth, president of PATU, decided to create something similar,
but added a further element of scientific education in the form of research.
Behind Charlie, our crew consisted of four crazy fly fishermen that are all officers and/or
presidents for their school’s TU Costa 5 Rivers clubs: Myself (Middlebury College), Hunter
Klobucar and Tyler Waltenbaugh (Edinboro University), and Christopher Piccione (Colorado
State).
Teamed up with Penn State University doctoral student Sara Mueller, our mission for this
trip was to understand the story behind native brook trout from the perspective of fishermen,
scientists and conservationists.
On May 30, our crew met at Keystone College where we would then embark on our trip
across Pennsylvania while following the entirety of Route 6 until June 20.
Over the course of the trip, we learned about the deep history that hides within the
vermicular pattern of the brook trout’s marbled back, and to be brutally honest, it is scary.
Brook trout tell a story and their presence or absence in an ecosystem details history –
ranging from the effects of secondary growth forests due to 17th century logging, or the current
impacts of global climate change.
Aside from being able to fish in places ranging from pristine cascading pools beneath the
freeway to remote meandering streams, we also grew as fishermen through our research work
with Sara.
Sara’s Ph.D. thesis is looking into determining whether brook trout from different
watersheds have genetic and physical differences that cause them to act as different species.
Our research consisted of two main parts: The assessment of previously unassessed
waters for unknown brook trout populations for the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, and
fin clippings for Sara’s work on genetics.
The Commission assigned us a list of streams/coordinates to do preliminary assessments
of which we were able to complete 17. Many more sites were attempted but certain obstacles
such as private land or physical inaccessibility prevented sampling.
55
Of the 17 streams we assessed, we established that there were four new native brook trout
populations and one wild brown trout population.
Through our research of unassessed waters using the technique of electroshocking, we
learned about the unlikely places that brook trout populations do and don’t exist.
It was quite an eye-opening experience when we would electroshock a perfect beautiful
mountain stream and find nothing, but then find a whole thriving population of brook trout in a
roadside drainage/culvert.
By discovering these new populations, we are helping protect our waters for the native
fish. Additionally, by collecting fin clippings, Sara hopes that we can unlock any hidden
information about brook trout that is currently unknown.
Fortunately, we were able to meet up with and learn from several other groups/
organizations along the way as well.
A site manager from Cabot Oil & Gas toured us around a freshwater withdrawal facility
for hydrofracking that constantly strives to be environmentally friendly and conscious.
We spent time with Environmental Science students and professors from Keystone
College, Mansfield University and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and had the opportunity
to see what projects they were working on and what material they cover in their classes.
Additionally, we got a glimpse into the work of everyday conservation efforts for native
brook trout by US Forest Service Hydrologist Chuck Keeports and Luke Bobnar from the
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
We used forest debris to create a future fish ladder by building up the stream bed in order
to reconnect a tributary to a stream that was previously inaccessible due to the placement of a
culvert.
Fishing for “brookies” is as much about the fish themselves and their magnificent
displays of aggression towards a dry fly, as it is about the places it can bring you and the people
it can help you meet.
It is amazing how one fish could bring together such a dynamic and passionate group of
individuals.
All of this wouldn’t have been possible if not for the support of Trout Unlimited, DCNR,
PFBC, equipment from Cabela’s and REI, as well as funding from Cabot Oil & Gas, Southwest,
Seneca and DKLM Energy.
We’re all grateful that we were able to create a long-lasting relationship not only with
each other, but also with Pennsylvania’s state fish.
This trip taught us that brook trout are in danger and although we are to blame, no small
task goes unseen.
Accompanying our adventure will be an approximately 20-minute documentary that will
expand upon this article and will shed light on the problems brook trout face-- bringing our
community into conversation.
The documentary is scheduled to be released at the beginning of September so be on the
lookout for it!
It’s time to get the story about native brook trout right and let its voice be heard.
Visit the TU Pennsylvania Route 6 Brook Trout Odyssey Facebook page for photos and
posts made along the trip.
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support their work.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Something Fishy, Lawmakers Abuse Power With Personal Pique
Wrightsville Recruits Millersville Prof, Student To Help Solve Mayfly Dilemma
Related Stories:
Bay Watershed
Trout Unlimited Plays Key Role In Unassessed Waters Initiative
Take Action:
(*Reprinted from the Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout newsletter, P

A Council of Trout
Unlimited. )
Trout Unlimited Plays Key Role In Unassessed Waters Initiative
By David Kinney, TU Eastern Policy Director
Not long ago, Trout Unlimited volunteers and other

groups representing sportsmen and women beat back a
legislative proposal that would have made it more difficult
for Pennsylvania to build a comprehensive list of wild
trout streams deserving conservation.
Now, that success is translating into important
on-the-ground protections.
Over just the past two years, Pennsylvania has protected
nearly 1,000 new wild trout stream sections, including 180
new Class A waters.
Credit goes to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission,
which has prioritized science-based documentation of naturally reproducing trout populations in
the state’s 86,000 miles of streams and rivers.
Once these populations are identified through the Unassessed Waters Initiative, they can
be conserved.
Trout Unlimited has played a key role throughout the eight-year history of the program.
Every summer, staff biologists and interns canvas streams in the Susquehanna and Delaware
watersheds searching for undocumented wild brook, brown, and rainbow trout populations.
About 40 percent of the time, they find them.
“The Unassessed Waters Initiative has been extremely valuable to TU’s overall mission
of protecting and restoring coldwater fisheries,” said Shawn Rummel, field and research
manager for TU’s Pennsylvania Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program.
“It has provided valuable data to determine where wild trout populations exist,” he added.
“These data have not only led to increased protection for those streams, but have also provided
valuable information for the development of watershed restoration plans. We use the data to
57
prioritize culvert replacement work, and have incorporated it into TU’s conservation planning for
water quality and habitat improvement projects throughout the state.”
TU volunteers play a critical role in this process by submitting public comments in
support of these waters.
The process is simple. Every quarter, the PFBC posts a list of about 100 proposed new
wild trout stream sections. For 30 days, citizens have a chance to make their voices heard. TU
creates maps showing the locations of these waters. The public comments are compiled by PFBC
and shared with every member of the Commission before the vote.
Over the past two years, TU volunteers have helped generate more than 800 support
letters to send to the Commission, demonstrating the unflagging support from sportsmen and
women for the protection of Pennsylvania’s 15,000 miles of wild trout streams.
These waters receive regulatory protections in the Commonwealth.
When a project is proposed that may affect an officially designated stream, developers
must take those wild trout populations into account.
Water quality in Class A streams may not be degraded by a project; wetlands connected
to a wild trout stream may not be damaged. Another 20,000 miles of tributaries receive the same
protections.
Some of these are prized fishing destinations, such as Penns Creek, where another
3.8-mile stretch was upgraded to Class A in July 2018. Nearly 30 miles of this legendary stream
is now protected, and PFBC is proposing to add a new Catch and Release section.
Public comments are being accepted through September 19 at the Fish and Boat
Commission website.
Many other stretches of wild trout water are tiny unnamed tributaries that provide critical
habitat for spawning and thermal refuge.
These streams, though different in setting, have one thing in common: The water quality
is good enough to negate the need for supplemental hatchery trout, thus allowing for a
completely wild trout fishing experience.
PFBC has an opportunity to do even more to protect these waters.
Twelve designated Class A sections of streams throughout the state continue to receive
trout stockings, and thousands of miles of designated Wild Trout Streams receive hundreds of
thousands of stocked trout annually.
By ending these stockings, the cash-strapped PFBC could save money-- and give the
fishery a boost by allowing these wild trout to thrive without competition from hatchery stock.
Pennsylvania’s systematic effort to locate and conserve these populations is something
TU holds up as a model in neighboring states where we are working to fill data gaps in our
knowledge of where trout populations thrive, including West Virginia.
Several hundred streams are awaiting action by PFBC over the coming year. Help us
ensure that they get the protections they deserve.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at david.kinney@tu.org, or Rob Shane,
Mid-Atlantic Organizer, at robert.shane@tu.org, to talk about how to help with this or other
efforts in Pennsylvania.
support their work.
58
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
TU Pennsylvania Route 6 Brook Trout Odyssey Offers Glimpse Of Challenges Facing Brook
Trout
Take Action:
(*Reprinted from the Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout newsletter, P

A Council of Trout
Unlimited. )
Register Now To Attend The Inaugural PA One Health Forum Aug. 18 In Hershey
The 2018 Pennsylvania One Health Forum is the inaugural

meeting for veterinarians; public health physicians; ecologists;
biologists; environmental professionals; and professionals with
an interest in the well-being of humans, animals, plants and
the environment.
It will be held on August 18 at the Hershey Lodge in
Hershey, Dauphin County.
This is a special one-day event to bring together stakeholders
to share knowledge, find common ground, and define actions
to coordinate gains in human, animal, plant and environmental
health in Pennsylvania and beyond.
One Health is a transdisciplinary concept to improve the well-being of humans, animals,
plants, and the environment. It recognizes how the health of each individual element contributes
to the health of the whole and shows how obvious impacts in one area -- for example, outbreaks
of wildlife diseases -- are often linked to environmental stress, as well as diseases that
concurrently affect the health and wellbeing of other species.
Advance registration closes Friday, August 10, but walk-in registrations can be
accommodated, if necessary.
To register or for more information, visit the Pennsylvania One Health Forum webpage.
Help Wanted: National Parks Conservation Assn. Pennsylvania & Delaware Program
Manager
The National Parks Conservation Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Pennsylvania and Delaware Program Manager.
The Pennsylvania & Delaware Program Manager leads NPCA’s national park protection
agenda in these two states by: identifying priority park protection issues for NPCA engagement;
developing and executing park protection campaigns in coordination with staff based in
Washington, D.C. and with partners; building and sustaining ally networks; cultivating
59
relationships with key NPCA supporters, and; leading/coordinating advocacy involving decision
makers in these two states.
Click Here for all the details.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Politics
Wagner Didn’t Think His Comment To 18-Year Old About Climate Was Mean
Meyer: Wagner Debuts New Talking Points On Climate Change
Air
Penn State Extension: DEP Air Monitoring Study Of Marcellus Sites Indicate Limited Impacts
Legere: Southwest PA’s Summer Gas Rule Lives On; Maybe Next Year?
EPA’s New Asbestos Rule: Philadelphia Doctor Call It A Death Sentence
Alternative Fuels
Luzerne Transit Receives 2 New CNG Buses
Awards & Recognition
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Lackawanna County Seeking Input On Where To Spray For Gypsy Moths
Budget
Bay Journal: PA Bill Seeks Traction On One Cent Fee For Largest Water Users
Editorial: State Forests Do Well Amid Gas Drilling
Chesapeake Bay
Surprise]
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Citizen Action
Western PA Weaves A Web Of Groups To Protect Local Watersheds
Climate
Editorial: Forces Working In PA For Climate Change Solutions
Coal Mining
Park
AP: Coal Miners’ Union Picks Fiery President To Serve 6th Term
Compliance Action
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Drugs Detected In Private Well Water In Northcentral PA
Questions Linger About Drinking Water Quality For 50,000 In Beaver County
Pittsburgh Mayor, Turzai Spar Over Pittsburgh Water Authority Privatization
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McKelvey: Steelton Seeks Input On Possible Sale Of Water System
PA Schools Must Test Lead In Drinking Water, Or Explain Why Not
Economic Development
Op-Ed: Environmental Protection vs. Oil & Gas Jobs In Delaware Watershed Has Major
Disparity
Education
Hershey Gardens Horticulturist A Rarity In Growing Shortage Of Apprentices
Viewing Parties Planned For Perseid Meteor Shower’s Weekend Peak
Emergency Response
Pittsburgh Derailment, Though Rare, Could Renew Rail Safety Concerns
Pittsburgh Port Authority Tweets Inject A Little Humor Into Train Derailment
AP: Year After Derailment, Hyndman Remains On Edge
Energy
PPL: Lehigh Valley Customers Won’t See Rate Hike Through 2020
PJM Stakeholders Search For Capacity Rules FERC Will OK
Energy Conservation
Environmental Heritage
Frederick: Every Decade Witnesses Changes To Our Environment
Farming
As Land Prices Climb In Chester County, Small Farmers Look To Leasing
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Flooding
Flooding Prompts Water Rescues, Music Festival Closures In Lehigh Valley
8 Kayakers Rescued From Conestoga River In Lancaster
Flash Flood Takes Out Bridge In Sullivan County
Flood Leaves Tons Of Debris On Logan Twp. Property In Blair
Altoona Residents Seeking Flood Relief
Flood Warning In Montgomery County After Record Rain In Reading
Solomon Creek Flood Wall Project To Be Delayed In Wilkes-Barre
Patton Residents Lucky Flooding Wasn’t Worse In Blair
Meeting, Public Survey On Grafius Run Flood Damage Proposed In Lycoming
Williamsport Distributing Survey On Damage From Grafius Run
Wilkes-Barre Council OKs New Solomon Creek Flood Wall Contractor
Hard To Predict Where Floodwaters Will Rise When Heavy Rains Strike Lancaster County
Homeowners Outside Flood Zones May Find Flood Insurance Worthwhile
Editorial: Flooding Solutions Important
Forests
Dr. Samuel Hays: War In The Woods: The Rise Of Ecological Forestry In America
Frye: Hiking Through History Reveals Pennsylvania Wonders - Pinchot’s Grey Towers
Lackawanna County Seeking Input On Where To Spray For Gypsy Moths
Editorial: Girl Scout Plan To Log, Sell Wooded Land At Odds With Pro-Green Values
Geologic Hazards
Sinkhole Forms At Tanger Outlet In Lancaster County Swallowing Cars
Green Infrastructure
63
No Mow Zones Coming To A Park Or Stream Near You In Westmoreland
Land Conservation
Natural Lands, West Vincent Twp Plan To Open Bryn Coed Farm To Public In Chester County
Editorial: Wildlands Conservancy Works To Preserve Blue Mountain We All Win
Land Recycling
Missing From Hazelwood Green Plans: Commitments On Affordable Housing
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Where Does A Gas Storage Field Begin, End? For EQT, That’s Now A Legal Question
Hopey: As Super-Fine Frack Sands Swirls In Stowe, Health Concerns Grow
Susquehanna County: Marcellus Shale Coalition Presidents Talks About Issues Facing Industry
Penn State Extension: Shale Gas Monitoring Report From DCNR Released
Penn State Extension: DEP Air Monitoring Study Of Marcellus Sites Indicate Limited Impacts
Legere: Chesapeake Energy Reaches $7.75M Settlement With Some PA Landowners Over Gas
Royalties
Luzerne Transit Receives 2 New CNG Buses
Natural Gas Services Company To Reopen Facility With More Than 200 Employees
Op-Ed: Environmental Protection vs. Oil & Gas Jobs In Delaware Watershed Has Major
Disparity
Legere: Southwest PA’s Summer Gas Rule Lives On; Maybe Next Year?
EQT Drilling Names New CEO
Pipelines
Phillips: DEP Fines Mariner East 2 Pipeline For Damaging Drinking Water In Berks, Chester,
Lebanon Counties
Sunoco To Pay $148K For Harming Private Wells During Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Nears Completion In Berks County
Sauro: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Foe Gets 2-6 Months In Jail
Mariner East 2 Pipeline 99% Done, Online In About 2 Months
Activists Nationally Trying To Get Huntingdon Woman Opposing Mariner East 2 Pipeline Out
Of Jail
New Pipelines Being Built In Western PA, Here’s Why Homeowners, Environmentalists, Water
Authorities Are Worried
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Op-Ed: Repurposing Existing Pipelines Safe, Necessary
Federal Court Tosses Construction Permits For Atlantic Coast Pipeline
PUC
Sisk: PUC: Too Many People Strike Pipelines Or Cables When Digging, New Law Could Help
PUC Stresses Digging Safety, Calling 8-1-1 Before You Dig
Radiation Protection
Govt. Seeking Nuclear Workers Who Have Radiation-Caused Cancers Or Their Survivors
Activists Helped Ex-Nuclear Workers Collect $80 Million
Chester County Village Vacated For Nuclear Power Plant Is A Ghost Town
Recreation
Crable: Another Paddler Gets In Trouble On Swollen Conestoga River
After Glut Of River Rescues, Police In Bucks Urge Caution
Indiana Trail Bridge Would Benefit Region’s Hikers, Bikers
Montco Commissioners OK Countywide Plan To Boost Bike Infrastructure
Park
Aug. 10 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Letter: Volunteer Group Needs Help To Maintain East Erie Park
Recycling/Waste
PEC Podcast: 30th Anniversary Of Act 101 Recycling Law
Crable: Lancaster County Residents Struggling With Recycling Reset
Allegheny Front: How You Recycle Plastic Is About To Change
Pittsburgh Announces Major Changes For Recycling In South Hills: No Glass
Waste Management Recycling To Undergo Changes In Sewickley Elsewhere
What You Can, Can’t Recycling In Lancaster - Video
Op-Ed: Here’s What We Can Do About Recycling
PA Resources Council: When & Where You Can Dump Your Old TV In Pittsburgh
Westmoreland Cleanways To Host HHW Collection In Latrobe Aug. 18
Cure For Philly Recycling Glut, Make It Into Fuel?
Bethlehem Twp Considers Tighter Controls On Recycling Center
Philadelphia’s Junkyards Are A Dumpster Fire
Keystone Landfill Seeks Smell Lawsuit Dismissal
65
To Vanquish Food Waste, A Competition In Philadelphia Aims To Design And Compost
Renewable Energy
Centre County Eyes Solar Energy For Savings
Solar Energy Generation Growth Continues, U.S. EIA Trims 2019 Forecast 45%
Stormwater
Watershed Protection
Western PA Weaves A Web Of Groups To Protect Local Watersheds
Surprise]
Jaramillo: In The Poconos, A Fight Simmers Over Exceptional Streams
No Mow Zones Coming To A Park Or Stream Near You In Westmoreland
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
Meet The York County Woman Who Rehabs Raptors
Rabid Beaver Attacked Father, Daughter During Kayaking Outing In Adams County
In A First, American Avocet Spotted At Edinboro State University
Big Fish Kill At Allentown Hatchery May Mean Meager Spring For Anglers
Schneck: Monster Fish From Schuylkill River Causes Stir On Facebook
66
Controversy Rages Over Mountain Lion Sightings In The Midstate
West Nile/Zika Virus/Ticks
DEP: Conditions Ripe For Spread Of West Nile Virus
Venesky: Conditions Ripe For Mosquito West Nile Virus
West Nile Numbers Jumping
West Nile Hot Spots In PA, What’s The Risk In Your County?
Cumberland County Conducts Mosquito Spraying Operations
Mosquito Spray To Be Applied Monday In Ligonier
Mosquito Spraying In Luzerne County Set For Aug. 7
Allegheny County Health To Treat For Mosquitoes
Allegheny County Plans Mosquito Spraying To Prevent West Nile Virus
York County Leads State In Positive West Nile Virus Mosquito Samples
Pennsylvania Reports First Longhorned Tick
Just Over Half Of Ticks Studied In Pike County Carried Disease
Study: 1 In 7 Children Of Zika Virus-Infected Moms Have Problems
Other
Farmers Almanac 2019 Winter Forecasts
Hurricanes
Puerto Rico Cites Storm Death Toll Of 1,427 In Damage Report
10 Months Without Power: The Puerto Ricans Still Without Electricity
Why Puerto Ricans No Longer Trust Water After The Hurricane
Wildfires
Smoke From California Wildfires Reaching East Coast
Smoke From California Wildfires Spreading 3,000 Miles To New York City
Southern California Firefighters Rush To Keep Wildfire Flames From Reaching Homes
California Firefighters Battle To Curb Wildfire Before Winds Return
Devastating Carr Fire In Northern California Sparked By A Flat Tire
AP: Firefighters Battle Biggest Blaze In California State History
AP: Twin Northern California Blazes Become Largest In State’s History
California’s Carr Wildfire Claims A 7th Victim, Mendocino Fire Continues To Grow
As Wildfires Rage, California Frets Over Future Of Greater Perils, Higher Costs
California Gov. Asks Feds For Wildfire Aid As State Battles 17 Blazes
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
67
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards.
August 14-16-- Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Ag Progress Days. Russell E.
Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on
Route 45 in Huntingdon County.
August 15-- Joint House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees informational
meeting on agriculture industry at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. Larson Agricultural Research
Center, Theatre Area of the College Exhibits Building, 2710 W. Pine Grove Road (Route 45),
Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, Huntingdon County. 10:00.
August 15-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting. 11th
Floor, Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen
Szwajkowski, 717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
August 15-- Agenda Posted. DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater
Systems Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Edgar Chescattie, 717-772-2814, eshescattie@pa.gov.
August 15-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Gallitzin State Forest District,
Holiday Inn Express, 1440 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, Cambria County. 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click
Here for more.
August 15-- Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing. West Trenton Volunteer Fire
Company, 40 West Upper Ferry Road, West Trenton, New Jersey. 1:30. (formal notice)
August 15-- NEW. Council On Greenways & Trails. Clarion, Crawford, Venango Counties
Greenways Awards. Oil Creek Memorial Landing, located on Route 8 North in Oil City,
Venango County. 4:00.
August 16-- House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds an informational
meeting on Senate Bill 799 which makes significant changes to the Environmental Stewardship
(Growing Greener) Funding Programs. The bill would require programs previously funded
through the General Fund or other agencies, plus add several new initiatives that would draw
money out of the Environmental Stewardship Fund without providing any more money. Click
Here for more. Room 140 Main Capitol. 9:00. Committee meetings are typically webcast
A House Republican Caucus webpage.
through the P
August 16-- Time Change. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Ag Progress Days, 2710
West Pine Grove Road, Furnace, Huntingdon County. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund,
717-772-5636, jbraund@pa.gov. (formal notice)
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August 16-- CANCELED. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board
meeting. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner 717-787-9633 or send email to dhissner@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
August 16-- Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge Workshop: Engaging Employees & Community
For Lasting Change. Energy Innovation Center, Room 115, 1435 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh.
8:30 to 11:30.
August 16-- NEW. Emerging Erie 2030 District. Energy Efficiency Workshop. Nash Library,
Gannon University, 619 Sassafras Street, Erie. 3:00 to 4:30.
August 16-- PennTAP What Will The Definition Of Solid Waste Rule Exclusion Mean For Your
Business? Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
August 16-- NEW. South Mountain Partnership. Speakers Series: Save The Bounty Of Our
Counties. Adams County Arts Council, 125 South Washington Street, Gettysburg, Adams
County. 6:00
August 17-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Water Wiser Kids Insect Safari. ForEvergreen
Nature Preserve, Analomink, Monroe County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
August 18-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Boyce Park,
Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
August 18-19-- Western PA Conservancy. 2018 Wild & Scenic Clarion River Sojourn. Elk and
Clarion Counties.
August 20-23-- U.S. Biochar Initiatives Conference. Chase Center on the Riverfront,
Wilmington, Delaware.
August 21-- Agenda Posted. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
-- Final Noncoal Mining Program Fee Increase
-- Final Storage Tank Regulations Update
-- Final-Omitted Electronic Submission Of Air Quality Permit Applications
-- Report On Adequacy of Water Quality Permit Fees
August 21-- Penn State Extension. Planning, Implementing A Municipal Leaf Compost Facility
Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
August 21-- Cumberland County Master Gardeners. Gardening With Nature: Butterfly
Gardening. Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County.
7:00 to 8:30.
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August 22-- Location Added. DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Forbes State
Forest District. Loyalhanna Watershed Association Conference Room, 6 Old Lincoln Highway
West, Ligonier, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:30. Click Here for more.
August 22-- Academy Of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University. Exploring Urban Ecology
With The Academy. The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia. 6:00 to 8:00
August 23-- NEW. Penn State Extension. Marcellus Shale Landowner Coalitions - Form,
Function, Impact Webinar. 1:00 to 2:00.
August 23-26-- PA Assn. Of Hazardous Materials Technicians. 2018 PA Hazmat Training
Education Conference. Seven Springs Resort, Somerset County.
August 25-- PA Resources Council. Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall, West
Mifflin, Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
August 25-- Registration Open. Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA. Veterans On The River Kayak
Fishing Event. Shank's Mare Outfitters in Wrightsville, York County.
August 25-- NEW. Gifford Pinchot’s Grey Towers. Climate Change & Conservation: Is It
Getting Hot In Here? Milford, Pike County. 5:30.
August 25-- NEW. Loyalsock Creek River Of The Year Celebration - Worlds End Day! Worlds
End State Park, Sullivan County.
August 27-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Watershed Awareness/Rain Barrel Workshop.
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
August 28-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: John Krueger, 717-783-9264, jkrueger@pa.gov.
August 28-- NEW. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. DEP Northcentral
Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport. 1:30. DEP Contact: John
Brakeall, 717-783-9731 or send email to: jbrakeall@pa.gov. (formal notice)
August 28-- DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program FY 2018-19 Grant Applications
meeting. Commissioner Conference Room, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave.,
Harrisburg. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennifer Girton, 717-787-3212 or send email to:
jgirton@pa.gov or Greg Czarnecki, 717-783-1337 or send email to: gczarnecki@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice) C
lick Here for more.
September 4-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kris Shiffer 717-772-5809 or send email to: kshiffer@pa.gov.
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September 4-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske 724-404-3143 or send email to:
mscheloske@pa.gov.
September 5-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. North Park
Rose Barn, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
September 6-9-- Registration Open. Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Educational Retreat For
Women Forest Landowners. Highlights Workshop Facility in Boyd’s Mill, Milanville, Wayne
County.
September 7-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission business meeting. Binghamton, New
York. 9:00. Click Here for more.
September 8-- French Creek Valley Conservancy. French Creek Watershed Cleanup.
Cochranton County Fair Grounds, 125 Pearl Street, Cochranton, Crawford County.
September 8-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Ross Township
Community Center, Allegheny County. 12:30 to 2:00.
September 11-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps Garden
Center in Mellon Park, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
September 12-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Tiadaghton State Forest
District, Wheeland Center, 1201 Locust St., Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Click Here for more.
September 13-- Delaware River Basin Commission Meeting. RiverWinds Community Center,
1000 RiverWinds Drive, Thorofare, New Jersey. 10:30. (f ormal notice)
September 13-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Sewickley
Public Library, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
September 16-- Harrisburg Area Bicycle Club. Three Creek Century Ride To Benefit American
Cancer Society. Starting at Penn Township Fire Department, 1750 Pine Road, Newville,
Cumberland County.
September 17-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Mt. Lebanon
September 17-19-- 11th Eastern Native Grass Symposium. Erie Bayfront Convention Center.
September 18-- Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee holds a
hearing on Senate Bill 1131 (Costa-D-Allegheny) establishing the Landslide Insurance and
Assistance Program (sponsor summary). Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Avenue,
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Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 18-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
September 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Neil Bakshi, DEP Policy Office, nebakshi@pa.gov.
September 18-- Public Utility Commission Transource Transmission Line Proposal Franklin
County. New Franklin Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 3444 Wayne Road,
Chambersburg. 1:00 and 6:00.
September 18-19-- PA Association Of State Floodplain Managers Annual Conference. Central
Hotel & Conference Center, Harrisburg.
September 18-20-- Mid-Atlantic Chapter International Erosion Control Association. 25th

Annual Conference, Workshop and Trade Show. Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill, Cumberland
County.
September 19- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice)
September 19-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. South Park
Home Economics Building, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
September 20-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee & Recycling Funding Advisory
Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry
717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
September 20-- Public Utility Commission Transource Transmission Line Proposal York
County. Airville Volunteer Fire Department, 3576 Delta Road, Airville. 1:00 and 6:00.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 22-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Castle
Shannon Library, Allegheny County. 10:30 to Noon.
September 22-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South
Park, Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
September 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Trees and Shrubs,
Supporting Wildlife In Winter Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville
72
Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 25-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Recycling Awareness Workshop. Mt. Lebanon
September 25-26-- Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. 2018 Delaware River
Watershed Forum. Cape May, NJ.
September 26-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: William Penn Forest District [
LTBD ] Southeast PA. Click Here for more.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
September 29-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Construction
Junction, Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 11:00 to 12:30.
October 1-3-- Engineers’ Society of Western PA. PA Brownfield Conference. Sands Bethlehem
Casino, Bethlehem.
October 3-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Harrisburg.
October 6-- PA Resources Council. Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Robinson Township, Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
October 5-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Backyard Composting Workshop. Blueberry Hill
Park, Franklin Park, Allegheny County. 10:30 to Noon.
October 10-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel Powered (Mining) Equipment.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloski, 724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
October 13-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. Ross Township
Community Center, Allegheny County. 12:30 to 2:00.
October 13-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run
Park, Beaver County. 9:00 to 1:00.
October 17-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Buchanan State Forest District,
District Office, 25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Fulton County. 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Click Here for more.
October 17-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Mars, Butler County.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
73
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
October 18-- CANCELED. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting

rescheduled to November 15. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to:
jmelnic@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 18-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. DEP
Southcentral Regional Office, Susquehanna Room, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner 717-787-9633 or send email to dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 18-- PA State Assn. Of Township Supervisors. PA Stormwater Conference [Western].
Butler County.
October 18-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Recycling Awareness Workshop. Sewickley Public
Library, Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
October 24-25-- Penn State Extension: Biochar & Torrefied Biomass Short Course. Penn State
University Agricultural Engineering Building, Shortlidge Road, University Park.
October 24-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Clear Creek State Forest District
[LTBD ] Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, Mercer, Venango counties. Click Here for more.
October 30-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In King of Prussia.
October 30-31-- Northeast Recycling Council Fall Conference. Sheraton Hartford South Hotel,
Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
November 1-2-- PA Water And Wastewater Technology Summit. Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel, State College.
November 3-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. Construction

Junction, Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 11:00 to 12:30.
November 6-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. North Park Rose
Barn, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
November 8-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Rothrock State Forest District,
Shaver’s Creek CFD Community Building, 8707 Firemans Park Ln, Petersburg, Huntingdon
County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here for more.
November 8-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Weiser State Forest District,
District Office, 16 Weiser Lane, Aristes, Columbia County. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here for
more.
November 14-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. South Park Buffalo
74
Inn, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
November 15-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to: jmelnic@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
November 16-- PA State Assn. Of township Supervisors. PA Stormwater Conference [Eastern].
Montgomery County.
Related Tools ----------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
Visit DEP Connects for opportunities to interact with DEP staff at field offices.
Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
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.
August 15-- PA Leopold Farm Conservation Award $10,000

August 15-- DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Grants
August 17-- PA Lake Management Society Mini-Grants
August 20-- Foundation For PA Watersheds Grant Letters Of Intent
August 31-- NEW. Forests For The Bay Chesapeake Forest Champion Contest
August 31-- OSMRE Not-For-Profit Acid Mine Drainage Watershed Grants
August 31-- Partnership For Delaware Estuary Schuylkill Shots Photo Contest
September 3-- American Chestnut Foundation Photo Contest
September 5-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Photo Contest
September 7-- DCNR, PASA Recipes For Streams. Trees. Food. Conservation Cookbook
September 15-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
75
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
September 27-- NEW. NFWF Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund
September 28-- DCNR Multifunctional Riparian Forest Buffer Grants
September 28-- DEP Calendar 2017 Recycling Performance Grants
September 29-- Sinnemahoning Watershed Restoration Grants
September 30-- Fish & Boat Commission Clean Vessel Act Grants
September 30-- Duquesne Light, Nissan Electric Vehicle Rebate
September 30-- Project Learning Tree Environmental Ed Grants
September 30-- PPL Foundation STEM Educator Grants
October 1-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grants-Water Quality Projects (first-come)
October 15-- NEW. DEP Coastal Zone Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Gene Capaldi Lens On Litter Photo Contest
October 31-- Axalta, Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Teachers Program
December 1-- USDA Rural Community Water Infrastructure Funding (Rolling Deadline)
December 14-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 15-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical

guidance and permits.
Regulations -----------------------
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the August 11 PA Bulletin of final
regulations on the control of VOC emissions from industrial cleaning solvents, aerospace
manufacturing and rework and additional RACT requirements for major sources of NOx and
VOCs.
The Fish and Boat Commission published notices in the August 11 PA Bulletin of proposed
additions and revisions to the list of Wild Trout Streams and proposed changes to the list of
Class A Wild Trout Waters for comment.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - August 11, 2018
Technical Guidance -------------------

76
final technical guidance on Stationary/Non-Stationary Tanks.
Permits ------------
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 70 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the August 11 PA Bulletin -
pages 4843 to 4913.

changes to the list of businesses certified to perform radon-related activities (page 4912) .
Related Tools ----------------------
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
DEP Proposals Out For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 4, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4733
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
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
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2018)- DEP webpage
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
77
CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire PA Environment Digest. This Digest is 79 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
About PA Environment Digest
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection. He can be contacted by sending email to:
PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
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Issue #737 Harrisburg, PA August 13, 2018

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

Click Here to View or Print This Entire Digest

PA Resources Council Names Winners Of 2018 Environmental Leadership Awards;

The ​PA Resources Council​ Tuesday

DEP Highlights Farm Conservation Practices To Improve Water Quality In Lycoming

Pennsylvania residents Monday learned how

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Backs Maryland In Conowingo Lawsuits

The ​Chesapeake Bay Foundation​ Friday filed a motion

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National

DEP Accepting Applications For Coastal Zone Grants Starting Aug. 13

The Department of Environmental Protection will be

The ​Environmental Quality Board​ is scheduled to meet

Meeting The Challenge Of Keeping Pennsylvania Clean, Green And Growing

Pennsylvania’s original ​Growing Greener

Congress On Track To Pass RECLAIM Initiative To Clean Up Abandoned Mines, Create

John Dawes, executive director of the ​Foundation for

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has assessed a $148,000

PA Supreme Court Orders Rehearing Of Challenge To Zoning Permit Allowing Drilling In

The year-long series of special events to recognize

The public is invited to attend a free ceremony on

Smoke from the wildfires burning in California and

The Department of Environmental Protection ​West Nile

Agriculture, Penn State Extension, USDA Provide Update On Spotted Lanternfly In PA

The ​Department of Agriculture​, the ​U.S. Department

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

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Senate:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced last week--

3-Year Review Of Regulations:​ ​Senate Bill 1231​ (Brooks-R-Crawford) requiring a review of

NRCS Unveils Conservation Strategy To Improve Health Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The U.S. Department of Agriculture

News From Around The State

By Donna Morelli, ​Chesapeake Bay Journal

Pennsylvania could generate up to $500 million annually

(Reprinted from the ​Chesapeake Bay Journal.​)

Trout Unlimited Offers Free Technical Assistance For Conservation Projects In PA

Trout Unlimited​ is pleased to announce a new technical

(Reprinted from the ​Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout​ newsletter, P

The ​Forests For The [Chesapeake] Bay

Pittsburgh Quarterly: Western PA Weaves A Web Of Groups To Protect Local

Watershed expert April Claus called to the 20

Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Project In Washington County

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published notice​ in the August 11 PA Bulletin of

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful​ invites all

Erie Emerging 2030 District Hosts Energy Efficiency Workshop Aug. 16

Emerging Erie 2030 District​ will host an August 16

Penn State Extension is hosting a Webinar on August

“​Climate Change and Conservation: Is It Getting Hot in Here?​” will be

Farm Preservation Board Adds 2,300 Acres In 16 Counties To Farmland Preservation

The state ​Agricultural Land Preservation Board

As a grape and hop integrated pest management

The ​South Mountain Partnership​ will hold the

August 8 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The ​August 8 issue of the Resource​ newsletter is now

Pennsylvania Chautauqua Raising Funds To Preserve Historic Soldiers Field PA National

The 18-acre ​Soldiers Field in Mount Gretna​,

TU Pennsylvania Route 6 Brook Trout Odyssey Offers Glimpse Of Challenges Facing

(*Reprinted from the ​Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout​ newsletter, P

Trout Unlimited Plays Key Role In Unassessed Waters Initiative

By ​David Kinney​, TU Eastern Policy Director

Not long ago, ​Trout Unlimited​ volunteers and other

(*Reprinted from the ​Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout​ newsletter, P

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

The PA Resources Council Tuesday

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Friday filed a motion

The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to meet

Pennsylvania’s original Growing Greener

John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for

The Department of Environmental Protection West Nile

The Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department

Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

3-Year Review Of Regulations: Senate Bill 1231 (Brooks-R-Crawford) requiring a review of

By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal

(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.)

Trout Unlimited is pleased to announce a new technical

(Reprinted from the Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout newsletter, P

The Forests For The [Chesapeake] Bay

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 11 PA Bulletin of

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful invites all

Emerging Erie 2030 District will host an August 16

“Climate Change and Conservation: Is It Getting Hot in Here?” will be

The state Agricultural Land Preservation Board

The South Mountain Partnership will hold the

The August 8 issue of the Resource newsletter is now

The 18-acre Soldiers Field in Mount Gretna,

(*Reprinted from the Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout newsletter, P

By David Kinney, TU Eastern Policy Director

Not long ago, Trout Unlimited volunteers and other

(*Reprinted from the Summer 2018 Pennsylvania Trout newsletter, P

The 2018 Pennsylvania One Health Forum is the inaugural

September 18-20-- Mid-Atlantic Chapter International Erosion Control Association. 25th

October 3-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Harrisburg.

October 18-- CANCELED. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting

November 3-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Vermicomposting Workshop. Construction

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

August 15-- PA Leopold Farm Conservation Award $10,000

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 11 PA Bulletin of

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers