pa environment digest dec. 9, 2013

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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 9, 2013

Senate Committee Reports Out Nominations Of Abruzzo For DEP, Ferretti For DCNR

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy

CommitteeWednesday reported out the nominations of

Chris Abruzzo to be Secretary for Environmental

Protection and Ellen Ferretti as Secretary forConservation and Natural Resources by a nearly

unanimous, bipartisan vote for consideration by the

Senate Rules Committee and then the full Senate.

The motions to report the nominations came from

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair, and Sen.

JohnYudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair.

Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) voted against the Abruzzo nomination as a matter of

conscience because of his concerns about the Corbett Administrations position on climate change

issues.

Click Hereto watch a video of the hearing.

Senators of both parties generally praised the nominees for their suitability to the positions, in thecase of Abruzzo for his background as a township commissioner and a former prosecutor and Ferretti

for her life-long work on environmental issues in the public, non-profit and private sectors.

Most of the questions for both nominees revolved around Marcellus Shale development and

regulation.

Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny), Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) and Sen. Leach all

expressed concerns about the large portion of DCNRs budget now coming from natural gas royalties

from drilling on State Forest land. They each asked if that sets up a potential conflict with how the

agency manages its public lands.

Acting DCNR Secretary Ferretti said the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed

the budget using Oil and Gas Fund revenues to pay for her agencys operations. She noted there has

been no additional leasing of State Forest land for drilling since the Corbett Administration came tooffice. She said all the activity now on DCNR land is the result of leasing done in the past.

Senators Ferlo, Dinniman and Leach also asked if Ferretti would support enacting a moratorium

on future gas drilling. Ferretti said the Executive Order signed by Gov. Rendell prohibiting further

leasing on State Forest land remains in effect and added, in response to follow-up questions, she would

certainly consult with the Governors Office if there were any changes proposed.

Gov. Rendell issued the Executive Order imposing the moratorium 10 days before the 2010

gubernatorial election and after he leased 137,896 acres of State Forest land for drilling. He announced
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his general support for a moratorium earlier that year on the same day he announced the leasing of the

last 32,896 acres.

Sen. Dinniman asked Acting Secretary Abruzzo for his commitment to improve citizen access to

information about proposed natural gas pipeline projects in light of past difficulties his constituents had i

becoming aware of proposed pipeline routes and hearings on those proposals. He also expressed

concern about additional water runoff that he said was coming from these projects.Abruzzo said he would take a leadership role in dealing with these issues and noted earlier in the

hearing he took immediate steps when he came to the agency in April as Acting Secretary to improve

transparency and public participation.

Sen. Yaw followed-up by saying some of the pipelines of concern to Sen. Dinniman were

regulated by the federal government or the Public Utility Commission, in some cases, and he would be

happy to talk with the Senator again about his concerns.

Sen. Yudichak asked for the status of the Auditor Generals audit of DEPs water programs

related to the Marcellus Shale drilling program. Abruzzo said the agency has cooperated fully with the

Auditor General. He said the agencys program continues to evolve and he would welcome

recommendations made by the Auditor General.

Senators Yudichak and Ferlo asked for more information on air monitoring related to naturalgas drilling and transportation facilities and for an update on the radiation studyDEP is conducting on

drill cuttings and wastewater.

Abruzzo said he would provide more detail separately, but noted the radiation study would

probably be completed next August.

Climate Change

In response to a question from Sen. Leach on whether he thought climate change was real and

that humans had a role in causing the problem, Abruzzo said he would not argue there isnt climate

change and that humans contribute to that change.

Abruzzo said although he had not seen the scientific studies, there are adverse aspects of climate

change.

Asked whether he supported an increase in the renewable energy purchases by utilities through

the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards, Abruzzo said he was not opposed to it, but those decisions

have economic and other consequences.

In response to a press release issued by Sen. Leach after the hearing, Abruzzo wrote to the

Senatorand took issue with Leachs assertion in a press releasethat he did not believe in climate

change saying, I never made these statements, and they do not reflect my beliefs nor those of DEP or

the Administration. To the contrary, I acknowledged that climate change is real, is affected by humans,

and that I believe the people of Pennsylvania are doing their share to address what is, by definition, a

global issue requiring a global response.

Other Issues Raised

Other issues raised during the hearing included---- Act 537 Sewage Planning:Sen. Yudichak said many local officials express concerns about the

inconsistency of interpretations of sewage regulations between DEP offices and noted as a local official

Abruzzo would have a perspective on that issue. Abruzzo said he understood the issue well and noted

most of the problems revolve around a breakdown of communications that he is working hard to

change.

-- Counting Existing BMPs: Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) asked for the plans DEP has to do a

better job accounting for the nutrient and sediment reductions farmers have already made by installing
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best management practices on their farms. Abruzzo said DEP and the Department of Agriculture plan

an Agricultural Summit in January to take up that issue and share information on new BMPs farmers are

using to reduce pollution to better account for their results in meeting Chesapeake Bay cleanup

milestones.

-- Endangered Species: In response to a question from Sen.Yudichak, Ferretti said the agency has

not taken a position on House Bill 1576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong)that would change the endangered specieslisting process, but noted DCNR is already required to list species by regulation, a primary provision in

the bill.

-- Multiple Use Of Forests:Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) said he believed State Forests were

intended not to be preserved, but to be used in multiple ways to take advantage of the natural resources

they contain. Ferretti said public land management is always a balancing act, noting State Parks and

State Forests are managed differently. State Forests are being used for low-impact recreation and

State Parks for a broader choice of recreational opportunities. She also explained DCNR owns the

mineral rights for most State Forests, but almost none under State Park lands.

-- Heritage Parks Program: Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) expressed his support for the

Heritage Parks Program and recommended DCNR do more to support the program.

Neither nominee had a formal written opening statement for the Committee.The Governor nominated Abruzzo and Ferretti on September 20. The Senate is scheduled to

be in session three more days next week then adjourn for the year.

NewsClips:

Cabinet Nominees Grilled On Shale Oversight

Exchange On Climate Change At Confirmation Hearing

Corbett Pick For DEP Does Not View Climate Change As Harmful

Corbetts Energy Advisor Skeptical About Climate Science

Environmental Education Center In Luzerne Named For Patrick J. Solano

Gov. Corbett visited Frances Slocum State Parkin Luzerne County Friday

to rename the interpretive building the Patrick J. Solano Environmental

Education Center in recognition of Solanos exemplary life of leadership

and service to Pennsylvanias state parks and forests.

This is a well-deserved honor for Pat for his many, many years of

distinguished public service, and as an advocate for state parks and forests

and Northeast Pennsylvania, Gov. Corbett said. Its fitting that his name

will forever be on a building dedicated to teaching children and visitors about

our natural world and our history.

In addition to many other roles, Solano served as deputy secretary

for Parks and Forests with the former Department of EnvironmentalResources and as the acting secretary when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

was first created in 1995.

The center welcomes more than 15,000 people annually, many of them school children, with

messages about the beauty and importance of our natural resources our history and the fun of being

active outdoors, Gov. Corbett said. His name on a building that can help people come to know and

love our natural resources is a fitting tribute to Pat for his tireless leadership and advocacy.

The center sits near the shore of the parks lake. Programs are conducted by an environmental
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brownfield, including an amphitheater and trail connections to adjacent sports fields, the library and a

neighboring park.

-- The City of Philadelphia will work with the Schuylkill River Development Corp. to use $300,000 to

use an abandoned railroad swing bridge to help extend the Schuylkill River Trail across the Schuylkill

near Grays Ferry Ave. and close a major trail gap.

-- Capital Area Greenbelt plans to use $500,000 in Harrisburg, Susquehanna and Swatara townships,Dauphin County, to connect the Greenbelt to Fort Hunter Park and make traffic safety improvements at

six intersections.

-- Brookville Borough, Jefferson County, will receive $380,000 for development of a town square to

include an outdoor performance venue and walkways.

-- Harborcreek Township in Erie County will protect Lake Erie shoreline with $88,000 for the

acquisition of 1.5 acres adjacent to the existing Shorewood Park.

-- Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority will further develop

the AOAA with $788,007, to include the construction of off-highway vehicle facilities, trail upgrades

and a trailhead.

More than $3.1 million of the total investment is being provided to Heritage Areas for projects

and programs including: conducting an economic impact study on the Heritage Areas program furtherdevelopment of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and D&L and Lackawanna river trails water trail

enhancements, river town assessments scenic byways and planning and marketing heritage tourism

events.

Our more than $38 million investment will leverage at least $70 million in local, county and

private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good, Corbett said.

A list of grants awarded is available online.

Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Community Conservation Partnership Grant Awards

The PA Growing Greener CoalitionFriday applauded the investment of $38 million in grantsto support

conservation and recreation projects statewide, and highlighted the importance of maintaining and

expanding funding for future projects.

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition applauds the states approval of $38 million in

grants that will be used to support critical conservation and recreation projects in nearly every county

throughout the Commonwealth, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing

Greener Coalition. These grants remind us of the importance of maintaining and expanding funding to

protect vital natural resources that provide numerous economic and quality of life benefits.

The grants were awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is

supported with funds from a variety of sources that include The Keystone Recreation, Park and

Conservation Fund, Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund and the Pennsylvania Heritage

Areas Program.The following are examples of projects that have received grant funding:

Natural Lands Trustwill receive a grant of $834,500 to acquire and preserve a 234-acre stretch

along Ridgeway Road within the Schuylkill Highlands in Berks County. The preserved forestland, which

provides habitat and recreational opportunities, will eventually be transferred to the PA Bureau of

Forestry.

The Nature Conservancy-Pennsylvaniawill receive more than $306,000 to acquire approximately

110 acres within the Tannersville Cranberry Bog in Monroe County, for habitat and wetland bog
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protection.

Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Societywill receive $185,000 to provide recreation and park

outreach and education.

Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourismwas awarded a grant of $183,500 to provide

technical assistance to partner organizations on the development of trails and greenways in Venango and

Crawford Counties, to facilitate the construction of the Oil Creek Memorial Landing and to installsignage along a segment of the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail.

Allegheny Ridge Corporationwill receive $200,000 to implement the Kiski Valley Outdoor

Connections Plan, which include coordination of two trail acquisitions, installation of signage on regiona

trail systems and construction of boating accesses in Huntingdon County.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancywill receive a grant of $110,000 to acquire approximately 48

acres along River Road in Confluence Borough to be used for forest protection and recreational

opportunities.

Investments in conservation contribute to the long-term economic success of Pennsylvania and

to the health and well-being of its residents, said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust.

These grants will allow Natural Lands Trust to preserve hundreds of acres of landfrom rural Berks

County to the Mt. Airy neighborhood in Philadelphiathat will protect important wildlife habitat andprovide recreational opportunities now and for years to come.

Widespread Public Support

According to a recent survey from the Center for Survey Research at Penn State Harrisburg, 92

percent of 608 Pennsylvanians surveyed think that state funds dedicated to preserving farmland and

open space, providing parks and trails and protecting rivers and streams should continue to be used for

these purposes.

In addition, the survey found that nearly 78 percent of respondents support increasing state

funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic

sites, forests and farms even if would cost the average household $10 more annually. These high levels

of support are constant throughout every geographic region and every gender, ethnic, educational and

economic demographic throughout the state.

For more information, visit the PA Growing Greener Coalition website. The Coalition is the

largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth.

Lancaster County Preserves 100,000th Acre Of Farmland

Lancaster County Thursday marked a major milestone in its farmland preservation program by

preserving the 100,000th acre of farmland, something no other county in the U.S. has achieved.

By protecting the infrastructure that supports the industry, we are taking a very important step

in preserving our economy and protecting a very important source of income for the economy, said

Karen Martynick, Executive Director of the Lancaster Farmland Trust.NewsClips:

Lancaster Celebrates 100,000 Acres Of Preserved Farmland

Lancaster County Marks Farmland Preservation Milestone

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your
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Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor David

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Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

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, 29February 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
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=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]


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December 9, 10, 11

2014

January 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, 30May 5, 6, 7

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

buses 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 tonatural 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 9): 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.

Other:Environmental Issues Forum hosted by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control

and Conservation Committeewill hear a presentation by Eric Jesperson, an analyst and researcher, on

PA Water Data-Retrospective and Forward on the history of water data planning in Pennsylvania

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

HouseAppropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary
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Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

AppropriationsEnvironmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

Senate

Scrap Metal Theft:Senate Bill 1077(Argall-R-Schuylkill) railroad material theft prevention was

passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration.

Open Space: House Bill 1523(Toepel-R-Luzerne) further providing for local preservation, acquisition

and holding open space land-- summary-- was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Reuse Of Mine Drainage/Mine Pools:Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) providing for the

reuse of water in abandoned mines for Marcellus Shale drilling was referred to the Senate

Appropriations Committee.

NewsClip:Bill Encourages Drillers To Use Mine Drainage

Abolishing Pittsburgh Clean Fuel: Senate Bill 1037(Vogel-R-Beaver) to repeal summer RVP

gasoline requirements was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Geospatial Council:House Bill 1285(Cutler-R- Lancaster) establishing the State Geospatial

Coordination Board-- summary and House Fiscal Note-- was referred to the Senate AppropriationsCommittee.

Wind Power Easements: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 an easement for a wind power system-- summary-- was referred to the Senate

Appropriations Committee.
http://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%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1285P2429.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHRbQYFR81s4lxUZAJWsG8WRRVIkghttp://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%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%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F04%2Fbill-encourages-drillers-to-use-abandoned-mine-drainage-to-frack-by-easing-liability%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLi-_jdNoPoa459u1CZthh0ZjKMghttp://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%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D10792&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxiXbZyzWrNKQ8W601YNaoeD0g0whttp://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%3D1523&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxxCWRvx0kUbY-5D3Br19BjIZg-Ahttp://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%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=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://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=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNA


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News From The Capitol

Dec. 9 Environmental Issues Forum On PA Water Data, Planning

Water data planning and management will be the topic of the guest speaker at the December 9

Environmental Issues Forum hosted by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control andConservation Committee.

Eric Jespersen will give a presentation on Water is the Keystone-Regarding the State Water

Plan/Act 220 in Room 8E-A in the East Wing of the Capitol Building, Harrisburg, starting at noon.

The program will focus on the history and appropriateness of the mapping data that describes

Pennsylvanias surface water resources, and examines how technologies do and will affect the creation,

analysis and use of the data. The Act 220 mandates for recurring planning and for a comprehensive

database will be highlighted.

Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Committee.

News From Around The State

USDA Study: Chesapeake Bay Farmers Significantly Reduced Pollutants Going To Streams

On Thursday U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the release of the Chesapeake Bay

Watershed CEAP-Cropland Surveyshowing conservation measures installed on farms have reduced

sheet and rill erosion rates by 57 percent and edge-of-field sediment losses by 62 percent since 2006,

edge-of-field nitrogen losses in surface runoff were reduced by 38 percent, nitrogen losses in subsurface

flows were reduced by 12 percent, and phosphorus losses were reduced by 45 percent compared to

2003-06 loss rates.

This new report, using data collected in 2003-06 and 2011, demonstrates that during the time

between the last two surveys, agricultural producers have significantly increased their use of an array ofconservation measures to improve and protect water and soil quality in the Chesapeake Bay region.

These conservation practices are generating substantial natural resource benefits for producers

and the communities of the Chesapeake Bay region. State by state results were not available.

A copy of the report is available online.

NewsClips:

Glenn Thompson: New Farm Bill By Christmas

Lawmakers Eye 2014 Midterms In Farm Bill Talks

Chesapeake Bay Program December Currents eNewsletter

CBF: New Chesapeake Bay Barometer Shows We Have Work To Do

The Chesapeake Bay FoundationsSenior Water Quality Scientist Beth McGee issued this statement

following the release of the Chesapeake Bay Programs Bay Barometeron Tuesday.

This report is a sobering reminder that although we have made progress in reducing pollution,

we still have a long way to go to restore local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Because some factors influencing restoration progress, like rainfall and lag times, are beyond

our control, we must focus on factors we can control. Efforts to restore wetlands and forested buffers

are far behind what is needed to achieve the 2025 goals. Local jurisdictions need increased support to
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2Fpublications%2Ftitle%2Fbay_barometer_health_and_restoration_in_the_chesapeake_bay_and_its_watershe&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGipNkWHjLekglmuly_cttSTTI0_Qhttp://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%2Fus6.campaign-archive2.com%2F%3Fu%3Df8c6c5815e1e73e0561b6f0f6%26id%3D1b420374f5%26e%3D4d1b0594be&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5Pky3xLvgjMxfrDzL9VX0llhGrghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2FSB10001424052702303332904579228432073770664&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUD7xcOdP-XVBZIbauhxg_UIQtcAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Fus_rep_glenn_thompson_says_7_m.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFlsYnZvkrvpqujQ-4O52EbCYGRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrcs.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fnrcs%2Fdetail%2Fnational%2Ftechnical%2Fnra%2Fceap%2F%3Fcid%3Dstelprdb1240074&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOqM8QCXvWoRf5in5q65HJwJFTYAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrcs.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fnrcs%2Fdetail%2Fnational%2Ftechnical%2Fnra%2Fceap%2F%3Fcid%3Dstelprdb1240074&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOqM8QCXvWoRf5in5q65HJwJFTYAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrcs.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fnrcs%2Fdetail%2Fnational%2Ftechnical%2Fnra%2Fceap%2F%3Fcid%3Dstelprdb1240074&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOqM8QCXvWoRf5in5q65HJwJFTYAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Findex.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqbSPEelu-fOoGTKta0VZ0AaOE-Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Findex.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqbSPEelu-fOoGTKta0VZ0AaOE-Q


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reduce urban and suburban polluted runoff, the only major pollution source continuing to grow. And

more progress must be made to reduce pollution from other sources, including agriculture, septic

systems, air, and sewage.

The need to increase the pace of pollution reduction should be a call to action for the

upcoming meeting of the Executive Council. When it meets next week, the Executive Council must

reaffirm its commitment to the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint and implementing the requiredpractices by the 2017 and 2025 deadlines. Taking these actions will reduce the risk to human health,

create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

In October, Dr. McGee, gave a PowerPoint presentationon the status of the Chesapeake Bay

Cleanup in Pennsylvania and the challenges that remain.

Link:

PAs Biggest Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Challenge: 609 Million Pounds Of Sediment

NewsClips:




PA Environmental Council: SB 994 Diverts Funding From Farm BMPs That Work

The PA Environmental CouncilFriday sent a letter to Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), prime sponsor of

Senate Bill 994, expressing its opposition to the bill saying it establishes a mandatory nutrient reduction

strategy that is not environmentally or economically sound.

PEC joinsthe PA Farmers, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the PA Municipal Authorities

Association and PennFuture, in opposing this legislation.

The text of the letter follows--

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), I am writing to restate our

opposition to Senate Bill 994 (P.N. 1209), which establishes a mandatory nutrient reduction strategy

that is not environmentally or economically sound.

Senate Bill 994 offers the promise of a fix for agricultural pollution without identifying where

funding needed for the program will come from - now or in the future while still mandating that

PennVEST buy particular credits through a program administered by both PennVEST and the

Department of Environmental Protection.

It threatens to siphon funding away from thousands of farmers and conservation programs that

we know can and want to get the job done, and re-direct it to treatment technology credits that are not

even approved for established Chesapeake Bay reduction goals.

Furthermore, these particular credits currently cost four times the market rate of proven

reduction strategies that also support Pennsylvania farmers.

Funding innovation is a great idea, but not when it fails to meet applicable environmentalstandards. Rather than setting up a separate state fund for that threatens to raid the coffers of agricultural

programs, Pennsylvania should strengthen its existing state nutrient trading program.

A solid free market pollution credit trading program that gives potential buyers confidence in

nutrient credits will help increase demand for credits and achieve the same results, or better, as Senate

Bill 994.

We need to make our existing nutrient trading program work, and we need to continue to

support the conservation efforts of our farmers and conservation professionals who are already
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27123&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEg32PrlMccorioB5-ZSz1SW8Xwpghttp://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%3D0994&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHeXs0Ori_MGGOE43uW0-2-6ypgXghttp://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%2Fus6.campaign-archive2.com%2F%3Fu%3Df8c6c5815e1e73e0561b6f0f6%26id%3D1b420374f5%26e%3D4d1b0594be&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5Pky3xLvgjMxfrDzL9VX0llhGrghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2FSB10001424052702303332904579228432073770664&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUD7xcOdP-XVBZIbauhxg_UIQtcAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Fus_rep_glenn_thompson_says_7_m.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFlsYnZvkrvpqujQ-4O52EbCYGRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26793&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-tM8femZR8YFu541wsJWxyyJPWghttp://goo.gl/f6wRgo


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equipped to finish the job.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Fact Sheets

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Officehas issued a series of fact sheets outlining the

water quality problems and solutions being implemented in the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake

Bay Watershed--

-- A Primer On Pollutants Of Concern-- outlines the contributions Pennsylvanias portion of theChesapeake Bay Watershed makes to nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution to the Bay.

--Nearly 20,000 Miles Of PA Streams Are Polluted-- details the fact there are thousands of

stream miles and hundreds of acres of lakes all across Pennsylvania that are considered impaired

under the federal Clean Water Act that either have or will require what is known as a Total Maximum

Daily Load (TMDL).

-- Cost Effective Solutions Are Known, Documented For The Chesapeake Bay-- notes cost

effective pollution solutions have already made significant progress in reducing pollution going to the

Bay, particularly in Pennsylvania.

-- Lancaster County Plain Sect Farms As Clean Water Stewards-- provides a snapshot of the

Buffer Bonus initiative from CBF to encourage the installation of stream buffers by Amish and Plain Sec

farmers in Lancaster County.-- Amish and Old Order Mennonite Farms Protect Streams And The Bay -- provides an

overview of a CBF initiative to work with Plain Sect farmers in Lancaster and Chester counties to install

best management practices under federal Farm Bill Programs like the Conservation Reserve

Enhancement Program (CREP).

In addition, Dr. Beth McGee, Senior Water Quality Scientist at CBF, gave a PowerPoint

presentationOctober 16 on the status of the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup in Pennsylvania and the

challenges that remain.

NewsClips:




December Issue Of Chesapeake Bay Program eNewsletter Now Available

The Chesapeake Bay Programhas published the December issue of its Chesapeake Currents online

newsletter. Click Hereto read a copy and sign up for your own.

PA Farm Show Set For January 4-11 In Harrisburg

Agriculture Secretary George Greig this week invited Pennsylvanians to celebrate agriculture during the

98th Pennsylvania Farm Show, January 4-11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and ExpoCenter in Harrisburg.

The eight-day show, themed Pennsylvania Farms: Growing for You, features 6,000 animals,

10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors.

Pennsylvanias more than 62,000 farm families and thousands of agribusinesses provide an

affordable food supply, keep money in local communities and create jobs, said Greig. The Farm

Show is a celebration of their contributions, from the competitive exhibits and demonstrations to the

famous Food Court.
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iConservePA.org: Video Shows How PA Farm Show Collects Water For Reuse

Every year, thousands of people visit the Farm Show Complex and Expo Centerin Harrisburg, but few

of them realize how the water collected by the 24 acres of roofs on buildings housing the Farm Show is

being reused inside the complex.A new videoby GreenTreksshows how the complex employs a variety of techniques to keep

polluted runoff out of the Paxton Creek which flows into the Susquehanna and ultimately into the

Chesapeake Bay.

The savings from the lower water and sewer bills will actually surpass the initial investment over

time.

Simply put, says Executive Director Patrick Kerwin, the greening effort at the Complex

makes good business sense.

Click Hereto watch the video. For more useful environmental information, visit

iConservePA.org.

DEP Starts Mine Reclamation Projects In Clarion, Jefferson Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it will start two new mine

reclamation projects: one in Knox Township, Jefferson County and the other in Perry Township,

Clarion County.

Reclamation of the Brooksville Southeast site, located in Knox Township, Jefferson County, will

involve implementation of an erosion and sedimentation control plan that includes more than 195,000

cubic yards of grading, as well as gas line relocation.

The contract includes 525 square yards of high-velocity erosion control mulch blanket, mine

seal, and 27.5 acres of seeding. The total cost of the project is $290, 258.50.

The Perryville Northeast site, located in Perry Township, Clarion County, consists of more than

112,000 cubic yards of grading, 85 cubic yards of ditch excavation, and 690 square yards of erosion

control/turf reinforcement mat.

It will also include 1237 linear feet of subsurface drain, and just over 11 acres of seeding. The

total cost of this project is $192, 205.00

The Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation administers and oversees the Abandoned Mine

Reclamation Program in Pennsylvania.

The bureau is responsible for resolving problems such as mine fires, mine subsidence, dangerous

highwalls, open shafts and portals, mining-impacted water supplies and other hazards which have

resulted from past coal mining (pre-1977) practices in accordance with requirements established by the

federal Office of Surface Mining under authority of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.

The funding for these projects comes from Office of Surface Mining fees collected from theCoal Industry nationwide.

Work at both sites is underway. Reclamation work at the Jefferson County site, being done by

E. M. Brown, Inc of Clearfield, is expected to be completed in November, 2014. Work at the Clarion

County site, which is being performed by J & J Snyder, Inc of Mayport, is scheduled to be done by

September, 2014.

DRBC Updates PCB And pH Water Quality Criteria For Delaware River And Bay
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The Delaware River Basin CommissionWednesday adopted updated water quality criteria for

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Delaware Estuary and Bay and also for pH in interstate tidal

and non-tidal reaches of the main stem Delaware River.

The updated PCB criteriafor the protection of human health from carcinogenic effects is 16

picograms/liter. This number, based upon the most current methodology and scientific data available, isnow a uniform value for the entire Delaware Estuary and Bay (DRBC Water Quality Zones 2-6).

The criteria previously varied according to the water quality zone, differed from that of the basin

states, and did not take into account site-specific data and current U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency guidance on the development of human health criteria.

This update was originally proposed in 2009, but action was deferred pending further

refinement of an implementation strategy to support achievement of the revised PCB water quality

criteria. While comment on an updated implementation strategy was solicited simultaneously with the

current PCB criteria revision, there was no planned commission action on the strategy.

The Delaware Estuary and Bay are considered impaired for PCBs, and the U.S. EPA has

established total maximum daily loads (Stage I TMDLs) for these waterbodies. A TMDL expresses the

maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterway can receive and still attain water quality standards.With DRBC's adoption of revised PCB criteria, it is anticipated that the U.S. EPA will establish

new TMDLs (Stage 2 TMDLs) corresponding to the updated criteria. In the associated report

announcing the Stage 2 TMDLs, the U.S. EPA will include the proposed implementation strategy as an

appendix and will solicit comment on the report and strategy in 2014.

PCBs have been classified by the U.S. EPA as a probable human carcinogen. The U.S. banned

the manufacture and general use of PCBs in the late 1970s, but not before 1.5 billion pounds of the

substance was produced.

The updated PCB criteria was developed under the guidance of the commission's Toxics

Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives of the four basin states - Delaware, New Jersey,

New York, and Pennsylvania - and members of the academic, agricultural, public health, industrial and

municipal sectors, and non-governmental environmental community.

The rulemaking was noticed in the federal and state registers, with the full text of the proposed

rule changes and related materials posted on the DRBC website on August 1. A public hearing was held

on September 10, with written comments accepted through September 20.

The commissioners at the December 4 meeting, which was held at the Washington Crossing

Historic Park Visitor Center, also adopted revised pH water quality criteria for the main stem Delaware

River and tidal tributaries up to the head of tide.

DRBC's pH criteria have not been updated since being established in 1967. The old pH criteria

were expressed as ranges and were different for the tidal (between 6.5 and 8.5) and non-tidal (between

6 and 8.5) river.

The approved criteria range (between 6.5 and 8.5) is now uniform for the entire main stemDelaware (except towards natural conditions in certain sections of the river), minimizes regulatory

inconsistencies between DRBC criteria and that of the basin states and the U.S. EPA, and better

addresses natural pH cycles in the main stem Delaware River.

The revisions to the pH criteria were unanimously endorsed by the DRBC's Water Quality

Advisory Committee, comprised of regulators, municipal and industrial dischargers, academicians, and

environmental organizations, which advises the commissioners on technical matters relating to water

quality within the basin.
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The rulemaking was noticed in the federal and state registers, with the full text of the proposed

rule changes and related materials posted on the DRBC website on September 20. A public hearing

was held on October 24, with written comments accepted through November 21.

For more information, visit the DRBCs website.

PRC: Western PA Hard To Recycle Collections 2013 Recap

The Hard to Recyclecollection events organized by the PA Resources Counciland its partners in 2013

attracted 2,180 participants and collected 223,339 pounds of electronics and more in the Pittsburgh

Region.

PRC west would like to thank all of the Hard to Recycle collection sponsors, partner

organizations, contractors and volunteers for making 2013 the most successful year ever in the 10+ year

history of the events.

New partners NOVA Chemicals and Appliance Warehouse joined the mix to accept

polystyrene packing material at each collection, and, for the final event, G-Tech came on board to

collect used cooking oil.

Other items collected include: 1,450 CFLs, 7,450 lbs. of paper, 3,190 cubic feet ofpolystyrene and 36 gallons of used cooking oil.

PRC also thanked its e-waste recycling partner eLoop, LLC, for their amazing work this season

and the Allegheny County Health Department for their continued support of these important recycling

events.

New new schedule of Hard to Recycle collection events will be scheduled in 2014.

Click Hereto view a slideshow of photos from the 2013 Hard to Recycle collection events. For

more information please contact Sarah Alessio Shea at 412-488-7490 ext. 236 or send email to:

[email protected]. See you next year!

Keep PA Beautiful: Who Dropped 17,344 Cigarette Butts?

Over 9,745 volunteers from 35 counties across Pennsylvania canvassed their communities to remove

459,076 pounds of trash and debris from Pennsylvanias waterways and coastal regions during the

2013 International Coastal Cleanupevent.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautifulis proud to be the Pennsylvania statewide coordinator for

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 Pennsylvania Beautiful worked together with localgroups and organizations to coordinate 385 events throughout the state. Volunteers in Pennsylvania

documented the trash that was picked up and the top five types of trash found during the 2013

cleanup included:

17,344 Cigarette Butts

4,062 Food Wrappers

3,259 Beverage Bottles (plastic)

3,011 Plastic Pieces and
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.oceanconservancy.org%2Four-work%2Finternational-coastal-cleanup%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLPfRvVKYcmV6NlCNcTQa2nIIk9wmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2F%2Fphotos%2Fprc2011%2Fsets%2F72157636300639145%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F10143254823%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPLmuhCUWgZlmUBZcflrsSKpX4DAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eloopllc.com%2FeLoopLLC%2Felpwebsite.nsf%2Fweb%2Fhome%2Bpage%3Fopendocument&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNExm5tTFMujyvRRPhCDpf_5zU51uwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prc.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHi9jQeyKs-4_mstc9nJBHRhFFFDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerowastepgh.org%2FZW-PRC-hardtorecycle.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGC-ckIoWglLihW9TV56c_vSzflPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbc.net&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFn_UrAl_SJF6hkr5sFfdnOKoBLfQ


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2,018 Bottle Caps (Plastic).

County accomplishments included:

Allegheny County/Allegheny CleanWays, Pittsburgh City, and University of Pittsburgh: Most

volunteers 4,011

Erie County/Department of Environmental Protection: Most cigarette butts collected 16,276

Allegheny County/Allegheny CleanWays, Pittsburgh City, and University of Pittsburgh: Most poundsof trash removed 206,500 pounds

Clinton County/Clinton County CleanScapes: Most tires collected - 399 and

Erie County/Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Most plastic wrappers and most

plastic bottles collected 3,161 and 1,574

The phrase we all live downstream is common, but in Pennsylvania it is a reality with our

diverse topography and the amount of watersheds, small and large, said Shannon Reiter, President of

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. These numbers show that collectively we can accomplish great things.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful thanks all those involved in helping to prevent this litter from getting into

our waterways.

Funding for the International Coastal Cleanup coordination in Pennsylvania is provided by the

Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Waste Management and Coastal ResourceManagement.

For more information, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautifulwebsite.

DEP Extends Comment Period On Permit Decision Guarantee Policy

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced it has extended the public comment

period on the Permit Decision Guarantee Policyas part of its annual review to December 31, according

to Hayley Book, DEP Director of Policy.

Following the comment period, a comment response document and an annual report will be

drafted detailing implementation highlights in the first year, as well as any changes made to the policy an

associated permits as a result of internal and external comments.

Details on where comments can be submitted on the final policy will be provided when the

technical guidance is published on October 26in the PA Bulletin.

A copy of the policy is available online.

Written comments should be submitted to me by email to: [email protected], by telephone at

717-783-8727, or by mail at 400 Market Street, Harrisburg PA, 17101.

For more information, visit DEPs Permit Decision Guaranteewebpage.

Penn State Extension Marcellus Shale Webinars Dec. 10, 19, More Scheduled In 2014

The Penn State Marcellus Education Teamwill be holding two webinars this month looking at a recentlypublished paper on economic activity and drilling and pipeline cuttings reuse--

-- December 10 from 1 p.m. 2 p.m. Marcellus Shale and Local Economic Activity: What the 2012

Pennsylvania State Tax Data Say will be held from Dec. 10.

-- December 19from 1 p.m. 2 p.m. Drilling and Pipeline Cuttings Reclamation.

Penn State Center for Economic and Community Developmentrecently released a paper

exploring changes in types of income at the local level associated with Marcellus Shale activity. Timoth

W. Kelsey, Penn State Co-director of the CECD and one of the authors of the paper, will discuss these
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Faese.psu.edu%2Fresearch%2Fcenters%2Fcecd&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH23FF2dfwYbunjPTN0YH2uuZWtFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnaturalgas%2Fteam&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHnBmYAK2uOv798Mf49sLji9CrDIwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpermit_decision_guarantee%2F21215&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFb6JMGum907RmCpYpLGng4sQSf3Amailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-91362%2F021-2100-001%2520PRP%2520and%2520PDG%2520Policy.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFC0DyueYtOT2rl7oPrzmdpjjJMNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-43%2F1992.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYyeXvM_1HYlIiJ3UX7dqA17cdlghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-91362%2F021-2100-001%2520PRP%2520and%2520PDG%2520Policy.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFC0DyueYtOT2rl7oPrzmdpjjJMNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keeppabeautiful.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnAJ8HoIN9W5G3EykJCU7tXW5k8Q


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findings.

Kelsey states, Major findings include much large increases in total taxable income in many of

the high drilling activity counties than in counties without shale gas activity. Importantly, the increases

local income are largely due to lease and royalty dollars, which outpaced increases in gross

compensation and profits. The data demonstrate that major economic benefits from Marcellus shale

development are going to local residents, regardless of the presence of non-local workers.On December 19 join Averil Rance, vice president of Environmental, Health and Safety, and

Daniel F. Mueller, general manager of drilling services with Clean Earth Inc., as they discuss their

companys unique operations in recycling drill and pipeline cuttings from shale development.

The company is permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection as a research and

development facility.

Rance states, As we enter Phase II of our Research & Development permit, we have made

great progress in building data that supports the environmental benefits of this type of waste being

recycled, to become not only a reusable product, but a reusable, sustainable product that benefits the

environment.

2014 Webinars

Penn State Extensions Marcellus Education Team provides monthly webinars on a variety oftopics. Upcoming planned topics include:

-- January 16:PA Wilds Design Guide Supplement for Oil & Gas Best Practices, Jim Weaver,

director, Tioga County Planning

-- February 20: A Look at Recent Well Waste and Production, Dave Yoxtheimer, Penn State

Marcellus Center for Outreachassociate, and Matt Henderson, Shale Gas asset manager, Penn State

MCOR

-- March 20: A Look at Land and Property Valuations with Shale Development, Jeffrey R. Kern,

senior appraiser, Resource Technologies Corp.

Registration for the webinars is not necessary at this time, and all are welcome to participate.

Click Hereto log in to view the webinars. For more information, contact Carol Loveland at

570-320-4429 or send email to: [email protected].

For more information, visit the Penn State ExtensionNatural Gaswebpage.

Center For Rural PA: Half Or More Of Households Would Not Connect To Natural Gas

The Center for Rural Pennsylvaniahas released a new reporton the potential demand for natural gas

service to residential households in three regions of the state which found half or more of households

would not connect to natural gas regardless of the upfront costs or payback period.

The report was the result of Senate Resolution 29(Yaw-R- Lycoming) which directed the

Center to study the deployment of natural gas distribution infrastructure by collecting and analyzing

information on---- estimated demand for natural gas service in unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth

-- estimated price consumers are willing to pay for access or conversion to natural gas service

-- regional differences in consumer demand and willingness to pay for natural gas service and

-- relevant economic information on the costs and benefits to expand natural gas distribution

infrastructure.

The Center conducted a survey of 1,020 households in 15 counties in Northcentral,

Southcentral and Southeastern PA and found--
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0029&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbAB7GpKhd6nNbQt7vr6c2rDtdCghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rural.palegislature.us%2Fdocuments%2Freports%2FNatural-Gas-Infrastructure-SR29.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmKKouwOd7yNNsLifX8yCuac64pwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rural.palegislature.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKZqv6p_F49xPl_6-tr42x7dvveAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fnatural-gas&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFr0rsa5cTQ-JK1t7RIHW3mD7k_bQmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmeeting.psu.edu%2Fpscems&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHDQc90sBELTVlzpYYFjwCqW5qVjghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marcellus.psu.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEt6H6TYkLP2i3Pzg8gHqp8rMhnSQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marcellus.psu.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEt6H6TYkLP2i3Pzg8gHqp8rMhnSQ


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-- Half or more of the households surveyed would not connect to natural gas under any cost/ savings

scenario. The reluctance to connect related to worry about future increases in the cost of natural gas, the

hassle of installing new lines and equipment and the inability to afford upfront costs.

-- From 17 to 23 percent of those surveyed in Southcentral and Southeastern PA indicated a

probability of connecting to natural gas service and from 26-32 percent in Northcentral PA.

-- Very few respondents lived in homes incapable of being converted to natural gas due to the inabilityto install pipes or ducts.

-- The typical household faces upfront costs of $6,000 to connect to gas service with a potential annual

savings on heating bills of $1,000.

A copy of the report is available online.

Natural Gas Utilities, Experts Brief PUC On Winter Supply Levels

As winter weather makes its way across the state, the Public Utility Commission Monday released the

winter readiness overviews from the states natural gas distribution companies and industry experts.

For the 2013-14 winter heating season, the NGDCs expect natural gas supplies to be adequate

for the expected demand in the 2013-14 winter heating season. NGDC winter readiness programsinclude: preventive maintenance on equipment and facilities frost patrols leak surveys and regulator

and meter inspections.

The programs are designed to ensure natural gas service continues in a safe and reliable manner

through periods of increased demand and below-freezing temperatures.

"When consumers turn on the heat, they do not think about natural gas supply meeting demand

this winter or if increased safety measures associated with freeze/thaw cycles are in place, said PUC

Chairman Robert F. Powelson. But the PUC does. We work to ensure all of our natural gas

companies are taking the steps necessary to provide safe and reliable service for winter.

The winter readiness overviews can be found at the following links:

-- PECO Energy - Gas

-- UGI Utilities Inc.

-- Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania

--National Fuel Gas

-- Philadelphia Gas Works

-- Peoples Natural Gas

-- Equitable Gas

-- UGI Energy Services

-- Energy Association of PA

Consumers also are reminded to prepare now for higher bills associated with winter heating.

The PUCs message is simple: Prepare Now for higher energy costs this winter. Learn about changes

in the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights. Save money by learning how to conserveenergy. Heat your home safely. Explore budget billing options. Look into programs that help

low-income customers restore and maintain service.

Visit the PUCs Prepare Nowwebpage or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380 for more

information.

NewsClip:Winter Gas Heating Prices Starting Low, Expected To Rise

PPL Holtwood Hydroelectric Facility Doubles Capacity
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F05%2Fwinter-gas-heating-prices-starting-out-low-expected-to-rise%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE-DVCfUhA_v3oA34LeiR2f6eRsFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2Fconsumer_info%2Fnatural_gas%2Fprepare_now.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFMgnUhGAL-8xgiS_X8b0mKygvpcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-EAP.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGcsYTs39NFHHbp7H6XX8-UZfq2kAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-UGI_Energy_Services.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFj8YR3JzbHOakDWrpQoflcbmh8AAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-Equitable_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHnecQC4jZLYPyuOPg2f684hY1N6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-PNG_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_SBWCjlHpIw5C9yMditSOKOUveQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-PGW_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-OxV5Et714iE8lt2UuoFRFzI4Nghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-NFG_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGo9ApsgIQuNdb0UGiGetAxPAQH3Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-Columbia_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqZIm3NW59AO0Ee3GdQUEI_UfO4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-UGI_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbUHP9VVXg46VBEbo5MZJgrYWO8whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2FNaturalGas%2Fpdf%2FReliability%2FWinter_Reliability_2013-PECO_Rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHG0tGvbwWAxpB0BB0wkxCXhcEjsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rural.palegislature.us%2Fdocuments%2Freports%2FNatural-Gas-Infrastructure-SR29.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmKKouwOd7yNNsLifX8yCuac64pw


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PPL HoltwoodMonday announced completion of a new, 125-megawatt powerhouse at its Holtwood

hydroelectric facility along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County.

The powerhouse is part of a $440 million expansion project to boost the plant's generating

capacity and improve fish passage over the century-old dam. The integrated improvements to the fish

lifts and water flows are expected to better attract fish into the lifts and ease their migration along theSusquehanna River and its tributaries.

The new, state-of-the-art powerhouse sits adjacent to the century-old powerhouse and more

than doubles the plant's generating capacity from about 108 megawatts to more than 230 megawatts.

The additional capacity is enough to power about 100,000 homes.

"This project, one of the largest expansions of its kind in the U.S., represents a major investment

in clean, reliable, renewable energy," said Victor Lopiano, senior vice president of Fossil & Hydro

Generation for PPL.

"I thank everyone who was involved in design and construction of the new powerhouse," he

said. "This project highlights the potential to upgrade existing hydroelectric facilities and expand capacity

without the need to build new dams. The new facility's two 62.5-megawatt turbines are capable of

generating more electricity than the 12 existing turbines, combined."Lopiano said the hydroelectric expansion further strengthens the diversity of PPL's competitive

generation fleet within the mid-Atlantic. The fleet includes hydroelectric power, nuclear power, natural

gas and coal-fired power plants, along with other forms of renewable energy.

With the project complete, the company expects to qualify for federal grants made available

through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The incentives were a key factor in the

company's decision to build the facility and are expected to exceed $100 million.

The multi-year project created more than 300 construction jobs. Crews excavated more than

1.3 million cubic yards of rock, poured more than 71,000 cubic yards of concrete, dealt with the

challenge of major tropical storms in recent years and took care to minimize disruption to wildlife in the

area.

The company, for example, worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the

Game Commission to develop a bald eagle management and monitoring plan to minimize any impact to

nesting eagles.

For its efforts, PPL Holtwood received the National Hydropower Association's Outstanding

Stewards of America's Water award.

Final grading and site work is being completed at the facility, and hunting restrictions on PPL

Holtwood land remain in effect.

Holtwood's existing powerhouse, started in 1906 and completed in 1910, continued to operate

throughout the project and will continue to generate power moving forward. At the time the original

powerhouse was built, Holtwood included the longest dam in the U.S nearly 2,400 feet long. The

facility supported the continued electrification of communities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.For more information, visit PPLs Holtwood Plantwebpage.

NewsClip:PPL Completes $440M Expansion Of Holtwood Hydro Plant

DCNR Receives Clean Audit In Use Of Federal Emergency Cleanup Funds

Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti Tuesday announced the Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources has received a clean auditfrom the federal government related to the expenditure of $33.6
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oig.dhs.gov%2Fassets%2FGrantReports%2F2013%2FOIG_DA-13-25_Sep13.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEeJ7C3fw2dmuuXrHKH2KfIa8ylcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F926555_PPL-completes--440M-expansion-of-Holtwood-hydroelectric-plant.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNExuEK18UNlStUAaJpRYoT2BngwgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pplweb.com%2Fppl-generation%2Fppl-holtwood.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHL_LkMy0qb4bXCji-4Y4XA5HbQKghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pplweb.com%2Fppl-generation%2Fppl-holtwood.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHL_LkMy0qb4bXCji-4Y4XA5HbQKg


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million it received for cleanup related to three disasters between 2004 and 2006.

Cleaning up from these disasters was a substantial, multi-DCNR bureau and multi-state agency

effort and we are proud that the auditors determined this work met all federal regulations and

guidelines, Ferretti said. These projects were unplanned and performed in addition to our regular

project workload. I applaud staff for their efforts to manage these projects.

The objective of the audit was to determine if DCNR correctly spent and accounted for FederalEmergency Management Agency funds received related to Tropical Storm Ivan in September 2004

severe storms and flooding that occurred April 2, 2005 and severe storms and flooding on June 23,

2006.

The auditors for the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security,

reviewed more than 200 project worksheets and focused on 25 large and three small projects, most of

which were completed at Delaware Canal State Park. The parks infrastructure was significantly

damaged during the three incidents.

The audit did not require any follow-up actions and is considered closed.

John Kaschak, Director of Audits for the Budget Office congratulated DCNR on a report with

no findings, saying during his 15 years of doing audits, he could count on one hand the number of audit

that have been issued without findings.A copy of the report is available online.

106 Acres Of Woodland Preserved In Erie By Foundation For Sustainable Forests

The Foundation for Sustainable Forestshas acquired and permanently protected 106 acres of

woodland in Girard Township, Erie County.

The tract, located off South Creek Road just west of State Road near the Borough of Platea,

holds tributaries to Little Elk Creek and is an important forest reserve in an area under increasing

pressure from development.

Ownership of the land by the Foundation ensures it will forever remain forested land free from

development and managed to the highest ecological standards, providing a wealth of ecological services

and recreational and social benefits to the area while remaining on the tax rolls.

The property will also serve as an example of and learning center for forest sustainability and the

best in management practices.

The acquisition was made possible through the support and generosity of the sellers, who

provided financing. Diane Zenchenko Esser of Millcreek Township, one of the sellers will retain a

minority interest. Esser is founder and executive director of I Am A Planet Kid, a childrens

environmental education program that often partners with the Foundation on programming.

I am proud of my alliance with the Foundation for Sustainable Forests, Esser said. We are

aligned in goals to educate and sustain our forests and contribute to a better quality of life for our

families. I know the land is in good hands.The acquisition of the property in Girard Township, a project that has been in the works for

several years, is the Foundations first in Erie County.

Headquartered in Spartansburg, Pa the Foundation for Sustainable Forests is a nonprofit land

trust and sustainable forestry education and advocacy organization working throughout northwestern

Pennsylvania, western New York and northeastern Ohio.

The Foundations mission is to protect forested land and ecosystems and support rural

communities through working forests to raise awareness of the importance of preserving intact forested
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foundationforsustainableforests.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFGpALdQUp5_2pWwuyoX8xJEANk9whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oig.dhs.gov%2Fassets%2FGrantReports%2F2013%2FOIG_DA-13-25_Sep13.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEeJ7C3fw2dmuuXrHKH2KfIa8ylcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Ffindapark%2Fdelawarecanal%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFIi2q5UvO-98s671ySeJ0l6g5BfA


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ecosystems and to highlight sustainable forestry and practices for the benefit of the land.

For more information, visit the Foundation for Sustainable Forestswebsite or send email to:

[email protected].

NewsClip:Forest Group Acquires Land In Girard Township

DCNR Acquires 486-Acre Tract For Addition To Delaware State Forest

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials Monday hailed acquisition of the 486-acre

former Rock Hill Scout Camp in Pike County that will boost size of the Delaware State Forestto more

than 85,000 acres.

Although bordered on two sides by Delaware State Forest, these lands are feeling the

mounting pressure of surrounding development and increased

pa environment digest dec. 9, 2013

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