PaEnvironmentDigest June 5, 2017

PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

Business Partner Of The Year Award
PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed
Issue #675 Harrisburg, PA June 5, 2017
Budget Challenges Part I: Will General Assembly Continue Systematic Dismantling Of

DEPs Core Programs?
June 5 is the opening day of this years sprint to a final

state budget for next fiscal year beginning July 1.
Legislators are facing a combined $2.8 billion state
budget deficit for this year and next just to continue most
current programs.
On April 4 House Republicans passed an FY
2017-18 budget-- House Bill 218 (Saylor-R- York)--
which again proposes to make at least a 6 percent
across-the-board cut to environmental agencies (and
most agencies) for the 14th year in a row. Their budget
also has an $800 million hole without any revenue to fill it.
The Republican budget reduces DEP funding by $8.9 million from the current year
(mostly personnel-- $7.3 million), and cuts funding for Conservation Districts-- $376,000, West
Nile/Zika Virus Control-- $338,000, the Susquehanna, Delaware and Potomac River Basin
Commissions, Ohio River Sanitation Commission and the Chesapeake Bay Commission.
All these new House Republican cuts are on top of a 40 percent cuts in the General Fund
monies going to DEP and a 25 percent cut in staff since 2003. Funding for DEP is now below
1994 levels.
Meanwhile, the General Assemblys own budget has increased 21 percent in the last 14
years AND they had an $118 million surplus in FY 2015-16.
House Republicans are also apparently content to let DEP raise permit fees to make up
for the cuts they make in DEPs General Fund appropriations.
DEP this year is pursuing permit fee increases for the Safe Drinking Water, Laboratory
Accreditation, Radiation Protection, Noncoal and Coal Mining Programs, Air Quality and
possibly the Oil and Gas Program to fill widening gaps in its budget.
Unfortunately, permit fee increases only start delivering needed funding two or three
years after the need is identified.
At the same time House and Senate Republicans (and Governors) have been cutting
DEPs budget, legislators have complained about why it seems to take longer each year for DEP
to process those permits.
Legislators have refused to take any responsibility for causing the permit delays, even
though they cut DEPs staff by 25 percent.
Meanwhile, DEP has, within its limited resources, major initiatives underway to improve
its permitting processes, including ePermitting, Regional Permit Coordination, shifting permit
work between regions and addressing the fact that 60 to 80 percent of the 30,000 applications it
receives from engineers and consultants are incomplete or have deficiencies.
Still, legislators are threatening to cut DEPs budget more until they perform. Its like
saying, The beatings will continue until morale improves. There is no right answer that will
satisfy some legislators.
The proposed House Republican budget also does nothing to address the fact DEP does
not have the resources to meet minimum federal requirements in the Safe Drinking Water, Air
Quality, Surface Mining and other federal programs.
In his budget testimony, DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell pointed to the need to deal
with other budget-related issues, like--
-- Reauthorizing the $2/ton recycling fee that is due to expire in 2020. The Senate now has
Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) on its Calendar to eliminate the sunset date;
-- Funding the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program lost its main revenue source when the
Capital Stock and Franchise Tax was phased out and now has no adequate replacement funding
sources; and
-- Reauthorizing the Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup and Pollution Prevention
Programs. The Senate now has Senate Bill 649 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) on its Calendar to fill a
funding gap in the Storage Tank Program and authorize the cleanup and prevention programs.
DCNRs budget did not escape the cuts either. House Republicans cut DCNRs budget
by $2.8 million and Heritage Parks is reduced by $625,000. Republicans, like Democrats, also
rely on the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to finance state park and forest operations.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the House Republican budget would deal a
crippling blow to the agency and lead to layoffs.
House Republicans did propose what they called an Endowment Fund that was
described verbally as a new Fund that would do everything in Gov. Wolfs proposed $387.4
million bond issue to fund operating costs and provide funding for several environmental
programs and State Police fee proposal.
Since April 4 there have been no new details about what would actually be included in
this Endowment Fund or how it would be funded. And none appear to be forthcoming outside of
Senate-House budget negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to put any budget proposal on the table.
At the same time the General Assembly is busily cutting state funds to DEP and other
state agencies, the Trump Administration is proposing 30 and 40 percent cuts in FY 2018 federal
grants designed to pay states for the administration of federal environmental programs.
DEP receives 30 percent of its funding from the federal government, 50 percent from fees
and some fines and 20 percent from the state General Fund.
As noted, 13 years of state budget cuts have resulted in many basic environmental
programs not having the resources to meet minimum federal program requirements. Cuts from
the federal side would only hollow them out further.
DEP has already been forced to do triage on its programs to determine which functions
will live and which will die. More cuts simply mean permit reviews get slower and more things
DEP used to do wont get done anymore.
Its interesting how legislators always seem to come down hard on DEP, when the
Department of Labor and Industry spent $170 million with one computer contractor for a project
that didnt work, the State Police spent $800 million on a statewide radio system that still doesnt
work and the Department of Education spent over $1 billion since 2008 on private education
testing where the result is not necessary to receive a high school diploma.
And the General Assembly cut DEPs budget by 40 percent and staff by 25 percent and
complains it cant get permits out on time?
The General Assembly and Governors also cut project funding to the Growing Greener
Program by 75 percent in spite of the fact that it gets real results on the ground like hundreds of
local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and
restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways, protected more than 78,000 acres of
farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding
and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and
wastewater treatment improvements.
Interesting.
NewsClips:
PA State Revenues For 2017 Down In Most Categories Thru May
DEP Proposing New Fees To Add Drinking Water Inspectors
Letter: Oppose EPA Cuts
How Trumps Budget Could Affect Your Drinking Water
Related Stories:
Budget Challenges Part II: Environmental Restoration, Park, Land Conservation Project Funding
Cut 75 Percent
Budget Challenges Part III: Federal Govt Pays More To Fund DEP Than PA Does, Will They
Cut Too?
Analysis: House/Senate Republicans Introduce DEP Permit/Reg Reform Bills
Gov. Wolf Proposes New Budget With Little New For The Environment
Analysis: Cuts In State Funding To DEP Cannot Continue, Rebalance Needed
DEP To Senate Committee: Complete Applications, More DEP Staff Keys To Improving Permit
Turnaround Times
EPA: DEP Lacks Resources To Enforce Minimum Federal Safe Drinking Water Regs
EPA Still Concerned About DEP Drinking Water Program, Urges Temporary Funding To Hire
Staff Sooner
DEP: Trump Budget Proposal Threatens Safe Drinking Water, Clean Air And Job Creation
Proposed Trump Cuts To State Grants Will Cripple DEP, Cause Drastic Fee Increases
[Posted: May 31, 2017]
Budget Challenges Part II: PA Environmental Restoration, Park, Land Conservation

Project Funding Cut 75 Percent
Funding for watershed restoration, mine reclamation,

recreation, farmland and open space conservation, oil
and gas well plugging project grants has been cut 75
percent since the mid-2000s from an average of $200 million a year to just $57 million last year,
according to the PA Growing Greener Coalition.
This funding gets real results on the ground like hundreds of local parks and trail projects,
conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of
streams and waterways, protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600
acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400
watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment
improvements.
Previous efforts to provide more funding to the Growing Greener Program-- like the $625
million Growing Greener II bond issue in 2005-- only succeeded in all but ending the program in
2010 after diverting revenue meant to be spent annually on projects to paying off the Growing
Greener II bond issue debt for 25 years.
Growing Greener I paid for Growing Greener II for no net gain in funding, but a
permanent loss of project money for 25 years.
Another effort came in 2012 to fill some of the project funding gap at DCNR and DEP
with the Act 13 drilling impact fee, but those revenues are now dropping like a rock.
The Independent Fiscal Office reported in January expected revenue from the Act 13
impact fees to be paid this year will be down 27 percent to $174.6 million from its high of
$225.7 million in 2013.
To add insult to injury, a Commonwealth Court decision in March will further reduce Act
13 impact fee revenue by another 10 percent or $16 million annually, if the ruling stands. The
Court decision interpreted the definition of a stripper well in Act 13, which do not pay the fee.
Under the ruling, drilling companies can simply choose not to produce a well for one month out
of the year and avoid paying the fee completely.
The Public Utility Commission is appealing the decision to the PA Supreme Court,
saying the ruling significantly jeopardized the current and future fees generated by Act 13.
Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette) has introduced House Bill 1283 to provide a fix for the
stripper well definiton. Gov. Wolf also said he supported a legislative change to fix the
definition.
The trouble is, none of these methods of reversing this 10 percent reduction in the Act 13
impact fee revenue is quick or easy.
Its ironic the primary source of environmental restoration project funding these days--
the Act 13 impact fee-- is currently down 37 percent from 13 years ago, just about matching the
40 percent cut in DEP General Fund support during the same time period.
Meanwhile, the General Assemblys own budget has increased 21 percent in the last 14
years AND they had an $118 million surplus in FY 2015-16.
The PA Growing Greener Coalition is pushing an initiative that defines a need for $315
million annually for project funding to keep our water clean, preserve our open space and family
farms, and ensure children and families continue to have access to parks, trails and other outdoor
recreational opportunities, which are vital to our communities and quality of life here in
Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 795 (Killion-R-Delaware) introduced May 24 represents the groups latest
thinking on which kinds of projects should get funding, expanding the use of available Growing
Greener Program funding to 20+ different initiatives.
Representatives Hal English (R-Allegheny) and Mike Carroll (D-Lackawanna), Minority
Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, are expected to introduce a
House version of the bill shortly.
The weakness of these proposals is simple-- no new funding source has been identified.
Without a funding source, if this legislation passes, spreading the dwindling funding to 20+
programs will significantly limit its effectiveness.
But, just having the bills introduced keeps this issue in the public eye.
In January, the bipartisan Pennsylvania members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission put
a spotlight on the need to invest more state resources in the states water pollution cleanup
programs by creating a state Clean Water Fund.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee, Sen. Rich Alloway (R-Franklin), Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming),
Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) and Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) wrote to all members of the
House and Senate on the need for more funding.
They said, Clean water is fundamental to public health and our economy. Unfortunately,
almost one quarter of Pennsylvanias streams and rivers are not safe for either drinking,
swimming, fishing or aquatic life.
One possible solution, they said, was creating a Clean Water Fund financed by adopting
a fee on water use.
In fact, Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) introduced a water use fee bill-- House Bill 20--
on May 25 to fund clean water programs.
Other project grant funding is also at risk if the General Assembly does not act,
including--
-- Reauthorizing the $2/ton recycling fee that is due to expire in 2020 which funds local
recycling grants. The Senate now has Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) on its Calendar to
eliminate the sunset date];
-- Funding the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program that funds hazardous waste site cleanups
and the state share of federal Superfund cleanups; and
-- Reauthorizing the Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup and Pollution Prevention
Programs that funds storage tank removals to cleanup and prevent leaks. The Senate now has
Senate Bill 649 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) on its Calendar to fill a funding gap in the Storage Tank
Program and authorize the cleanup and prevention programs.
Will the General Assembly and Gov. Wolf again rob Peter to pay Paul who owes Mary
and Bob money?
Will the General Assembly and Gov. Wolf reverse any of these trends?
The next few weeks will tell.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Budget Challenges Part I: Will General Assembly Continue Systematic Dismantling Of DEPs
Core Programs?
Cut Too?
Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Updated Senate Natural Resource Investment Proposal
Growing Greener Rally For Clean Water, Park, Trails, Open Space, Family Farms Funding
Growing Greener Coalition To Wolf, Legislature: Funding Needed For Green Infrastructure
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Rep. Sturla Reintroduced Water Use Fee Bill To Fund Clean Water Programs
Natural Gas Impact Fee Revenue Shrinks Another $13.1 Million For 2016
PUC Intends To Appeal Court Ruling Jeopardizing Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee Revenue
[Posted: June 1, 2017]
Budget Challenges Part III: Federal Govt Pays More To Fund DEP Than PA Does, Will
They Cut Too?
The Trump Administration is proposing 30 to 40 percent cuts in FY

2018 grants to states that pay for administering federal programs, to zero
out the Chesapeake Bay and Great lakes restoration programs and
provide no funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program, among other reductions.
DEP actually receives more money from the federal government
than state general revenue to support its operations-- 30 percent from the
feds, 20 percent from the state General Fund and 50 percent from fees
and some fines.
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell wrote to Pennsylvanias
Congressional delegation on May 23 detailing the impact the proposed
Trump Administration cuts will have on state environmental protection
programs. Among the impacts he outlined were--
-- Cuts In Water Quality Protection. The proposed cut to the federally funded portion of the
Clean Water Bureau budget will mean cutting at least 850 inspections from the 6,144 inspections
that ensure that sewage plants, industrial wastewater discharges, and construction sites are not
threatening the water quality of Pennsylvanians downstream. Reductions in federal funds will
also lengthen permit issuance timelines, hampering important economic development projects in
Pennsylvania.
-- Abandons Farmers. Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay program which the President
recently acknowledged as a model of federal/state partnerships, and is starting to show real
results in curbing pollution to the Bay will have its funding completely eliminated. This
program will no longer be able to provide much-needed support to Pennsylvanias small farmers
and local governments to improve their local water quality.
-- Cuts Brownfields Cleanups. Pennsylvanias Brownfields program cleans up contaminated
properties for redevelopment, directly promoting economic development and preserving green
space. Since 1995, almost 5,000 brownfields have been cleaned up, leading to almost 100,000
jobs created or retained. The Presidents budget proposes a 30 percent cut to the Brownfields
Categorical Grant and another 30 percent cut to the Hazardous Substance Superfund program,
which will inhibit contaminated sites from being returned to productive use for new and
expanding business and industry in Pennsylvania.
-- Cut Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program. This proposed budget includes a nearly
50 percent cut to the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Program and zeros out the federal
funding provided through categorical grants, which could pose risks to Pennsylvanias valuable
groundwater resources.
-- Cuts Support For Air Pollution Control Program. The proposed 30 percent cut to the
federal funding provided to DEPs Bureau of Air Quality will limit air monitoring for harmful
pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, mercury, and particulate matter, and have a
negative impact on the timeline for review of air quality permits which companies need in order
to start operations or expand.
The Trump cuts are being proposed at the same time the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and other federal agencies are citing DEP for not meeting minimum federal program
requirements due to lack of staff and financial resources.
The first questions asked of DEP during House and Senate budget hearings in March
were about how DEPs is responding to an EPA letter citing Pennsylvania for failing to conduct
the minimum number of drinking water system inspections, having nearly 8,000 unaddressed
Safe Drinking Water Act violations and a staff workload that is more than double the national
average.
While DEP is moving to get a proposed drinking water permit fee increase regulation
adopted to hire up to 33 additional staff, EPA took the unusual step of recommending
Pennsylvania find temporary funding to hire more staff sooner.
EPA did that because by the time DEP got the fee increase finalized, assuming
everything goes well, they could not begin to hire new staff until sometime in 2019, after fee
revenue started coming in.
When the House Republicans adopted their version of the budget in April, there was no
increase in funding for the Safe Drinking Water Program to meet this challenge, in spite of all
the questions, and instead the Republicans are relying on DEPs drinking water fees to save the
day.
DEP is also pursuing permit fee increases this year for the Laboratory Accreditation,
Radiation Protection, Noncoal and Coal Mining Programs, Air Quality and possibly the Oil and
Gas programs to fill widening gaps in its budget.
House Republicans are apparently content to let DEP raise permit fees to make up for the
cuts they make in DEPs General Fund appropriations.
Over the last 3 years, not only EPA, but the federal Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, among other federal agencies, have expressed significant
concerns about the ongoing capacity of DEP to enforce minimum federal requirements of
primacy for its safe drinking water, water quality, surface mining and water infrastructure
funding programs due to lack of resources.
In February of last year, the PA Environmental Council and Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA wrote to members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to raise concerns
about the risk of losing control of key environmental regulatory programs to the federal
government and courts because of the cuts in funding and staff at the Department of
Environmental Protection over the past decade.
Some examples, in addition to the Safe Drinking Water Program, include:
-- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - 4 Water Programs
There are a number of programs where EPA review has found deficiencies in staffing and
resources:
-- A 2012 Summary Field Report on the Departments Stormwater Program, that contained
several observations regarding lack of capacity including: insufficient Regional Office reviews
of post construction stormwater management plans (Observation 5); overall ability to undertake
compliance and enforcement activities (Observation 10); lack of Central Office oversight
(Observations 14 and 23); and insufficient staffing to implement the Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Chesapeake Bay Pollution
Reduction Plans.
-- A May 2015 letter, noting that EPA may need to condition or redirect federal funding for
Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction efforts. This funding was indeed withheld, though it was
recently released upon announcement of the Departments Reboot Plan for the Chesapeake Bay .
However, ongoing funding will be contingent on demonstration of sufficient funding and
outcomes for that effort.
-- A June 2015 EPA Program Evaluation Report on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Program, which is administered by both the Department and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure
Investment Authority. Specific action items from the Report included Department evaluation of
staff resources to address failures in inspections and the finalization of projects.
-- A June 2015 EPA Program Evaluation Report on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Program, noting similar staffing review needs as with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Program.
-- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Air
In a November 2015 EPA Technical System Audit on air quality monitoring, EPA
determined that the Departments Air Quality Monitoring Division is severely understaffed,
constituting a Major Finding which equates to nonconformance of high importance which is
unacceptable and must be remedied.
Report discussion notes that the Department lacks adequate resources both in personnel
and funding, and that EPA auditors found significant concerns with [the Departments] field
staff shortage.
The corrective recommendation offered in the report is that vacant positions need to be
filled in order to continue operating (the) air monitoring program pursuant to 40 CFR 58
Appendix A.
-- Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement
Since 2011, the Department has been required to submit a series of Action Plans for
regulatory compliance to OSMRE. In the 2016 Oversight Performance Agreement and Action
Plan signed by both the Department and OSMRE, there are two specific areas of particular note
with respect to budget issues:
-- Due to staffing reductions, the Department has not been able to meet required inspection
compliance rates. In 2012, the compliance rate was 71 percent on active mine permits; 38
percent on inactive mine permits; and 20 percent on bond forfeited permits.
-- OSMRE has also taken issue with adequacy of bonding for mining permits, citing the inability
of the Department to conduct full volume bonding with proper site analysis due to staffing
shortfalls. This matter is doubly important because any bonding shortfalls could (and likely will)
ultimately become a liability for the Commonwealth.
In correspondence between OSMRE and the Department, OSMRE states: failure [to
comply with the Oversight Performance Agreement and Action Plan] will jeopardize
Pennsylvanias primacy under the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act for
regulating coal surface mining operations.
If Congress and Pennsylvanias Congressional delegation do not reverse the Trump
Administrations proposed FY 2018 cuts, many significant state environmental protection
programs would simply be hollowed out by first state budget cuts and then federal reductions.
DEP would be crippled and would have no choice but to raise permit fees on the
businesses, local governments and individual regulated by the agency.
Its a fantasy to think these kinds of cuts can be dealt with by increasing efficiencies.
These kinds of cuts would have been unthinkable in Pennsylvania 25 even 15 years ago.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Core Programs?
Cut 75 Percent
DEP: Trump Budget Proposal Threatens Safe Drinking Water, Clean Air And Job Creation
Proposed Trump Cuts To State Grants Will Cripple DEP, Cause Drastic Fee Increases
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Opposes Proposal To Zero Out EPA Chesapeake Bay Funding
Conservation In The Delaware River At Stake In Trump Budget Proposal
PA National Heritage Areas: Trump Budget Would Have Severe Consequences In PA
Agriculture: Trump Budget Cuts Could Harm PA Agriculture, Rural Communities
Wolf Opposes Trump Proposal To Eliminate LIHEAP Home Heating Assistance Funding
PUC Urges Preservation Of Federal Heating Assistance, Weatherization Programs
EPA Letter Tells PA To Increase Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Effort Or It Will Act
By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal
Pennsylvania needs a realistic plan showing how it will

provide enough funding and staff to dramatically ramp
up its Bay-related pollution control efforts, or it could
face a variety of potentially costly federal actions within
the next two years, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency warned state officials in a recent letter.
Pennsylvania was the only state to get such a warning,
and it illustrates mounting concern that if the Keystone
state cannot get its nutrient control program on track, it
will prevent much of the Chesapeake Bay from attaining
its clean water goals. Pennsylvania delivers more
nitrogen to the Bay than any other state.
While most other states are generally on track to meet their required pollution reductions,
Pennsylvania faces serious deficits, the EPA letter said, especially when it comes to
controlling nitrogen from farm fields and stormwater from developed areas.
Federal and state officials now generally acknowledge that Pennsylvania never had a
viable plan to reach its goals, as plans written in 2010 and 2011 hinged on unrealistic
assumptions, such as taking huge swaths of agricultural land out of production.
All of the states in the watershed have to complete new plans next year to show how they
expect to have all of the measures in place needed to restore a healthy Bay such as planting
forest buffers, building stormwater controls and upgrading wastewater treatment plants by
2025.
In its letter, though, the EPA spells out in greater detail what agency officials want to see
in the states next plan: local nutrient reduction goals; increased efforts to engage local officials;
and identifying high-priority pollution control actions which are targeted to areas with high
amounts runoff.
The letter also said the EPA wanted the state to outline needed policy, legislative and
regulatory changes, such as identifying high-priority watersheds for targeted cleanup, and
restricting the wintertime application of manure on farm fields.
And, critically, the agency wants to see how the state will pay for cleanup actions.
The letter was sent by EPA Region III Acting Administrator Cecil Rodrigues to the
Pennsylvania secretaries of environment, natural resources, and agriculture.
If the state doesnt show enough progress, the EPA letter said that no later than 2019,
the agency will consider taking further actions. Those could include forcing wastewater
treatment plants to install costly additional nutrient controls beyond whats already required, or
setting nutrient limits for stormwater discharges and concentrated animal feeding operations.
And, it could specify how federal grants are spent to address Bay issues.
Dana Aunkst, deputy secretary for water programs at the state Department of
Environmental Protection, said such backstop actions, as the EPA calls them, would
definitely be problematic in Pennsylvania.
The state recently began working on a new cleanup plan, enlisting local officials,
conservationists and others representing stormwater, agriculture, wastewater and other pollution
sources.
It is too early in the process to say whether we concur or not with the statements or
recommendations in EPAs letter, Aunkst said.
EPAs letter said that Pennsylvania faces serious challenges in meeting its
commitments under the 2010 Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load, which assigned
pollution reductions to all Bay watershed states.
By the end of 2025, measures must be installed that would reach the levels of nitrogen,
phosphorus and sediment deemed necessary to restore the Bays water quality.
The TMDL, commonly called a pollution diet, also set interim goals for watershed
states to install measures that would achieve 60 percent of the reductions by the end of this year.
But through 2015, Pennsylvania had taken actions to achieve only 10 percent of the
nitrogen reductions it needs to account for by 2025.
To meet its goal, it must curb nitrogen pollution by another 34 million pounds 70
percent of the total remaining reduction for the entire Bay watershed.
Pennsylvania faces some unique challenges. Unlike Maryland and Virginia, which have
achieved most of their nutrient reductions by upgrading wastewater treatment plants, only a
fraction of Pennsylvanias nutrients come from wastewater.
Instead, most is runoff from more than 33,000 farms which are subject to few
regulatory controls and stormwater from nearly a thousand small cities and towns.
But any shortfall in Pennsylvania is particularly problematic for meeting Bay water
quality goals. The Susquehanna River, which drains nearly half of the states land area, is the
Chesapeakes largest tributary, supplying half of the freshwater entering it.
And because the rivers mouth is near the head of the Bay, its nutrients have a
disproportionately large impact on the estuarys water quality.
Computer modeling shows that a pound of nitrogen from the Susquehanna typically has a
greater impact on dissolved oxygen in the Upper Bay than a pound from most other places. It is
therefore difficult to offset nutrient reduction shortfalls in the Susquehanna by doing more
someplace else.
Since taking office in January 2015, Gov. Tom Wolf has acknowledged the states
problems. More than a year ago, his administration unveiled a plan to reboot Pennsylvanias
Bay effort, which recognized the need to increase funding and staffing.
Since then, the state has made some progress, such as increasing the pace of farm
inspections by requiring county conservation districts to help, or forfeit state grants. A recent
survey also suggested that farmers may have implemented more conservation practices than
previously thought.
Still, Pennsylvanias nitrogen reduction gap is daunting, and the states funding to deal
with it is less than in other states.
Complicating the problem, Wolf, a Democrat, has been embroiled in protracted budget
battles with the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which has hindered any significant
new spending on Bay efforts.
Pennsylvania figures supplied to the state-federal Chesapeake Bay Program show that
funding for all of its Bay-related programs has actually decreased, from $53.9 million in 2014 to
$33.7 million this year.
EPA officials, based on figures from other states that are close to meeting their
agricultural goals, have estimated that Pennsylvania needs to provide between $50 million and
$80 million in additional cost-share funding annually to help farmers get on pace to install the
needed number of conservation practices.
The agency wants the states plan to show where that money will come from.
Bills in the legislature could raise funding for Bay-related needs through water-use fees
or other mechanisms.
But their outlook is unclear.
It is going to require some hard work on the part of legislators to get any increase in
funding for water-quality improvement projects, said David Hess, a former secretary of the state
DEP whos now a lobbyist in Harrisburg. Its not out of the realm of possibility, but it is
certainly pushing a rock up hill.
The EPA letter also said that the state needs to shift some of the nutrient reductions
assigned to stormwater in its current plan which are considered unachievable to other
sources, either agriculture or wastewater.
But the agency said farm programs must be bolstered before they could be used to offset
pollution elsewhere.
Aunkst acknowledged that the states proposed stormwater reduction, which was greater
than Marylands and Virginias combined, was unrealistic and that reallocating some of it to
other sectors would be considered as a new plan is drawn up.
The EPA said that as long as Pennsylvania remains far off track for meeting its goals,
the agency would conduct more oversight and would require the state to provide updates more
frequently than the annual reporting required of other states.
Federal officials offered to help figure out staffing and funding needed to achieve the
states goals and work with it to pursue innovative partnerships that would promote economic
growth while pursuing nutrient reductions.
Aunkst said state officials want time to engage with the stakeholders participating in its
new plan development before saying how they will respond to the concerns raised by the EPA.
If progress continues to lag, the EPA letter said the agency could take other actions by the
end of 2019.
Those could include setting nutrient goals for individual regulated entities, such as
concentrated animal feeding operations, municipal stormwater systems, and industrial
wastewater dischargers.
Right now, nutrient goals for those sources are established as a group, not individually.
The EPA has already ramped up enforcement and compliance in the state, and the letter
said it would continue to do so if progress is not forthcoming.
In May, it fined the City of Wilkes-Barre and Kingston Borough a total of $37,000 for
not complying with stormwater programs aimed at protecting the Bay. Hess, the former DEP
secretary, said that if thats the first of many, that will certainly get peoples attention.
In addition, the letter said the EPA could require further action by wastewater treatment
plants if nutrient reductions are lagging from other sectors, such as stormwater and agriculture.
Right now, only municipal wastewater treatment plants are on pace ahead of schedule,
actually to meet their cumulative nitrogen reduction goals in Pennsylvania. They account for
almost all of the states nitrogen reductions.
Its doubtful much more could come from wastewater plants their overall nitrogen
discharges were 8.3 million pounds in 2015, just 7 percent of the states total load of 117 million
pounds.
John Brosious, deputy director of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association,
said treatment plants have already invested $1.4 billion in Bay-related upgrades. Most of that
cost was borne by local ratepayers, he said, in contrast with Maryland and Virginia, where state
funds covered much of the upgrade costs.
There is little political will in communities with treatment plants to do more, Brosious
said. Of particular concern is the failure of the other sectors, specifically the agricultural sector,
to make serious reductions in their share of nutrients and sediments, he said. Additional costly
reductions from a sector in compliance will be vigorously opposed.
To meet its 2025 totals, Pennsylvania needs to reduce its nitrogen pollution at a rate of
nearly 4 million pounds a year a pace that exceeds the cumulative annual reductions for the
entire Bay watershed in recent years.
Nonetheless, Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation,
said he believes such reductions are possible. Pilot projects have yielded local water quality
improvements in small watersheds, he noted, but the state has never had the funding, nor the
staff, to scale up those projects.
What we havent seen is systemic implementation of those successful projects across the
board, and sufficient resources to make them happen, Campbell said
New computer models and new tools such as precision satellite imagery, he added, can
help better identify where nutrients are coming from, and pinpoint where controls could be the
most effective things that could accelerate progress if they were incorporated into the
decision-making process.
The states new Bay cleanup plan needs that greater level of detail, Campbell said, along
with the engagement of stakeholders and local communities who can become advocates for the
restoration of local waters and the Bay.
This has largely been an agency-driven effort which didnt have much community
engagement or education around it, Campbell said. It was a large basin-scale approach that
was largely administered from a central office. All of that, coupled with a lack of resources and
funding, leads us to where we are today.
For more information on meeting Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones in Pennsylvania,
visit DEPs Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.
NewsClips:
Photos: 2nd Annual Chesapeake Bay Foundation Student Canoe Classic
CBF PA Student Leadership Council Holds Annual Canoe Race
Students, Senators Push To Make Hellbender State Amphibian
Lancaster County Went For Trump, GOP Farmers Remain Apprehensive
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Related Stories:
PA Chesapeake Bay Implementation Plan Listening Session June 5, Formal Comment Period
Now Open
Resolution Urging Repeal Of MS4 Stormwater Program On House Committee Agenda June 6
EPA: PA Must Identify Significant New Funding Needed To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Targets
Lack Of Resources, New Cleanup Goals Will Make Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Harder In PA
Core Programs?
Cut 75 Percent
Cut Too?
Chesapeake Bay Implementation Plan Listening Session June 5, Formal Comment Period
Now Open
Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee is
hosting a Chesapeake Bay Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan Kickoff and Listening
Session June 5 at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill, across the river from Harrisburg, from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
DEP also formally published notice in the June 3 PA Bulletin the comment period on the
planning process is open and will be accepting comments until July 7.
Public input is specifically being invited to determine what initiatives are needed in
agriculture, forestry, funding, local planning, stormwater and wastewater to improve the health
of local streams, rivers and lakes.
The public is encouraged to answer the following questions in their comments:
-- What key elements need to be included for this effort to be a success? What priority issues
must be addressed in the Phase 3 WIP for you to consider it a success?
-- What measurable outcome does the Commonwealth need to achieve by 2025 that would make
this effort successful?
-- Is there a particular initiative, action, partnership or training that would aid this effort?
-- Are there possibilities for continuing and enhancing current projects or initiatives?
In 2010, the EPA established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to address
chlorophyll-A, dissolved oxygen and clarity impairments within the Chesapeake Bay. A TMDL
is a regulatory term in the Federal Clean Water Act describing a value of the maximum amount
of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment are the main pollutants to the Chesapeake Bay that
cause the previously listed issues. WIPs are the roadmaps for how the Chesapeake Bay states, in
partnership with Federal and local governments, will achieve the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
allocations.
The Commonwealth is mandated by the EPA to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and
sediment levels in waterways in the Chesapeake Bay watershed counties by 2025.
The Commonwealth fell short of its Phase 1 goal, set in 2010, and Phase 2 goal, set in
2012.
This year, the EPA is conducting a midpoint assessment of these levels, the results of
which will define how the Commonwealth designs its Phase 3 WIP to achieve the desired
reductions in pollutants.
Since the Commonwealth has not met the EPA's requirements to reduce water pollution
under the requirements of Federal court orders and regulations, the Commonwealth is working to
focus and increase resources and technical assistance, reinvigorate partnerships and create a
culture of compliance in protecting the Commonwealth's water quality.
Comments, including comments submitted by e-mail, must include the originator's name
and address. Commentators are encouraged to submit comments using the Department's online
eComment system. You can also see the comments submitted by others on that webpage. Written
comments should be submitted by e-mail to: ecomment@pa.gov or by mail to the Department of
Environmental Protection, Policy Office, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.
The purpose of the June 5 listening session is to gather ideas on how to meet the
Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestone in each of these areas: urban and suburban stormwater,
wastewater, agriculture, forestry, funding and local planning and area goals.
Click Here for the draft agenda for the listening session.
For more information on meeting Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones in Pennsylvania,
visit DEPs Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Resolution Urging Repeal Of MS4 Stormwater Program On House Committee Agenda June 6
EPA: PA Must Identify Significant New Funding Needed To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Targets
Lack Of Resources, New Cleanup Goals Will Make Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Harder In PA
Core Programs?
Cut 75 Percent
Cut Too?
EHB Issues $1.1 Million Penalty Against EQT Drilling In Controversial Penalty Case
On May 26 the Environmental Hearing Board assessed a

penalty of $1,137,295.76 against EQT Drilling for the
pollution it caused after a significant amount of waste
was released from a leaking 6 million gallon wastewater
impoundment in 2012 at the companys Phoenix Pad S
located in Duncan Township, Tioga County.
The penalty is very close to a consent agreement
DEP proposed to the company in May 2014 totalling
$1,270,871. That offer was rejected in September 2014
when EQT filed a challenge to the action in
Commonwealth Court.
Commonwealth Court issued a ruling on the appeal in January 2017 saying the way DEP
calculated the $4.5 million penalty was in error and that it should not based on continuing
violations with each day of a release being a separate violation of the law subject to a penalty.
DEP has appealed the ruling to the PA Supreme Court because it overturns the way the
agency has calculated penalties for nearly 40 years.
Friend of the court briefs were filed to support DEP by the Fish and Boat Commission,
Clean Air Council, nearly 100 environmental groups, individuals, business people and local
officials, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and PennFuture.
In its May 26 penalty adjudication, the EHB said, The Clean Streams Law does not
speak in terms of insignificant or de minimis releases. It would be a mistake to step onto that
slippery slope. Discharge of any industrial waste gives rise to liability. The degree of harm
associated with the continuing releases goes more to the extent of cleanup required and the
amount of the penalty in a civil penalty case rather than the existence of a violation.
The Board went on to say, There is no dispute that active releases occurred from April
30 through June 10, 2012. EQT says that active releases of industrial waste originating above its
synthetic liner terminated on that day, but the evidence shows that EQT did not patch the known
holes in the area of the Terra Services activity until June 15.
We are not confident that those (and the earlier holes discovered and patched the month
prior in May) were the only holes in the liner, but assuming they were, the liner still contained
sludge and debris and it was pressure washed with the holes still in it.
Far more importantly, the evidence does not support EQTs position that leaks from the
impoundment ended when industrial waste was removed from above the synthetic liner.
Industrial waste remained below the liner but still within the impoundment at least through
September 27, 2012.
On as late as September 13, actual standing contaminated water was observed to still
exist in the impoundment. In addition, a large wet area needed to be cut through to allow
equipment into the bottom of the impoundment. The water in those soils would have been
contaminated.
The EHB noted, ...cleanup was still ongoing at the time of our hearing four years after
the leak was discovered, which shows that the harm caused by multiple contaminants was
persistent and prolonged.
EQT degraded a High Quality, Class A Wild Trout stream, as well as a tributary, the
underground water, and the spring and seeps in the watershed that feed that stream. No
unpermitted degradation of such a valuable natural resource is tolerable.
The release extended a considerable distance, creating a known contamination plume on
the order of 2,000 feet across. The Department witnesses testified that it caused the largest aerial
extent of contamination in the history of the program and affected Exceptional Value wetlands.
Thirty-five million gallons of contaminated water were collected at the time of the
hearing. The Departments characterization of the damage as severe is supported by the record.
The Board also agreed with DEP that EQT drilling engaged in a willful violation of
environmental laws and regulations, We agree with the Department that EQT engaged in a
pattern of reckless behavior that culminated in the violations in this case. Although no one aspect
of EQTs conduct might in isolation have supported a finding of recklessness, taken together
they evince a conscious disregard of the fact that its conduct could result in a violation of the law
and harm to the environment.
This penalty adjudication is appealable to Commonwealth Court.
Click Here for a copy of the EHB penalty adjudication. Click Here for the EHB hearing
docket in this case.
NewsClips:
Legere: EQT Fined $1.1M For Marcellus Shale Pit Leak
EHB OKs Reducing EQT Drilling Fine From $4.5M To $1.1M For Wastewater Leak
Pittsburgh Water Authority Accused Of Federal Clean Water Act Violations
Related Stories:
Will Gas Drilling Company Overturn The Way DEP Has Calculated Penalties For Nearly 40
Years? Well See
DEP Seeks $4.5 Million Penalty From EQT For Drilling-Related Pollution In Tioga County
Natural Gas Industry Spent $1.4 Million To Lobby General Assembly In First 3 Months Of
2017
The natural gas industry spent $1.4 million lobbying the General
Assembly during the first quarter this year, said Rep. Greg Vitali
(D-Delaware) Friday. Chesapeake Energy led in lobbying expenditures
with $211,602.
Reported lobbying expenses by the natural gas industry in 2016
were $7,382,657.
The latest figures, based on quarterly lobbying reports from 43
gas companies in Pennsylvania, bring the total in natural-gas lobbying
spent since 2007 to more than $64 million.
Regrettably the citizens of Pennsylvania pay the price for the
undue influence of the gas industry on the legislature, Rep. Vitali said.
Pennsylvania is the only major gas producing state in the
country without a severance tax. According to the state Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania
will lose $153.4 million in fiscal year 2016-17 by not having a severance tax.
[Note: Pennsylvania does have the Act 13 drilling impact fee, but revenues expected this
year-- $174.6 million-- have declined by 27 percent from their peak in 2013-- $225.7 million.]
Additionally, Rep. Vitali said, commonsense conventional drilling regulations that
protect public health and the environment have been derailed due to natural-gas industry
influence.
Conventional drilling regulations have been blocked by the legislature for years despite
overwhelming public support and a finding by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission
that these rules are in the public interest, Rep. Vitali said.
The Wolf administrations methane-reduction strategy also continues to be delayed in
the face of industry pressure. This important step in reducing greenhouse gas is particularly
important in light of President Trumps announcement to withdraw from the Paris Climate
Accords, noted Rep. Vitali.
The way we regulate lobbyists needs to change. There should be a total gift ban, and
lobbying reports must disclose at a minimum which lobbyists are giving what gifts to what
legislator and for what legislation.
Pennsylvania is only one of 10 states that does not limit gifts from lobbyists.
Rep. Vitalis report, Marcellus Money and the Pennsylvania Legislature, is available
online.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated] /Govs Schedule/ Bills

Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (June 5): House Bill 176 (Picket-R-Susquehanna) removing roadside stands from state
Uniform Construction Code (sponsor summary); House Bill 410 (Warner-R-Fayette)
performance-based budgeting; House Bill 922 (Tallman-R-Adams) removing employees of the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission from the state employees retirement system (sponsor
summary); . <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (June 5): Senate Bill 144 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) amending Act 537 ton include alternative
on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne)
adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call utility construction safety program so they
can be identified and mapped for emergency services (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 269
(Baker-R- Luzerne) changing the process for updating the PA Construction Code (sponsor
summary); Senate Bill 431 (Scavello-R-Monroe) increasing fines for littering (sponsor
summary); Senate Bill 649 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne). It would fill a significant funding gap in
DEPs Underground Storage Tank Program (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on legislation amending the Utility
Line Protection Act and meets to consider House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) to place the
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority under the Public Utility Commission (sponsor summary);
the State Government Committee holds a hearing on state government regulations: burdens,
abuses and legislative oversight and meets to consider House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams)
urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys MS4 Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary); the Tourism and Recreational
Development Committee meets to consider House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing
for landowner liability protection for opening land for use by snowmobiles and ATVs (sponsor
summary). <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 624 (Scarnati-R-
Jefferson) which retroactively changes the protection streams receive under Act 54 from
underground coal mining. (Click Here for more.); Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) would
prevent a funding crisis in the states Recycling Program by eliminating the expiration date for
the Act 101 $2 per ton recycling fee on waste disposed in Pennsylvania. (Click Here for more.);
Senate Bill 561 (Disanto-R-Dauphin) which requires an up or down vote by the General
Assembly on every final regulation approved by the Independent Regulatory Review
Commission if that regulation has a fiscal impact of $1 million or more. If the General
Assembly does not vote, the regulation would die. (Click Here for more.); the Finance
Committee meets to consider House Bill 1071 (Farry-R-Bucks) to prevent the imposition of a
ban, fee or surcharge on recyclable plastic bags (House Fiscal Note and summary) <> Click
Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
Exempting High Tunnel Structures: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting

agricultural high tunnel structures from the Stormwater Management Act (sponsor summary).
PUC Oversight Of Pittsburgh Water Authority: House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)

placing the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority under the jurisdiction of the Public Utility
Commission (sponsor summary).
Session Schedule [Updated]
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate [Updated]
June 4. 5, 6, 7 (non-voting), 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
June 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
Governors Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Senate Appropriations Meets June 5 On Bills Changing Stream Protections From Mining,
Recycling Fee Sunset, Voting On Regs
The agenda for the June 5 Senate Appropriations Committee meeting includes legislation
retroactively changing the protection streams receive from underground coal mining, eliminating
the sunset on the recycling fee and legislation requiring the General Assembly to vote to approve
regulations.
The bills to be considered are--
-- Eliminate Stream Protection: Senate Bill 624 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which retroactively
changes the protection streams receive under Act 54 from underground coal mining. The bill
was introduced to influence an appeal now pending before the Environmental Hearing Board of
an underground coal mining permit allowing Consol to longwall mine under streams in and
around Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County. (EHB Docket No. 2014-072-B)
Groups like the PA Environmental Council have opposed the bill on the grounds recent
studies by the Department of Environmental Protection have demonstrated the existing
protections in Act 54 are not adequate to prevent permanent, long-term damage to streams. Click
Here for more.
-- Eliminate Recycling Fee Sunset: Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) would prevent a
funding crisis in the states Recycling Program by eliminating the expiration date for the Act 101
$2 per ton recycling fee on waste disposed in Pennsylvania.
DEP has already stopped accepting new applications for local recycling implementation
grants until the fee issue is resolved by the General Assembly. The fee was due to sunset on
January 1, 2020. Click Here for more.
-- Voting To Approve Regulations: Senate Bill 561 (Disanto-R-Dauphin) which requires an up
or down vote by the General Assembly on every final regulation approved by the Independent
Regulatory Review Commission if that regulation has a fiscal impact of $1 million or more. If
the General Assembly does not vote, the regulation would die. Click Here for more.
The meeting will be held Off the Floor meeting in the Rules Room, meaning it will be
called any time after the Senate convenes in session Monday.
Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: pbrowne@pasen.gov. Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: Hughes@pasenate.com.
House Committee Holds June 6 Hearing On Regulatory Burdens, Abuses, Oversight

The House State Government Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on state government
regulations-- burdens, abuses and legislative oversight on June 6 in Harrisburg.
The very tentative agenda includes representatives of the Department of Environmental
Protection, the PA Office of the National Federation of Independent Business and the PA
Chamber of Business and Industry, a former Department of Environmental Protection Secretary,
among others.
The hearing will be held in Room 60 East Wing of the Main Capitol starting at 9:00.
Although not confirmed, hearings are usually webcast on the House Republican Caucus website.
The Committee is scheduled to hold a second hearing on this topic on June 12 in
Selinsgrove to hear comments from entities regulated by the Susquehanna River Basin
Commission.
The hearing will be held a Susquehanna University, Stretansky Hall, 514 University
Avenue in Selinsgrove, Snyder County starting at 9:30.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: dmetcalf@pahousegop.com. Rep. Matthew Bradford
(D-Montgomery) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
mbradford@pahouse.net.
Related Articles:
Gov. Wolf Proposes New Budget With Little New For The Environment
Analysis: Cuts In State Funding To DEP Cannot Continue, Rebalance Needed
DEP To Senate Committee: Complete Applications, More DEP Staff Keys To Improving Permit
Turnaround Times
EPA: DEP Lacks Resources To Enforce Minimum Federal Safe Drinking Water Regs
EPA Still Concerned About DEP Drinking Water Program, Urges Temporary Funding To Hire
Staff Sooner
Core Programs?
Cut 75 Percent
Cut Too?
Resolution Urging Repeal Of MS4 Stormwater Program On House Committee Agenda

June 6
The House State Government Committee is scheduled to meet on June 6 to consider House
Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agencys MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary).
In Pennsylvania 775 communities are required to submit MS4 stormwater permits to
DEP, but as many as 200 may get waivers from the requirement.
Communities are required to complete local plans by August 3 and submit permit
applications to DEP by September 16, so communities are well into preparing their plans to
comply.
The MS4 Program is also a key component of what Pennsylvania is required to do to
meet its obligations under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Program.
In July 2015, EPA notified DEP its MS4 Stormwater Management was inadequate to
meet the Chesapeake Bay nutrient and sediment pollution reduction requirements.
In May 2012, EPA did a field review of DEPs Stormwater Program and found it had
insufficient resources to accomplish its task.
At least 180 individual communities have already been issued orders by EPA they are
years behind in complying and must take steps to meet the stormwater requirements.
In 2014, EPA issued orders to 85 municipalities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to
comply with stormwater pollution prevention requirements.
In 2010, EPA issued orders to 79 municipalities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed for
similar violations. Separately that same year, EPA also issued orders to to other groups of
municipalities-- 4 municipalities in Southcentral PA including Lancaster and 12 other
municipalities in the Bay watershed.
Recently, EPA issued $37,000 in combined penalties against Wilkes-Barre and Kingston
for failing to meet the MS4 Program requirements.
The Committee meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building. It will be called
Off The Floor, which means some time after the House session convenes.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: dmetcalf@pahousegop.com. Rep. Matthew Bradford
(D-Montgomery) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
mbradford@pahouse.net.
NewsClip:
Joint Conservation Committee Hearing On Act 101 Recycling Programs June 13
The Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation

Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on June 13 to
review the Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling
and Waste Reduction Act Programs.
It has been 29 years since Act 101 was enacting and the
recycling and planning programs have been working nearly
unchanged since then.
The Committee and several legislators, including Rep. John
Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair of the House
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, have said
its time to take a look at updating Act 101.
The tentative agenda includes comments by these organizations-- Department of
Environmental Protection, Professional Recyclers of PA, PA Waste Industries Association, PA
Independent Waste Haulers, PA Association of Township Supervisors, County Commissioners
Association, Keep PA Beautiful and the PA Recycling Markets Center.
The hearing will be in Room 8E-B of the East Wing of the Capitol Building starting at
9:00 a.m. Arrangements are being made to webcast the hearing.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Committee.
For more background on Act 101, visit DEPs Recycling In Pennsylvania webpage.
NewsClips:
Dedicated Volunteer Dies After Falling Down Embankment While Picking Up Trash
Covanta Boosts Its Capabilities To Recover Nonferrous Metals At Bucks County Facility
DEP: Keystone Landfill Application Needs More Work
News From Around The State
Delaware River Basin States, NY City Agree On Contingency Water Management Plan
The states of Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and New York City late Thursday announced
an agreement on a plan to continue sustainable water management for the Delaware River.
With support from the three states, the New York City Department of Environmental
Protection will voluntarily release additional water from its Delaware System reservoirs to
protect the ecological health of the Delaware River, maintain seasonal reservoir voids that
enhance flood protection, and lessen the regional harm caused by the expiration of the Flexible
Flow Management Program (FFMP).
The FFMP regulated the flow of water from New York Citys three reservoirs
(Cannonsville, Neversink and Pepacton) on the headwaters of the Delaware River since it was
first adopted in 2008.
The program had been extended for several years upon unanimous agreement of New
York City and the states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, which were
given that authority by a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree.
However, the FFMP expired on Thursday after the State of New Jersey refused to
approve an extension of the program. Without unanimous agreement, flow management on the
Delaware River now reverts back to a program known as Revision 1, which was developed in
1983.
Under Revision 1, the amount of water released downstream from New York Citys
reservoirs would be cut by more than half during most times of the year, and the seasonal 10-
percent voids that bolstered flood attenuation provided by the reservoirs would be eliminated.
This significant reduction in water releases would adversely affect the wild trout fishery
on the upper Delaware River, the myriad tourism businesses that make their living off the river,
and riverside communities that benefit from the enhanced flood protection.
While the FFMP set exact downstream release rates for New York Citys reservoirs
based on season, reservoir storage and advanced runoff forecasts, Revision 1 only outlines
minimum release requirements from Cannonsville, Neversink and Pepacton reservoirs.
To reduce the negative environmental and economic effects of Revision 1, under the
four-party agreement, New York City will voluntarily release quantities of water above the
minimum targets beginning Thursday.
To support downstream ecology, NYCDEP will release quantities of water equal to those
outlined in tables 4a through 4e of the FFMP. In most cases, these releases are several hundred
cubic feet per second more than under Revision 1.
NYCDEP will also release water to meet the seasonal storage objective, a 10-percent
void from October to March, that enhances the flood attenuation already provided by the
reservoirs.
While New York City is under no legal obligation to release more water than outlined in
the 1983 program, we are using our authority to voluntarily release water for the benefit of
downstream communities, ecological health, and to preserve years of progress on the Delaware
River, DEP Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza said. The support we received from the
states of Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania has been invaluable. They truly understand that
the parties can and should work collaboratively to advance the interests of everyone connected to
the river without needlessly moving backward.
The agreement we executed today preserves the important water releases provided by
the FFMP to support over 35 miles of prized cold water trout streams, protecting both the natural
environment and an important regional economic driver, said New York State DEC
Commissioner Basil Seggos. NYCDEPs voluntary action will also help limit peak high water
levels in communities that have a long and difficult history of damaging floods.
The new agreement will provide additional releases that will help to maintain the water
quality in the lower Delaware basin and the Delaware Bay, said Secretary Shawn Garvin of the
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Pennsylvania is pleased that, despite difficult negotiations, this group was able to put
together a plan that prioritized the needs of the river and its communities, said Pennsylvania
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
New York City has also pledged to make its operations transparent to the public as it
moves ahead with the voluntary releases.
The City will make available to the Office of the Delaware River Master all the inputs
and outputs to its Operations Support Tool model, which was used to determine the amount of
water released under FFMP and will continue to be used for Reservoir that purpose. It will also
provide updates on the status including storage, release and drinking water diversion data for
its Delaware System reservoirs. These data will also be posted on the NYCDEP website.
Click Here to read the complete announcement.
NewsClips:
Delaware River Flow Spared By Contingency Plan
AP: NY City Continues Critical Delaware River Water Releases
Battle Over Delaware River Water Supplies Has Conservationists Worried
Bright Future For Delaware River Shad Program Thanks To New Building
June 2 Delaware RiverKeeper RiverWatch Video Report
Related Story:
Delaware River Basin States, NYC Fail To Reach Agreement On Water Management
Academy Of Natural Sciences Accepting Delaware River Watershed Research Proposals
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is

now accepting research proposals for $1 million in funding from the Delaware River Watershed
Initiative supported by the William Penn Foundation.
The priority for these projects is aimed at addressing the human dimensions of natural
resource management issues through the Delaware River Watershed Initiative.
Prospective applicants for DWRF grants should be researchers from academic
institutions, nonprofit organizations and public agencies that allow the use of external funds.
The schedule of consideration of proposals is-
-- June 9: Information Webinar Session, 11:00 a.m.
-- June 23: Letter of Intent
-- July 21: Full Proposal Invitations
-- August 25: Full Proposals Due
-- October 20: Funding Decision
Click Here for all the details. Questions should be directed to: anspgrants@drexel.edu, or
to register for the information webinar.
NewsClips:
Stormwater Pollutant Reduction Plans New Requirement For Many MS4 Communities
Stormwater Pollutant Reduction Plans are

a new requirement for 2018 National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) general permits/Notice of
Intents. PRPs show how the municipality
will reduce the pollutant loads going into
a waterway.
Any municipal separate storm
sewer system (MS4) community that
either discharges nutrients and sediment to waters in the Chesapeake Bay watershed or to a
waterways subject to an impairment must submit a PRP with their permit application, or receive
a waiver from the Department of Environmental Protection.
Click Here to find out if your municipality falls into one of those two categories.
For those discharging into the Chesapeake Bay, they will create a Chesapeake Bay PRP.
This will include a schedule to implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce nitrogen,
phosphorus, and sediment associated with existing stormwater discharges into the Bay
watershed.
For those discharging into an impaired waterbody (whether or not it has a Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)), they will create an Impaired Waters Plan. They may also have
to create an MS4 TMDL Plan, where applicable.
If a municipality is located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed AND has one or more
impaired waterways, they may submit a combined PRP, if they so choose.
In addition, municipalities that are located adjacent to one another may submit a joint
PRP to the Department of Environmental Protection, showing how they will work together to
address their pollutant load reductions and BMP implementation.
A written agreement must document this partnership and highlight the scope of the
agreement, roles and responsibilities, cost allocations, and a timeline for implementation.
Contents Of A Pollution Reduction Plan
There are many requirements for PRPs, outlined by DEP here. These include calculating
the existing pollutant loads for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment, and identifying BMPs to
install to reduce those pollutant loads.
When selecting BMPs note that their effectiveness must be listed on DEPs BMP
Effectiveness Values document or on the Chesapeake Bay Programs expert panel report to be
considered valid by the DEP.
Public participation is another required element of the PRP. This includes advertising the
plan in a newspaper, opening the draft plan up for public comment, scheduling a public hearing
to discuss the plan, and recording all comments within the submitted plan.
Maps identifying all land uses, impervious surfaces, and storm sewershed boundaries are
also required.
Finally, the PRP will include funding mechanisms to pay for BMP installation and
identification of responsible parties for long-term operation and maintenance of the BMPs. These
steps will better ensure successful pollutant reductions.
Resources And Examples
Are you having trouble putting together your PRP? The following resources will provide
guidance and examples that may help. DEPs Municipal Stormwater webpage also is a good
resource. Here are more--
-- Creating Your PA MS4 Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan Presentation
-- East Cocalico Township Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan
-- York County Regional Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan
For more information, visit the LandStudies website or contact Christine Le,
717-726-4440 or send email to: christine@LandStudies.com. LandStudies is certified as a
Womans Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise (DBE).
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
Controlling Invasive Plants In Floodplain Restoration, Riparian Buffer Areas
Case Study: Long-Term Management Of Green Infrastructure At Butterfly Acres Development
June Watershed Restoration Newsletter Now Available From LandStudies
(Reprinted from the June watershed restoration newsletter from LandStudies in Lancaster
County. Click Here to sign up for your own copy (bottom of page).)

Hundreds of riparian buffer and a variety of different floodplain restoration projects have been
installed over the years in Pennsylvania and countless hours are spent making sure the site looks
and functions as close to pre-European settlement conditions as possible.
But sometimes theres a hitch even with the best of intentions, invasive plants may
spoil the day.
Invasive plants are those that are non-native, grow aggressively, and can potentially
crowd out native plants. These plants arrived in Pennsylvania through a variety of ways: some
were intentionally planted in the landscape trade, while some had seeds that hitched a ride on
someones shoe or in an animals fur.
Regardless of how they got here, they are now wreaking havoc on our natural
ecosystems.
For example, Japanese and giant knotweeds are common along many of our streams and
rivers. These plants grow tall and dense, shading out native vegetation. This then exposes bare
soil, which can easily be washed away by rain or flood waters.
Purple loosestrife, while an attractive plant when in bloom, can dominate the banks of the
Susquehanna River and its tributaries, taking away habitat from native plants like cardinal flower
and swamp milkweed both good pollinator species.
How Do You Control Them?
Controlling invasive plants in riparian and wetland areas involves a few additional
considerations than managing them in your backyard. For one thing, you need to consider water
pollution.
The use of herbicides in a wet area is trickier, because you need to make sure it doesnt
get into the water and spread to non-target plants and animals. Certain herbicides are approved
for use in riparian areas be sure to use only those that are labeled as such. And be sure to
follow all directions on the label; thats the law.
Water pollution can also happen through erosion. When walking through a riparian
buffer, be sure not to kick up dirt or walk too close to the streams edge. Sediment pollution is a
serious problem in many Pennsylvania communities and the Chesapeake Bay.
Erosion can also happen when pulling out invasive plants. Be sure to minimize soil
disturbance as much as possible, and consider mowing or deadheading (removing the seeds) the
plant instead of pulling or digging up.
Control methods for invasive plants will vary by the site conditions, the type(s) of
invasives, the skill level of the person doing the work (whether a licensed pesticide applicator,
volunteer, etc.), the time of year, and resources available.
Be sure to do your homework ahead of time to make the most of your control efforts and
to protect the environment.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Theres a lot of great information on the internet related to invasive plant identification
and control.
Some favorites include DCNRs Invasive Plant page, the Alliance for the Chesapeake
Bays Citizens Guide to Control of Invasive Plants in Wetland and Riparian Areas booklet,
Penn State Extensions Native and Invasive Plants webpage, and the U.S. Forest Service
Northeastern Area Invasive Plants webpage.
For more information and help controlling invasive species, visit the LandStudies website
or contact Christine Le, 717-726-4440 or send email to: christine@LandStudies.com.
LandStudies is certified as a Womans Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise
(MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
Related Stories:
Case Study: Long-Term Management Of Green Infrastructure At Butterfly Acres Development
Case Study: Long-Term Management Of Green Infrastructure At Butterfly Acres

Development
Butterfly Acres is a housing development

located in Lititz Borough, Lancaster
County. In years past, a stormwater
drainage swale ran through the development
that was not well-maintained. The swale
experienced significant erosion, was not
properly filtering run-off, and was
dominated by invasive plants.
LandStudies helped develop a four-phase masterplan for the site that would make the
swale effective again and improve the aesthetics of the site for those using the adjacent walking
trail. Work was done between 2007 and 2011 to implement the site improvements.
You can read more about that here.
In 2017, LandStudies developed a long-term management plan for the site to ensure
proper functioning of the swale and surrounding site for many years to come. The plan includes
recommendations for best management practices (BMPs) for the borough and its contractors to
use, including:
-- Repair of the plunge pool at the primary outfall into the swale;
-- Removal of residential yard waste dumping and education of the landowner so they dont
continue to dump;
-- Control of some localized erosion before it grows into a larger issue;
-- Removal of sediment in the swale; and
-- Removal of some trees that have grown in and around the swale
creation of a management plan for invasive species removal
Focus on Invasive Plant Management at Butterfly Acres
As part of the management plan for Butterfly Acres, LandStudies is focusing on invasive
plant management. The project site is approximately 2,250 feet long by 48 feet wide,
encompassing a total of 2.5 acres.
Invasive plants and undesirable weeds that can be found on-site include reed canary
grass, giant ragweed, and various broadleaf weeds.
LandStudies staff will selectively apply herbicides to the invasive plants in the spring and
fall of 2017, being careful not to impact the desirable native vegetation there. They will also pull,
mow, and string trim invasives, as well as remove their seed heads (also known as deadheading).
This approach will be used only in select areas where it is difficult to use herbicide
without harming the beneficial native plants.
The ultimate goal is to have a beautiful asset to the community that effectively manages
stormwater and is properly managed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Click Here to watch an aerial overview of the Butterfly Acres Project.
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
The June edition of the newsletter from

LandStudies in Lancaster County is now
available featuring stories on--
-- Stormwater Pollutant Reduction Plans Are
A New Requirement For Many MS4
Communities
-- Controlling Invasive Plants In Floodplain
Restoration, Riparian Buffer Areas
-- Long-Term Management Of Green Infrastructure In Lititz Housing Development
-- Brubaker Run Floodplain Restoration Commencement Ceremony Introduction
-- Landis Homes Residents Cherish Communitys Natural Resources (photo)
-- Preserving Mill Dams On Lititz Run
-- Lancaster Water Week June 3 to 10
-- Chiques Creek Watershed Expo June 7
-- Native Plants In The Landscape Conference, Millersville University
-- Lancaster County Conservancy Picnic On The Preserve
-- Field Trip - Chestnut Grove Habitat Restoration
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy (bottom of page)
NewsClip:
Penn State Extension July Community Tree Management Workshops In Bucks, Lehigh
Counties
Penn State Extension will hold two Community Tree

Management Workshops on July 14 in Bucks County
and on July 15 in Lehigh County.
Discover how your municipality can create a
sustainable community forestry program, explore
how trees can address MS4 stormwater pollution
reduction issues, and learn about pest threats to your
trees as well as the resources available to your
municipality.
The workshop is geared towards shade tree
commissioners, municipal representatives, and
interested citizens who wish to enhance their community forest.
The workshops will be held--
-- July 14: Quakertown, Bucks County, Milford Township Building, 2100 Krammes Road
from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click Here to register; and
-- July 15: Center Valley, Lehigh County, Penn State University Lehigh Valley Campus, 2809
Saucon Valley Road from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click Here to register.
Participants will also learn about community forestry in Pennsylvania and the important
role of shade tree commissions will have an opportunity to share and learn from each other about
their prior successes and challenges in their local community forestry programs.
The workshop with wrap up with an outdoor walk to identify tree stresses.
For more information, contact Julianne Schieffer by sending email to: jxs51@psu.edu or
610-489-4315, or Shea Zwerver by sending email to: c-szwerver@pa.gov.
Learn about other available resources and training opportunities by visiting the Penn
State Extension Urban and Community Forestry webpage. Click Here to subscribe to
Community Tree Email News.
NewsClips:
Stroud Center CurrentCast: Trees Can Be A Streams Best Friend
Concerned About Rise In Lyme Disease Scientists Advise Protection
PRC, Philadelphia Sustainable Business Network Host Future Of Recycling & Act 101
Round Table In PA June 29
Join the Sustainable Business Network of Greater

Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Resources
Council on June 29 for a Round Table On The
Future of Recycling in Pennsylvania.
Hear from top experts about the state of the recycling industry, the environmental and
financial impact of Pennsylvania recycling programs, and challenges to sustaining and growing
recycling in Pennsylvania.
Share your thoughts on questions like:
-- Is it time to update or overhaul Act 101, the state's mandatory recycling law?
-- How can we make it easier for consumers to know what materials to recycle?
-- Is single stream still the way to go or is increasing contamination a threat?
-- How do we fix the e-waste recycling program and the Covered Device Recycling Act?
-- Given changes in consumer behavior and the markets for recyclable commodities, should
mandatory recycling programs be focusing on a narrower variety of materials?
-- How do we encourage more recycling in small businesses without imposing prohibitive costs?
Following the Round Table, attendees are invited to network with members of SBN and
PRC and their guests while enjoying local snacks and beverages.
Moderating the discussion will be David Hess, Former Secretary of the Department of
Environmental Protection. Panelists include--
-- Prof. John C. Dernbach, Commonwealth Professor of Environmental Law and
Sustainability, Director, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Widener University,
Commonwealth Law School
-- Nancy J. Fromnick, Chester County Recycling Coordinator, Chester County Solid Waste
Authority
-- George Hartenstein, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection,
Office of Waste, Air, Radiation & Remediation
-- Justin Stockdale, PRC Western Regional Director
-- John G. Waffenschmidt,Vice President of Environmental Science and Community Affairs,
Covanta Energy
-- Revolution Recovery (invited)
The Round Table will be held at PRCs Environmental Living Demonstration Center,
3606 Providence Road, Newtown Square in Delaware County at Ridley Creek State Park from
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Click Here for all the details and to register.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar. Click Here to become a member.
NewsClips:
Voting On Entries In The Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest Begins June 12
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday announced

voting on entries for the Great American Cleanup of
PA Video Contest begins June 12 and concludes on
June 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Help choose the winners by liking your favorite video on the Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful Facebook page.
Winners will be announced June 23.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your local programs and partnerships and
illustrate just how much fun it can be to join together to improve your community, said
Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
The Department of Environmental Protection sponsors the video contest with cash prizes
offered by the PA Waste Industries Association. The winning entry receives $200 and two
runners up each receive $100.
Click Here for all the contest details.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
NewsClips:
2nd Deficiency Letter Issued By DEP On Keystone Landfill Permit In Lackawanna County
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday issued its second environmental

assessment letter to Keystone Sanitary Landfill regarding the facilitys permit application for
expansion in the boroughs of Dunmore and Throop in Lackawanna County.
The department has identified several outstanding issues including tracking of dirt and
mud, overweight trucks, groundwater impacts and the location of the regional groundwater table
in relation to the proposed liner system.
The letter is the second and most recent evaluation by DEP of the potential environmental
impacts and benefits of the proposed expansion. The first environmental assessment letter was
issued in October of 2015.
The review letters are standard steps to ensure that all the information in the application
is complete and relevant. The environmental assessment process is part of the permit application
review under the municipal waste landfill regulations.
DEP staff continues to take a meticulous and thorough approach to review this permit
expansion application to ensure that all information is included, said DEP Northeast Regional
Director Mike Bedrin. In this letter, the department is asking for more information on both the
harms and benefits of this project and how those harms will be mitigated.
Keystone Landfill filed an application with the department in March of 2014 for a
vertical expansion within 435-acres in its existing permitted area. That expansion was modified
by Keystone in May of 2016 to limit the height.
The permit application is still under review by the department. In addition to the first
technical review letter, a 60-day comment period was held in early 2015 to hear citizen concerns,
as well as a meeting with municipality officials. A public hearing on the expansion application
was held on July 18, 2016.
Keystone will have 90 days from the time it receives the most recent letter to respond to
the environmental assessment.
A copy of the letter is available for review at DEPs Northeast Regional Office between
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701-1915. Appointments
for reviewing the application materials may be made by calling 570-826-2511.
For a copy of the letter and more information on the application, visit DEPs Northeast
Regional Office webpage.
NewsClips:
DEP Returns Bucks County Hazardous Waste Facility Phase II Application As Incomplete
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has determined the Phase II
portion of Elcon Recycling Services, LLCs application for a commercial hazardous waste
treatment and storage facility in Falls Township, Bucks County is administratively incomplete.
DEP has returned the application to the applicant, along with a letter citing the
deficiencies. DEP approved Elcons Phase I application in November 2015.
DEP remains committed to the thorough, rigorous and transparent review of this
application, said DEP Southeast Regional Director Pat Patterson. These are applications that
can be very complicated, and I applaud our staff for ensuring that we have all of the information
that we need before moving forward with a technical review.
Although the application has been returned to the applicant as incomplete, it has not been
denied. Elcon may resubmit its application after addressing the deficiencies outlined by DEP. If
Elcon resubmits the Phase II portion of its application, DEP will once again have 90 days to
determine if it is administratively complete.
A copy of the application, the letter of deficiencies, as well as other project updates can
be found on DEPs Southeast Regional Office webpage.
NewsClips:
EPA Announces Brownfields Revitalization Grants, Including 8 In PA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced 172 communities across the
country will receive funding for brownfields site revitalization to help local governments
redevelop vacant and unused properties, transforming communities and local economies.
Eight Pennsylvania communities received $2.1 million in grants, including
-- Earth Conservancy, Hanover Township and Nanticoke, Luzerne County: Bliss Bank,
Parcels E and F and Espy Run cleanups, each $200,000;
-- Greenville, Mercer County community-wide assessment, $300,000;
-- North Side Industrial Development Company, Allegheny County assessment, $600,000;
-- Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments, Allegheny County assessment, $300,000;
-- Washington County Development Authority assessment, $300,000; and
-- Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority assessment, $600,000.
EPA is committed to working with communities to redevelop Brownfields sites which
have plagued their neighborhoods. EPAs Assessment and Cleanup grants target communities
that are economically disadvantaged and include places where environmental cleanup and new
jobs are most needed, said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. These grants leverage considerable
infrastructure and other investments, improving local economies and creating an environment
where jobs can grow. I am very pleased the Presidents budget recognizes the importance of
these grants by providing continued funding for this important program.
Click Here for the complete list of grants awarded.
The Trump Administration is proposing cuts to the EPA Brownfields Program in FY
2018.
NewsClips:
Earth Conservancy Lands Federal Brownfields Grants For Mine Reclamation Projects
EPA Grants Will Clean Up Mine-Scarred Sites In Luzerne County
Jeannette Glass $6 Million Demolition, Remediation
Hearing July 5 On RACT II Air Pollution Controls For Facility In Northumberland

County
The Department of Environmental Protection is scheduled to hold a hearing July 5 on a proposed

State Air Quality Implementation Plan amendments for RACT II controls for Resilite Sports
Products, Inc. in Northumberland Borough, Northumberland County relating to nitrogen oxide
and volatile organic compound emissions. (formal notice, PA Bulletin beginning on page 3152)
The hearing will be held at the DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street
in Williamsport starting at 10:00 a.m. If no speakers pre-register, the hearing will be canceled
for that facility.
To pre-register to speak at the the hearing contact Megan Lehman at 570-327-3659. The
deadline for pre-registrations is July 5. The deadline for public comments is July 11.
The DEP contact for these actions is Muhammad Zaman, DEP Southeast Regional
Office, Air Quality Program,570-327-3648.
For more information on RACT II requirements, visit DEPs Air Quality Permit
Information webpage.
NewsClips:
Air Pollution Increases Regional Health Risks In Allegheny County
Life Smells Better After Shenango
PLS Reporter: Pittsburgh Council Votes In Support Of State Methane Emission Rules
Editorial: Act On Oil & Gas Methane Limits
EPA Issues 90 Day Stay Of Oil & Gas Methane Pollution Rule
DEP Approves Permit For Drilling Waste Injection Well In Clearfield County
Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday approved an underground injection control

well permit for the disposal of wastewater associated with oil and natural gas production.
Sammy-Mar, LLCs Povlik #1 is located in Huston Township, Clearfield County.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an underground injection control
permit for Sammy-Mars Povlik # 1 well on March 16, 2016 allowing the company to inject
wastewater into the well pending DEP approval of a drilling permit.
On May 10, 2016 Sammy-Mar submitted an application to DEP.
DEPs review process included a thorough evaluation of the application, plans, and
public feedback, said DEP Deputy Secretary for Oil and Gas Management Scott Perry. The
department ultimately concluded that the well would comply with all regulations and include
adequate safeguards.
DEP held a public hearing on the application June 28, 2016 and an open public comment
period through July 5, 2016.
In addition to the permit application, DEP reviewed Erosion and Sedimentation Control
and Post Construction Stormwater Management Plans, Control and Disposal Plans, the
application submitted to EPA, approved EPA permit, and public comments.
This permit includes the same special conditions for applied to permits approved in
March for UIC wells in Elk and Indiana Counties, including seismic monitoring equipment to
ensure early detection of even minor seismic events.
For more information on the permit, visit DEPs Underground Injection Wells webpage.
NewsClip:
Can This Green Method Of Disposing Of Drilling Wastewater Beat A Hole In The Ground
Related Stories:
DEP Approves 2 Underground Drilling Waste Injection Wells In Elk, Indiana Counties
Drilling Company, Environmental Group Appeal Indiana County Drilling Waste Injection Well
Permit
June News & Views Newsletter Now Available From DEP
The June issue of News and Views from the

Department of Environmental Protection is
now available featuring articles on--
-- DEPs Passion Is Its Superpower, DEP
Secretary Patrick McDonnell
-- More Than 1 Million Homes Could Be At
Risk Of Mine Subsidence
-- Falcon Banding Event: Three Hatchings!
-- Erie School Students Bag 2017 Governors
Environmental Excellence Award
-- Partnering With The Public To Identify Abandoned Oil And Gas Wells
-- DEP Northcentral Office Celebrates Take Our Daughters & Sons To Work Day
-- Tip: Best Defense Against West Nile Virus Is To Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
For more information, visit DEPs website, visit DEPs Blog, Like DEP on Facebook,
Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEPs YouTube Channel.
PUC Alerts Consumers Of June 1 Price Changes For Electric, Urges Customers To Shop
For Better Rates
Public Utility Commission Wednesday alerted consumers that on

June 1 most electric utilities will adjust electric generation prices
charged to non-shopping, or default service, customers.
The upcoming price changes, combined with the increase use of
electricity that we typically see during the long, hot days of summer,
makes this a very good time for consumers to evaluate their energy
options, said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. We encourage
consumers to carefully review their electric bills, understand the
rates they will be paying and explore the PUCs official electric
shopping website, PAPowerSwitch.com, for details on competitive
offers, along with tips for energy conservation and savings.
In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity,
based on lowest price or other factors, such as renewable energy.
Customers not choosing a competitive electric generation supplier continue to receive
default service from the utility, with the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) billed as a pass-through
cost to the customer based on wholesale market prices.
By law, the utility cannot make a profit on electric generation, and the PUC does not
control the price of the generation portion of the electric bill.
PAPowerSwitch.com, the PUCs nationally recognized website for electric choice,
provides consumers with valuable information on the shopping process. A model for other states
and countries, the website enables consumers to quickly compare offers from competitive
suppliers.
As of June 1, electric distribution companies with more notable changes in their PTCs
include:
-- PPL Electric, with an estimated increase from 7.439 cents to 8.493 cents per kWh, a 14.2
percent increase;
-- Penn Power, with an estimated increase from 5.884 cents to 6.674 cents per kWh, a 13.4
percent increase;
-- West Penn Power, with an estimated increase from 5.975 cents to 6.602 cents per kWh, a
10.5 percent increase;
-- Wellsboro Electric, with an estimated increase from 6.931cents to 8.192 cents per kWh, an
18.2 percent increase;
-- Met-Ed, with an estimated decrease from 6.964 cents to 6.018 cents per kWh, a 13.6 percent
decrease; and
-- Citizens Electric, with an estimated decrease from 8.16 cents to 6.64 cents per kWh, an 18.6
percent decrease.
Other electric utilities, including Duquesne Light, PECO and Penelec, will see only a
slight change in their respective PTCs, though the Commission still encourages customers to
explore their options in those service areas.
Chairman Brown noted that when generation prices change, consumers often see an
increase in supplier offers being promoted via door-to-door sales in neighborhoods, over the
phone, through the mail or online.
She encouraged consumers to thoroughly review their options and understand all terms
and conditions before entering into any supplier contract.
We urge consumers to be aware of all their energy shopping options and make informed
decisions based on their specific needs, Chairman Brown said. Shoppers can use the PUCs
official PAPowerSwitch.com website to confirm details of a particular offer and then compare
that offer to others that may be available helping make informed decisions about their energy
supply.
Enhanced consumer protections crafted by the Commission allow customers to switch
suppliers, or return to default service, in as few as three business days once the utility has been
notified.
Statewide, nearly 2.1 million residential and business customers receive their electric
generation from competitive suppliers, representing approximately two-thirds of the
Commonwealths entire electric load.
For more information, visit the PUCs PAPowerSwitch.com website.
NewsClips:
Lawmakers Bill On Borough Electric System Oversight Would Cripple Budgets
PPL Customers: Call This Number To Slash Your Bill By 7 Percent
Exelon To Retire Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant In 2019
Exelon Tuesday announced it will prematurely

retire its Three Mile Island Generating Station on
or about September 30, 2019, absent needed policy
reforms.
Officials met with employees and informed
community leaders, and pledged continued open
dialogue as they prepare for this transition.
Today is a difficult day, not just for the 675
talented men and women who have dedicated
themselves to operating Three Mile Island safely
and reliably every day, but also for their families, the communities and customers who depend
on this plant to produce clean energy and support local jobs, said Chris Crane, Exelon president
and CEO. Like New York and Illinois before it, the Commonwealth has an opportunity to take a
leadership role by implementing a policy solution to preserve its nuclear energy facilities and the
clean, reliable energy and good-paying jobs they provide. We are committed to working with all
stakeholders to secure Pennsylvanias energy future, and will do all we can to support the
community, the employees and their families during this difficult period.
Exelon is taking the first steps to shut down the nuclear plant, including:
-- Informing key stakeholders, which will include sending PJM a deactivation notice and making
permanent shutdown notifications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within 30 days;
-- Immediately taking one-time charges of $65-110 million for 2017, and accelerating
approximately $1.0-1.1 billion in depreciation and amortization through the announced shutdown
date;
-- Terminating capital investment projects required for long-term operation of TMI; and
-- Canceling 2019 fuel purchases and outage planning, impacting about 1,500 outage workers.
Absent policy reforms, the loss of Pennsylvania nuclear plants would increase air
pollution, compromise the resiliency of the electric grid, raise energy prices for consumers,
eliminate thousands of good-paying local jobs and weaken the states economy.
Despite producing 93 percent of the Commonwealths emissions-free electricity and
avoiding 37 million tons of carbon emissions - the equivalent of keeping 10 million cars off the
road every year - nuclear power is not included in the states Alternative Energy Portfolio
Standard (AEPS).
Yet 16 clean power sources including solar, wind and hydro energy are supported by this
state energy policy.
Amending the AEPS is one of many potential solutions to preserve Pennsylvanias
nuclear plants. Other options include establishing a zero emissions credit program, similar to the
approach being implemented in Illinois and New York.
Exelon is committed to working with its stakeholders to find the best solution for
Pennsylvania - one that will maintain nuclear energys $2 billion annual contribution to the
states economy and its approximately 16,000 direct and indirect Pennsylvania jobs.
TMI directly employs 675 workers and contracts another 1,500 local union workers for
refueling outages. The station provides more than $1 million in state property taxes and more
than $300,000 in local community giving each year.
Exelons highly trained employees will continue to operate the plant at world-class levels
of excellence, with staff transitions expected within six months of the plants final shutdown.
PJM Deactivation Notice
In its official deactivation notice to the PJM Interconnect Tuesday, Exelon said, In
summary, Three Mile Island Unit 1 is unprofitable and has lost more than $300 million over the
past five years despite being one of Exelons best-performing plants.
The energy market in PJM has not adapted to the evolution of the fleet, which has
caused the devaluation of resources like Three Mile Island Unit 1.
The facility is highly dependent on energy market prices that are at all time low levels as
a result of a number of factors, including market rules that do not value the clean, resilient
electricity provided by nuclear energy. As PJMs CEO has acknowledged, policymakers have
tried to politely ignore these things, but they . . . are no longer ignorable.
Sixteen other types of clean energy are supported by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania through the alternative energy portfolio standard, and though Three Mile Island
Unit 1 produces more clean energy than all of those sources combined, it is not eligible for
support under that program.
While we are committed to working with all stakeholders to secure Pennsylvanias
energy future, unfortunately we cannot ignore the losses at the facility and must take this action
now.
Reaction
Senators Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) along with
Representatives Becky Corbin (R-Chester) and Rob Matzie (D-Allegheny), who co-chair the
General Assemblys Nuclear Energy Caucus, issued the following statement Tuesday regarding
the announcement that Exelon Corporation will be closing the Three Mile Island Nuclear
Generating Station.
Todays announcement confirms what we have suspected for many months - that there
are serious and consequential underlying issues in Pennsylvanias energy sector that must be
addressed.
The premature closure of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station will mean a
significant loss of family-sustaining jobs, high capacity baseload clean energy, and the many
direct and indirect economic benefits that surround the production of electricity from a nuclear
power plant.
As state lawmakers, we take seriously our obligation to set energy policies that help
promote Pennsylvanias economy. We equally are concerned about meeting the
Commonwealths environmental goals. The closure of Three Mile Island will make meeting
these challenges even more difficult.
One of our top priorities in creating the Nuclear Energy Caucus was to focus on the
value that each energy resource offers Pennsylvania and our citizens. We remain committed to
that goal and will continue to invite all members of the General Assembly to participate in this
important discussion so that together, we can advance policies that promote long-term economic,
environmental and consumer benefits.
Today, however, we are mindful of how difficult this news is for the many workers and
their families who are affected, as well as the communities in central Pennsylvania that will be
directly impacted.
Natural Gas Industry
The natural gas industry-funded Citizens Against Nuclear Bailouts released this statement
in response to Exelons announcement
Todays announcement by Exelon to close TMI is unfortunate for the employees and
local community; however, it does not change the fact that Pennsylvania ratepayers should not
have to pay to bail out an outdated nuclear facility.
Lawmakers created a deregulated electricity market that has delivered low energy costs
for all Pennsylvania consumers.
The decision to close TMI is a direct result of Exelons failure to adapt to the changing
market conditions after the nuclear industry received nearly $9 billion from ratepayers for
transitional costs to prepare for Pennsylvania moving to a competitive electricity market.
A bailout of the nuclear industry may temporarily extend the lifespan of TMI for a few
years, but the negative effect of higher energy costs as a result of a bailout would have a major
impact on all energy users, including senior citizens, manufacturers, small businesses and many
others.
Last year, legislation was rushed through in Illinois that burdens ratepayers with the
obligation to provide Exelon with $235 million per year in subsidies to prop up its nuclear power
generation facilities in the state.
The nuclear industry in New York will receive about $7 billion over 12 years, assuming
the industry can keep its three financially distressed nuclear power plants in operation.
The closing of TMI will not impact electric supply, and the grid will remain reliable.
PJM Interconnection confirmed this year that the electricity grid for its 13-state region has a
stunningly high reserve margin of 42,000 megawatts of excess capacity TMI currently
produces approximately 837 megawatts of power.
The bottom line is that Pennsylvania ratepayers should not endure higher electricity bills
to bail out aging nuclear plants that can no longer compete and leave behind a legacy of nuclear
waste.
(Photo: Three Mile Island, Dauphin County.)
NewsClips:
Crable: Exelon Announces Closure Of TMI In 2019 Unless State Intervenes
AP: Owner Says TMI Plant To Shut Down In 2019
Cusick: Exelon To Prematurely Close Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant
AP: Three Mile Island Owner Threatens To Close Ill-Fated Plant
Exelon Says It Will Shut TMI In 2 Years
Three Mile Island To Close In 2019 Exelon Says
Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant May Shut Down In 2019
Exelon Announces TMI To Close In 2019, Unless Policy Reforms Come
Legere: Planned TMI Closure Raises Stakes For Saving Nukes In PA
Murphy: TMIs Potential Retirement To Stir Up Debate On New PA Energy Policy
Owens: To Bail Out Or Not Bail Out Nuclear Power? Thats The Question At The Capitol
Murphy: Gov. Wolf Reacts To Exelons Announcement About TMIs Closure In 2019
What Does The Future Of PAs Nuclear Power Plants Look Like?
Three Mile Island Face Shutdown Without Financial Rescue From PA
Like TMI, Talen Energys Nuclear Plant In Luzerne County Under Pressure
Nuclear Energy Industry Under Economic Pressure
If State Wants To Save TMI, Officials Should Consider Putting A Price On Carbon Emissions
Crable: Whats Next For Three Mile Island After Closure?
McKelvey: What Happens To Radioactive Spent Fuel If TMI Closes?
Concerned About TMIs Radiation? Heres What To Do
Three Mile Island: The Accident, Its Future
New Penn State Study Links 1979 TMI Accident To Thyroid Cancer
Crable: Possible Link Between Thyroid Cancers, TMI Accident
TMI Shutdown Looks Different On Neighboring River Banks
Three Mile Island: A Name That Will Live On In History
AP Was There: Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Accident
A Timeline Of Key Moments From Three Mile Islands History
NRDC: Retirement Of Three Mile Island Announced, What Now PA?
Op-Ed: Bailing Out Nuclear Plants Is A Loser For Taxpayers
Editorial: When It Comes To TMI, Let Markets Do Their Work
PSEG Shuts Down Its Last Coal Power Plants: Its Just Economics
Kleinman Energy Center: Natural Gas Driving More Baseload Generation Retirements In PJM
Related Stories:
TMI Did Not Clear PJM Power Auction, Exelon Evaluating Operating Plant Beyond May 2019
Natural Gas, Oil Square Off Against Nuclear Power Over Potential Bailout
PJM: States Should Create Climate Benefit Markets If They Want To Subsidize Nuclear Plants
New Report On Economic, Carbon Emission Benefits Of PAs 5 Nuclear Power Plants
Kleinman Energy Center: Natural Gas Driving More Baseload Generation Retirements In
PJM
By Christina Someone, Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania
Billions of dollars in new gas generation investments

will trigger more baseload retirements in PJM.
And no, it is not renewables driving these
plants out of the market in the Mid-Atlantic. And yes,
low-priced natural gas is driving the retirement trends.
But, it is more complicated than that.
Risk-taking investors are pouncing on a once in a
lifetime opportunity created by newly cheap fuel and
technology improvements. You are witnessing
disruption.
The Basics. The goal of PJMs capacity
market is to harness market forces to secure investments in resources needed for reliability.
Power plants receive revenues from the energy market (for actually producing power) and the
capacity market (for being available to produce power), which together are meant to cover costs.
The revenues generators receive from the energy market have been decreasing, as low
natural gas prices have caused market prices to plummet (by lowering the market clearing price).
Capacity market prices are also stubbornly depressed, even as PJM has implemented new
rules (i.e. capacity performance) and procured record-high reserve margins, which together have
the intended effect of increasing capacity market prices (by limiting eligible supply and boosting
demand, respectively).
The combination of low energy and low capacity revenues means some higher cost
generators like coal and nuclear are not covering their costs and will eventually retire.
But, why are capacity prices so low?
Hyper-Competitive Pricing. In PJM, the minimum offer price rule (MOPR) sets a floor
price (or minimum price) on capacity market offer bids from most (excluding landfill gas and
co-generation) new gas-fired generation. Essentially, the MOPR prevents uncompetitive, low
bids (e.g. resulting from subsidies or cost of service regulation) from entering the market and
depressing prices.
However, super-low bids are still occurring. This is because the competitive entry
exemption to the MOPR allows new gas-fired resources that are not receiving subsidies (i.e.
merchant plants built all on private money) to bid below the price floor including allowing bids
of zero cost. All things being equal, a zero bid almost ensures a resource will be the first chosen
in the presence of demand.
As shown in the table below, in each of the last five PJM capacity market auctions, over
10 gigawatts of competitive entry exemptions to the MOPR have been requested and granted, per
year. Of course, not all exemptions result in offers and not all offers clearbut I think you get
the point.
UBS estimates there are about 15 gigawatts (GWs) of new combined cycle gas capacity
under construction in PJM and set to come online sometime in 2017-2018, with about two-thirds
of that capacity being built in Ohio and Pennsylvania (where gas fuel costs are lowest).
They note another 22 GWs of new gas capacity is in the development stages, mostly in
OH and PA, some subset of which could come online anywhere from 2018 - 2022.
So, yes, demand is stagnant, but it is the supply glut driving down capacity prices.
The combination of low prices and abundant capacity supply is great for consumers, as
reliability is achieved at very low cost. Plus, they get new, unsubsidized infrastructure.
Why would a rational investor put money into a market that is clearly over-supplied,
where price signals alone are saying, dont put your money here!?
Performance and Fuel Cost Advantage. New combined cycle gas turbines have heat
rates of 6,500 Btu/KWh, compared to the average existing coal plant with 10,500 Btu/KWh,
meaning the new gas plants are almost twice as efficient. Plus, a result of cheap and plentiful
shale gas and lack of pipeline takeaway capacity, gas fuel prices in the Mid-Atlantic are
extremely low (i.e. another supply glut).
Expiring Bonus Depreciation. The phase down and looming expiration of the federal
bonus depreciation subsidy may also be contributing the rush to build new gas assets. Eligible
assets placed in service by the end of 2018 qualify for 40 percent bonus depreciation, and those
placed in service before the end of 2019 qualify for 30 percent bonus depreciation, prior to the
program expiring.
Once in a Lifetime Window of Opportunity. Combining high heat rates with low fuel
costs means these new gas units will be dispatched earlier in the energy market supply stack,
reducing run times for higher cost units.
Basically, once these units are built, they will operationally out-compete many of their
peers in the market. Suppressed energy and capacity market prices are hurting coal and nuclear,
but reduced energy market run times will hit coal even harder.
If gas prices ever rise, the oldest coal (and other capacity) will be long gone, bringing
capacity prices back up. The less efficient gas plants will be on the margin in the energy market,
boosting revenues to the new fleet of high efficiency gas plants.
Retirements. Moodys estimates that between 2016 and 2020, about 23.8 GWs of new
gas combined cycle capacity will come online in PJM. They believe this will result in 100
terawatt hours of new, low-cost energy generation per year, or about 25 percent above 2015
supply levels.
In absence of demand growth, Moodys expects this to lead to 7 GWs of coal retirements,
as well as stress economics for other existing generators (including older gas plants) in the
market as energy prices will be forced down about 15 percent lower, starting in 2021. UBS hints
to the GW retirement number being even higher.
The coal retirements could come sooner for those coal plants operating near or below 40
percent capacity factors, but may accelerate in 2019-2022 for those merchant coal plants with $3
billion in debt set to mature.
SNL Energy anticipates (subscription) the coal and gas units most at risk are those older
units with the highest heat rates, located primarily in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio.
In fact, since 2014, Pennsylvanias Department of Environmental Protection has
approved of or is currently considering over 17 GW of new gas-fired capacity, enough to replace
every remaining coal plant (12.6 GW) in the state.
Love it or hate it, you are witnessing disruption.
NewsClip:
Related Story:
Exelon To Retire Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant In 2019
Northeast Greenhouse Gas Initiative Holds Next Auction June 7, Prices Lowest Since 2014
The U.S. Energy Information Administration

Wednesday reported the northeast Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) will hold its 36th
auction for carbon dioxide (CO2) emission
allowances on June 7.
In the previous auction, held in March, more than 14
million allowances were sold at a clearing price of
$3.00 per short ton of CO2, the lowest price in more
than three years. CO2 allowance prices in March
were down 16 percent from the clearing price of $3.55/ton in the previous auction in December
2016 and 60 percent lower than the peak of $7.50/ton at the December 2015 auction.
RGGI is the nations first mandatory cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas
emissions, covering the nine states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The original objective of the RGGI was to reduce the carbon emissions of each state's
electricity generation sector by 10 percent from their 2009 allowances by 2018.
However, the combined effects of lower natural gas prices and state renewable portfolio
standards have resulted in regional CO2 emissions falling below the original RGGI cap, and the
cap was reduced in 2014 by about 45 percent from the 2009 level.
Electric power sector CO2 emissions from the nine RGGI states accounted for
approximately 7 percent of total U.S. electric power CO2 emissions in 2016. Total CO2
emissions from member states in 2016 were 79.2 million tons of CO2, lower than the revised cap
of 86.5 million tons CO2.
Even though RGGI reduced its emissions cap, actual emissions have remained well
below the cap, resulting in a surplus of allowances. In some cases, surplus allowances can be
banked for use in future years. However, the availability of too many banked allowances reduces
the need to purchase new credits.
Significant slack in the RGGI allowance market is not an entirely new phenomenon. In
several auctions between 2010 and 2012, some allowances were left unsold. Following the
release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Clean Power Plan in August 2015, bids
were submitted for more than three times the total number of RGGI allowances offered, creating
demand that led to higher allowance prices.
The downward trend in clearing prices since the start of 2016 reflects relatively low
demand for RGGI allowances.
The March 2017 auction generated $43.1 million that the RGGI states can use for a
variety of purposes, including those that support energy efficiency, renewable energy, direct
energy bill assistance, and greenhouse gas abatement programs.
In the March 2017 auction, demand for allowances continued to decline, but all
allowances offered were sold.
Recent revisions to the program included an adjustment to the reserve price, which
effectively sets a minimum allowance price. For 2017, this reserve price is $2.15 per ton CO2, up
from $2.10 per ton CO2 in 2016.
In 2014, the RGGI states announced two interim adjustments to the RGGI cap to account
for CO2 allowances that were banked in 2009 through 2013. The combined effect of these two
adjustments lowers the cap by 139.5 million tons of CO2 from 20142020.
[Note: Carbon dioxide emissions in Pennsylvania have already dropped by 27 million
tons between 2007 and 2014 as a result of the retirement of coal-fired power plants and new
natural gas-fueled plants taking their place and additional EPA controls on mercury emissions at
coal-fired power plants.]
NewsClips:
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Auction Prices Are The Lowest Since 2014
Trump Announcement Withdrawing From Paris Accord Anti-Climatic
President Donald J. Trump Thursday announced the United States

will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, and begin negotiations
to either re-enter or negotiate an entirely new agreement with more
favorable terms for the United States.
[Note: After the announcement a joint statement by Germany,
France and Italy said the Climate Accord cannot be renegotiated.
Britains Prime Minister Theresa May said she made her points to
President Trump directly about the Accord.
[The U.S. will now join Syria and Nicaragua as the only
governments to be outside the agreement.]
The decision is a fulfillment of the promise President Trump made repeatedly to the
American people during his campaign. During the address, the President vowed that the U.S.
would maintain its position as a world leader in clean energy, while protecting the economy and
strengthening the workforce.
[Note: U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry said in a statement, Instead of
preaching about clean energy, this Administration will act on it. Our work and deeds are more
important than empty words. The United States will continue to be actively engaged in the
development of global energy and the world leader in the development of next generation
technology.
[The Trump Administration is proposing a 70 percent cut in renewable energy funding
for wind and solar in the FY 2018 federal budget.]
According to the Trump Administration, the Paris Climate Accord cost the U.S. economy
nearly $3 trillion over the next several decades in reduced output, over 6 million industrial jobs,
and over 3 million manufacturing jobs.
[Note: The study cited during in the Presidents remarks was not a true cost/benefit study
because it did not include any analysis of the potential economic benefits of the Paris Climate
Accord.
[A Citibank study in 2015 found the cost of not addressing climate change was $44
trillion by 2060, while investing in low-carbon energy would save $1.8 trillion through 2040 as
compared to business-as-usual.]
[Note: The natural gas industry directly and indirectly employs about 72,154 in
Pennsylvania-- 19,623 directly and another 52,531 in related industries. There are 66,000 people
in Pennsylvania working at 5,900 clean energy and energy efficiency companies. There were
6,633 coal mine employees in Pennsylvania in 2015, according to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration.]
The Administration noted President Obama committed $3 billion to the Green Climate
Fund - which is about 30 percent of the initial funding without authorization from Congress.
[Note: The actual transfer was $1 billion before the end of the Obama Administration and
the U.S. State Department said it was based on existing authorizations from the Economic
Support Fund in FY 2016 that was not earmarked by Congress for specific programs and
activities.]
The Accord, the Trump Administration said, imposes unrealistic targets on the U.S. for
reducing our carbon emissions, while giving countries like China a free pass for years to come.
Under the Accord, China will actually increase emissions until 2030.
[Note: Chinas carbon dioxide emissions may have already peaked a full decade ahead of
the Climate Accord commitment thanks to falling coal consumption.
["Utilisation (their spelling) rates of coal-fired power plants in China are falling rapidly,
as new plants enter an electricity system in which renewables have expanded fast and demand
has slowed markedly," the International Energy Agency wrote in its 2016 World Energy
Outlook.
[Note: The reduction goals are not unrealistic, at least for Pennsylvania. Carbon dioxide
emissions in Pennsylvania have already dropped by 27 million tons between 2007 and 2014 as a
result of the retirement of coal-fired power plants and new natural gas-fueled plants taking their
place and additional EPA controls on mercury emissions at coal-fired power plants.
[In fact, Pennsylvania needed only 15 million tons of additional reductions by 2030 (13
years from now) to meet EPA Clean Power Plan reduction requirements and that could be
achieve without doing much except continuing the strong, market-driven trend of using more
natural gas for power production.]
According to researchers at MIT, the Trump Administration said, if all member nations
met their obligations, the impact on the climate would be negligible. The impacts have been
estimated to likely reduce global temperature rise by 0.2 degrees Celsius in 2100.
[Note: At the time the Paris Accord was signed there was recognition the pledges made
by each nation to take the steps necessary to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius (or
even 1.5 degrees) were aspirational. That said, U.S. carbon emissions will still likely decline
as market forces continue to push utilities to switch from coal to natural gas and renewable
power.]
Reactions - Gov. Wolf
Prior to President Trumps announcement, Gov. Tom Wolf (D) said, I urge President
Trump not to abdicate the United States global leadership and seat at the table on climate
change a pressing issue for Pennsylvanias economy, especially energy, agriculture and
tourism, and our residents health.
Pennsylvania is an energy leader and addressing emissions presents opportunities for
Pennsylvanias natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency industries to grow and create
new jobs.
Many of Americas largest corporations from energy to technology agree with
environmental advocates, faith leaders and scientists that staying in the Paris agreement is the
right choice for America. We cannot ignore the scientific evidence and economic significance of
climate change and put our economy and population at risk, Wolf added.
He noted in 2015, the Pennsylvania Climate Impacts Assessment Update, prepared by
Penn State University and lead by professor Dr. James Shortle, warned of serious consequences
of climate change for Pennsylvania residents, industries and communities.
Some key takeaways from the report include:
-- Climate change could worsen air quality: increasing pollen concentration, mold concentration,
and ground-level ozone, causing longer allergy seasons, aggravating asthma, and increasing
mortality among at-risk populations.
-- Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease could increase due to more
favorable conditions for mosquitoes and deer ticks.
-- Increased precipitation in many parts of the state could lead to higher flood risks and threaten
safe drinking water supplies.
-- Warmer temperatures will bring more favorable conditions for agricultural pests like weeds
and insects.
-- Severe storms strengthened by warmer temperatures could affect reliable electric service
and threaten current electric infrastructure.
DEP
Climate change is a global issue that needs cooperation at all levels, from international
agreements down to local efforts to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases, said Neil
Shader, a spokesman for the Department of Environmental Protection, which implements climate
policy. While withdrawal from the Paris agreement will not directly impact specific DEP
policies, climate change is still an issue that is already affecting Pennsylvania.
For more information on climate change in Pennsylvania, visit DEPs Climate Change
webpage.
DCNR
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn
released the following statement Friday in reaction to the Trump Administrations decision to
withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord--
The Presidents decision to turn our back on an international solutions-oriented
agreement to address a changing climate is deeply disappointing. Without federal leadership on
climate change, additional responsibility will fall on states and communities.
While climate change presents significant challenges, there is much we can and are
doing here in Pennsylvania from managing our forests to sequester an increasing amount of
carbon and ensuring that our public lands remain resilient, to helping private landowners and
communities reduce their carbon footprints and adapt to climate change.
DCNR currently is working with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science to
develop a climate change mitigation and adaptation plan for the department.
As the states leading conservation agency, DCNR is using the best available science to
develop and implement climate change strategies to minimize and adapt to these impacts, and
serve as a role model for the citizens of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is experiencing higher temperatures; increased precipitation; higher
numbers of storm events; decreased snow cover; and changing distribution of some plants and
animals related to climate change.
More background is available on DCNRs Climate Change webpage. A copy of DCNR
and Climate Change - Planning for the Future is also available online.
PA House Republicans
Steve Miskin, a spokesman for the House Republicans, said he expects the state will
continue to pursue climate policy, as required by a 2008 state law under which the DEP must
make two reports on climate change every three years.
Pennsylvanias 2008 Climate Change Act requires the Commonwealth to have its own
plan independent of federal policies and international agreements, Miskin said. We have made
significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania and its expected we will
continue to do so.
Philadelphia
President Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement goes against
the interests of Philadelphians, said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D) said. My
administration is now committed to upholding at the local level the very same commitment made
by the United States in the Paris climate agreement to reduce carbon emissions between 26
and 28 percent by 2025. This will ensure that were well on our way to meeting Philadelphias
current long-term goal of reducing the citys emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto (D) said he took personal offense to President Trumps
reference to Pittsburgh in his speech saying he was elected to represent the citizens of
Pittsburgh, not Paris.
"He completely ignores the sacrifices that we made over 30 years in order to get back up
on our feet, in order to be creating a new economy, in order to make the sacrifices to clean our
air and clean our water," Mayor Peduto said.
He said Mr. Trump "used us as this example of a stereotype in order to make a point --
and it missed completely."
Further, Mr. Peduto said, Pittsburgh will continue to follow the principles of the
nonbinding Paris accord, which aims to slow global warming.
Mayor Peduto Friday issued an Executive Order to further promote climate control
initiatives, in the wake of President Trump's decision Thursday to pull the United States out of
the Paris Climate Accords of 2015.
The Order describes the long history of the City's commitment to climate change
initiatives, and lays out more work Pittsburgh will be doing through 2030.
"For decades Pittsburgh has been rebuilding its economy based on hopes for our people
and our future, not on outdated fantasies about our past. The City and its many partners will
continue to do the same, despite the President's imprudent announcements yesterday," Mayor
Peduto said.
Among many initiatives, the Order commits the City to:
-- Working with the National Climate Action Agenda and 81 other cities to undertake additional
actions to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.
-- Continue working on 2030 climate objectives, including achieving 100 Percent Renewable
Electricity Consumption for Municipal Operations; a citywide Zero Waste Initiative to divert 100
percent of materials from landfills; fifty percent energy consumption reduction citywide;
Development of a fossil fuel free fleet.
-- The continued commitment to quantifying the impact of the Citys work in reducing
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and building a more sustainable City, through the completion of the
Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan 3.0
-- Advancing Carbon Neutrality objectives within the City; adopting energy efficiency standards
for buildings; electrifying transportation system with renewable energy sources; supporting
weatherization and maintenance of Pittsburgh housing stock to help elderly and vulnerable
populations; and protecting and regenerating of our natural environment through land
conservation, park preservation and urban agriculture.
The Order follows the Mayor's denunciation of President Trump's decision to pull the
United States out of the 195-nation climate agreement reached in Paris in 2015, which Mayor
Peduto attended and supported.
Click Here for a copy of the Executive Order.
Sen. Bob Casey (D)
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D) called climate change a double-barreled blow to PA jobs & our
environment and also mentioning a town hall he held in Pittsburgh earlier this year where the
residents in attendance called for action on climate change.
Cong. Keith Rothfus (R)
Congressman Keith Rothfus (R-Western PA) said, The Paris Climate Agreement was
never a legitimate deal. It was never submitted to the Senate for ratification because the Senate
would never have ratified it. The Paris Agreement is not about climate. It is about control. It
certainly is not about growth; it is about redistribution. We have a moral responsibility to create a
much healthier economy that will increase jobs and increase wages. Only by building a stronger
economy will we be able to generate the revenues we need to meet the commitments we have
made to our seniors and veterans.
Ending antigrowth obstacles like the Paris Agreement opens the way to a brighter future,
with America in the lead. In applauding President Trump's move today, I stand with Western
Pennsylvania manufacturers, boilermakers, power plant workers, railroad workers, truckers and
miners in opposition to the Washington and global elites who want to concentrate power in their
own hands," Rothfus added.
Cong. Pat Meehan (R)
Congressman Pat Meehan (R-Delaware County) described the decision as one that
"diminishes America's leadership role on the world stage."
"The Paris Agreement isn't perfect. But by abandoning it, America is relinquishing that
seat at the table," Meehan said in a statement. "It calls into question our commitment to
protecting and preserving the environment. And it forfeits our ability to drive countries like
China and India to reduce their carbon footprint and compete on a level playing field."
(Photo: Official White House Photo.)
NewsClips:
AP: Trump Says U.S. Will Abandon Global Climate Accord
PA, Philadelphia Will Press On With Climate Policies Despite Trump
Suburban Philadelphia Republicans Break With Trump Over Paris Climate Accord
Pittsburgh Mayor Slams Trump For Name-Dropping City
Pittsburgh Mayor Offended By Trumps Pittsburgh Remark
Pittsburgh Mayor Announces Executive Order On Climate
Op-Ed: Pittsburgh Isnt The City You Think It Is Mr. President
Pittsburgh Not Paris Becomes Call To Action On Climate For Rs, Ds
Trump Doubles-Down On Pittsburgh Not Paris With DC Rally
Politicians, Political Reporters React To Trumps Pittsburgh Shoutout
Trump To Pittsburgh: Drop Dead, Again
White House Explains Why Trump Invoked Pittsburgh
Analysis: Trump Valiantly Rises To The Defense Of 1975 Pittsburgh
Olson: PA Officials React To Trump Announces Exit From Climate Accord
Kummer: Swift Reaction From PA, NJ As Trump Pulls Out Of Paris Accord
PA Federal Legislators React To Climate Accord Withdrawal
What Does Climate Change Mean For PA?
FirstEnergy, Many Other Firms Pursuing CO2 Reduction Despite Accord Withdrawal
Will Trump Show Up For Opening Of New Somerset County Coal Mine?
Somerset Coal Mine Officials Invite Trump To Opening Next Week
Trumps Right: A New Coal Mine In PA Will Create 70-100 Jobs
Murray Coal Applauds Trumps Decision To Withdraw From Climate Accord
Trumps Exit From Paris Climate Accord Wont Revive Coal Jobs
Analysts: Leaving Climate Deal Likely Wouldnt Add U.S. Jobs
Op-Ed: Trump Does Right Thing On Climate Accord The Wrong Way
Editorial: Trump Makes U.S. Leading World Outlier On Climate Accord
With Feds Abandoning Paris Accord, Methane Emissions Are State Problem
World Leaders Reject Trumps Claim Paris Climate Deal Can Be Renegotiated
Paris Climate Deal: EU, China Rebuff Trump
Trump Climate Policy Risks More Jobs Than It Saves
These Companies, States Break With Trumps Decision To Exit Paris Accords
Bailing On The Paris Climate Deal Would Be Huge Security Risk
Without Clean Power Plan, U.S. Falls Considerably Short Of Paris Climate Accord
The Best Energy Companies Dont Care Either Way About Paris Accord, Krancer
5 Changes That Could Come From Leaving The Paris Climate Deal
Trumps Paris Climate Speech Annotated, Claims Analysed
Fact Checking Trumps Energy Claims About Paris Climate Accord
FactChecking Trumps Climate Speech
AP: White House Official: Trump Plans To Pull U.S. From Paris Climate Deal
Trump Meets With EPA Chief On Paris Climate Pact
Coal CEO Murray Calls On Trump To Ignore Ivanka, Cohn On Climate
UN Chief Warns Trump To Stay In Paris Climate Deal
Editorial: Leaving Paris Climate Accord Would Hurt The U.S.
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Shale Challenges
Pittsburghs commitment to a sustainable future is driving the

development of innovative solutions and new, green technologies
that address the challenges of reducing energy usage, addressing
stormwater issues caused by aging and inadequate infrastructure,
and reducing the environmental impacts of shale gas development.
These efforts and more are captured in detail at
PittsburghGreenStory.com, a new resource providing the latest
news, data, stories, people and places driving Pittsburghs
continuing green evolution.
Pittsburgh Green Infrastructure Plan
Like many older cities served by aging infrastructure, Pittsburgh is
challenged by combined stormwater runoff -- and subsequent spillage into its three rivers.
In response, the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority have
released the Citywide Green First Plan, which outlines how Pittsburgh intends to use innovative,
cost-effective and green infrastructure approaches to manage stormwater, mitigating local street
flooding and sewer backups caused by heavy rainstorms.
The proposed management practices will include solutions such as rain gardens, tree
plantings, water detention basins, stream restoration, and pervious pavement that mimics natural
processes to slow and capture rainwater.
WindStax Vertical Wind Turbines
Pittsburgh startup WindStax builds scalable, vertical axis wind turbines that can operate
in urban environments (photo). WindStax manufactures the largest vertical turbines in the U.S.,
requiring wind speeds as low as five miles.
Windstax has pioneered linkages to microgrids and batteries to store energy, using their
ZeroFirst technology to allow customers to transition between alternative energy sources, smooth
supply and demand cycles, and still have public power as a fallback. WindStax turbines are
portable, avian-friendly and silent.
Epiphany Shale Water Treatment Solutions
With Pennsylvania at the heart of the shale development boom, Epiphany Water
Solutions has developed a process to treat produced water at natural gas drilling sites, reducing
the need to transport produced water, which contains high levels of salts as well as trace amounts
of metals.
The Epiphany distillation process leaves the water cleaner than tap water so that it can be
safely returned to the environment.
The crystallized salt and material that remains after distillation can also have beneficial
uses, resulting in waste reduction of up to 97 percent of the original produced water volume.
Epiphanys solution drastically reduces transportation costs and air emissions.
Thar Energy Geothermal
Thar Energy, LLC has developed the next generation of sustainable geothermal heating
and cooling solutions that offer enhanced energy efficiency and a reduced environmental
footprint.
Thar Energy differs from other commercial geothermal systems in that its technology
uses an established natural refrigerant, recycled carbon dioxide (also known as R744), and its
system uses a simpler, more efficient, direct exchange geothermal design.
Additionally, carbon dioxide properties allow for the design of significantly smaller
diameter tubing capable of being installed in smaller diameter boreholes.
Reducing borehole diameter is central to reducing upfront installation costs that have
historically hampered the adoption of geothermal technology. The use of recycled carbon
dioxide as a refrigerant makes Thar Energys system the most sustainable HVAC system
available.
Pittsburgh 2030 District
Pittsburgh leads North America in urban properties committed to 50 percent reduction in
CO2 emissions, energy and water by the year 2030, as established by 2030 Districts.
The Pittsburgh 2030 Districts newly released 2016 Progress Report details how property
partners cut $19 million in 2016 energy costs by implementing innovations in lighting, heating,
cooling, and ventilation, totaling $53 million in savings since initial reporting.
Participants increased total energy avoided 13 percent from last year alone, saving 982
million kBtu -- or the equivalent CO2 emissions of driving a car 271 million miles.
With 491 participating properties, Pittsburgh leads all 17 established 2030 Districts in
committed square footage (including Seattle, San Francisco, and Toronto).
The 2030 District initiative also prompted Pittsburgh to become one of 23 cities
mandating utility disclosure from nonresidential properties.
Pittsburghs Green Stories
Visit PittsburghGreenStory.com for more on these and other emerging stories, as well as
connections to Pittsburghs green instigators, expert sources, and video and photography assets.
Or, contact them by sending email to: info@pittsburghgreenstory.com. Story leads are updated
regularly.
Pittsburgh Green Story is a collaborative and growing partnership of organizations who
are champions of Pittsburghs legacy, current, and future green story; it is a project of Green
Building Alliance and is funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
NewsClips:
Green Building Groups Demonstrate Performance Of Above-Code Buildings June 6 In

Harrisburg
The Delaware Valley Green Building Council, Green

Building Alliance in Pittsburgh and USGBC Central
Pennsylvania will demonstrate the energy efficiency
benefits of above-building code construction by
building two icehouses on the Capitol steps on June
6 in Harrisburg starting with a press conference at
9:00 a.m. (12:30 in the East Wing Rotunda in the
event of rain).
One icehouse will be built to 2009 IECC
(International Energy Conservation Code) code,
which is the current requirement in Pennsylvania.
The other icehouse will be constructed to above-code standards (a.k.a. a high-performance
building).
Both will be approximately 8'x 8'x 8' in size and house a huge block of ice inside the
structure. The icehouses will be placed on the westside staircase outside the Main Capitol
Rotunda beginning on June 1 and remain in place for three to four weeks.
Via the rate of ice melt within the structures, USGBC Central Pennsylvania and our
partners will visually prove the superb performance of above-code structures and thereby seek to
make changes to our building code adoption process, as well as update the current energy codes
in Pennsylvania.
Afterward, members of Delaware Valley Green Building Council, Green Building
Alliance and USGBC Central Pennsylvania, as well as sustainability advocates, will meet with
state legislators to discuss issues, including building codes, above-code building standards,
energy efficiency, renewable energy and other measures that promote cost effective and
environmentally-sensitive buildings and sites.
The three organizations will provide all materials and logistic support for the day.
If you cannot make our Demonstration Day, you can stop by the western exterior of the
state Capitol building during the first three weeks of June to observe the ice melt inside the
structures and read the educational signage on the icehouses regarding the importance of energy
codes and high-performance buildings.
Supporters of the icehouse demonstration include: the PA Housing Finance Agency,
Ciesco (4 offices in PA), Formatech, Interteck, Klearwall, Purpose 1 (Lemoyne), Reynolds,
Stealth Insulation (Harrisburg), Steven Winter Associates, Inc. and 7group (Pittsburgh).
For more information contact Leticia McCadden, U.S. Green Building Council by
sending email to: lmccadden@usgbc.org or call 202-742-3785.
FracTracker Susquehanna River Basin Impacts Project Forums June 6, 14, 15
The FracTracker Susquehanna River Basin Impacts

Project will hold a series of three workshops in Lancaster,
Lycoming and Schuylkill counties to hold a public
discussion on the impacts of Marcellus Shale natural gas
drilling has on the Susquehanna River Watershed in
Pennsylvania.
The workshops will be held
-- June 6: Lycoming College, 701-799 College Place,
Williamsport, Lycoming County from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m.,
Click Here to register.
-- June 14: Tellus360, 24 East King Street, Lancaster from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m., Click Here to
register; and
-- June 15: 702 Mountain Road, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m., Click
Here to register.
The Susquehanna River Basin Impacts Project is taking a closer look at the Susquehanna
River Watershed and its many challenges related to industrial development, including
deforestation and sedimentation issues, nutrient loading from poor agricultural practices, sewer
and stormwater runoff.
One component of Susquehanna River Basin impacts can be attributed to expanding oil
and gas development.
As part of the ongoing Marcellus Shale oil and gas boom, nearly 5,500 unconventional
wells on roughly 2,000 well pads have been drilled in the Susquehanna River Watershed since
2007.
According to the Nature Conservancy, shale gas companies could drill 27,600 additional
wells in the Susquehanna River basin by 2030.
How will the Susquehanna River Watershed withstand future impacts from the oil and
gas industry given the Susquehanna River Basin Commissions oversight? A first step in
understanding the problem is to look at the state of the watershed today.
For more information, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Impacts Projects website.
NewsClips:
Many Allegheny County Communities Not Ready For Shale Gas Drilling Rebound
Letter: Fracked Gas Health Hazard
UGI To Provide Natural Gas Service To Nearly 200 Homes In Cumberland County
Op-Ed: Its Time To Get Creative On Energy, Shell Ethane Plant
Understanding The Urban Watershed Student Summit June 6-8 At Audubon Center,
Montgomery County
The University City Review reported

Wednesday that on June 6 through 8,
students from participating schools will
join together for Understanding the Urban
Watershed Student Summit held at the
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
in Audubon, Montgomery County where
they will enjoy a nature scavenger hunt,
hiking and canoeing, connecting what they
have been learning all year in the
watershed.
Participating schools include: Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School, James Dobson
School, William D. Kelley Elementary School, Henry C. Lea Elementary School, Andrew
Jackson School, Maritime Academy Charter Middle School, Blaine Academics Plus School and
La Salle Academy.
An important part of the program was the redesign of resourcewater.org online access to
the curriculum that enables teachers to navigate through each learning experience and activities
with ease, including access to instructional resources, links to standards, embedded videos and
assessment rubrics.
This project grew out of the Fairmount Water Works watershed education work,
published in: Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum Guide, a framework for suggested
activities related to water and urban watersheds.
The Guide was developed and tested over several years in schools throughout
Philadelphia, says Karen Young, Executive Director of the Fairmount Water Works. This
unique curriculum is being developed at a time when the need for high quality environmental
education is critical for student understanding of the issues faced not only in Philadelphia, but
also across the nation.
The Teacher Fellowship Program was made possible through many local collaborations.
Teachers received monthly training with environmental experts from the Philadelphia Water
Department and partner organizations.
Classroom assistance also came from students of Temple University, University of
Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, Bryn Mawr College, and other area institutions.
An Advisory Board of curriculum experts, educators, school administrators, scientists,
planners and strategists from Philadelphia Water Department and its partners provided feedback,
advice and guidance for the program.
The John James Audubon Society, the Summit locations host organization, is one of the
23 environmental education centers in the Delaware River Watershed supported by the William
Penn Foundation Watershed Protection Fund to increase the number and diversity of watershed
advocates, stewards and ambassadors.
Project stakeholders will come together on June 9 to celebrate the watershed exploration
of area students at the Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum Project Finale, from 4:00
to 7:00 p.m. at the Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia.
Student work will be exhibited at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center.
Click Here for a presentation on Understanding the Urban Watershed Program.
NewsClips:
June 6-8 Understanding The Urban Watershed Student Summit, Audubon Center Mill Grove
Philly Students Learn About Dragon Boat Racing, Life On Schuylkill River
Students Help With Western PA Conservancy Stream Project In Indiana County
Perkiomen, Schuylkill River Sojourns Return To The Area
Phipps Program Offers Seeds Of Hope, Sustenance
Keystone College Observatory Prepped For Summer Solar Eclipse
Grammy Winner Mary Chapin Carpenter Holds Benefit For Pocono Environmental Ed
Center Oct. 24
Harmony Presents will produce a

benefit concert for the Pocono
Environmental Education Center on
October 24 in Scranton staring 5-time
Grammy winning performer Mary
Chapin Carpenter in concert at the
Lackawanna College Theater.
Were very excited to
showcase this 5-time Grammy
Award-winning singer- songwriter and
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. We couldnt be happier to work with PEEC in
producing this exciting event and fundraiser for them, says Jill Carletti, Managing Director of
Harmony Presents. Mary Chapin Carpenter will be performing songs from her expansive
14-album catalog and new songs from her latest record The Things That We Are Made Of, which
was released May 6, 2016.
Bringing Mary Chapin Carpenter to northeast Pennsylvania for a worthy, charitable
organization such as PEEC is part of how we continue to expand, said Carletti.
Carpenter has recorded 14 albums and sold over 14 million records. In 2014, Carpenter
released her debut orchestral album, Songs From The Movie, which was arranged and
co-produced by six-time Grammy winner Vince Mendoza.
Since its release, Carpenter has performed alongside the New York Philharmonic, the
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the London Concert Orchestra, the L.A. Philharmonic and
the National Symphony Orchestra among many others.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center in Dingmans Ferry, Pike County is one of
the most respected and recognized residential environmental education centers in the
northeastern United States.
PEEC is the education partner of the National Park Service in the Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area. This unique public/private partnership has served the education
community for over forty years. Approximately 24,000 people visit PEEC annually.
The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. on October 24. The
Lackawanna College Theater is located at 501 Vine Street in Scranton.
Tickets are $50, $60 and $70 and are available online at Harmony Presents, at the Pocono
Environmental Education Center website or by calling 570-588-8077.
NewsClips:
Brodhead Watershed Assn Mount Nebo Get Outdoors Poconos Hike June 24 Monroe
County
The Brodhead Watershed Association will host another

in its series of Get Outdoors Poconos hikes June 24 at
the 159-acre Mount Nebo Regional Park in Smithfield
Township, Monroe County starting at 10:00 a.m.
Join hike leader Carol Hillestad for this moderate hike
of 2 miles through this preserved land that actually
isnt far at all the green views of Lake Nebo and the
Delaware River are easily accessible to thousands of
nearby residents.
The trail is steep in spots and crisscrossed with tree
roots. There are some downed trees to climb over, and
dry leaves and loose gravel can make the trail slippery in places, even when dry.
Meet at Mount Nebo Regional Park parking lot, 406 Mount Nebo Road. Take Mount
Nebo Road either from Route 209 or from Buttermilk Falls Road.
The hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a
grant from the William Penn Foundation.
The hike is free, but registration is required. Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or send
email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org.
For information about this and other hikes, visit the Get Outdoors Poconos webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association. Click Here to become a member.
Celebrate And Enjoy PA Rivers: Participate In An Annual Sojourn
They have shaped and nurtured Pennsylvania's

economic growth, enhanced its natural beauty,
and offered limitless recreational opportunities.
They are Pennsylvania's rivers.
Gov. Tom Wolf has saluted them by declaring
June as Pennsylvania Rivers Month.
Whether they nourish our farms, quench our
thirst, enrich our scenery, or relax our minds
and bodies, Pennsylvanias rivers always have
been an integral part of our quality of life.
Each spring and summer those who fish and
boat on their waters, and hike and bike along
their banks head for their favorite waterway to
say thanks by participating in an annual
sojourn.
On canoes, kayaks, and rafts they come, devoting a day or a week to sampling the sights
and sounds along their favorite waterway. These individuals, families, and groups of friends will
camp, listen to speakers, and leave more cognizant of the challenges a river or stream faces.
Pick a river or major stream from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and odds are good theyll be
the focus of a celebration.
The Pennsylvania Sojourn Program is nationally unique. No other state has as many
paddling trips organized in a similar fashion, offering a set of paddling trips on major rivers
across the state, facilitated by local organizations, that engages thousands of individuals and
hundreds of local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn notes sojourns are an important part of the
conservation fabric of Pennsylvania, offering the public a chance to see what has been done
right, and where there is need for improvement.
Dunn will participate in a June 22 and 23 sojourn saluting the Allegheny River,
Pennsylvanias 2017 River of the Year.
Earlier, on June 7, she will join hundreds of Schuylkill River supporters in a sojourn
stretching from the northeast coal regions to Philadelphia.
Through these planned Pennsylvania River Month celebrations, public awareness of the
river's value will be increased and major initiatives along these rivers will be underscored, Dunn
said. Economic revitalization of river-town communities will enhance access to the river;
increase tourism; and provide additional land and water-based recreational opportunities for
residents and visitors alike.
I could think of no better way to observe Rivers Month than to spend a day on a
free-flowing river or stream steeped in beauty and recreational and historical prominence, Dunn
said. All highlight how Pennsylvania is blessed with a wealth of waterways and a core of
dedicated folks who fight to protect them.
The Pennsylvania Sojourn Program is administered by the PA Organization of
Waterways and Rivers in partnership with DCNR.
With at least a dozen each year, these activities encompass more than 500 river miles and
50 on-the-water days; offer more than 100 educational programs; and engage at least 4,000
people.
In addition to the Schuylkill and Allegheny river events, other 2017 sojourns include:
-- June 14: Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers. Host: Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
-- June 3: Perkiomen Creek. Host: Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
-- June 1723: 23rd Annual Delaware River Sojourn. Host: Upper Delaware Preservation
Coalition
-- June 17: Summer Sojourn 2017: On the French Creek Water Trail. Host: French Creek Valley
Conservancy
-- June 17: Pedal/Paddle on the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and the West Branch of the
Susquehanna. Host: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
-- June 2425: Connie Q Canoe Trip Celebration on the Connoquenessing Creek. Host:
Allegheny Aquatic Alliance
-- July 2426: Lehigh River. Host: Wildlands Conservancy
-- July 29: Rebel Float Trip: The Whiskey Rebellion as told by David Bowie Impersonators on
the Monongahela River. Host: National Road Heritage Corridor-Mon River Town Program
-- June and August: First Waves Sojourn. Host: First Waves
For more information, you can view a map of sojourns planned statewide this year.
To learn more about the River of the Year Program, the nominated waterways, and past
winners, see POWRs resources. To learn more, visit DCNRs Rivers Program webpage.
NewsClips:
Registration Now Open For Allegheny River Wilderness Sojourn June 22-24
Related Story:
Registration Open For June 22-24 Wilderness Sojourn On PAs River Of The Year: The
Allegheny River
(Reprinted from the May 31 Resource newsletter from DCNR. Click Here to sign up for your
own copy.)
Registration Open For June 22-24 Wilderness Sojourn On PAs River Of The Year: The
Allegheny River
The Penn Soil Resource Conservation and

Development Council is now accepting registrations
for the June 22-24 Allegheny River Wilderness
Sojourn, just one of the events planned to celebrate the
designation of the Allegheny River as the 2017 PA
River of the Year.
There will be three days of paddling from June
22 to 24.
The two-day trip will run Thursday and Friday,
June 22-23, with the option of a primitive camping experience on Thursday night. The third day
is a stand-alone, one-day paddle on Saturday, June 24.
Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council is offering two different
trips with different options to appeal to as many people as possible.
The base cost to participate in the two-day trip is $30, which buys registration, sojourn
souvenir, water, snacks, educational presentations, a goodie bag, and a picnic supper on
Saturday, June 24.
The fee does not cover lodging, boat rentals, shuttles, or meals other than snacks and the
Saturday picnic.
Optional canoe or kayak rentals, as well as options to rent the primitive camping
equipment and catered camping meal package, and shuttle service for personal boats, are
available.
Packages can be customized to suit needs. A motel option will also be available for those
who wish to say in a motel Thursday night instead.
Day one will start with paddling from Buckaloons Campground launch and end at
no-name island near the Tanbark Trail Head. Day two will begin at the island and end at the
Tidioute boat launch. Total paddling miles is approximately 20, and the water is flat/class one
rapids.
The character of this paddle will be quieter, less rushed, and more relaxing. The camping
equipment package will supply you with everything you need for primitive camping except the
sleeping bag and pillow.
The nicest part is that the equipment will be transported, set up, and torn down by staff of
Allegheny Outfitters.
Another option, available only to campers, is the meal plan. Allegheny Outfitters staff
will provide lunch and supper on day one and breakfast and lunch on day two. Meals will use
locally available meats and vegetables where possible.
The one day trip will probably be a little more exciting. Saturday is a busy day on the
Allegheny River as far as paddles go.
The base fee to participate is $25. This gives you registration, sojourn souvenir, water,
snacks, educational presentations, and a picnic supper on Saturday, June 24, and a goodie bag.
Participants of the one day trip are asked to bring their own water, water bottle, and
lunch. This trip starts at the Big Bend area just below Kinzua Dam, nine miles east of Warren. It
will end at Allegheny Outfitters Livery just east of Warren. Shuttles will then return everyone to
the Big Bend Recreation Area for the picnic supper.
The Saturday, June 24 picnic supper will start at 4 p.m. and is provided to participants of
both sojourns.
Also at this time, a tour of the Kinzua Dam just for sojourn registrants will be provided
by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Two time slots are available, 4 or 5 p.m. and the time slot
will be assigned by Penn Soil.
A limit of 25 people per tour a total of 50 is observed and security regulations require
a background check the week before for all wishing to attend the Kinzua Dam tour. Each person
wishing to reserve a spot needs to fill out the tour registration form with complete information or
call 814-726-1441.
Tour spots will be filled on a first come first served basis. Failure to provide all required
information will result in denial in participation of the tour. Deadline for submission of
registration material is 11:59 p.m. on June 16.
A sojourn is a guided paddle where people knowledgeable about the river give you a tour
of the waterway. Also education speakers will address subjects such as wildlife, history, birds,
forests, etc., along the way. Sojourns have become a very popular way to get people outdoors
and on the many waterways of Pennsylvania.
For all the details, visit the Allegheny River Wilderness Sojourn webpage or call
814-726-1441.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Celebrate And Enjoy PA Rivers: Participate In An Annual Sojourn
Local Partners, DCNR, DCED Celebrate Montour Trail As PA Trail Of The Year
To celebrate the Montour Trail in Allegheny

and Washington counties as the state's 2017
Trail of the Year, Wolf Administration officials
Thursday joined members of the Montour Trail
Council to cut a ribbon and break ground for
new trail segments.
Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined
Department of Community and Economic
Development Secretary Dennis Davin, council
members and partners on the trail in South Park
Township to officially open the newly completed Library Viaduct.
The Viaduct crosses over Route 88 and the Port Authority of Allegheny County light rail
tracks. A groundbreaking was held for a new segment that will continue eastward from Pleasant
St. to Wood St.
"Trails connect communities and destinations to each other; people to the outdoors and
healthy exercise; and attract visitors who spend money," Dunn said. "The Montour Trail is a
shining example of all of these connections, with user numbers that surpass 400,000 each year
and a path that ties together the Pittsburgh International Airport, the Great Allegheny Passage
and numerous communities along the way."
The Trail of the Year designation is coordinated by DCNR's Pennsylvania Trails
Advisory Committee to elevate public awareness of the thousands of miles of trails available for
public enjoyment in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the
recommendations of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to develop a
statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation and healthy
lifestyles.
DCNR has a goal of a trail within 15 minutes of every Pennsylvanian and is working with
partners to close a list of the top ten gaps in trail systems throughout the Commonwealth.
"To truly accomplish community development on the local level takes the understanding
and utilization of assets such as the Montour Trail," Davin said. "Enhancements like these
succeed in filling in trail gaps and further the work being done to help make fun and interesting
places to live, which is vital to the development of healthy and thriving communities."
Both Dunn and Davin noted the negative impacts to trails and tourism that a House
GOP-proposed budget would have, including the potential to eliminate the trails program and
related grants, as well as the damaging impacts to the state's economy if tourism marketing
continues to remain underfunded.
The 63-mile Montour Trail system occupies the right of way of the former Montour
Railroad and Peters Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad between Coraopolis and Clairton
in suburban Pittsburgh, making it one of the nation's longest non-motorized suburban rail-trails.
The Montour Trail Council was created in 1989 to oversee the construction, maintenance,
and operation of the Montour Trail.
"DCNR's Trail of the Year award is a great honor," said Montour Trail Council president
Ned Williams. "But the praise we treasure the most comes from the host communities that
appreciate the Montour Trail's presence, and from the local residents and visiting tourists who
demonstrate their enjoyment of the trail by using it."
The all-volunteer organization relies on volunteers, friends groups, community
organizations and numerous other partners to keep the trail in excellent condition.
The 98-year-old, 506-foot-long Library Viaduct was part of the Montour Railroad, which
primarily transported coal until its abandonment in 1978. The Montour Trail Council combined
federal, state, and foundation dollars with its own resources to rehabilitate the viaduct and the
trail connection to Pleasant St.
At Pleasant St., the trail is directly adjacent to the Port Authority of Allegheny County's
light rail station, allowing commuters to walk or ride a bike on the trail to meet a carpool and
enabling trail enthusiasts to reach the trail from Pittsburgh by public transit. The new 0.6-mile
segment will eliminate a trail gap that currently requires a detour onto a busy road.
The Montour Trail connects with Pittsburgh International Airport, the Panhandle Trail,
and the Great Allegheny Passage that stretches about 336 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington,
D.C.
Click Here for more information on the Montour Trail. For more information the more
than 600 trails covering almost 12,000 miles in Pennsylvania are featured on the site, visit the
Explore PA Trails website.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Click Here for upcoming
events. Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Kummer: Is Nature Healing? U.S. Military Aims To Find Out
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Turtles For Tots Program Helps Bring Kinds Out Of Their Shells
Three Rivers Arts Festival Must Sees In Pittsburgh
67 Things To Do At Eries Presque Isle State Park In June
Trail At Lake Scranton To Remain Closed 3-4 Weeks
Eckleys Miners Village Museum Festival To Have Irish Theme
Related Stories:
Montour Trail Named Pennsylvania 2017 Trail Of The Year
Mark Your Calendar: PRPS PA Greenways And Trail Summit Sept. 24-26 In Reading
National Road Heritage Corridor Receives Doppelt Family Train Development Grant
National Road Heritage Corridor Receives Doppelt Family Trail Development Grant
The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Thursday

announced the recipients of its 2017 Doppelt Family
Trail Development Fund grants, a fund to support
small, regional projects that are vital to trail systems
but often fall through the cracks of traditional funding
streams.
In total, RTC received over $5 million in
application requests for the 2017 grant cycle, a
number that has increased by nearly $1 million in the
past year, demonstrating the growing demand for trail
funding in communities nationwide.
In Pennsylvania, the National Road Heritage Corridor is receiving $7,500 for the
construction of the Marion segment of the Sheepskin Trail in Fayette County, which will close
an existing gap in the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition's Parkersburg-to-Pittsburgh corridor.
We are lucky to have the capacity to invest in a handful of these projects through the
Doppelt Fund, but the growing need far exceeds the funding available. These projects are vital to
the health of local and regional trail systems," said Jeff Doppelt, a philanthropist from Great
Neck, New York.
Established in 2015, The Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund is a way to move
forward critical projects that enhance health and transportation connectivity in their regions. A
listing of all Doppelt Fund grant recipients can be found on RTC's website.
Click Here for a full list of grant recipients.
For more information on rails-to-trails projects in Pennsylvania visit the Rails-To-Trails
Conservancy website. Click Here for the location of the over 1,787 miles of rails-to-trails in
Pennsylvania.
(Photo: Sheepskin Trail, Fayette County.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
The PA Recreation and Parks Society will hold the 2017 PA

Greenways and Trails Summit on September 24-26 at the DoubleTree
Hilton in Reading, Berks County.
Every other year, PRPS and the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources join forces with a local host committee to present
the state Greenways and Trails Summit.
The Summit provides trail professionals, volunteers, and advocates
with the essential information needed to build, manage, and maintain
trails throughout the Commonwealth. It garners over 225 attendees and
has been held in a number of locations with a variety of themes and
sessions.
The host organizations for this years Summit are the Schuylkill River
National & State Heritage Area and Berks Nature.
Watch the PRPS 2017 PA Greenways and Trails Summit webpage for more details.
For more information on programs, initiatives, special events, workshops and grant
opportunities, visit the PA Recreation and Park Society webpage. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from the Society and Like them on Facebook. Click Here to become a member.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
National Road Heritage Corridor Receives Doppelt Family Train Development Grant
D&L National Heritage Corridor Earns Smithsonian Institution Partnership
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is

Americas first National Heritage Area to receive an
important partnership designation from the
Smithsonian Institution.
The D&L will announce the designation on June 3 at
11:00 am at the National Canal Museum, located in
Eastons Hugh Moore Park, 2750 Hugh Moore Park
Road, Easton, Northampton County.
The announcement stems from the D&L and the
National Canal Museums recent merger. The D&L preserves the historic pathway that carried
anthracite and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia.
Today, the Corridor and 165-mile D&L Trail are a vital connection to nature, recreation,
our nations industrial heritage, and more than $250 million in annual economic impact. The
National Canal Museum is a regional leader in educational programming for children and adults.
The announcement on June 3 will coincide with National Trails Day on the D&L Trail
and the National Canal Museums 2017 season opening. The Museums special exhibit, The
Hidden History of Island Park will open to the public on the same day.
For more information programs, initiatives and upcoming event, visit the Delaware &
Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
D&L Corridor. Click Here to support Corridor programs.
NewsClips:
Centred Outdoors Connects Conservation, Good Health In Centre County
The Clearwater Conservancy, along with many

partnering organizations, this week launched
Centred Outdoors, an open invitation to free
guided adventures at nine outdoor destinations
around Centre County during the summer of
2017.
We applaud this new program, which is directly in line with an objective in our
statewide outdoor recreation plan connecting being active in the outdoors to health and
wellness, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
Outdoor recreation can be viewed as a way to address societal health care issues like
obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health. Scientific research links health and wellness
to those who are participating in outside recreation.
Making outdoor recreation a part of regular routine can be a prescription for wellness,
Dunn noted.
On June 11, the public is invited to a Family Fishing Picnic from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at
Tussey Mountain to mark the official kick-off of Centred Outdoors.
It will feature fishing and food, childrens activities, fly tying and fly casting stations,
kayaking, and guided and other wilderness workshops. Please RSVP by sending email to:
info@centredoutdoors.org.
Beginning June 18, Centred Outdoors events will take place every Sunday afternoon
from 2:00 5:00 p.m., and every Wednesday evening from 6:00 9:00 p.m., until August 20.
Events will feature guided hikes and additional outdoor activities for everyone to explore,
appreciate, and discover the natural locations in Centre County.
Participants who track their progress will earn credit on the Centred Outdoors website
and be eligible to win end-of-summer prizes for taking the Centred Outdoors Challenge.
Locations include Black Moshannon, Bald Eagle, and Poe Paddy state parks.
Emily Gates, Director of Strategic Partnerships at PA Recreation & Park Society
explains, Centred Outdoors, establishes the platform needed to unite various partners in health,
conservation, and recreation to achieve a common goal with immediate and long-term effects.
For more information, visit the Centred Outdoors website.
(Photo: Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte, Centre County.)
own copy.)
Children Provide Design Ideas For New Lebanon Playground
Children provided their input for a new playspace in the City

of Lebanon by drawing pictures of their dream playgrounds.
These drawings will inspire elements of a new playground that
will be built on September 16 at Southwest Park by municipal,
organization, and business officials, as well as many
community volunteers.
Parents and community members recently met for the first
meeting of the playground planning committee that will work
for the next several months to plan and prepare for the
construction of the new playground.
DCNR provided grant funding for the project.
Hats off to the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the City of Lebanon, KaBOOM!, and
other key players supporting this new playground, said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
This is exactly the type of collaboration DCNR seeks when it weighs the merits of a
grant application. Our department is making a concerted effort to get more young people
outdoors and into its state parks and forests, and projects like this make our job easier and our
youngsters healthier.
Click Here for more details. Click Here to learn more about recreation facilities in
Lebanon.
own copy.)
May 31 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The May 31 edition of the Resource

newsletter is now available from the
Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources featuring stories
on--
-- Celebrate And Enjoy PA Rivers:
Participate In An Annual Sojourn
-- DCNR, Indian Creek Valley ATV
Club Officials Dedicate Fayette
County Land Acquisition
-- Gov. Wolf Honors Forestry Wildfire Fighters For Combatting 16 Mile Fire In Pike, Monroe
Counties
-- DCNR, Local Partners, Dedicate Key Shikellamy State Park Land Acquisitions In Union
County
-- DCNR Secretary Says House Republican Budget Would Impact Capability, Efficiency Of
Agency
-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives International Accessibility Award For Silhouette Trail
-- Centred Outdoors Connects Conservation, Good Health In Centre County
-- Children Provide Design Ideas For New Lebanon Playground
-- Game Commission, DCNR Partner To Restore Thousands Of Acres For Ruffed Grouse,
Woodcock Habitat
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNRs website, Click Here for upcoming events. Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online
Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Agriculture: Pennsylvanians Urged To Vaccinate Pets, Take Precautions Against Rabies
As Pennsylvanians enjoy outdoor activities across the

Keystone State, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
Friday offered a series of tips to reduce the threat of
rabies, such as vaccinating pets and staying clear of
wild animals.
Rabies is a year-round threat to human safety as well
as our pets and livestock, but warmer months bring
greater potential for encounters with wildlife that can
harbor the disease, said Secretary Redding. By
avoiding contact with wild mammals and vaccinating
your dogs and cats for rabies, you and your family can
stay safe.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous systems of mammals, including humans,
and is nearly always fatal. The incubation period for rabies in humans is usually three to eight
weeks, but can be as short as one week and as long as nine years.
It is never too late to seek medical attention for a potential rabies exposure.
Exposure to the rabies virus can occur in multiple ways:
-- Direct bite from a contagious rabid mammal;
-- Scratch from a rabid mammal that breaks the skin;
-- Saliva or neural tissue from a contagious rabid animal contacting an open wound or break in
the skin; or
-- Saliva or neural tissue from a contagious rabid animal contacting mucus membranes, such as
in the eyes, nose or mouth.
Washing a bite or scratch immediately with soap and water can reduce the risk of rabies
significantly.
Pennsylvania law requires all dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older to be
vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain
lifelong immunity.
Failure to comply with the law may result in a fine of up to $300.
The departments Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement checks for proof of vaccination as
part of its statewide dog license canvassing efforts.
Pets and other domestic animals exposed to rabid animals will be quarantined.
Quarantine length depends on the rabies vaccination status of the exposed domestic animal. If
you have other pets or livestock, consult your veterinarian about vaccinating those animals.
People should avoid contact with wild animals and take precautions to limit contact
between their domestic animals and wild animals. In particular, avoid wild animals acting
abnormally including feral cats.
Symptoms include unusual aggression, daytime activity by nocturnal species, lethargy,
drooling and paralysis. Not all animals show every sign. Most neurological or behavioral
abnormalities could potentially be rabies.
If you encounter an animal that you suspect may have rabies, contact your local law
enforcement or Game Commission office. Your regional Department of Agriculture office can
assist in safely preparing and submitting the animal for rabies testing.
If you may have been exposed to the rabies virus, seek immediate medical attention.
For more information on rabies and human health, visit the Department of Healths
Rabies webpage or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The departments website also hosts information
on the number of rabies cases reported per month and per year, including county-by-county
breakdowns.
For more information on protecting your pets and livestock from rabies, visit the
Department of Agricultures Rabies webpage or contact Shanice Taylor at 717-783-6533 or send
email to: shanitaylo@pa.gov.
2017 Save Our Susquehanna Buttons Available June 1 From Fish Commission
The new 2017 S.O.S. Save Our Susquehanna button will be

available for purchase beginning June 1. A fishing license is required
to purchase the $10 button and all profits from the button sales will
go to fund the campaign.
The PFBC launched its campaign in 2015 and announced that a
portion of license sales and proceeds from the button would be
dedicated to funding water and soil conservation projects along the
Susquehanna River, whose young Smallmouth Bass population has
been plagued by illness and elevated mortality rates.
To date, more than $81,000 has been donated and the PFBC has
contributed $50,000 in matching funds. Last year the first S.O.S.
project was started, which involves making improvements to five
farm properties along Limestone Run in Montour and
Northumberland counties.
The PFBC will commit another $50,000 in matching funds when donations reach
$100,000.
Fishing licenses and buttons can be purchased online through the PFBCs Outdoor Shop
or at any of 900 licensing agents across the Commonwealth. Donations can also be sent by check
to S.O.S. Save Our Susquehanna, PFBC, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106.
NewsClips:
Fish Commission Moves To Protect Local Hatcheries From New Zealand Mudsnails
Schneck: What is Water Week? How To Get In On The Action
Brodhead Creek Still A Haven For Trout Fisherman In Monroe County
(Reprinted from the May/June Currents newsletter from the Fish & Boat Commission. Click
Here to sign up for your own copy.)
May/June Currents Newsletter Now Available From Fish & Boat Commission
The May/June edition of the Currents newsletter is now

available from the Fish and Boat Commission featuring
articles on--
-- PFBC Biologist Jordan Allison Earns Governors Award
For Excellence
-- Survey Shows Big Largemouth Bass In Lackawanna
Lake
-- 2017 Save Our Susquehanna Buttons Available June 1
(photo)
-- Cambria County Reservoir Contains High Quality
Panfish Populations
-- 3 Family Fishing Festivals Scheduled For June
-- July 4 Marks Next Fish-For-Free Day
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Fish and
Boat Commission website.
NewsClips:
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives Highest Charity Navigator Rating For 3rd Year
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County recently

earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator,
America's largest independent charity monitor. This
is the third consecutive year that the organization
holds the highest possible rating.
The Sanctuary received this top distinction due to its
impressive financial health and commitment to
accountability and transparency. Hawk Mountain
received an overall score of 92.24, with a perfect
score in Accountability and Transparency.
These metrics show that the organization is focused
on ethical practices and a solid relationship with its
donors and supporters.
"Hawk Mountain's exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates
it trustworthiness to the public," according to Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity
Navigator. "Based on the 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a
financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support the Sanctuary."
Thatcher goes on to explain, "Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Hawk Mountain
Sanctuary exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in the same area of work.
Only 25 percent of the charities we evaluate have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star
evaluations, indicating that Hawk Mountain Sanctuary outperforms most other charities in
America."
"It is important that our supporters understand that we are using their donations wisely to
accomplish our mission of conservation and education," said Hawk Mountain Interim President
Dr. Keith Bildstein. "We are proud of what we do at the Sanctuary, and we know that we do it
well and with utmost financial responsibility."
Hawk Mountain's rating and other information about charitable giving are available free
of charge on the Charity Navigator website.
The 2,500-acre Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the worlds first refuge for birds of prey and
is open to the public year-round by trail-fee or membership, which in turn supports the nonprofit
organizations raptor conservation mission and local-to-global research, training, and education
programs.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates
from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of
their Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel. Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.
NewsClips:
Schneck: Video Traces Lives From Egg To Near Fledging
Hayes: Grouse, Woodcock Habitat Continues To Decline
Crable: Pheasants In PA: End Of The Trail?
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Water Supply Distribution System Project In Lancaster

County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the June 3 PA Bulletin of the
opportunity to bid on a hazardous site cleanup water supply distribution system in Lancaster
County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
Interns Wanted: Allegheny Land Trust Conservation, Other Internship Openings

The Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Land Trust has openings for three summer intern positions for
conservation, marketing and special projects. Applications are due June 12. Click Here for all
the details.
Help Wanted: DEP Blasting & Explosives Inspector, Schuylkill County
Department of Environmental Protection is now

recruiting to fill one vacancy for a Blasting and
Explosives Inspector in Schuylkill County.
This is technical work in regulating the purchase,
storage, handling and use of explosives in an assigned
geographical area of the Commonwealth. Must be
willing to travel; travel expenses will be paid.
Employee in this class performs a variety of inspection,
investigation and enforcement activities involving the
Commonwealth's blasting and explosives program.
Additional duties include preparing technical investigation reports; working with blasting
sites to correct violations; and reviewing and recommending action on requests for blast plan
approval and applications for blasting activity permits.
In order to be considered, applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, pass the civil
service exam for Blasting and Explosives Inspector, and meet the following requirements: A
bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences; OR four years of experience in the
handling and use of explosives, including a minimum of two years as a lead blaster, blasting
foreman or blasting operations supervisor.
Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a Class A "General" blaster's license
issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and possession of a valid Pennsylvania
commercial driver's license with hazardous materials (H) endorsement
The salary is $46,944 annually, with excellent benefits.
Have job-specific questions about these opportunities? Please contact the Department of
Environmental Protection at 717-783-6220 or send email to: DEPJobs@pa.gov. Have questions
about the application and testing process? Please call the State Civil Service Commission at
717-783-3058.
How to Apply: Apply online at the State Civil Service Commission website. Log in to
the Online Services section of the homepage and select View Open Announcements and Apply
from the menu. Reference announcement #2012-010 for Blasting and Explosives Inspector to
submit your application and schedule your exam.
(Photo: This is NOT the correct way to conduct blasting operations.)
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published its 2017 schedule of advisory committee and board meeting in the
December 17 PA Bulletin, page 7896.
June 5-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meeting tentative agenda-- Senate Bill 624
(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which retroactively changes the protection streams receive under Act 54
from underground coal mining (Click Here for more); Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware)
would prevent a funding crisis in the states Recycling Program by eliminating the expiration
date for the Act 101 $2 per ton recycling fee on waste disposed in Pennsylvania (Click Here for
more); Senate Bill 561 (Disanto-R-Dauphin) which requires an up or down vote by the General
Assembly on every final regulation approved by the Independent Regulatory Review
Commission if that regulation has a fiscal impact of $1 million or more. If the General
Assembly does not vote, the regulation would die (Click Here for more). Rules Room. Off the
Floor.
June 5-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on legislation amending the Utility
Line Protection Act. Room B-31 Main Capitol. 10:00.
June 5-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 1490
(Turzai-R-Allegheny) to place the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority under the Public Utility
Commission (sponsor summary). Room 60 East Wing. Off the Floor.
June 5-- NEW. Senate Finance Committee meets to consider House Bill 1071 (Farry-R-Bucks)
to prevent the imposition of a ban, fee or surcharge on recyclable plastic bags (House Fiscal Note
and summary). Room 8E-A, East Wing. 10:00.
June 5-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee Public
Input Session. Radisson Hotel Harrisburg in Camp Hill near Harrisburg. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
June 5-- DEP Listening Session On Proposed Uses Of Volkswagen Settlement Fund To Reduce
Air Pollution. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00 to
Noon.
June 5-8-- Air & Waste Management Association Annual Conference. Pittsburgh.
June 6-- House State Government Committee holds a hearing on state government regulations:
burdens, abuses and legislative oversight. Room 60 East Wing. 9:00. (Click Here for more
background.) Although not confirmed, hearings are usually webcast on the House Republican
Caucus website.
June 6-- NEW. House State Government Committee meets to consider House Resolution 284
(Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys MS4
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary). Room G-50, Irvis Building. Off
The Floor. (Click Here for more background.)
June 6-- House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee meets to consider House
Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing for landowner liability protection for opening land
for use by snowmobiles and ATVs (sponsor summary). Room G-50 Irvis Building. 9:00.
June 6-- Agenda Posted. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach,
717-772-5599 or send email to: dheimbach@pa.gov.
-- Corrosion Risks In Underground Storage Tanks
-- Presentation on ePermitting
-- Technical Guidance Document & Regulation Updates
-- Click Here for available handouts
June 6-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or
484-250-5818.
-- Presentation by Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
-- Presentation by Chesapeake Bay Program Diversity Workgroup
-- Legislative Update
-- Air Quality Monitoring Update
June 6-- CANCELED. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286
Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, agaida@pa.gov or
724-404-3147. (formal notice)
June 7-- Agenda Posted. DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622 or
send email to: sbox@pa.gov.
-- PEMA Efforts In PA Coastal Zones
-- Coastal Zone Grants update
-- Climate Adaptation Planning & Community Resiliency
June 7-- CANCELED. DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room
206, Bureau of Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact:
Aaren Alger, aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200. (formal notice)
June 7-- DEP Listening Session On Proposed Uses Of Volkswagen Settlement Fund To Reduce
Air Pollution. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third St., Williamsport. 10:00 to
Noon.
June 7-- DCNR PA Trails Advisory Committee Public Forum. Murrysville Community Center,
3091 Carson Ave, Murrysville, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 7-- Green Building Alliance Integrative Design Workshop With 7Group. Phipps
Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Drive in Pittsburgh. 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
June 8-- CANCELED. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, dhissner@pa.gov or
June 8-- DEP Finding Pennsylvanias Solar Future Planning Group. Rangos Room at Carnegie
Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Live streaming
option available.
June 8-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps
Garden Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 9-10-- Brodhead Watershed Association Native Plant Sale. Pocono Township Fire
Companys carnival building on Route 611, Tannersville, Monroe County.
June 11-14-- American Water Works Association ACE17 Annual Conference & Exposition.
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.
June 12-- House State Government Committee holds a hearing on entities regulated by the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission to investigate concerns of regulatory overreach by the
Commission. Susquehanna University, Stretansky Hall, 514 University Ave, Selinsgrove. 9:30.
June 12-- DEP hearing on Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Chapter 102 and 105 permits. Tunkhannock
Middle School Auditorium, Tunkhannock Middle School, 200 Franklin Avenue, Tunkhannock,
Wyoming County, 6-9 p.m.; To register contact: Colleen Connolly, Northeast Regional Office,
(570) 826-2035, coconolly@pa.gov.
June 12-- DEP hearing on Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Chapter 102 and 105 permits. Max Smith
Auditorium, Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd, Lancaster, Lancaster County,
6-9 p.m.; To register contact: Megan Lehman, Northcentral Regional Office, (570) 327-3659,
meglehman@pa.gov.
June 13-- NEW. Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee holds a
hearing reviewing the Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act
Programs. Room 8E-B East Wing. 9:00. (Click Here for more background.)
June 13-- DEP Listening Session On Proposed Uses Of Volkswagen Settlement Fund To
Reduce Air Pollution. DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 10:00 to
Noon.
June 13-- DEP hearing on Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Chapter 102 and 105 permits. Bloomsburg
High School Auditorium, Bloomsburg High School, 1200 Railroad St, Bloomsburg, Columbia
County, 6-9 p.m; To register contact: Megan Lehman, Northcentral Regional Office, (570)
327-3659, meglehman@pa.gov.
June 14-- NEW. House Local Government Committee meets to consider House Bill 927 (Rader
mandating curbside leaf pick up programs (sponsor summary). Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:30.
June 14-- Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting on its draft budget for FY 2018
and water withdrawal requests. Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River
Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30. (formal notice)
June 14-- DEP hearing on Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Chapter 102 and 105 permits. Lutz Hall,
Lebanon Valley College, 101 College Ave, Annville, Lebanon County, 6-9 p.m.; To register
contact: Megan Lehman, Northcentral Regional Office, (570) 327-3659, meglehman@pa.gov.
June 14-- PA Environmental Council Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner. Crystal Tea
Room, 100 East Penn Square, Philadelphia. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
June 15-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436. (formal
notice)
Reduce Air Pollution. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 10:00 to
Noon.
June 16-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission business meeting. Lake Raystown Resort,
River Birch Ballroom, 3101 Chipmunk Crossing, Entriken, Huntingdon County. 9:00. (formal
notice and agenda) (Click Here for more.)
June 17-18-- Intro To Backpacking In Tracy Ridge Wilderness Allegheny National Forest.
Warren County.
June 17-23-- Registration Open. 2017 Delaware River Sojourn.
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
June 19-22-- Jennings Environmental Education Center Experiencing Your Environment

Through Conservation Youth Camp - Grades 10 to 12. Butler County.
June 20-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP
Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
June 20-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Lee Ann Murray, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA
17105-8459, 717-705-2693, LeeMurray@pa.gov.
June 21-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Operators meeting. 10th
Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri Sansoni,
717-772-5158, csansoni@pa.gov.
June 21-22-- Registration Open. PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Best Western
Plus Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre. Click Here for more information.
Reduce Air Pollution. DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville. 10:00 to
Noon.
June 22-- DEP Hearings On A Proposed State Air Quality Implementation Plan Amendment for
RACT II controls on nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound emissions for 4 facilities:
Blommer Chocolate Company in Upper Hanover Township, Montgomery County-- hearing
starts at 9:00 a.m.; Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp in Upper Gwynedd Township, Montgomery
County-- hearing starts at 11:00 a.m.; Braskem America, Inc. in Marcus Hook Borough,
Delaware County-- hearing starts at 1:00 p.m.; Exelon Generation, Falls Township, Bucks
County-- hearing starts at 3:00 p.m.. DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street,
Norristown. To pre-register to speak at the the hearing contact: Virginia Cain, DEP
environmental Community Relations Specialist, 484-250-5808. DEP Program Contact: James
Beach, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 484-250-5920. (formal notice, PA Bulletin beginning on
page 2939)
Reduce Air Pollution. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh. 10:00 to
Noon.
June 24-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Quaker Valley High
School, Leetsdale, Allegheny County.
June 24-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association Get Outdoors Poconos Mount Nebo Hike.
Monroe County.
June 28-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Troy Conrad at 717-783-9480 or send email to:
tconrad@pa.gov. (formal notice)
June 29-- DEP Water, Wastewater Resilience Planning Workshop. DEPs Southcentral Regional
Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
July 5-- NEW. DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Pollution Controls For Wood-Mode, Inc. in
Middlecreek Township, Snyder County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third
Street Williamsport. 10:00.
July 5-- NEW. DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Pollution Controls For Resilite Sports Products,
Inc. in Northumberland County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street in
Williamsport. 10:00.
July 11-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, mbrojakows@pa.gov or 717-772-3429.
(formal notice)
July 12-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Underground Mining

Equipment. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact
Peggy Scheloske, mscheloske@pa.gov or 724-404-3143.
July 12-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems: Metering
and Billing Operations. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:30 to 3:30.
July 13-- NEW. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, dhissner@pa.gov or
July 14-- NEW. Penn State Extension Community Tree Management Workshop. Milford
Township Building, 2100 Krammes Road, Quakertown, Bucks County. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
July 15-- NEW. Penn State Extension Community Tree Management Workshop. Penn State
University Lehigh Valley Campus, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, Lehigh County.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
July 22-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Consol Energy Park,
Washington County.
July 26-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov
or 717-783-9269.
July 29-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. La Roche College,

McCandless, Allegheny County.
August 1-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or 484-250-5818.
August 9-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730 or diawilson@pa.gov.
August 12-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall, West
Mifflin, Allegheny County.
August 16-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems:
Fundamentals of Leakage and Pressure Management. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
8:30 to 3:30.
August 17-- CANCELED. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to:
twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
August 17-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD. 1:00.
August 19-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Boyce Park,
Allegheny County.
August 23-- Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
September 13-- NEW. DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room
206, Bureau of Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact:
Aaren Alger, aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200. (formal notice)
September 13-- PA Section of the American Water Works Association. Small Water System
Rates & Finance Workshop. PA American Water, 2736 Ellwood Road in New Castle, Lawrence
County. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
September 16-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County.
September 21-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
joint meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
September 24-26-- NEW. PA Recreation and Parks Society PA Greenways and Trails Summit.
Reading, Berks County.
October 4-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, rjanati@pa.gov or 717-787-2147.
October 5-- DCNR Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Council meeting. Promised Land State
Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, Pike County. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennie Shade,
October 5-- PA Section of the American Water Works Association. Small Water System
Improving Drinking Water Quality Workshop. Lehigh County Authority, 1053 Spruce Street,
Wescosville, Lehigh County. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 7-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Allegheny County.
October 14-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
Beaver County.
November 1-- Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
November 14-- NEW. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or
484-250-5818.
November 16-- CANCELED. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to:
twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
December 5-7-- National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.

LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
June 4-- Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute For Youths 13-15

June 5-- NRCS PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Grants
June 10-- PA Horticultural Society Gardening & Greening Contest
June 20-- EPA Clean Diesel National Grants
June 23-- NEW. Delaware River Watershed Research Proposals Letter Of Intent
June 30-- Centers Of Dairy, Beef Excellence Farm Compliance Grants
June 30-- Susquehanna Greenways Partnership 2017 Photo Contest
June 30-- State Fire Commissioner Emergency Response Grants Related To Gas Wells
July 7-- ARIPPA Mine Reclamation Mini-Grants
July 14-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
July 14-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
July 14-- CFA Solar Energy Program
July 14-- CFA High Performance Building Program
August 18-- SBA Flood Disaster Economic Injury Assistance In Northcentral PA
September 1-- American Chestnut Foundation Chestnut Photo Contest
September 5-- SBA Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Economic Injury NC PA
September 7-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Thru The Seasons Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Program
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Program
September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
December 15-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
Environmental Rights: 5 Facts About The Pennsylvania Constitution

Politics
AP: Gifts Reported By PA Lawmakers In 2016
Gift Regulations Supporters Try Rarely-Successful Process To Move Bill
Air
Air Pollution Increases Regional Health Risks In Allegheny County
Life Smells Better After Shenango
Awards & Recognition
PEC: Environmental Leaders Honored At 2017 Western PA Awards Dinner
Crable: Lancaster Native Wins Poultry Science Award At Penn State
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
Coal Mining
A New Mine In Somerset County Marks Bright Spot In Troubled Coal Industry
Coal Miners, No Relic Of The Past
Compliance Action
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Pittsburgh Water Authority Halts Partial Lead Water Line Replacement
Pittsburgh Water Authority Suspends Partial Lead Water Line Replacement
Twp To Vote On Public Water Or Wells For 128 Homes In Cumberland County
Tests Show Plum Schools Water Supply Is Lead Free
Education
Emergency Response
Wolf Appeals Trump Decision On Snow Storm Relief In Wilkes-Barre
Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant Siren Test Next Week
Energy
Lawmakers Bill On Borough Electric System Oversight Would Cripple Budgets
PPL Customers: Call This Number To Slash Your Bill By 7 Percent
Energy Conservation
DOE Release Of Appliance Efficiency Standards Applauded
Environmental Heritage
Rachel Carson Homestead Hosts Party For Conservationists 110th Birthday
Environmental Justice
Letter: Environmental Justice Meeting In Lancaster Worthwhile
Farming
Green Building Alliance: Food & Sustainability June 6 Pittsburgh
Mites Transmitting Viruses That Kill Bee Colonies
Spring Brings Out Self-Taught Expert Bee Warm Collectors
25 Things Happening At Presque Isle State Park For Pollinator Week In Erie
Crable: Lancaster Native Wins Poultry Science Award At Penn State
Flooding
FEMA Visit Could Benefit Flood Insurance Holders In Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre Levee Systems Relief Wells Set For Inspection
Forests
Geologic Hazards
Sinkhole Forms At New Palmyra Fire Station
Hazardous Waste
DEP Demands More Information On Proposed Bucks Hazardous Waste Facility
Land Recycling
Jeannette Glass $6 Million Demolition, Remediation
Mine Reclamation
Family Reclaiming Old Mine Sites Under 1999 DEP Program At No Cost To Taxpayers
Oil & Gas
Many Allegheny County Communities Not Ready For Shale Gas Drilling Rebound
Letter: Fracked Gas Health Hazard
Pipelines
Couple Who Vowed To Fight Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline Handed Defeat By Court
Op-Ed: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Path To Prosperity, Speaker Turzai
Op-Ed: Reversing The Laurel Pipeline Between Pittsburgh, Altoona Good For PA
Sen. Eichelberger Discusses Health Care, Education, Pipelines At Meeting
Sunoco Pipeline CEO Heads To Ohio
U.S. Chamber Prods Senate For Quick Vote On Trump FERC Nominees
Personnel
McGinty Lands New Job, Hopes To Boost Phillys Life-Sciences Profile
Radiation Protection
Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant Siren Test Next Week
Radon
Very High Radon Levels Found In Cumberland County
AP: DEP Warns Of High Radon Levels In Hampden Twp, Cumberland County
Recreation
PA Parks Fill With Campers, Anglers, Day-Trippers
This Hole On Schuylkill River Trail Will Cost $1 Million To Fix
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
$100 Carbon Tax By 2030 Could Save Climate, Economists Say
Letter: Ready For 100 Renewable Energy Campaign
Renewable Energy Expected To Continue Growth Despite Trump
Sustainability
Green Building Alliance: Food & Sustainability June 6 Pittsburgh
Wastewater Facilities
Scranton Council Asks Attorney General To Look Into Sewer System Sale
Editorial: Mayor Keeper Of Scranton Sewer Authority Secrets
Watershed Protection
Stroud Water Research Center Road Rally For Fresh Water June 11 In Chester, Lancaster
Counties
Wildlife
Schneck: Video Traces Lives From Egg To Near Fledging
Hayes: Grouse, Woodcock Habitat Continues To Decline
Crable: Pheasants In PA: End Of The Trail?
Mites Transmitting Viruses That Kill Bee Colonies
Spring Brings Out Self-Taught Expert Bee Warm Collectors
25 Things Happening At Presque Isle State Park For Pollinator Week In Erie
West Nile/Zika Virus
Mosquito Monitoring Found No Zika Virus In Lancaster County Last Year
West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In York County
Other
Family Members Convey Flight 93 Victims Legacy To Next Generation
Federal Policy
DOE Release Of Appliance Efficiency Standards Applauded
Renewable Energy Expected To Continue Growth Despite Trump
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - June 3, 2017
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 34 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the June 3 PA Bulletin - pages 3119 to 3153.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the June 3 PA Bulletin of the
availability of final technical guidance on Cryptosporidia, E. coli and Turbidity Lab Reporting
Instructions for Drinking Water System. Search for DEP ID: 390-3301-001 in DEPs eLibrary
after it is posted. Questions regarding this technical guidance document should be directed to
Pauline Risser by sending email to: parisser@pa.gov or call 717-772-5970.
The State Conservation Commission published notice in the June 3 PA Bulletin of updated
standard animal weights under the concentrated animal operation regulatory program.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. This Digest is 93 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know you can search 14 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens
of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.
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PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers

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PaEnvironmentDigest June 5, 2017

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #675 Harrisburg, PA June 5, 2017

Budget Challenges Part I: Will General Assembly Continue Systematic Dismantling Of

June 5 is the opening day of this years sprint to a final

Budget Challenges Part II: PA Environmental Restoration, Park, Land Conservation

Funding for watershed restoration, mine reclamation,

The Trump Administration is proposing 30 to 40 percent cuts in FY

By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal

Pennsylvania needs a realistic plan showing how it will

On May 26 the Environmental Hearing Board assessed a

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated] /Govs Schedule/ Bills

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced last week--

Exempting High Tunnel Structures: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting

PUC Oversight Of Pittsburgh Water Authority: House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)

Session Schedule [Updated]

News From The Capitol

House Committee Holds June 6 Hearing On Regulatory Burdens, Abuses, Oversight

Resolution Urging Repeal Of MS4 Stormwater Program On House Committee Agenda

Joint Conservation Committee Hearing On Act 101 Recycling Programs June 13

The Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation

News From Around The State

Academy Of Natural Sciences Accepting Delaware River Watershed Research Proposals

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is

Stormwater Pollutant Reduction Plans are

Controlling Invasive Plants In Floodplain Restoration, Riparian Buffer Areas

Case Study: Long-Term Management Of Green Infrastructure At Butterfly Acres

Butterfly Acres is a housing development

June Watershed Restoration Newsletter Now Available From LandStudies

The June edition of the newsletter from

Penn State Extension will hold two Community Tree

Join the Sustainable Business Network of Greater

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday announced

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday issued its second environmental

EPA Announces Brownfields Revitalization Grants, Including 8 In PA

Hearing July 5 On RACT II Air Pollution Controls For Facility In Northumberland

The Department of Environmental Protection is scheduled to hold a hearing July 5 on a proposed

Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday approved an underground injection control

June News & Views Newsletter Now Available From DEP

The June issue of News and Views from the

Public Utility Commission Wednesday alerted consumers that on

Exelon To Retire Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant In 2019

Exelon Tuesday announced it will prematurely

By Christina Someone, Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania

Billions of dollars in new gas generation investments

The U.S. Energy Information Administration

Trump Announcement Withdrawing From Paris Accord Anti-Climatic

President Donald J. Trump Thursday announced the United States

Pittsburghs Commitment To Sustainability Driving Solutions To Stormwater, Energy Use,

Pittsburghs commitment to a sustainable future is driving the

Green Building Groups Demonstrate Performance Of Above-Code Buildings June 6 In

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council, Green

FracTracker Susquehanna River Basin Impacts Project Forums June 6, 14, 15

The FracTracker Susquehanna River Basin Impacts

The University City Review reported

Harmony Presents will produce a

The Brodhead Watershed Association will host another

Celebrate And Enjoy PA Rivers: Participate In An Annual Sojourn

They have shaped and nurtured Pennsylvania's