pa environment digest dec. 15, 2014

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa December 15, 2014

Wolf Announces Transition Agency Review Leaders For DEP, DCNR, Other Agencies

Gov.-elect Tom Wolf Thursday announced the individuals tasked with reviewing state agencies,

commissions, and various issue areas. These individuals will work with the outgoing

administration to better understand the issues and challenges that face the executive branch.

"It is important that I understand the issues and challenges my administration will face,"said Governor-elect Tom Wolf. "Today I am pleased to announce this outstanding group of

individuals who will review state agencies and provide insight into issues that will allow me to

have the knowledge necessary to hit the ground running on January 20."

Environmental Protection (co-chairs)

Christina Simeone is the deputy director of the Kleinman Energy Policy Center at

University of Pennsylvania. Previously, Simeone was senior member of the PennFuture Energy

Center staff.

Robb Fox is a partner at the law firm Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP. Fox is known

nationally for his work under the federal Superfund law, including handling many high-profile

Superfund matters

Conservation and Natural ResourcesCaren Glotfelty is the executive director is the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. She

previously served as the director of environmental programs at Heinz Endowments. Glotfelty

also was the first deputy secretary of water management for the Department of Environmental

Resources under Gov. Robert Casey.

Agriculture

Russell Redding has served as the dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental

Sciences at Delaware Valley College since February 2011. Previously, Redding was the

secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Fish and Game

Dan Surra served as a senior advisor to the Pennsylvania Wilds in the office of Gov. Ed

Rendell, and he led Rendells Council on Fishing, Hunting and Conservation. Surra served in theHouse of Representatives from 1991 to 2008.

Public Utility Commission

Brent Alderfer is CEO and co-founder of Community Energy, a clean energy company.

Alderfer served as a former Colorado Public Utility commissioner and is well known in the

renewable energy industry for his leadership in markets for new and renewable energy

technologies.

So far, Gov.-elect Wolf has made these appointments during his Transition--
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ


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-- Katie McGinty Named Chief Of Staff

-- Transition Team Leaders, Including Budget Task Force

-- Transition Steering Committee Members

-- Budget Task Force Members

-- Secretaries of Policy, Legislative Affairs, Deputy For Public Liaison

-- Transition Agency Review LeadersFor more information and a complete list of Transition Agency Review Leaders, visit the

Wolf Transitionwebsite.

NewsClips:

Wolf Appoints 7 From Western PA To Agency Transition Teams

Wolf Appoints Reviewers For DEP, DCNR, Health, PUC

Wolf Names Allegheny Officials To Transition Team

Wolf Turning Former Campaign Foes Into Teammates

Wolf Announces Staff Picks

Wolf Taps Former DEP Secretary For Policy Chief

Wolf Taps Familiar Faces For Top Posts

Wolf Staff Picks, Not A Time For Rookies

Gov.-Elect Wolf Names Former DEP Secretary John Hanger Secretary Of Policy

Gov.-elect Tom Wolf Wednesday announced key staff that will join him in the Office of the

Governor. Wolf announced that John Hanger will serve as secretary of planning and policy,

Mary Isenhour will serve as secretary of legislative affairs, and Obra S. Kernodle IV will serve

as deputy chief of staff and director, Office of Public Liaison.

"I am proud to announce that John, Mary, and Obra will be joining my staff in the

governor's office," said Gov.-elect Tom Wolf. "As governor, I intend to get things done on

behalf of all the people of Pennsylvania. These senior members of my team will be key to this

mission because they are seasoned and have deep relationships on both sides of the aisle. I look

forward to working with them to move our Commonwealth forward."

These positions do not require Senate confirmation.

John Hanger - Secretary of Planning and Policy

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, John Hanger came to America in 1970 as an immigrant from

Ireland. After graduating from Duke University in 1979, where he majored in Public Policy and

History, John attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and then became a legal

services attorney at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia.

John was appointed as the Public Advocate for customers of Philadelphia's municipal

utilities prior to being nominated by Gov. Casey as a commissioner of the Pennsylvania Public

Utility Commission. John served as commissioner at PUC from 1993 to 1998, where heexpanded low-income and energy conservation programs and led efforts to restructure

Pennsylvania's electricity and gas industries.

From 1998 to 2008, John was the president of Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future and then

served as secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection from 2008 to 2011. Since

then, John has been an attorney at Eckert Seamans. John resides in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Mary Isenhour - Secretary of Legislative Affairs

Mary Isenhour began her career as a staffer in the Kansas House of Representatives,
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fits_not_a_time_for_rookies_wol.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFgpy4nEt45gxXVYilc7yFcCD_ajwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2F20141211_Wolf_taps_Hanger_to_be_policy_director.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFc58qDgFAjCYNaOqucDrZenPI1bAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F10%2Fwolf-taps-former-dep-secretary-for-policy-chief%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGv__N443FOS3ABbpDRNWmOc49lxghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-state%2F2014%2F12%2F10%2FPennsylvania-Governor-elect-Wolf-announces-staff-picks-Hanger-McGinty-Isenhour-Kernodle%2Fstories%2F201412100197&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMmvIAs79VC17QLUKo5W9JHVSvAQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F7350205-74%2Fwolf-hanger-campaign&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG2p8UVPo0sstNBT_jUvRZuV68Sbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fearlyreturns.post-gazette.com%2Fhome%2Fearly-returns-posts%2F6388-wolf-names-allegheny-county-officials-to-transition-team&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUTVi_OjLK86cxtGlv7J1zgrFnuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F11%2Fwolf-appoints-reviewers-for-dep-dcnr-doh-and-puc%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZHHV6lZJwoOKEiXDl3eOJhyXcwQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7359041-74%2Fwolf-agencies-team%23axzz3LcwRWl00&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEHPp3lp9yTIFuljT2ynLe_bwd_mQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-transition-review-heads&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpiMqATLq69StHkDXK78WOXg-_UQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-transition-review-heads&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpiMqATLq69StHkDXK78WOXg-_UQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-key-staff&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzLkVUhWJoxysOZbAb_wkd009oNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-budget-task-force&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Js2jsGMUcWiSGjufAzLFvAimtAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Ftom-wolf-transition-steering-committee&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHO_o51t05TErGBYUuGZ1CkJYVq6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-transition-team-leadership&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQPM5DVBFlCZu8VLbuqrbbNz7n5ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Ftom-wolf-names-kathleen-mcginty-incoming-chief-of-staff&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFWACbhFIOFPSKLpCPwaMF-psTf2g


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where from 1991 to 1995, Mary was chief of staff to the Democratic Leader. It was here where

Mary worked across party lines to advance legislation that improved the lives of the citizens of

Kansas.

In this role, Mary worked with leadership and committee members to develop and

implement committee and floor strategies, and she worked on developing legislative strategy and

building coalitions that resulted in legislation in numerous areas. Mary also served as liaisonbetween the Leader and other elected officials, agencies, and political entities.

From 1995 to 1999, Mary served as a national political director for the Washington, D.C.

based Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and from 1999 to 2003, Mary served as

executive director of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC).

Following her time at HDCC, Mary served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic

Party and as state director for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign.

Mary owns a consulting firm and served as senior strategist to Tom Wolf for Governor.

Currently, Mary is co-chair of Governor-elect Wolf's Inaugural Committee.

Obra S. Kernodle IV - Deputy Chief of Staff and Director, Office of Public Liaison

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Obra S. Kernodle IV is a graduate of Roman Catholic

High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Florida Agricultural &Mechanical University in 2002.

Before serving in his current position as senior advisor for Governor-elect Tom Wolfs

transition team, Obra played a key role on the Wolf campaign as both deputy campaign manager

and political director.

Before joining the Wolf for Governor campaign, Obra worked in Philadelphia Mayor

Michael Nutters Administration as deputy of legislative affairs, helping to coordinate the citys

Actual Value Initiative. In 2012, Obra was part of President Obamas reelection effort as the

Pennsylvania southeast political director. Obra previously served as the political director for both

Mayor Nutters 2011 reelection bid and District Attorney Seth Williams race in 2009.

So far, Gov.-elect Wolf has made these appointments during his Transition--

-- Katie McGinty Named Chief Of Staff

-- Transition Team Leaders, Including Budget Task Force

-- Transition Steering Committee Members

-- Budget Task Force Members

-- Secretaries of Policy, Legislative Affairs, Deputy For Public Liaison

-- Transition Agency Review Leaders

For more information on the transition, visit the Wolf Transitionwebsite.

NewsClips:

Wolf Turning Former Campaign Foes Into Teammates

Wolf Announces Staff Picks

Wolf Taps Former DEP Secretary For Policy ChiefWolf Taps Familiar Faces For Top Posts

Wolf Staff Picks, Not A Time For Rookies

Wolf Appoints 7 From Western PA To Agency Transition Teams

Wolf Appoints Reviewers For DEP, DCNR, Health, PUC

Wolf Names Allegheny Officials To Transition Team

John Dawes Recognized With Federal Office Of Surface Mining ECHO Award
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fearlyreturns.post-gazette.com%2Fhome%2Fearly-returns-posts%2F6388-wolf-names-allegheny-county-officials-to-transition-team&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUTVi_OjLK86cxtGlv7J1zgrFnuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F11%2Fwolf-appoints-reviewers-for-dep-dcnr-doh-and-puc%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZHHV6lZJwoOKEiXDl3eOJhyXcwQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7359041-74%2Fwolf-agencies-team%23axzz3LcwRWl00&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEHPp3lp9yTIFuljT2ynLe_bwd_mQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fits_not_a_time_for_rookies_wol.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFgpy4nEt45gxXVYilc7yFcCD_ajwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2F20141211_Wolf_taps_Hanger_to_be_policy_director.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFc58qDgFAjCYNaOqucDrZenPI1bAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F10%2Fwolf-taps-former-dep-secretary-for-policy-chief%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGv__N443FOS3ABbpDRNWmOc49lxghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-state%2F2014%2F12%2F10%2FPennsylvania-Governor-elect-Wolf-announces-staff-picks-Hanger-McGinty-Isenhour-Kernodle%2Fstories%2F201412100197&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMmvIAs79VC17QLUKo5W9JHVSvAQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F7350205-74%2Fwolf-hanger-campaign&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG2p8UVPo0sstNBT_jUvRZuV68Sbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAkdiVqu2xKHzWc27tOd7o1hxhxwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-transition-review-heads&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpiMqATLq69StHkDXK78WOXg-_UQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-key-staff&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzLkVUhWJoxysOZbAb_wkd009oNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-announces-budget-task-force&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Js2jsGMUcWiSGjufAzLFvAimtAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Ftom-wolf-transition-steering-committee&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHO_o51t05TErGBYUuGZ1CkJYVq6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Fwolf-transition-team-leadership&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQPM5DVBFlCZu8VLbuqrbbNz7n5ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fblog%2Ftom-wolf-names-kathleen-mcginty-incoming-chief-of-staff&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFWACbhFIOFPSKLpCPwaMF-psTf2g


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If Pennsylvania has a patron saint when it comes to

abandoned mine reclamation, it would be John Dawes, the

executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania

Watersheds.

The foundation specializes in facilitating grants toenvironmental and watershed associations statewide. This

seed money allows groups to leverage it for additional

funding from state and federal agencies.

John is clearly passionate about the issue of

abandoned mine reclamation and, in 2006, he led the effort

for the reauthorization of the federal Abandoned Mine Land

(AML) Fund. Since that time, the fund has contributed

significant monies to Pennsylvania for historic mine

reclamation. These monies come in the form of a coal

tonnage fee, currently 32 cents per ton.

It is the championing of this effort that prompted the Department of Interior's Office ofSurface Mining to today bestow its 2014 ECHO Award on John Dawes. In this case, ECHO

stands for Environment, Community, Humanity and Ownership, and John lives and breathes

those concepts, possessing a deep understanding of land and water issues in Pennsylvania and

bringing together coalitions that effect positive change on the landscape.

It was the Pennsylvania delegation that led the charge for the reauthorization of the AML

Fund almost a decade ago, a campaign which John was honored to chair. PennFuture was

equally honored to work alongside John to help make this happen.

Prior to the reauthorization of the law, monies to states for mine reclamation was handled

via appropriations committee. It is now mandatory spending. Last year, Pennsylvania received

$59 million from the federal government for its mine reclamation efforts.

In addition to helping to restore landscapes, streams, and communities, reclamation

efforts provide jobs, whether it's land grading, reforestation or installing storm water controls.

John Dawes is one of the most committed environmentalists and conservationists I know,

and his consistent pursuit of remediation for the environmental impacts of our coal mining

legacy has resulted in improvement for hundreds of miles of streams and rivers in Pennsylvania.

If our abandoned mines could talk, they would be thanking John for making them whole

again. PennFuture can't thank him enough for his good work on behalf of our land and water in

Pennsylvania.

(Written by: Cindy Dunn, President and CEO ofPennFuture.)

PA Budget Policy Center: Severance Tax Would Bring In At Least 3x Drilling Impact Fee

A severance tax on natural gas, which every other

major gas-producing state already has in place, will

generate significantly more revenue for

Pennsylvania than the current impact fee, even at

lower gas prices, according to an updated analysis
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennfuture.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEifsI5s-ssxgc5d-solBZy68Qw-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennsylvaniawatersheds.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEG2WfJuuUU_vV2JTUHa0ciAKakkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennsylvaniawatersheds.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEG2WfJuuUU_vV2JTUHa0ciAKakkQ


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by the PA Budget and Policy Center.

In 2015-16, a 5 percent severance tax would yield $675 million at a natural gas price of

$2.67 per thousand cubic feet (MCF) two-and-a-half times the estimated impact fee of $270

million.

Assuming a middling estimate of $3.48 per MCF, an estimate derived from the U.S.

Energy Information Administration price forecast discounted for Pennsylvanias lower gasprices, it would raise $881 million, more than three times the estimated impact fee.

Pennsylvania faces a budget shortfall of $2 billion for 2014-15, a shortfall that could have

been reduced considerably if the General Assembly had enacted a severance tax earlier this year,

when the depth of the projected shortfall was already known.

Public support for a severance tax has been demonstrated in numerous polls throughout

the fall, and was a key part of Gov.-elect Wolfs campaign platform.

The Marcellus Shale Coalition, speaking on behalf of the natural gas industry, has raised

the point that short-term prices for natural gas at some hubs distributing Pennsylvania natural gas

have fallen below the national benchmark price.

Even at lower prices, which are expected to reverse once planned pipelines come on line,

the severance tax will raise many times more than the impact fee. A 5 percent severance tax willraise $1 billion annually, if not in 2015-16, then soon after.

Of greater concern than the price of natural gas are accounting measures gas companies

will seek to have written into the law that will significantly reduce severance tax revenue. The

process is similar to that which is already familiar to Pennsylvania royalty owners who have seen

their royalty checks greatly diminished because of deductions in the fine print.

But the industrys focus on future gas price estimates masks the real issue.

As PBPC Research Director Michael Wood has noted, Whether the tax would bring in

$1 billion or $800 million at a specific point isnt the real question. The real question is whether

a severance tax would be a better deal for Pennsylvania or not. The answer is yes.

A severance tax is based on both the amount of gas produced and the price of the gas.

Even at lower gas prices, the tax would still raise significantly more revenue than Pennsylvanias

current impact fee, which is based on number of wells drilled each year and the price of natural

gas.

The impact fee generated an estimated $224 million in 2013-14. The estimate in

Mondays Associated Press story of what a 5 percent severance tax would bring in at current gas

prices -- $675 million is more than three times that amount, and would make a significant dent

in the states $2 billion budget shortfall next year.

For more background, go to the PA Budget and Policy Centers Marcellus Shale Tax

Policywebpage.

NewsClips:

Wolfs $1 Billion Severance Tax Estimate May Be HighTaxing Shale Drillers Top Pick To Solve PA Budget Problems

Allegheny Institute: Assessing The Impact Of A Severance Tax For PA

Editorial: Gas Drilling Grant Begs Questions

Report Criticizes Expanded Drilling On Public Land

Study Concludes More Drilling Threatens PA State Parks, Forests

Report: Drillers More Open About Fracking Risks

Drilling Companys Work Stopped Near Moraine State Park
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fbutler%2F7361123-74%2Fcompany-dep-site&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHKHv3YUX0-uxLntxt3ZV-fBns85whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7360521-74%2Fcompanies-report-fracking&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5eWKpKURA34w7sBxVMbbtGDkcOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2F50846673%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHVGGPwASZI_b2HgidqOtHbdUCYxwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F11%2Freport-criticizes-expanded-drilling-on-public-land%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvghPOfJ37QN0H7LskHAUcArvuOAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fdep-carries-coals-to-newcastle-1.1799358&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6XcIGVv6AM7RV5wxPapNyHz5sUAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2014%2F2014121284.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgT93lscZ4sMObSiW-iHcVEeENwwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fpittsburgh%2Fblog%2Fenergy%2F2014%2F12%2Ftaxing-marcellus-shale-drillers-a-top-pick.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFicBs8GPGq0-cRXLaLtKN7qQpeXQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpittsburgh.cbslocal.com%2F2014%2F12%2F07%2Fwolfs-1b-drilling-tax-prediction-might-be-high%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZXUFTrw9vNFUW3rknU2Uvcopa7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennbpc.org%2Fcategory%2Fissue-tags%2Fmarcellus-shale-tax-policy&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDoaXVmozmadDlFodlk-qjQ_kKOQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennbpc.org%2Fcategory%2Fissue-tags%2Fmarcellus-shale-tax-policy&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDoaXVmozmadDlFodlk-qjQ_kKOQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmarcelluscoalition.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGnjkaNj7HupiWhU6IzN6o0H6A36ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennbpc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF6VneClE2-jSJhIWWT3oTEdkm0xA


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Cranberry Twp OKs Drilling Beneath Golf Course

Allegheny Institute: Assessing The Impact Of A Severance Tax For PA

The Allegheny Institute for Public Policyin Pittsburgh Friday released another in a series of

public policy briefs, this one entitled, Assessing The Impact Of A Severance Tax For PA. Thepolicy brief is reprinted below--

In February 2012 the Pennsylvania Legislature enacted Act 13 which established an

impact fee on companies drilling for natural gas using the hydraulic fracture treatment, primarily

in the Marcellus Shale formation beneath the Commonwealth. At the time there was a clamoring

for a severance tax, but the impact fee prevailed.

The idea of imposing a severance tax was rekindled as it became a focal point of the

recently concluded gubernatorial race. The governor-elect has indicated that a five percent

severance tax on drillers will raise more than $1 billion per year that could be used on education

spending and in other areas. Is this assertion on target?

Act 13 specified the level of the impact fee, based on the market price of natural gas and

age of wells, and the allocation of funds collected (see Policy Brief Volume 12, Number 11).Over the first three years, the impact fee has brought in a total of approximately $632.4 million.

After eight state agencies take their share off the top, sixty percent of the remaining funds

have been returned to the counties and municipalities most directly impacted by the burgeoning

industry ($129.4 million to date) Washington County has received $15.2 million while

Bradford County far and away leads the pack with $22.8 million.

Even those counties and municipalities that do not have an unconventional well within

their borders have benefited ($20.65 million). For example Philadelphia and Montgomery

Counties have received $4.06 million and $2.13 million respectively despite being well outside

the Shale formation.

The balance, forty percent, is deposited into the Marcellus Legacy Fund. About one-third

of the Legacy Fund is directed to the Commonwealth Financing Authority to pay for

environmental projects.

Many of the counties and municipalities that have been the beneficiaries of these funds

have relied on them to round out their budgets.

So what happens if a severance tax is implemented? According to Act 13, section 2318,

if a severance tax is implemented, the impact fee would be terminated, ending the money being

bestowed on state agencies, counties, municipalities, and the Legacy Fund.

The severance tax proposed by the governor-elect is a five percent levy on the market

value of natural gas removed from the Shale formation.

Using production reports from the Department of Environmental Protection we can

estimate how much revenue a severance tax would have brought the Commonwealth each yearsince 2011 (the first year of the impact fee collections).

For calculation purposes we will use the average annual price of natural gas based on last

trading day of each month of the calendar year from the Henry Hub spot price as reported by the

New York Mercantile Exchange as outlined by Act 13.

In 2011 unconventional gas wells produced 1.066 billion thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of

gas. Using a price of $4.01 gives a market value of just less than $4.3 billion.

We can see from the table below that over the first two years, the estimated severance tax
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If Pennsylvania contemplates a severance tax will it allow deductions and exemptions as

well? Also these states tax all natural gas and not just those from shale sources.

Will Pennsylvania impose the severance tax on more traditional wells? The output of

conventional wells is just a fraction of the output of unconventional wells but taxing natural gas

should include them as well.

The natural gas industry has boomed with the advent of hydraulic fracturing in theMarcellus Shale formation and had given the states economy a boost during the most recent

economic downturn.

We have documented in past Briefs (Volume 11,Number 38and Volume 13,Number

27) the benefits of this industry to state coffers through income taxes, sales taxes, and now

impact fees.

A severance tax, if too high, could have adverse consequences for Pennsylvania. Instead

of trying to push through a severance tax that will consume a great deal of the Legislatures time

and political capital, the new administration should focus on tackling the issue of pension reform

which is the principal cause of the Commonwealths budget problem.

For more information, visit the Allegheny Institute for Public Policywebsite.

NewsClips:Allegheny Institute: Assessing The Impact Of A Severance Tax For PA

Wolfs $1 Billion Severance Tax Estimate May Be High

Taxing Shale Drillers Top Pick To Solve PA Budget Problems

Editorial: Gas Drilling Grant Begs Questions

Report Criticizes Expanded Drilling On Public Land

Study Concludes More Drilling Threatens PA State Parks, Forests

Report: Drillers More Open About Fracking Risks


Cranberry Twp OKs Drilling Beneath Golf Course

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Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule (Updated)

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as

well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (Adjourned Sine Die):The House adjourned and no more voting session days are

scheduled. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (Adjourned Sine Die):All bills left on the Senate Calendar were Tabled when the

Senate adjourned as is the custom in the Senate. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Session Schedule (Updated)

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

Senate

January 6 (General Assembly reconvenes), 20, 21, 26, 27, 28February 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 25

March 2, 3, 4

April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30

House
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January 6 (General Assembly reconvenes), 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25

March 2, 3, 4, 30, 31

April 1, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Capitol News

House Republican Staff Changes Reflects New Leadership Team

CapitolwireThursday reported House Republican Leadership staff changes, including the

naming of Todd Brysiak, formerly with the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, to be

Majority Leader David Reeds chief of staff, replacing Krystjan Callahan who held that position

for Rep. Mike Turzai.

Callahan has taken a position with a Harrisburg government affairs firm.

Tony Aliano, retiring House Speaker Sam Smith's chief of staff, will be Reed's general

counsel. Karen Coates, Turzai's former legislative director, has moved up to the Speaker's office

to become Speaker-designee Turzai's chief of staff.

Marcia Lampman will move from executive director of the House Liquor Control

Committee to director of legislative affairs for Reed. She'll be his floor manager and handle the

voting calendar.

Dave Reddecliff will be director of administration for the Speaker's office. House

Appropriations Committee staff will remain. Bob Nye, formerly with the Whip's office, is

moving over to the policy committee.

Steve Miskin remains press secretary for the House Speaker, Majority Leader andspokesman for the caucus.

News From Around The State

SRBC OKs Water Withdrawal Rule Changes For Drilling Operations

On December 5, the Susquehanna River Basin Commissionheld its quarterly business meeting

in Annapolis, Md adopted changes to its regulations covering water withdrawals by drilling

operations and a resolution urging the President and Congress to provide full funding for the

National Streamflow Information Program, thereby supporting the Susquehanna Flood Forecast

& Warning System.SRBCs voting commissioners and alternates were: Kenneth Lynch, SRBC Chair and

Director, Region 7, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Kelly Heffner,

SRBC Vice Chair and Deputy Secretary for Water Management, Pennsylvania Department of

Environmental Protection Dr. Robert Summers, Secretary, Maryland Department of the

Environment and Brig. General Kent Savre, Commanding General and Division Engineer,

North Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

SRBC also reported on recent water quality and biological characterizations SRBC has
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.srbc.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGxP1n2EFw46w5PEX9XYdi4n6n7AQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.capitolwire.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFjYCnhUF1XhP6dc85cfCZ194Lnw


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undertaken for the reservoirs on the lower Susquehanna River between Harrisburg and the

Chesapeake Bay.

Results show satisfactory water quality conditions for aquatic life in the Lower

Susquehannas reservoirs, although the reservoirs generally contain less biologically diverse

community assemblages than the free-flowing stretches of river in the same region.

The smallmouth bass population continues to be afflicted by high rates of lesion anddeformity, and while the population has expanded somewhat from recent low points, the number

of fish appears to remain well below the long-term average.

Click Herefor more details on other SRBC actions at the meeting or visit SRBCs Public

Participation Centerwebpage.

NewsClips:

Abandoned Mine Lands Rife With Hazards

Restoration Of Duke Lake Helps Reclaim Mather Coal Waste Pile

Exelon To Fund Additional Study Of Conowingo Dam

Greenlick Dam Work Continues In Fayette

Great Lakes Water Level Slump Over, Future Unclear

Op-Ed: Develop Plan For Delaware River BasinPittsburgh Water/Sewer Customers To Pay 4 Percent More

99th Annual Farm Show Begins Jan. 10

Whats New At 2015 Farm Show?

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

Delaware River Basin Commission Hears Testimony On PennEast Pipeline Project

At its first meeting since making the decision to exercise jurisdiction over the PennEast Pipeline

Project, the Delaware River Basin CommissionCommissioners Tuesday heard testimony from

the public regarding anticipated impacts to the water resources of the Delaware River Watershed.

Responding to a formal petition submitted by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and

hundreds of letters from individuals, the DRBC issued its jurisdictional determination on

November 14, 2014 in letters sent to the PennEast Pipeline Company and to Maya van Rossum,

the Delaware Riverkeeper.

In the letters, DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini wrote about the PennEast

pipeline: the project is subject to review under Section 3.8 of the Delaware River Basin

Compact and implementing regulations.

Im pleased DRBC is providing an opportunity for our community to voice its concerns

regarding the potential impacts of several proposed pipelines. This is an opportunity for DRBC

and Pennsylvania to partner in addressing these matters going forward, said Sen. John Rafferty

(R-Montgomery).Pipelines are a known and growing source of water pollution, of forest fragmentation, of

wetlands degradation, of flooding, erosion, lost groundwater recharge, and damaged ecological

systems. They are also responsible for the increased taking of private and public lands through

the exercise and/or threat of their eminent domain authority. They are the big bully partners of

the gas drillers. We applaud the DRBC decision to subject the project to their decisionmaking

process and are going to take full advantage of every opportunity to share with the DRBC the

information we have about the impacts this project would have on our water resources if allowed
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.nj.us%2Fdrbc%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGp7w0uWRXz-8xmPyYltAjeoniLRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpenneastpipeline.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdql30zZViHwyy_EfK2xY1bznPawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpenneastpipeline.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdql30zZViHwyy_EfK2xY1bznPawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bayjournal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Px9j09ljaRg857-DuR91nljFvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Ffood%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fpennsylvania_farm_show_food_co_1.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlXvXoxZbrKJaRmSM9m4nGtG_dRQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sungazette.com%2Fpage%2Fcontent.detail%2Fid%2F755492%2F99th-annual-Farm-Show-to-begin-Jan--10--state-says.html%3Fisap%3D1%26nav%3D5020&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHziR_SXUPED2-jAUk2MqEicsEDwwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F7365734-74%2Fmillion-pwsa-authority&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEt_KpCyO-w6DfKOo7lC-ziBA0hKQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20141211_Develop_plan_for_river_basin.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_dnYQhNkajaDyFn2UfXir-UM3JQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Fgreat-lakes-water-level-slump-over-future-unclear%2Farticle_148098ce-a4fd-51d0-b8e5-7e0fbb98f08b.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpQdEmH1vSjh8PsJewN_M2E0iTkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Ffayette%2F7306845-74%2Fvalve-carson-dam%23axzz3LU5P94nN&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE6s9EFhsC7jjvOCWE-DA532D3iUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F12%2Fexelon-to-fund-additional-study-of-conowingo-dam.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEEFe9WEIa-AM2Pc1o60jZnUg6exghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F7133453-74%2Flake-duke-dam%23axzz3LCftskYi&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFmcwTSYL_ChtZ3BgNR8hucfa2zrghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F7194295-74%2Fmine-problems-priority&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1EG367ETwVvN-XcC-vggYAXuasQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.srbc.net%2Fpubinfo%2Fpublicparticipation.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgbz-Vb-mjGUz_Wa9xPyamkrapqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.srbc.net%2Fpubinfo%2Fpublicparticipation.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgbz-Vb-mjGUz_Wa9xPyamkrapqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.srbc.net%2Fnewsroom%2FNewsRelease.aspx%3FNewsReleaseID%3D134&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_nmK28qqHF_IWzxr6rlu81NUG6w


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XTO requested on two separate occasions during 2014 to begin the Cratty Unit Project,

which would include drilling unconventional gas wells and constructing related facilities. In both

applications to DEP, the company only defined the scope of the project to include activities at

the well site.

XTO did not indicate within either application or any of the projects other associated

documents that it planned to conduct earth disturbance activities at the intersection of ElectionHouse Road and West Old Route 422 to create a truck access area.

Recently, XTO informed the department that the construction of a truck area was

necessary in order for large trucks to access the well site. However, DEP inspectors determined

that the company had already begun earth disturbance activity at the truck area without a permit

or other authorization from the department.

The official order requires XTO to immediately cease all earth disturbance activities

associated with the Cratty Unit Project and additional truck area, except those activities

necessary to stabilize the area, until they have obtained all required permits and authorizations.

Within five days, XTO must seed, mulch and/or take any other actions necessary to

protect from accelerated erosion and sedimentation in all areas that have been impacted.

NewsClips:DEP Orders XTO To Stop Earth Moving At Site In Butler County


CBF: Chesapeake Bay Program Receives Slight Increase In Federal Funding

Chesapeake Bay FoundationVice President Kim Coble issued this statement Wednesday

concerning the release of the federal appropriations bill:

"This is a critical moment in time for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and CBF

commends the continued Congressional support to reduce pollution and restore water quality to

local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. The federal government plays a crucial role in

cleanup efforts, and this budget bill honors its commitment to the goal of clean water.

"CBF commends the leadership of Senator Barbara Mikulski, long a champion of Bay

restoration efforts, in securing the necessary funding for this work, as well as for fending off

efforts to derail these efforts."

Key items include:

The Chesapeake Bay Programreceived a $3 million increase, to a record $73 million

Funding for Clean Water State Revolving Loans remained steady at $1.448 billion. These low

cost loans are critical for communities to upgrade sewage treatment plants and install green

infrastructure projects

The Bay Watershed Education and Training Program is funded at $7.2 million and

The Army Corps of Engineers' oyster restoration efforts received $5 million in funding.Other Provisions

The federal budget bill was not so favorable to the environment in other ways, as reported

by the Washington Post--

-- In a win for Republicans, the bill prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from

applying the waters of the U.S. ruleto farm ponds and irrigation ditches

-- Cuts another $60 million from EPAs budget which has been cut 21 percent since 2010 and

-- Again delays the implementation of the ban on incandescent light bulbs.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30172&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgu987IBq7dJgY-eje7S8RrNOElQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwapo.st%2F12qQQSi&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpqSB2uCQnNW1W9mAwizYIK5BQ0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEIqGtlFupEBply_FDYdfFlQTQJmghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fbutler%2F7361123-74%2Fcompany-dep-site&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHKHv3YUX0-uxLntxt3ZV-fBns85whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fpowersource%2Fcompanies-powersource%2F2014%2F12%2F11%2FPennsylvania-DEP-orders-XTO-to-stop-earth-moving-at-shale-site-in-Butler-County%2Fstories%2F201412110331&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXNZQ0NnZpDN1y38hNBe7eckVZTA


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Friends of the Allegheny Wildernessreported Friday the bill does include designations

for five new areas totalling over 250,000 under the federal Wilderness Act.

NewsClips:

Whats In Federal Spending Bill?

Abandoned Mine Lands Rife With Hazards

Restoration Of Duke Lake Helps Reclaim Mather Coal Waste PileExelon To Fund Additional Study Of Conowingo Dam

Greenlick Dam Work Continues In Fayette

Great Lakes Water Level Slump Over, Future Unclear

Op-Ed: Develop Plan For Delaware River Basin

Pittsburgh Water/Sewer Customers To Pay 4 Percent More

99th Annual Farm Show Begins Jan. 10

Whats New At 2015 Farm Show?

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

Crawford County Stream Improvements Help Threatened Species, Endangered Mussels

Much-needed stream restoration on Muddy

Run in Athens Township, Crawford County,

is providing improved habitats for several

aquatic species, including one designated as

threatened by Pennsylvania officials.

Wildlife For Everyone Endowment

Foundationmanaged funds for the project,

which was coordinated by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service. The Department of Transportation and Crawford County Conservation District

also contributed.

Experts worked to reestablish the natural stream channel and stabilize stream banks to

decrease the influx of sedimentation to the stream. The project was initiated after a core boring to

replace the bridge at Eddie Road resulted in groundwater related subsidence, which

over-widened the stream channel and sunk the streambed to as deep as 19 feet in some areas.

Crews constructed an extensive bankfull bench, mud sills and rubble vanes to correct mounting

issues.

The bankfull bench was constructed along the sunken river right bank and was stabilized

with a 180-foot mudsill. Rubble vanes were installed upstream of this mudsill to gently guide the

stream flow around the bend and along the mudsill. An additional 80-foot mudsill was

constructed adjacent to the existing bank on river left, across from the lower end of the river right

mudsill.These structures create an area of slower moving water adjacent to the banks and enhance

habitat for fish and wildlife species.

Muddy Run provides significant habitat for several aquatic species. Some areas upstream

of the project site are designated as Wild Trout Waters. The mountain brook lamprey

(Ichthyomyzon greeleyi), a Pennsylvania state threatened species, occurs in this stream.

Additionally, Muddy Run is inhabited by four federally listed, endangered mussel

species, the northern riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana), the clubshell (Pleurobema
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildlifeforeveryone.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlsPYqAI9-UnhyHhcigJgO6srT4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildlifeforeveryone.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlsPYqAI9-UnhyHhcigJgO6srT4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bayjournal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Px9j09ljaRg857-DuR91nljFvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Ffood%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fpennsylvania_farm_show_food_co_1.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlXvXoxZbrKJaRmSM9m4nGtG_dRQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sungazette.com%2Fpage%2Fcontent.detail%2Fid%2F755492%2F99th-annual-Farm-Show-to-begin-Jan--10--state-says.html%3Fisap%3D1%26nav%3D5020&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHziR_SXUPED2-jAUk2MqEicsEDwwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F7365734-74%2Fmillion-pwsa-authority&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEt_KpCyO-w6DfKOo7lC-ziBA0hKQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20141211_Develop_plan_for_river_basin.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_dnYQhNkajaDyFn2UfXir-UM3JQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Fgreat-lakes-water-level-slump-over-future-unclear%2Farticle_148098ce-a4fd-51d0-b8e5-7e0fbb98f08b.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpQdEmH1vSjh8PsJewN_M2E0iTkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Ffayette%2F7306845-74%2Fvalve-carson-dam%23axzz3LU5P94nN&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE6s9EFhsC7jjvOCWE-DA532D3iUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F12%2Fexelon-to-fund-additional-study-of-conowingo-dam.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEEFe9WEIa-AM2Pc1o60jZnUg6exghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F7133453-74%2Flake-duke-dam%23axzz3LCftskYi&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFmcwTSYL_ChtZ3BgNR8hucfa2zrghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F7194295-74%2Fmine-problems-priority&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1EG367ETwVvN-XcC-vggYAXuasQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwapo.st%2F12qQQSi&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpqSB2uCQnNW1W9mAwizYIK5BQ0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawild.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcIp8qbiQFlMfq6Sw7jVfmZSnZCQ


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clava), the rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), and the snuffbox (Epioblasmatriquetra).

This restoration project benefits these species, as well as others in the project area.

Stabilization of the stream banks, reduction in erosion and sediment input to the stream and

significant improvements to habitat provide a healthy stream channel with natural log and rock

features. Work was completed in fall 2014.

DEP Fines Fredericksburg Authority, Contractors $75,000 For Environmental Violations

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced a settlement agreementwith

the Fredericksburg Sewer and Water Authority, Joao and Bradley Construction Company, and

Steckbeck Engineering and Surveying, Inc. to resolve multiple violations of the Clean Streams

Law and the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act that occurred during the construction of the

Fredericksburg Sewer Main Project in Bethel Township, Lebanon County.

Joao and Bradley Construction Company served as the projects general contractor and

Steckbeck Engineering and Surveying, Inc. provided daily project oversight. The settlement

includes $75,000 in civil penalties.

Prior to beginning construction in early 2013, the parties failed to obtain the necessarypermits for the full scope of the project. Additionally, in areas where permit coverage was

obtained, the parties failed to conduct work in accordance with permit conditions and/or failed to

follow the approved plans.

Inspections by DEP and the Lebanon County Conservation District determined the

parties failure to obtain and follow permits resulted in impacts to streams and wetlands,

including some exceptional value wetlands.

Impacts included sediment pollution resulting from inadequate erosion and sediment

controls, fill placement in wetlands, stream and wetland disturbance during the unauthorized

installation of utility lines and associated access roads, and disturbance to several streams

resulting from the unauthorized replacement of existing roadway culverts.

Since DEP first identified the violations in the spring of 2014, the responsible parties

have cooperatively worked to restore many of the impacts. In addition to the civil penalty, the

settlement agreement requires the parties to develop and implement a restoration plan for

remaining impacts, as well as to submit permit applications for the continued operation and

maintenance of previously unauthorized activities.

A copy of the Consent Order and Agreementis available online.

Settlement Of Threatened Lawsuit Results In $110,500 Penalty Against Tredyffrin Twp.

The threat of a pending Clean Water Act lawsuit by PennEnvironmentand the Valley Forge

Chapter of Trout Unlimitedagainst Tredyffrin Township in Chester County compelled stateenvironmental regulators to take their own legal action against the Township, and to forge a

legally binding plan to fix and replace an aging, failure-prone sewage pipeline.

The settlement includes a penalty of $110,500 against the Township, and is expected to

resolve the repeated pipeline ruptures that have caused millions of gallons of untreated sewage to

be illegally discharged into Valley Forge National Historical Park and Valley Creek.

All along, PennEnvironment and Trout Unlimited have stated that our top priority is to

see a comprehensive solution to the sewage pipeline ruptures plaguing Valley Forge and the
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.valleyforgetu.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUaT0tCGuVVR5pl0aDi9k3ARbEgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.valleyforgetu.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUaT0tCGuVVR5pl0aDi9k3ARbEgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennenvironment.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Lqv_36hhYKBBaay0TWr-PSrSVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FRegionalResources%2FSCRO%2FSCROPortalFiles%2FCommunity%2520Info%2FWW%2FFredericksburg%2520Sewer%2520and%2520Water%2520Authority%2520Joint%2520Settlement%2520Agreement%2FFSWA_COA12-8-2014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFNV8bUFrmIr7Mwy3hceZGUyAkxlQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FRegionalResources%2FSCRO%2FSCROPortalFiles%2FCommunity%2520Info%2FWW%2FFredericksburg%2520Sewer%2520and%2520Water%2520Authority%2520Joint%2520Settlement%2520Agreement%2FFSWA_COA12-8-2014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFNV8bUFrmIr7Mwy3hceZGUyAkxlQ


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Valley Creek, and not to see the inside of a courtroom, said PennEnvironment Director David

Masur. The settlement with Pennsylvania DEP assesses an appropriate financial penalty for

Tredyffrins ongoing environmental violations, and contains a pro-active plan for avoiding future

sewage blowouts.

On September 29, 2014, PennEnvironment and VFTU had sent the Township and state

regulators a 60-day notice letter, the formal notice of intent to sue that is required beforeprivate groups can enforce the federal Clean Water Act.

Fifty-six days later, the Department of Environmental Protection obtained judicial

approval of a plan requiring Tredyffrin Township and its Municipal Authority to repair and

replace the pipeline.

In the consent decree, Judge Jacqueline C. Cody of the Chester County Court of Common

Pleas declared that Tredyffrin Township and the Tredyffrin Township Municipal Authority had

violated the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law during each of the three sewer line failures since

2012.

After two years of increasingly severe sewage pipeline breaks, no emergency response

plan other than dump the sewage in the creek, and no plan to replace this aging pipeline, Trout

Unlimited feels that we have once again fulfilled our role as environmental stewards by helpingto drive this outcome, said Pete Goodman, a former president of VFTU and local fisherman

who has fished in Valley Creek for over 40 years.

The first leak from the sewer line occurred in early 2012, followed by two massive

ruptures in 2014. During the pipeline ruptures in February and March 2014, Tredyffrin Township

discharged approximately 21 million gallons of untreated sewage directly into Valley Creek, a

tributary of the Schuylkill River that flows through the national park.

Valley Creek has been designated as an Exceptional Value streamthe states highest

water quality classificationby DEP, and as a Class A wild trout stream by the Fish and Boat

Commission.

Of the $110,500 penalty, $38,000 will be devoted to help fund the preparation of a stream

bank stabilization and floodplain restoration design for 945 feet of the severely eroded stream

bank of Valley Creek.

One of the most effective aspects of the federal Clean Water Act is that it empowers

local residents and citizen groups to take action when the local polluter and environmental

regulators wont, stated Masur. This case is a perfect example of how concerned citizens have

the ability to achieve speedy and effective resolution of serious environmental problems.

The consent decree includes a schedule requiring replacement of the pipeline, known as

the Valley Creek Trunk Sewer Force Main, beginning in early 2016. Recent inspections of the

36-year-old pipeline have revealed areas of severe deterioration. The consent decree also

requires the development of an emergency response plan in the event of another pipeline rupture

that must be submitted to DEP by January 20, 2015.For each day the Township misses a specified deadline listed in the consent decree, the

Township must pay an additional penalty of $100.

DEP Proposes Changes To Guidelines For Beneficial Use Of Coal Ash At Coal Mines

The Department of Environmental Protectionpublished noticeof an opportunity to comment on

a draft technical guidance related to the beneficial use of coal ash at coal mines in the December
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-50%2F2562.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFWVn9sDmEuibW2v3Uy8a9_vfnx0g


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13 PA Bulletin. Comments are due January 13.

DEP said the changes clarify implementation of new requirements in areas such as water

monitoring, ash quality monitoring and certification of coal ash sources.

A copy of the draft guidance is available online.

Comments are due by January 13. For more information, contact Sharon Hill, DEP

Bureau of Mining Programs, by calling 717-787-6842 or sending email to: [email protected].

Register Now For PA-AWWA Annual Conference, Deadline For Papers Extended

There is still time to register for the PA Section of the American Water Works Association

annual Conference April 21-23 in Hershey. The deadline for submitting Conference papers has

been extended to January 9. Click Herefor all the details.

Chesapeake Bay Program Seeking Technical Assistance Support Service Provider

Pennsylvania entities experienced in various aspects of fisheries, watershed science and policy,

watershed stewardship, local leadership, wetlands, toxics, and other watershed issues areencouraged to submit proposals for consultant services technical assistance to support the federal

Chesapeake Bay Program.

The Chesapeake Bay Trustwill accept the RFPs until January 5, 2015. The trust has been

designated to receive federal funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the

Maryland Department of Natural Resources as part of the Bay Program Goal Implementation

Team Project Initiative.

The work to be supported should advance outcomes from the Chesapeake Bay

Agreement. Ten specific outcomes from 10 management goals have been identified as top

priorities.

The request also includes nine components separated into nine individual scopes of work.

Three focus on fisheries issues, two focus on citizen stewardship topics, one each focuses on

wetlands, toxics, local leadership, and healthy watersheds.

Applicants can bid on one or more of the individual scopes of work, with each scope of

work addressed in a separate proposal.

For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Trusts Grants & RFPswebpage.

(Reprinted from theDecember 11 DEP News. Click Hereto sign up for your own copy and to

read back issues.)

12,809 Volunteers Keep PA Beautiful During 2014 International Coastal Cleanup

This year 12,809 volunteers from 50 counties across Pennsylvania canvassed their communities

to remove 646,210 pounds of trash and debris from Pennsylvanias waterways and coastal

regions during the 2014 International Coastal Cleanupevent, according to Keep PA Beautiful.

Our numbers have been steadily increasing each year. This year we had an increase of

31 percent in volunteer participation, 43 percent in participating counties and the pounds of trash

collected rose by 41 percent. This sends a strong message that Pennsylvanias are committed to

making their communities clean and beautiful, Stated Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keeppabeautiful.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnAJ8HoIN9W5G3EykJCU7tXW5k8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keeppabeautiful.org%2FCleanIt%2FIntlCoastalCleanup.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFs5SNtPrwEPlJ-tBuDNN4uLxM5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2014%2F2014121182.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMV1QhPRheAWYLaSMFvPO4_Y9jlAhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2Frfps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGiGl-ILxtSRiuunX7-oiL2ohX2ZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbtrust.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZZVjg6v9PUOI_X-jN9kGybznP2ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2Ftraining-events%2Fannual-conference%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG44-OhNUC2plqDS7ROBVCMFvGEbAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2F2015-annual-conference-call-for-papers-deadline-december-8-2014%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX4lAU66zuycBvP_DqiTH8VBpCmAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2F2015-annual-conference-call-for-papers-deadline-december-8-2014%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX4lAU66zuycBvP_DqiTH8VBpCmAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzX6dH9HwbN3KwIkh6mYFbE1jxVAmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-103539%2F563-2112-228.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHt7Of3rGEPxSXsu1U2X7XdIyEnDg


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Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful thanks all the dedicated volunteers who participated in

the International Coastal Cleanup of Pennsylvania.

Keep PA Beautiful is proud to be the Pennsylvania statewide coordinator for the

International Coastal Cleanup, the worlds largest volunteer effort to improve the health of the

worlds oceans and local waterways.

The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the largest international volunteer events.The cleanup gives citizens around the world the opportunity to clean up their local waterways

and to be a part of a larger movement.

From September through October, Keep PA Beautiful worked together with local groups

and organizations to coordinate 440 events throughout the state.

Volunteers in Pennsylvania documented the trash that was picked up and among the most

abundant types of trash found during the 2014 cleanup included: 27,489 Cigarette Butts 13,129

Plastic Beverage Bottles 3,635 Tires and 2,438 Plastic Grocery Bags.

Allegheny County had the most volunteers participate, 4,548 and collected the most trash

at 288,590 pounds.

Funding for the International Coastal Cleanup coordination in Pennsylvania is provided

by the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Waste Management and the CoastalResources Program.

For more information on the International Coastal Cleanup, go to the Ocean Conservancy

website or the Keep PA Beautiful International Coastal Cleanupwebpage.

Pick It Up, PA Public Service Announcement Wins National Award

Pennsylvania's public service announcement promoting the annual Great American Cleanup of

PAinitiative has won the "Best Statewide Promotion" award from Keep America Beautiful.

The PSA, produced by DEP, PennDOT and Commonwealth Media Services, highlighted

the annual cleanup event held in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, an affiliate of

Keep America Beautiful.

Keep America Beautiful annually recognizes the outstanding work of its affiliates,

volunteer groups, nonprofit and government organizations, leading corporations and individuals

who have committed to delivering cleaner, greener and more vibrant communities.

To view the PSA, visit DEP's YouTube Channel.


read back issues.)

Host Municipal Waste Inspector Grant Applications Due March 31

The Department of Environmental Protectionpublished noticein the December 13 PA Bulletin

announcing applications for reimbursement under the Host Municipality Inspector Program are

due March 31. For more information, visit DEPs Host Municipality Programswebpage.

FirstEnergy Awards Science Education Grants To 21 Teachers In PA Service Areas

FirstEnergyTuesday announced the award of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
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DEP identified a home there with the highest residential radon level ever measured in

Pennsylvania. The concentration in the affected home measured 3,715 picocuries per liter

(pCi/L). Additionally, several other homes in the area have had measured concentrations over

1,000 pCi/L.

In this circumstance, DEP recommended the occupants vacate the home until the

measured radon concentration was verified and remediated to a level less than 4 pCi/L A radonmitigation system was successfully installed on Dec. 6 allowing the homeowners to return.

Elevated radon levels in homes in this area were initially observed in September. In

response, DEP sent letters to more than 500 Center Valley area residents and included a coupon

for a free test kit to encourage the residents to test their homes.

The residents of the home with this highest measured radon concentration responded to

that letter by testing their home. In addition, DEP is working with several other residents to

conduct follow-up testing, as well as taking soil and rock samples in the area that will undergo

additional testing.

DEP has created a webpagewith radon information for residents in the Center

Valley/Coopersburg region. In addition, people can call DEP's toll-free radon hotline at

800-23-RADON for more information.


read back issues.)

DEP Solicits Comments On Proposed Lead Nonattainment Area In Berks County

The Department of Environmental Protectionpublished noticein the December 13 PA Bulletin it

will hold a hearing January 12 on proposed changes to the state Air Quality Implementation Plan

related to the Lyons Nonattainment Area in Berks County for compliance with the federal

National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead.

The hearing will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg starting at

10:00. A copy of the proposed revision will be posted on DEPs State Implementation Plan

webpage.

Natural Gas, Coal Bed Methane Operations Must Report 2014 Emissions To DEP

The Department of Environmental Protectionpublished noticein the December 13 PA Bulletin

notifying owners of natural gas and coal bed methane operations they must report their 2014 air

emissions to the agency by March 1. For more information, visit DEPsNatural/Coal Bed

Methane Operationswebpage.

Dec. 11 DEP News Now Available

The December 11 issue of DEP Newsis now available from the Department of Environmental

Protection featuring articles on-

-- Hundreds Attend Lehigh County Radon Information Meeting

-- DEP Fines Fredericksburg Authority, Contractors $75K For Environmental Violations

-- DEP Fines Cabot $120K For Storage Tank Explosion, Spill In Susquehanna County
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fnews_releases%2F14288&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEE0F-1SC9ap2i6__d4pLKtDZkzdQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fnews_releases%2F14288&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEE0F-1SC9ap2i6__d4pLKtDZkzdQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F12%2Fhundreds-attend-lehigh-county-radon.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJ0i90o6uU0aT7_9EN7wfAP1gi5whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2014%2F2014121182.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMV1QhPRheAWYLaSMFvPO4_Y9jlAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEmission%2520Inventory%2F21810&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbQjPM0VMs7p3UhPDp5l5M1K4ulwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEmission%2520Inventory%2F21810&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbQjPM0VMs7p3UhPDp5l5M1K4ulwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-50%2F2564.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEJYvfCX4LnQ-jSSRccgZ3vIHDALAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fregulations_and_clean_air_plans%2F21827%2Fstate_implementation_plan%2F1830622&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGIA75zkjcKcn0A9NRqQRlzaRO5Qghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-50%2F2563.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHckAugg1wrms6Bd_poEfTcM1mhswhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2014%2F2014121182.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMV1QhPRheAWYLaSMFvPO4_Y9jlAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fnortheast_regional_office%2F13779%2Fcenter_valley_coopersburg_area_radon_response%2F1943606%3Futm_source%3DListrak%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_term%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.portal.state.pa.us%252fportal%252fserver.pt%252fcommunity%252fnortheast_regional_office%252f13779%252fcenter_valley_coopersburg_area_radon_response%252f1943606%26utm_campaign%3DDEP%2BNews%2Bfor%2BDec.%2B11%252c%2B2014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTHeZj-n9XTBAV9fc3zetn2rmZuA


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Join the Conservancy on a guided eagle-viewing bus trip, scheduled on multiple

weekends throughout January and February. Learn from an expert guide and take a scenic drive

on a heated bus throughout the Upper Delaware River region to look for and learn about

magnificent bald eagles and their habitat.

Seats on trips are limited, and reservations are required, so reserve your space today for

the following 2015 winter trips (Fee: $15 for members, $20 for non-members). Call theConservancy at 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010 or send email to: [email protected]

register.

The trips will be held on January 17 and 31, February 7 and 14.

The trips commence at the Upper Delaware Visitor Center in Lackawaxen, PA and run

from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Be sure to dress warmly in layers and wear waterproof boots. Bring

binoculars, camera, snacks, and a bagged lunch. Snow dates for the trips are the Sundays

immediately following.

Eagle Day Jan. 24

On January 24th, join the Conservancy and Lacawac Sanctuary for Eagle Day, a free

afternoon of fun for the whole family.

On the 24th, join us at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center in Hawley, PAand enjoy Live Birds of Prey presentations with Bill Streeter of the Delaware Valley Raptor

Center (two opportunities at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3 p.m.) and hands-on activities for all ages to

learn about eagles and other native birds--including building an eagle's nest! You do not need to

register in advance for this program.

Eagle Watching On Your Own

The Upper Delaware Visitor Center at 176 Scenic Drive in Lackawaxen, PA is

generously provided by the National Park Service and is a center of information for visitors

looking to learn more about viewing and protecting eagles.

Visitors can pick up information about the bald eagle in the Upper Delaware River

region, get maps and directions to eagle viewing locations, watch a short documentary, and view

new interpretative exhibits. The Lackawaxen office is staffed on Saturdays and Sundays

December through mid-March and open to visitors from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy has also partnered with the National Park Service

and the New York State Department of Conservation to maintain two well-marked viewing areas

in the Mongaup Valley on the Rio and Mongaup Falls reservoirs. These viewing blinds are also

staffed by Conservancy volunteers on weekends through the winter season, and visitors can look

through binoculars and spotting scopes to see magnificent bald eagles in the wild.

The Upper Delaware River region is one of the largest wintering habitats for eagles in the

northeast United States because of abundant clean water and large, undisturbed stands of trees.

Protected lands in Sullivan County, NY and Pike and Wayne Counties in PA provide a safe

haven for these migratory birds, as well as breeding eagles that live here year-round.Twenty years ago there was just one eagles nest in PA and one in NYnow, there are

hundreds in each state.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works with landowners and communities to

protect the healthy lands, clean waters, eagles and other wildlife, and locally sustainable

economies of the Upper Delaware River region.

For more information, visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagles webpagefor the

latest information, call 570-226-3164, 845-583-1010, or send email to:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delawarehighlands.org%2FEagles&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZ4DmSGU4InUc90kGtYE-qx64vSgmailto:[email protected]


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College.

May 6-8--PA Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference. Toftrees Resort,

State College.

May 7-9--PA Land Trust Assn. PA Land & Water Conservation Conference. Wyndham,Gettysburg.

May 13-15-- DEP and Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania2015 Pennsylvania

Brownfields Conference. Erie Bayfront Convention Center, Erie.

October 28-30--2015 Partnership for Safe Water 2015 Water System Optimization Conference

hosted by the Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association.

Visit DEPs Public Participation Centerfor information on how you can Be Informed!and Get

Involved!in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment- DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods- DEP webpage

Recently Finalized Regulations- DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Update- DEP webpage

DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents- DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines- DEP webpage

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance- DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Recently Finalized- DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance- DEP webpage

Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment- DEP webpage

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals- DEP webpage

Other Proposals Recently Finalized- DEP webpage

Click Herefor links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.

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
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eeresources.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGQ_O36l__647O1Qo213KlLogFwYwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ahs.dep.pa.gov%2FCalendarOfEvents%2FEventCalendar.aspx%3FCalendarDate%3D%257B0%257D&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnCb3Lqwig-lIEd36mXR1-LfJMEQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fadvisory_committees%2F14011&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHM1SULYfHxhxW9n6ilTsSMk4f1uwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fother_proposals%2F21829%2Fother_proposals_recently_finalized%2F1831397&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmSllRGneOqAbwQYn0nThkYMR5Yghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fother_proposals%2F21829%2Frecently_closed_comment_periods%2F1831395&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHaEGYSxvdhw3CBYOLkxEgt8G_nAghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fother_proposals_open_for_comment%2F21829%2Fother_proposals_open_for_public_comment%2F1831393&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFRt3ypSmn5xDLHHmxZpJ2Inrqsnghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2F164.156.71.80%2FWXOD.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzy4E8GQRp8qhr_pxSHCRXb_cOMAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Ftechnical_guidance%2F21828%2Frecently_finalized_technical_guidance%2F1831386&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxiKilFedCPQ_LrPc-190E6BLG6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Ftechnical_guidance%2F21828%2Frecently_closed_technical_guidance_comment_periods%2F1831384&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAXDCL-5M-6Ovs18JorAD48dpeTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Ftechnical_guidance%2F21828%2Ftechnical_guidance_open_for_public_comment%2F1831378&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGg-oKPWw1R-go0eYfcRJotqIA2twhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FView%2FCollection-10105&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbm6rhYMRdF2Ws4Amd_tA4zfC2oQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FPublic%2520Participation%2520Center%2FPubPartCenterPortalFiles%2FEnvironmental%2520Quality%2520Boar