PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaFebruary24,2014 PASupremeCourtRejectsAct13CourtDecisionReconsiderationMotion ThePASupremeCourtFridayrejectedtheCorbettAdministrationsrequestforreconsiderationofthe CourtslandmarkdecisioninDecemberwhichdeclaredunconstitutionalprovisionsoftheAct13 MarcellusShaledrillinglawrelatingtolocalregulationofdrillingoperations. TheCourtalsoinvalidatedprovisionsofthelawestablishingsetbacksfromriversandstreams, therequirementforDEPtoevaluatetheimpactstopublicresourcesandrestrictionsontherightof municipalitiestoappealDEPpermitdecisions. TheCourtalsodirectedCommonwealthCourttorehearcomplaintsbymunicipalitiesthatAct 13preventsdoctorsfromtellingpatientsofthehealthimpactsofchemicalsusedinnaturalgaswell frackingoperations. ThesignificanceoftherulingisnotthatitdeclaredseveralprovisionsofAct13unconstitutional, butinthelegalbasisfortheopinionArticleI,Section27ofPennsylvaniasConstitution,the EnvironmentalRightsAmendmenteventhoughtechnicallythisbasisitisnotconsideredalegal precedentbecausethreeratherthanfourjusticesagreementwiththisargument. ThereconsiderationwasopposedbytheoriginalchallengerstoAct13onthegroundsthestate, thePublicUtilitiesCommissionandtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionfailedtoprovideany compellingreasonsfortheextraordinarylegalrelief. TheCorbettAdministrationwantedadoover.TheSupremeCourtsaidno,saidJordan Yeager,oneoftheleadattorneysonthecase.Act13violatedourfundamentalConstitutionalrights. TheCourtslandmarkrulingstandsandweareallsaferasaresult. TheStatehasheardthefinalwordonAct13fromthehighestauthority.Onceagainthe primaryrightsofcleanair,water,andahealthyenvironmentforthepeopleoftheCommonwealthhave beenreiterated,saidMayavanRossum,theDelawareRiverkeeperandoneoftheoriginalpetitioners inthecase.WehopetheGovernorandhisadministrationcannowfinallyacceptthattheywerewrong intheirattempttoundotheCourtsdeliberations.TheGovernorshouldlistentowhattheCourthas saidandrealizethattheCourtsthoughtful,extensivesetofopinionsinstructsalllevelsofgovernmentto fullyadheretotheirruling.ThisisagreatdayforPennsylvania. DEPChiefCounselDennisWhitakertoldtheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilinJanuarythe DepartmentsfirstpriorityinrespondingtotheCourtdecisionwasreviewingthechangesthatmight needtotheproposedChapter78regulationsandOilandGasProgramproceduressincetheCourts decisiondealtspecificallywiththatprogram. HenotedthestreamandothersetbackprovisionstheCourtstruckdowninAct13wouldlikely remaininforcebecausetheDepartmenthassufficientauthorityundertheCleanStreamsLawandother statutestoestablishsetbacks.

HealsosaidGov.Corbettcalledondrillerstomeetwaterwaysetbackseventhoughtheywere struckdownbytheCourt. Morebroadly,WhitakersaidhisofficehasstartedareviewofallDEPprogramstodetermine whetherthepreviousharmsandbenefitstestsprogramshaveincorporatedintoregulationsandpermit reviewsovertheyearsasaresultofpreviousEnvironmentalRightsAmendmentcourtdecisionswould needtobechangedasaresultofthedecision. AthisbudgethearingintheSenateTuesday,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzoalsosaidother statutoryauthorityexiststoenforcewaterwaysetbacks.Headdedtherequirementsofthe EnvironmentalRightsAmendmentarealreadyincludedinmanyofDEPspermitprograms,buttheyare workingthroughtheissues. NewsClips: PASupremeCourtRejectsAppealOfDrillingLawRuling HighCourtWontReconsiderDecisionOnOilAndGasLaw PASupremeCourtWontRevisitGasDrillingCase PASupremeCourtWillNotReconsiderAct13Decision NewDrillingStudyNeededYudichakSays GreeneCountyGasWellStillLeaking StatePoliceRecoverWorkerKilledInGasWellExplosion BradfordWomanWinsCaseOverWellContamination AttorneyGeneralInvestigatingChesapeakeEnergyRoyalties KaneEyesGasRoyaltyCheckComplaints HundredsRallyInBradfordOnGasRoyalties HomeUpInFlamesAfterGasExplosion WantGasHeat?UGIPlanMakesItEasier ReferenceLink: Analysis:LandmarkCourtOpinionTurnsEnvironmentalRegulationInPAUpsideDown SenateDEPBudgetHearingFocusesOnGasWellExplosion,WellRegulationIssues ThenaturalgaswellexplosioninGreeneCountylastweekandDEPsOilandGasProgramwerethe focusofmanyofthequestionsmembersoftheSenateAppropriationsCommitteeaskedDEPSecretary ChrisAbruzzoTuesdayasheappearedbeforetheCommitteetoanswerquestionsabouthisagencys FY201415budgetrequest. Theresponsetothewellexplosion,theadequacyoffeessupportingtheregulatoryprogram,the topthreeviolationsintheprogram,therecentAct13courtdecisionandtheproposalforadditional naturalgasleasingonDCNRlandswerealltopicscoveredinthequestioning. ClickHereforacopyofSecretaryAbruzzoswrittenbudgettestimony.ClickHereforvideo OfSenateAppropriationsHearing(LookforPlaylist). Heresasummaryofsomeofthemoreimportantquestionsandanswers GreeneCountyGasWellExplosion:InresponsetoaquestionSen.Yaw(RLycoming),Majority ChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,abouttheavailabilityoffundingto dealwithanincidentliketheGreeneCountywellexplosion,SecretaryAbruzzosaidtheyhavesufficient fundstocoverstaffrespondingtotheemergency.HesaidtheywillseekreimbursementforDEPs costsinrespondingtotheemergencyfromthewellowner.HenotedDEPhadaboutadozenpeople

onscene,inadditiontohisowntwodayvisittothesite,aswellasotherseniorDEPstaff. Sen.YawnotedPennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnicalhasahandsonemergencyresponsetraining facilityinLycomingCountythatcanbeduplicatemanynaturalgaswellemergencies. Sen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne),MinorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommittee,saidheunderstoodtherewasanagreementwiththeindustryinthepasttoimprove emergencycrewresponsetimestoemergencieslikethewellfire.Henotedtheresponsetimeaverage hasbeenabout9hours.SecretaryAbruzzosaidemergencycrewsdohavealocationinPennsylvania withequipment,butthatnegotiationsunderthepreviousAdministrationdidnotresultinanyspecific agreements. Sen.LisaBaker(RLuzerne),MajorityChairoftheSenateVeteransAffairsandEmergency PreparednessCommittee,saidshewouldliketoworkwithDEPonanumberofissues,including: prepositioningemergencyresponseresourcesforwellemergencies,additionaltrainingandother measurestoimproveemergencyresponse.SecretaryAbruzzosaidhewouldbehappytoworkwith her. Sen.TimSolobay(DWashington),MinorityChairoftheSenateVeteransAffairsand EmergencyPreparednessCommittee,saidheappreciatedtheresponsebyDEPstaff,including executivestaff,andthelocalemergencyresponderssaying,Everyonedidwhatwassupposedtobe doneinatextbookwaytodealwiththewellfire.Heaskediftherewereanygapsintheresponsethe Secretaryhasidentifiedsofar.SecretaryAbruzzoechoedtheSenatorscommentandsaidDEPwas earlyintheprocessofdoinganafteractionreporttoidentifyweaknessesintheresponseandin investigatingthecausesoftheexplosion. OilandGasWellFeeIncreases:Sen.Yawaskedforbackgroundontherecentoilandgaspermit feeincreasesandthenumberofDEPstaffhasfortheprogramareadequate.SecretaryAbruzzosaid DEPwilladdanother36peopletotheprogram,inpart,asaresultofthefeeincrease.Therearea totalof87inspectorsintheprogram,butmanyothersupportingtechnicalstaff.SecretaryAbruzzoalso toldtheHouseAppropriationsCommitteePennsylvaniawillhavemoreinspectorsthanTexaswhichhas ninetimesthenumberofunconventional(MarcellusShale)wells. Inresponsetoafollowup,SecretaryAbruzzosaidfeebased,payasyougofundingto supportprogramsisanapproachDEPhasembracedandtheagencyisupdatingitsfeesacross programs. Sen.Wozniak(DCambria)askedifthefundingfromtheAct13drillingimpactfeesare adequatetocoverDEPsOilandGasProgramcosts.JeffLogan,ExecutiveDeputyforAdministration andManagement,saidtheAct13feescoveraboutonethirdofthecostoftheProgram.Alongwith thepermitfees,finesandpenalties,100percentoftheprogramarenotsupportedbyGeneralFund monies. AdditionalDrillingOnStateLands:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Yudichak,Secretary Abruzzosaidhewasnotconsultedindevelopingtheproposalforadditionalnaturalgasleasingonstate lands.HesaidDCNRwaslikeanyotherlandownerwhowouldhavetofollowingDEPspermitting rules.HenotedtheproposalwouldnotallowadditionaldrillpadsonstatelandsandDEPwoulduseits authoritytoensureStateParklandwouldbeprotectedfromnegativeimpacts. Act13CourtDecision:Sen.YudichakaskedforanupdateontheimpactoftherecentAct13court decision.SecretaryAbruzzosaidnotallthesetbackprovisionswereknockeddownbythedecision,

butDEPislookingforotherstatutoryauthoritytosupportsetbacksDEPhasenforced.HenotedGov. Corbetthascalledontheoilandgasindustrytomeetalltheexistingsetbacks.Hesaidtherequirements oftheEnvironmentalRightsAmendmentarealreadyinmanyofDEPspermitprograms,buttheyare workingthroughtheissues. Top3ViolationsInOilandGasProgram:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Vulakovich (RAllegheny),DanaAunkst,ExecutiveDeputyforPrograms,saidthetopthreeviolationsintheOil andGasProgramare:erosionandsedimentation,wetlandsencroachmentandwastehandlingviolations. NaturalGasPipelineImpacts:Sen.Rafferty(RMontgomery)askedforSecretaryAbruzzoshelpin gettingthestatemoresayinthelocationandregulationofnaturalgaspipelines.TheSecretarysaidhe wouldworkwiththeSenator,alongwiththePublicUtilityCommission,onthisissue. BeneficialUseOfDrillCuttings:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Yudichak,SecretaryAbruzzo saidDEPhasastudythatshouldbedonebytheendoftheyearonradiationissuesrelatedtodrilling wastesthatshouldprovidesomeadditionalguidancetoagencyactions. HealthEffectsOfNaturalGasDrilling:Sen.Greenleaf(RMontgomery)askedaboutsupportfor researchonthehealthimpactsofdrilling,includingarecentproposalbytheUniversityofPennsylvania. SecretaryAbruzzosaidhehasmetwiththeUniversityofPennsylvaniaofficialsandmadehisstaff availabletothem.Hesaidhewelcomesstudiesontheissue. AlternativeFuel/NaturalGasFuelGrants:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Greenleafwhosaid hewashopingtopasslegislationallowingtheuseofelectricgolfcarttypevehiclesonstreetsinalimited waytopromoteuseofalternativefuelvehicles,SecretaryAbruzzosaidtheAlternativeFuelsIncentive GrantProgramandadditionalfundingprovidedbytheAct13impactfeeshasbeeneffectiveinhelping toconvertvehiclestonaturalgasandpromotethepurchaseofelectricvehicles. CrudeOilTrainDerailments:Sen.Yudichaksaidtworecentcrudeoiltrainderailmentsputthisissue inthespotlightandhewantedtoknowwhatDEPisworkingontodealwiththisissue.Secretary AbruzzosaidDEPhasadequateresourcesinplacetohandleemergenciesofthistype,notingthePA EmergencyManagementAgencyisworkinginanumberofareastoimprovecommunicationwith railroadsonwhattheyarecarryingontrainsatanygivenmoment. WestVirginiaChemicalSpill:Sen.Schwank(DBerks)askedhowwouldPennsylvaniarespondto aspillliketheoneinWestVirginiarecentlyandarestateregulationstightenoughtodealwiththeissue. SecretaryAbruzzosaidthe1988AshlandoilspillinPittsburghledtothepassageoftheStorageTank andSpillPreventionActandstoragetankcontainmentandconstructionstandards.Hesaidwevehad ourdisasterandwerespondedtoitHenotedWestVirginiahasaskedforPennsylvaniasstoragetank regulationsasbackgroundtoimprovingtheirownprogram.HesaidDEPhasaverygoodemergency responseprogram,iftheygetatimelynotificationofincidents. ConservationDistricts:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Vogel,SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEP receivedadditional$24millioninfundingunderthetransportationfundingplanfortheDirtandGravel RoadProgramandabouthasabout$7millionfromtheGrowingGreenerProgramtohelpsupport

conservationdistrictsandhewasgladtoseeitincludedinthebudget. FloodDebrisRemoval/StreamMaintenance:SecretaryAbruzzosaidinresponsetoaquestion fromSen.YawandSen.Vulakovich,theBradfordCountystreamclearancepilotprojectisproceeding rapidlywithitsevaluationoftheemergencystreamclearanceprogram,trainingforcontractorsand municipalofficialsandtheyareinthemiddleofdevelopingabettergeneralpermittocoveremergency streamclearanceactivities.HesaidDEPdoeshavetodoabetterjobeducatinglocalgovernmentson emergencypermitrequirements. SecretaryAbruzzosaidthereisaperceptionitisdifficulttogetpermissionfromDEPtoreceive anemergencydebrisremovalpermitandhasbeeneducatingmunicipalitiesandothersaboutthe procedures.HeaddedDEPworkscloselywiththeGameandFishandBoatCommissionsandthePA EmergencyManagementAgencyontheseissues. PassiveMineDrainageTreatmentSystemsMaintenance:Sen.WozniakaskedifDEPhada mechanismtohelpfundmaintenanceofpassiveminedrainagetreatmentsystemsinstalledoverthelast decadeandmoresotheycancontinueoperateeffectively.SecretaryAbruzzosaidthesesystemsare makingatremendousdifferenceinimprovingwaterqualityandhehasseenthemfirsthand.Hesaidhe wouldgettheSenatormoreinformation. AbandonedMineReclamation:Sen.YudichakaskedforanupdateonDEPinitiativestousewaste materialstoreclaimthemanycoalminehighwallsleftfromabandonedminelands.SecretaryAbruzzo saidtheyarealwayslookingforwaystobeneficiallyreusematerialsbecauseofthesignificant reclamationproblemsPennsylvaniafaces. DRBCFunding:Sen.BakeraskedforanupdateonthecuttotheDelawareRiverBasinCommission budgetandtheneedtofindanewExecutiveDirector.SecretaryAbruzzosaidPennsylvaniataxpayers havebeenpayingmorethantheirfairsharetosupportDRBC,morethanotherstates.Henotedthe federalgovernmenthaspaidnothingeventhoughtheyarepartoftheCommission.Hesaidthe Commissionhastheabilitytoraiseitsfeestocovermoreofitsprogramcosts. SchuylkillHeadwatersSediment:Sen.Argall(RSchuylkill)notedDEPhasdiscontinuedits dredgingofcoalwastesedimentbehinddamssomeyearsagointheupperpartoftheSchuylkillRiver andaskediftheprivatesectorcouldbeengagedintheeffort.SecretaryAbruzzosaiditwouldbe difficulttoprovideincentivestotheprivatesector,butwouldbegladtoworkwiththeSenatorto developsomeoptions. OnLotSepticModuleReview:Sen.BakerthankedSecretaryAbruzzoforhiseffortstosolvea problemwithonlotsepticmodulereviewsinspecialprotectionwatersheds. RiparianBufferLegislation:Sen.RaffertysaidhewouldliketoworkwithDEPonlegislationheis draftingtorequire150footstreambuffersthroughoutthestateandSecretaryAbruzzosaidhewouldbe happytoworkwiththeSenatorontheissue. HazardousSitesCleanupFund:Sen.RaffertynotedAct13drillingimpactfeessupporttheHSCA CleanupFund,butwonderedifitwasadequatefortheprogram.SecretaryAbruzzosaidthosefeesare

helpful,butwhentheCapitalStockandFranchiseTaxisphasedoutcompletelyhewillhavetowork withtheGeneralAssemblytoprovideadditionalfunding. WasteTirePiles:Sen.ArgallaskedwhatDEPsplansaretoremovetheremainingwastetirepiles aroundthestate.SecretaryAbruzzosaidtheyarecontinuingtoworkastheyhaveinthepastonwaste tirepileremovalandtheyaremakingprogress. NegativeWindFarmImpacts:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Wozniak,SecretaryAbruzzo saidhedidnotknowofanynegativeimpactsofwindfarms,beyondtheinitialconstruction. VehicleEmissionsTesting:Sen.Vogel(RBeaver)saidhewouldbecontinuingtoworkwithDEPto eliminatevehicleemissionstestingforhisresidentsinWesternPAbecauseofthenumberofnew, cleanercarsinthevehiclefleethasincreasedsignificantly. PittsburghRVPGasoline:Sen.Vogelalsoaskedforastatusoneffortstoeliminatetherequirement forlowRVPgasolineonlyinthePittsburghRegion.SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEPisworkingona revisedairemissionsinventoryinWesternPAtoseeiftherewouldbeoffsettingemissionreductions fromothersourcessothestatecouldcontinuetomeetfederalozonepollutionstandards. RegulatoryClimate:Sen.Corman(RCentre),MajorityChairoftheSenateAppropriations Committee,commendedSecretaryAbruzzoforhiseffortstoimprovetheregulatoryclimateinthe agency. RegulatoryConsistency/PermitDecisionGuarantee:Sen.Solobayaskedforanupdateonhow theagencywasensuringconsistencyinpermitdecisionsacrossthestateandforanupdateonDEPs PermitDecisionGuaranteeProgram.SecretaryAbruzzosaidhehastobalancegivingregionaloffices theflexibilitytodealwithuniquecircumstances,withoutthosedecisionscausingproblemsinotherareas ofthestate.HereportedtheDecisionGuaranteeProgramhaseliminated95percentofthebacklogof pendingpermitsandhasbeensuccessfulingettingtimelypermitdecisionsbyDEPstaff. RelationshipWithEnvironmentalGroups:Sen.Farnese(DPhiladelphia)askedforanupdateon whatDEPisdoingtoimproveitsrelationshipwithenvironmentalgroups,notingSecretaryAbruzzos writtentestimonybeforetheCommitteeoutlinedsomerecentefforts.SecretaryAbruzzosaidheinvited representativesintomeetwithhimandletthemknowhisphilosophyistoincreasetheopportunitiesfor groupstohaveinputupfrontinthedecisionmakingprocess.Hesaidagoodexamplewasatourof DEPslaboratorybyenvironmentalgroupstoshowthemhowwatertestingwashandledandtoanswer questions. ITImprovements:Sen.Vulakovichaskedifthebudgetincludedanyinformationtechnologyupdates. Inresponse,JeffLogansaidDEPjustcompletedaprojecttodigitizedmoreoftherecordsand permittingdocumentsintheOilandGasProgramwhichLogansaidtheyhopetoreplicateinother areas. NewsClips: LawmakersPraiseDEPResponseToGasWellFire DCNRQuestionedOnPlansForAdditionalGasLeasing

NewDrillingStudyNeededYudichakSays Letter:CorbettLeasingPlanWouldAidPublicLandStewardship OpEd:CorbettBudgetHurtsConservation Feb.20DEPNewsletter PASupremeCourtRejectsAppealOfDrillingLawRuling HighCourtWontReconsiderDecisionOnOilAndGasLaw PASupremeCourtWontRevisitGasDrillingCase PASupremeCourtWillNotReconsiderAct13Decision HouseDEPBudgetHearingTacklesClimateChange,ChesapeakeBay,OtherIssues TheHouseAppropriationsCommitteehearingonDEPsbudgetrequestWednesdaycoveredmuchthe samegroundastheSenatehearingTuesday,butdidgetintotheissueofclimatechange,Chesapeake Baycleanup,waterandwastewaterinfrastructurefundingandairqualityissuesrelatedtonaturalgas drillingtheSenatedidnot. HousemembersaskedquestionssimilartotheSenaterelatedto:theAlternativeFuels/Natural GasVehiclegrants,cutstotheDelawareRiverBasinCommissionfunding,feeincreasesforoilandgas wells,streamclearancetopreventflooding,additionalleasingofDCNRlandfornaturalgas development,regionalconsistentlyinpermitdecisionmaking,thePermitDecisionGuaranteeProgram andtheAct13courtdecision. ClickHereforacopyofSecretaryAbruzzoswrittenbudgettestimony.ClickHereforvideo ofHouseAppropriationsHearing. HeresaquicksummaryoftheuniqueissuesraisedduringtheHousehearing ClimateChange:InresponsetoageneralquestionfromRep.Markosek(DAllegheny),Minority ChairoftheHouseAppropriationsCommittee,aboutclimatechange,SecretaryAbruzzosaidclimate changeisrealandtherearemanmadefactorscausingtheproblem.HesaidDEPdoesthingsevery daytodealwiththeissueandtheCommonwealthhasagoodstorytotell,reducinggreenhousegas emissionsbytensofthousandsoftonsoverthelastseveralyears.Headdedheisopentodiscussions onhowtodomore.Rep.MarkoseksaiditwasrefreshingtoheartheSecretarysanswerwhichwasa differentonethanheandhismembershaveheardbefore. Rep.Vitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committee,saidPennsylvanianeedstodomorethanshiftfromcoaltonaturalgastohelpsolvethe climatechangeproblem. ChesapeakeBayIssues:Rep.Miller(RYork),MajorityChairHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommittee,thankedtheSecretaryforbecomingpersonallyinvolvedinChesapeakeBayissues andtheChesapeakeBayCommission,notingtheNovembermeetingwillbeinWilliamsportinpartdue toMarcellusShaledrillingissues.Askedforbackgroundonwaterqualitymonitoringanddrilling, SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEPandotheragenciesmonitorwaterqualityovertheregionandhighlighteda recentreportfromtheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionshowingwaterqualityhasimprovedinthe lastfewyears.HesaidAct13andproposedchangestoChapter78drillingregulationshaveorwillput inplaceadditionalprotectionsforwaterquality. Water/WastewaterInfrastructureFunding:InresponsetoaquestionbyRep.Santarsiero

(DBucks)aboutplanstofundimprovementstowaterandwastewatertreatmentfacilities,Secretary AbruzzosaidhewasfamiliarwiththeproblemsinBucksCountyand,workingwithlocalofficials,he saidhebelievestheyfoundasolutiontothelocalfundingissues,especiallyforsmallerwaterand wastewatersystemsthere.DanaAunkst,ExecutiveDeputyforPrograms,saidtoolslikefullcost fundingincalculatinglocaluserratescouldgoalongwaytowardreducingtheinfrastructurefundinggap inPennsylvaniafrom$25billiontoaslowas$6billion.Unfortunately,hesaid,legislationimplementing toolslikefullcostfundinghasnotgoneanywhereintheGeneralAssembly. FloodingAlongDelawareRiver:Rep.Petri(RBucks)saidfloodingalongtheDelawareRiver wouldhavebeenreducediftheDelawareRiverBasinCommissionhadreduceditsreleasesfrom reservoirsintheupperpartofthewatershedandexpressedhisconcernsaboutDRBCslackofaction ontheissue.SecretaryAbruzzosaiditwasimportanttolettheotherstatesinvolvedinDRBCknow theproblemsPennsylvaniahasonfloodingandDRBCflowpoliciesandhasgottenpersonallyinvolved intheworkingsoftheCommission. ReuseOfAMDWater:InresponsetoaquestionfromRep.Carroll(DMonore)onDEPsposition onSenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)allowingthereuseofabandonedminedrainagefordrilling operations,SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEPhassupportedthelegislationbecauseithasthepotentialof encouragingthereuseofminewaterinsteadoffreshwaterfortheseoperations.Atthesametime,Dana Aunkstsaidheisawareofconcernsaboutliabilityforusingthewater,buthesaidhebelievesthe currentlanguagesolvesthoseproblems. StrengthOfOilAndGasProgram:InresponsetoageneralquestionfromRep.Dean (DMontgomery)abouttheOilandGasregulatoryprogram,SecretaryAbruzzosaidanevaluationof PennsylvaniasprogrambytheindependentSTRONGERorganizationgavethestategoodmarks.He alsonotedDEPisnowinspectingwellsmorefrequentlythanithasatanytimeinitshistory. AirQualityIssuesInDrilling:Rep.Boback(RColumbia)askedifDEPdoespredrillingairquality testingandtestingaroundthenaturalgascompressorstations.SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEPhasdone severalstudiesofairqualityanddrillingandnaturalgasinfrastructureinthesouthwestandnorthcentral regionsofthestateandhasnotfoundanyissuesofconcern.HealsonotedDEPalsodoesspottesting aroundthestatethroughitsmobilelabandthereisalsoalongertermstudyofairqualityunderwayin thesouthwestthatshouldbedonebytheendoftheyear. HalliburtonPenalty:Rep.Christiana(RBeaver)askedwhyDEPimposedthe$1.8millionfineon HalliburtonTuesdayeventhoughtheviolationswereonpaperworkandnotanythingthatharmedthe environment.SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEPshouldnotbeapapertiger,especiallywheretherewere intentionalviolationsoftheagencysregulationslikeinthiscase.Hesaiditalsosendsamessageto anyoneelsenottoviolatetherules. AuditorGeneralMarcellusAudit:Rep.Grove(RYork)askedaboutthestatusofthereviewthe AuditorGeneralisdoingonDEPsOilandGasProgram.SecretaryAbruzzosaidtheauditisnotyet done,buthehasmadeacommitmenttotheAuditorGeneraltoseriouslyreviewallrecommendations developedinthereview.

AlleghenyCountyCSOIssues:Rep.Wheatley(DAllegheny)askedifthereareanyspecificbudget lineitemsthatcouldsupportALCOSANandtheprojectsitsneedstorespondtotheU.S. EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyordertoeliminatecombinedseweroverflows.DanaAunkstsaid somecostsforplanningwouldbeeligibleundertheAct537planningprogram,butacknowledged fundinghasbeenzeroedoutforthatlineitem.Henotedadditionalfundingisavailableforwastewater projectsfromtheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityfundedbyAct13drillingimpactfees.Aunkst addedthesizeofAlleghenyCountysfundingneedsareunique. NewsClips: LawmakersPraiseDEPResponseToGasWellFire DCNRQuestionedOnPlansForAdditionalGasLeasing NewDrillingStudyNeededYudichakSays Letter:CorbettLeasingPlanWouldAidPublicLandStewardship OpEd:CorbettBudgetHurtsConservation Feb.20DEPNewsletter AdditionalNaturalGasLeasingFocusOfDCNRSenateBudgetHearing Gov.CorbettsproposalfornoneimpactleasingofadditionalStateForestandParklandwasthe subjectofmanyofthequestionsDCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettireceivedattheSenateAppropriations CommitteebudgethearingforDCNRWednesday. Othertopicscoveredincluded:drillinginLoyalsockStateForest,theEnhancePennsWood proposal,HeritageParksfunding,relianceonOilandGasFundrevenuestopayforDCNRoperations andupgradingthePNDIthreatenedandendangeredspeciesscreeningtool. ClickHereforacopyofSecretaryFerrettisbudgettestimony.ClickHereforvideoOfSenate AppropriationsHearing(LookforPlaylist). Hereisaquicksummaryofsomeofthemoreimportantissuescovered AdditionalNaturalGasLeasing:Sen.Yaw(RLycoming),MajorityChairoftheSenate EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,saidhereceivedhundredsofthesameemail opposingliftingthemoratoriumonadditionalleasingofStateParkandForestlandfornaturalgas leasingandaskedSecretaryFerrettiforanoverviewoftheproposal.SecretaryFerrettisaidthe additionalleasingwouldincludedeep,horizontaldrillingfromadjacentprivatelandwithoutadditional surfaceimpactsunderStateParksorfromexistingorplanningwellpadsonStateForestland.The GovernorwillissueanewExecutiveOrderspecificallyguaranteeingadditionalleasingwillhaveno impactonsurfaceimpactsonstatelands.SecretaryFerrettisaiditisanopportunitytogeneratemore fundingwithoutincreasingtaxes.TherevenueswillbeprioritizedforusewithinDCNRspecificallyunder theExecutiveOrder. Sen.Yudichak(DLuzerne),MinorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committee,askedwhatadditionalstudieshavebeendonetodeterminetheenvironmentalimpactsof drilling.SecretaryFerrettisaidtheyareupdatingtheirinformationallthetime,andDCNRstaffhas doneastellarjobinmanagingthenaturalgasleasesenteredintobytheRendellAdministration. Sen.YudichakfollowedupbynotingtherehasbeennoconventionaldrillingonStatePark, whythechangenow.SecretaryFerrettisaidtheCommonwealthdoesnotownthemineralrightsunder mostStateParks,andnoneisbeingproposedfromthesurfaceundertheGovernorsproposal. Sen.Gordner(RColumbia)notedtheRendellAdministrationleased137,000acresofState

ForestlandforMarcellusShalegasleasingandthenimposedamoratoriumonadditionalleasingafter theyweredone.Healsoconfirmedthestatedoesnotownthemineralrightsunder80percentofState Parks,butdoownmineralrightsunder80percentofStateForestlands. SecretaryFerrettisaidthestatecanworkwithdrillingcompanieswheretheydonotownthe mineralrights,likeotherlandowners,ifproposalsaremade. Sen.Farnese(DPhiladelphia)askedwhatproceduresareinplacetoprotectStateParksfrom drilling.SecretaryFerrettisaid,notingDCNRonlyowns20percentofthemineralrightsunderState Parks,theywouldencouragevoluntarysurfaceagreementswithdrillingcompaniestolimitimpactson surfaceareas.However,theGovernorsproposalwouldnotallowadditionalleasingifitresultedin surfaceimpacts. Sen.Corman(RCentre)askedifDCNRneededanythingtomanagenaturalgasleasingonor nearStateParksandStateForests.HesaidheandothersintheSenatestandpreparedtoworkwith theSecretarytogettheagencywhatitneeds.SecretaryFerrettisaidsheappreciatedtheofferand notedDCNRsstaffhasworkedextraordinarilyhardtoprotecttheCommonwealthsresources. EnhancePennsWoods:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Yaw,SecretaryFerrettiprovidedan overviewoftheEnhancePennsWoodsproposal.Shenotedtheprogramisthelargestinvestmentever madeinStateParkandStateForestinfrastructureandisnotdependentonrevenuefromanyadditional naturalgasleasing. RelyingonOilandGasRevenues:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Yudichakaboutrelyingon OilandGasrevenuesforsupportingDCNRstaffandoperations,SecretaryFerrettisaidexistinglaw setsasidethefirst$50millionforDCNRsuseandanyadditionalfundswouldhavetobeconsidered eachyearwiththebudget. LoyalsockStateForestDrilling:Sen.Yawaskedforanupdateonproposalstodrillinginthe LoyalsockStateForest.SecretaryFerrettisaidshemetwithgroupsthathaveconcernsaboutdrillingin theStateForestshortlyaftershebecameSecretary.ShenotedtheCommonwealthdoesnotownthe mineralrightsandhasnomorerightsthananyotherlandowner.Todate,thedrillingcompanyhasnot cometoDCNRwithaspecificdrillingproposal. HeritageParks:Sen.Rafferty(RMontgomery)expressedconcernabouttheproposaltozeroout fundingforHeritageParksgrantprogram.SecretaryFerrettisaidtheHeritageareasareeligiblefor fundingundertheCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants.Anymakeupfunding,shesaid,would needtobeconsideredbytheGeneralAssembly. Sen.Argall(RSchuylkill)saidtheGeneralAssemblydidadd$2.5millionforHeritageParks lastyear.SecretaryFerrettisaidinpastyears,evenwithoutfunding,DCNRdidfundHeritageArea proposals. CommunityConservationPartnershipGrants:Sen.Schwank(DBerks)askedwhatpriorities DCNRhasfortheC2P2grantprogram.SecretaryFerrettisaidshebelievesinacompetitiveprogram andhasnotestablishedspecificpriorities.Sen.Schwanksaidsomecommunitiesproposingswimming poolshavenotreceivedfunding,whichSecretaryFerrettisaidwasprobablytheresultofthe competitivenessoftheprogram.

DirtAndGravelRoadProgram:Sen.Rafferty,MajorityChairoftheSenateTransportation Committee,notedDCNRdidreceiveadditionalfundsfortheprograminthetransportationfunding plan,andSecretaryFerrettithankedmembersfortheadditionalmonies. TimberRevenues:Sen.Vogel(RBeaver)notedtherehasbeendropintherevenuefromtimbercut onStateForestland.DanDevlin,ActingDeputyforParksandForestry,notedDCNRhasagoalof cuttingabout14,000acresoftimberinanygivenyear,notaspecificrevenuegoal.Heexplainedthe timbermarkethasbeendepressed,buthasreboundedsomewhatandthataccountedforlower revenues.SecretaryFerrettiaddedsinceDCNRcutsaboutthesameamountofacreageeachyear,it hashelpedsustainmanysmalltimberoperations.TimbersalerevenueshelpsupportDCNRsBureau ofForestryoperations. InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Solobay(DWashington),SecretaryFerrettisaidthereis nocommercialtimberinginStateParkslikethereisonStateForestland BaldEagleNatureInn:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Vogel,SecretaryFerrettisaidDCNR hasnoplansnowforfacilitiessimilartotheBaldEagleNatureInninotherareasofthestate. Public/PrivatePartnerships:Sen.Vulakovich(RAllegheny)askedifDCNRhasplanstoexpand partnershipswithprivatevendorsinStateParks.SecretaryFerrettisaidtherearenow145private concessionairesinStateParksandtheyarelookingtoexpandthosekindsofpartnerships.Sheadded theyarelookingatprivate/publicpartnershipsauthorizedfortransportationrelatedprojects,butno specificprojectsarebeingconsiderednow. ForestPestManagement:Sen.Schwank(DBerks)askedforanupdateonforestpest management.SecretaryFerrettisaidforestpestmanagementstaffhasbeenbroughttogetherphysically withtherestofDCNRandthathashelpedimprovedcoordination.Shesaidtheyarealsomaking betteruseoftheDepartmentofAgriculturelaboratoryforitspestmanagementprograms.Asked abouttheadequacyoffunding,DanDevlinsaidmanyforestpestsexpandorcontractbasedonthe weather.ThecoldweatherandawetSpringwouldhelpknockdownmanypestpopulationsthisyear. RyersonParkDamRebuild:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Solobay(DWashington), SecretaryFerrettisaiddredgingoftheRyersonStateParklakebedwillstartthisyearandrebuildingof thedamdamagedbylongwallcoalminingisscheduledtostartnextyear. TrailProjects:InresponsetoaquestionfromSen.Baker(RLuzerne)aboutthepriorityDCNRputs ondevelopmentoftrailprojects,SecretaryFerrettisaidtheyarelookingtoclosesomeofthegapsin trailsandareworkingwithpublicandprivatepartnerstomakethathappen.Shesaidinsomecasesthe impedimentstomakingtheseconnectionsarefunding,butinothersthelandownershippatternsalonga trail. PNDISystem:Sen.BakeraskedthestatusofupgradestothePANaturalDiversityInventorysystem. SecretaryFerrettisaidDCNRisabouttoputoutanRFPtoupgradethecomputersystemforthe systemthatallowsprojectsponsorstodochecksforrare,endangeredorthreatenedplantandanimal species.Shenotedtheexistingsystemhasalreadybeenupdatedtomakeiteasierforuserstocheck theirprojects.

SecretaryFerrettiwillappearbeforetheHouseAppropriationsCommitteeFebruary25at 11:30. NewsClips: DCNRQuestionedOnPlansForAdditionalGasLeasing NewDrillingStudyNeededYudichakSays Letter:CorbettLeasingPlanWouldAidPublicLandStewardship OpEd:CorbettBudgetHurtsConservation February19issueofDCNRsonlineResourcenewsletter LawmakersPraiseDEPResponseToGasWellFire Feb.20DEPNewsletter AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House FebruaryBudgetHearings March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate FebruaryBudgetHearings March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 BillCalendars House(March10):HouseResolution583(MolchanyDAllegheny)designatingJanuary1319Mt. WashingtonEmeraldViewParkTrailWeeksponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBill Calendar. Senate(March10):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)encouragingthereuseofminedrainage andminepoolwaterfordrillingoperationsSenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingthe StateGeospatialCoordinatingBoard.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theAppropriationsCommitteeholdsbudgethearingson:Dept.ofAgriculture,Dept.of Conservation&NaturalResources,Dept.ofTransportation,GovernorsBudgetOffice,House MemberTestimonytheConsumerAffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonAct129energyefficiency, conservationprograms.<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:theAppropriationsCommitteeholdsbudgethearingson:Dept.ofTransportation,Dept.of Agriculture,PublicUtilityCommission,DepartmentofAging,DepartmentofTransportation.<>Click HereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations

Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek CoalFiredPowerPlantClosures:HouseBill2030(SnyderDFayette)establishingtheCoalFired ElectricGenerationFacilitiesDeactivationCommission,afundfordisplacedelectricfacilityworkersand anEnvironmentalRemediationFundsponsorsummary. PlumbingLeadBan:SenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)amendingthePlumbingSystemLead BanandNotificationActtoconformwithfederalrequirementssponsorsummary. StormwaterManagement:SenateBill1255(EricksonRDelaware)promotingvoluntarymeasures bypropertyownerstobettermanagestormwatersponsorsummary. HeritageAreasProgram:SenateBill1256(WardRWestmoreland)establishingtheHeritageAreas Programinlawsponsorsummary. HydrogenFuelCellCollaboration:HouseBill2040(MilneRChester)wouldestablishthe HydrogenFuelCellCollaborationProgramwithinDEPsponsorsummary.

NewsFromTheCapitol
GameCommissionPresentsAnnualReportToHouseGame&FisheriesCommittee

GameCommissionExecutiveDirectorR.MatthewHoughTuesdaypresentedtheagencysannual reporttotheGeneralAssembly,anddeliveredtestimonybeforetheHouseGameandFisheries Committee.ClickHeretoreadacopyoftheannualreport. Fish&BoatCommissionPresentsAnnualReportToHouseCommittee JohnArway,ExecutiveDirectoroftheFishandBoatCommission,Wednesdaypresentedthe CommissionsannualreporttotheGeneralAssemblyduringameetingbytheHouseGameand FisheriesCommittee.ClickHeretoreadacopyofthereport.

NewsFromAroundTheState
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilHearsOverviewOfDraftChesapeakeBayAgreement DEPsCitizensAdvisoryCouncilTuesdayheardapresentationonthedraftChesapeakeBay WatershedAgreementnowoutforpublicreview.TheCouncilcouldnotcompleteitsfullagenda becausebadweatherkeptseveralmembersfromattending. AndrewZemba,DirectorofDEPsInterstateWatersOffice,saidthenewdraftChesapeake BayWatershedAgreementupdatesthe2000agreementinseveralwaysitincludestheheadwaters statesofDelaware,NewYorkandWestVirginiaisfocusedonmeasurableoutcomesandgives jurisdictionsflexibilityinchoosingwhichoutcomestheyparticipatein. Zembaalsonotedtherearestillseveralissuesthathavenotbeenresolved,amongthem:howto includetoxiccontaminants,climatechangeandissuesrelatedtotherelicensingoftheConowingoDam. PubliccommentsareduebyMarch17.TheChesapeakeBayExecutiveCouncilexpectsto finalizetheAgreementatitsSpringmeeting.ClickHereforalinktoZembaspresentation. HayleyBook,DirectorofDEPsOfficeofPolicy,providedtheCouncilwithupdatesonseveral issues DEPBudget:BookprovidedabriefoverviewoftheagencysproposedFY201415budget request,explainingthatalthoughthebudgetproposestoeliminate66positions,therewillbeno furloughs.Shealsosaidsomeofthosepositionsmaybetransferredtospecialfunds,liketheOiland GasProgram,andnotlosttotheDepartment. OilandGasRegulations:Ninehearingshavejustbeencompleteonproposedchangestothe Chapter78drillingregulationsandfinalcommentsareduefromthepublicbyMarch14.300people testifiedatthehearingsattendedbyover1,200people.Atotalof11,000commentshavebeen receivedsofar. Amongissuesraisedmostfrequentlybythepublicwere:eliminatingwaterstoragepits,onsite burialofdrillcuttingandconcernsaboutradioactivityindrillingwastes.Issuesraisedbyindustry includedanoverlystrictwatersupplyreplacementrequirementandasuggestiontoseparate requirementsapplyingtoconventionalandunconventional(MarcellusShale)wells. PublicParticipationInPermitReviews:DEPexpectstopublishthefinalversionofitsPublic ParticipationPolicyforthePermitReviewProcessintheMarch1PABulletin.Booknotedtheagency received1,800commentsonthedraftpolicy.SheaskedCounciltobecomeinvolvedinreviewingthe draftplanforeducatingthepublicandDEPstaffonthechanges. PublicComments

DuringthepubliccommentportionoftheCouncilsagenda,BonitaHoke,PALeagueof WomenVoters,saidhergroupisconcernedaboutwhetherwaterwithdrawals,especiallyfromspecial protectionwatersheds,arebeingevaluatedproperlybytheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommission.She citedasoneexampleawithdrawalrequestfromLycomingCreekinTiogaandLycomingcounties. HokealsosaidtheLeagueisconcernedbyarecentchangeinlawonhowDEPevaluates onlotsepticsystemsewagemodulesinspecialprotectionwatershedssincetheyareasignificantsource ofnitratepollutioningroundandsurfacewater. DEPMonthlyReport The16pageFebruaryMonthlyReportsubmittedtoCouncilbyDEPincludesavarietyof topics,includingtheseitemsofspecialnote NutrientCreditTradingProgram:During2013,wastewatertreatmentplanssold142,209 nitrogenand16,881phosphoruscredits,380,757nitrogencapacitycreditsand57,398phosphorous capacitycreditsnonpointsourceagriculturalBMPresultedinselling106,653nitrogencreditsnonpoint sourcemanurehaulingsold143,344nitrogencreditsand27,337phosphorouscreditsandother nonpointsourcetreatmentsold30,000nitrogencredits. PASunshineProgram:TheProgramisnowclosedafterawardingnearly$113milliontohelp deploysolarphotovoltaicandsolarhotwatersystemsresultinginthedevelopmentofnearly100MW ofelectricgeneration. OilandGasWellPermits/Drilled:AsofJanuary17,thetotalnumberofunconventional (MarcellusShale)permitsissuedis15,564,thetotalnumberofwellsdrilledis7,523andthetotal numberofactivepermitsis10,164.Thetotalnumberofconventionalwellpermitsissuedis194,351, thetotalnumberofwellsdrilledis195,406andthetotalnumberofactivepermitsis108,278. NextMeeting ThenextmeetingoftheCouncilisscheduledforMarch18startingat10:00inRoom105ofthe RachelCarsonBuildinginHarrisburg. Formoreinformation,visittheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilwebpage. OhioRiverWatershedCelebrationBenefitDinnerMarch4 OnMarch4theorganizersoftheOhioRiverWatershedCelebrationwillholdabenefitdinnerto supporttheCelebrationcruiseatMadMexShadysideinPittsburghstartingat7:00p.m. ORWCcelebratesthesuccessesthatOhioRiverWatershedcommunities,business,industry andgovernmentalagencieshaverealizedincleaninguptheirenvironmentthroughpartnershipsand perseverance. TheCelebrationhassponsoredacruiseofthethreeriversfor12years,totallyfreetothe public.In2013,thecruisecostapproximately$32,000and100percentofthatcamefromgenerous donationsfrommanypartners,includingprivatebusinessandcitizens,industry,andfoundations. The2013sponsorsincluded:Sponsorsandpartnersincluded:DEPEnvironmentalEducation GrantCONSOLEnergyRangeResourcesEQTThreeRiversRegattaFoundationforPA WatershedsAnonymousDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryofDEP,SenecaResourcesPAAmerican WaterPeoplesNaturalGasMunicipalAuthorityofWestViewWeavertownEnvironmentalGroup SpectroscopySocietyofPittsburghSocietyforAnalyticalChemistsofPittsburghDominion Foundation/WesternPAConservancyUPMCPittsburghRegionCleanCitiesAmericanWater WorksAssociationSWPASectionPAAssociationofConservationDistricts,Inc.PlasTieLLC BioMost,Inc.U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyWheelingOfficeSouthwestPACommission

DEPSWRegionalOfficeFishandBoatCommissionJenningsEnvironmentalEducationCenter CharlieCooperBob&SylviaDanehyandStreamRestorationInc.. ThereareseverallevelsofsponsorshipfortheORWCwithbenefitsrangingfromguaranteed reservationsattheevent,abannerdisplayedontheshipitself,logosinallpromotionalmaterials,and spokenrecognitionduringeventannouncements,toanopportunitytogiveashortpresentationtoevent attendees. ORWCisfortunatetoaddBigBurritoRestaurantGroup,theownerofMadMexShadysideto thelistofsponsorsthroughhostingabenefitdinner. ReservationsfortheeventarerequiredbycontactingAnneDaymutat7248323625or sendinganemailto:anne@wpcamr.orgbeforeFebruary28andsendinga$50taxdeductibledonation toStreamRestorationInc. DonationsforthedinnercanbemadewithcreditcardattheOhioRiverWatershedCelebration websitebyclickingontheDonatetab. 100percentoftheproceedsgotowardthecruise.Thethreecoursebuffetdinnerwillinclude oneadultbeverage.Valetparkingisavailable.Makeyourreservationearly! (WrittenByAnneDaymut,WatershedCoordinator,WesternPACoalitionForAbandonedMine Reclamation) SusquehannaLand&WaterConservationSummitMarch31,PennStateHarrisburg ThePennStateAgricultureandEnvironmentCenter,theAlliancefortheChesapeakeBayandthe ChesapeakeBayFoundationwillhosttheSusquehannaLandandWaterConservationSummitMarch 31atthePennStateUniversitycampusinHarrisburg. Thisspecialeventisdesignedtobringtogetherindividualsandorganizationsinterestedin improvingwaterqualityinthewatershedoftheLowerSusquehannaRiverinCumberland,Dauphin, Lancaster,LebanonandYorkcounties. MajorelementsoftheSummitinclude SuccessStoriesfromtheRegion:ProfessionalsfromtheLowerSusquehannacountieswillpresent successfulprojectstotheattendeesthatmaybeapplicabletootherareaswithintheregion.Both agriculturalandstormwatersuccessstorieswillbesharedandrangefromonthegroundimplementation BMPstotechnicalassistanceprovided. CountyRepresentativesPanel:RepresentativesfromLebanon,Lancaster,Dauphin,Cumberland, andYorkcounties'planningdepartmentsorconservationdistrictswilladdresstopicsandfieldquestions fromtheattendees.Thepanelwilllendinsightintohoweachcountyworkstowardspecificconservation andpermitgoalsaswellassuggestingregionalopportunities. LandandWaterTopicRoundtables:Discussarangeoftopicswithrelatedprofessionalsinthe region.TopicswillbedeterminedastheconversationunfoldswiththeCountyRepresentativesPanel, andmayinclude:RiparianBuffers,AgBMPs,Stormwater,SourceWaterProtection,Maintenance, GreenDevelopment,InfluencingBehaviorsandAttitudes,andmore. ProjectTrackerTool:ThenewLowerSusquehannaConservationProjectTrackerToolwillbe showcased.Thetool'smultifunctionaluseswillbepresentedandattendeeswilllearnhowtogainaccess tothepowerfultool,whyitcanbeusefultothem,anditscapabilities. ClickHeretoregisterfortheSummit.Formoreinformation,visittheLowerSusquehanna LandandWaterConservationSummitwebpage.

ConodoguinetCreekWatershedAssociationFarmAnimalOperationPermittingFeb.25 OnFebruary25,theConodoguinetCreekWatershedAssociationwillconductapaneldiscussiontitled TheAZsofCAFOs.Admissionisfree.Theeventwillbeheldfrom7:009:00p.m.attheStuart CommunityCenter,CarlisleParks&Recreation,415FranklinStreet,Carlisle,CumberlandCounty. Parkingisavailableonsite. Agriculturaloperationswhetherraisingproduce,poultry,orlivestockareanintegralthreadin thefabricofoursociety.AgricultureisanimportantpartofPennsylvaniaseconomy.SouthCentral Pennsylvaniainparticularhasbeenabastionofagricultureforhundredsofyears.Theagricultural industryiscomplexanddeservesfurtherstudy. OneofmanyaspectsofagriculturepresentintheConodoguinetCreekWatershedisthe ConcentratedAnimalFeedingOperation(CAFO).CAFOsareregulatedbytheU.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency,aswellastheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection. TheCAFOissueisinitselfacomplicatedmatter.Therearemanyfactorsinvolvedinthistypeof agriculturaloperation. ThepaneldiscussionwillincludeCAFOpermittingrequirements,differentiatetheCAFOfrom othertypesoflivestockandpoultryagriculturaloperations,andwhatkindofimpacttheCAFOhason ournaturalresourcesandenvironment. Eachpanelistwillrespondtopreparedquestionsfromthemoderator.Afterward,theaudience willhavetheopportunitytoaskquestionsofthepanelistsinanopendiscussion. CCWAisprivilegedtowelcomethefollowingpanelists: WilliamFerris,BoardMemberandPastPresident,BigSpringWatershedAssociation KellyONeill,AgriculturalPolicyAnalyst,ChesapeakeBayFoundation KimberlyL.SnellZarcone,Esq.,ConservationVotersofPennsylvania(formerlywithPennFuture) and StevenW.Taglang,Chief,DivisionofConservation,BureauofConservation&Restoration, DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection. ThepaneldiscussionwillbemoderatedbyCCWABoardMember,AliciaRiegelKanth. TheConodoguinetCreekWatershedAssociationisaprivate,nonprofitorganizationdedicated toimprovingandprotectingthecreekandwatershed. Formoreinformation,visittheConodoguinetCreekWatershedAssociationwebsite. AmericanFarmlandTrustHostsWebinarsOnBenefitsOfCoverCropsInMarch AmericanFarmlandTrustandtheAmericanSocietyofAgronomyarehostingafourpartwebinar seriesinMarchtoeducateagriculturalproducersandothersonthebenefitsofusingcovercropsto reducethecostoffarming,improvesoilhealthandreducerunofffromfarmfields. TheonehourwebinarswillbeheldonMarch6,13,20and27startingat1:00EST. Agriculturalproducersarerediscoveringthebenefitsofplantingcovercropsnotonlyto improvesoilhealthandincreasecropyields,butalsotoreducefertilizercostsandtheneedfor herbicidesandpesticides,saidMichaelBaise,MidwestDirectorofAFT.Weareexcitedtobe partneringwiththeAmericanSocietyofAgronomytomakethesewebinarsavailable. Thewebinarswouldbevaluabletofarmers,certifiedcropadvisorsandanyoneinterestedin improvingtheirunderstandingofcovercropsandhowtheycanbeincorporatedintofarmmanagement

planning,saidJenniferFilipiak,aNaturalResourceConservationistwithAFT. AnimportantmissionforAFTistopromotefarmingpracticesthatnotonlyimprovethe economicsoffarming,buttheenvironmentaswell,saidAndrewMcElwaine,PresidentandCEOof AFT.Covercropshaveallthesebenefitsandmoreawinwinwinsituationforeveryone. ThewebinarsarealsosponsoredbytheDepartmentofSoilScienceUWMadison,DuPont Pioneer,GrasslandOregon,IowaSustainableAgricultureResearch&Education(SARE),Klinkenborg AerialSprayingandSeeding,LaCrosseSeed,MinnesotaSARE,NationalAssociationofConservation Districts,NationalWildlifeFederation,PracticalFarmersofIowa,SAREandtheCISCOCompanies. Thewebinarsarefree,butregistrationisrequired.ClickHeretoregisteronline.Questions maybedirectedtoJenniferFilipiak,AFT,bycalling3098083778oremailing:jfilipiak@farmland.org. AmericanFarmlandTrustisthenationsleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland. Formoreinformation,visitAmericanFarmlandTrust. PAAmericanWaterAcceptingApplicationsForEnvironmentalGrantProgram PAAmericanWaterThursdayannouncedapplicationsarenowbeingacceptedforits2014 EnvironmentalGrantProgram.ThedeadlineforapplicationsisMarch31. Grantawardsareavailabletoenvironmental,communityandwatershedorganizationsthatare planningprojectswithinthecompanysservicearea,whichcoversnearly400communitiesacross36 counties. Applicationswillbeevaluatedonsuchcriteriaasenvironmentalneed,innovation,community engagementandsustainability. Wearecommittedtoenvironmentalstewardshipandprotectingourwaterresources,andthe EnvironmentalGrantProgramisacollaborativewaytosupportcommunitybasedorganizationsthat sharethiscommitment,saidKathyL.Pape,president,PAAmericanWater. Toqualify,proposedprojectsmust: Addressasourcewaterorwatershedprotectionneedinthecommunity BecompletedbetweenMay1,2014andNovember30,2014 Offeraneworinnovativeprogramforthecommunity,orserveasasignificantexpansiontoan existingprogram Becarriedoutbyformalorinformalpartnershipsbetweentwoormoreorganizations Provideevidenceofsustainability(continuedexistenceafterthePennsylvaniaAmericanWatergrant moniesareutilized)and BelocatedwithinoneofPAAmericanWater'sserviceareas. PAAmericanWaterisasubsidiaryofAmericanWater,whichinitiatedtheEnvironmentalGrant Programin2005inPennsylvaniatosupportprojectsthatprotectand/orrestoredrinkingwatersources andsurroundingwatersheds. In2013,thecompanyawardedgrantstoeightprojectsacrossthecommonwealth,totaling nearly$35,000. Formoreinformation,visitthePAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgramwebpage. PhiladelphiaWaterDept.StudentStreetArtContestToTurnHeadsForCleanWater ThestudentsinkindergartenthroughhighschoolhaveuntilFebruary28toenterthePhiladelphiaWater

DepartmentGreenCity,CleanWatersArtContest. Toentertheymustsubmitadrawing,videoorbothtothePartnershipfortheDelawareEstuary, thecityslongtimecollaborator.Allentriesshouldshowothershowtokeeppollutionoutofstorm drains.Thosewhowinwillseetheirworktransformintostreetartsurroundingalocalinlet. Addingarttostreetsandsidewalksisyetanotherwayweareconnectingwithfolkswhomay notrealizetheyrepolluting,saidJoanneDahme,generalmanagerofpublicaffairsatthePWD.Itsa naturalfitgivenhowPhiladelphiaisthebirthplaceofstreetart. Firstplacewinnerswillreceivea$100giftcardandartsupplies.Theywillalsoseetheirarton adsplacedinsideSEPTAbusesandsubwaycarsformillionstosee.Andtheycanshareitusingsocial mediaandfreecalendars.ThesewillbeavailableinsidethePWDsFairmountWaterWorks InterpretiveCenter,whereadmissionisalwaysfree. Thefirstthreeschoolstosubmitover100entrieswilleachreceive$100giftcards.Teachers willalsoreceivea$50giftcardperwinningstudent. Thisyearwelookforwardtocollectingour15,000thentrysince2000,saidCherylJackson, programspecialistatthePDE.Thats15,000peoplekeepingourwaterclean,plusmillionsmorewho haveseenourads,calendarsandvideos. ThePWDcollaborateswithpartnersacrossPennsylvania,DelawareandNewJerseyona varietyofprojectsandprograms.Itdoesthistomakelocalwaterwaysmoredrinkable,fishableand swimmable.ThePDEsharesthesegoalsand,likeallNationalEstuaryPrograms,itsspecialtyis collaboration. Philadelphiasdrinkingwatercomesfromtworivers.TheseincludetheDelawareRiverandits largesttributary,theSchuylkillRiver.TogethertheseriversbookendPhiladelphia,andbothflowsouth intoDelawareBay. Formoreinformation,visittheGreenCity,CleanWatersArtContestwebpageorcall 8004454935,extension112. RiversConservation&FlyFishingYouthCampJune1520 TheCumberlandValleyChapterofTroutUnlimitedisholdingthe20thannualRiversConservationand FlyFishingYouthCampJune1520attheAllenberryResortinBoilingSprings,CumberlandCounty. ThedeadlineforregistrationsisMarch31. Thehighlystructuredcurriculumisbasedoncollegelevelclasses.Studentsareinstructedin ecology,aquaticbiology,geology,hydrogeology,erosionandsedimentationcontrol,ichthyology, ripariancorridorprotection,watershedmanagement,entomology,andmuchmore.Studentsalso participateinahandsonstreamhabitatimprovementproject. Butitsnotallwork.Thereare10fishingsessionsandflytyinginstruction.Over30instructors, allexpertsintheirfield,teachthevariousclasses. Admissionwillbelimitedto32selectedqualifiedstudents,ages14to17.Theapplicantsmust havebeenbornbetweenJune20,1996,andJune15,2000.The32studentswillbeselectedthrough anapplicationprocesswheretheymuststatewhytheywanttoattendcamp.Thecompetitionfor admissionisfierce. Thecamptuitionis$350perstudentfortheentireweek.Allmealsandaccommodationsare includedfortheresidencecamp.Astudentneednotbeanaccomplishedflyfisherorabuddingaquatic biologisttoattend.Allthestudentneedsistobehighlymotivatedandwillingtolearn. TheRiversConservationandFlyFishingYouthCampwasfoundedin1995throughtheefforts

ofthelateDr.JohnR.JackBeckandthelateEnochS.InkyMoore,Jr.,PennsylvaniaFish Commissioner.Theirgoalwastoselect32teenagerseachyearwhoweretheleadersintheirclass.The thoughtisthattodaysleadersinhighschoolbecometheleaderoftomorrowscommunities. Inafewshortyears,theywillbethebankers,lawyers,realtors,municipalofficialsandthe leadersintheircommunities.Ifthecampcanimplantakernelofknowledgeintodaysstudentsabout theimportanceofcleanwater,whenthosestudentsbecomethedecisionmakersintheircommunities,it mayhaveapositiveimpactonhowwaterresourcesareused. Formoreinformation,visittheRiversCampwebsite.Applicationsorquestionsmaybe submittedbyemailto:riverscamp@gmail.com. KeepPABeautifulAnnouncesNewGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest KeepPABeautifulisannouncingtheyarenowaccepting entriestheirannualGreatAmericanCleanupofPAVideo Contest.ThedeadlineforsubmissionsisMay23. Toparticipate,sendKeepPABeautifula2minute videoofyourGreatAmericanCleanupofPAeventshowing individuals,groups,children,andadultshavingfunmakingyour communitiescleanandbeautiful!BesuretomentiontheGreat AmericanCleanupofPAinyourvideo. (Photo:NewportTownshipCommunityPride, LuzerneCounty.) Cashprizes,sponsoredbythePAWasteIndustriesAssociation,are$200forthewinningentry and$100eachfortworunnersup.AdditionalsponsorsforthevideocontestareKeepPABeautiful andtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection. Wewereexcitedtoseesomanygreatentrieslastyearshowcasingthehardworkand partnershipsthatgointotheGreatAmericanCleanupofPAevents.Werehopingforanevenbetter turnoutthisyear,saysShannonReiter,presidentofKeepPABeautiful.TheKeepPennsylvania Beautifulvideocontestisawaytogainrecognitionandsupportforlocalprograms. HelpchoosethewinnersbylikingyourfavoritevideoontheKeepPABeautifulFacebook page.VotingbeginsonJune2ndandconcludesonJune13th.Winnerswillbeannouncedtheweekof June16th. RegisterYourEvent The2014GreatAmericanCleanupofPAwillbeginonMarch1standendonMay31st. Duringthisperiod,registeredeventscanreceivefreetrashbags,gloves,andsafetyvestsfrom PennDOTdistrictoffices.Registeryoureventonline. Formoreinformationandcontestrules,visittheGreatAmericanCleanupofPAVideoContest webpage. DEPFinesHalliburton$1.8MillionForRepeatedWasteViolations TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannounceditisfiningHalliburtonEnergyServices $1.8millionfor255violationsoftheSolidWasteManagementActbetween1999and2011. DEPbecameawareoftheviolationsin2011duringaninspectionofthefacility,andfurther investigationrevealedviolationsdatingbackto1999.

Ourregulationsareinplacetoprotectthehealthandsafetyofourresidentsandtopreserve ourenvironmentalresources,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Halliburtonsrepeateddisregardof theseregulationsisunacceptable. Theviolationsoccurredwhenthecompany,atitsHomerCityfacilityinIndianaCounty,stored, treatedandtransportedwastehydrochloricacidwithoutobtainingproperpermitsfromDEP. Duringthe12yeartimeperiod,Halliburtontransportedacidicwaste,whichhadoriginatedfrom variousgaswellsites,withoutidentifyingthewasteashazardouswaste,withoutproperhazardous wastetruckingrecords,andwithoutusingalicensedhazardouswastetransporter.Inaddition,the companysentthehazardouswastetoanunauthorizedtreatmentanddisposaloperation. WhilethereisnoevidencethatHalliburtonshandlingofthehazardouswastecausedanyactual harmtothepublicortheenvironmentHalliburtonviolatedstateregulationsgoverningthehandling, storage,transportanddisposalofhazardouswasteonhundredsofoccasions. TheConsentAssessmentofCivilPenalty(CACP)whichassessesthefinewassignedbyDEP andthecompanyonFebruary7.BysigningtheCACP,thecompanyagreesnottoappealthepenalty. Formoreinformation,call4124424000. NewsClips: HalliburtonToPay$1.8MillionDEPPenalty HalliburtonDodgesAGCriminalChargesAgain Sen.BobCaseyCallsForMoreFundsToIncreasePipelineSafety ThreeyearsafterthetragicAllentownpipelineexplosion,U.S.SenatorBobCasey(DPA)duringa pressconferenceFridaycalledforadditionalfundingforsafetymeasures. CaseysentalettertotheAdministrationsOfficeofManagementandBudget,whichis preparingthesoontobereleasedfiscalyear2015budget,callingforadditionalfundsforthePipeline andHazardousMaterialSafetyAdministration.CaseywasalsojoinedbyAllentownMayorEd Pawlowski. Properoversightandmaintenanceoftheinterstatepipelinesystemisessentialtothesafetyand economicwellbeingofcountlesshomesandbusinessesinPennsylvania,saidSenatorCasey.Im callingontheAdministrationtodeliveradditionalfundssothatPHMSAcantakestepstosafeguard againstanyfutureincidents.ThetragicAllentownexplosionof2011underscorestheurgentneedto improvethesafetyandreliabilityofourpipelines. PHMSAspipelinesafetyprogramoverseesandmaintainsthesafetyofournationalinterstate pipelinesystem.Pennsylvaniaalonecontainsmorethan7,500milesofinterstatepipelineand63,000 milesofintrastatetransmissionanddistributionpipelines.Theseinfrastructuresystems,whichinclude pipelinesover100yearsold,deliverenormousvolumesofnaturalgasandotherpetroleumproductsto Pennsylvanianseveryday.Increasedfunding,assupportedbySenatorCasey,wouldallowPHMSAto increaseoversightandinspectionofthesystem. Thetextoftheletterfollows TheHonorableSylviaMathewsBurwell Director,OfficeofManagementandBudget IwriteinsupportofincreasedfundingforthePipelineandHazardousMaterialsSafety Administration(PHMSA)anditspipelinesafetyprograminthePresidentsfiscal2015budget.This fundingisvitaltoPHMSAanditsefforttooverseeandmaintainthesafetyofournationalinterstate pipelinesystem.IfPHMSAisnotadequatelyfunded,weruntheriskoftragiceventssuchasthe

Allentownpipelineexplosionin2011thatkilledfivepeopleanddestroyedeighthomes.Thisdeadly eventwasdirectlyattributedtoagedcastironpipelinesthatshouldhavebeenreplaced. Pennsylvaniaisacentralpartofthenortheastinterstatepipelinesystem,withmorethan7,500 milesofinterstatepipelinecrisscrossingthestate.Inaddition,thereare63,000milesofintrastate transmissionanddistributionpipelinesintheCommonwealth.Thisinfrastructuremovesanddelivers enormousvolumesofnaturalgasandotherpetroleumproductstohomes,farms,schools,businesses andindustriesthroughoutPennsylvania.Itisdeeplyconcerningthatsomeofthepipelinesin Pennsylvaniaareover100yearsoldandlongoverdueforreplacement.Weneedtoensurethat sufficientresourcesarededicatedtomonitoringthesafetyoftheentirepipelinetransportationsystem. ThePipelineSafety,RegulatoryCertaintyandJobCreationAct,whichwasenactedintolawin 2012,includesseveralimportantsafetyprovisionsandenforcementmeasuresdesignedtoenhancethe securityandreliabilityofournationalpipelinesystem.Appropriatefundinginfiscal2015isessentialto allowPHMSAtofullyenforcetheseprovisionsandensurecompliancewithnewsafetystandards. IncreasedfundingwillalsoallowPHMSAtoretainrecentlyhiredpipelineinspectorsandpossiblyhire moretomonitorourcontinuallygrowingnationalinterstatepipelinesystem.PHMSAalsooperatesa stategrantprogramthatprovidesthePennsylvaniaPublicUtilitiesCommissionwithadditionalfundingto carryoutitspipelineinspectionandsafetyprogram.PHMSAhasmadesignificantprogresstowards ensuringthesafeandsecuremovementofhazardousmaterials.However,weneedtocontinueto provideappropriateresourcestothisagencyinordertoensureproperoversightofthereplacementof agingcastironpipelines. IappreciatethePresidentseffortstoimprovethesafetyofournationalpipelinesystem.Thank youforyourattentiontomyconcerns. Sincerely, RobertP.Casey,Jr. UnitedStatesSenator NewsClips: CaseyCallsForMorePipelineSafetySpending Editorial:KeystoneXLPipelineConflicts RailroadsMakeImprovementsInCrudeOilShipment RailroadsMakeImprovementsInCrudeOilShipment RailroadsAgreeToSlowDownCrudeOilTrainsInCities PALeagueOfWomenVotersPrimerOnPipelinesFeb.25InClarion TheLeagueofWomenVotersofPennsylvania,throughagrantfromtheColcomFoundation,willbe presentingaPrimeronPipelinesonFebruary25at7:00p.m.intheGemmellMultiPurposeRoomat ClarionUniversity. ConventionalnaturalgasextractionhasbeenpartofClarionCountyfordecades.However, naturalgasextractionintheMarcellusShaleisagamechanger.Weareallshareholdersinthischange andpipelinesinourcommunitiesareasignificantpartofthischange. Thefeaturedspeaker,Dr.RobertaWinterscoordinatoroftheLWVPAstatewidestudieson naturalgasextractionfromMarcellusShaleandpipelines,willbefocusingonAnOunceof Prevention. Shewilldiscussthebasiccomponentsoftheinfrastructure,yourroleinassuringpipelinesafety, theagenciesresponsibleforitsoversightandsiting,andresourcestohelpwithplanningforpipelinesin

yourneighborhood. Dr.WintersservedtwotermsontheStateBoardoftheLWVPAasDirectorforNatural ResourcesandasVicePresidentforIssuesandActionrespectively.ShecoordinatedtheMarcellus ShaleNaturalGasExtractionStudyGuidesandchairedtheaddendumstudiesonPipelineandPooling. RobertaWinterswillbejoinedbyDavidL.DunnandDougKeplerforanopensessionof questionsandanswersaboutpipelineissues.DavidDunniscurrentlyworkingforClarionCounty OfficeofEmergencyServicesastheOESDeputyPlanner.DougKepleriscurrentlytheVicePresident ofEnvironmentalEngineeringforSenecaResources. Formoreinformation,visittheLeagueofWomenVotersPipelinewebpage,contactthe LeagueofWomenVotersofClarionCountyansweringserviceat8142268150,sendemailto: lwvcco@gmail.comorwritetotheLeagueatP.O.Box108,Clarion,PA16214. NewsClips: CaseyCallsForMorePipelineSafetySpending Editorial:KeystoneXLPipelineConflicts RailroadsMakeImprovementsInCrudeOilShipment RailroadsMakeImprovementsInCrudeOilShipment RailroadsAgreeToSlowDownCrudeOilTrainsInCities ConservationGroupsUrgeLegislatorsToBlockLeasingOfAdditionalStateLands Thirtyfiveconservation,outdoor,environmentalprotection,andcivicengagementorganizations WednesdayissuedalettertostatelegislatorsurgingoppositiontoGov.TomCorbettsproposaltolift anexistingmoratoriumonnaturalgasleasinginPennsylvaniasstateforests. Theletteralsocallsonlegislatorstovoteagainstanybudgetproposalthatincorporatesrevenue fromnewgasleases. Gov.Corbettplanstosignawaythefutureofournaturalforests,endangeringthemand threateningthelongtermbenefitstheyprovideforPennsylvaniasfuture,saidSteveHvozdovichof CleanWaterAction.Ourlegislatorshavearesponsibilitytostanduptohimandtovoteagainstthis dangerousproposal. Apetitioncirculatedbythealliedorganizationshasalreadygainedthousandsofsignatures.The groupswilldeliverthosesignaturestoGov.CorbettonFebruary25duringajointdayofaction. "Ourstateparksandforestsareownedbythepeopleofthisstateandtheyarereadytostepup andensuretheyareprotectedfromthedangersofgasdrilling,saidAdamGarberofPennEnvironment. TheGovernorsproposalisadangertheydontwantandthatswhythousandshavespokenoutin justthelasttwoweekstoprotecttheplacestheylovefornowandfuturegenerations. Thegroupsarguethatthelongtermriskstothehealthoftheseforestssignificantlyoutweighs theshorttermbenefitofpluggingholesinthestatebudgetandoutlinetheenvironmentalandeconomic risksoftheproposal. Isnothingsacred?askedKarenFeridunofBerksGasTruth.Stateforestswerecreatedto provideaccesstonatureforourfamilies,nottoplugholesintheGovernorsbudget. ThelettercitesaFranklinandMarshallpollthatfound68percentofPennsylvaniansopposedto furtherdrillinginstateforests.Italsodisputestheideaofnonimpactdrilling,notingthatareas adjacenttodrillingactivityfaceincludenoisedisturbance,heavytrucktraffic,airpollution,and,asthe recenttragicgaswellfireinGreeneCountydemonstrated,threatofgenuineemergency. "ThethousandsofPennsylvanianswhohavebeenstrugglingwiththeonthegroundrealitiesof

naturalgasdevelopmentcanattesttothefactthatthereisnosuchasthingasnonimpactdrilling,said JoanneKilgour,ChapterDirectoroftheSierraClubinPennsylvania.Itisamisrepresentationof reality,andaninsulttothosewhohavelivedwithwellsonorneartheirproperty,tosuggestotherwise." Finally,theletternotesthatof1.5millionacresofstateforestsabovetheMarcellusShale formation,nearlyhalfhavealreadybeenmadeavailabletogasdrillersunderboththeRendelland Corbettadministrations.Manyofthoseleasesareasyetundrilled,suggestingthatthisnewplanhas moretodowiththestatebudgetthanwithenergyindependence,asGov.Corbettwouldhavepeople believe. "Theongoing,environmentallydamaging,andpoliticallyunpopulardesolationofstateparksand forestsistheresultofbaddecisionsfrombothDemocratsandRepublicans,saidJoshMcNeilof ConservationVotersofPA.IfGov.Corbettpushesforwardwiththisproposal,legislatorsfromboth partieshaveanobligationtostandupagainstyetanotherbaddecision. Background Gov.RendellissuedanExecutiveOrderin2010prohibitingfurtherleasingonStateForestand ParklandafterhisAdministrationleased137,000acresofStateForestforMarcellusShaledrilling. ThemoratoriumwasissuedonOctober26justdaysbeforetheNovembergubernatorialelection. Gov.CorbetthasproposedtoissueanewExecutiveOrderprohibitingtheleasingoffurther StateForestorParkland,butallowingnewleaseswheretheywillnotinvolveanyadditionaldrillpads orinfrastructureorwherehorizontaldrillingcantakeplacefromprivatelandadjacenttoDCNRowned landwithouthavinganimpactonthesurface. DCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettitoldtheSenateAppropriationsCommitteeWednesdaythe$75 millionexpectedtobegeneratedfromthisnewleasingwouldbeprioritizedforusebyDCNR.Shealso saidneitherDCNRscurrentbudgetnortheEnhancedPennsWoodsinfrastructureinitiativewould dependontheadditionalleasing. SecretaryFerrettiexplainedthestatedoesnotownthemineralrightsto80percentofState Parklandand20percentofStateForestlandandcannotprohibittheownersofthosemineralrights fromexercisingtheirrights.ShesaidDCNRwouldworkwiththeseownerstoobtainvoluntary agreementstolimitanyadverseimpactsonparksorforests. Thetextoftheenvironmentalgroupsletterfollows: DearLegislators: TheundersignedorganizationsurgeyoutoopposeGov.TomCorbettsproposedplantoend theexistingmoratoriumongasleasinginstateforestsandaskyoutovoteagainstanybudgetthat incorporatesrevenuefromthatplan.Reopeningstateforeststonewgasdevelopmentfillsaonetime budgetgapwithdecadesofriskandthevastmajorityofPennsylvaniansopposeit. Pennsylvaniastateforestsarerecreationalandecologicgemsaswellasleadingdriversofour tourismeconomy.Ourstateforestsconsistofmorethan2.2millionacresofpristinewildernessthatare hometoavarietyofanimalsincludingblackbear,wildturkey,nativebrooktrout,andrarebirds.Parks andforestsofferopportunitiesforhiking,crosscountryskiing,mountainbiking,horsebackridingandis oneofthebestsourcesforhuntingandfishing. Gov.Corbettsproposaltobalancethe2014budgetbyopeningupourstateforeststofurther gasleasingthreatensboththeenvironmentalandeconomicbenefitsourforestsprovide.Hisproposal wouldendthemoratoriumonnewleasesfornaturalgasdrillingformerGov.EdRendellputinplace. FormerGovernorRendellissuedthemoratoriuminOctober2010becausehedeterminedthatmore forestdrillingwouldjeopardizefragileecosystems. ThepublicagreeswithformerGov.Rendellsdecision.ApollinSeptember2013by

MercyhurstUniversityfoundthat67percentofPennsylvaniansthoughtgasextractionshouldnotoccur instateparks.AmorerecentJanuary2014pollbyFranklinandMarshallCollegefoundthat68percent ofPennsylvaniansopposeadditionalgasdevelopmentinstateforests.Gov.Corbettsproposalisan affronttothewishesofPennsylvanians.Advancementandsupportforthisproposalwouldsignalthat ourgovernmentisnotlisteningandthattheopinionsofcitizensdontmatter. Gasexplorationanddrillingcausesimpacttothestateforests.Thereisnosuchthingas noimpactdrilling.Evenproximitytodrillingputsourforestsatrisk.Pollutionrespectsnoboundaries. Accidentswithnaturalgasdrillingoperationslikespillsoftoxicwastewater,explosions,andmethane migrationhaveoccurredacrosstheCommonwealth.Additionaldrillingwillmeannoiseandlight disturbancefromheavymachinery,seismicexploration,constructionofnewroadsandpipelines,and increasedtrucktraffic.Thesepotentialdangersandactivitiesincreasetheriskofupsettingthenatural habitatofanimals,disruptingthepeacethatisassociatedwithenjoyingnatureandthreateningthehealth ofnearbyfamilies. Nearlyhalfofthe1.5millionacresofstateforesttheCommonwealthownsthatoverlayswith theMarcellusshalehavealreadybeenleased,whilemuchoftheleasedlandhasyettobedrilled.Have wenotalreadyleasedenoughlandforthenaturalgasindustry?AccordingtoastudythePennsylvania DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources(DCNR)finishedin2010,alloftheunleasedforest landisinecologicallysensitiveareasorcannotbeaccessedwithoutcuttingthroughecologicallysensitive areas.AccordingtoformerDCNRDeputySecretaryJohnQuigley,theRendelladministrationscoured thestateforestfortractsthatwerenotecologicallysensitiveandcouldstillbeleased.Wefoundallthe needlesinthehaystackatthattime,saidQuigley.Idon'tknowwherethereareadditionaltractslike that. ThePennsylvaniaSupremeCourtrecentlyremindedusthatwehaveanobligationtoprotectour forestsforfuturegenerations.Oncetheintegrityofourstateforestsaredestroyedthereisnoturning back.Ourstateforestswereestablishedassacredplacesfortheenjoymentofallandtheconservation ofthenaturalenvironmentnotasfutureindustrialsitesusedtofillshorttermrevenueneeds.Weneed topreservetheseplacesforfuturegenerationsastheywerepreservedinthepastforus. Again,weaskyoutoopposeGov.Corbettsproposaltoleaseourstateforestsfornaturalgas drillingandanybudgetproposalthatincludesit.Welookforwardtoanycommentsorquestionsyou mayhaveonthissubjectandofferoursupporttoanyleaderstandinginoppositiontothisirresponsible andirrevocableaction. Respectfully, CleanWaterAction ConservationVotersofPennsylvania DamascusCitizensforSustainability ProPikePA CitizensforWater UpperBurrellCitizensAgainstMarcellusPollution(CAMP) CenterforCoalfieldJustice Earthworks BerksGasTruth LehighValleyGasTruth LowerSusquehannaRiverkeeper SierraClubPAChapter DelawareRiverkeeperNetwork

MountainWatershedAssociation SierraClubSoutheasternPAGroup PipelineSafetyCoalition SouthHillsActivistsAgainstDangerousDrilling WestmorelandMarcellusCitizens'Group PeachBottomConcernedCitizensGroup PAForestCoalition IndependenceConservancy RaymondProffittFoundation SierraClub,AlleghenyGroup SouthBranchTunkhannockCreekWatershedCoalition PennsylvaniaCouncilofChurches ResponsibleDrillingAlliance Aquashicola/PohopocoWatershedConservancy QuittapahillaAudubonSociety ProtectingOurWaters Greenpeace PennEnvironment FoodandWaterWatch PineCreekValleyWatershedAssociation,Inc. LeagueofWomenVotersPennsylvania KeystoneTrailsAssociation UGIGETNaturalGasProgramApprovedByPUC ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayapprovedasettlementforapilotprogramthatchangestheway theUGIsPennsylvaniagasdistributionutilitieschargecustomersforlineextensionprojects. IampleasedtolendmysupporttothisinnovativeeffortbytheUGIcompanies,saidPUC CommissionerPamelaA.Witmerinastatement.MarcellusshalehasmadePennsylvaniathesecond largestproducerofnaturalgasinthecountryandtodaysactionwillgivemorePennsylvaniansthe opportunitytotakeadvantageofthisefficientandcleanburningnaturalresource.Ichallengeother naturalgasutilitiesoperatinginunderservedorunservedareastoalsobeginthinkingcreativelyonhow they,too,canbringahomegrownfueltomorePennsylvaniabusinessesandhomeowners. TheCommissionvoted50toapprovetheUGIsimplementationoftheGrowthExtension Tariff(GETGas)pilotprograms.ThesettlementwasreachedamongUGIUtilitiesInc.GasDivision UGIPennNaturalgasInc.UGICentralPennGas,thePUCsindependentBureauofInvestigation& Enforcement,theOfficeofConsumerAdvocateandtheOfficeofSmallBusinessAdvocate. Undermostnaturalgascompanytariffs,acustomerwhowishestohavenaturalgasservice extendedtotheirpropertymustpaythecostofthatlineextension,whichcanruninthethousandsof dollars,asanupfrontpayment.TheGETGasprogramallowseligiblecustomerstopaytheextension costsover10yearsasanonbillmonthlycharge. Eligiblecustomersarethosewhoareseekinganextensionofcompanyfacilitiesthatwould requireatotalcapitalcostof$15,000ormore,apercustomermaximumprojectcostof$10,000,and whereatleast50percentoftheprospectivecustomersalongthepathoftheGETGasfacilitiescan reasonablybeestimatedtoconverttheirheatingsourcetonaturalgaswithina12yearperiodafter

naturalgasfacilitiesarefirstinstalled. Formoreinformation,visitUGIsGETGaswebpage. NewsClips: WantGasHeat?UGIPlanMakesItEasier HomeUpInFlamesAfterGasExplosion CorbettCallsForAfterActionReviewOfWinterStormResponse Gov.TomCorbettFridaydirectedPAEmergencyManagementAgencyDirectorGlennCannonto leadathoroughAfterActionReview,incooperationwiththePublicUtilityCommission,onthestate's responsetorecentwinterstorms. AstormonFebruary4and5causednearly849,000poweroutagesacrossthestate, particularlyinsoutheasternandsouthcentralPennsylvaniawheresignificanticeaccumulationsoccurred. AsecondstormonFebruary12and13leftbehind1218inchesofsnowacrossmuchofthe Commonwealth. "InPennsylvaniawe'leanforward'beforeemergenciesstrike,"Corbettsaid."ThatiswhyI directedPEMAtoincreasestaffinglevelsatthecommonwealth'semergencyoperationscenterbefore freezingprecipitationstartedtofall.Thisearlyactivationofresourcesenabledustorespondquicklyand efficientlytotheneedsofPennsylvaniansandourlocalgovernments." CorbettiscallingfortheAARtoexaminetheactionsthatworkedbestandincorporatethose intothestandardoperatingproceduresforallfutureemergencies.Corbettalsowantstoexaminethose areasthatneedtobeimprovedtobetterservePennsylvaniansinresponsetofutureweatherevents. Inadditiontoexaminingthestate'spreparednessandresponse,theAARcallsuponthePublic UtilityCommissiontoworkcloselywithelectricutilitycompaniestoensurethattheytookthesteps necessarytorespondswiftlyandappropriately. "Weneedathoroughreviewofactions,tounderstandwhatworkedbest,andtoidentifyareas whereresponsemeasurescanbeimproved,"Corbettsaid."Thisinformationisvitalaswecontinually updateouremergencypreparednessandresponseplantoensurethattheneedsofourcitizensaremet duringemergencies,particularlyourmostvulnerablecitizens." CorbettissuedanemergencyproclamationonFebruary5,authorizingstateagenciestouseall availableresourcesandpersonnel,asnecessary,tocopewiththemagnitudeandseverityofthis emergencysituation.ThisproclamationwascrucialinhelpingtheCommonwealthdrawdownsupport fromthefederalgovernment,includingthestagingofgeneratorstoprovideelectricitytovitalfacilities, suchasnursinghomesandhospitals. Duringbothstorms,CorbettorderedmembersoftheNationalGuardandheavyequipmentto bestagedthroughouttheCommonwealthtoaidinassistanceandrecoveryefforts.Additionally,multiple stateagenciescooperatedtoprovideregularhealthandsafetychecksonmotoristsdelayedon roadwaysduetoaccidentsorunsafetravelconditions. "IthankthecitizensofPennsylvaniafortheirpatienceandresponsivenessduringbothofthese storms,"saidCorbett."Theircommonsenseandcooperationinstayingofftheroadsandhelpingtheir neighborsisindicativeofwhatitmeanstobePennsylvaniaproud." In2012,CorbettcalledforasimilarAARontheresponsetoHurricaneSandyandmanyof thosevaluablelessons,suchasthestagingofgeneratorsandcoordinationofresponsemeasuresby utilityproviders,wereusedduringtherecenticestorm. Thereportisexpectedtobesubmittedtothegovernorwithin30days.

NewsClips: PennsylvaniaFloodAdvisories FloodingForcesEvacuationOfWesternPAHomes ResidentsNearAlleghenyRiverOnAlertForFlooding PUCSeeksCommentsOnChangesToAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsRules ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayissuedforcommentaproposedrulemakingthatwouldrevise certainregulationsoftheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsActof2004,includingregulations pertainingtonetmetering,interconnectionandcomplianceprovisionsoftheAEPSAct. TheCommissionvoted50toreceivecommentsontheproposedchangestoexisting regulationswhich,amongotherthings,wouldincreasecertainreportingrequirementsandstrengthen enforcementmeasures,reviseinterconnectionandnetmeteringrules,andclarifyCommission proceduresandstandardsforcertificationsandverificationofcompliancewiththeAct.TheAEPSAct, whichbecameeffectiveonFeb.28,2005,wasamendedontwopreviousoccasionsthroughAct135 of2007andAct129of2008. Writtencommentsshallbesubmittedwithin30daysofpublicationinthePennsylvaniaBulletin. FurtherinstructionsonfilingcommentswillbecontainedintheFinalOrder. TheAEPSActrequiresthatacertainpercentageofallelectricenergysoldtoretailcustomers withintheCommonwealthbederivedfromalternativeenergysources.By2021,electricdistribution companies(EDCs)andelectricgenerationsuppliers(EGSs)mustsupply18.5percentofelectricity usingalternativeenergyresources.ThepercentageofTierI,TierIIandsolarphotovoltaicresources graduallyincreasesoverthisperiod. TheActappliestobothEDCsandEGSs,whomustdemonstratetheircomplianceonanannual basis.However,compliancewiththeportfoliostandardsisdeferreduntilanEDCsgenerationratecaps expire. SincethepassageoftheAEPSActinlate2004,thePUChasmovedexpeditiouslytodevelop therulesandregulationsnecessaryforfosteringPennsylvaniasalternativeenergymarketandhas implementedawebsitetomakeinformationaboutAEPSavailabletothepublicinauserfriendly manner. AcopyofthePUCAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards2007Reportisavailableonline. Formoreinformation,visitthePUCsAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardswebpage. InternationalEnergyConservationCodeWorkshopMarch20InMonroeville TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitescodeenforcementofficials,builders,contractors anddesignerstoaMarch20trainingworkshopinMonroeville,AlleghenyCountyonthe2009 InternationalEnergyConservationCode. Theworkshopwillbeheldfrom8:30a.m.to4p.m.attheDoubletreebyPittsburgh MonroevilleConventionCenter. Theonedayprogramwillfocusonenergycodecomplianceforresidentialbuildings. Participantswilllearnaboutperformingathoroughplanreview,properairsealingandinsulation inspectionitems,theprocessforcompletingathoroughenergyinspectionandaccuratelyassessing everyiteminaprovidedplanreviewandinsulationchecklist. TheIECCisupdatedeverythreeyearsbytheInternationalCodeCouncil.InPennsylvania,itis

consideredpartoftheUniformConstructionCode,accordingtoAct49. Thecosttoregisteris$40andincludesatrainingmanual,breakfastandlunch.SixUCC continuingeducationhourswillbeawardedtoattendees. FundingfortheworkshopisprovidedbythedepartmentthroughaU.S.DepartmentofEnergy StateEnergyProgramgrant. Registrationisavailableonlineandwillbeacceptedonafirstcome,firstservedbasis.Walkins maybeacceptedifspaceandmaterialsareavailable. Formoreinformation,call7177630930. ProceedingsInitiatedToExamineVariableElectricRatesByPUC Withmorethan400highbillinformalcomplaintsfiledbyconsumersthisyear,thePublicUtility CommissionThursdayopenedaproceedingtoexaminetherules,policiesandconsumereducation measuresregardingvariablerateelectricgenerationproducts. Afterreceivingthesehighbillcomplaints,theCommissionimmediatelyundertookareviewof thematteranddevelopedrecommendationsforaction,saidPUCViceChairmanJohnF.ColemanJr. andCommissionerJamesH.Cawleyinajointmotion.Therateconsumerspayintheretailelectric marketisgovernedbythetermsoftheircontractwiththeirsupplierItisimportantforconsumerson variableratestocarefullyreviewthetermsandconditionsoftheircontractstodetermineiftheyareat riskforlargerateincreasesatanygiventime. TheCommissionvoted50toexamineareasofconcernincludingcompellingEGSstonotify customersofpriceschangesrequiringhistoricalpricinginformationforEGSsofferingvariablerate productsrevisingdisclosurestatementstomakethemmoreuserfriendlyandincreasingtheinformation availablefromEGSstoconsumersaboutvariablerateincreasesincludingthatuncappedvariablerates maybeincreasedwithoutlimitation.TheCommissionisaskinginterestedpartiestorespondtospecific questionsoutlinedinthemotion. TheCommissionwillcontinuetoevaluatetheadditionalactionsthatshouldbetakentoensure thatconsumersarereceivingadequateandaccurateinformationtomakeinformeddecisionswhen purchasingelectricsupply,accordingtothemotion. ThePUCalsoiscontinuingitsongoingeffortstoempowercustomerstomorequicklychange generationsupplierswhentheyarechargedunacceptablyhighrates. Avarietyofregulatoryrequirements,technicalissuesandbusinesspracticescanresultina switchingprocessthatlastsaslongasfortydays,accordingtothemotion.Reducingthisperiodwill servetomitigateadversefinancialimpactsfromvariableratevolatility. ThemotionalsosummarizedactionstheCommissionhastakenandhasplannedtoeducate consumersaboutactionstheyshouldtaketocopewiththevariableratesincludingmultiplenews releases,andconsumeralertsonthePUCwebsiteandPAPowerSwitch.comurgingthemtocontact theirsupplier,checktheircontracts,evaluatecompetitiveoffers,conserveenergy,andsignupfor budgetbilling,apaymentarrangementorassistanceprograms. NewsClips: SpikingElectricBillsEyedByPUC HowToStopRudeCallsAboutSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC:ElectricCustomersSockedInJan.AskForAdjustments PriceOfHomeHeatingOilSurges PricesForGasolineToSpike

GasolinePricesRisingAlongWithTemperature CorbettReappointsRobertF.PowelsonToPublicUtilityCommission Gov.TomCorbettTuesdayreappointedRobertF.PowelsonofChesterCountytothePublicUtility Commission.PowelsonhasservedasaPUCchairmansinceFebruary2011. "Aschairman,RobPowelsonhasworkedtirelesslyforPennsylvaniaratepayersand consumers,Corbettsaid,"Hisleadershiphashelpedmakeourcommonwealthanationalmodelfor safe,effectiveenergydevelopment,andhasbeencrucialtodevelopingourrobustelectricretail marketplace,whichnowisrankednumbertwointhenation. PowelsonwasfirstnominatedbyformerGov.EdRendelltoserveonthePUCandwas unanimouslyconfirmedbytheSenateonJune30,2008.Hewasrenominatedforafiveyeartermon Feb.12,2009,andwasagainunanimouslyconfirmedonApril22,2009.Hiscurrenttermexpireson April1,2014. PowelsonisthechairoftheNationalAssociationofRegulatoryUtilityCommissioners,or NARUC,CommitteeonWater.Inaddition,hehasbeenappointedtorepresentthatcommitteeon NARUC'sTaskForceonClimatePolicy.HeisalsoamemberoftheNARUCCommitteeonCritical InfrastructureandamemberoftheNARUCSubcommitteeonNuclearIssuesWasteDisposal. PowelsonpreviouslyservedasthepresidentoftheChesterCountyChamberofBusiness& Industry,wherehealsoheldotherjobtitlesandhelpedtodevelopthecounty'seconomicdevelopment strategy.In2005,hewasselectedbytheEisenhowerPresidentialFellowstobeaU.S.fellowin SingaporeandAustralia. PowelsonearnedaBachelorofAdministrationdegreefromSt.Joseph'sUniversityanda MasterofGovernmentalAdministrationdegreefromtheUniversityofPennsylvaniawithaconcentration inpublicfinance. ADelawareCountynative,Powelsonandhiswife,Lauren,andtheirtwosonsliveinKennett Square. February20DEPNewsletterNowAvailable TheFebruary20issueofDEPNewsisnowavailable.ClickHeretogetyourowncopyandforback issues. ClearWaterConservancyHostsWoodsInYourBackyardWorkshopMarch8 Anyoneinterestedinimprovingtheiryardorsmallacreagelotforthebenefitofhumans,floraandfauna willnotwanttomissthesecondintheWoodsinYourBackyardseriesofprogramstobeheldinState College. WoodsinYourBackyard:CreatingHealthyHabitatsforPeople,Plants,andWildlifewillbe heldMarch8from9am.to4p.m.intheForestResourcesBuildingAuditorium,PennStateUniversity Park,PA. TheprogramissponsoredbyForestsfortheBay,PennStateExtension,ClearWater ConservancyandCentreCountyConservationDistrict. Thisworkshopisdesignedspecifically,butnotexclusively,forsmallerlandscapes.Thesesmall lotsareabigdeal.

ThevastmajorityofPennsylvaniaslandownershavelessthan10acres.Thisland,woodedor not,canprovidebenefits.Byenhancingwoodedareasorcreatingnaturalareasonyourlot,youcan enjoyrecreation,aesthetics,wildlife,improvedwaterqualityandreducedenergycosts. Ownersofeventhesmallestlandscapescanmakeapositivedifferenceintheirenvironment throughplanningandimplementingsimplestewardshippractices TheworkshopusesthemanualTheWoodsinYourBackyard:LearningtoCreateand EnhanceNaturalAreasAroundYourHome.Allparticipantswillreceivethefullcolor,139page manual.Thisselfdirectedbookwillguideyouthroughtheprocessofdevelopingandimplementing projectstoenhanceyourlandsnaturalresources. TheentireworkshopwilltakeplaceatthePennStateForestResourcesBuilding.All participantswillremaintogetherinthemorningsessionsandthenchoosetheirafternoonsessionsbased oninterest. Topicswillinclude:ForestecologyYourwoodsandwaterTreeplantingpracticesWoodland managementtechniquesControllinginvasivespeciesCreatingorimprovingwildlifehabitatConverting lawnstowoodsormeadowsPollinatorhabitatLandownerresourcesandmore Costis$25perindividualor$40fortwopeoplefromthesamehousehold. Formoreinformationandtoregister,visittheForestsForTheBaywebsiteorcall 8143554897. PennsylvaniaAdds26Farms,Nearly2,400AcresToPreservationProgram PennsylvaniasAgriculturalLandPreservationBoardWednesdaysafeguarded2,359additionalacres on26farmsin13countiesthroughthestatesnationallyrenownedfarmlandpreservationprogram. TheboardpreservedfarmsinBerks,Butler,Chester,Crawford,Cumberland,Erie,Juniata, Lancaster,Lycoming,Northampton,Perry,UnionandYorkcounties. Sincetheprogrambeganin1988,federal,state,countyandlocalgovernmentshaveinvested morethan$1.2billiontopreserve486,628acreson4,558farmsin57countiesforfutureagricultural production. Ourfarmlandpreservationprogramssuccessisthepartnershipbetweengovernment, nonprofitorganizationsandtheproducerswhoenrolltheirlandintheprogram,saidAgriculture SecretaryGeorgeGreig.Workingtogether,werepreservingPennsylvaniaagricultureforgenerations offarmfamiliestocome. Theboardapprovedatthemeetinga$30millionstatefundingthresholdfor2014easement purchases.CountiesacrossPennsylvaniahavecertified$16.6millionforfarmlandpreservationin2014. ThePennsylvaniaAgriculturalConservationEasementPurchaseProgramidentifiesproperties andslowsthelossofprimefarmlandtononagriculturaluses.Itenablesstate,countyandlocal governmentstopurchaseconservationeasements,alsocalleddevelopmentrights,fromownersof qualityfarmland. Insomecases,thefederalFarmandRanchlandsProtectionProgramprovidesadditional assistance.Lastfiscalyear,Pennsylvaniareceived$4.2millioninfederalreimbursements. Formoreinformation,visitAgriculturesFarmlandPreservationwebpage. NewsClip:Feds:PALostAbout4,000FarmsOver5Years CapitalRC&DProducesGuideToEmployingFarmInterns

CapitalResourceConservationandDevelopmentCouncilhasdevelopedtheGuidetoInternshipsand EmploymentforPennsylvaniaFarmsinresponsetohelpreducetheconfusionexperiencedbyboth farmersandemployeesparticipatingininternshipandapprenticeshipopportunities. Morefarmsareutilizinginternsandapprenticesthaneverbefore,notonlytosatisfyfarmlabor requirementsbuttoshareimportantagriculturalknowledge. Theseeducationalopportunitiesareindemandandwhenwellplannedtoincorporatehandson educationtheycanbemutuallybeneficial,yetwithoutstandardizedrequirementsitcanbedifficultfor farmbusinessestoknowiftheymeetthelegalandeducationalrequirementsforthesepositions. TheGuidetoInternshipsandEmploymentforPennsylvaniaFarmssurveyslegalrequirements andprovidesanoverviewoflegaldefinitionsofinternandapprenticeships,wageandcompensation details,andhousingconsiderations. Itisnotareplacementfordirectlegalcounselbutbuildsastrongfoundationforfarmers consideringthehireoforalreadyemployinganinternorapprentice.Farmerswillalsofindreferencesfor additionalinformationfromappropriatestateagencies,nationalscopenonprofitsandprograms showcasingsuccessfulinternandapprenticeprograms. Theguideisavailableonline. FormoreinformationcontactCherylBurnsatCapitalRC&Dat717.241.4361orsendemail to:cburns@capitalrcd.org. VolunteerDayAtFortWashingtonStateParkApril5 FortWashingtonStateParkinMontgomeryCountyisseekingvolunteerstohelpwithplantingtrees, trashcleanup,rakingleaves,assemblingpicnictablesandotherspringtimeprojects.Allyouneedto bringisapairofgardenorworkglovestomakeabigdifferenceinyourPark.Volunteersofallagesare welcomedandappreciated. Over500,000peoplevisitedFortWashingtonStateParklastyear.Itiswiththeassistanceof volunteerslikeyouthattheparkisabletomaintainitsnaturalbeautyandthewonderfuloutdoor recreationopportunitiesitprovides. Lastyearseventwasagreatsuccesswhichhelpedtoimprovetheenvironmentandreadythe Parkforanotherenjoyableseason.Wehopeyouwillbeabletojoinusthisspring.Meetnearthe observationdeckandpleaseregisteratthebackendofparkinglot#5intheMilitiaHillareaofthe park. Refreshmentsandapicniclunch,donatedbylocalmerchants,willbeprovided. Formoreinformation,calltheparkofficeat2155915250. DCNRAddsWinterActivityInformationToItsInteractiveOnlineMap Ifwinterweatherhasyouwantingtostraponsnowshoesorcrosscountryskis,ortryicefishingforthe firsttime,theDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesisunveilinganewonlineservicethat pointsyoutotherightplaceattherighttime. Awinteractivitiesmap,highlightingsevencoldweatheractivitiesandthestateparksandforests wheretheycanbefound,isthelatestadditiontoDCNRsstorymaps. Locations,directions,snowandiceconditions,itsallthereasvisitorstoourwebsitetakea virtualtourofthemanystateparkandforestlandsofferingwinterfunandexcitement,saidDCNR SecretaryEllenFerretti.WhetheritsasnowshoeingclassnextweekatPikeCountysPromisedLand

StateParkoranicefishingclinicnextmonthatPresqueIsleStateParkinErieCounty,outdoors enthusiastswillfindthislateststorymapinvaluable. Otherwinteractivitiesfeaturedincludedownhillskiing,snowmobiling,iceboating,iceskating andsledding.Mapvisitorsalsowillfindeasyaccesstoawinteractivitiesreportlistinguptodate snowandiceconditions. Regardlessofwinterinterests,mapuserscanscrollacrossthestateandpickactivitiesand locationswheretheyareoffered,Ferrettisaid.Thisconcepthasworkedsowellinthepastaswe addressedgeologicwonders,fallfoliage,mustseeparks,waterfallsandotherspecialinterestsofour parkandforestvisitors. ThenewestmapcanbeaccessedonDCNRsStoryMapswebpageanditworkswellonboth desktopandmobiledevices.Userscanstayabreastofspecialwinterfestivals,clinicsandgroup activitiesbyvisitingDCNRsActivitiesCalendaratandtheGetOutdoorsPennsylvaniawebsite. DCNRFeb.19IssueOfResourcesNewsletterIsNowAvailable TheFebruary19issueofDCNRsonlineResourcenewsletterisnowavailable.ClickHereforback issues. Feature:DCNRVolunteerCitedForWorkWithBluebirds,OtherSpecies Aflashofrussetbreast,everflittingfromperchtogroundonabodyofcobalt blue.Acheery,nonstoptunepipedfromatopafloweringdogwood.Treating oursenseseveryspringisthatpopularharbingeroftheseasontheEastern bluebird. Appreciatethebluebirdandyouhavetoappreciatetheworkofhundredsof volunteersacrossthestatewhohaveguidedthebelovedsongbirdontothe reboundtrail.IfyouenjoyseeingthemaroundMauriceK.GoddardStatePark, youcanthankoneveryspecialvolunteerwhosededicationtothebirdandits habitathaveearnedherDCNRs2013CavityNestMonitoroftheYear Award. DonnaLangofHadley,MercerCounty,waschosenfrommorethan150 volunteersstatewideandhonoredforherlongtermdedicationandenthusiasmdisplayedovernine yearswhilevolunteeringtomonitorandhelpprotectandpropagateEasternbluebirdsandothercavity nestingbirdspeciesaspartoftheBureauofStateParksmonitoringprogram. Atleast90nestingboxesonthestateparkgroundsnearSandyLake,MercerCounty,are supervisedbyMrs.Lang.Addtothosetwopurplemartincoloniesdrawntohanginggourds,andwood ducknestingboxeserectedaroundtheparksLakeWilhelm.Whenhervolunteerdutiesreachfull speed,Langvisitstheparkseveraltimesaweek,erectingandrepairingnestingboxes,cleaningthem, andkeepingtrackoftheiroccupants.Itisalaboroflovebenefitingallwingedparkvisitors,butshe definitelyhasherfavorite. Thebluebird,shesaid.Ireallydolikethem.Wealwayshadsomeonourhomeproperty and,whileIliketohelptheotherbirds,thebluebirdisjustsuchaneatbird.Theyhavesuchanicelittle song,andtheyalwaysneedourhelp. Theyneededhelp,forsure,lastspring.Colderthannormaltemperaturesearlyinthenesting season,wetsummerdays,andavarietyofpredatorskeptLangbusyinthefieldsandwoodlotborders

atherfavoritestatepark.Disappointments,sometimesoccurringalmostdaily,comewiththatturf,said the62yearoldretiredDepartmentofWelfareworker. Thoughhusband,Daryl,helpswiththereplacementofdamagednestingboxesandoutfitting withguardstokeepintrudersout,predationalwaystakesatoll.Snakesandraccoonsleadthecavity nestersenemylist,Langsaid,butthereareotherdailythreats. Youlosealotwiththedifferentpredators,shesaid.Lastyearstartedoutgoodwithatleast 30oftheboxeshavingnestingbluebirdsandthenwestartedlosingsome.Ididhavealotmore predationlastyear,usuallyasnakeoraraccoon.Andthenyouhavethepuzzlinglosseswhenalleggs disappearcompletelygoneasiftoanalien.Itsjustpuzzlingsometimeswhenyoulosealltheeggs butthenestisnotdisturbed. Lossesarenotlimitedtothebluebird,theawardwinnernotes.Avigilanteyeandprotective handalsoareneededtomakesuretheyoungchickadee,wren,treeswallowandwoodduckalltake flight. SpringcleaningbeginsearlyforDonnaLangatMauriceK.GoddardStateParkwherethe volunteerseffortstoaidbluebirdsandotherwingedspeciesearnedherDCNRs2013CavityNest MonitoroftheYearAward.But,ifitsthebluebirdthatembodiesyourspring,MrsLanghassome suggestionstohelpdrawthatcheeryharbinger. Mostrevolvearoundhabitat:Ifyouwanttoputupnestingboxes,basicallytheymustbean openarea,butnottoofarfromatreeorbushwheretheyoungonescanflywhentheyfledge.Tooclose drawsthehousesparrowsandwrens.And,ifboxesalreadyareup,makesuretheyarecleanedoutby lateMarchorearlyApril. Soon,itwillbespringhousecleaningtimeforLang.Accompaniedbythefamilydog,shellstart makingherrounds,coveringabout14milesaroundtheparklake.Regardlessofweather,shellbe there. IjustdoitbecauseIlikethebirds,shesaysmatteroffactly.And,itsgreatexerciseforme andmydog. Itsmuchmorethanthat,saysMauriceK.GoddardStateParkManagerWilliamWasser: ItisverycleartoallofuswhoknowDonna,thatsheispassionateabouthelpingoutcavity nestspecies.Toinstallnestboxesinjusttherighthabitattakesalotoftimeandeffortbuttheprogram hereatGoddardwouldnotbethesuccessthatitiswereitnotforthetremendousnumberofhoursthat Donnaspendscleaningandmonitoringthenestboxeseveryweekduringthenestingseasons. Donnaspendscountlesshoursintheparkmonitoringthecavitynestspeciesandalsodonates herownmoneyandtimeinbuildingandinstallingpredatorguardsonthebluebirdboxposts.Habitat projectslikethissimplywouldntbeaccomplishedwithoutthehelpofdedicatedvolunteers,andIamso gladthatshewasrecognizedforherefforts. Sincestartingwiththeprogramin2005,Mrs.Langalongwithafewothercavitynestmonitors haveoverseenthesuccessfulfledgingofapproximately800easternbluebirdsatthepark.Lastyearshe andothervolunteersacrossthestatehelpedfledge2,364easternbluebirdsand3,654other cavitynestingspecies. Despiteacolderthannormalspringandwetsummer,stateparkofficialssaidanincreaseinthe numberofcavitynestingboxesallowedmostparkstoexperiencesomesuccessasisevidentinaslight increaseinfledglingnumberscomparedto2012.Sincetheprogramsbeginningin1980,volunteers havefledgedover59,000easternbluebirdsand45,000othercavitynestingspecies. TheBureauofStateParksCavityNestingTrailProgram,celebratingits35thanniversarythis spring,nowinvolves50ofthe120stateparksacrossthestate,accordingtoCarlyHitzfeld,Natural

ResourceProgramSpecialistwiththebureau.Theprograminvolvesmorethan150volunteers,ranging inagefromhighschoolstudentstosomeintheirupper80s.Theycheckmorethan1,400nestingboxes acrossthestateinindividualparkeffortsthatmonitorfromfivetomorethan175nestingboxes. Commitmentinthemonitoringprogramisnotrare,Hitzfeldnotes.Morethan15ofthe volunteershavebeencheckingnestingboxescleaningandrepairingthemjottingnotesandhikingtrails forover20ormoreyears. DatagleanedfromstateparkobservationsissharedwiththeGameCommissionNorth AmericanBluebirdSocietytheBluebirdSocietyofPAandtheBureauofStateParksResources ManagementandPlanningDivision. FormoredetailsontheCavityNestingTrailProgram,contactHitzfeldat7177833344. (ReprintedfromtheFebruary19issueofDCNRsonlineResourcenewsletter.) GetABirdsEyeViewOfPittsburghBaldEagleNestOnline Lastyear,ayoungbaldeaglefledgedfromanestwithinthecitylimitsofPittsburghforthefirsttimein perhaps200yearsormore.Andinthemonthsthatleduptothatmoment,hundredslookedonfroma distance. Thisyear,apairofeaglesisnestingnearthesamesiteandcountlessmoreonlookerscanfollow alongthistimewithabirdseyeview(gotothebottomofthepage),andfromwithinthecomfortof theirownhomes. TheGameCommission,incooperationwithPixControllerInc.,hasinstalledavideocamera highaboveanesttwobaldeagleshavebuiltalongtheMonongahelaRiverinwhatisknownastheHays sectionofPittsburgh. LivefootagefromthecameraisbeingstreamedontheGameCommissionswebsite.Theeagle pairsappearancesatthenesthavebecomemoreandmorefrequentsincethelivestreamingbeganin lateDecember.AndonlateWednesdayafternoon,somethingelseappearedafreshlylaidegg. Thehope,ofcourse,isthatahealthyeagletwillfledgethenest,andthecamerawillcapture everysecondofit. Therearenoguaranteesthestorywillhaveahappyending.Butthelivestreamoffersarare, reallifelookatanunfoldingnaturalwonder. Ingoodweatherconditions,thelivestreamwillbeavailableroundtheclock.Incolder temperatures,thevideoequipmentmustbeshutdownforbriefperiods,soifyouhavetroubleaccessing thelivestream,justcheckbacklater. Thenestfeaturedonthelivestreamwasbuiltnewinrecentmonthsafterabranchgaveway underthenestusedinthesamearealastyear. Lastyearsnestdidntofferasupcloseaview,thoughmanypeoplewouldcongregate regularlyalonganearbybicycletrailtoviewthenestthroughbinoculars.Becausetherewasntagood vantagepointinsidethenest,however,eaglewatcherscouldonlyjudgefromthematingpairschanged behaviorthataneaglethadbeenhatched.Ittookweekstoconfirmsuspicions. Withthecamerainplace,however,onlineviewerswereabletoverifytheexactmomentaneggwas laid. VideooftheeggbeinglaidhasbeenpostedtoYouTube,andcanbefoundeasilybysearching Hayseaglesegg.Otherhighlightsfromthenestingattemptsofaralsohavebeenpostedtothesite. NestEtiquette

Whileviewersalwaysarewelcomeonline,thosemakingtripstoviewbaldeaglenestsinperson areremindedtokeeptheirdistance. Differentpairsofeagleshavedifferentlevelsoftoleranceforhumanactivitynearnests.Nests liketheoneinHays,whicharebuiltinspotswithalotofsurroundingbustle,oftenofferopportunitiesto viewfromadistancewithoutinvadingtheeaglescomfortzone. Butfederalsafeguardsexisttoprotectnestingeagles,andpersonsencroachinga660foot perimeteraroundanestareinviolationoffederallaw. Signsarepostedaroundmanyknownnestsites,buttherulesapplyregardlessofwhethersigns areposted. Approachinganeaglenesttoocloselycouldfrightenofftheadultsandcausethemtoabandon thenestorpreventthemfromkeepingeggsattheproperincubatingtemperature.Frightenedeaglets mightalsojumpfromthesafetyofanest,thenhavenowaytoreturn. Moretipsonnestviewingetiquettecanbefoundonthebaldeaglewebpage. BaldEaglesInPennsylvania TheBoardofGameCommissionersatitsJanuarymeetinggavefinalapprovaltoaproposalto removethebaldeaglefromthestateslistofthreatenedspecies. GameCommissionstaffinSeptemberrecommendedthechangebasedonthebaldeagles remarkablerecoveryinPennsylvania,andthefactthatthecommissionsbaldeaglemanagementplan callsforupgradingthebaldeagletoprotectedstatuswhenalloffourcriteriameasuringthehealthof thestatesbaldeaglepopulationhavebeenmetforafiveyearperiod. Removingbaldeaglesfromthestatethreatenedspecieslistneitherhinderseaglepopulationsin Pennsylvanianorknocksoffcoursethespeciescomebackhere,saidGameCommission endangeredbirdbiologistPattiBarber. ThebirdcontinuestobeprotectedunderthefederalBaldandGoldenEagleProtectionAct (EagleAct),theMigratoryBirdTreatyAct,andtheLaceyAct.UndertheEagleAct,thosewhoharm ordisturbeaglesaresubjecttoacivilpenaltyofuptooneyearinjailora$5,000finefortheirfirst offense,andcriminalconvictionscanresultinfinesashighas$250,000. Additionally,statepenaltiesfordisturbingprotectedwildlifeincludefinesofupto$1,500and bolsterprotectionforPennsylvaniaeagles. Baldeagleshavecomealongwayinthe30plusyearssincetheGameCommissionfirstbegan effortstorestorethemtoPennsylvania.In1983,whentheGameCommissionlaunchedwhatwould becomeasevenyearrestorationprogram,onlythreepairsofnestingbaldeaglesremainedin PennsylvaniaalloftheminCrawfordCountyinthenorthwesternpartofthestatealongtheOhio border. Thisyear,thereweremorethan270knownbaldeaglenestsstatewide. A22minutefilmcelebratingthebaldeaglessuccessisavailableattheGameCommissions BaldEaglewebpage. OpportunityToBidOnDCNR,DEPProjects TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcespublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidon projectsinLackawannaandPerrycounties. TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidonmine reclamationprojectsinCentreCountyandClearfieldCounty(PABulletinpage1082).

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased February26CANCELED.DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegional Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00.(formalnotice) February26DEPpublichearingonproposedchangestotheCumberland,Dauphin,Lebanon,York countiesStateAirQualityImplementationPlanforparticulates.RachelCarsonBuilding,Harrisburg. 10:00.(formalnotice) March4CANCELED.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Nextscheduledmeetingis onJune3.(formalnotice) March5DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. March6AgendaReleased.DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. OverviewofChapter78drillingregulationsrelatedtowastes BeneficialusesforMarcellusShalewastematerials StatusofMedicalWasterulemaking OverviewofrecyclingprogramsinBlair,Elk,Indiana,Lawrence,Mercercounties <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts March6DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March6AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.HearingRoom1,North OfficeBuilding,Harrisburg.8:30.(formalnotice) March1112NEW.AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingandmeeting. WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA. (formalnotice) March11DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialParkRd., Ebensburg.10:00. March18EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March18TimeChange.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. March19DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.

9:30. March19DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March19StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting.11thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. February28NEW.PhiladelphiaGreenCity,CleanWatersStudentArtContest February28POWRPARiverSojournGrants February28PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators February28AppalachianTrailHallOfFameNominations March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March3CocaColaRecyclingBinGrantProgram March3PHMCKeystoneHistoricPreservationGrants March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram March7PASectionAWWAFreshIdeasStudentPresentationCompetition March14DEPHostMunicipalityInspectorGrants March14PAAmericanWaterStreamOfLearningCollegeScholarship March21WRENWaterResourceEducation,SourceWaterCollaborativeGrants March28DelawareHighlandsConservancyCollegeScholarships March28PAAmericanWaterProtectOurWatershedsArtContest March31NEW.PAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgram April15DCNRStudentCareersECOCamp April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants April30NortheastPAAudubonSocietyCollegeScholarship May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram

May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing May23NEW.KPBGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate Feb.20DEPNewsletter Budget LawmakersPraiseDEPResponseToGasWellFire DCNRQuestionedOnPlansForAdditionalGasLeasing NewDrillingStudyNeededYudichakSays Letter:CorbettLeasingPlanWouldAidPublicLandStewardship OpEd:CorbettBudgetHurtsConservation Editorial:StudyImpactOfMoreGasLeasing Other DallasTwpHits55%RecyclingRate UPMC,AlleghenyGeneralMedicalWasteDisposalViolations EnvironmentalCharterSchoolConductsAdmissionsLottery PriceOfHomeHeatingOilSurges PricesForGasolineToSpike GasolinePricesRisingAlongWithTemperature Editorial:TaxpayersStillCaptiveToCoal MontcoFirmChargedUpOnSolarChargingStations WesternPARiversUntappedResourceForHydroPower DukeEnergySeeksMidwestPowerPlantSale OpenDoorAtPPLNuclearPlantCouldHaveHeightenedRisk BuryPowerLines?NotThatSimple SpikingElectricBillsEyedByPUC PUC:ElectricCustomersSockedInJan.AskForAdjustments HowToStopRudeCallsAboutSwitchingElectricSuppliers RailroadsMakeImprovementsInCrudeOilShipment RailroadsAgreeToSlowDownCrudeOilTrainsInCities

Editorial:KeystoneXLPipelineConflicts PA5thInU.S.InHazardousSpills LancasterNaturalists40YearCareer Feds:PALostAbout4,000FarmsOver5Years PresqueIsleIceFishingEventDrawsBiggestCrowd GreatBackyardBirdCountFinds135SpeciesInPA GreatBackyardBirdCountTops2.5MillionBirds GreatBackyardBirdCountTurningUpTrends HaysBaldEaglesAreExpecting QuecreekMineRescueMuseumToGetInfluxOfHistory DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling PASupremeCourtRejectsAppealOfDrillingLawRuling HighCourtWontReconsiderDecisionOnOilAndGasLaw PASupremeCourtWontRevisitGasDrillingCase PASupremeCourtWillNotReconsiderAct13Decision NewDrillingStudyNeededYudichakSays GreeneCountyGasWellStillLeaking StatePoliceRecoverWorkerKilledInGasWellExplosion CleanupFromGasWellFireContinues,MissingWorkerIDd GasWellOwnerGivesOutPizzaVouchersAfterExplosion CrewsCappingGreeneCountyWellsAtExplosionSite GreeneGasWellFireStokesConcernsAboutAirportDrilling Chevron:GasWellFiresHaveStopped MethaneBlazeOut,PerimeterRemainsAtGreeneGasWellFire EmergencyWaterPermitIssuedForGreeneWellFire HalliburtonToPay$1.8MillionDEPPenalty HalliburtonDodgesAGCriminalChargesAgain BradfordWomanWinsCaseOverWellContamination NewNEPAGroundwaterMethaneStudyDebunksEarlierStudies AttorneyGeneralInvestigatingChesapeakeEnergyRoyalties KaneEyesGasRoyaltyCheckComplaints HundredsRallyInBradfordOnGasRoyalties Editorial:BeAggressiveOnGasWellRoyalties Editorial:AGShouldProbeChesapeakeEnergyLeases MarcellusMattersEducatesCitizensAboutScience HomeUpInFlamesAfterGasExplosion WantGasHeat?UGIPlanMakesItEasier

CompanyAppliesToBuildDrillingWastewaterPlant EPAOKsDrillingWasteDisposalWellInClearfield EthicsOfFrackingToBeShownAtKingsCollege ZincPlantOnCrackerPlantSiteToRemainOpenLonger MarcellusShaleProductionJulyToDec.2013 SusquehannaCountyHomeToMostProductiveShaleWells PennStateExtensionWebinar:RecentGasWellWaste,ProductionData ManPleadsGuiltyToEmbezzling$9MFromDrillingCompany NeighborsToVoiceConcernsOnAlleghenyCountyAirport Financial/OtherStates QuestionableFrackingMemoReleasedInOhio CaseyCallsForMorePipelineSafetySpending

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding PennsylvaniaFloodAdvisories FloodingForcesEvacuationOfWesternPAHomes ResidentsNearAlleghenyRiverOnAlertForFlooding OtherWatershedNewsClips AlcosanAddingGreenElementToSewerSystemFix EmergencyWaterPermitIssuedForGreeneWellFire GrantWillHelpRestoreBanksOfLebanonCreek DEPExaminingOptionsOnHarveysLakeDam AtlasDamInNorthamptonToDriftIntoHistory PennStateOnlinePondCourseOpenForEnrollment

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardTuesdayapprovedanumberofagendaitemsincludingfinal regulationssettingnewVOCemissionlimitsonprintingoperations,aproposedruleupdatingLand RecyclingProgramregulations,actedtonotapprovearulemakingpetitiontoupgradethePerkiomen CreekandStonyRunwatershedsandheardareportonNPDESpermitandadministrationfees. Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinFebruary22,2014 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage

DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofrescissionoftechnicalguidancerelated tocontinuoussourcemonitoringformercury. Rescission:DEPID:2740300006.Title:TechnicalGuidancePertainingtoContinuousSource MonitoringSystemsforMercury.Description:Thepurposeofthetechnicalguidancedocumentwasto establishproceduresandspecificationsforcontinuoussourcemonitoringsystemsandaccepted monitoringtechnologiesrequiredbyPennsylvania'sStandardsforContaminantsMercury,25Pa.Code 123.201123.215.Thisrulewasdeemedinvalidin2009.Therefore,thisdocumentisnolonger applicable. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. February24HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:3:30Dept.ofAgriculture.Room 140MainCapitol. February24DEPKeystoneEnergyEducationWorkshop.VincentCollegeWinniePalmerNature Reserveat744WalzerWay,Latrobe.8:30a.m.to4:00p.m.Contact:SusanGoveat4124311010 oremail:sgove@gove.org. February25SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30Dept.ofTransportation, 3:00Dept.ofAgriculture.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February25HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:11:30Dept.ofConservation& NaturalResources.Room140MainCapitol.

February25HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonAct129energyefficiency, conservationprograms.RoomB31.10:00. February25DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Wexford,Pine TownshipRecreationCenter.9tonoon.(formalnotice)ClickHeretoregister. February26HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30Dept.ofTransportation. Room140MainCapitol. February26DEPpublichearingonproposedchangestotheCumberland,Dauphin,Lebanon,York countiesStateAirQualityImplementationPlanforparticulates.RachelCarsonBuilding,Harrisburg. 10:00.(formalnotice) February26DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.ClarionClarion HolidayInn.9tonoon.(formalnotice)ClickHeretoregister. February26DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. February27AgendaChanged.SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30Public UtilityCommission,1:00DepartmentofTransportation.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February27HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30GovernorsBudgetOffice, 1:00HouseMemberTestimony.Room140MainCapitol. March4CANCELED.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Nextscheduledmeetingis onJune3.(formalnotice) March4NEW.OhioRiverWatershedCelebrationBenefitDinner.MadMexShadyside, Pittsburgh.7:00. March5HouseVeteransAffairsandEmergencyPreparednessCommitteeholdsahearingonpublic safetyandemergencypreparednesssurroundingtherailtransportationofcrudeoil.EddystoneFire Company,1112E.7thSt.,Eddystone.9:30. March5DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. March5DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsProgramwebinar.10:00.(formal notice)ClickHeretoregister. March6AgendaReleased.DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. March6DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom,

RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March6AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.HearingRoom1,North OfficeBuilding,Harrisburg.8:30.(formalnotice) March11NEW.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouse Bill1684(EverettRLycoming)relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsorsummary. Room205RyanBuilding.10:00. March1112NEW.AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingandmeeting. WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA. (formalnotice) March11DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialParkRd., Ebensburg.10:00. March15SchuylkillWatershedCongress.MontgomeryCountyCommunityCollegePottstown campus. March18EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March18TimeChange.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. March19HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsahearingondeermanagement.RoomB31 MainCapitol.9:00. March19DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 9:30. March19DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March19StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting.11thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) March31NEW.SusquehannaLandAndWaterConservationSummit.PennStateUniversity campusinHarrisburg. April1011WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationSymposium.ToftreesGolfResortand ConferenceCenter,StateCollege.

June2627PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConference.RamadaInnandConference Center,StateCollege. September25PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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