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 Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Drilling, Fee Bill Into Law Gov. Tom Corbett Monday signed House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler), the Marcellus Shale bill, into law. The bill enhances protection of our natural resources through stronger environmental standards, authorizes counties to adopt an impact fee, and builds upon efforts to help move Pennsylvania toward energy independence. The historic measure is the first comprehensive re-write of the states Oil and Gas Act since 1984. It contains much of what Corbett outlined in his Marcellus Shale proposal last October. His plan followed the work of the Governors Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. House Bill 1950 contains 24 of the legislative recommendations offered by the advisory commission. This growing industry will provide new career opportunities that will give our children a reason to stay here in Pennsylvania, Corbett said. Thanks to this legislation, this natural resource will safely and fairly fuel our generating plants and heat our homes while creating jobs and powering our states economic engine for generations to come. The new law enhances environmental standards by: -- Increasing well-setback distance from 100 feet to 300 feet for streams, rivers, ponds and other water bodies, and from 200 feet to 500 feet from buildings and private water wells and to 1,000 feet for public drinking water systems; -- Expanding an unconventional operators presumed liability for impairing water quality from 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet from a gas well, and extends the duration from 6 months to 12 months; -- Enhancing water quality replacement standards to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards; -- Enabling DEP to revoke permits in a more efficient manner to deal with imminent safety or environmental concerns; -- Increasing blanket bonds from $25,000 up to $600,000; -- Providing for strong, uniform and consistent statewide environmental standards building upon and incorporating the best practices used by industry leaders; and -- Enhancing hydraulic fracturing disclosure, including online posting through FracFocus.org. This law also authorizes counties within the shale regions to adopt an impact fee, which will be used by local communities experiencing the actual impacts of unconventional shale gas development. To recognize the tight economics associated with low natural gas prices, the fee amount can fluctuate annually and is based on the average price of natural gas for the preceding year. February 20, 2012

If all eligible counties adopt the fee, estimates for revenue are approximately $180 million in 2012, climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014. State agencies with a role in mitigating shale gas impacts, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the Public Utility Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, State Fire Commissioner and the Fish and Boat Commission, will receive fixed dollar amounts off the top of the revenues collected from the fee. After that, 60 percent is directly distributed to impacted counties. A significant percentage of the remaining 40 percent will also be distributed to those counties through either population- or road-mileage-based formulas, or through the awarding of competitive grants. The new law also provides long-term regulatory predictability for job-creators and capital investors, and helps businesses succeed by providing increased uniformity and fairness of local regulations while preserving local governments traditional zoning authority. Upon petition, the Public Utility Commission is authorized to review ordinances to make sure they comply with state law. Finally, the law creates a Natural Gas Energy Development Program, which will provide incentives to convert fleets with vehicles weighing at least 14,000 pounds to compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or bi-fuel vehicles. At least 50 percent of the funds must be used for grants to local transportation organizations, including mass transit agencies. The laws provisions authorizing counties to adopt ordinances imposing an impact fee go into effect immediately. The majority of the law takes effect in 60 days. A detailed summary of House Bill 1950 from the Governor's Office is available online. NewsClips: Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee Bradford Commissioner: Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee What's Next For PA's Impact Fee? Bradford Against Fee Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees Editorial: Corbett's Gas Fee About To Evaporate Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill Fish & Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection PUC Chair: Let Marcellus Play Come To Us PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill Editorial: It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee House GOP: Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs Norquist's No-Tax Pledge Can't Give Drill Fee The Ax PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable Vertical Exploratory Wells Won't Be Hit With Drilling Fee Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs

Drilling Bill Authors: Health Expert's Fears Unfounded Health Officials: Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax Op-Ed: Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late Editorial: Marcellus Fee? A Tax, Stupid Editorial: Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal Sustainable Funding For County Conservation Districts To Come From Drilling Fee After years of discussion and scrutiny, and months of lively debate and negotiation, Gov. Tom Corbett has signed a Marcellus Shale drilling fee, said Robert B. Maiden, Executive Director of the PA Association of Conservation Districts. This is monumental for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its citizens, businesses and communities, said Maiden. The economic importance and significance of the Marcellus Shale and other natural gas formations cannot be denied, but the environmental health, conservation and safety of our natural resources must be a priority now and well into the future. This week, the majority of the legislature and Gov. Corbett demonstrated tremendous leadership to insure that our local communities and regions are provided with substantial resources, continued Maiden. These resources will allow our county conservation districts and communities to keep pace with the growing need for environmental safeguards, education and protection as the exploration and development of the shale continues well into the future here in Pennsylvania. The local impact fee will provide a dedicated funding stream to conservation districts. This new, stable stream of funding will allow the districts the opportunity to: -- Provide much-needed local support and expertise to conserve and protect our resources in counties with Marcellus Shale development; -- Support, protect and enhance the number one industry in Pennsylvania: Agriculture; -- Provide technical assistance to install numerous Best Management Practices, such as riparian buffers and streambank stabilization, to reduce flooding and protect the quality of our water sedimentation is Pennsylvanias number one water pollution issue; -- Provide important local support to help farmers meet the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements without undue financial burden; and -- Assist municipalities with floodplain ordinances and stormwater management plans that protect homes and businesses from being flooded. The Districts will also continue to work in communities throughout the state on existing and additional utility right of ways, roads, bridges, sewage treatment, and water treatment facilities will be expanded or upgraded along with the expansion of the natural gas industry. Conservation District involvement is constant and will be requested and required as this important resource is developed. In addition to its efforts to protect the environment from any impacts from natural gas drilling, additional funding would continue the Districts efforts to help Pennsylvania meet the goals outlined in the Chesapeake Bay Water Implementation Plan; improve and protect the states water and air quality; administer stream bank erosion programs; and preserve valuable farmland. Rep. George: Natural Gas Industry Got Its Corbett Valentine

Rep. Camille "Bud" George (D-Clearfield), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Tuesday said that industrial gas drillers received a sweetheart deal from the Corbett administration just in time for Valentines Day. "A review of the 27 suggestions the industry made to House Republican leaders for the final Marcellus shale legislation shows it got its wishes on 23 of them," said Rep. George of Clearfield County. "Some were not complete compliance with industry desires, but an overall score of 85 percent is a pretty substantial kiss." Rep. George said that on January 12, the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania addressed correspondence to the House Speaker, the Majority Leader and Rep. Brian Ellis, R-Butler, the author of House Bill 1950, with "several" suggestions to amend the bills final language. "The industry got its way on everything from reducing the presumed liability of a well polluting water sources to eliminating language requiring operators to conduct free pre-drilling surveys for landowners with wells between 2,500 and 5,000 feet from a well," said Rep. George of the bill signed into law Monday by Gov. Tom Corbett. "It seems the industry barked and the Republicans heeled." The industrys "suggestions" are available online. "It was stated erroneously on the House floor that the pre-drilling survey language was included in the conference committee report," Rep. George said. "It is not in the bill, despite having twice won approval in the House." Rep. George said the pitiful tax rate to be paid by the industry a fraction of what Pennsylvanians pay in sales or state income taxes risks further irrelevance by reports that producing counties may not opt in to the "impact fee." "Proponents touted House Bill 1950 as compromise legislation when in fact the measure and the pittance it would collect for local and statewide impacts seemingly will be compromised," Rep. George said. "The projected revenues were a joke but now could be a laughing stock." Rep. George said proposals by Democratic members of the conference committee deserve consideration. The proposals would: -- Increase initial per-well fee to $60,000 from $50,000 and improve first-year revenues by $35 million; -- Decrease fee by $5,000 a year but make fees last for 20 years, not 15; -- Eliminate county option; and -- Bolster environmental safeguards of water by establishing setbacks from the edge of a well pad. "As it now stands, House Bill 1950 has me torn about which Valentines Day ad is the most fitting description," Rep. George said. "Is it Give and You Will Receive or Every Kiss Begins with Campaign Contributions?" DCNR Budget Hearing: No New Drilling Leases Planned For State Forests Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday for a little over an hour answering questions about DCNR's proposed FY 2012-13 budget.

As usual, the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allan's prepared remarks. Here are some of the highlights from the questions asked-Drilling Leases: There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land, but if they would, they would follow the recommendations of the Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission to only do leases where they leave little or no surface impact. Of the 812 well permits have been approved by DCNR on State Forest land, 778 Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted by DEP, 442 wells have been drilled and there are 152 producing wells. DCNR anticipates receiving $65 million in FY 2012-13 in royalties and rents from drilling, Secretary Allan said. He said there may be some decrease in drilling revenues in the next year or so with lower natural gas prices. In response to a question, Secretary Allan said the agency professionals are constantly monitoring drilling companies to make sure they comply with their leases and agency best management practices. He said so far, the drillers have been good stewards and have minimized their impacts on State Forest lands. Drilling In State Parks: DCNR has a policy that there will be no drilling in State Parks where the state owns the mineral rights, Secretary Allan said. Unfortunately, he said, the state owns mineral rights on only 20 percent of the land in State Parks and on 80 percent in State Forests. He said DCNR will look to enforce their guidelines and best management practices on drillers on State Park land and other areas where they don't own mineral rights to make sure any surface impacts are minimized. State Parks: In spite of budget constraints, Secretary Allan said, DCNR anticipates being able to keep all State Parks open and available for residents, but acknowledged there may be some changes in some services offered, such as the hours in some parks. Secretary Allan said an updated economic study shows for every dollar invested, State Parks bring in $12 for a total of $1.1 billion of economic activity annually and they support over 13,000 jobs in and around the parks. Keystone Fund: The proposed transfer of all DCNR revenues from the Keystone, Parks and Conservation Fund to the General Fund, Secretary Allan said, will require the agency to look to other sources of monies to support their operations, like the Oil and Gas Fund, the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling fee revenue. He said he advised the Governor's Office the reduction in funding will require the agency to put off some maintenance projects and reduce the funding going for grants. Secretary Allan said he believes in the future there will be more revenue in the Oil and Gas Fund and from the new drilling fee to replace at least some of the Keystone Fund monies. Oil and Gas Lease Fund: Secretary Allan said he does not believe the transfers from the Oil and Gas Fund to the agency to pay administrative expenses violate the intended use of the Oil and Gas Fund. Approximately 30 percent of DCNR's administrative budget is now supported by the Fund.

Gas Pipelines: Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters, geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of pipeline routing. Wild Resource Research: In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction in Wild Resource Conservation grants, Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts were inaccurate. He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff. (see 2/6/2012 story) Complement: DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1,375. The budget proposal will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions, but those reductions will be done through attrition and elimination of vacant positions. Flood Damage: DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall. Secretary Allan said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potential reimbursement. Dogs In State Parks: Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs. He said they are still evaluating the results. A copy of Secretary Allan's remarks are available online. NewsClip: DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate Related Stories Governor's Budget Cuts Environment Again, Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record: $1.8 Billion Cut/Diverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years Senate, House Budget Hearing Schedule Note: You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website. NewsClips: Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee Bradford Commissioner: Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee What's Next For PA's Impact Fee? Bradford Against Fee Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees Editorial: Corbett's Gas Fee About To Evaporate Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill

Fish & Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection PUC Chair: Let Marcellus Play Come To Us PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill Editorial: It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee House GOP: Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs Norquist's No-Tax Pledge Can't Give Drill Fee The Ax PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable Vertical Exploratory Wells Won't Be Hit With Drilling Fee Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs Drilling Bill Authors: Health Expert's Fears Unfounded Health Officials: Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax Op-Ed: Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late Editorial: Marcellus Fee? A Tax, Stupid Editorial: Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal Corbett Raiding Special Funds House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs Editorial: Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget? As Roads, Bridges Deteriorate, Governor Silent Analysis: Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads, Bridges Editorial: Must A Bridge Fall Down? Obama Cuts EPA, Increases Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget EPA Budget Cut For States, Superfund Cleanup Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research $67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety Schedule For Remaining Senate, House Budget Hearings The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this week on Gov. Corbett's proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website. Here's the schedule of the remaining budget hearings-February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Global Economy; 11:00 - Independent Fiscal Office; 1:30 - Department of Revenue. All House hearings will be in Room 140. February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Environmental Protection; 1:00 - Department of Transportation. February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Public Utility Commission; 11:00 - Office of Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate.

February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00 - Department of Agriculture. February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Agriculture; 10:30 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - PA Emergency Management Agency. February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Transportation; 3:00 - Department of Environmental Protection. March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 Department of Labor & Industry; 1:00 - Department of Community and Economic Development. 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. March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Budget Secretary; 1:00 House Member Testimony. Related Stories Governor's Budget Cuts Environment Again, Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record: $1.8 Billion Cut/Diverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years Did You Know You Can Search 7+ Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 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-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted

updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate Budget Hearings: Feb. 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 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 (March 12): House Bill 1934 (F.Keller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle; House Resolution 438 (CruzD-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (March 5): Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title rights; Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017; House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill) further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on: Global Economy; Independent Fiscal Office; Department of Revenue; the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on: Department of Environmental Protection; Department of Transportation. <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Note: You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Defining Chronic Dementia: House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making other changes. Oil & Gas Dust: House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act. Cambria County Land: Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the Governor for his action-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. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11. NewsClips: Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills

Marcellus Shale: House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was signed into law by the Governor as Act 13.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-Senate Nominations: Gov. Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the Public Utility Commission. House Conservation Easements: 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 (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-RChester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. The bills now go to the Senate for consideration. Land Banks: House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table, amended on the House Floor and 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. NewsClip: Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool Capital Budget Process: House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee, debated in the House and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. NewsClip: House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs Transportation Partnerships: House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. Recycling Requirement: House Bill 1934 (F.Keller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of

the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol

House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer dollars. The balance on the states credit card is too high, Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin), Majority Chair of the Committee, said. Its time to pay down the debt and stop spending money that taxpayers dont have. House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealths Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP), a program created to fund economic development and infrastructure projects using borrowed money. In 1999, the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $1.2 billion. Since that time, approximately 8,000 projects have been added to the programs list and the debt ceiling was raised to more than $4 billion. The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians. Millions of dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha. People are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for politicians, Rep. Benninghoff said. This program has gone far outside its original intent of providing help with legitimate economic development projects. The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $3.5 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $1.5 billion. The legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and would increase oversight of the program. We want to lower the credit limit on the states credit card, Rep. Benninghoff said. This would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers dont have. House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration. NewsClips: House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs Editorial: Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of progress reports on the Game Commission's compliance with its strategic plan. A copy of the report highlights and the full report are available online.

News From Around The State

EPA: States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals, PA Plan Needs Work Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia are generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by 2025, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys evaluations of the jurisdictions' cleanup plans. The six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones. These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. Overall, the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans, according to the EPA. The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions on a local level. In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection on Pennsylvania's Plan, EPA said, "... greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups in the development of these documents (WIP)." The letter said EPA's primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvania's Phase I agriculture strategy, such as supporting manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report noncost-shared practices. These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment reductions in the Plan. EPA also said it "lacks assurance" that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees. A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related documents. Other state evaluations are also available. EPA is still reviewing New Yorks plan, which was submitted after the deadline. The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30, when the final Phase II WIPs are due. CBF: Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm conservation practices in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wyoming and Lycoming counties. The funding is being made available through CBFs Buffer Bonus program, in cooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District. The program has enabled current and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such as fencing, watering systems, and laneways. Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and silage leachate, stabilization of access roads, and the installation of roof gutters, to include a few. These conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water quality, said Jennifer Johns, CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County. While each project

ultimately produces different results, we find that creating healthier living conditions for the livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmers bottom line. Another goal of this program is to provide, at no cost to the farmer, a new or updated Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan. By combining this plan with an engineers evaluation of the farm, which is also provided, the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP. Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger onfarm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards. Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDAs Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1, 2009 or later may be eligible to enroll. This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first serve basis. For more information contact: Bradford/Sullivan Counties: Jennifer Johns, 570-578-6900; Tioga/Lycoming Counties: Steve Smith, 570-578-7000; Susquehanna/Wyoming Counties: Jeremy Wagner, 570-278-1011, xt. 107. Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb. 21 On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes, Foundation for PA Watersheds, for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons, a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort. The presentation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Patton Township Municipal Building, near State College, Pa. There is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time. Click Here for details. The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake Bay. The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data, maps, and articles contributed by government, nonprofits, funders, and citizen organizers. Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort. Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29 On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College, are sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges to the Wissahickon Creek.

The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 8000 Cherokee Street, Philadelphia, and will begin at 7 p.m.; doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided. A Creek in Crisis? A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon, including diminishing water quantity, stormwater runoff, impaired water quality, and flooding that severely impact the health of the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries. The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon Watershed is absolute. Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot at Montgomery Mall, it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area residents. Moderated by Patrick Starr, Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast Regional Office, the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon. Panelists will be: Carol R. Collier, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission; John K. Jackson, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research Center; and Chris Crockett, Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department. More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website. Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8 at the Lancaster County Farm and Home Center. A national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop, including from University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, Montana State University, University of Georgia, and Penn State along with experienced and skilled U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service professionals. Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners, for example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, will also be on hand at the workshop to provide additional training related to CREP. This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource management. Workshop goals include: -- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) -- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP -- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans -- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan -- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices -- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan

-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments, CRP plan development and implementation, and the follow up management of developed plans. A national team of Extension staff, NRCS and FSA staff, and representatives from NRCS partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training program to meet the needs of the initiative. Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available. Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb. 21 On Managing Phosphorus Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21 from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania Landscapes, part of the Lessons From The Land series. Dr. Tony Buda, USDA ARS, and Dr. Patrick Drohan, Penn State Department of Crop and Soil Science, will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS, USDA-ARS, and Penn State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoff. Matt Royer, Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative, Penn State AG & Environment Center, will moderate. These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of pollutants in streamsand should be targeted for conservation practices. A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for the development of next generation nutrient management practices necessary to reduce the loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state Department of Agriculture. Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance. The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast. Continuing ed credits are not available for the recorded session. To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this webpage at the webinar's noon start time.. This program will be broadcasting live from the Conewago Initiatives Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn States Harrisburg campus. Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8. This years theme is "Staying Blue by Going Green", and our keynote speaker is Bill Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington, Indiana. As always, the Conference will have a great line up of speakers. It also offers aquatic applicator credits for PA, OH, NY, and NJ. Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by sending email to: palakes@hotmail.com.

Penn State Extension: How To Avoid Septic System Failures Owning your own home is challenging enough, what do you do when it comes with its own sewage treatment plant? This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want to make them last a very long time. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, failure rates for on-lot sewage systems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually. In Pennsylvania approximately 1.2 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of waste water. Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner. Proper maintenance is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars. Proper maintenance also protects groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot. Sewage backing up into your home will typically command your immediate attention. Raw sewage surfacing in your yard, in nearby ditches or on the neighbors lawn is another clear indicator of failure. Muddy soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious malfunction. Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry. Strips of bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems. A toilet running sluggish or sewer odors in the house and/or drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in trouble. On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact with groundwater. This type of failure is not easy to detect, but it can result in the pollution of wells, nearby streams, or other bodies of water. Illness, often to household visitors, may be another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water. For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system, one of the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for the septic system soil absorption field. You can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot sewage system construction: site selection, design, installation, maintenance, and use. Hire reputable individuals to design and install your system. Also make sure the system is designed to meet your present and future needs. You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system. Once properly installed, the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper maintenance. Regularly pumping the tank, being careful in what you put down the drains, and avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well. Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring. Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and especially the drain field. Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines, etc. Keep a record of the location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information. Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional. The PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater

Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment Inspection procedures. PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers, system installers, maintenance technicians, real estate inspectors and industry affiliates. PSMA Certified Inspectors, which includes many septic tank pumpers, are trained to understand how on-lot systems work, why they fail, and recognize impending malfunctions. See the PSMA website for more details about PSMA/NOF inspections or call them at 717-763-7762. Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and Biological Engineering department. Topics include septic tank pumping, percolation tests, elevated sand mounds, inspections and alternative systems, and pharmaceutical disposal. (Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter.) Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3 Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made? The Wissahickon Vally Watershed Association will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler, Montgomery County. The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families, Scout groups, and anyone curious about the maple sugar process. Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped trees, and then watch it being boiled into sugar. End your walk at WVWAs historic headquarters for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup. RSVP requested by sending email to: info@wvwa.org or call 215-646-8866. There is a fee for the program: WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family; Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family; or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45. In Ambler and look for signage. Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto the Green Ribbon Trail. KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15 Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvanias Greenways in need into something beautiful. The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required. Grants will be awarded on April 16. Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it, Clean it, and Keep it projects within a Greenway. Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across the Commonwealth, creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting open space, natural landscape features, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreations sites, and urban and rural communities.

A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides people with recreation and transportation opportunities. As one of the Commonwealths most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and livable communities, greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst the natural beauty of Penns Woods. This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania. Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply. Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered it is within a Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories: Prevent it, Clean it, and Keep it (see application for details), plus provide proof of liability insurance, signed permission to enter from the private property owner, and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services. Selected awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before, during, and after photos. We are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the state, said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Greenways are integral to healthy, livable communities, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communities. For more information, visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an application. Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael, Greenways MiniGrant Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 102 or send email to: scarmichael@keeppabeautiful.org. Pennsylvania Adds 1,470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program Pennsylvania has added 1,470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg. The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cumberland, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton and Somerset counties. Weve preserved nearly 15,000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year alone, said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. This speaks volumes to the value our farm families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture our states numberone industry. Since the program started in 1988, state, county and local governments have invested more than $1.1 billion to safeguard 459,007 acres on 4,243 farms. Our producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future, and I thank them for that foresight, Greig said. Pennsylvanias farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program. The program was developed to slow the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. It enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland.

For more information, visit Agriculture's Farmland Preservation webpage. PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act 127, the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act. The Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and facilities within the Commonwealth; provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline; and assesses entities for the costs. The Order established the following: -- The registration fee is $250; -- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16; -- Assessment invoices for the Commissions 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30, and due by April 30; and -- Assessment invoices for the Commissions 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012 with payment due within 30 days. Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissions website. Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines for pipeline operators in the state. The Commission also is to track the development of pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells. Act 127 expands the Commissions authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to those pipelines and facilities. Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned natural gas distribution systems, non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and propane distribution pipeline systems. For more information, visit the PUC's Act 127 webpage. DEP Sets Feb. 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22, to discuss Flatirons Resources LLCs proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway, Jefferson County. The 6 p.m. meeting will be held at the Brockway Area Junior/Senior High School on Alexander Street in Brockway. We recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want details, DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. DEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have about our oversight and environmental protection. The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad, which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed. The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November 2011.

After DEPs presentation at the meeting, company representatives will describe their plans to drill the well, if approved. A question-and-answer session will follow. DEPs decision to issue a well permit is based on the applications technical merits and whether the applicants drilling, casing and cementing plan will protect water resources. The agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010, but it expired a year later because the well was never drilled. The permit application was resubmitted on December 27, 2011. HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC, Central Pennsylvanias Community College. Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers, the unemployed or underemployed, as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg, said Cheryl Dietz, HACC Workforce Training coordinator. Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1, 1500 N. Fourth St. The sessions will be held from 6-7 p.m. February 29, and 11 a.m.-noon March 3. HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program, which will consist of an eight-week, 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 16-June 8. To be eligible, a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school diploma, test at a 10th-grade math and reading level, have a valid drivers license, have access to reliable transportation, be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment. Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), confined space entrant/attendant and supervisor, lead-based paint inspector, and asbestos inspector. Additional training will be offered in environmental site assessment, air and water quality, and environmental remediation techniques. HACC is offering the training through a two-year, $199,890 grant, awarded through the federal Environmental Protection Agencys Brownfields Program. Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates. Of this number, 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their education. A third class is under way in Lancaster. As part of the grant, HACC helps successful graduates find environmental jobs, and tracks those graduates for one year. A brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, according to the EPA. The EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area, and a combined total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton. For more information or to register to attend an information session, contact Cheryl Deitz, HACC Workforce Training coordinator, at 221-1338 or send email to: chdeitz@hacc.edu. PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning Troops

Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson Thursday urged the states public utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett and the Edison Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector. The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the state. Today, I encourage Pennsylvanias electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program, as well as Governor Corbetts Jobs First PA initiative," Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCs Public Meeting. "In the days ahead, the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programs. The Chairman referenced Gov. Corbett's annual budget address to the General Assembly last week. In his address, the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to work, Chairman Powelson said. In announcing his new Jobs First program, the Governor stated that, as our energy sector expands, Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workers. Chairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative, which is designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs. EEI is currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation. For more information, visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website. PA Chamber Environmental & Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn & Suites in Lancaster. Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state and federal level that impact business. That's why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one day: -- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues; -- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes; -- Proven strategies, best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively in each area; and -- Advanced environmental roundtable. There will be two keynotes: The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural GasAmerican Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C.; and Converting Trash into Renewable EnergyNational Solid Wastes Management Association, Washington, D.C. Visit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology solutions and exhibitor educational sessions. Access and network with more than 300 of your peers from across the state. For more information and to register, visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith at 717-720-5457 or send email to: ssmith@pachamber.org. Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April

The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County. Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20, 21, 27 and 28. Volunteers may sign up for one day or multiple days. If you are interested in volunteering, send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email to: Leroy_Renninger@nps.gov. State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops of Harrisburg, Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Thirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania. In the Open Division the winners are: 1st Place - Andy Fresch, Summerhill; 2nd Place Ken Moser, Severna Park, MD: 3rd Place - John Shosh, Hamburg. The Amateur Division winners are: 1st Place - Matthew Edinger, Sharon Hill; 2nd Place - Mike Marino, Souderton; and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco, Wilburton. The Youth Division winners are: 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs, Milford; 2nd Place Bobby Faust, Dalmatia. The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously submitted. In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for each category. At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period. The finalists knew ahead of time, two of the flies that were to be tied and a third mystery fly was announced to them at the event. The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and applications, information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available. PA State Parks, Forest App Now Updated, And Free The Official Pennsylvania State Parks & Forests App is now completely FREE! This latest version now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping, the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail, and more. Featured Update List: Increased performance speed; Multi-tasking Capability; GeoChallenge (Geocache/GeoQuest) Feature; FREE enhanced GPS features. This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half. With the new multi-tasking capability, users gain enhanced user navigation. The more adventurous

outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache and geoquest activities, which will be updated regularly. The waypoint/photo waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS Mapping section. Use the app to track, record and share your explorations with others-all at no charge. Try out the app and let the PA Parks & Forests Foundation know what you think!

Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter, a pair of bald eagles got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a very important and timely renovation project. A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a nesting site since 1989. The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg, and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program. About two weeks ago, one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the nest. On Friday, Steve Bernardi, Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for Juniata, Mifflin, Perry and Snyder counties, was joined by Terry Willow, Game Lands Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew, and Scott Bills, Land Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties, to construct a platform to encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site. The three men measured and cut lumber, used hammers and nails, as well as screws and drills, to secure the lumber in place, and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to encourage the bald eagles who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees to begin rebuilding a nest. "A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989, and had their first young in 1990," Bernardi said. "A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995. Scott Bills, who was the Wildlife Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time, worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday. "Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest, and hopefully they will come back and reuse this platform just like they did back in 1995." Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania. In the 1980s, it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the Game Commission from Canada, in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state. About 40 eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of the island by 1989. When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990, the whole state had only seven nesting pairs. And, there has been an active eagle nest in that spot every year since, except 2004, when the birds took a year off.

"While we don't know if the same pair have been active that whole time, the same old sycamore tree has been used during this period, and that nest has produced more than 40 young over this period," said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief. "Since the site is well-protected, on a Game Commission island with limited access, this site has particular value to us. "Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania." In 1983, the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests. The Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund provided financial assistance for this effort. In all, 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin County's Haldeman Island and Pike County's Shohola Falls. The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is directly related to this program, which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast. When the restoration program began in 1983, only three Crawford County nests remained in the state. By 2006, the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest mark. Just five years later, in 2011, the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203 spread out over 50 counties. Residents aware of a bald eagle nest which are among the largest nests of all birds in their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The easiest way to contact the agency by sending email to: pgccomments@pa.gov. Use the words "Eagle Nest Information" in the subject field. The Game Commission continues to further the public's understanding of bald eagles. In 2010, a comprehensive "Bald Eagle" threatened species account and "Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette" guide were added to the agency's website. In 2011, the agency launched its series of "Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania" guides, that will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go, how to get there, what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site. Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Crawford County; Conneaut Marsh, Geneva Marsh, State Game Land 213, Crawford County; Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County; State Game Land 180, Shohola Lake, Pike County; Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Lebanon and Lancaster counties; Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County; Glendale Lake, Price Gallitzin State Park, Cambria County; John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia and Delaware counties; Lower Susquehanna River, Lancaster and York counties; Moraine State Park, Butler County; Pine Creek Valley, Lycoming and Tioga counties; Promised Land State Park, Pike County; Pymatuning Reservoir, Crawford County; and the Upper Delaware River in Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties. Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press Publications, publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations, has set April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest. Click Here for details. For advertising information, contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at 1-800-296-6402.

Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County. Help Wanted: Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator, Field Specialist The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg. This position is a 2 year term position with the possibility of extension. Click Here for details. Help Wanted: Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team, working together with local, state, and federal partners. The Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative, who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative. The deadline for applications is March 1. Click Here for details. Help Wanted: ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach, Marcellus The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus Monitoring program, training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection. Click Here for full announcement.

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. 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-- Coca-Cola, Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants, Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants

March 5-- PEC/Dominion Western PA Environmental Awards March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants March 15-- NEW. Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants April 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants, Loans 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 October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest -- 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-Budget Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee Bradford Commissioner: Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money What's Next For PA's Impact Fee? Bradford Against Fee Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees Editorial: Corbett's Gas Fee About To Evaporate Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill Fish & Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection PUC Chair: Let Marcellus Play Come To Us PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill Editorial: It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs House GOP: Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs Norquist's No-Tax Pledge Can't Give Drill Fee The Ax PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee

Vertical Exploratory Wells Won't Be Hit With Drilling Fee Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs Op-Ed: Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late Editorial: Marcellus Fee? A Tax, Stupid Editorial: Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal Corbett Raiding Special Funds Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget? As Roads, Bridges Deteriorate, Governor Silent Analysis: Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads, Bridges Editorial: Must A Bridge Fall Down? House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs Editorial: Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control Obama Cuts EPA, Increases Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget EPA Budget Cut For States, Superfund Cleanup Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research $67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate Other Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status RecycleBank Named On Of World's Most Innovative Companies Editorial: Fine Litterers, No Ifs Or Butts Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills Op-Ed: Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA Op-Ed: Global Warming As Fact, Not Hypothesis Op-Ed: Climate Change Education Is Necessary Homer City Power Plant Still To Dirty, Groups Claim DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines Consumer Alert: Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110,000 For Emergency Response Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution Locomotive DEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery DEP Renews ConocoPhillips' Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit 100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices Meehan: PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security Refinery Closings Could Affect 15,000 Jobs, Study Says Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4 $4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day?

Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday Birder's-Eye View Of Conservation In Philadelphia State Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring Winterfest At Ohiopyle: No Snow, Still A Go Protecting Landscapes: Changing Face Of Conservation

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee Bradford Commissioner: Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money What's Next For PA's Impact Fee? Bradford Against Fee Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees Editorial: Corbett's Gas Fee About To Evaporate Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill Fish & Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection PUC Chair: Let Marcellus Play Come To Us PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill Editorial: It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling Corbett Raiding Special Funds NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee House GOP: Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs Norquist's No-Tax Pledge Can't Give Drill Fee The Ax PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling Vertical Exploratory Wells Won't Be Hit With Drilling Fee Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs Drilling Bill Authors: Health Expert's Fears Unfounded Health Officials: Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax Op-Ed: Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late Editorial: Marcellus Fee? A Tax, Stupid Editorial: Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well

EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs 25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale Wells Firefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies Assessing PGW's Liquid Natural Gas Future Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling Report: Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp Industry Says Over 93,230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus Shale BCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More Op-Ed: Gas Drillers' New Wild West Marcellus Gas Production Rises, So Does Recycling Financial/Other States/National Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial, Operating Results Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose Dive Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research $67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny Other Watershed NewsClips Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT Award EPA Evaluates States' Chesapeake Bay Plans Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park $375,000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam

Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake Obama Cuts EPA, Increases Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget EPA Budget Cut For States, Superfund Cleanup Editorial: Delaware Dredging A Step Closer

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18, 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 notice of bond rate calculations for mine reclamation. The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for the Shenango River, Crawford County. DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related activities (PA Bulletin page 994). 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: You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website.

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-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is March 20. (formal notice) 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 23-- NEW. House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings. National Constitution Center, Philadelphia. 10:00. February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Public Utility Commission; 11:00 - Office of Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate. Room 140. February 27-- NEW. House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale air emissions. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr. 10:00. 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. 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; 3:00 - Department of Environmental Protection. 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 6-- CANCELED. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Next scheduled meeting is June 5. (formal notice)

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 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) 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.

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