PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In

PA
Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa October 18, 2010

Senate Adjourns Before Agreement On Severance Tax, House Coming Back Early

With action on several of Gov. Rendell's key legislative priorities--

transportation funding and alternative energy-- off the table, the
only high profile environmental issue left is action on a proposed
severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production.
What a roller coaster ride this week!
First Senate Republicans refused to meet with the Governor
and House Leaders on Monday-- Columbus Day-- saying coming
back on Tuesday was good enough.
Senate Republicans maintained all week the bill used by the House to pass their version
of the severance tax was unconstitutional and the Senate did not have a vehicle they could use to
send any agreed-to tax package back to the House for final action.
After a meeting Tuesday, Gov. Rendell said the Senate Republican position on the
constitutionality of the House severance tax bill was "bull." Dueling opinions from the
Legislative Reference Bureau were trotted out on the issue by both sides.
House Speaker Keith McCall (D-Carbon) said a Legislative Reference Bureau opinion
said the constitutionality problems could be fixed and by the way the Senate had two other
House Bills they could use to get the job done if they wanted-- House Bill 786 (D-George)
establishing a state energy office within DEP or House Bill 2235 (Vitali-D-Delaware) putting in
place a three year moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling (never in the Senate).
By Wednesday, after another meeting of Senate and House Leaders and the
Administration, the Governor told the Capitol Press Corps there was progress in the tax talks and
commended Senate Republicans for their willingness to work toward a compromise and "meet in
the middle."
A spokesperson for Senate Republicans was puzzled saying he didn't know what changed
between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The sides are still very far apart on the tax rate and whether to include the auxiliary issues
the Senate wanted on local government regulation of drilling, well spacing and other
environmental and inspection issues.
Talks between the Senate, House and Rendell Administration are continuing in spite of
the adjournment by the Senate. We were told the Senate does intend to come back to finish
action on a Marcellus Shale natural gas severance tax when (or if) there is final agreement on a
package. The Senate still has no plans to consider legislation after the election.
The House has already committed to return before the election, if there is an agreement
on the tax.
Late Friday the House announced it would be holding voting session on October 18, and
possibly more days, to vote on House Bill 2497, the pension reform and Independent Fiscal
Office bill.
In addition to other pressures, Gov. Rendell is still counting on $70 million from a
severance tax to fill the last hole created by the federal government shortchanging the state on
Medicaid funds, although September revenues pushed up state revenues for the year over $75
million.
Stay tuned to the PA Environment Digest Twitter Instant Updates and PA Environment
Daily Blog for the latest information.
Senate Action On Other Issues
The Senate did take action to pass and send to the Governor bills on alternative energy
production on preserved farmland, blight, local government mergers, electric purchases by
boroughs and encouraging traditional neighborhoods. (see Bills On Governor's Desk)
They also passed and sent back to the House for concurrence bills requiring the recycling
of electronic devices, another bill dealing with alternative energy production on preserved
farmland and passed a bill on the recycling of textbooks. (see Senate/House Bills Moving)
NewsClips: Senate Recess Puts Severance Tax Bill On Hold
Senate Wraps Up, No Proposal For Marcellus Severance Tax
State Jobs Depend On Gas Drilling Tax
Rendell Sees Some Life On Severance Tax Talks
Rendell Hopeful Compromise On Severance Tax Can Be Reached
Rendell, Senate GOP Reach Impasse In Shale Tax Talks
Severance Tax Builds To Cliffhanger
Would Fees On Shale Drilling Break Corbett's No Tax Pledge?
Rendell: Progress, But No Agreement On Shale Tax
Senate Republicans Propose Natural Gas Severance Tax Rate
Senate Leaders Refuse Call For Holiday Session On Shale Gas Tax
Governor Wants Columbus Day Meeting On Severance Tax
Forced Pooling Won't Become Law Just Yet
$70 Million In Capital Budget Projects Aimed At Marcellus Gas
John Baer: Common Ground Missing From Lawmakers' Lists
Op-Ed: Slow Down On A Shale Tax
Op-Ed: One Chance To Get Marcellus Shale Right
Op-Ed: A Tax On Gas Drilling Should Be An Easy Call
Editorial: Compromise On Gas Extraction Tax
Editorial: Get Back To Work On Severance Tax
Editorial: Lots Of Hot Air But No Gas Tax
Editorial: Severance Tax In Everybody's Best Interest
Editorial: Political Gas, But No Tax Revenue
Editorial: State Needs Middle Ground On Marcellus Shale Tax
 Editorial: Severance Tax In Taxpayers' Best Interest
Editorial: PA Needs The Severance Fee
Editorial: Meet In Middle On Marcellus Tax
Editorial: Legislative Finger Pointing
Editorial: Taxpayers Get Drilled Again
Drillers' Campaign Contributions Draw Concern
Groups Say Corbett Received Most Natural Gas Campaign Money

Growing Greener Coalition: We All Lose If Severance Tax Not Adopted

Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing

Greener Coalition, released this statement encouraging
action on the severance tax--

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition has been advocating for substantial revenue from a
severance tax to be allocated to the Environmental Stewardship Fund and Renewing Growing
Greener.
Growing Greener has transformed Pennsylvania by empowering communities, non-profit
groups and citizens to protect working farms and special places, clean up rivers and streams,
create and improve parks and trails, and revitalize cities and towns.
A recent Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report shows that Growing Greener
is running out of money. “We cannot allow the depletion of the Growing Greener funds to
occur,” said Heath. “If it does, the consequences will be felt across the entire state and for many
years to come.”
Heath stated, “A month ago I said, „Our policy makers must make passing a severance
tax their highest priority.‟ Now, the urgency is even greater. The Renew Growing Greener
Coalition urges the General Assembly and Governor to enact a severance tax and invest a
substantial part of the revenues in our natural resources thus enhancing the quality of life of our
communities.”
“The Senate, House and Governor have a responsibility to follow through on their
commitment to adopt a severance tax. Now is the time to take politics out of this discussion and
focus on protecting Pennsylvania‟s most treasured places.”
“Where there is a will, there is a way. We have all been in Harrisburg long enough to
know that anything is possible – there is no time for excuses, name calling or political posturing.
Now is the time to come together. Now is the time to stand up for Pennsylvania, to stand up for
the environment, and to stand up for our future by taking the first step to Renewing Growing
Greener through passage of a fair and reasonable severance tax. If a severance tax is not adopted
this week, it will not matter who is to blame because we will all lose.”

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Important Change- Session Schedule

Note: Late Friday the House announced it would be holding voting session days October 18 and
possible more days to vote on House Bill 2497, the pension reform and Independent Fiscal
Office bill.
We were told earlier the Senate does intend to come back to finish action on a Marcellus
Shale natural gas severance tax when (or if) there is final agreement on a package. The Senate
still has no plans to consider legislation after the election.
The House had already committed to return before the election, if there is an agreement
on the tax.

Senate Session
November 17 (Ceremonial Session to Elect an Interim President Pro Tempore)

House Session
October 18, (New, Possibly more days)
November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16

Calendars

House (October 18): House Bill 80 (Vitali-D-Delaware) expanding the Alternative Energy
Portfolio Standards and authorizing a carbon sequestration network; House Bill 894 (Phillips-R-
Northumberland) establishing a Lyme Disease Task Force and assigning responsibilities to the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources without funding; House Bill
2405 (DePasquale-D-York) which would increase the solar mandate provisions of the
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and provide for carbon sequestration facilities; House
Bill 2619 (Preston-D-Allegheny) further providing for municipal aggregation of electric
generation supply; House Resolution 864 (Mundy-D-Luzerne) memorializing Congress to pass
the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act.

Senate (November 17): All bills remaining on the Senate Calendar were Tabled prior to
adjournment.

Committees

House: the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus shale
environmental issues in Phoenixville.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week (but will go nowhere)--

Conservation Districts: House Bill 2771 (Boback-R-Columbia) PA Conservation District

Delegated Oversight Act designating conservation districts as the primary agency for reviewing
erosion and sedimentation control permits.

Compressor Station Plan: House Bill 2772 (Sonney-R-Erie) requiring a natural gas
compressor station plan as part of the operator's permit application.

Drilling Damages: Senate Bill 1486 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) amending the Oil and Gas
Act to require disclosure to the landowner by gas companies the landowner may be liable for
damages done to other properties as a result of gas drilling.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bill was given final action by the General Assembly and is now on the Governor's
Desk for action--

Capital Budget: House Bill 2291 (D.Evans-D-Philadelphia) 2010-2011 Capital Budget projects
bill.

Neighborhoods: House Bill 1609 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) amending the Municipalities Planning

Code further defining traditional neighborhood development.

Borough Electric Purchases: Senate Bill 168 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further authorizing

electric purchases by boroughs.

Energy Production On Farmland: Senate Bill 298 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amends the Farmland
and Forest Land Assessment Act to allow the splitting off of preserved farm and forest lands
used for alternative energy systems and natural gas and coal bed methane.
Blight: Senate Bill 900 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) establishing the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation
and Revitalization Act.

Local Government Merger: Senate Bill 1429 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) further providing for the
merger and consolidations of local governments.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the Senate--

Senate

Neighborhoods: House Bill 1609 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) amending the Municipalities Planning

Code further defining traditional neighborhood development was passed by the Senate without
amendment and now goes to the Governor for his action.
"Traditional neighborhood development, or TND, is a better way to develop than sprawl
which eats up our farmland and creates traffic congestion nightmares," said Rep. Freeman. "Not
only does a TND use less land, it is also pedestrian-friendly and provides for a mix of uses and
housing options that foster a greater sense of community than conventional suburban
developments. Because a TND creates an actual village or neighborhood rather than a
subdivision, it reduces dependence on cars to meet everyday needs."

Energy Production On Farmland: Senate Bill 298 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amends the Farmland
and Forest Land Assessment Act to allow the splitting off of preserved farm and forest lands
used for alternative energy systems and natural gas and coal bed methane was reported from the
Senate Rules Committee and was passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for
his action.
"I am pleased this important legislation has passed the Legislature and I am hopeful the
Governor will sign it quickly so we it can get it on the books ," Sen. Yaw said. "Farmers and
landowners need this bill to become law because it provides counties across the state with a
consistent interpretation of the Clean and Green Program. Ultimately, it will alleviate the
financial pressure of having to pay roll-back taxes, interest and penalties on entire properties
especially before any royalty payments are made to the property owner."

Blight: Senate Bill 900 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) establishing the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation
and Revitalization Act was reported from the Senate Rules Committee and was passed by the
Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.
"I introduced Senate Bill 900 to carry on the efforts of my predecessor, Senator Jim
Rhoades," Sen. Argall said. "This bill will strengthen current law to identify property owners of
blighted buildings and hold them responsible for the costs to rehabilitate or demolish these
structures. Today, I was pleased to join with my colleagues in finally sending this bill to the
Governor."
 "Senate Bill 900 is an important victory for communities affected by an aging
infrastructure and absentee property owners," said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-
Delaware). "This bipartisan comprehensive measure brings certainty to dealing with abandoned
and blighted property, and substantially improves how communities can address these issues."

Borough Electric Purchases: Senate Bill 168 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further authorizing

electric purchases by boroughs was reported from the Senate Rules Committee and was passed
by the Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.
"Rising energy costs are one of the primary concerns for many consumers, so it is very
important to give boroughs the ability to negotiate power supply agreements that will benefit
members of their community," Sen. Brubaker said. "This bill would give municipalities another
option to reduce energy costs for residents."

Local Government Merger: Senate Bill 1429 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) further providing for the
merger and consolidations of local governments was reported from the Senate Rules Committee
and was passed by the Senate. It now goes to the Governor for his action.

Electronics Recycling: House Bill 708 (Ross-R-Chester) requiring electronics recycling funded
by industry fees was amended and passed by the Senate 48 to 1. It now returns to the House for
a concurrence vote.

Farm Energy: House Bill 1394 (Houghton-D-Chester) relating to splitting off farm and forest
land under preferential assessment for alternative energy production was amended and reported
from the Senate Appropriations Committee and was passed by the Senate. It now returns to the
House for a concurrence vote.
"My proposal will help strengthen Pennsylvania's homegrown energy production by
providing a major boost to the wind and solar industries and thereby propelling us closer to
energy independence," Rep. Houghton said. "Like my bill to make Pennsylvania the 21st 'solar
access' state in the country, which currently awaits Senate action, this bill will help create green
jobs. Further, it will provide an additional revenue source to help farmers to continue to farm on
their land."

Recycling Textbooks: Senate Bill 1379 (Musto-D-Luzerne) requiring the recycling of college
textbooks was passed by the Senate. It now goes to the House for consideration.

Land Banks: House Bill 712 (J.Taylor-R-Philadelphia) further providing for the creation of
urban land banks was amended and reported from the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing
Committee and then referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Stormwater Funding: Senate Bill 1422 (D.White-R-Indiana) authorizing PennVEST to fund

non-point source management projects including specifically urban stormwater projects
and House Bill 2591 (George-D-Clearfield) authorizing PennVEST to fund non-point source
management projects including specifically urban stormwater projects were Tabled.
News From The Capitol

Senate Committee Hears Revised Homeland Security Plan From Rendell Administration

At a follow-up hearing this week, Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency

Preparedness Committee heard from Steven Crawford, Gov. Rendell's
Chief of Staff, on revised plans for collecting and evaluating information
on possible terrorist threats in the Commonwealth.
The Committee hearing was the second in response to news
accounts in late September documenting instances where opponents to
Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling were included in state Office of
Homeland Security alerts as possible terrorist threats.
Crawford said the Rendell Administration would be creating in-
house capability to identify and evaluate intelligence on possible threats in
the future along the model of the existing PA Criminal Intelligence Center and working in close
cooperation with other state and federal law enforcement officials.
"The subject before this committee is not an easy one," said Crawford as he addressed the
Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "In today's world it seems that
all of us struggle with this question: How do we protect our people from those who would do us
harm and, at the same time, protect the rights and freedoms that make us a special nation to begin
with?"
In his remarks, Crawford said he has, at the Governor's direction, conducted a thorough
analysis of the state's intelligence operations. Throughout that process, the guiding questions
were: how can the Commonwealth create an in-house capability to obtain credible and useful
intelligence on situations that pose a real threat; how can it establish an information sharing
scheme that ensures intelligence reaches those who need to know in a timely and useful manner;
and how can it build on existing structures and partnerships to facilitate real-time
communications without being hindered by bureaucracy.
"We already have a working model for doing this, and that is the Pennsylvania Criminal
Intelligence Center," said Crawford. "PACIC provides strategic analytical support. Its analysts
routinely monitor available information related to various criminal organizations and threat
groups. Ongoing assessments of their activities can be provided to law enforcement managers
and investigators."
Crawford said from this point on, the Rendell administration is going to augment the
resources already dedicated to PACIC to collect and examine non-law enforcement information,
as well. The administration is also recommending that the commonwealth hire four new analysts
and one supervisor dedicated exclusively to non-criminal intelligence gathering, concentrating
on situational awareness and critical asset protection pursuant to state and federal mandates.
PACIC currently has a staff of 28. The FBI, federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms,
the state Department of Corrections, and the state Attorney General also maintain staff at
PACIC.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania
State Police will establish intelligence information-sharing protocols.
 The plan unveiled today is in response to a comprehensive review of the state's
intelligence work in the wake of Gov. Rendell's order to end a contractual agreement with the
Institute for Terrorism Research and Response, which had been supplying the state Office of
Homeland Security with information.
"It is now well-established and all agree that the ITRR bulletins went too far," said
Crawford. "Neither I nor anyone else in the Governor's office was briefed on the breadth and
depth of concern that State Police and other law enforcement entities had with respect to the
bulletins. The ITRR contract, however misused, was entered into legally and with good
intentions. Unfortunately, the content of the bulletins rendered them of marginal value,
inflammatory and hurtful, if not harmful."
Crawford also added that Col. Jim Powers, the former director of the state Office of
Homeland Security, should not be made a scapegoat for the concerns raised by the bulletins.
"Col. Powers spent 30 years defending our country in places and in ways that few have
the courage to do. His resignation was but a final acknowledgement that the function of
homeland security is too important to be compromised by distractions involving one individual
and his error in judgment," said Crawford.
Copies of testimony and a video of the hearing are available online.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Sen.
Lawrence Farnese (D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair.
NewsClips: PA To Do Terrorism Monitoring Internally
New Hires to Boost State Anti-Terror Efforts
Rendell Aide Can't Recall Reading Terror Alerts
Rendell To Overhaul Intelligence Gathering
Rendell To Bring Intelligence Gathering In-House
Controversial Terror Contractor Has Another Contract In Southeast

Rep. Ross Named To EPA Environmental Advisory Committee

Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) has been appointed by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency to serve on the agency's Local
Government Advisory Committee. The 30-member committee provides
advice to the EPA on environmental issues affecting communities.
Rep. Ross, who serves as Republican chairman of the House Urban
Affairs Committee and as a member of the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee, is one of 30 new state, local and tribal
officials from around the country to be named to the committee.
Members assist the EPA in finding innovative solutions to a variety
of environmental issues including climate change, air and water quality, and ways to clean up
communities.
"I have always had a strong commitment to protecting the environment," said Rep. Ross.
"It is an honor and a privilege to play a role on this nationwide panel and to participate in finding
common solutions to environmental problems that are affecting communities all across the
country."
The Local Government Advisory Committee, in existence since 1993, is comprised of
elected and appointed officials, representatives of environmental interest groups and labor.
News From Around The State

Academy Of Natural Sciences: Marcellus Shale Needs Scientific Study To Set Guidelines

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia is calling for a

comprehensive research plan that would result in guidelines and an
assessment tool for regulators and managers in order to minimize
the environmental impact of Marcellus Shale gas drilling.
"At this time, there is very little information available as to
the impacts of long-term exposure of a watershed to Marcellus
Shale drilling activities," said Dr. David Velinsky, vice president
of the Academy's Patrick Center for Environmental Research. "Nor do we know if there is a
cumulative impact of drilling activity on the ecosystem services of a small watershed."
Preliminary research by Academy scientists and a University of Pennsylvania graduate
student shows the environmental impact of drilling may be directly related to the amount of
drilling in a specific area, referred to as the "density" of drilling.
"The question that needs to be addressed is whether there is a threshold point past which
a certain amount of drilling activity has an impact on the ecological health and services of the
watershed -- regardless of how carefully drilling is conducted," Velinsky said.
In the preliminary research conducted this summer, scientists examined small watersheds
in northeastern Pennsylvania -- three in which there had been no drilling, three with some
drilling and three with a high density of drilling. At each site, they tested the water, abundance of
certain sensitive insects, and abundance of salamanders. The presence of salamanders is
particularly important because amphibians are especially vulnerable to changes in the
environment.
For each of the measures, there was a significant difference between high-density drilling
locations and locations with no drilling or less drilling. The studies showed that water
conductivity (which indicates the level of contamination) was almost twice as high in the high
density sites as the other sites, and the number of both sensitive insects and salamanders were
reduced by 25 percent.
"This suggests there is indeed a threshold at which drilling -- regardless of how it is
practiced -- will have a significant impact on an ecosystem," Velinsky said. "Conversely, it also
suggests there may be lower densities of drilling at which ecological impact cannot be detected."
Velinsky stressed that the data is preliminary and that a larger, more comprehensive study
must be done before definitive conclusions can be drawn. The Academy has applied to the
Department of Environmental Protection to fund such a study.
Visit the Academy's Marcellus Shale webpage for more information.
NewsClips: Academy Of Natural Sciences: Drilling Threatens Streams
Early Study Shows Dense Drilling Impacts Watersheds
Drilling's Effect On Streams Eyed

EQB Adopts New Gas Well Construction Standards To Prevent Gas Migration
The Environmental Quality Board this week approved, by a 14-1 vote, a proposed set of
regulatory improvements that will make natural gas wells in Pennsylvania significantly safer by
making them subject to more stringent construction standards.
The proposed oil and gas well cementing and casing requirements will help prevent
natural gas from migrating from a well, which has been associated with contaminated water
supplies and adverse impacts to public health and safety.
Additionally, the new rules will require drillers to report production and waste volumes
electronically and to submit a detailed report of the chemicals they use to hydraulically fracture
wells.
"The EQB's actions will strengthen our regulations significantly, making them as strong
as any in the country," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.
"They will lead to a decline in the number of incidents and problems we have experienced
related to gas migration."
The board approved the proposed rulemaking in May. During a subsequent 30-day public
comment period and after five scheduled public hearings, the board received nearly 2,000 public
comments, the majority of which were supportive. DEP also met with numerous oil and gas
operators, industry groups and environmental groups to discuss the regulations in detail.
The department used the public's input to make several important changes to the
regulations, which further improved the well design requirements to prevent gas migration
incidents, including:
-- A provision that requires operators to have a pressure barrier plan to minimize well control
events;
-- A provision that requires operators to condition the wellbore to ensure an adequate bond
between the cement, casing and the formation;
-- Provisions that require the use of centralizers to ensure casings are properly positioned in the
wellbore; and
-- A provision that improves the quality of the cement placed in the casing that protects fresh
groundwater.
In addition to these important provisions, the EQB-approved regulations will require
operators to keep a list of emergency contact phone numbers at the well site and specify what
actions an operator must take in the event of a gas migration incident. It also includes amended
provisions that clarify how and when blow-out prevention equipment is to be installed and
operated.
The next steps in the regulatory review process are review by the Independent Regulatory
Review Commission scheduled for November 18, and the House and Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committees.
If approved by IRRC and the standing committees, the final step in the regulatory review
process is review by the Attorney General's office.
Once all reviews and approvals are obtained, the regulations will go into effect upon
publication in the PA Bulletin.
A copy of the final rule is available on the Environmental Quality Board meeting
webpage.
NewsClip: Gas Drillers Must Adhere To New Rules

Nominations Now Being Accepted For DCNR's 2011 River Of The Year
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Organization for Watersheds
and Rivers are now accepting nominations for DCNR's 2011 River of the Year recognition. This
year nominations will be accepted from the Ohio River Basin.
Nominations are due October 30.
A local organization must take a leadership role in celebrating the river, including
committin to a 1-2 day Sojourn and a series of events throughout the year. That organization will
receive a $10,000 grant to support those efforts, and additional funding is available for the
Sojourn.
To nominate your river, go to the River of the Year nominations webpage and enter in
your river’s information.
The winner will be selected in November, so get your nominations in now!
Click here to learn more about DCNR Rivers Conservation Programs.

Friends Of Wissahickon Set Water Quality Program For November 4

The Friends of the Wissahickon is offering a free lecture on Water Quality in the Wissahickon by
John K. Jackson on November 4 at Valley Green Inn. The lecture starts at 6:30 p.m. with a wine
and cheese reception to follow.
Jackson is a Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research Center and a
member of the adjunct faculty of the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania.
His recent projects include studies of aquatic insects, influences on the genetic structure of
stream organisms, aquatic insect ecology, and the Schuylkill River Project, a water quality
monitoring project conducted from 1996 to 2007. He was a Fulbright Senior Scholar in 1998.
Valley Green Inn is located on Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park. RSVP to
this event by sending email to: davisjones@fow.org or call 215-247-0417 ext 104. Spaces are
limited.

Reminder: EPA Public Meetings On Chesapeake Bay TMDL This Week

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold four public meetings in Pennsylvania next
week to discuss the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) – a strict “pollution
diet” to restore local waters and the Chesapeake Bay.
EPA released the draft Bay TMDL on September 24 and is holding public meetings
throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed during a public comment period that ends November
8.
The public meetings will be held in Lancaster, State College, Williamsport and Ashley,
Pa. The meeting in Williamsport will be broadcast live on-line via webinar.
The meetings are:
-- October 18, 2-4 p.m., Best Western Eden Resort, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster;
-- October 19, 2-4 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 850 Stratford Drive, State College;
-- October 20, 2-4 p.m., Lycoming College, Wendle Hall, 700 College Place, Williamsport (Also
broadcast live online as webinar); and
-- October 21, 2-4 p.m., Bentley’s, 2300 Route 309, Ashley.
Meeting and webinar details on Chesapeake Bay TMDL website.
Northeast Environmental Partners Recognize 2010 Award Recipients

The Northeast Environmental Partners this week recognized the seven winners of the
Environmental Partnership Awards and the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership
Award at their annual awards dinner in Wilkes-Barre.
The recipients of the Environmental Partnership Awards for 2010 are:
-- Field Habitat Partnership at Nescopeck State Park, Luzerne County: Field Habitat
Partnership is being honored for their work to restore more than 60 acres of old fields located
within Nescopeck State Park in Butler Township, Luzerne County in an area known as the old
Hoda Farm.
-- Susan Gallagher, Chief Naturalist, Carbon County Environmental Education Center
(CCEEC), Carbon County: Gallagher is being honored for her work as the planner, teacher and
coordinator of all the environmental educational activities at the CCEEC. Gallagher has been
with the CCEEC since 1988 and became the Chief Naturalist in 1998.
-- Keystone Active Zone Passport Program, Luzerne County: The Keystone Active Zone
Passport Program is being honored for its successful efforts at inspiring thousands of Luzerne
County residents to “get outside” and be active. In 2009, the Passport Program had 915
participants and currently has 605 people registered for the 2010 program.
-- Ryan Koch, Natural Resource Conservation Service Coordinator, Lackawanna County: Koch
is being honored for his work and achievements in bringing together partners, organizations and
individuals to work on a variety of environmental projects including native grasses, bio-fuels and
sustainable energy.
-- Don Miller, Technology Instructor at Clear Run Elementary Center, Monroe County: Miller is
being honored for his efforts to preserve Monroe County’s natural resources via his career as an
educator as well as his numerous other activities.
-- Schuylkill County Sportsman Association, Schuylkill County: The Schuylkill County
Sportsman Association is being honored for their activities to protect and manage the fish and
wildlife habitat of Schuylkill County.
-- Dr. Jerry M. Skinner, Susquehanna County: Dr. Skinner is being honored for his outstanding
achievements as a professor of biology at Keystone College, educator for the Keystone College
Environmental Education Institute and the resident Naturalist and Volunteer Steward at the
Nature Conservancy’s Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary in Susquehanna County.
In addition to his work as a Biology Professor at Keystone College, Dr. Skinner teaches a
variety of courses including the “Flora and Fauna of Pennsylvania” (created by Dr. Skinner) for
teachers enrolled in the Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, conducts nature
education and natural history activities in partnership with Lackawanna State Park, Salt Springs
State Park and Endless Mountains Nature Center, conducts aquatic fauna studies in the Ackerly
Creek Watershed and lead the Eco Club at Keystone College.
Thomas P. Shelburne Award
The Sixteenth Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award will be
presented this year to Tim Herd, Monroe County.
Herd is being honored for his dedication to providing environmental education and
promoting community collaboration for the benefit of the environment in Northeastern
Pennsylvania for over the last 30 years.
 This year’s Keynote address will be given by Joanne Denworth, Land Use and
Environmental Lawyer who has been working in Gov. Rendell’s Office of Policy since March,
2003.
For more information, visit the PA Environmental Council website.

Spotlight

A Conversation With Matt Ehrhart, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recently awarded the

Outstanding Alumni honor to Matt Ehrhart, PA Office Director of the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Listen to this roundtable discussion between Matt and Penn State
Extension specialists, researchers and colleagues from across the state.
Click here to listen to the roundtable.

Spotlight

Rodale Institute Organic Agriculture Featured On Growing A Greener World

The PBS program Growing A Greener World will feature a story on the Rodale Institute, the
Berks County-based pioneer of organic farming and gardening.
For over sixty-years, Rodale has been researching the best practices of organic
agriculture and sharing the findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world, advocating
for policies that support farmers, and educating consumers about how going organic is the
healthiest options for people and the planet.
The full episode will be posted online next week. Get a sneak peak by going to Rodale's
website or read Maria's Farm Country Kitchen Blog.

Berks County Extreme Recycling Home Makeover To Air October 24

The PA Recycling Markets Center, Inc. helped make an upcoming episode of ABC TV's
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition a success by providing advice on how to redo a Hamburg, Pa
home using recycled materials.
The episode will air on ABC Network October 24 at 8 p.m.
The RMC provided technical counsel on selection and use of recycled content building
products; coordinating the use of Pennsylvania manufactured recycled content building materials
with the EM: HE build team and the Berks County Home Builders Association.
The RMC also developed and managed an integrated materials management solution for
reclaimable, recyclable, and waste materials generated during the project – including demolition,
construction, and site-support areas.
 With the RMC’s management team, more than 20 companies were coordinated to donate
recycled content building products and materials management services to the project, while more
than 300 organizations participated in the entire build.
Building products included manufacturing ingredients of steel, paper, aluminum, glass,
plastic, compost, soil, and rubber sourced from Pennsylvania recycling collections.
In addition, through RMC’s integrated materials management solution, of the 99.0 tons of
debris generated in the project, the team results include:
-- 65.93 percent of the materials generated were reused or recycled;
-- 25.07 percent of the materials were recovered for alternative energy generation; and
-- 9.0 percent of the materials were disposed.
For illustration, the weight of the reused, recycled, and recovered materials in the project,
90.09 tons, is approximately equal to the weight of one Boeing 757 Aircraft. It is estimated that
more than 40,000 spectators and 2,500 volunteers working three shifts contributed to this project
during a seven-day period, gaining front-line exposure to use of recycled content building
products and services.
For more information, visit the PA Recycling Markets Center website.

Western PA Conservancy Gardens, Others Win 2010 Community Greening Awards

Fourteen community gardens planted and maintained by volunteers

and staff of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy have received
2010 Community Greening Awards from the Pennsylvania
Horticultural Society.
The Community Greening Award recognizes businesses,
municipalities, civic associations, community groups, garden clubs
and individuals across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
who have created and maintained public green spaces that enhance their communities.
Drawing 84 nominations this year, the program honors 61 recipients at award ceremonies
in Pittsburgh on October 10 and in Philadelphia on November 7.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is the producer of the Philadelphia International
Flower Show and the renowned urban greening program Philadelphia Green.
“Studies show quality green spaces enhance the health, beauty and economic vitality of
an area,” said Drew Becher, president of PHS. “This award represents a mark of excellence. We
congratulate all of the Community Greening Award participants for the impact they have made
in their communities.”
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s award-winning gardens are:
-- Route 8 and Kittanning Street – Etna, Allegheny County;
-- Columbus Avenue and Fulton Avenue – Manchester, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;
-- Forbes Avenue at Carnegie Museum – Oakland, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;
-- S. Aiken Avenue and Centre Avenue – Shadyside, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;
-- Spring Garden Avenue and Vinial Street – Spring Garden, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;
-- Kennedy Avenue and Brodhead Road – Aliquippa, Beaver County;
-- 11th Street and Penn Avenue – Tyrone, Blair County;
-- 15th Street and Lincoln Avenue – Tyrone, Blair County;
-- Route 322 Triangle, Meadville – Crawford County;
-- 7th Street and Forster Street – Harrisburg, Dauphin County;
-- Route 119 and Pittsburgh Street – Connellsville, Fayette County;
-- 93 E. High Street – Hooper Park, Waynesburg, Greene County;
-- Route 286 and Indian Springs Road – Indiana, Indiana County; and
-- Route 30 at Greengate Road – Greensburg, Westmoreland County.
Spaces were judged on a host of criteria, including variety of plant material, maintenance,
design, visual appeal and use of space. Though these landscapes were not competing against
each other, it was the task of the committee to determine which plantings deserved PHS
recognition. Each group will receive a framed certificate along with a sign to display in the
garden.
Other sites recognized across the state included Philadelphia’s Germantown Friends
School, which showed great sustainable practices and maintains two green roofs; Johnstown,
Pa.’s Kernville Community Garden, which brought neighbors together; Venetia, Pa.’s historic
Enoch Wright House; Gettysburg Pa.’s Lincoln Square, outfitted with hanging baskets and
beautiful plantings; Boyertown, Pa.’s Sandy Neiman Cancer Center; Lewes Del.’s Gateway
Garden; and several gorgeous traffic islands across Pennsylvania.
For a full list of winners, please visit the PHS website. Visit the Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy community gardens webpage to volunteer and see other garden projects in western
Pennsylvania.

DCNR Invests $23 Million To Improve Recreation, Conservation Opportunities In 65

Counties

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the award of more than $23
million for 189 conservation and recreation projects in 65 counties.
"The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of their parks and
trails, access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities," said DCNR Secretary
John Quigley. "This round of grants will fund almost 200 projects to help preserve and enhance
those natural amenities."
Funding for the grants comes primarily from DCNR's Keystone Fund, which is generated
from a portion of the realty transfer tax and the Growing Greener program.
"DCNR put a significant effort into 'greening' the grant program this year. Part of the
selection process included scoring applications based on a number of green criteria, and this
focus clearly had an impact on applications from across the state," Secretary Quigley said.
"Generally, the applications included green construction materials; provisions for more trees;
green stormwater handling technologies; and more surfaces that water can pass through.
"Many of the funded facilities are close-to-home for many people, requiring less driving
and expense to experience. That's a big benefit of the 'staycation' trend," Secretary Quigley
added.
In keeping with the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 39 of the grants were
awarded to trail projects. Eighty four percent of Pennsylvanians responded that walking was their
number-one recreational activity in a recent survey. Additionally, more than 90 grants will be
used to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.
 The grants announced today will also help to protect critical habitat, preserve open space,
and create or upgrade community parks for active recreation. In total, 27 grants were awarded to
acquire more than 2,200 acres of land.
Finally, two grants will help develop iPhone applications that promote tourism, three
grants will develop skate parks, and two grants will develop dog parks.
Combined, projects benefiting from the state's $23 million in grants account for a total
investment of more than $76 million—or nearly three-and-a-half times more than the state's
commitments. The additional funds come from local, county and private investments.
"As in previous years, the demand for these grants was higher than the money we had
available, and we were unable to fund 177 applications," Secretary Quigley said. "The number of
applicants we cannot fund next year will be even greater, as one of our primary funding
sources—the Growing Greener II bond fund—will be depleted."
A complete list of grants by county is available online. Visit the Community
Conservation Partnerships webpage for more information on DCNR grants.
NewsClip: NE Gets $1.7 Million Conservation, Recreation Grants

PEC, POWR Receive DCNR Funding For Trails, EACs And Establishing Meadows

Four PA Environmental Council and PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers received
funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the latest round of
Community Conservation Partnership grants. The projects include--

-- $50,000 to lead the implementation of the Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan goal to
promote, create and encourage the strategic engagement of Environmental Advisory Councils
(EAC) in Pennsylvania, support the EAC Network addressing priority issues including:
stormwater management, green building & energy, open space preservation and recreation
opportunities. Jonathan D. Meade, 717-230-8044.

-- $25,000.00 to provide education and outreach to communities and Environmental Advisory

Councils by benchmarking best management practices for meadow establishment and
maintenance in municipal parks. Four specific meadow test sites will be developed as case
studies in Whitemarsh and Upper Dublin townships. Mindy Lemoine, 215-592-7020.

-- $100,000 to prepare a master site development plan and conceptual design for the
development of approximately 2.2 miles of trail on Spring Garden Street connecting the East
Coast Greenway through downtown Philadelphia to the Schuylkill River Trail and Delaware
River Trail. Spencer Finch, 215-592-7020.

In addition, the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers received funding to continue
Pennsylvania's exciting sojourn program to promote 2011 River of the Year activities and
administer a mini-grant program for river conservation organizations to conduct river awareness
and sojourns. Jonathan D. Meade, 717-230-8044.

Latest Natural Biodiversity Newsletter Now Online, Annual Meeting Oct. 27

Natural Biodiversity now has available the latest edition of its newsletter the Leaflet. This issue
highlights the October 27 annual meeting of Natural Biodiversity, an overview of the group's
outdoor classroom initiative and much more.
Annual Meeting
The first ever Natural Biodiversity Annual Meeting will take place on October 27 at the
group's new office at 539 Park Ave, in the Moxham neighborhood of Johnstown. The meeting
will be held from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.
Since the meeting is close to Halloween, costumes are encouraged! The fee for attending
the annual meeting will be $35 and will cover local food and 2 beverage tickets as well as a one
year 2011 membership to Natural Biodiversity and distinction as a “Founding Member”. The
meeting will include networking, dinner, a business meeting, a program speaker, and door
prizes.
If you do plan to attend we ask you to please RSVP by sending email to:
nbd_staff@naturalbiodiversity.org by October 20.
Outdoor Classroom Initiative
Natural Biodiversity is teaming up with the Department of Environmental Protection to
offer a school the opportunity to construct an outdoor classroom learning facility on their school
grounds. The Outdoor Classroom Initiative will offer students first hand experiential education
in current environmental issues that are affecting Pennsylvania and the Earth.
In order to be chosen by Natural Biodiversity to receive assistance in creating the outdoor
classroom the school would first have to meet the criteria put forward by Natural Biodiversity.
By participating in the Outdoor Classroom Initiative your school will be promoting
environmental awareness, habitat management, healthy living, and outdoor recreation, all while
providing a full bodied curriculum. Your school will also become a leader in environmental
education and an example for other schools across Pennsylvania to follow.
One school within Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, or Westmoreland County
will be chosen to develop the outdoor classroom facility.
If you are an educator within one of the counties listed and would like more information,
please contact Natural Biodiversity send email to: nbd_staff@naturalbiodiversity.org with the
subject: Outdoor Classroom Initiative.
Natural Biodiversity is a nonprofit program created to control invasive, non-native plants
and to restore native plants within the Allegheny Mountains' rivers and streams.
Click here to read the newsletter.

Raptor Migration In Central Pennsylvania Presentation Nov. 2 In State College

The ClearWater Conservancy is hosting an Adventure in Conservation program entitled, "Raptor

Migration in Central Pennsylvania" on November 2 starting at 7:00 p.m. at Centre Furnace
Mansion in State College.
Nick Bolgiano and Greg Grove, two local, experienced birders and authors will present
from their recently published book, Birds of Central Pennsylvania. Come and join us for an
interactive photo-filled presentation covering: unique aspects of raptor migration in our area;
Stone Mountain and Jack’s Mountain hawk watches; golden eagle migration; and raptor
identification during migration.
 Please RSVP by November 1 so we can plan for refreshments to Sarah at ClearWater
Conservancy 814-237-0400 or send email to: sarah@clearwaterconservancy.org.
For more information, visit the ClearWater Conservancy Events webpage.

Hawk And Hike Day At Waggoner's Gap Set For October 30

The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and Audubon Pennsylvania are hosting a Hawk and Hike
Day at Waggoner's Gap on October 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Cumberland-Perry
county border north of Carlisle on Route 74.
Visit the Cliff Jones Field Station at Waggoner's Gap to learn more about hawk and
raptor migration.
For more information, contact Amy Weidensaul by sending email to:
aweidensaul@audubon.org.

Trail Ambassadors Lead Fall Walks In The Wissahickon Watershed

The Friends of the Wissahickon are offering free nature walks in Wissahickon Valley Park this
fall led by FOW Trail Ambassadors.
The Trail Ambassador program was launched in 2008 in partnership with Philadelphia
Parks and Recreation. These volunteers share their knowledge of the Wissahickon with park
users after completing an eight-week training course which covers Wissahickon history,
watersheds, current park projects, wildlife, geology, plants, park rules and regulations, and first
aid/CPR.
Their primary role is to provide information to park visitors about Wissahickon Valley
Park and report any problems they see to Fairmount Park Rangers.
Trail Ambassador Walks last up to two hours. Unless otherwise specified, these hikes use
rocky, rugged trails that may be wet, slipper, or steep. Please bring water and snacks if desired.
Children over six are welcome if accompanied by an adult, unless otherwise specified. Walks are
cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions.
Visit the Friends of the Wissahickon website for a complete schedule.

Game Commission To Webcast Replay Of October 4-5 Board Meeting

The Game Commission will be webcasting a replay of its October 4-5 Board meeting on October
15 to 18 and October 22 to 25. If you could not attend, you can watch the voting sessions and
see all the staff reports at the meeting.
To provide those who missed the meeting a chance to see it, we will begin broadcasting a
3.5-hour loop of the meeting, which will ensure that anyone interested in viewing the meeting
will have the entire weekend – from noon on October 15, until around 8 a.m. on October 18. The
Commission will rebroadcast the meeting the following weekend as well, from noon on October
22, until around 8 a.m. on October 25."
To view the meeting, go to Game Commission's website.

Opportunity To Bid On Well Plugging Project In Warren County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
orphan well plugging project in Warren County.

PUC To Hold Gas Utility Reliability Hearing November 4

The Public Utility Commission announced its annual Winter Reliability Assessment meeting,
which provides a snapshot of various conditions that may affect natural gas supply, price and
service reliability for the upcoming winter, will be held November 4 in Harrisburg.
After some recent unseasonably warm weather and now a round of fall-like temperatures
and rain, it's time for the Public Utility Commission to hear from industry experts on what they
expect for natural gas reliability for the winter months.
Representatives from the PUC, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, PECO Energy Co.,
UGI Energy Services and Spectra Energy Transmission LLC have been invited to speak.
The Winter Reliability Assessment meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. November 4, in
Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building.
An agenda for the meeting is available online.

PPL: Small Businesses Can Save Big Dollars With Energy Assessment Program

Small businesses looking for ways to save on their electric bills can get a low-cost energy
efficiency checkup under a new pilot program from PPL Electric Utilities.
About 100 on-site energy audits are available on a first-come, first-served basis to
independent small-business owners. The audits need to be completed by December 31. Results
will be used to determine if the program will be expanded.
“Energy audits can help our small-business customers identify opportunities to install
retrofit measures and make operational improvements that can potentially shave thousands of
dollars from their annual electricity bills,” said Thomas C. Stathos, director of Customer
Programs and Services for PPL Electric Utilities.
While the actual cost of these audits can range up to several thousand dollars, PPL
Electric Utilities is making them available for a fraction of the cost — $100 for businesses with
less than $25,000 in annual electricity costs, and $200 for businesses with between $25,000 and
$100,000 in annual electricity costs.
Participating businesses must have fewer than 50 full-time employees. Chain stores,
nonprofit organizations, schools and government buildings are not eligible.
As part of the audit, experienced energy assessors will make thorough examinations of a
customer’s electricity use, including evaluations of insulation levels, lighting, HVAC, water
heating, appliances, motors, air compressors, refrigeration and electric energy processes and
maintenance.
Following the energy audit, the business customer will receive a personal consultation
with the assessor, as well as a written report that describes the scope of the audit and provides a
detailed list of energy-saving recommendations.
“These audits will help our customers help themselves by showing them how to get the
biggest possible return on every dollar they spend for electricity,” Stathos said.
For complete program details and to sign up for an energy audit, visit the PPL the Small
Business Assessment webpage or call 1-866-424-9111.
Senate Lauds PA Companies Aiding In Chilean Mine Rescue

The Senate unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-
Somerset) commends officials and workers from Center Rock Inc. of Berlin, Somerset County,
for their efforts to help rescue the trapped Chilean miners.
"News accounts of the Chilean mine rescue this week were both heart warming and
inspirational," Sen. Kasunic said on the Senate Floor. "I am proud that two Pennsylvania firms
helped provide the equipment and expertise that enabled rescuers to extract the trapped miners
two months early."
Sen. Kasunic paid tribute to Brandon Fisher, president of Center Rock Inc, and numerous
employees who traveled to Chile for weeks and provided the drill bit that carved its way through
over 2,000 feet of hard rock to reach the miners.
He also commended workers from Schramm Inc. of Chester County, which manufactured
the T-130 drilling rig that was used in the rescue.
"These American workers, technicians and engineers went many sleepless days working
around the clock making sure that the drilling equipment was working properly," Sen. Kasunic
said. "It was American ingenuity at its best."
In his floor remarks, Sen. Kasunic also reminisced about how Pennsylvanians pulled
together in 2002 to save nine miners who were trapped in the local Quecreek Mine.
"In many ways, the Quecreek mine rescue will always serve as a sterling reminder of
what can be accomplished when we all pull together toward reaching a worthy goal," Sen.
Kasunic said. "Even in the Chilean rescue, technology and equipment used and developed at
Quecreek was provided to help in the rescue."
NewsClips: Former Governor Recalls PA Mine Rescue
Quecreek Survivor Watches Chile Rescue Efforts And Remembers
Someset County Company Uses Drill To Free Chilean Miners
Somerset Company Aids Trapped Chilean Miners
Chile Mine Drama Stirs Emotions In Somerset
Rescue In Chile Brings Back Memories Of Quecreek
Chile Rescue Plan A Triumph For Somerset Drilling Company
PA Companies Help Free Miners
Editorial: Miner Miracle
Sbaffoni: Quecreek Different Than Chile

George Love Named New State Geologist

DCNR Secretary John Quigley announced the appointment of George

Love to the position of director, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic
Survey.
Love has been serving as the Assistant Bureau Director in
Topographic and Geologic Survey since joining DCNR after retiring from
Carmeuse North America in 2006.
 Love will function as the state geologist of Pennsylvania and be responsible for directing
the activities of the bureau’s professional, technical and administrative staff.
His more than 30 years experience in executive leadership includes positions in mining,
minerals, exploration, permitting, geology and geotechnical engineering in private industry and
government. Love has led up to 240 workers with an overall operating budget of $37 million. He
has a master’s degree in Geology and numerous credits in Civil Engineering and Soil Mechanics.
Love was born in Panama and still has family there. He is married with three children,
and has grandchildren in Texas, Tennessee and California.
The mission of the Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey is to serve the citizens of
Pennsylvania by collecting, preserving, and disseminating impartial information on the
Commonwealth's geology, geologic resources, and topography in order to contribute to the
understanding, wise use, and conservation of its land and included resources.
Former State Geologist Jay Parrish stepped down in September, and is now teaching
remote-sensing online at the Dutton Institute at Penn State.

Spotlight

Autumn Leaves Should Fall, Not Burn

By Jill Reigh
Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania

As the days and nights become cooler, Pennsylvania’s beautiful canvas of

green foliage is turning into a myriad of colors before falling to the
ground.
Some great traditions surround the falling of these colorful
treasures – they’re perfect as decoration around pumpkins and mums on
the front porch, for jumping into when raked into big piles and rolling
around, laughing all the while!
After the children have finished jumping, many traditionalists in
the Keystone State then rake those leaves once more and burn them.
I grew up helping my dad burn leaves once we were finished playing. But as the
Communications Manager for PROP, the state recycling association, I have learned the error of
that practice. Leaf -burning releases particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which contain a
number of toxic, irritant and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds, into the air.
Particulate matter composed of tiny pollutant-laden particles, cause health problems
including asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, and other respiratory problems, according to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Did you know that children absorb up to six times
more by-products from the air as adults? EPA reports confirm this statistic. So when those leaves
are releasing toxins, your children are getting a super dose that reaches the deepest regions of
their lungs, where they can remain for years.
Outdoor burning is a leading cause of wildfires when conditions are dry. When the leaves
are wet, they cannot burn efficiently, resulting in incomplete combustion. According to Jim
Garthe of Penn State University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering fact sheet, “Banning
Burn Barrels,” incomplete combustion (which occurs when leaves are damp), causes the leaves
to burn poorly, creating compounds including propenal and acetic acid. Propenal, according to
Garthe, “is responsible for the red streaming eyes we experience near open waste fires.”
Leaf smoke, again thanks to incomplete combustion, also contains carbon monoxide.
This invisible gas, according to the EPA, is absorbed into the bloodstream when inhaled. The
result is less oxygen in red blood cells as they travel to body tissue. That is the major threat of
leaf burning to the unborn, newborns, children and adults who have respiratory problems.
So, though traditions are important elements to the fabric of our families and society, this
is one tradition we need to replace with a better idea. Burning organic material such as leaves is
contrary to what nature intends for their life cycle.
Think about it this way: did you have a vegetable garden this year or did you share in the
bounty of your neighbor’s garden tomatoes and other fresh produce? Would you like an even
more successful garden next year? If you are ready to be a little “greener” in your habits, then
instead of burning those leaves, discarding all their wealth of nourishment away in a toxic cloud
of smoke, start a new tradition with one of the following alternatives:

1. Start a compost pile – Place leaves and grass clippings along with organic materials from
your kitchen including vegetable and fruit scraps and coffee grounds (avoid meat, grease or dairy
products as they can be rather odorous) in a pile or bin, maintain adequate moisture and turn your
pile periodically to mix it with air and keep the heat at a reasonable temperature. With compost,
you want your pile to get hot enough to break down the microorganisms but not to be so hot that
it burns. (For details on composting, visit the PROP website at www.proprecycles.org, click on
“Composting” and then “Home Composting” for lots of simple ideas and tips.) When handled
properly, you will create your own mulch for next year’s flower beds and garden. When leaves
and grass clippings, which contain nitrogen, are composted together they create an excellent
organic fertilizer - just the way nature intended!

2. Don’t have space to compost leaves and grass clippings in your yard? Take them to a local
compost facility or community-wide composting site. If you don’t have access to a compost
facility, perhaps a local farmer has his own compost pile and would take them.

3. Mow your leaves into your grass. If your mower can chop the leaves small enough, don’t
bag them. Use them on the lawn to protect it over the winter and nourish the ground in the early
spring. Or if you prefer to bag them, sprinkle the chopped leaves over dormant plants for the
winter.

Whether you decide to start a new tradition of composting or just chopping your once-
lovely leaves, your family will literally breathe easier without those burning leaves. All of you
can also be proud of yourselves, knowing that your new tradition will also benefit your yard and
sky now and for many years to come.

Jill Reigh is the Communications Manager for PROP. She can be reached at 1-800-769-7767 or
by sending email to: jreigh@proprecycles.org.

Opinion
 Marcellus Works Will Create Jobs and Secure Pennsylvania’s Energy Future
By Rep. Stanley Saylor

Pennsylvania sits in the middle of one the largest natural gas fields in the
world. The natural gas lies under the Marcellus Shale rock formation
between 4,000 and 8,000 feet underground.
The development of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale offers
great potential for Pennsylvania’s economic future including the creation
of tens of thousands of jobs in natural gas and related industries.
For the better part of two years, Gov. Ed Rendell and House
Democrats have been fixated on the idea of imposing a severance tax on
companies extracting gas from the shale. As of this writing, the debate
over a severance tax remains unresolved.
Regardless of the outcome of the severance tax debate, Pennsylvania needs a clear vision
for a clean energy future that will create jobs for Pennsylvania citizens for generations to come.
Last month, I offered that vision when I unveiled a package of legislation known as Marcellus
Works.
By creating incentives to use the natural gas that is available right here in Pennsylvania,
Marcellus Works will build a bridge to a clean energy future. Natural gas emits fewer toxic and
carcinogenic pollutants. It emits little or no particulate matter and it creates no evaporative
emissions.
Switching to natural gas would reduce carbon monoxide emissions by between 90
percent and 97 percent. Likewise, carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 25 percent.
Nitrogen oxide emissions would be reduced by between 35 percent and 60 percent. Non-
methane hydrocarbon emissions could potentially be reduced by between 50 percent and 75
percent.
In fact, converting just one tractor trailer to natural gas provides an environmental benefit
that is equivalent to taking 1,400 cars off the road.
Marcellus Works will assist Pennsylvania in realizing the full potential of this new
resource, and as a result, it will help create thousands of jobs not only in the natural gas industry
but also in related fields like the infrastructure, manufacturing, and service sectors. And it will
accomplish all of that without spending billions of taxpayer dollars and accumulating more debt.
The Marcellus Works plan has four basic components:
1. Transition state vehicles to clean natural gas to reduce the Commonwealth’s reliance on
foreign oil.
2. Provide tax credits for clean natural gas fleet vehicles and infrastructure. This will provide
another incentive for the use of Pennsylvania’s abundant supply of clean natural gas.
3. Provide incentive grants to local governments to encourage them to convert their fleets to
clean natural gas and provide incentive grants to encourage mass transit systems to convert their
fleets to clean natural gas.
4. Make the Pennsylvania Turnpike a “Clean Natural Gas Corridor” across the Commonwealth
by constructing clean natural gas stations at every other service station along the turnpike.
With Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate stagnating near 10 percent and with state
government running a budget deficit year after year, it is clear the policies of the past eight years
simply do not work. If we are going to dig ourselves out of the hole we are in, we must take a
new approach. By developing Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry in a reasonable, responsible
manner we have an opportunity to do just that.
Pennsylvania can show the nation how to harness the tremendous economic and energy
potential of natural gas. By implementing Marcellus Works, we can decrease our reliance on
foreign oil. We can create jobs for thousands of Pennsylvanians, and we can secure
Pennsylvania’s energy future for generations.
For more information, visit the Marcellus Works website.

Rep. Stanley Saylor (R) represents a portion of York County.

Environmental Heritage

DCNR At 15: Erie Bluffs State Park Added To System

In December 2003, the largest tract of undeveloped land remaining

on the Lake Erie shoreline was purchased by a Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy, with the intention that it be turned over
to DCNR to become a state park. The “Coho tract”—a 540-acre
parcel of shoreline in western Erie County—was acquired from
Reliant Energy. The project was made possible with the help of
grants from Richard King Mellon Foundation and DCNR. The Conservation Fund provided
bridge funding for the acquisition through its Great Lakes Revolving Loan Fund.
After the tract was named in June 2004, it became a state park in December 2004. In
December 2005, DCNR produced a master plan for the park, which included a proposal to
develop a trail network with lake-view observation points for visitors, as well as overnight
accommodations that incorporate a small nature inn and group camping, with remote primitive
camping provided for backpackers and paddlers.
Since then, the Wild Resource Conservation Program has been active in taking an
inventory of the park. Erie Bluffs is widely recognized as an ecological gem; it contains over 400
acres of forest and woodland habitat and represents one of the largest natural areas between Erie
and Cleveland, Ohio.
Click here to read more.

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.

October 22-- PEMA Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service Grants

October 25-- DEP Power Plant Air Pollution Control Technology Grants
October 30-- NEW. DCNR River of the Year Nominations
November 5-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grants
November 12-- DEP Alternative Fuels Electric Vehicle Grants
ASAP-- NRCS Health Forest Reserve Program Grants
December 17-- DEP Environmental Education Grants
December 17-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants
December 31-- Fish & Boat Commission 2010 Photo Contest
December 31-- NEW. PPL Small Business Energy Audits
January 7-- PA Conservation Corps Grants
February 15-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
June 30-- DEP Nitrogen Tire Inflation System Grants

Other Funding Programs

-- DEP PA Sunshine Solar Energy Rebates
-- CFA High Performance Building Financing (Program Link)
-- CFA Solar Energy Financing (Program Link)
-- CFA Geothermal, Wind Energy Projects (Program Link)

-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects.

Quick Clips

Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Budget
Senate Recess Puts Severance Tax Bill On Hold
Senate Wraps Up, No Proposal For Marcellus Severance Tax
State Jobs Depend On Gas Drilling Tax
Rendell Sees Some Life On Severance Tax Talks
Rendell Hopeful Compromise On Severance Tax Can Be Reached
Rendell, Senate GOP Reach Impasse In Shale Tax Talks
Severance Tax Builds To Cliffhanger
Would Fees On Shale Drilling Break Corbett's No Tax Pledge?
Rendell: Progress, But No Agreement On Shale Tax
Senate Republicans Propose Natural Gas Severance Tax Rate
Senate Leaders Refuse Call For Holiday Session On Shale Gas Tax
Governor Wants Columbus Day Meeting On Severance Tax
Forced Pooling Won't Become Law Just Yet
$70 Million In Capital Budget Projects Aimed At Marcellus Gas
Public Opinion On Natural Gas Tax Tricky To Measure
John Baer: Common Ground Missing From Lawmakers' Lists
Op-Ed: Slow Down On A Shale Tax
Op-Ed: One Chance To Get Marcellus Shale Right
Op-Ed: A Tax On Gas Drilling Should Be An Easy Call
Editorial: Compromise On Gas Extraction Tax
Editorial: Get Back To Work On Severance Tax
Editorial: Lots Of Hot Air But No Gas Tax
Editorial: Severance Tax In Everybody's Best Interest
Editorial: Political Gas, But No Tax Revenue
Editorial: State Needs Middle Ground On Marcellus Shale Tax
Editorial: Severance Tax In Taxpayers' Best Interest
Editorial: PA Needs The Severance Fee
Editorial: Meet In Middle On Marcellus Tax
Editorial: Legislative Finger Pointing
Editorial: Taxpayers Get Drilled Again
Drillers' Campaign Contributions Draw Concern
Groups Say Corbett Received Most Natural Gas Campaign Money
Column: Time Has Come For State Game Lands User Fee
Other
Midvalley Spill Sends 40 To Hospital, Thousands Into Lockdown

State Overseeing Chemical Spill Cleanup At Olyphant Plant

Northeast Environmental Partners Makes Awards
Single Stream Recycling Big Hit In Wayne County
Merck Solar Panel Installation Creates Jobs
Solar Project Activated At Hawley Silk Mill
Hanover Plans Effort To Cut Energy Costs
PECO Customers Can Soon Shop Around
Rendell Blasts Allegheny Energy Merger As Job Killer
Rendell Opposing Allegheny Energy Merger
MD Firm To Build PA Chicken Manure Power Plant
Editorial: Melting Credibility, Ice Cap Canard
Bill To Fight Blight Draws Group's Concern
Infrastructure Stimulus Pushed
NE Gets $1.7 Million Conservation, Recreation Grants
Moravian Biologist Gets National Conservation Fellowship
Forest Thrives Amid Urban Sprawl
Funding For National Park System Waning
National Parks Facing Budget Crunch
Editorial: They Make Us Notice Outdoors
Wildlife Academy Offers Teens Unique Wildlife Experience
Biomass Boot Camp At Edinboro University
125 Children In Lackawanna Fishing Derby
Steelhead Specialists Keep Industry Jumping In Erie
Work To Begin On Montour Trail Span
Former Governor Recalls PA Mine Rescue
Quecreek Survivor Watches Chile Rescue Efforts And Remembers
Someset County Company Uses Drill To Free Chilean Miners
Somerset Company Aids Trapped Chilean Miners
Chile Mine Drama Stirs Emotions In Somerset
Rescue In Chile Brings Back Memories Of Quecreek
Chile Rescue Plan A Triumph For Somerset Drilling Company
PA Companies Help Free Miners
Editorial: Miner Miracle
Sbaffoni: Quecreek Different Than Chile

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Click here for this week's Marcellus Shale Examiner newsletter from DEP.

Academy Of Natural Sciences: Drilling Threatens Streams

Early Study Shows Dense Drilling Impacts Watersheds
Drilling's Effect On Streams Eyed
Gas Drillers Must Adhere To New Rules
Faces Of Dimock Meeting Slated
Residents Say Marcellus Shale Drill Site Too Close To Schools
Marcellus Shale Drilling: Environmental Impact
Scientists Share Concerns About Gas Industry
Disaster Prompts Question Of Gas Pipeline Safety In Erie
Emergency Responders Attend Gas Well Training
Impact Of Gas Drilling On Wildlife A Concern
PA Official Worries Gas Rush May Drive Hunters Elsewhere
Regulators Voice Concerns At Penn State Marcellus Shale Conference
Drilling In Wyoming Valley Not Likely Soon
Rail Executive Sees Synergies Between Shale, Trains
Forced Pooling Won't Become Law Just Yet
Marcellus Shale Seminars Being Offered
Local Officials Get Marcellus Shale Lesson
Experts Speak On Marcellus Shale Drilling At JCC
Ads Say Range Resources Is A Responsible Driller
$70 Million In Capital Budget Projects Aimed At Marcellus Gas
Op-Ed: Tough Regulations Needed For Gas Drilling
Op-Ed: Reconsider Long-Term Drilling Costs
Op-Ed: Paradise Lost As Great Marcellus Gas Rush Hits Home
Editorial: Drilling, Perhaps The Most Compelling Issue Facing NE PA
Editorial: Lawmakers Must Take Action Now On Fracking
Severance Tax
Senate Recess Puts Severance Tax Bill On Hold
Senate Wraps Up, No Proposal For Marcellus Severance Tax
State Jobs Depend On Gas Drilling Tax
Rendell Sees Some Life On Severance Tax Talks
Rendell Hopeful Compromise On Severance Tax Can Be Reached
Rendell, Senate GOP Reach Impasse In Shale Tax Talks
Severance Tax Builds To Cliffhanger
Would Fees On Shale Drilling Break Corbett's No Tax Pledge?
Rendell: Progress, But No Agreement On Shale Tax
Senate Republicans Propose Natural Gas Severance Tax Rate
Senate Leaders Refuse Call For Holiday Session On Shale Gas Tax
Governor Wants Columbus Day Meeting On Severance Tax
Public Opinion On Natural Gas Tax Tricky To Measure
John Baer: Common Ground Missing From Lawmakers' Lists
Op-Ed: Slow Down On A Shale Tax
Op-Ed: One Chance To Get Marcellus Shale Right
Op-Ed: A Tax On Gas Drilling Should Be An Easy Call
Editorial: Compromise On Gas Extraction Tax
Editorial: Get Back To Work On Severance Tax
Editorial: Lots Of Hot Air But No Gas Tax
Editorial: Severance Tax In Everybody's Best Interest
Editorial: Political Gas, But No Tax Revenue
Editorial: State Needs Middle Ground On Marcellus Shale Tax
Editorial: Severance Tax In Taxpayers' Best Interest
Editorial: PA Needs The Severance Fee
Editorial: Meet In Middle On Marcellus Tax
Editorial: Legislative Finger Pointing
Editorial: Taxpayers Get Drilled Again
Drillers' Campaign Contributions Draw Concern
Groups Say Corbett Received Most Natural Gas Campaign Money
Terror Lists
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing Testimony
PA To Do Terrorism Monitoring Internally
New Hires to Boost State Anti-Terror Efforts
Rendell Aide Can't Recall Reading Terror Alerts
Rendell To Overhaul Intelligence Gathering
Rendell To Bring Intelligence Gathering In-House
Controversial Terror Contractor Has Another Contract In Southeast
Financial Reports
Atlas Energy Reports Marcellus Shale Performance
Atlas Energy Builds Marcellus Output
Consol Energy Announces Quarterly Production

Watershed NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Academy Of Natural Sciences: Drilling Threatens Streams

Drilling's Effect On Streams Eyed
Big Spring Creek Gets Makeover In Cumberland County
Wissahickon Watershed Assn Proceeds With Projects
Curwensville Stays On Course For Treatment Plant Upgrade
River Association To Host Tour Of Lackawanna
Armstrong Conservation Tour Highlights Achievements
Western PA Waterways Designated As Federal Marine Highways
Pittsburgh Water Loss Reduced Authorities Say
Grants Announced For Schuylkill Highlands

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice of water withdrawal projects
approved at its September 16 meeting. The Governor's Office published the September 30
Drought Emergency Declaration.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - October 16, 2010

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

Rolling Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of final guidance related to

underground storage tanks, notice of the final NPDES General Permit covering stormwater
associated with mining activities and notice of a proposed renewal of an NPDES General Permit
covering stormwater associated with industrial activities.

Final: DEP ID: 257-3120-003. Guidelines for Conducting Underground Storage Tank Facility
Operations Inspections. Storage Tank Regulations require periodic inspection of the operation of
underground storage tank facilities.

Final: DEP ID: 257-2300-001. Underground Storage Tank Class A and Class B Operator
Training Courses. Storage Tank Regulations require that underground storage tank operators be
designated by tank owners and trained as soon as practicable, contingent upon availability of
approved training providers, but not later than August 8, 2012 (See Section 245.436 relating to
operator training).

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the
online Calendar webpage.

Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week.

October 19-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Rescheduled to October 12.
(formal notice)

October 19-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 12:30.

October 20-- House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus shale
environmental issues. Schuylkill Township Building, Phoenixville. 11:30.

October 21-- Agenda Released. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th
Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

October 21-- Agenda Released. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15.

October 26--DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. Fayette County Health Center,
Uniontown. 10:00. (formal notice)

October 26-- DEP Operator Certification Program Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

October 27-- Agenda Released. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting.
12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

October 28-- Agenda Released. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

November 2-- Election Day

November 17-- CANCELED. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Advisory
Board. There are no further meetings scheduled in 2010. (formal notice)
DEP Calendar of Events

Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (PA Center for Environmental

Education)

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Stories Invited

Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

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

of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call
717-234-1716.

PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators'

2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

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

Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited.