pa environment digest dec. 2, 2013

8/13/2019 Pa Environment Digest Dec. 2, 2013

1/30

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 2, 2013

Senate Committee To Consider Nominations Of Ferretti At DCNR, Abruzzo At DEP Dec. 4

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee

is scheduled to meet on December 4 to consider the

nominations of Ellen Ferretti as Secretary of Conservation

and Natural Resources and Chris Abruzzo as Secretary ofEnvironmental Protection.

Gov. Corbetts nominees for DEP and DCNR were

announced September 20, but the 25 legislative days the

Senate has to consider nominations officially began on

October 20 with both nominations because thats when the

paperwork got to the Senate.

Both nominations are now on day 16.

The Senate is scheduled to return to voting session December 3 and will be in session a total of

five days in December.

If the nominations are not acted on in December, the Governor will have to re-submit the

nomination paperwork in January, including new financial disclosure statements, and the Senate willhave 10 additional legislative days to consider the nominations.

The meeting will be held in Hearing Room 1 North Office Building starting at 10:00 a.m.

Vote Now For Pennsylvanias 2014 River Of The Year

The public is invited to vote online for the 2014 Pennsylvania River

of the Yearnow through December 27, choosing from among five

waterways nominated across the state: the Schuylkillin eastern

Pennsylvania Kiskiminetas- Conemaughrivers in the

southwest Ohioin the west Brodhead CreekWatershed in the

northeast and West Branch of the Susquehannain thenorthcentral section of the state.

So many unique natural resources and recreational

opportunities are showcased individually in these nominations,

said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti. Collectively,

these rivers and streams demonstrate just how blessed Pennsylvania is with its wealth of major

waterways.

Nominations were based on each waterways conservation needs and successes, as well as
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariveroftheyear.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_Owr-3aOozVd8lT7dMhvxwW3TgAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26525&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF3Yf3SqfTvCaS2pPl8VxjokNEFLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fenvironmental.pasenategop.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRDHWMYN0v31ZePBn-Pd6K-qG-2ghttp://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.pariveroftheyear.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_Owr-3aOozVd8lT7dMhvxwW3TgAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariveroftheyear.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_Owr-3aOozVd8lT7dMhvxwW3TgAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26525&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF3Yf3SqfTvCaS2pPl8VxjokNEFLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fenvironmental.pasenategop.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRDHWMYN0v31ZePBn-Pd6K-qG-2ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ


2/30

celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2014 River of the Year.

In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices was overseen by the PA

Organization for Watersheds and Rivers(POWR), an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental

Council.

As it enters its fourth year, we have seen the online public selection process become

increasingly popular, Ferretti said. We also know this spirit of good-natured competition ralliescommunity support around our waterways and puts deserving rivers and streams in the limelight.

Voting will be managed through Woobox, an online contest application that restricts voting to one vote

per email address.

POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented

annually since 1983, this years designation was awarded to the Monongahela River in southwest

Pennsylvania.

"The River of the Year contest allows all Pennsylvanians to highlight the many fabulous

waterways they enjoy, whether by boating, fishing, walking, eating, or shopping along the river trails,

said Paul King, president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. While we formally recognize onl

one river with this award, we acknowledge the unique value of all rivers and their contribution to the

overall environmental quality of Pennsylvania and the quality of life to all who enjoy them."After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a year-round slate of

activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn. The organization

nominating the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year

activities.

The River of the Year sojourn is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and

POWR each year. The independent Pennsylvania Sojourn Programis a unique series of a dozen such

trips on the states rivers. These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers and others raise

awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers.

POWR and DCNR also work with local organizations to create a free, commemorative poster

celebrating the River of the Year.

To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania River of the Yearwebsite, the DCNRs Rivers

Conservation Programwebpage and the PA Organization for Watersheds and Riverswebsite.

Governor Signs Comprehensive Transportation Funding Bill

Gov. Tom Corbett Monday signed into law House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong), Pennsylvanias most

comprehensive piece of state transportation legislation in decades.

The transportation package will keep Pennsylvania safe and economically competitive by

investing an additional $2.3 to $2.4 billion into the states roads and bridges by the fifth year of the plan

and providing funding for transit systems across the state.

Today I put my signature on Pennsylvanias passport for the future, Corbett said. Throughbipartisan spirit and an agreement that crossed party lines it shows that Pennsylvania is a state in which

moderation, careful thought and good faith still play a large role in how we govern. Pennsylvania is a

state that puts progress ahead of party lines with a common goal of serving our citizens.

This is an investment in the safety of our citizens and the progress of our economy. It will create

more jobs and keep Pennsylvanians moving across safe, world-class highways and bridges, Corbett

said.

The plan uncaps the Oil Company Franchise Tax in steps over five years which is estimated at
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawatersheds.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGeJT3Q8K3MdLJjLb9emq9-xKHT8whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fbrc%2Fconservation%2Frivers%2Friverresourceprogram%2Friversconservation%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEhkeWvvkSAVGGVYc3zOti5MhyQzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fbrc%2Fconservation%2Frivers%2Friverresourceprogram%2Friversconservation%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEhkeWvvkSAVGGVYc3zOti5MhyQzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariveroftheyear.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_Owr-3aOozVd8lT7dMhvxwW3TgAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fbrc%2Fconservation%2Frivers%2Friverresourceprogram%2Friversconservation%2Fpasojourns%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1-RsSEGUa46EU0mWT_zQbfLXhLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECSvVRvFebqz1uGOkG9_LYYlNATwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECSvVRvFebqz1uGOkG9_LYYlNATwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawatersheds.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGeJT3Q8K3MdLJjLb9emq9-xKHT8whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawatersheds.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGeJT3Q8K3MdLJjLb9emq9-xKHT8w


3/30

current prices to increase gasoline prices by 25 to 28 cents per gallon. Vehicle registration fees and

drivers license fees are increased. A surcharge is imposed on traffic tickets and certain fines are

increased.

The Intermodal Fund will provide $8 million in annual funding for rail freight projects by FY

2014-15 and $2 million annually for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, among other purposes. The bill

includes a provision consolidating PennDOT deputates and creates a Deputy Secretary for MultimodalTransportation.

The plan includes a $30 million increase to the Dirt and Gravel Road Program bringing the total

funding to $35 million annually-- $28 million to the State Conservation Commission and $7 million to th

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Fish and Boat Commission will receive funds from the Oil Company Franchise Tax based

on the amount of fuel used by power motorboats.

The plan also establishes a new $2/sticker fee for vehicles exempt from the vehicle emissions

testing program which drive fewer than 5,000 miles a year.

The amendment also included a limited reform of the prevailing wage increasing the threshold fo

projects it applies to $100,000 from $25,000.

A House Fiscal Note(better one) and Senate Fiscal Notesummary of the bill are available.NewsClips:

PennDOT Says Drivers Unlikely To Be Pinched At Pump

Gasoline Retailers Plan To Pass Higher Tax On To Motorists

Corbett Signs Transportation Funding Bill

Corbett Signs $2.3 Billion Transportation Bill

Transportation Funding Bill Bipartisan Victory

Dems Join Corbett At Transportation Bill Signing

Transportation Bill Includes Funds For Rail, Airports

Legislative Leaders To Advise PennDOT On Spending New Money

Winners, Losers From In Transportation Bill

Transportation Funding Bill Vote Unusual

Turzais Transportation Vote

Transportation Bill Doesnt End Bridge Weight Limits

John Baer: Transportation Bill Raises Questions

McNickle: About That Transportation Bill

Editorial: Long, Strange Trip For Road Funding Bill

Conservation Districts Laud New Transportation Funding For Dirt And Gravel Roads

Gov. Corbett signed the highly anticipated House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong) Monday which

includes $35 million for the states Dirt and Gravel Roads Program, into law, according to the PAAssociation of Conservation Districts.

This funding is a win for residents in both rural and urban areas of Pennsylvania, said Robert

Maiden, PACD Executive Director. Including funds for the Dirt and Gravel Roads Programis including

money to be well spent on improving the states environment and economy, while providing the needed

support for agriculture, business and tourism. This is an accomplishment for each of us.

Currently, there are more than 14,000 identified sites in need of infrastructure improvements in

Pennsylvania. Through partnerships with multiple stakeholders, conservation districts will be able to
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fgateway%2FPTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43%2Fagwebsite%2FProgramDetail.aspx%3Fname%3DDirt-and-Gravel-Road-Maintenance-Program-(DGRMP)%26navid%3D12%26parentnavid%3D0%26palid%3D25%26&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi7nU_DoCFXNUcs_vDQDdd4k6gKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpacd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGayAKCRYvxOW3fw9ebHJ_i8kcmuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpacd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGayAKCRYvxOW3fw9ebHJ_i8kcmuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2F20131124_Inquirer_Editorial__Long__strange_trip_for_road_bill.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFj37qel_gPtbrzyVlYyLMTDdBAbQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolinmcnickle%2F5077964-74%2Ftax-corbett-increase&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUvM8umcW928PxDRGsq843ar7XjAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20131125_PA_s_transportation_bill_raises_a_few_questions.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECGbnUSmMkl4AAGXX6LQJ0g28stghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F5118006-74%2Fmillion-bridge-route&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEiieGijEMEWAR67JwQpevfM3BMkghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fearlyreturns.post-gazette.com%2Fhome%2Fearly-returns-posts%2F5928-turzai-s-transportation-vote&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvvKXQMXoad4b6LAUuGr1nMDqRdAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Ftransportation-vote-unusual-1.1590375&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsD5RLlMFMqO9-djdkTuooiIMwCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20131124%2FNEWS02%2F311249895%2FWinners-and-losers-from-state-transportation-bill&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxpN_8ONdGtXhzqEuLp_UHSXbjKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F5124834-74%2Fprojects-money-million&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0WLrZfFzfFClGPAUKGXz19iu7Pwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fxxx-1.1591504&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0g5pNEX9wReAO_rpEdlY4zbn7Rghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2F20131126_Top_Dems_join_Corbett_as_he_signs_roads_bill_in_Montco.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGkhe7jNwWPpaTedCJL66Jf9R6PCghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2013%2F11%2F25%2FCorbett-signs-2-3-billion-transportation-funding-plan%2Fstories%2F201311250172&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFh9KadXx0VA8bzgzN1tAWpIHaq2whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fcorbett-signs-2-3b-pa-transportation-bill-1.1590969&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaImVg3Zcgve0ktQ9d_zfzFUX1Qwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5071144-74%2Fbill-corbett-state&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxNy9Oi7I4tMV1ElRrZFoJbYcKTwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fgas_retailers_plan_to_pass_hig.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGbXdS81LI_l-tv3pajcu6pjPhQvAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2013%2F11%2Fpenndot_honcho_says_transporta.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvUGCEJBe9JsfhRoq5Wiq4ZyeYGwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FSFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGY_cP3QUYaW80JbEv7UG39LZDiAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELW581B8YnTHLjjcdHW_funzAfg


4/30

begin to implement on the ground efforts which will result in improved access and efficiency for areas

across this commonwealth.

This was years of dedicated conversation and work to reach an agreement that would mutually

benefit any individual accessing any means of transportation in this state. We realize all that went into th

effort and sincerely thank Gov. Corbett and his administration, as well as the leadership of both

chambers and all of the legislators who worked to get this important legislation passed, added Maiden.Pennsylvanias Dirt and Gravel Roads Program became law in April 1997 thanks to the efforts

of the General Assembly and the PA Council of Trout Unlimited.

The law created a dedicated, non-lapsing fund to provide funding and training to local

communities for local dirt and gravel road maintenance. The funds are distributed by the State

Conservation Commission to the 65 county conservation districts which participate in the Dirt and

Gravel Roads Program.

Under House Bill 1060, $35 million has been allotted for the states Dirt and Gravel Roads

Program. Of this, $28 million is allotted to conservation districts, with $8 million earmarked specifically

for low-volume roads. The other $7 million is allotted to the state Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources.

Each year, townships/boroughs work with their local conservation district to address identifiedsites by using environmentally-sound road maintenance practices. Since its inception, the Dirt & Gravel

Roads Program has invested $75 million in the Commonwealths unpaved roads and improved water

quality.

For more information, visit the PA Association of Conservation Districtswebsite. Visit the Dirt

and Gravel Roads Programand Center for Dirt and Gravel Roadsfor more information about the

program.

10,000 Friends Of PA Salutes New Transportation Funding Bill

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvaniaissued the following statement on the passage and signing into law of the

transportation funding bill this week.--

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania commends the Republican and Democratic leadership of the

Pennsylvania General Assembly for reaching a reasonable compromise and passing the transportation

bill, House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong). We applaud Gov. Corbett for signing the bill into law, as Act

89, while traveling the Commonwealth Monday.

With the signing of Act 89, critically needed funding can now begin to flow to key

transportation and transit projects throughout the Commonwealth.

Roughly 23 percent of all funding in this bill - $2.2 billion over the next five years - goes to

much-needed transit projects. In addition, the bill makes a large commitment of approximately $700

million over the next five years in a first-ever Multi-Modal Fund.

10,000 Friends is very pleased to see several of our top priorities included in the new law. Westrongly advocated that at least 25 percent of all new funding go to transit - to improve service for those

who rely on transit to get to work or school or the doctor's office.

It is sound public policy to encourage greater use of public transit, as our transit systems

efficiently meet the mobility needs of thousands daily, while conserving energy and providing the best

means of reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

And paying for these transit investments at least in part through an additional dedicated slice of

the state Sales & Use tax, another 10,000 Friends priority, has also become law in Act 89 - with a
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2F10000friends.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqp5O1HcfoeiPHhjnXl1F2sEW3rAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dirtandgravel.psu.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPwlB5t5x4aObBctt3UG4QMI6S4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fgateway%2FPTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43%2Fagwebsite%2FProgramDetail.aspx%3Fname%3DDirt-and-Gravel-Road-Maintenance-Program-(DGRMP)%26navid%3D12%26parentnavid%3D0%26palid%3D25%26&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi7nU_DoCFXNUcs_vDQDdd4k6gKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fgateway%2FPTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43%2Fagwebsite%2FProgramDetail.aspx%3Fname%3DDirt-and-Gravel-Road-Maintenance-Program-(DGRMP)%26navid%3D12%26parentnavid%3D0%26palid%3D25%26&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi7nU_DoCFXNUcs_vDQDdd4k6gKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpacd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGayAKCRYvxOW3fw9ebHJ_i8kcmuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.patrout.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHXAlbEz8rbnRn0DwQ5fa5VjFP4w


5/30

minimum amount of $450 million annually beginning in year 2022-2023.

We were an early advocate and supporter of creating a new Multi-Modal Fund, building on

both the legacy of the Community Transportation pilot we created and championed as well as on our

vision of promoting better land use, and we are tremendously gratified that a first-ever Multi-Modal

Fund has been established.

Insisting that the new Multi-Modal Fund be adequately funded to make robust investments, weled in singularly pressing House and Senate leaders for increased Multi-Modal Funding - and indeed the

Fund has grown from the $60 million annually first proposed to $151 million provided annually when

Act 89 is fully implemented.

This increased funding will result in many more bicycling and pedestrian projects than previously

possible - along with streetscape and main street improvements, and opportunities to build new trail

networks, safer crosswalks, and safe routes to schools.

In a state where 12 percent of traffic fatalities involve pedestrian and bicyclists, especially

senior citizens, this funding will make our streets, highways, and neighborhoods safer while creating

more vibrant, connected, healthier communities.

Thus this compromise law is a major step towards making the long term investments needed in

our transit systems and other community-based transportation options for pedestrians and bicyclists.Act 89 is an enormous improvement over the bill that stalled in the House at the end of June.

As a direct result of our advocacy, an additional $285 million in funding for the Multi-Modal Fund (over

five years) was secured that did not exist in the June version of the bill.

We also strongly supported, with our close partners, the strategy that resulted in more than a

$1.2 billion increase (over five years) in additional funding for transit not included in the June version of

the bill. These increases represent a real victory for those of us who argued that it was worth fighting fo

- and negotiating - a better bill.

No one wants to pay more in gas taxes or vehicle registration fees. But access to a world-class

transportation system is not an entitlement-it costs money. We should regard paying for our

transportation network like we already accept paying for all the other networks and utilities essential to

connecting us to modern life, including telephone, cell phone, internet access, cable television,

electricity, water, and waste disposal services.

Since the revenue produced by gas taxes at previous rates was not sufficient even to pay for

the repair and maintenance of existing roads and bridges that previous generations had paid to build,

increased investment was necessary.

This is not a perfect law by any means. We wish it included more funding for community

transportation, more explicitly prioritized road and bridge maintenance, and explicitly linked project

investments with sound land-use and land-planning principles. But it is an important step forward.

For 10,000 Friends and those committed to building a prosperous and healthy Pennsylvania,

this act is a hopeful sign that despite our much too polarized politics, it is possible to secure the

resources needed to build a vision of a better future for Pennsylvanians-a safe, well-maintained,well-connected multi-modal transportation system that provides all Pennsylvanians with more choices

and better access to jobs, shops, schools, recreation, and other valued destinations and creates a more

prosperous, vibrant, healthy Pennsylvania with the infrastructure needed to take advantage of new

opportunities in the 21st Century.

For more information, visit the 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvaniawebsite.

Growing Greener Coalition Celebrates Marcellus Legacy Fund Grants
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2F10000friends.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqp5O1HcfoeiPHhjnXl1F2sEW3rA


6/30

The PA Growing Greener CoalitionTuesday celebrated the approval of more than $28 millionin

Marcellus Legacy Fund grants to support recreation and critical land and water protection efforts

throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition is pleased that funds from the Marcellus Legacy

Fund will be used to support vital recreation and land and water protection efforts, said AndrewHeath, executive director of the PA Growing Greener Coalition. These grants will have a lasting

impact on the Commonwealth by supporting projects that provide numerous benefits including

protecting watersheds, mitigating risk of flooding, building and maintaining recreational trails and treatin

former mining sites.

A result of Act 13, which was signed into law in 2012, the impact fee collects fees on natural

gas drilling. To date, the states impact fee has collected more than $400 million. Forty percent of the

fees collected are allocated to the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund.

A portion of the Fund is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support

statewide conservation and recreation efforts. This initial round of grants distributed more than $28

million in grants.

The Coalition was instrumental in ensuring that funds collected through the Marcellus LegacyFund be made available for statewide conservation and recreation projects.

A breakdown of the grants distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority is as follows:

-- $5.6 million to restore streams impaired by polluted runoff in 18 counties

-- $16 million to support 116 greenway, trail and recreation projects throughout the state

-- $5.2 million to support 12 abandoned mine drainage abatement and treatment projects statewide

-- $700,000 to support flood mitigation projects in Blair, Bucks, Lackawanna and Northumberland

counties and

-- $225,000 to plug orphaned and abandoned wells in Allegheny and Washington counties.

The Marcellus Legacy Fund was created to help support important environmental protection

efforts statewide and in local communities, and were glad to see that its impact is starting to be felt,

Heath said. This first round of grant awards will go a long way to improving environmental outcomes

and upholding Pennsylvanias status as a great place to live and work.

Established in 2008, the PA Growing Greener Coalitioncomprises local, regional and statewide

conservation, recreation and preservation groups. It is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation

and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth.

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor David

Hess, and let us join your Circle.Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,

Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pagrowinggreener.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-vO0rSHRkiyzJsprDsXYLSwRbzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27106&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFnueVZS0nidqkNY0tX1OL3Je2ywhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pagrowinggreener.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-vO0rSHRkiyzJsprDsXYLSwRbzg


7/30

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 emailalerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blogto 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 Twitterfeed

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--

House

December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 (Non-Voting)

2014

January 7 (Non-Voting), 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Senate

December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11

2014January 7, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFg


8/30

Bill Calendars

House (December 9): House Bill 302(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $5 million to DEP for a

competitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas House Bill 303

(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $7.5 million to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert large

mass transit fleets to natural gas House Bill 304(Marshall-R-Beaver) funding conversions of transitbuses to natural gas House Bill 306(Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting $5.3 million from the Alternative

Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to

natural gas and provide a 10 cent per gallon biofuels production subsidy House Bill 308

(Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions

to natural gas. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (December 3): Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) providing for the reuse of water in

abandoned mines for Marcellus Shale drilling Senate Bill 1037(Vogel-R-Beaver) to repeal summer

RVP gasoline requirements Senate Bill 1077(Argall-R-Schuylkill) railroad material theft prevention

House Bill 920(Sonney-R-Erie) amending the Agricultural Area Security Law to define wind power

generation system and clarifying an agricultural conservation easement shall not prevent granting aneasement for a wind power system-- summary House Bill 1285(Cutler-R- Lancaster) establishing the

State Geospatial Coordination Board. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate:the Environmental Resources and Energy Committeemeets to consider the nominations

of Ellen Ferretti as Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources and Chris Abruzzo as Secretary

of Environmental Protection. Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--

House

Appropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming OversightHuman Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D38%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG766DjTIHBb4RERLenJpHLZjl_zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D28%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D24%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEj0T4DMvS-Do_PTGnG1M1IMJZd7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D56%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtzO07uQSwtQoHuuk14hWq3d60gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D54%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETvX_kv57bKi9X1aUnj7T000SRiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D10%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTt-ARiXW9soyui0IvrazqU61quAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D8%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxUAkR70KgxtgUTF3f8bVMWtCySghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D12%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHChd4URUtlhk9tHinZDzI9l2PFSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D4%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRAhttp://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.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%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1285&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2dhgi6-7yc7TPrV3p1m-D4k_Bxwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D11897&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8PlYGiD80CKT2JWPxihAAy40gSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0920&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_azcRi93aiIorefqsKKu1UlXOyghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1077&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNELPXlNWO_w3_k28Z_gq8i6LoivPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1037&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGCCT-s0dehCfIqle1e32AQQ7FT-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D411&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIutFRwH_rgkR-XJXWBzEWomdWewhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D308&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHGqOXrNceNDDAtp961TjKqcKUjaghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D306&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEQ5XpIBNrlB1W6z90SCPXEL1US7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D306&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEQ5XpIBNrlB1W6z90SCPXEL1US7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D304&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz6nfUxMvHGMUHQFcVTeU0z2eMvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D304&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz6nfUxMvHGMUHQFcVTeU0z2eMvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D302&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHudtyRQc1qIXWr2XYhEEE94ODKlg


9/30

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

JudiciaryLaw and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Water Obstruction Permits:House Bill 1854(Hanna-D-Clinton) reducing permit fees for small water

obstruction and encroachment projects-- summary.

Fish Hatchery Permit Exemption: House Bill 1858(Heffley-R-Carbon) exempting fish hatcheries

built 20 years or more ago from water quality standards-- summary.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's

desk for action--

Transportation Funding:House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong) establishes a $2.3 billion

transportation funding plan for highways, bridges and mass transit. A summary and House Fiscal Note

are available. The bill was signed into law as Act 89.

News From Around The State

Penn State Extension Webinar On New Tools For Teaching Youth About Water Available

Penn State Extension has posted a one hour webinaron November 20 by Educator Jennifer Fetter

focusing on several new educational tools that have been developed by Penn State Extension to

facilitate youth education on water issues in Pennsylvania.The first tool described in the webinar was Watershed Decisions. This hands-on activity seeks

to introduce youth and adults to pollution issues in a small watershed, the different land uses that may

result in those pollutants and the practices that can be used to help improve water quality within a small

watershed.

Participants in the activity can then make inquiry- based decisions, incorporate their own

personal values, and negotiate with a team as they model a community organization that is tasked with

remedying their local watershed.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fecosystems.psu.edu%2Fyouth%2F4-h-stream-teams%2Fwatershed-decisions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFrUs8fz04ygB4mATe941f_Uxp-7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fwebinar-series%2Fpast-webinars%2Fnew-tools-for-teaching-youth-about-water&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-yVjj4jFoEsV3jVj_VhU3wfP0pAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELW581B8YnTHLjjcdHW_funzAfghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13502&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsuMao-rYGPfm7whNuR_YA_nRZlghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1858&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHx3E0zZx5CWKjy2Z1s-gssFqDe3whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D12848&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOZceD5Y4vwogwrLAhS3zA3NDUGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1854&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUv2COfKGyFmxYzCfljOQ84ANVKQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D29%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEFRblqtaEenQ0VT95qBN99spSVughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D39%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGen44rvRCPWPNWdkE78IRMtdYD8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D23%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX6wadL86stvoAjqp_6XVmIr3CPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D31%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWo5gPwUqwjzbCCyXJsXuHG9LBQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D7%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgl8oWuYIE7IS-GPdHIkQnMbzMTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D9%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Oe-V64S3ruX2jiyUpOyg7imNJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGg


10/30

Evaluation results from students who have participated in the activity showed that a high

percentage learned important watershed concepts and nearly half would get involved in community

service projects to improve local water resources.

The second tool covered in the webinar was a set of videos on The Role of Water in Shale Gas

Drilling. These short videos, targeting middle and high school students, were created to increase

understanding about water and the environmental impacts of shale gas drilling and production in theMid-Atlantic region.

The videos are designed for use by formal and informal educators to present in a group setting,

or to be watched individually. The first video is 26-minutes and covers A Water Drop on a Journey -

Shale Gas Drilling in the Mid-Atlantic.

The second 23-minute video is entitled True or False: Common Concerns about Water & Shale

Gas Drilling in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Additional handouts and academic standards alignment can be

found online for these videos as well.

The final tool described in the webinar was a new youth-oriented fact sheet and website on The

Water We Drink. This material was designed for youth in grades 6 through 12 and is available as a

printable fact sheet or in website format.

The goal of these materials is to help youth to better understand why drinking water is importantto them, where it comes from, and how we make sure it's safe to drink.

A video copy of the 45 minute webinar along with copies of the slides and links to these

educational tools can be found on the Penn State Water Resources Extensionwebpage.

(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn

State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and reprinted from the

Penn State Extension Watershed Windsnewsletter.)

Water Resources Education Network November Newsletter Now Available

TheNovember issue of Water Policy Newsfrom the PA League of Women Voters Water Resource

Education Networkis now available.

American Farmland Trust: As You Give Thanks, Tell Congress To Protect Farmland

Andrew McElwaine, President and CEO of the American Farmland Trust, issued the following

statement on the status of negotiations in Congress on the federal Farm Bill as Americans sat down to

their Thanksgiving dinners--

Congressional negotiators are working on the final phase of the 2013 Farm Bill, and everything is on

the negotiating table.The American Farmland Trust has been working to protect funding for farmland conservation

programs, but we need your help.

Thanks to the efforts of thousands of concerned citizens, American Farmland Trust successfully

delivered over 25,000 messages to Congress earlier this year demanding that they get to work on a final

Farm Bill.

And they got results. The Farm Bill conference committee was named within weeks of that

outpouring of support. Now, more help is needed to produce final results for farmland protection.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmlandtrust.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG2ys3QiCQ6u9mWUUNk_AH5LEvGxQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwren.palwv.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHix3MBee6BOtPLN58ApwBhi8uAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwren.palwv.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHix3MBee6BOtPLN58ApwBhi8uAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Farchive.constantcontact.com%2Ffs117%2F1102422125407%2Farchive%2F1115583535946.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqURFd_KocJAUSCiRnlWjYfTW-cAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fdiscovery-watersheds%2Fnews%2F2013%2Fpenn-state-extension-webinar-focuses-on-new-tools-for-teaching-youth-about-water%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Bagsci-water-watershedwinds%2B%2528Penn%2BState%2BWatershed%2BWinds%2BNewsletter%2529&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHF69Qc8Km-oLHHoGw0Bx_4FbIMYghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fwebinar-series%2Fpast-webinars%2Fnew-tools-for-teaching-youth-about-water&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-yVjj4jFoEsV3jVj_VhU3wfP0pAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fyouth%2Fshale-gas-drilling&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSlRYEpvGGwmPQwZcowwrtrY4Gcghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fyouth%2Fshale-gas-drilling&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSlRYEpvGGwmPQwZcowwrtrY4Gcg


11/30

Farm Bill negotiators will return to Washington D.C. in December to try to finish this important

legislation and they need to hear from concerned citizens.

Send a message to your members of Congress today, telling them funding is important for

farmland protection!

As a nation, we have so much to be thankful for, including our highly productive farmland. The

Farm Bill provides the single largest federal investment in farmland conservation. Nearly 1.1 millionacres of farmland have been permanently protected, ensuring that vital resource remains in agriculture

for generations to come.

There is an exciting new program to build on these efforts called the Agricultural Conservation

Easement Program or ACEP, but to make sure it is effective we need to ensure agricultural land

easements are provided the highest possible funding level.

More than ever, we need a new, comprehensive Farm Bill that reinvests in farmland

conservation, that provides sound conservation practices and that helps farmers stay on the land. We

have come too far and there is too much at stake for Congress to not finish the job.

As you celebrate the bounty our farmland provides, please take a few minutes during this busy

holiday time to lend your voice to protecting Americas farmland.

Thank you for all that you do to support farmland conservation in your community and acrossthe nation.

A sample message to members of Congress follows--

Dear Decision Maker:

I write in support of strong conservation programs as part of a final farm bill conference report.

Funding for conservation is vital for continued protection of farmland and natural resources across the

country.

Farmland protection is a critical component of this bill. A final farm bill should retain the 40

percent funding floor for agricultural land easements (ALE) within the newly combined Agricultural

Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) as provided for in the House-passed bill. It should also

retaining funding for the ACEP as provided for in the Senate-passed bill at $2.2 billion.

By including these provisions, adequate resources would be provided for the combined

function of the program so that our productive farmlands, our pristine grasslands and our valuable

wetlands can continue to be protected under conservation easements. Providing these resources will

help further reduce the threat to these lands that sustain us with food, wildlife and clean water.

Farmland is at the heart of Americas land conservation and our ability to produce nutritious

and affordable local food. I appreciate you considering my views and thank you for your important

work to protect our nations farmland.

Find your member of Congress: House of Representativesand U.S. Senate.

The American Farmland Trust is the nations leading conservation organization dedicated to

protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.

For more information on the policies and programs of the American Farmland Trust, visitwww.farmland.org, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanFarmlandor Twitter

www.twitter.com/farmland.

PA Resources Council Honors NOVA Chemicals With Innovative Recycling Award

The PA Resources Councilhas honoredNOVA Chemicalsby presenting an Innovative Recycling

award in recognition of an extremely successful campaign to recycle expandable polystyrene (EPS) an
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.novachem.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTAunQMkre2hMPiCOg0w6PGc2gDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGotMC4pORTyfgpURSBZwXPSJC2whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Ffarmland&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEoILKSjgxAr4rvRtEfNl_8OVtaQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAmericanFarmland&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOkw7mpOjemo7RhFuBtmljXhNwQAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAmericanFarmland&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOkw7mpOjemo7RhFuBtmljXhNwQAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmland.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSKQRGAIqsO1rqSorESN1_PTGdBwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.senate.gov%2Fgeneral%2Fcontact_information%2Fsenators_cfm.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEF2k1a1uJyjt1JX3Y6JFq11KFzjwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.house.gov%2Frepresentatives%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGeBlXHc3RsJB5Sx838UrrEEM4RQ


12/30


13/30

Food waste generated by local institutions, hospitals, colleges, universities and restaurants is

often actually safe, wholesome food that could feed millions of Americans, according to both the U.S.

Department of Agriculture and EPA.

EPA is working with institutions and hunger-relief organizations to increase food donations.

Composting food waste also leads to important environmental outcomes. Composted food waste

creates a valuable soil product that can be used to enhance the quality of soils.For more information, visit EPAs Food Recovery Challengeand Sustainable Materials

Management Program.

DEP Extends Comment Period On Delta Thermo Air Quality Permit In Allentown

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it will extend the public comment

period for the draft air-quality plan approval for Delta Thermo Energysproposed waste-to-energy

plant in Allentown until December 16. (formal notice-PA Bulletin page 7043)

This proposal has attracted considerable attention and we want to hear from those who have

something to say, Northeast Regional Director Mike Bedrin said. In order to gather as much input as

possible from residents and stakeholders, we have decided to give the public more time to provide theircomments.

A copy of the draft plan approval is available onlineor the public can review them at the

departments Northeast Regional Office, located at 2 Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, at DEPs

Bethlehem District Office, located at 4530 Bath Pike in Bethlehem and at Allentown City Hall at 435

West Hamilton Street.

Appointments to review the draft may be made by calling 570-826-2519 for the Wilkes-Barre

office or 610-861-2070 for the Bethlehem district office. The public may also make an appointment to

review the documents at Allentown City Hall by calling the City Clerks Office at 610-437-7539.

DEP will make a summary of the material conditions of the draft plan approval available in

Spanish at all three locations. Those documents are still in the process of being translated and should be

available by next week.

To submit written comments about Delta Thermo Energys draft air quality plan approval to the

department, mail or hand-deliver them by 4 p.m. on December 16 to Ray Kempa, Permits Section

Chief, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.

Following the comment period, a response document will be drafted to address the publics

questions and comments.

DEP held a public meeting on the permit application on October 30.

For more information, call 570-826-2511.

PUC Urges Consumers To Add Shopping For Electricity, Natural Gas To Holiday List

Whether braving the crowds on Black Friday or surfing the web for deals on Cyber Monday, the Public

Utility Commission Wednesday reminded consumers to add shopping for electricity or natural gas to the

list.

This weekend has become synonymous with shopping for bargains and we encourage

consumers to extend that idea to their electric and natural gas utilities, said PUC Chairman Robert F.

Powelson. Now is the perfect time to take a look at your electric and natural gas bills.

www.PAPowerSwitch.comand www.PAGasSwitch.computs all of the information you need to shop
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pagasswitch.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLK4vwddbMsFCW5ZhWVvc7besVPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.papowerswitch.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqRX9XQidOCXhIHfJl80dsZ2Xy1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26756%26SubjectID%3D%26SearchWord%3Ddelta%2Bthermo&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQo7Sc4Fzz5Xr01EjfV6enzykZUAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FRegionalResources%2FNERO%2FNEROPortalFiles%2FDelta%2520Thermo%2520Proposed%2520Plan%2520Approval%2520Word%2520Version.docx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6O_v7PEXtKjZw5QZmWf-F2bBVcghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-48%2F43-48.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfPTjzGyc6cjxt4pqmQQH5ScJ9Xwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deltathermo.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHiIN8Kag-u-RubMNPMIJxASHVqDAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Fepawaste%2Fconserve%2Fsmm%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECo5nu42_w9YEKQpnRfqp4AnF_IAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Fepawaste%2Fconserve%2Fsmm%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECo5nu42_w9YEKQpnRfqp4AnF_IAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffoodrecoverychallenge%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECAq96A-zSNPYZgVufoXHKKMJ02g


14/30

at your fingertips. If you are one of the more than 2.1 million Pennsylvanians already using a competitive

supplier, it is a good time to re-evaluate your contract terms and price.

Since 1997 consumers have been able to select the company that provides their electric

generation. Local electric distribution companies will still operate the lines that provide electricity to

homes, but consumers are able to select the company that sells the electric power or generation that is

delivered over those distribution lines.Through these shopping websites, the PUC is working to make sure consumers have the tools

at their fingertips to make an informed decision about switching electric and natural gas providers.

Consumers have the power to switch to a competing supplier who may offer a lower price, or provide a

specific service such as energy renewables.

Shopping for an electric or natural gas supplier is a zip. Just click and enter your zip code.

Review the prices, products, terms and incentives from suppliers making offers in your area.

While price is a motivator for many while shopping, you also can take advantage of other

offers when choosing an electric or natural gas supplier, Chairman Powelson said. Shoppers can pair

pricing with innovative product offerings such as free power days, frequent flier miles or help with

energy efficiency improvements that further reduce their costs. They also can choose a supplier offering

green energy choices.Consumers who are interested in learning more about changing energy providers can either go

to www.PAPowerSwitch.comor www.PAGasSwitch.comfor information on switching to a

competitive supplier.

Dauphin County Installs Solar Hot Water System From Constellation

Dauphin County Commissioners Tuesday announced they has selected energy products and services

provider Constellationto install a solar hot water system at Dauphin County Prison.

The cost of the energy efficiency upgrade is funded in part through additional energy savings

realized through the countys 2009 energy performance contract with Constellation.

The solar hot water heating system is designed to supply 575 gallons a day and save the county

an additional estimated $3,000 a year in energy costs. Work is scheduled for completion in early 2014.

Thanks to the success of the first phase of our energy efficiency program, we are able to

implement additional conservation measures that help the county further reduce its carbon footprint as

well as produce significant cost savings for taxpayers, said Dauphin County Board Commissioner, Jeff

Haste.

In 2011, the countys conservation measures through the energy performance contract with

Constellation exceeded their guaranteed savings by more than $150,000.

This expanded energy efficiency program for Dauphin County is a great example of the value

of energy performance contracting for customers, said Larry Godleski, executive director, regional

markets, for Constellation.During phase one of the countys energy efficiency program, Constellation implemented

conservation measures in 13 buildings, including energy heating and cooling equipment upgrades, new

storm window installations, water conservation measures and high-efficiency lighting.

Through the energy performance contract with Constellation, the conservation measures

required no upfront capital from the county and were guaranteed more than $10 million in energy costs

over a 15-year period.

A NAESCO-accredited Energy Services Provider, Constellation has assisted commercial
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.constellation.com%2Fbusiness-energy%2Fpages%2Findustries-we-serve.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgrMi40Gpp_Q4WJ-RlbMnFPhKSHwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pagasswitch.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLK4vwddbMsFCW5ZhWVvc7besVPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.papowerswitch.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqRX9XQidOCXhIHfJl80dsZ2Xy1g


15/30

customers and public agencies throughout the U.S. to implement energy efficiency programs. Customers

interested in energy efficiency and environmental solutions may contact Constellationat

1-866-237-7693.

Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Workshops Set In Butler, Clinton, Erie, Jefferson Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection invites fleet managers in northwest and northcentral

Pennsylvania to attend one of four upcomingNatural Gas Vehicle Grantworkshops being offered in

December.

The free workshops are scheduled for Butler, Clinton, Erie and Jefferson counties on the

following dates:

-- December 6 in Butler County: 10 a.m. until noon at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center

(Council Chambers), 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, Pa

-- December 10 in Jefferson County: 10 a.m. until noon at the CNG Education Center, 228

Allegheny Blvd., Brookville, Pa

-- December 12 in Erie County: 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center,

301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, Pa and-- December 19 in Clinton County: 10 a.m. until noon at the Clinton County Conservation District

Office, 45 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall, Pa.

An estimated $11 million is available to help pay for the incremental purchase or conversion

costs of heavy-duty natural gas fleet vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings of 14,000 pounds or

greater.

The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014. Grants will be awarded in

the spring.

Fifty percent of this funding is allocated exclusively for local transportation organizations,

including non-profit agencies providing public transportation services and public transportation, port and

redevelopment authorities, and school bus projects.

Others eligible to apply include incorporated non-profit organizations, for-profit companies,

state-owned or state-related universities, Commonwealth or municipal authorities, and the Pennsylvania

Turnpike Commission.

The workshops will consist of a review of the Act 13 grant program requirements, followed by

a live demonstration and walkthrough of the online application. Department staff will then be available to

provide one-on-one assistance to applicants and answer questions about the application process.

These workshops are free of charge but open to eligible applicants only. Seating is limited, so

registration is limited to two people per organization. Please register early to ensure your seat by sending

email to Teresa Willey at [email protected](be sure to include the attendees name(s), the organization,

and the date/location you prefer), or call Ms. Willey at 814-332-6350.

For more information regarding the Act 13 grant program and the workshop agenda, pleasecontact Geoff Bristow of DEPs Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance at

814-332-6681 or send email to: [email protected].

For a copy of grant guidelines and more, visit DEPs Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program

webpage. Pennsylvanias Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle Grants are financed by impact fees paid by

natural gas operators.

DEP Announces Proposed Consent Decree With Drilling Wastewater Treatment Company
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_13%2F20789%2Fnatural_gas_vehicle_program%2F1157504&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEzNhUbPlO-iCxA4ZFdyiMN-lunMwmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_13%2F20789%2Fnatural_gas_vehicle_program%2F1157504&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEzNhUbPlO-iCxA4ZFdyiMN-lunMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.constellation.com%2Fbusiness-energy%2Fpages%2Findustries-we-serve.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgrMi40Gpp_Q4WJ-RlbMnFPhKSHw


16/30

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has reached a proposed consent

decree with Waste Treatment Corporationthat addresses adverse impacts to the Allegheny River

caused by the companys treatment and discharge of drilling operation wastewater.

The proposed consent decree must go through a 30-day public comment period before

Commonwealth Courts final approval.DEP conducted biological surveys in 2012, which indicated that the discharge from Waste

Treatment Corporations plant at 341 West Harmar St. in Warren was harming the rivers water quality

and biological community.

As proposed, the consent decree requires Waste Treatment to submit the necessary permit

application to the department for the installation of additional wastewater treatment that will achieve

applicable effluent limitations, including total dissolved solids and chlorides of 500 mg/l and 250 mg/l,

respectively. The additional treatment must be installed and have achieved all of the other requirements

in the consent decree by January 1, 2016.

The proposed consent decree also requires Waste Treatment to verify, through biological

surveys, that the additional treatment is successful in restoring the water quality and biological

community of the Allegheny River.The department is now accepting written comments regarding this proposed consent decree

with Waste Treatment Corporation.

A notice of the formal comment period will be published in the November 23, 2013, edition of

the Pennsylvania Bulletin (page 6985). The public comment period will end on December 23, 2013.

Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the proposed consent decree may do so by contacting

DEPs Northwest Regional Office at 230 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335 or by telephone at

814-332-6942.

Written comments may be submitted within the 30-day comment period to DEPs regional

Clean Water Program at the same address.

After the close of the 30-day public comment period, the department will file responses to the

comments that it received. The department and Waste Treatment will then file a Joint Motion requesting

that the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court approve the entry of the consent decree, which will

become final upon the court's approval and entry of the decree.

For more information, call 814-332-6945.

NewsClips:

DEP: Drilling Wastewater Plant Must Stop Untreated Discharges

DEP Reduces Drilling Wastewater Plant Discharges

Judith Cassel Addresses National Midstream Oil And Gas Law Conference

Judith D. Cassel, an Attorney for the Harrisburg law firm, Hawke McKeon & Sniscak LLP, was aguest speaker at the 2nd Midstream Oil and Gas Law Conference hosted by the Center for American

and International Law Institute held in Houston, TX on November 22.

Ms. Cassel, whose practice specializes in petroleum, natural gas and other related energy

issues, gave a presentation on the regulatory impacts effecting midstream pipeline operations in

Pennsylvania.

Ms. Cassels presentation focused on recently passed legislation including the controversial

Section 3304 of Act 13, mandating a model local zoning ordinance for Pennsylvania municipalities who
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fenvironment%2F2013%2F11%2F28%2FDEP-aims-to-reduce-company-s-discharges-into-river%2Fstories%2F201311280176&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG6P_kYPP37iDoHTUzJ_B0turmCGAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F11%2F25%2Fdep-treatment-plant-must-limit-salty-flow-to-allegheny-river%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOWLvU9j5Zhit778dgsCgTtZlILAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-47%2F43-47.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzQUXo9doNwsZcLgRv1umf1QqQAAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waste-treatment.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZyuGEasvzsa3FqJf-46alna54Aw


17/30

wish to receive revenue from assessed natural gas impact fees, which is currently before the

Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Hawke McKeon & Sniscakis a firm focusing on administrative litigation in the energy industry

and has recently represented clients in several ground breaking cases involving midstream operations in

Pennsylvania.

DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Meets Dec. 5

The DEP Climate Change Advisory Committeeis scheduled to meet on December 5 to continue its

consideration of industry sector work plans making recommendations on how to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions in Pennsylvania.

The work plans to be discussed include: Cutting Emissions from Freight Transportation

Demand Side Management Energy Efficient Appliances Geothermal Heating and Cooling Heating Oil

Conservation and Fuel Switching Improved Efficiency at Wastewater Treatment Plants Industrial

Electricity BMPs Lost and Unaccounted for Natural Gas from Distribution Reducing Methane

Leakage from NG Infrastructure Reforestation Work Plan and Revised MSW for Beneficial Use WP.

The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 10:00.Copies of these and the other work plans considered by the Committee are available online.

Ceremony Marks Official Opening Of Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

With a just-fitted identification band on a leg and best wishes of DCNRs acting secretary on a wing,

the briefly detained song sparrow lifted off into the brisk, autumnal breeze, joining birds of a different

feather drawn together in the same learning exercise.

A cardinal, hermit thrush and white-breasted nuthatch all followed suit.

For bird-bander Brad Silfies it was just another day in the parkJacobsburg Environmental

Education Center, to be exactdoing what he loves to do.

For his listeners, it was a learning experience in how this center volunteer educator and others

learn more about the diverse songbird world around them.

And for DCNR Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti it was a reaffirmation of why she was thereto

dedicate the new home of environmental education in the Lehigh Valley. Today the bird-banders

audience was comprised of DCNR officials tomorrow they could be inner-city kids from Allentown, or

older adults from Easton.

Joining state and local officials in a Nov. 20 dedication ceremony marked by musket volley

salutes by the Jacobsburg Historical Society Honor Guard and testimonials from four speakers, Ferretti

officially opened the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Centeran energy-efficient building that wil

serve as the hub of the Bureau of State Parks public outreach and instruction in the rapidly growing

Lehigh Valley area.This new center gives our bureau a powerful environmental education tool in a rapidly

developing area served by a very popular state park, Ferretti said. The bountiful meadows and

woodlands found on these 1,168 acres always have been Jacobsburgs most effective teaching tool, but

adverse weather often affected availability.

That outdoors classroom undergoes a major expansion today, allowing staff to broaden the

types of programs offered and ensuring students their programs go onregardless of weather.

Overseen by the Department of General Services, a year-long construction project yielded a
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Ffindapark%2Fjacobsburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZp-A--Wg1E2ja3VU6ApgLbTYPJQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Ffindapark%2Fjacobsburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZp-A--Wg1E2ja3VU6ApgLbTYPJQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fclimate_change_advisory_committee%2F10412&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGo_jGR61C9kKe2cJPi0gAdkXzcJwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fclimate_change_advisory_committee%2F10412&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGo_jGR61C9kKe2cJPi0gAdkXzcJwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fclimate_change_advisory_committee%2F10412&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGo_jGR61C9kKe2cJPi0gAdkXzcJwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hmslegal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGBjRpXDZrAXIpV_u5v1ICKgXLkYA


18/30

9,300-square-foot building offering environmental education space for interpretive programming, offices

for center staff and modern public restrooms for park visitors.

DCNR Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti prepares to release a banded song sparrow after the

dedication of Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center.The building includes a green roof planted

with vegetation solar panels geothermal heating and cooling onsite storm-water infiltration water

conserving plumbing fixtures regionally purchased materials and high recycled-content materials.This facility sets another benchmark in DCNRs building project record of successfully

combining energy conservation with environmental education, said Ferretti. We have four

environmental education centers across the state, but Jacobsburg will fill a unique void when one

considers Northampton County and neighboring Lehigh are expected to see a 22 percent population

increase by 2030. This facility is designed to serve an expected growing stream of visitors.

With Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the building itself is a

lesson in energy-wise conservation and technology, the acting secretary noted. Already, several area

colleges have inquired about tours and programs.

This facility will serve as a model of energy efficient building practices while offering direct

access to unlimited environmental education resources at the park, Ferretti said. It will also provide a

rest stop for visitors to the park and the Homestead Trail threading almost four miles through itsgrounds.

The Lehigh Valley Greenway is comprised of many active conservation partners each playing

an important role in land conservation, connecting communities to trails for health and recreation, and, of

course, environmental education, Jacobsburg Manager Robert Neitz. I see that as our major role at

Jacobsburghelping to create meaningful connections between people and nature in a positive way

through our programming.

This new facility serves as a model to demonstrate our regional work in the Lehigh Valley

Greenways conservation landscape to implement conservation, education, and green infrastructure in a

vital landscape, said Sherry L. Acevedo, conservation coordinator with the Delaware & Lehigh

National Heritage Corridor Inc. This is a very exciting day for DCNR, our partnership, and for

residents to enjoy the expanded educational resources at Jacobsburg.

The Jacobsburg Historical Society Honor Guard fires off a musket salute at the official opening

of Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center.Financed through capitol budget funds, the

environmental education centers costs totaled $4.8 million. Lobar Inc. of Dillsburg was the general

contractor.

Headquartered off Belfast Road in Northampton County, the environmental education center

had been housed for many years in what had been a private ranch home. Besides outdoors recreation,

the center and grounds offer environmental education programs ranging from preschool environmental

awareness to high school- and college-level problem solving.

A variety of historical presentations, teacher workshops and public interpretive programs round

out daily activities at Jacobsburg.Once the site where the famous Henry Rifle was made, the Jacobsburg National Historic

District lies almost entirely within park grounds. Original land for the center was purchased by the

former Department of Forests and Waters from the City of Easton in 1959.

For more information on programs and activities, visit DCNRs Jacobsburg Environmental

Education Centerwebpage. The Center is located near Wind Gap, Pa in Northampton County.

(Reprinted from theNovember 27 issueof DCNRs Resource online newsletter.)
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fnews%2Fresource%2Fres2013%2F13-1127-jacobsburgeec.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5ssg9_Maz78fkwm_d3WRy-RFpDAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Ffindapark%2Fjacobsburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZp-A--Wg1E2ja3VU6ApgLbTYPJQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Ffindapark%2Fjacobsburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZp-A--Wg1E2ja3VU6ApgLbTYPJQ


19/30


20/30

Hunters Sharing the Harvest helps hunters donate deer that is then processed into ground

venison and distributed by Pennsylvania food banks, soup kitchens and pantries.

"Hunger is a reality for more than 600,000 Pennsylvania families who wonder how they'll find

their next meal," Agriculture Secretary George Greig said Tuesday during an event to kick off the

program at Diller's Custom Deer Processing in Enola, Cumberland County. "I encourage all hunters to

donate venison this holiday season."Hunters can take their deer to one of 90 participating meat processors throughout the state and

donate any amount of their venison to the program from several pounds to the whole animal. Any

hunter donating an entire deer is asked to make a minimum $15 tax-deductible contribution to help

cover processing costs. The program covers all remaining fees.

The Department of Agriculture, through the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program,

contributes $1.25 per pound of donated venison to reimburse processors.

"Venison is a great low-fat, high-protein meat product that is highly desired by the families we

serve," said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. "Through Hunters

Sharing the Harvest we are able to provide this center-of-the-plate protein that provides great nutritional

value to families and individuals struggling with hunger."

This year CONSOL Energy will donate $1 to the program for each limited edition camouflagebaseball cap sold through the end of hunting season. Caps may be ordered online.

CONSOL Energy is also underwriting the processing costs for donated deer at approved meat

processors in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

"By working with CONSOL Energy, the department, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania food banks

and other partners, Hunters Sharing the Harvest can do even more for our neighbors in need," said John

Plowman, executive director of Hunters Sharing the Harvest. "We look forward to reaching more

families who need help even more effectively."

Established in 1991, Hunters Sharing the Harvest today covers 53 participating counties and

provides more than 750,000 meals annually to food banks, churches and social service feeding

programs.

Last year, hunters donated nearly 100,000 pounds of venison to more than 4,000 emergency

food assistance agencies through the state's 21 regional food banks.

To learn more about the program or to obtain a list of participating meat processors, visit the

Share Deerwebsite, or call toll-free 866-474-2141.

NewsClips:

Why Deer Can Be Attracted Gas Drilling Sites

Deer An Active Threat To Motorists

Hunters Asked To Share Deer This Season

Jonathan Wilcox Honored With Wildlife Conservation Award

State Forest Districts Opening Additional Roads To Deer Hunters

When a new season begins Monday for Pennsylvania deer hunters, new hunting grounds will be

available to them through additional state forest roadsin 18 of the 20 state forest districts.

"When hunters seeking white-tailed deer head out for the opening of the state's traditional

season they will find more than 90 percent of all state forestland is now within one-half mile of an open

road," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti. "Since

early October, we've opened more than 400 additional miles of state forest roads that are normally
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fforestry%2Fdeer%2Fopenroads%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFoJckrTumVRiXsTkRN0GVlr9_EjQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthedailyreview.com%2Fnews%2Fjonathan-wilcox-honored-with-wildlife-conservation-award-1.1592140&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUUZQO-PXp5yjf755tXkHhduA5EAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2FDonating_venison_encouraged_in_PA_through_Hunters_Sharing_the_Harvest_program.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFb5Z1a7gOOf2kaDkUOUkf2evv1bwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F5150084-74%2Fdeer-collisions-ofsanik&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJFr0_TLuTqiwt_YROueYE2uy7zwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F11%2F26%2Fwhy-deer-can-be-attracted-to-gas-drilling-sites%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz9KnZ232Fs7wTqJiU-iKX_KN0PAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharedeer.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMu6h1cGMS0Cj21nvicBoj4elsmQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consolhuntershat.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFLjH5S8YC7lGap4YeOTDFRSiAJxw


21/30

gated."

Through the state's archery season, which closed Nov. 16, and the state's other deer hunting

seasons, running into January 2014, hunters will find more than 3,000 miles of roadway open to them in

state forestlands.

"Selective, temporary opening of state forest roads enables our forestry experts to channel deer

hunting pressure where they think it is needed to benefit forest regeneration," said Ferretti. "We're alsooffering hunters, who we view as invaluable tools in both wildlife management and forest stewardship,

access to sometimes remote areas."

Ferretti noted some of these additional roads will be open only during deer season and at the

discretion of the district forester. Others only will be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle

season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week. Two-or three-month

long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road

surfaces or forest surroundings.

Many state parks, especially those in the 12-county Pennsylvania Wilds region, offer

inexpensive camping and access to top-quality hunting in nearby public forestlands.

Primitive camping on state forestlands also is an option, giving hunters a backcountry camping

or hunting experience. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, will be required whencamping on state forestlands.

Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forest lands enrolled in the Game

Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or

more when properly licensed. Hunters are advised to check with state forests district headquarters or

state park offices about availability.

Hunters traveling to northcentral areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel

routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be

temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential

safety hazards.

To avoid potential conflicts on state forest roads during times o

pa environment digest dec. 2, 2013

Documents