PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa January 30, 2012

Berks County Joins 350 Groups Supporting Renewal Of Growing Greener Program The Renew Growing Greener Coalition Thursday announced 35 counties more than half the state have passed resolutions calling for the renewal of the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, Pennsylvanias primary source of funding to help local communities protect water quality, preserve open space and farmland, and enhance parks, trails and other recreational opportunities. Now more than 150 government entities, including 109 municipalities, representing more than seven million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund. This week Berks County adopted a resolution in support of the Growing Greener initiative, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to save the critical program. In addition, BedfordCounty adopted a resolution this week. The Growing Greener program has made a tremendous impact in counties throughout the Commonwealth, said Chairman of the Berks County Board of Commissioners Christian Leinbach. In Berks County, the program has helped us enhance our heritage areas, conserve our open space and protect our water quality. We could not achieve this without Growing Greener. In Bedford County, Growing Greener has contributed to improvements at the Saxton Borough and East Providence wastewater treatment plants and helped mitigate acid mine drainage in Broad Top Township. Bedford County has effectively leveraged Growing Greener funds to achieve tangible, lasting results for our residents, said Kirt Morris, Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners. We cannot let this program die. Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 107,000 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, capping more than 2,100 abandoned wells and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. Moreover, Growing Greener has contributed and leveraged billions of dollars to the Pennsylvania economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue.

Yet despite the programs accomplishments, funding for Growing Greener projects and grants fell from an average of approximately $150 million per year for the last six years to $27.3 million in the current state budget, more than an 80 percent reduction. With more than half the counties in Pennsylvania calling for the renewal of Growing Greener, it is increasingly obvious that the legislature and Governor must take action, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition. The pending Marcellus Shale legislation provides an opportunity to create a long-term, sustainable source of revenue for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund. We cannot let this opportunity slip away. Specifically, the legislature is considering a provision that allocates 25 percent of the revenues from existing leases for oil and gas drilling on state forests to the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition stands firm in its support for the allocation of 25 percent of the existing revenues from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to Growing Greener, Heath said. This is a smart solution that is consistent with the original intent of the Oil and Gas Lease Fund Act. The Coalition also supports allocating a significant portion of an impact fee to Growing Greener and encourages the Commonwealth to restore Growing Greener tipping fees to their original purpose of funding Growing Greener projects instead of paying bond debt expenses. In addition to Berks and Bedford, the following counties have adopted resolutions in support of Growing Greener: Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Huntington, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York. To date, more than 140 government entities, including 109 municipalities, representing more than seven million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, consisting of nearly 350 organizations and government entities from across the state. NewsClips: Corman: Drilling Impact Fee Close 9 GOP Senators Speak Out Against Local Control Of Drilling Bills Limiting Local Drilling Rules Draw GOP Foes Senate Bloc Concerned About Curbs To Local Drilling Rules Local Zoning Laws Issue In Shale Fees Editorial: Explain The Budget Cuts Op-Ed: We Must Invest In Mass Transit Or Watch Region Wither Op-Ed: PA Should Protect Remaining State Lands From Drilling Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lancaster Farmland Trust Join Growing Greener Board Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition, Friday announced the Coalition has added LeeAnn Murray from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Karen Martynick from the Lancaster Farmland Trust to its executive committee.

The change was made after PennFuture, PennEnvironment, the Sierra Club and 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania bailed out of the Coalition in December. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, consisting of nearly 350 organizations and government entities from across the state. LeeAnn and Karen, and their organizations, are strong environmental and conservation leaders in Pennsylvania, said Larry Williamson, chairman of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition. We look forward to their contributions to the executive committee as the Coalition continues to push for renewed funding to protect our drinking water, conserve our land and wildlife, enhance recreational opportunities and stimulate the economic recovery across the state. In addition to representatives from Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lancaster Farmland Trust, the Renew Growing Greener Coalition executive committee comprises:Cynthia Carrow Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; John Walliser Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Molly Morrison Natural Lands Trust; and R. John Dawes Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. Other founding organizations of the Coalition are: Phil Wallis Audubon of Pennsylvania; Mary Felley GreenSpace Alliance; Alan Chace HeritagePA; Dulcie Flaharty Montgomery County Lands Trust; Todd Baylson Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Andy Loza Pennsylvania Land Trust Association; Marci Mowery Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation; Kim Woodward Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society; Mike DiBerardinis Philadelphia Department of Recreation; Mindy Crawford Preservation Pennsylvania; Todd McNew The Conservation Fund; Ron Ramsey The Nature Conservancy; and Tom Gilbert Trust for Public Land Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 107,000 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, capping more than 2,100 abandoned wells and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. Moreover, Growing Greener has contributed and leveraged billions of dollars to the Pennsylvania economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue. Yet despite the programs accomplishments, funding for Growing Greener projects and grants fell from an average of approximately $150 million per year for the last six years to $27.3 million in the current state budget, more than an 80 percent reduction. To date, more than 140 government entities, including 109 municipalities, representing more than seven million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, consisting of nearly 350 organizations and government entities from across the state. Did You Know You Can Search 7+ Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search more than 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate February 6, 7, 8 Governor's Budget Address: February 7 Budget Hearings: Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and March 1 March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28 April 2, 3, 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 House February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 Budget Hearings: Feb. 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, March 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 March 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28 April 2, 3, 4, 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Bill Calendars House (February 6): House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation partnerships; House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) further providing for the creation of land banks; House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for snowmobile and ATV licensing; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (February 6): <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Low-RVP Gasoline/Stage II: Senate Bill 1386 (Vogel-R-Beaver) repealing the requirement for low-RVP gasoline in the Pittsburgh region and Stage II vapor controls. Storage Tank Cleanup: Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017. Freshwater Fishing: House Resolution 540 (Hornaman-D-Erie) recognizing Erie County as the Freshwater Fishing Capital of Pennsylvania and was adopted by the House unanimously Tuesday.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action. Marcellus Well Emergencies: Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring the posting of 911 information at Marcellus Shale wells. Bicycle Safety: House Bill 170 (Miller-R-York) further providing for bicycle safety and operating motor vehicles. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

NewsClips: Bicycle-Passing Bill Sent To Governor New Bill Could Make Drivers Give Bicycles 4-Foot Berth

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-Senate Infrastructure Funding: House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure was amended and reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee, further amended on the Senate Floor and passed by the Senate. The bill returns to the House for a concurrence vote. Bicycle Safety: House Bill 170 (Miller-R-York) further providing for bicycle safety and operating motor vehicles was passed by the Senate without amendment and now goes to the Governor for his action. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. NewsClips: Bicycle-Passing Bill Sent To Governor New Bill Could Make Drivers Give Bicycles 4-Foot Berth House Green State Buildings: House Bill 193 (Harper-R-Montgomery) requiring certain state-owed and leased buildings meet green building standards was removed from the Table, amended on the House Floor, was referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. ATV Licensing: House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for snowmobile and ATV licensing was reported from the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action. Competitive Gas Markets: House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action. (Note: by action of law, this resolution would have no affect if passed.) Freshwater Fishing: House Resolution 540 (Hornaman-D-Erie) recognizing Erie County as the Freshwater Fishing Capital of Pennsylvania was adopted by the House unanimously Tuesday.

News From The Capitol

Rep. Bud George, Democratic Chair Of House Environmental Committee, To Retire

Long-time Democratic Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) announced Friday he will retire at the end of 2012. The greatest honor I could ever dream of is serving the people of the 74th Legislative District, said Rep. George. However, the time has come, for a variety of reasons, to bring this to a conclusion. My wife Edna and I thank all of my constituents over the years, and I look forward to serving the entire district with all my heart and effort for the remaining 10 months of my term. We can have the energy and jobs from coal and natural gas while protecting our natural resources, said Rep. George, who worked in the regions coal fields. However, it depends on rising above strident ideologies. Pennsylvanias Constitution guarantees the right to clean air and water. That should be foremost in Harrisburg, not an afterthought. Rep. George was appointed Democratic Chair of the then House Conservation Committee in 1983. As Chairman, he has sponsored and authored dozens of environmental initiatives in the area of environmental protection and natural resource conservation. As the ranking House member of a joint House-Senate Conference Committee, Rep. George was instrumental in the passage of Act 101, one of the first comprehensive solid waste management and recycling programs in the country. It was Rep. George's amendment that established the Recycling Fund, which provides monetary assistance to local governments to establish curbside recycling programs. Other legislative achievements include: -- A law giving the state the authority to confiscate trucks used in the illegal transportation of toxic substances; -- A law prohibiting "backhauling," the practice of cross-hauling foodstuffs and solid wastes in the same truck; -- Changes in Pennsylvania Surface Coal Mining law, providing for the replacement of public/ private water supplies damaged by mining, as well as a program to encourage the reclamation of abandoned mine sites; -- Change of sewage treatment laws to allow individuals and families to build homes with proper sewage disposal systems, while at the same time protecting surface and groundwater supplies; -- Passage of legislation assisting owners of property with underground storage tanks to clean contaminated soil and remove old tanks, as well as protect against future discharges that could do significant damage to soil and groundwater supplies; and -- Passage of a law creating the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST). Rep. George has also proposed legislation that would: protect citizens against frivolous (SLAPP) lawsuits filed by large corporations; initiate a bond issue to clean over 2,400 miles of contaminated streams and reclaim 280,000 acres of abandoned mines; provide a greater amount of consumer protection and information under the new Electric Deregulation Act, among many others. In addition to his Committee Chairmanship, Rep. George also serves as a member of the Environmental Quality Board, PennVEST, the Wild Resource Conservation Board, the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control Committee, the House Democratic Policy Committee and the powerful House Rules Committee.

"In one capacity or another I've worked with him since 1983 on almost every major piece of environmental legislation going through the General Assembly," said David E. Hess, former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. "Whether you agreed with him or not, he was a force of nature to be reckoned with and he represented his constituents and the interests in his district as few legislators do. I wish him well in retirement and the best to his family." Rep. George began his service in the House in 1974. This represents a real changing of the guard on environmental issues. In the last year, Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Luzerne), current Republican Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced her retirement. Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne), former Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental Committee, retired in 2010. NewsClip: Rep. Camille "Bud" George To Retire At End Of Year Senate Passes Bill To Accelerate Utility Infrastructure Improvements The Senate Wednesday unanimously approved House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) which will provide a critical tool to accelerate the replacement of aging natural gas, electric and wastewater systems in the Commonwealth, create new jobs and increase public safety, according to Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks). Sen. Tomlinson, who serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, said House Bill 1294 will establish a new financing method known as a distribution system improvement charge process (DSIC) to expedite utility infrastructure projects. This change would enable natural gas distribution companies, electric distribution companies and wastewater companies to accelerate the replacement of existing corroded, brittle or other at-risk lines, funded by a small surcharge. Currently, these utilities must wait for the completion of a rate case to begin receiving a return on their investment a time-consuming process that delays projects and leads to higher costs for consumers. The Legislature provided a similar financing mechanism to water companies in 1996 and it has been extremely effective increasing the rate of replacement of aging infrastructure by more than 200 percent, Sen. Tomlinson said. By moving to this more efficient infrastructure funding plan, customers will avoid costly rate cases and receive better, more reliable service. Our utilities will save money and avoid expensive delays, expediting critical projects and saving consumers money. He added that the bulk of Pennsylvania's current utility infrastructure was originally built in the 1940s. Today, many systems are simply unsafe and must be replaced. Sen. Tomlinson said the bill was amended in the Senate to include important safeguards for consumers. Utilities would be required to file a long-term infrastructure plan with the Public Utility Commission, be subject to additional audits and face penalties for overcharging consumers under the DSIC. All consumers will benefit from a utility infrastructure that is safer, modern and more efficient. This isnt something we should do, its something we must do for the sake of public safety, Sen. Tomlinson said. It will also allow us to create good family-sustaining jobs to improve our economy.

Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), Minority Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, said, We have seen two deadly utility line explosions in Pennsylvania in the past 13 months. We need to deal with our crumbling utility infrastructure -- and we needed to do it yesterday. As an added bonus, this infrastructure rebuilding initiative will spur economic development and help get people back to work. House Bill 1294 now returns to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments. Gov. Corbett has indicated his support for the legislation. NewsClip: Editorial: Lawmakers Must Work On Infrastructure Harper Bill Requiring Green State Buildings Passes House The House Wednesday passed House Bill 193 (Harper-R-Montgomery) requiring certain stateowned and state-leased buildings to meet green building energy efficiency standards. This legislation is designed to make state government a leader in the green building movement in Pennsylvania, said Rep. Kate Harper. The facilities we build today will be here for generations to come. Designing them to use less energy provides both environmental and economic benefits to our children and our childrens children. Click Here to see online video of Rep. Harper's comments. If enacted, the law would apply to state-owned or state-leased buildings, and to stateowned construction projects where the building is larger than 20,000 gross square feet. All building projects either owned or leased by the Commonwealth in which construction commences after the effective date of the act would be required to achieve an Energy Star rating of 85 or above. The bill requires a minimum set of criteria for the high-performance buildings standards to be used to ensure compliance. These would include being consensus-based, employing thirdparty post construction review and verification, and having a track record of certified green buildings in the United States. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

News From Around The State

Registration Now Open For 2012 Great American Cleanup Of PA Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced Friday registration is now open for the 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA. Event coordinators can visit the Great American Cleanup of PA webpage to register their event. This annual event is held in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup of Keep America Beautiful and in partnership with support from the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association. Additional partnering businesses include the American Chemistry Council, Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Pennsylvania Beverage Association, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Republic Services, Steel Recycling Institute, and Waste Management.

The 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA will begin on March 1st and end on May 31st. During this period, registered events can get free bags, gloves, and vests from PennDOT district offices. Events consist of litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special collections, and educational events. Events must be registered through the Great American Cleanup of PA website to get these free cleanup supplies. Pick It Up PA Days As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring Lets Pick It Up PA Everyday. During the Pick It Up PA Days, registered event coordinators will be able to take the trash collected during their cleanup to participating landfills for free disposal. The Lets Pick It Up PA Everyday event will begin on April 21st and end on May 7th. The focus day will be April 21st. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania were represented in the 2011 Great American Cleanup of PA. There were 4,222 events with 159,922 volunteers. Volunteers collected 354,267 bags of trash or 7,085,340 pounds. They cleaned 13,140 miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and 5,887 acres of parks and/or wetlands. Additionally, volunteers planted 3,321 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep Pennsylvania beautiful. Since the inception of this event in 2004, over 61 million pounds of litter and waste have been removed from Pennsylvanias landscape, and tens of thousands of trees, bulbs, and flowers have been planted. To register your event, find an event near you, or to find additional resources, visit the Great American Cleanup of PA website. Any additional questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org. DEP Inviting Comments On Noncoal Mining, Dam Safety, Waterways Permit Fees Proposals to increase fees for Dam Safety and Waterway Management Permits and permits related to noncoal mining were the subject of PA Bulletin notices on January 28. The Environmental Quality Board published proposed increases in Dam Safety and Waterway Management Permit fees for public comment. The proposal would increase fees nearly $8 million-- dam safety ($933,495 increase) and waterway management ($7,052,390 increase). The Department of Environmental Protection published notice it is soliciting additional public comments on a proposed rulemaking published in August, 2010 increasing noncoal mining-related permit fees. The proposal would increase fees $2,475,000 (from $25,000 to $2,500,000 annually). DEP in December took action to withdraw proposed Drinking Water permit fee increases adopted by the Environmental Quality Board which would have generated $8.1 million (from $250,000 to $8,385,000 annually). Other pending permit fee increases include: -- Coal Surface Mining Permits: $350,000 (from $50,000 to $400,000 annually); and -- Air Quality Permits: $7.8 million (from $19,570,000 to $27,408,000 annually).

SRBC To Hold Hearing On Water Consumption, Withdrawal Requests Feb. 16 The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will conduct a public hearing February 16 in Harrisburg to accept public comments on water withdrawal and consumptive use project applications scheduled for action by SRBC at its next business meeting in mid-March. The hearing on the project applications will be held in the State Capitol, East Wing, Room 8E-B, Harrisburg, Pa., 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (formal notice) The list of project applications scheduled for comment and information on those applications are available on SRBCs website. The project applications scheduled for the February 16 hearing also include those that were approved at SRBCs December 15, 2011 hearing in Wilkes-Barre. Pa. The Commission has decided to reconsider its December action on those project applications because the disruptive behavior of certain individuals prevented interested persons from offering testimony at the time, said SRBC Executive Director Paul Swartz. We are committed to preserving the due process rights of all citizens so they can provide constructive and meaningful comments on proposed projects. Persons planning to present oral testimony at the public hearing are asked to notify SRBC prior to the hearing of their intent to testify and to indicate the project application(s) they plan to comment on. The notices are to be directed to Richard Cairo, General Counsel, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102, Phone: 717-238-0423, ext 306, Fax: 717-238-2436, email to: rcairo@srbc.net. SRBC will also accept written comments on the project applications until February 27. Comments may be submitted via the Internet or mailed or faxed to Mr. Cairo. Conducting a public hearing on project applications one month before the Commission acts on the projects is a new procedure and represents an improvement over our past practice, said Swartz. This change will give the public ample opportunities for commenting and will give the commissioners more time to review and consider comments before voting on proposed projects. That change, which makes SRBCs process more consistent with the processes followed by other regulatory agencies, is one of many procedural changes SRBC has put into practice to enhance the public participation process. Following are highlights of SRBCs procedural changes: Public Hearings and Business Meetings Regarding Project Applications and Other Actions Requiring SRBC Votes -- Each quarter, SRBC will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on specific project applications. Persons interested in making general comments are encouraged to submit them in writing for SRBC review and consideration. The public hearings will take place about one month before SRBCs quarterly business meeting where project applications are scheduled for action. Additional written comments also will be accepted for 10 days after the public hearing. -- Each quarter, SRBC will conduct a business meeting to take action on project applications and other matters requiring a vote by the commissioners. These business meetings also will be streamed live via webcast. Given the ample opportunity for public comment in advance, SRBC

will not accept additional comments at its business meetings on project applications or other actions scheduled for vote. Procedures for Quarterly Public Hearings and Business Meetings SRBC has instituted certain procedures for the agencys public hearings and business meetings. The full set of procedures is available on SRBCs website. Some of those include: all persons must sign-in and show photo identification; signage, posters, banners or other display media will be permitted only in designated areas; and the press will be permitted to set up and use video and recording devices. The public will be permitted to use small, hand-held devices in a non-disruptive manner. Swartz said, The Commission is and will remain an open and transparent agency with a robust public participation process that allows all citizens to offer constructive and meaningful public input. Visit the SRBC's Natural Gas Shales webpage for more information on how the Commission regulates water withdrawals related to gas drilling. NewsClip: SRBC To Reconsider Water Withdrawal Permits PUC Invites Comments On Order Implementing New Gas Pipeline Regulatory Program The Public Utility Commission published notice of its tentative implementation order for the new Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act for comment. Comments are due February 1. The new law expands the Commissions authority to enforce federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and facilities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pipeline Act requires the Commission to develop and maintain a registry of pipeline operators within Pennsylvania. The Commission will recover the costs of this program by assessments on pipeline operators based on the total intrastate regulated transmission, regulated distribution and regulated onshore gathering pipeline miles in operation for the transportation of gas and hazardous liquids in Pennsylvania during the prior calendar year. For more information, visit the PUC's Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act webpage.

Opinion Pennsylvania Should Protect Its Remaining State Lands From Drilling
By Bob Pennell, Secretary, PA Council Trout Unlimited When Gov. Tom Corbett presents his state budget in February, it is imperative that he doesnt sacrifice Pennsylvanias remaining state forest lands to oil and gas companies for drilling. To do so would be short-sighted. As the state looks for new revenue sources, Pennsylvanians should be reminded that the state receives significant income from recreational use of its natural resources. In fact, according to the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than $4.3 billion in revenue is generated in Pennsylvania each year from fishing, hunting and wildlife-related recreation and state forests and parks serve as the cornerstone for these activities. The ripple effect of this recreational use flows into local communities where small businesses serve tourists, sportsmen and other visitors. More than 700,000 acres, almost half of Pennsylvanias state forest lands, have been leased for oil and gas drilling. The administration might view additional leasing as a potential opportunity to increase state revenue, but that decision is shortsighted. Once drilled, these lands will be altered for decades to come. And when these forest areas are altered, it will be decades before they grow back to the size and scale they are today. Last week, Gov. Corbett fired Kurt Leitholf, who was head of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Citizens Advisory Committee, an independent monitor of state forest lands. The independent oversight has been removed and that role will now be shifted to the Corbett administration. In addition, the governor has cut funding to study the effects of Marcellus Shale development on wildlife. These decisions dont bode well for the future of state forests and natural resources and could indicate that Gov. Corbett is ready to open the door to wholesale leasing of Pennsylvanias remaining state forest lands. Hunters have seen the effects of Marcellus Shale development this year industrial truck traffic now bisects long-held hunting areas and habitat has changed. Its not at all uncommon for sportsmen to encounter drilling rigs in the middle of hunting lands. Pennsylvanians have a rich heritage of hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor traditions on state forest and state park lands. Passed down from generation to generation, these sporting traditions have become part of the commonwealths cultural and social fabric. A 2010 DCNR study found that leasing additional state forest lands would significantly affect the wild character and ecological integrity of the states forest system. Then-Gov. Rendell had issued an executive order placing a ban on additional leasing of state forest lands based on the agencys report. The science has not changed. As more of the states lands are drilled, the state must increase its planning and oversight of the industry, particularly on public lands. Decisions about how to best manage the states forests should not be subject to the ebb and flow of the political tide. As our state constitution declares, Pennsylvanias natural resources are the common property of all the people, including future generations. It is up to the governor and his administration, as trustee of these resources, to conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people. As Marcellus Shale development continues in earnest, there are places that should be offlimits to drilling special places where Pennsylvanians hunt and fish, irreplaceable backwoods and wilderness areas. These public lands are held in trust by the state for the people and they must be protected as wild to preserve long-held traditions for generations to come. Bob Pennell serves as Secretary of the PA Council of Trout Unlimited and can be contacted by sending email to: rpennell37@comcast.net. PA American Water Accepting 2012 Environmental Grant Applications PA American Water Company announced Tuesday applications are now being accepted for the companys 2012 Environmental Grant Program. Applications must be postmarked by March 10.

The grant awards will be available in American Water service areas in ten states as follows: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. Established in 2005, American Waters Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships. American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment, as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs, said Debra Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. We are all environmental stewards in protecting our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this important effort. To qualify, proposed projects must: -- Address a source water or watershed protection need in the community; -- Be completed between May 1 and November 30, 2012; -- Be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program; -- Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations; -- Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the American Water grant monies are utilized); and -- Be located within one of American Water's service areas in the following states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia In 2011, a total of 35 projects throughout American Waters service areas in eight states were awarded grants totaling more than $155,600. Grant award recipients will be notified by April 9. For more information, visit the Environmental Grant Program webpage. PennVEST OKs $98 Million Water Infrastructure, Non-Point Source Grants, Loans The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority Wednesday approved the investment of $98 million in 23 non-point source, drinking water, and wastewater projects in 19 counties. "The water improvement projects awarded funding buy the PennVEST Board today further our goals of environmental improvement and economic revitalization," Gov. Corbett said. "These projects are vital to the future health and wellbeing of citizens all across Pennsylvania and will serve as a lasting legacy to our children and grandchildren." Of the $98 million total, $71 million is for low-interest loans and $27 million is offered as grants. The awards include a $28 million grant/loan combination to upgrade a sewage treatment plant in Clinton County that will allow the plant to eliminate the discharge of partially treated sewage into a local stream as well as come into compliance with its Chesapeake Bay nutrient discharge requirements. Non-point source pollution control projects funded in this round by PennVEST include: -- Allegheny County: Millvale Borough received a $703,525 grant to plant, in conjunction with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, approximately 850 trees and construct bio-swales in order to control storm water runoff and its pollution into Girty's Run.

-- Chester County: Chester County Conservation District received a $1,274,595 grant to undertake ten separate projects at various sites in the county. These projects primarily involve the implementation of agricultural best management practices designed to reduce nutrient runoff into local streams and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. -- Delaware County: Chester County Conservation District received a $986,671 grant to construct facilities to reduce wastewater runoff from a mushroom farming operation that is contaminating Naamans Creek with nutrients. -- Lancaster County: Lancaster County Conservation District: Received a $620,885 grant to construct a boiler that will burn chicken manure on a poultry farm whose land is saturated with nutrients that are contaminating the local stream and the Chesapeake Bay and a second $214,600 grant to construct a riparian buffer on one farm and a manure storage facility and other storm water control facilities on another farm in order to reduce nutrient runoff into local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. A list of funding approved is available online. NewsClips: Landscaping May Ease Flooding In Millvale Grant For Millvale To Pay For Stormwater Efforts Conewago Watershed Winter Farmers Meeting Set For February 3 The Conewago Creek Initiative will host a meeting for all Conewago Creek Watershed farmers on February 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hosss Steak and Sea House, 840 North Hanover Street, Elizabethtown. The meeting is free and includes lunch. Farmers attending will hear about the progress of the Conewago Creek Initiative, a collaborative partnership effort in the Conewago Creek Watershed in Dauphin, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties. Through the Initiative, conservation partners are working with farmers and other residents to increase awareness of and interest in adopting land management practices to improve the water quality of the Conewago Creek and its tributaries. The winter meeting will feature presentations on manure incorporation, barnyard management, riparian buffers, and nutrient management. Initiative partners will be on hand to discuss programs available for Conewago farmers to install conservation practices on their farms. The Subsurfer, an innovative manure applicator that injects dry poultry manure and is available for field trials in the Conewago this spring, will be on hand for viewing. Meeting sponsors and participants include: Penn State Extension; Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon County Conservation Districts; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; USDA Agricultural Research Service; American Farmland Trust; and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The meeting includes a hot lunch. There is no fee, but space is limited. To register, contact Nate Straw at 717-948-6609 or send email to: nws5287@ag.psu.edu. Penn State: Private Well Construction, Maintenance

Proper well siting and construction leads to better water quality. Tips for inspecting older wells such as looking for signs of casing failure, the use of grout and the value of a sealed cap are discussed. A worksheet to help evaluate the condition and construction of an older well is discussed and linked. If you are not on a public water supply, you probably get your water from a well. If you use private water supplies, such as wells, springs or cisterns, then the responsibility for the quality of your water is your own. You must take steps to ensure that your water is safe to drink. It must be free of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemical impurities. It should also be clean, clear, and nonstaining, without offensive odors. A water test can confirm the presence of contaminants in a private water supply. Old or poorly designed wells increase the risk of groundwater contamination by allowing rain or snowmelt to reach the water table without being filtered through soil. If a well is located in a depression or pit, or is not properly sealed and capped, surface water carrying nitrates, bacteria, pesticides, and other pollutants may flow directly into your drinking water. You wouldn't let a car go too long without a tune-up or oil change. Your well deserves the same attention. Good maintenance means keeping the well area clean and accessible, keeping pollutants as far away as possible, and periodically having a qualified well driller or pump installer check the well when problems are suspected. By eliminating contamination sources and properly maintaining your well, you are helping protect your own drinking water and water resources in your community. According to the National Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst Program, well age is an important factor in predicting the likelihood of contamination. Wells constructed more than 70 years ago are likely to be shallow and poorly constructed. Older well pumps are more likely to leak lubricating oils, which can get into the water. Older wells are also more likely to have thinner casings which may be cracked or corroded. Even wells with heavier casings that are 30 to 40 years old are subject to corrosion and perforation. If you have an older well, you may want to have it inspected by a qualified well driller. Well drillers install a steel or plastic pipe "casing" to prevent collapse of the hole during drilling. The space between the casing and sides of the hole offers a direct channel for surface water - and pollutants - to reach the water table. To seal off that channel, drillers fill the space with grout (cement or a special type of clay called bentonite). You should visually inspect the condition of your well casing for holes or cracks. Examine the part that extends above the ground as well as inside the casing, using a flashlight. If you can move the casing around by pushing it, you may have a problem with your well casing's ability to keep out contaminants. Sometimes, damaged casings can be detected by listening for water running down into the well when the pump is not running. If you hear water, there might be a crack or hole in the casing or your casing may not reach down to the water table. Either situation is risky.

The well cap should be firmly attached to the casing, with a screened vent allowing only air to enter. Wiring for the pump should be secured in an electric conduit pipe. If your well has vent, be sure that it faces the ground, is tightly connected to the well cap or seal, and is properly screened to keep insects out. As rain and surface water soak into the soil, they may carry pollutants down to the water table. In some places, this process happens quickly - in weeks, days, or even hours. Local geologic conditions determine how long this takes. Shallow wells, which draw from groundwater nearest the land surface, are most likely to be affected by local sources of contamination. In addition to water analysis test results, you should keep well construction details, as well as the dates and results of maintenance visits for the well and pump. It is important to keep good records so you and future owners can follow a good maintenance schedule. A Farm*A*Syst worksheet titled, Water Well Condition and Construction can be used to rank your drinking water well conditions and management practices to see how they might affect groundwater quality. For additional information on wells, visit the Penn State Extension Water Resources webpage and find out what to do before drilling a well, how to drill a well, how to use your well, and how to fix your well. Also available is the publication, "Recommendations for Construction of Private Water Wells in Bedrock," from the DCNR Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey. (Article prepared by George Hurd, Senior Extension Educator, Penn State Extension - Franklin County, and reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter.) Common Waters Fund Forest-To-Faucet Initiative Completes First Year, Grant Apps Due Its simple: protecting forests in priority areas protects drinking water. To that end, the Common Waters Fund, a forest-to-faucet initiative facilitated by a partnership of regional stakeholders, has successfully completed its first year. In its first three funding rounds, the Fund distributed over $575,000 to 90 private forest owners in Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Sullivan counties in New York, and Sussex County in New Jersey. Together these landowners represent nearly 40,000 acres of high priority forestland. The next round of grant applications are due February 1. The Fund accepts applications on a quarterly basis. The Fund, which is coordinated by the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, owes its phenomenal success in part to leveraging the expertise of its local partners. The program itself and the application procedures are simple, said Susan Beecher, area coordinator of the Fund. Were working with area conservation districts and foresters who are familiar with the local landscapes and resources. Together, we mapped priority forest areas in the Upper Delaware, identified best management practices for forest stewardship and created a funding mechanism for private forest landowners. The program, now in its second year, was created to direct funds into the areas of the Delaware watershed that are most important for clean water and steady stream flows. Most lands

here are privately owned and threatened by development, so a key strategy is to provide incentives to landowners to keep their forests intact and healthy. Healthy forests act as natural filters for rainfall, and help mitigate flooding and erosion, Beecher said. And thats good news for the 16.2 million people who depend on the Delaware for drinking water supplies, agriculture, food production, generation of electricity, industrial uses, recreational facilities such as ski slopes and golf courses, and recreational activities including fishing and white-water canoeing and kayaking. These uses contribute some $25 billion annually to the local economy. The Delawares fresh water also keeps salt water out of the wells in downstream cities like Philadelphia, Camden, and Trenton and numerous New Jersey suburbs. The Fund also works with regional land trusts to permanently protect forests. We have over a dozen conservation easement applications and are excited to provide funds to help landowners and land trusts defray the legal expenses of placing a conservation easement on their property, said Fund director Stephanie Pendergrass. Initial grant funding was received from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. The Common Waters Fund is seeking additional support from foundations, corporations and organizations across the Delaware Basin, especially those whose businesses rely on clean and abundant water supplies. Information is available online about how to apply for a grant on the Common Waters Fund or send email to: partners@commonwatersfund.org. Contact Stephanie Pendergrass at 202-797-6530 to learn more and make a direct philanthropic donation. Chester County School Plants Native Grass Meadow With Habitat, Stormwater Benefits The Montgomery School in Chester Springs will install a new native grass meadow on their campus this winter in partnership with the PA Environmental Council. The meadow restoration will replace three acres of existing invasive species on a steep hillside with native grasses and wildflowers. The new meadow will enhance the outdoor classroom space by providing a place for students to learn about native plants, insects and other pollinators, and to study ecology and stormwater. Funding from the meadow project is provided by generous support from the Martin Foundation and William Penn Foundation. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has been working for several years to showcase how green infrastructure projects can help communities protect streams, manage stormwater runoff, save money and in some cases, reduce flooding, said Patrick Starr, Executive Vice President. Doing a project like this is especially exciting since it also provides opportunities to teach the next generation about how to care for the environment. The project will start this winter with preparation of the site. The existing vegetation, much of which is invasive, aggressive species, will be removed using herbicide and cutting. In the spring the meadow will be seeded with a native grass seed mix. Over the next two years, as the grass meadow becomes established, wildflower seeds will be added to the site. Annual mowing will maintain the meadow and discourage invasive species from growing again.

PEC works to improve stream quality through better stormwater management in Southeastern PA, and meadows have become an important part of its portfolio of green infrastructure projects, that also includes basin retrofits, porous pavement, and rain gardens. The meadow plant species slow down stormwater and allow water to infiltrate instead of flowing rapidly offsite. Reducing this volume and speed of the water as it flows to streams prevents erosion. Meadow plants also help to filter out sediment and pollution, and can absorb the water from most small storms. This meadow will provide these stormwater water benefits as well as serve an important educational tool and demonstration project to promote the use of meadows on other surrounding sites. Another benefit of native meadows is providing shelter and food for many species of birds, small mammals and insects. Save The Date: Ohio River Watershed Celebration September 27 The 2012 Ohio River Watershed Celebration will held on September 27. Last year the Celebration attracted nearly 1,000 participants with lots of great education and networking opportunities taking place on two boats. Visit The NEW StormwaterPA.org For The Latest On Stormwater Issues, Case Studies GreenTreks Network, Inc. Tuesday announced a new and improved StormaterPA.org website designed to give municipalities, developers, watershed groups, homeowners and concerned citizens the tools and knowledge they need to deal effectively with stormwater management issues. Finding stormwater case studies just got easier. There are new tools to provide the resources faster and more effectively. Visit StormwaterPA.org for more information. Deadline Nipping At Heels Of Spokesdog Competitors In Delaware Estuary Dog owners in Northern Liberties and Queen Village in Philadelphia have just three weeks to make their canine a contender for the title of Philly Waters Best Friend. The Philadelphia Water Departments casting call for spokesdogs ends February 15; top prize: $200 in gifts from a local pet store. The purpose of the Philly Waters Best Friend Spokesdog Competition is to make the Delaware River cleaner. Organizers will accomplish this by showing pet owners the importance of picking up their dogs waste. Starting March 1, visitors to the contests website can vote daily for two finalists; one from Northern Liberties and one from Queen Village. A panel of judges will then pick a winner from each neighborhoods 15 finalists following pageant-style competitions in June. The only doodie required of each winner is to attend three community events with their spokesdog to hand out bag dispensers and brochures. Believe it or not, the average dog goes over 20 times a week, leaving up to 200 pounds of waste in its tracks per year, said Joanne Dahme, general manager of public affairs at the Philadelphia Water Department. Multiply that by almost 900 neighborhood dogs and, well,

youre talking about 90 tons of poop threatening our drinking water. And that doesnt even include dogs that arent registered. Its important to get that picked up. Many people see dog waste as an environmentally-friendly fertilizer, but this is untrue. Dog waste is a pollutant that spreads when rain and melting snow breaks it down and washes it into storm drains. This runoff causes bacteria and parasites to contaminate local waterways, but this can be prevented. All owners have to do is flush their dogs waste down the toilet (not in the bag). If that is not an option, they can also discard it in the trash using biodegradable bags. Sponsors of this program include the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Philadelphia Water Department, and the Queen Village Neighbors Association. Prizes are being donated by Chic Petique and WAG: Whole Animal Gym. Visit Philly Waters Best Friend Spokesdog Competition webpage for more information or call the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary at 800-445-4935, extension 112. Center For Rural PA Still Accepting Comments On Stream Cleaning To Prevent Flooding As a follow up to a listening session on stream cleaning to prevent flooding on January 19, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania will continue to accept comments on the issue, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford). Center staff was be joined by state and local elected officials from Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Susquehanna counties, members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, local businesses and residents, many of whom have been affected and offered testimony regarding issues surrounding stream cleaning in the wake of recent flooding across Pennsylvania. "We need to look into the regulatory issues to address some of these problems," Sen. Yaw said. "As the presenters testified, a method to maintain stream channels that are sensitive to local conditions is essential. And we need to let regulators know that landowners and citizens are not the enemy but rather partners." As a result of this listening session, Sen. Yaw's office will be working directly with Secretary Michael Krancer of the state Department of Environmental Protection, as well as other state and local agencies, to address the current regulatory and permitting process. In addition, he and his staff will be working directly with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and its membership to tackle this issue head on. Podcast: Sen. Yaw Discusses Need For Stream Cleaning, Maintenance The Center for Rural Pennsylvania continually works to gather input from rural residents on how state government can partner with them to address local challenges and opportunities, said Barry Denk, Executive Director for the Center. The listening session in Sullivan County, called by our Chairman Senator Yaw, clearly shows this commitment to serving Pennsylvania's rural citizens and their communities. Testimony from the hearing and a video are available online. Comments can be submitted through Sen. Yaw's website. CFA Announces $34 Million In Funding For Flood-Control Projects

The Commonwealth Financing Authority Thursday announced the approval of $34 million through the H2O PA program for the construction and repair of flood-control systems in five counties. Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought powerful reminders of the damage and destruction that flooding can bring to communities, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said. These investments will be a great help to cashstrapped municipalities needing to upgrade their aging and deteriorating flood-control systems. Projects that involve the construction, improvement, repair, or rehabilitation of all or part of a flood-control system are eligible to apply for H2O PA funding. Flood-control projects include channel improvements, compacted earth levees, concrete channels, concrete floodwalls, detention dams, non-structural measures, or any combination of these project types. Major repairs to or rehabilitation of an existing flood-protection project are also eligible for funding. Administered by the CFA, H2O PA provides grants for flood control projects, construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects and high hazard or unsafe dam projects. A list of projects funded is available online. Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2012 Western PA Environmental Awards Nominations for the 2012 Western PA Environmental Awards will be accepted by the PA Environmental Council through March 5. Sponsored by Dominion, this regionally acclaimed awards program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, schools and individuals in a wide range of environmental initiatives throughout Western Pennsylvania, and pays tribute to those that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership, and accomplishment in their respective fields. The Awards are open to any group, individual, program, company, school or organization located and working in one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland. Each Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award winner will receive $5,000 cash award designated to the nonprofit organization of their choice and recognition and a full description of the winning project in the Awards Dinner program set for June 28. The nomination form and additional information are available on PEC's Western PA Environmental Awards webpage. (Reprinted from the January 2012 issue of PEC's Catalyst for Collaboration online newsletter.) Winners Of Governor's Awards For Environmental Excellence To Be Honored April 18 The PA Environmental Council announced Tuesday the winners of the Governor's Environmental Excellence Award will be recognized at a gala celebration in Harrisburg on April 18.

The Governor's Awards celebrate environmental stewardship and economic development in Pennsylvania. Businesses, government agencies, education institutions, individuals and farms who demonstrate innovation in categories like clean energy, pollution prevention, and community revitalization are eligible. The deadline for nominations for the 2012 Governor's Award is January 30. Watch PEC's website for more information on how you can attend this special event. (Reprinted from the January 2012 issue of PEC's Catalyst for Collaboration online newsletter.) Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility Available To PA Generators Pennsylvania generators of low-level radioactive waste were notified in a letter from the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact in November they have the option of shipping their waste to Texas for treatment, storage or disposal. This option is now available as the result of the opening of the Texas Regional LLRW disposal facility in Andrews County, Texas. Pennsylvania generators are required to sign a contract with the Texas facility and abide by its regulations and requirements for handling the waste before it can be accepted. The Appalachian Compact states include Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. For more information, visit DEP's Bureau of Radiation Protection webpage. DEP Awards NE-NC PA Radon Awareness Grant To American Lung Association The Department of Environmental Protection has awarded a $75,000 grant to the American Lung Association of PA to continue statewide public outreach and awareness programs about the importance of radon testing and mitigation in homes and other buildings. The programs will first focus efforts on 10 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. "We have started to see lower rates of testing, mitigation and radon awareness in general in the northern part of the state, compared with other areas," DEP Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin said. "That is why we are focusing the first phase of this project on the northeast region." To highlight January as National Radon Awareness Month, DEP and the American Lung Association are taking the opportunity to educate residents about the potential for this radioactive gas to exist, undetected, in their homes. The grant will provide funding for educational programs, distributing web-based test kits and television and radio advertisements. This year's first round of programs will target Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga counties. The grant will fund similar programs in 2013 and 2014 in the western part of the state. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally through the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in basements and foundations, and can build up inside to concentrations many times the recommended level.

It is estimated to cause thousands of deaths in the United States each year and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon exposure is the top cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The grant is funded by a combination of federal funding and the state's Radiation Protection fund, which receives revenue from nuclear facility fees, radiological equipment registration fees, fines and penalties. For more information, visit DEP's Radon webpage. PennTAP Seeking Industrial Clients To Participate In DOE's Save Energy Now Program The PA Technical Assistance Program is searching for industrial clients willing to participate in the Department of Energys Save Energy Now pilot program. This program is aimed at implementing and achieving certification under the American National Standards Institute-accredited Superior Energy Performance program. A central element of Superior Energy Performance includes implementation of the recently published international energy management standard, ISO 50001. Successful management teams will have a strong commitment to reducing the energy intensity of their business, prior experience in implementing ISO 9001 and/or 14001 standards, manufacturing energy costs that justify program implementation costs, and the resources to complete certification under the ISO 50001 energy management standard. Participation in the pilot will result in personalized coaching and staff training, reduced energy costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and national recognition as being one of the first organizations to certify under the standard. The Superior Energy Performance program is a product of a partnership between DOE, the U. S. Council for Energy Efficient Manufacturing, PennTAP, and the DEP Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance. Through the Superior Energy Performance program industrial facilities have a roadmap for achieving, documenting and certifying ongoing energy efficiency improvements. Additional program elements include American Society of Mechanical Engineers standards for assessing plant energy systems, an industrial measurement and verification protocol, and certified professionals to provide assistance completing all program elements. In Pennsylvania, the Save Energy Now program now renamed Better Buildings, Better Plants - offers multiple benefits for industry. PennTAP staffers provide multi-level plant energy assessment services, technical assistance, support for emerging energy-related businesses and technologies, DOE Best Practices workshop energy system training via the Penn State Extension, and referrals to other Commonwealth service provider resources. More about PennTAPs services are available online. More information about DOEs Better Buildings, Better Plants program can be found online and the Superior Energy Performance Program website. Interested businesses should contact Ralene Molina-Kreiser, PennTAP Senior Technical Specialist, at 814-574-0813 or send email to: rxm174@psu.edu, for an application and additional information about participating in the program. New Statewide Coalition Lets Green Energy Buyers Choose PA Wind

Wind energy industry leaders, environmental advocates and policymakers gathered in the Capitol Tuesday to announce the launch of ChoosePAWind and the coalition's new website ChoosePaWind.com which touts the economic and environmental benefits of wind power for Pennsylvania. "The wind energy industry is growing in Pennsylvania and creating jobs," says Jim Spencer, President and CEO of EverPower, one of the wind farm developers and operators who helped conceive and launch the coalition. "Wind is an important part of a diverse energy solution for Pennsylvania. Alongside natural gas, solar and other locally sourced options, Pennsylvania's commitment to wind is another example of how our state is leading the national movement to produce more domestic energy." The website, which shows options for several operators and energy suppliers, also shows Pennsylvania energy consumers how to "ChoosePAWind." Individual consumers can choose suppliers that feature 100 percent PA wind, and large energy users can work with a number of PA wind producers on renewable energy credits supporting only in-state wind projects. More than 17 wind farms are currently operational in Pennsylvania, with 23 more in development, generating jobs, property taxes, and revenue for communities across the state. The wind energy industry is bigger than the wind energy providers. In Pennsylvania, it also encompasses a strong manufacturing presence in the state and many other industry suppliers. In 2010, the latest year that figures are available, between 3,000 and 4,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in wind energy industry jobs. Millions of dollars are paid in land leases and property taxes by wind energy producers. While these economic figures are impressive, it's important to note the long-term environmental gains: Wind turbines cause no emissions and use virtually no water. "Americans have grown more aware of where their energy comes from, and by purchasing Pennsylvania wind power, Pennsylvanians interested in renewable energy can choose a source that's literally from their backyard," says David Takash, Vice President of Sales, Gamesa, a global wind energy leader that has its U.S. headquarters and two manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania. Wind power has the potential to provide 6.4 percent of Pennsylvania's energy needs, powering more than a million homes. If the Pennsylvania wind industry grew to its full potential, wind turbines could prevent over 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It would take 1,100 acres of forest to remove that amount of carbon dioxide. For more information, visit the ChoosePaWind website. CFA Funds Clean Energy Projects In Six Counties The Commonwealth Financing Authority Wednesday approved six projects for nearly $13.8 million in funding through the states Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, and Alternative and Clean Energy Programs. Together, the projects can power more than 44,000 Pennsylvania homes. These investments will result in substantial energy savings for businesses, families, municipalities and schools that use renewable technologies, said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker. These new projects will help make the

development and deployment of solar, wind and renewable energy technology more affordable across Pennsylvania. The projects will have an installed capacity of more than 141 megawatts and the generation of more than 423,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. The electric generation could power at least 44,101 homes and would be enough to provide energy to every household in the City of Erie or the City of Reading. Walker said one of the projects, developed by EverPower Wind Holdings Inc., will receive a $12.7 million Renewable Energy Program grant for the construction of the Twin Ridges Wind Farm in Northampton, Southampton, Larimer and Greensville townships, Somerset County. The 139.4-megawatt wind farm will be the largest in Pennsylvania and will generate 20 percent of the states wind power. The $238.8 million project will create an additional $226.2 million in private economic investments and is expected to be operational by the end of 2012. Projects were approved in Adams, Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Franklin and Somerset counties. The state investments are expected to result in more than $231.7 million in additional private economic investments. A list of projects funded is available online. Pittsburgh Climate Initiative To Convene In February The City of Pittsburgh and the PA Environmental Council will convene the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative in Febturary. Pittsburgh Climate Initiative was created in 2008 to guide implentation of the Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan, Version 1.0. This plan established a local greenhouse gas reduction target of 20 percent below 2003 emissions by 2023 and outlined recommendations for achieving this reduction under four sectors: Community, Government, Business, and Higher Education. PEC has been involved in PCI since 2010 and has completed greenhouse gas inventories and climate action plans for Allegheny County government and the Community College of Allegheny County. For more information, visit the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative website. (Reprinted from the January 2012 issue of PEC's Catalyst for Collaboration online newsletter.) Agricultural Lending Webinar Set For Feb. 22 By PA Economic Development Assn The PA Economic Development Association will host a webinar on February 22 entitled, "Lending in Greener Pastures? Taking a Closer Look at Agricultural Economic Development Lending" starting at 9:30 a.m. This program provides a fun and interesting romp through the pastures of ag lending with seasoned lenders as your guides! Learn how you can help grow this often-overlooked, but vital, Pennsylvania industry sector! Presenters will guide you through must-know credit considerations for ag, while sharing industry insights, trends and entertaining stories. Wonder about the impact of DCED lending

program changes on ag programs? Join us to receive critical updates on existing programs and to learn about underutilized ones. For more information or to register for this event, visit the Agricultural Lending Webinar webpage. PA Parks & Forests Foundation To Recognize Award Winners May 1 The PA Parks & Forests Foundation will hold its annual awards banquet on May 1 at the Harrisburg Country Club. Join the Foundation to recognize these award winners--- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Franklin Kury; -- Joseph Ibberson Government Award: Jim Grace, Former State Forester; -- President's Award: Yellow Creek State Park; -- Park of the Year: Kinzua Bridge State Park; -- Forest of the Year: Elk State Forest; -- Education Award: Bud & Gwen Wills, PA Equine Council; -- Improvement Award: Cavers from Forbes State Forest; -- Volunteerism Award: Friends of the State Line Serpentine Barrens; and -- Young Volunteer Award: Paul Mickle. Call 717-236-7644 or send an email to: mmowery-ppff@pa.net to be added to the contact list for invitations to this special event. DCNR Announces Trail Projects In Laurel Highlands, Swatara State Parks The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced updates on several trail projects Friday-- the completion of the hiking trail bridge over the Turnpike in the Laurel Highlands and several projects in Swatara State Park. Turnpike Trail Bridge Eagerly awaited by snowmobiling and winter hiking enthusiasts, the new Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail bridge over the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Somerset will open January 28, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said. This span is vital to the economic vitality of the Laurel Highlands area and the diverse, all-season recreational enjoyment it provides, Allan said. We had hoped to open the bridge earlier this month, but weather conditions and material delivery delays kept that from happening. Final work this month included installation of trail gates and protective and right-of-way fencing, seeding and landscaping. The bridge project was awarded in March to the Pittsburgh-based Mosites Construction Co. The bid totaled nearly $1.3 million for work on the 10-foot-wide, 184-foot-long span. The old bridge, built in 1970, was closed in late 2009 and dismantled a few months later after an inspection found conditions that could endanger hikers and snowmobile riders using the bridge, as well as turnpike travelers passing beneath. The replacement structure, built at the same site, reconnects various trail systems in the Laurel Highlands and will facilitate foot traffic as well as snowmobiles, mountain bikes and

equestrians. The bridge is located just about midway between the turnpikes Somerset and Donegal interchanges. Owned by the Bureau of State Parks, the bridge rejoins the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a 70-mile corridor running north and south through state parklands and Forbes State Forest. Part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major regional recreational attraction, drawing 80,000 to 100,000 hikers and other visitors a year. Swatara State Park A long-awaited construction project that will see trails, parking areas and bridges installed at Swatara State Park in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties is now underway, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced. Long identified as undeveloped, this gem of a state park comprised of woodlands and meadows straddling Swatara Creek is targeted for the type of improvements its visitors have requested, said DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. Planned facility and infrastructure improvements will support and enhance day-use recreation that already includes canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking and bicycling. Work will include installation of 10 miles of crushed stone trails along an existing railway bed and a portion of abandoned Old State Road. A new trail and bridge near Sand Siding Road will connect the former rail bed and roadway. Another bridge will span Mill Creek on the rail trail. Four new trailheads, or parking areas, also are planned, affording easy access to the trails and launch areas for canoeing and kayaking. Financed through state capital budget funds, the $4.67 million project undertaken by Kinsley Construction of York County is expected to be completed by mid-July. State acquisition of lands that were to become Swatara State Park began in 1971 and was completed in 1987. Totaling 3,520 acres, the state park was subject of numerous surveys, environmental assessments, Bureau of State Parks research efforts, and governmental and usergroup committee studies. The input shaped the parks future and best utilizes its recreational potential. With its increased network of trails and access to Swatara Creek launching areas, we see park visitation growing significantly, Allan said. We know more than 84,000 visitors came last year to float and fish its waters and hike and bike its scenic woodlands. Park visitors are advised construction work may affect access to certain areas. Closings may be required along Old State Road/Bear Hole Trail, Rail Trail, the Lickdale Spur, and the boat launch near Swopes Valley Road. Mountain bike trails, the Appalachian Trail, and Waterville Bridge will remain open, as will sections of the rail trail. The Swatara Water Trail will require portage around bridge construction. Updated information can be obtained by contacting Memorial Lake State Park Office, 717-865-6470; or by sending email to: memorialsp@pa.gov. Most of Swatara State Park is located along Interstate 81 between Second and Blue mountains. An 8-mile stretch of the Swatara Creek Water Trail winds through the park, and two miles of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine, cross its southern sector. Part of the Memorial Lake State Park Complex, Swatara Creek is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing enthusiasts, especially in the spring. Designated launches in the northern and southern ends of the park provide access to the creek for boaters.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Comes To Chester County February 22-23 The nationally acclaimed Wild & Scenic Film Festival will be hosted by Trail Creek Outfitters on February 22 and 23 at the Chester County Historical Society. This is the fifth year for the film festival, which is designed to educate, entertain, and inspire through award-winning animations, documentaries, and independent films. The event benefits Stroud Water Research Center and The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County. The popular annual event has been hosted by Trail Creek Outfitters of Glen Eagle Square from its first year. It is presented nationally by Patagonia, Inc. and sponsored locally by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Triple Fresh Catering, Paradocx Vineyard, FarmTable Gathering, Whole Foods Market, and Exelon. This event helps support a local Chester County institution, Stroud Water Research Center, which is renowned worldwide for their excellence in research, education, and stewardship for fresh water resources around the globe. We are extremely pleased to host this film festival to benefit the outstanding work done by all the members of the center, stated Brian Havertine, co-owner of Trail Creek Outfitters. Trail Creek Outfitters, as your local outdoor store, wanted to partner with an organization whose benefits stay in our own backyard and the mission of The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County is to ensure the perpetual preservation and stewardship of open space, natural resources, historic sites, and working agricultural lands throughout Southern Chester County. We are proud to be associated with such a dedicated group that shares our love of the outdoors and appreciates nature and wants to teach those values to the next generation, stated Ed Camelli, co-owner of Trail Creek Outfitters. Local sponsors include: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Triple Fresh Catering, Paradocx Vineyard, Exelon, WH2P Marketing Communications, Whole Foods Market, FarmTable Gathering, SIW and others. All ticket sales are advance purchase only, $25 per night, $40 for both nights. All proceeds benefit the Stroud Water Research Center and The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County. Tickets can be purchased through the Trail Creek Outfitters website or at the Trail Creek Outfitters store located at the Glen Eagle Square Glen Mills, PA or call 610-558-4006. Elk County Visitor Center Honored With Gold LEED Energy Conservation Rating Pennsylvania's widely acclaimed Elk Country Visitor Center has earned independent honors for energy efficiency and environmental design, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan announced Wednesday. "We are proud to learn yet another major DCNR Pennsylvania Wilds project has been awarded Gold LEED status by the U.S. Green Building Council," Allan said. "Similar recognition recently was extended to the new Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in Centre County and the Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center in Lycoming County." LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized mark of design, construction and maintenance excellence that seeks to ensure buildings reflect the highest environmental and energy efficiency. Offered at four levels for new

construction -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- the ratings gauge water and energy use, materials, and other design criteria. "We recognize the effort that went into the design and construction of these three buildings, and the LEED honors they received can only broaden a visitor's experience," Allan said. "The accent here is on learning," Allan said. "When the ever-increasing Elk Country Visitor Center crowds learn to 'Bugle like an Elk' or wander the new 'Discovery Room' exhibits, we're also hoping to introduce them to the center's unique rainwater collection or geothermal heating and cooling systems. "Guests at the Nature Inn are being introduced to modern accommodations and an upclose experience with nature, but they also may be using solar-heated shower and laundry water for the first time. Meanwhile, visitors at the Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center will learn how 'green' roofs help minimize storm runoff and reduce heating and cooling costs." Beyond reduced waste and increased energy and water conservation, lower building operating costs justify efforts to attain LEED certification, Allan said. "The Nature Inn was designed to be 26 percent more efficient than an average building built to meet code, and electric bills the past year show the building actually is using 29 percent less energy than the baseline case," Allan said. "That's an estimated annual energy savings of about $5,400." The Elk Country Visitor Center opened in September 2010 on 245 acres of DCNR land in Benezette, Elk County. It offers a four-dimensional story theater, permitting visitors to see and feel storms and other natural events; interactive interpretive exhibits; wildlife trails and viewing areas; wagon rides; year-round restrooms; and parking for cars, RVs and buses. State funds totaling $6 million were earmarked for center construction with another $6 million coming from private donations. In 2009, DCNR partnered with the nonprofit Keystone Elk Country Alliance, a Pennsylvania-based wildlife conservation organization, to manage the center under a concessionaire management agreement with DCNR. The alliance receives no state funding to operate the center. Its mission is to conserve and enhance Pennsylvania's elk country for future generations, and educate the public about conservation and resource stewardship. The center's LEED features include: rainwater collection and reuse systems; night skyfriendly light fixtures; use of locally available materials and certified wood from responsibly harvested timber; and geothermal heating and cooling systems. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, the first facility of its type in Pennsylvania's nationally recognized state park system, opened in September 2010, offering visitors modern accommodations and an up-close experience with nature. As a southern entrance point to the 12-county Pennsylvania Wilds, the 16-room inn affords visitors comfortable accommodations, wildlife watching and many other outdoor activities. The inn's LEED energy-saving and conservation features include: a high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system; solar collectors to heat water for showers and laundry; rain barrels and large cisterns to collect and store rainwater for flushing toilets; low-water consumption; widespread use of Pennsylvania hardwoods from certified forests; and direct access to hiking and biking trails.

The Tiadaghton State Forest District Resource Management Center in Waterville supports the district's staffing and operational needs. It houses foresters, rangers and other employees, and serves as a year-round welcome center and restroom facility for state forest visitors. The building also serves as a portal to the Pine Creek Valley and the Pennsylvania Wilds regions. LEED features include a vegetation-covered roof; bike trail; native landscaping species; reduction of paved parking spaces; storm-water retention; roof water collection and re-use; high performance insulation; sun shades and light shelves; energy efficient lighting; and geothermal heating and cooling. For more information, visit the Elk Country Visitor Center , the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle and Tiadaghton State Forest websites. DCNR Forms New Advisory Committee on Trails, Nominations Sought The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is forming a new Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee to assist efforts to build a statewide network of land and water trails, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan announced Monday. DCNR is accepting nominations for 14 appointments to the committee until February 21. "Our nationally-honored Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan recommended we create a statewide trails committee to help implement recommendations from the plan related to a trail network as a way to facilitate outdoor recreation, provide alternative transportation routes and encourage healthy lifestyles," Allan said. "This new committee helps us in our efforts to make that plan a reality." The committee's creation also fulfills some requirements for federal funding programs. After a year of planning and deliberations with trail stakeholders across the state, it was determined that the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Advisory Board, in existence since 1992, would be expanded and the name changed to the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee will consist of up to 20 members appointed by DCNR. Members will represent different types of trail users, builders and advocates, and people with disabilities. The committee's responsibilities will include advising DCNR on the use of federal trails funding in Pennsylvania, reviewing and ranking trail project applications and presenting an annual report to the secretary on the accomplishments of the preceding federal fiscal year. Nominations are now being accepted for appointees representing the following trail-user organizations: mountain biking; snowmobiling; all-terrain vehicle riding; water trail users; people with disabilities; trail advocates; trail builders; trail planners; an educator or trainer related to trails; trail walkers and four at-large members. Nominations must be submitted to DCNR by February 21. Appointees will serve for three consecutive years. To obtain a nomination form, visit the DCNR Trails webpage or call 717-787-7672 or send email to: roprunty@pa.gov. Opportunity To Bid On Abandoned Mine Reclamation Projects In Mercer, Schuylkill Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of the opportunity to bid on abandoned mine reclamation projects in Mercer County and Schuylkill counties.

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. January 30-- Ben Franklin Marcellus Shale Innovation Prizes January 30-- Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation Contest January 30-- Governor's Environmental Excellence Award January 31-- Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grants February 1-- NEW. Common Water Fund Upper Delaware Forest Stewardship Grants February 3-- PALTA Government Conservation Leadership Awards February 12-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants February 15-- NEW. Philly Waters Best Friend Spokesdog Competition February 15-- Delaware Valley Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn. Student Scholarships February 17-- PA Legislative Black Caucus Student Scholarships February 16-- County Agricultural Land Conservation Grants February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan Contest February 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants, Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants March 5-- NEW. PEC/Dominion Western PA Environmental Awards March 10-- NEW. PA American Water Environmental Grants March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Corbett Will Help Honor Patrick Solano Budget Corman: Drilling Impact Fee Close 9 GOP Senators Speak Out Against Local Control Of Drilling Bills Limiting Local Drilling Rules Draw GOP Foes Senate Bloc Concerned About Curbs To Local Drilling Rules Local Zoning Laws Issue In Shale Fees Editorial: Explain The Budget Cuts Op-Ed: We Must Invest In Mass Transit Or Watch Region Wither Op-Ed: PA Should Protect Remaining State Lands From Drilling Other Gasoline Prices May Rise In 2012 Gasoline Prices Could Hit $4 This Year As Heating Oil Soars, Users Shiver Casey Presses Sunoco, ConocoPhillips On Refinery Closings Op-Ed: Our Boutique Fuels Mess Gasoline Reaches 5-Month High On Refinery Upsets, Shutdowns Middle Schoolers Compete To Produce Cities Of Future Students Create Cities That Use Alternative Energy HBG Whitaker Center Starts $2 Million Energy Efficiency Project New York Team To Build Central PA Wind Farm State Gives $13 Million To Huge Somerset Wind Farm Column: Save Herons From PPL For 22 Cents FirstEnergy Closing 6 Coal-Fired Power Plants, 1 In PA Consol: No Miners Ill After Man's Death West Penn Power: Results Of Default Service Auction PUC Renews Pressure For City To Sell PGW DEP Will Continue To Implement PA's Clean Air Interstate Rule TMI Finds Unexpected Flaws In New Steam Generators New Emergency Sirens To Be Tested At TMI EPA: Waste Site Owners To Pay $2.1 Million DEP Approves Chrin Landfill Expansion Bicycle-Passing Bill Sent To Governor New Bill Could Make Drivers Give Bicycles 4-Foot Berth Veteran Pursued Passion For Conservation, Outdoors Tree Pittsburgh At Work On First Urban Forest Master Plan Bird Counters Enjoy Nature Without Leaving Home Bethlehem Repairs Leaky Lehigh Canal Aqueduct Eastern Sports And Outdoors Show Kicks Off Saturday Sustainability Schools Teaching Non-Farmers How To Produce Food Families Mark Anniversary Of Knox Mine Disaster

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Chesapeake Energy To Cut Dry Gas Drilling Chesapeake Scales Back Its Dry Gas Drilling Operations Chesapeake Energy Cuts Natural Gas Drilling Chesapeake Energy To Lower Gas Production Chesapeake Energy Describes Response To Low Natural Gas Prices Consol Energy Scales Back Its Drilling Plans Consol To Cut Investment, Number Of Marcellus Wells Consol Profit Rises 87 Percent On Coal Prices, Gas Sales Declining Gas Prices Slow Shale Drillers Natural Gas Price On The Rise Op-Ed: How A Gas Boom Became A Glut Boom In Shale Drilling Slows PA Crude Oil Industry Governor's Office Responds To Marcellus Bill Critics Op-Ed: PA Should Protect Remaining State Lands From Drilling DEP Has New Guidelines For Oil, Gas Drilling 9 GOP Senators Speak Out Against Local Control Of Drilling Bills Limiting Local Drilling Rules Draw GOP Foes Senate Bloc Concerned About Curbs To Local Drilling Rules Local Zoning Laws Issue In Shale Fees GOP Auditor General Contender Drills Down On Marcellus Data EPA Serves Public Interest In Dimock Cabot: EPA Investigation Of Dimock A Waste Editorial: EPA's Intervention May Answer Dimock Questions Editorial: In Dimock, EPA Acts In Public Interest SRBC To Reconsider Water Withdrawal Permits Drilling Resumes In Allegheny National Forest Oil, Gas Industry Wants Allegheny National Forest Plan Tossed DEP Weighs Using Mine Water For Fracking Emission Reports Due From Natural Gas Operations On March 1 Farmers Listen To Property Owners Who Regret Allowing Drilling Federal, State Agencies Still Sparring Over Shale Range Resources Could Acquire South Fayette School Lease Environmental Groups, McKeesport Settle Shale Lawsuit Driller Ends Free Water Deal For Sewickley Shuster: Marcellus Shale Could Revitalize Fayette Op-Ed: Lehigh Chamber President Weighs In On Marcellus Shale Op-Ed: Pennsylvania's Saudi Arabia-- Marcellus Shale WSCTC Eyes Grant for Gas Field Jobs Training Could Fracking Earthquakes Shake PA? No Energy Industry Backing For The Word Fracking What Makes Wet Natural Gas? Other States/Financial

More State Ordering Disclosure Of Fracking Chemicals DOE Slashes Estimate Of Marcellus Shale Reserves Shale Gas Reserve Estimate Plummets Experts Question Cut In Shale Reserve Estimates Natural Gas Production To Triple By 2035 Feds: Lower Marcellus Shale Reserve, But More Production Natural Gas Price On The Rise NY Takes Action Against PA Driller Over Pollution WV Stays Aggressive In Bid For Shell Gas Plant

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding Flood-Damaged Middletown Neighborhood Awaits Word On Aid 4 Months Later, Harrisburg Takes Steps For Flood Aid Money $1 Million Grant Aids Flood Recovery, Workers Other Watershed NewsClips Sen. Yaw Discusses Need For Stream Cleaning, Maintenance DEP Weighs Using Mine Water For Fracking Earth Conservancy To Rehabilitate Land History Channel Features PSU On Farm Conservation Research Landscaping May Ease Flooding In Millvale Grant For Millvale To Pay For Stormwater Efforts Montour Run Watershed Assn Plans To Curb Stream Erosion Groups Solicits Help In Restoring Glade Run Lake Making Wastewater Potable Feasible Editorial: Lawmakers Must Work On Infrastructure SRBC To Reconsider Water Withdrawal Permits Bethlehem Water Agency Considers Controlled Burns

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Environmental Quality Board published proposed increases in Dam Safety and Waterway Management Permit fees for public comment. The Department of Environmental Protection published notice it is soliciting additional public comments on a proposed rulemaking published in August, 2010 increasing noncoal mining-related permit fees. The Public Utility Commission published notice of its tentative implementation order of the new Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act for comment. Comments are due February 1. Pennsylvania Bulletin - January 28, 2012

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice requiring any Marcellus Shale drilling operation in the Commonwealth to submit emission inventory information by March 1 as a follow up to direct notice the agency sent to 99 operators. DEP also published notice of draft guidance related to onlot sewage system training and notice of certification requests under the Nutrient Credit Trading Program. DEP ID: 385-2314-001. Act 537 Program Guidance; Training Provider Manual for the Pennsylvania Onlot Sewage System Training Program. This document serves to establish the Pennsylvania Onlot Sewage System Training Program. 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. Note: The Upcoming Events calendar on the PA Environment Digest website now includes all of the Department of Environmental Protection advisory committee and board meetings scheduled for 2012 as of DEP's notices on January 21. January 26-- Agenda Released. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 2-- Groundhog Day.

February 6-- NEW. House Labor and Industry Committee meets to consider House Bill 1543 (Milne-R-Chester) exempting projects by nonprofit historical organizations or land conservancies from prevailing wage. Room 302 Irvis Building. 10:00. February 6-- NEW. Senate Republican Policy Committee holds a hearing on the impact of oil refinery closings on fuel supplies. Room 156. 10:00. February 7-- Governor's Budget Address. Noonish. February 7-- NEW. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a biennial basis. Room 302 Irvis Building. 10:00. February 8-- NEW. House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) further providing for relief of liability by landowners who open their lands to walking, jogging, bicycling and horse riding trails. Room B-31. 10:00. February 13-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Governor's Budget Office; 1:00 - Independent Fiscal Office Economic Outlook and Revenue Overview. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 14-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of General Services; 1:00 - Public Utility Commission. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 16-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00 - State Police/ Homeland Security; 3:00 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 16-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting on water withdrawal, consumption requests. Room 8E-B East Wing. 2:30. (formal notice with Agenda) February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Global Economy; 11:00 - Independent Fiscal Office; 1:30 - Department of Revenue. Room 140. February 21-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:30. February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Environmental Protection; 1:00 - Department of Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Public Utility Commission; 11:00 - Office of Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate. Room 140.

February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00 - Department of Agriculture. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Agriculture; 10:30 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; 1:30 - Department of Environmental Protection. Room 140. February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - PA Emergency Management Agency. Hearing Room 1, North Office. February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat Commission's Annual Report. Room 39 East Wing. 10:00. February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Transportation. Room 140. March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 Department of Labor & Industry; 1:00 - Department of Community and Economic Development. Room 140. March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - State Police/Office of Homeland Security; 11:00 - PA Emergency Management Agency; 3:00 - Department of General Services. Room 140. March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commission's Annual Report. Room 39 East Wing. 10:00. March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Budget Secretary; 1:00 House Member Testimony. Room 140. March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. (Location to be determined) Noon. DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and 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.