Professional Documents
Culture Documents
30, 2017
Final Budget Bills Littered With Bad Environmental Riders; A Budget That Failed To
Address ANY Environmental Shortfalls
Senate Sends Natural Gas Pipeline Safety, PA One Call Bill To Governor:
https://goo.gl/qer4hZ
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the
Governor's desk for action--
Budget - State-Related Universities-- Senate Bill 325 (University of Pennsylvania), Senate Bill
326 (Penn State), Senate Bill 327 (Pitt), Senate Bill 328 (Temple), Senate Bill 329 (Lincoln
University)-- were signed into law Friday by Gov. Wolf.
Budget - Tax Code: House Bill 542 (Thomas-D-Philadelphia) budget-related tax and borrowing
provisions to implement the FY 2017-18 budget. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.
Click Here for more.
Budget - Fiscal Code: House Bill 674 (Bernstine-R- Beaver) amending the Fiscal Code to
implement the FY 2017-18 General Fund budget. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is
available. Click Here for more.
Budget - Administrative Code: House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne) amends the Administrative
Code with the Senate-passed budget revenue package-- WITH a series of environmental riders.
One provision removes the sunset date for the $2/ton Recycling Fee. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available. Click Here for more.
Noxious Weeds: House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) repeal the Noxious Weed Control Law
and replace with the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available.
Utility Line Safety: Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R- Luzerne) adding unconventional and larger
conventional natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call utility safety program. House Fiscal
Note and summary.
Construction Code: House Bill 176 (Pickett-R-Susquehanna) amending the Construction Code
to exempt roadside farm stands. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. Signed into
law as Act 35.
Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R- Allegheny) making changes to the process
for adopting amendments to the Uniform Construction Code. A Senate Fiscal Note and
summary is available. Signed into law as Act 36.
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
House
Budget - Fiscal Code: House Bill 674 (Bernstine-R- Beaver) was amended with a variety of
provisions related to implementing the $31.9 billion General Fund budget, reported from the
Senate Appropriations Committee and passed by the Senate. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary
is available. The bill was concurred in by the House by a vote of 109 to 75 and now goes to the
Governor for his action. Click Here for more.
Noxious Weeds: House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) repeal the Noxious Weed Control Law
and replace with the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act was reported from the House Rules
Committee and was concurred in by the House and now goes to the Governor for his action. A
House Fiscal Note and summary is available.
Severance Tax: House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends the Tax Code to impose
a sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production was amended to divert all revenues to the General Fund and NO money for
environmental programs and add provisions related to minimum landowner oil and gas royalties
was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Coal, Nuclear Power Pricing: House Resolution 576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) urging the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission to quickly implement policies to ensure baseload electricity
generation (like coal and nuclear) are compensated for all the positive attributes they provide to
the electric system was amended to make it a House-only resolution and reported out of the
House Consumer Affairs Committee and adopted by the House by a vote of 176 to 9.
Senate
Budget - Tax Code: House Bill 542 (Thomas-D-Philadelphia) budget-related tax and borrowing
provisions to implement the FY 2017-18 budget was reported from the Senate Rules Committee
and passed by a vote of 29 to 21. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now
goes to the Governor for his action. Click Here for more.
Utility Line Safety: Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R- Luzerne) adding unconventional and larger
conventional natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call utility safety program (House Fiscal
Note and summary) was reported from the Senate Rules Committee and concurred in by the
Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action. Click Here for more.
Pittsburgh Water Authority: House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) placing the Pittsburgh
Water and Sewer Authority under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission was amended
on the Senate Floor and was passed by the Senate. The bill returns to the House for a
concurrence vote.
Limiting Term Of Fish Commission Executive Director: Senate Bill 935 (Scarnati-R-
Jefferson) would limit the term of the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission to
eight years was reported from the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee by party-line vote
(Republicans supporting), referred into and out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and
passed by a vote of 34 to 16. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now goes
to the House for action.
Local Clean Energy Funding: Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) would authorize local
governments to create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency, renewable
energy and water conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to reduce their
operating costs was amended and reported out of the Senate Community, Economic and
Recreational Development Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Lawn Fertilizer: Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R-Franklin) requiring law fertilizer applicators to be
certified in application techniques and creates an education program was reported from the
Senate Appropriations Committee and is on the Senate Calendar for action. Click Here for more.
Coal/Nuclear Power Pricing: Senate Resolution 227 (Aument-R- Lancaster) urging the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission to quickly implement policies to ensure baseload electricity
generation (like coal and nuclear) are compensated for all the positive attributes they provide to
the electric system (sponsor summary) was reported out of the Senate Consumer Protection and
Professional Licensure Committee, amended on the Senate Floor to make it a Senate Resolution
only and was adopted by the Senate by a vote of 42 to 8.
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 (Nov. 13): House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends the Tax Code to
impose a sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on
natural gas production was amended to divert all revenues to the General Fund and NO money
for environmental programs and add provisions related to minimum landowner oil and gas
royalties; House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor
summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Nov. 13): Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) would authorize local governments to
create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency, renewable energy and water
conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to reduce their operating costs;
Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R-Franklin) requiring law fertilizer applicators to be certified in
application techniques and creates an education program. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill
Calendar.
House: the House Republican Policy Committee holds a hearing on the impact of the
permanent drilling moratorium being proposed by the Delaware River Basin Commission in
Wayne County. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on lead
exposure and mitigation in Luzerne County <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
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.
Bills Introduced
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
November 13, 14, 15
December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
House
November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22,
December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
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.
The Feds
President Trump Nominates J. Steven Gardner To Lead Federal Office Of Surface Mining
Senate Passes Bill Limiting The Term Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Directors
The Senate Wednesday voted 34 to 16 to pass Senate Bill 935 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which
would limit the term of the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission to eight years.
Executive Directors are now selected by the Commission Board. The current Executive
Director-- John Arway-- was named to the position by the Board in March of 2010.
Arway has been a leading advocate for the Resource First policy, protecting and restoring
watersheds and for taking steps to put the Fish and Boat Commission on a sound financial
footing.
The bill now goes to the House for action. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is
available.
NewsClip:
Bob Frye: Not So Subtle: Attempt To Limit Term Of Fish Commission Executive Director
[Posted: Oct. 25, 2017]
The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee voted to amend
and reported out Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) that would authorize local governments
to create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency, renewable energy and
water conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to reduce their operating
costs.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy program is a proven-successful economic
development tool that enhances property values and employment opportunities; lowers the cost
of doing business; and expands the use of energy saving technologies, said Sen. John Blake
prime sponsor of the bill. Our legislation would give Pennsylvania businesses an opportunity to
make costly energy-saving upgrades with a creative, market-driven funding mechanism that does
not spend a dime of taxpayer money.
Under Senate Bill 234, PACE financing-- which can be used to purchase new heating and
cooling systems, lighting improvements, solar panels, water pumps and insulation-- would be
repaid in the form of a voluntary property tax assessment on the specific, improved building.
PACE is a commonsense, voluntary program, that doesnt cost taxpayers a penny.
PACE increases the use of energy-saving and environmentally-conscious technology, saves
businesses money, and will create family-sustaining jobs throughout the commonwealth because
of sales and installations, said Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny) a co-sponsor of the bill.
I look forward to working with my colleagues and the dozens of organizations that support the
proposed PACE legislation.
A local government would be able to choose to participate in or develop a PACE
financing program.
PACE financing would not require any public funds; participating local communities
would be tasked with collecting the assessment on the improved building and remit it for
payment on the debt incurred from the buildings energy-efficiency and clean energy technology
upgrades.
The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
A companion bill-- House Bill 1722 (Harper-R-Montgomery)-- is pending in the House
Local Government Committee.
Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and he can
be contacted by sending email to: mscavello@pasen.gov. Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: farnese@pasenate.com.
[Posted: Oct. 25, 2017]
The Senate voted 42 to 8 to adopt Senate Resolution 227 (Aument-R-Lancaster) and the House
voted 176 to 9 to adopt House Resolution 576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) urging the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission to quickly implement policies to ensure baseload electricity generation
(like coal and nuclear) are compensated for all the positive attributes they provide to the electric
system
The Senate resolution was introduced by Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and Sen.
Donald White (R-Indiana) the chairs of the Nuclear Energy and Coal Caucuses.
The House resolution was introduced by Rep. Becky Corbin (R-Chester) and Rep. Jeffrey
Pyle (R-Armstrong) the chairs of the Nuclear Energy and Coal Caucuses.
Exelon Thursday issued this statement in response to the Senate and House actions-- We
commend members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly for recognizing the need for
wholesale market reforms that fairly value baseload power generators that provide reliable, 24/7
electricity such as nuclear power plants, which produce 40 percent of Pennsylvanias electricity
and have 18-24 months of fuel on site at all times, making them resilient to inclement weather or
other supply disruptions and a zero-carbon power source for customers.
A sponsor summary is available.
Related Stories:
Post-Gazette: FirstEnergy Will Dump Coal, Nuclear Regardless Of What FERC Does
PUC Submits Comments To FERC Opposing DOE Coal/Nuclear Reliability Pricing
Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Station Begins Planned Refueling Outage
NewsClips:
Legislature Throws Its Support Behind Trump Energy Plan
Energy Supplier Calls For Competition, Not Subsidies For Nuclear, Coal
FirstEnergy CEO: Will Dump Coal, Nuclear Regardless Of What Federal Govt. Does To Help
Legere: FERC Commissioner Powelson Throws Doubt On Rule To Benefit Nuclear, Coal
PJM Says DOE Plan To Subsidize Coal, Nukes Not Workable
AP: Big Electric Grid Operator PJM Slams Trump Plan To Aid Coal, Nuclear Plants
PUC: DOE Coal/Nuclear Proposal Threatens Competitive Electricity Markets
DOE Coal, Nuclear Plant Subsidy Plan To Cost Taxpayers $10.6 Billion A Year
Plan To Support Coal, Nuclear Divides U.S. Energy Industry
Coal Industry Tells FERC Last 7 Years Was A Catastrophe It Must Now Fix
Puko: Trump Plan For Coal, Nuclear Power Draws Fire From Environmental, Oil Groups
Solar Power Costs To Fall By 60 Percent In Next 10 Years
Op-Ed: Trump Is Taking Right Steps To Ensure Our Energy Future
[Posted: Oct. 26, 2017]
The House and Senate gave final approval Wednesday to Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-
Montgomery) establishing a Performance-Based Budget Board and requiring agencies under the
Governors jurisdiction to justify their budget requests for all existing and proposed programs.
The legislation does not cover the expenditures of the General Assembly ($365.1 million)
or the Judiciary ($355.5 million) for a total of $720.6 million of the General Fund budget.
The Secretary of the Budget is required to establish a schedule of performance-based
reviews to ensure agencies are reviewed at least once every 5 years. The General Assembly may
direct an agency to undergo a review by concurrent resolution.
Agencies undergoing review will prepare a performance-based budget plan that gives a
detailed description of all agency line item appropriations and programs and describes
performance measures and objectives.
The plans are then submitted to the Independent Fiscal Office, the Secretary of the
Budget and the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
The IFO is then directed to evaluate each plan and to develop performance measures for
each agency program or line item appropriation that include outcome-based measures, efficiency
measures, activity cost analysis and other indicators.
The plans and the IFOs review are then submitted to the Performance-Based Budget
Board to review the performance-based budget plans of state agencies and make
recommendations on how each agencys programs may be made more transparent, effective, and
efficient.
The Budget Board is made up of the Majority and Minority Chairs of the House and
Senate Appropriations Committees and the Governors Budget Secretary.
The agency budget plans approved by the Board are to be considered by the Governor
and the General Assembly in developing the Commonwealths annual budget.
The Secretary of the Budget and the Independent Fiscal Office is also directed to do a
review of state tax credit programs.
A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.
The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.
[Posted: Oct. 25, 2017]
Senate Hearing: E-Waste Recycling Law Broken, 5.1 Million CRTs, TVs Waiting To Be
Recycled In PA
Senate Hearing: 200 Pennsylvanians Diagnosed With Lyme Disease Every Day
The Senate Aging and Youth and Health and Human Services
Committees Tuesday held a joint hearing on the Lyme Disease
Task Force Report.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports there have been
76,409 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania
between 2000 and 2015, but they believe there were an
estimated 764,090 true cases of the disease in the state.
There are an estimated 200 new confirmed cases every day in
the Commonwealth, according to remarks made at the hearing.
Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Mercer), Majority Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth
Committee, said, It is troubling that Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme disease patients.
[The Lyme disease outbreak] is a crisis, not only in my district, but across the state.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne, Majority Chair of the Health and Human Services
Committee, said it was indefensible to offer excuses for the lack of solutions for the widespread
threat posed by Lyme disease.
Dr. John Goldman, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg & Lyme Disease Task Force
Representative, said the Task Force agreed on four major issues: the increase of Lyme disease in
Pennsylvania, the need for greater recognition of Lyme disease, the limitations of clinical testing
of Lyme disease and the potential of co-infection due to Lyme disease being a tick-borne illness.
There was disagreement within the Task Force on the reliability of Lyme disease testing,
long-term antibiotic use for treatment and the frequency of co-infections.
Dr. Goldman said the immediate treatment of Lyme disease is the best solution due to the
unreliability of clinical tests.
Julia Wagner, PA Lyme Resource Network, said children and those under 20 are at the
highest risk of getting Lyme disease and make up 25 to 30 percent of the cases.
"In children and youth, presenting symptoms are often cognitive, behavioral, or
neuro-psychiatric showing up as behavior or personality changes or difficulties at school," said
Wagner.
Dr. Nicole Chinnici, Director East Stroudsburg University Northeast Wildlife DNA
Laboratory, said her lab is responsible for handling and processing thousands of tick tests each
year. County by county results of their tick tests is available online.
Dr. Rachel Levine, Acting Secretary of Health, said estimates of the cost of a Lyme
disease prevention and implementing the recommendations of the Task Force were a minimum
of $4 million with surveillance being the highest expenditure. She noted there has been a lack of
specific funding for Lyme disease at the agency.
Sara Nicholas, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said Lyme disease
prevention is important to the agency because of their staff work in outdoor occupations and
people come to state parks and forests to participate in outdoor recreation.
She said about 7 percent of Workers Compensation claims in DCNR are because of
Lyme disease.
Nicholas noted DCNR has led an education campaign to spread awareness of Lyme
disease in recreation areas and has taken steps, through habitat management, to prevent Lyme
disease from spreading.
Jennifer Young Intelicato, Penn State University Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, spoke of her personal experience with Lyme disease which caused her to be
bedridden for almost 3 years with partial blindness and temporary paralysis. She said a
misdiagnosis led to more complications from the disease and noted long-term antibiotics were
the only solution for her condition.
Testimony was also provided by: Erika Machtinger, Penn State University Dept. of
Entomology, Doug Fearn, Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern PA, John Klemeyer, Pike
County Tick Borne Diseases Task Force, Pike County Commissioners and Dr. Robert C.
Bransfield.
Click Here for a video of the hearing and written testimony.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne, Majority Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services
Committee, and can be contacted by sending email to: lbaker@pasen.gov. Sen. Judith Schwank
(D-Berks) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
senatorschwank@pasenate.com.
Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Mercer), Majority Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth
Committee, and can be contacted by sending email to: mbrooks@pasen.gov. Sen. Art Haywood
(D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
senatorhaywood@pasenate.com.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is often transmitted
through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, a bulls eye rash
may appear, and other symptoms that can be mistaken for viral infections, such as influenza or
infectious mononucleosis.
Joint pain can be mistaken for other types of arthritis, such as juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis, and neurologic signs of Lyme disease can mimic those caused by other conditions, such
as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
When detected early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, the
disease can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system.
For more information on Lyme disease and prevention, visit the Department of Healths
Lyme Disease webpage.
[Posted: Oct. 25, 2017]
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on
lead exposure and mitigation October 30 in Pittston, Luzerne County.
The agenda includes these witnesses--
-- Lisa Daniels, Acting DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Programs
-- Dr. Loren Robinson, Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention,
Department of Health
-- Jennifer Berrier, Director, Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety, Department of
Labor and Industry
-- Michael Lombardo, Vice Chair, Pittston Redevelopment Authority, City of Pittston
-- Henry Radulski, Health Director, City of Wilkes-Barre
-- Cherie Gudz, Vice President, Environment, Health and Safety, SGS
-- David R. Kaufman, Vice President, Engineering, Pennsylvania American Water
The Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 33 sponsored by Sen John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Committee, creating a bipartisan task force to investigate the
scope of Pennsylvanias lead exposure problem.
The resolution establishes a Task Force on lead exposure comprised of the chairs of the
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and the Health and Human Services
Committee and two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore and the Minority
Leader.
The Joint State Government Commission is also directed to establish an Advisory
Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of Pennsylvania law and public policy related to
lead exposure and abatement practices and then submit a report to the Task Force and full Senate
within 18-months.
The report must assess the age of housing and infrastructure, lead exposure threats, and
identify the prevalence of lead in structures where children spend significant time.
The October 30 hearing is an effort to aid the work of the Task Force and Advisory
Committee in their work. Witnesses are expected to include state and local officials and private
sector individuals experienced with the effects of lead poisoning and remediation.
Sen. Yudichak wants to ensure input from Northeast PA in this process which may have
older infrastructure than many areas of the state presenting more of a lead poisoning threat.
The hearing will be held in the John P. Cosgrove Center, Pittston Memorial Library, 47
Broad Street in Pittston, Luzerne County starting at 11:00.
For more background on the lead issue, visit DEPs Lead In Drinking Water webpage
and the Department of Healths Lead Poisoning webpage.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
yudichak@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Legislature Passes Bill To Help Homeowners Replace Lead Water Lines
Pittsburgh Water Authority Ends Water Shutoffs In Winter
[Posted: Oct. 26, 2017]
The House Republican Policy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing October 31 in Waymart,
Wayne County to hear testimony on the impact of the permanent drilling moratorium being
proposed by the Delaware River Basin Commission.
The hearing is being hosted by Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Wayne) who sponsored House
Resolution 515 urging DRBC to suspend consideration of a moratorium. The resolution was
adopted by the House October 17 by a party-line vote of 101 to 83 (Republicans supporting).
The hearing will feature testimony from local elected officials, residents and community
leaders. Testifiers will discuss the impact such a ban would have on the regions jobs, economy
and access to affordable, domestic energy.
Witnesses expected to testify include: Brian Smith, Wayne County commissioner; Jim
Barbour, Susquehanna County Farm Bureau; Vince Phillips, Pennsylvania State Grange and
Pennsylvania Septage Management Association; Debbie Gillette, Chamber of the Northern
Poconos; Thomas Shepstone, Shepstone Management Company; Tim Riefler, Wayne County
farmer; Anthony Ventello, Progress Authority; and Ned Lang, Upper Delaware River Basin
Citizens.
A resolution adopted by the DRBC in September calls for publishing proposed
regulations enacting a ban no later than November 30.
In April a U.S. Federal District Court judge threw out a lawsuit by a group of Wayne
County landowners who said the Delaware River Basin Commission lacks the authority to
review and approve natural gas facilities on land owned by the group.
The hearing will be held at the Parc Pavilion, Camp Ladore, 287 Owego Turnpike,
Waymart, Wayne County starting at 10:00. Click Here to watch the hearing online.
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin) serves as Chair of the Committee.
Related Stories:
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York Approve Resolution To Permanently Ban Fracking In
Delaware River Watershed
Federal Judge Throws Out Wayne County Landowner Challenge To DRBC De-Facto
Moratorium On Drilling
Pennsylvania Signs Revised Delaware River Watershed Flow Agreement
Delaware River Basin Commission Staff Participates In Effort To Monitor Juvenile American
Shad
NewsClips:
Cultivating Future Generations Of Water Stewards In Delaware Watershed
New Agreement For Delaware River Water Flow
Delaware RiverKeeper Oct. 27 RiverWatch Video Report
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
PA American Water Testing Shows Pittsburgh System Fully Complying With Lead
Standard
Pennsylvania American Water Wednesday announced test results from its City of Pittsburgh lead
sampling pilot affirm that the companys drinking water continues to fully comply with
regulatory standards.
The company launched the pilot on June 5, 2017, offering free lead testing to qualified
customers in the City of Pittsburgh.
The pilots results should provide our Pittsburgh customers with continued confidence
and peace of mind about the water we provide them every day, said Christopher Abruzzo,
director of water quality and environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water.
These results mirror the findings of our 2016 Lead and Copper Rule sampling, when 100
percent of the Greater Pittsburgh samples tested were significantly below the EPA action level.
Approximately 100 customers participated in the free pilot program, which the company
offered during the summer to City residents in single-family homes built before 1988, with lead
serves or copper plumbing with lead solder.
Pennsylvania American Water collected samples from the qualified customers, including
pregnant women and households with children under six, who contacted the company.
American Waters Central Laboratory in Belleville, Illinois, which is accredited by the
Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. EPA, analyzed the samples and reported the
results to participants.
Abruzzo said, These results reinforce the effectiveness of the corrosion control treatment
methods that we have employed for more than 30 years in our Greater Pittsburgh service area. It
is also important to recognize the expertise of our plant personnel and water quality
professionals, who are committed to ensuring that our water stays in full compliance with safe
drinking water standards.
Pennsylvania American Water is observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 22
28, by reminding customers that the company is pursuing long-term solutions to reduce the
potential for lead to leach into their household plumbing.
Pennsylvania American Water filed a request with Public Utility Commission this past
May seeking permission to replace customer-owned lead service lines when removing company-
owned lead service lines and to bear the full cost of replacement.
Lead service lines largely remain in older neighborhoods where the prohibitive costs
often prevent homeowners from replacing them. Pennsylvania American Water requested PUC
approval to address this potential public health risk, and proposed a reasonable approach to
recover the costs of the companys investments.
As a regulated utility, Pennsylvania American Water must seek the PUCs permission
prior to embarking on initiatives that might impact customers rates, said Pennsylvania
American Water President Jeffrey McIntyre. Eliminating lead service pipes, together with our
proven corrosion control water treatment practices, is a very effective strategy to maintain
regulatory compliance well into the future.
Customers can find more information about lead and drinking water on the companys
website.
For more information on its water systems in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania
American Water website.
For more background on the lead issue, visit DEPs Lead In Drinking Water webpage
and the Department of Healths Lead Poisoning webpage.
Related Story:
DEP Orders Pittsburgh Water Authority To Make Critical Infrastructure Upgrades
NewsClips:
Legislature Passes Bill To Help Homeowners Replace Lead Water Lines
Pittsburgh Water Authority Ends Water Shutoffs In Winter
[Posted: Oct. 25, 2017]
DEP Reclamation Project Turns Abandoned Mine Lands Into Community Asset In
Luzerne County
Lyme Timber Company Receives $25.4M PennVest Loan To Put 9,362 Acres In Working
Conservation Easement, Create Jobs In 7 Counties
Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the investment of a $25.4 million loan from PennVEST for
Lyme Timber Company to put over 9,362 acres of private forest land into a working forest
conservation easement to help create over 50 new forestry jobs and leverage over $91 million of
private investment in 7 counties.
The counties are: Cameron, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter and Venango.
The project will also serve to preserve, protect and improve water quality. The property
includes an acid mine drainage restoration project within the Sterling Run tract.
This is an example of how government and private sector interests can intersect to
protect the environment, and improve water quality as we help preserve important segments of
our forested areas all the while creating jobs and economic opportunities as they are managed for
future generations, said Gov. Wolf.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry has been
working closely with PennVEST, the Department of Environmental Protection, local officials
and industry leaders to help pull together this important project that will provide working
conservation easements to allow sustainable forestry, protect high quality streams, and mitigate
acid mine drainage, said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adam Dunn.
Dunn noted that a conservation easement limits certain uses or prevents subdivision and
fragmentation from taking place on the land, which still remains in private hands to continue to
provide economic benefits in the form of jobs and property taxes.
The funding for this project comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters,
federal grants to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan
repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after
bills for work have been paid and receipts submitted to PennVEST.
For more information on grant and loan funding opportunities for water infrastructure,
visit the PennVEST website or call 717-783-6798.
NewsClips:
DCNR Planning Prescribed Burn In Michaux State Forest, Cumberland County
Century-Long Quest To Save The American Chestnut May Soon Be Over
Scientists Using Costly Triage To Spare Some Ash Trees From Extinction
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
DEP Sewage Advisory Committee To Hold 3 Meetings On Alternate Onlot Septic Systems
And Sewage Planning
The DEP Sewage Advisory Committee will hold 3 workgroup meetings in November on
implementing Act 26 which authorizes alternate onlot septic systems to be incorporated in
sewage facilities planning. (formal notice)
The meetings will start at 9:30 and will be held--
-- November 2: Room 105 Rachel Carson Building;
-- November 15: Keystone Building Meeting Center, Desert Room, 400 North Street, Suite 114
East, Harrisburg; and
-- November 30: 4th Floor Training Room, Rachel Carson Building.
DEP has prepared a draft Act 26 Implementation Strategy for discussion by the
Committee.
For more information, visit the DEP Sewage Advisory Committee webpage or contact
Janice Vollero, DEP, by sending email to: jvollero@pa.gov or call 717-783-7416.
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
Nov. 18 Water Wiser Kids Special Event: Explore The H2Olympics In Monroe County
Clinton County CleanScapes Oct. 28 Rail Trail Hillside Community Cleanup Day
Clinton County CleanScapes, Castanea Township, Fire Company No.1 and Lock Haven
University students will collect litter and tires from land adjacent to the Rail Trail on October 28
from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Click Here for a flyer on the cleanup event.
To register or for more information, contact Elisabeth McCoy at 570-726-3511 or send
email to: ClintonCountyCleanScapes@yahoo.com.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Clinton County CleanScapes Facebook page.
[Oct. 21, 2017]
As a next step in reshaping its environmental justice office, the Department of Environmental
Protection Friday announced it has published the transcripts and a document listing all comments
received during DEPs statewide listening tour on environmental justice.
The tour, held at nine locations around the state, solicited feedback on DEPs policies
regarding environmental justice, which is the principle that communities and populations should
not be disproportionately exposed to adverse environmental impacts.
As DEP continues to review the comments, staff are analyzing how environmental justice
communities are defined, examining improvements to receiving public input, and developing
best practices to ensure communities are sufficiently engaged during the decision-making
processes.
This review, as well as continuing conversations with the public, will help steer revisions
to existing DEP policies and procedures.
The Office of Environmental Justice fulfills a critical role within DEP-- ensuring that all
Pennsylvanians, especially those who have historically been disenfranchised, are fully involved
in decisions that affect their environment and community, said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell. These listening sessions started a meaningful dialogue on how we can improve on
our responsibility to ensure environmental justice.
Secretary McDonnell hosted nine listening sessions across the state between April 12 and
May 25, 2017, hearing from residents about their perspectives on environmental justice.
The Department solicited input on the following questions:
-- What environmental justice concerns are most pressing in your community?
-- Do you feel that the current definition of an environmental justice community (20 percent
poverty and/or 30 percent minority) properly represents the needs of your community and the
Commonwealth at large?
-- Do you feel the DEP is engaged with marginalized communities to ensure that they have a
voice in the decision-making process? How can the DEP be more engaged with these
communities?
-- What tools have you used to find out information on DEP permitting/enforcement actions?
-- What ways can the DEP be more effective at sharing information with the public?
-- How can the DEP be more effective at receiving public input?
-- What resource(s) is your community lacking that the DEP can provide that would assist in
efforts to ensure environmental equity?
-- What additional steps can be taken by the Department to effectively reach out to these
vulnerable communities to ensure that their concerns are taken into consideration?
The comments received from 149 individuals and organizations will help drive revisions
to the program and the process of engaging the public during permitting, enforcement, and
grantmaking.
Click Here to review the comment document and transcripts of each listening session.
Questions should be direct by email to: RA-EPOEJ@pa.gov.
Environmental Justice Advisory Board Meeting
The comments will be discussed in detail at the November 14 meeting of DEPs
Environmental Justice Advisory Board. The board provides guidance to DEP on environmental
justice policies.
Click Here for more information on the meeting.
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
Department of Transportation representatives Friday joined officials from Trillium CNG, Beaver
County Transit Agency and local officials in Beaver County to mark opening of the facility at
131 Pleasant Drive, Aliquippa.
This P3 CNG program will make our transit agencies more efficient, saving resources
and helping our environment, Gov.Wolf said of the opening. Im pleased that with this station,
we now have seven CNG stations open.
Through the $84.5 million statewide P3 project, Trillium is designing, building, financing
and will operate and maintain CNG fueling stations at 29 public transit agency sites through a
20-year P3 agreement.
Other stations will be constructed over the next five years, and Trillium is also making
CNG-related upgrades to existing transit maintenance facilities.
As part of the conversion in Beaver County, the transit agency will convert 23 diesel
buses and 28 paratransit buses to CNG.
The authority estimates saving more than $400,000 annually based on current diesel costs
and their diesel and gas usage of roughly 450,000 gallons per year.
PennDOTs overall P3 project includes CNG fueling accessible to the public at six transit
agency sites, with the option to add to sites in the future. PennDOT will receive a 15 percent
royalty, excluding taxes, for each gallon of fuel sold to the public at public sites, which will be
used to support the cost of the project.
Using the P3 procurement mechanism allows PennDOT to install the fueling stations
faster than if a traditional procurement mechanism were used for each site, resulting in
significant estimated capital cost savings of more than $46 million.
When the project is completed, the fueling stations will supply gas to more than 1,600
CNG buses at transit agencies across the state. Stations have already opened at:
-- Cambria County Transportation Authority, Johnstown Facility, includes public fueling.
-- Mid Mon Valley Transportation Authority.
-- Central Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, York Facility, includes public fueling.
-- Cambria County Transportation Authority, Ebensburg Facility
-- Westmoreland County Transportation Authority
-- Centre Area Transportation Authority
-- Beaver County Transit Agency
To learn more about this and other similar projects, visit the PennDOT Public-Private
Partnership webpage.
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
After ten years of natural gas production in the shale fields, a new study from the Kleinman
Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania takes a closer look demonstrating that
Pennsylvanias residential consumers enjoy gas bills that are on average 40 percent lower (than
2007 bills) and that the electric power sector is now the nation and states largest gas consumer.
The study, Pennsylvanias Gas Decade: Insights into Consumer Pricing Impacts from
Shale Gas (2007-2016), documents how the infusion of low-cost shale gas into regional energy
markets substantially lowered gas commodity prices compared to national prices at the Henry
Hublowering both gas and power bills for consumers.
The study also found that demand for gas to Pennsylvanias electric power sector
increased 250 percent between 2007 and 2016. Pennsylvanias natural gas production increased
by almost 2,800 percent, which now accounts for 16 percent of national annual gas production.
In terms of cost, shale gas has been a clear win for consumers, said Christina Simeone,
author of the report and director of policy and external affairs at the Kleinman Center.
However, gas utility delivery rates continued to rise during the past decade, and in 2016,
Pennsylvanias retail residential gas prices still remained above the national average-- despite the
states gas commodity discount.
The report noted pipeline infrastructure capacity growth has not kept pace with
production growth, leading to a local supply glut creating the Pennsylvania Gas Discount to the
Henry Hub national price benchmark.
Between 2007 and 2016, Pennsylvania saw more project proposals (53 applications) to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for major interstate gas pipelines than any other
state in the nation, almost double the amount of the second highest state-- New York, with 27
applications.
These 53 projects approved between 2007-2016 represent 12,939 MMcf/d of capacity,
and another 7,292 MMcf/d of pipeline capacity impacting Pennsylvania was approved by FERC
in the first few months of 2017 .
The report said not all of these pipeline projects will be built, but many that do become
operational will enable increasing amounts of gas to be exported outside of Pennsylvania.
Looking forward, an important question is how long will Pennsylvanias gas discount
last? said Simeone. Especially in light of the remarkable interest in building new pipeline
capacity to move gas out of the state.
Click Here for an executive summary and the complete report.
NewsClip:
Kleinman Energy Center: Shale Gas Saved PA Consumers A Bundle
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
Post-Gazette: FirstEnergy Will Dump Coal, Nuclear Regardless Of What FERC Does
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday reported FirstEnergy CEO as telling analysts Friday the
company has no interest in retaining generating assets that have commodity exposure regardless
of what the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission does to fully reimburse coal and nuclear
plants.
Related Stories:
Senate, House Adopt FERC Coal/Nuclear Electric Pricing Resolutions
PUC Submits Comments To FERC Opposing DOE Coal/Nuclear Reliability Pricing
Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Station Begins Planned Refueling Outage
NewsClips:
Legislature Throws Its Support Behind Trump Energy Plan
Energy Supplier Calls For Competition, Not Subsidies For Nuclear, Coal
FirstEnergy CEO: Will Dump Coal, Nuclear Regardless Of What Federal Govt. Does To Help
Legere: FERC Commissioner Powelson Throws Doubt On Rule To Benefit Nuclear, Coal
PJM Says DOE Plan To Subsidize Coal, Nukes Not Workable
AP: Big Electric Grid Operator PJM Slams Trump Plan To Aid Coal, Nuclear Plants
PUC: DOE Coal/Nuclear Proposal Threatens Competitive Electricity Markets
DOE Coal, Nuclear Plant Subsidy Plan To Cost Taxpayers $10.6 Billion A Year
Plan To Support Coal, Nuclear Divides U.S. Energy Industry
Coal Industry Tells FERC Last 7 Years Was A Catastrophe It Must Now Fix
Puko: Trump Plan For Coal, Nuclear Power Draws Fire From Environmental, Oil Groups
Solar Power Costs To Fall By 60 Percent In Next 10 Years
Op-Ed: Trump Is Taking Right Steps To Ensure Our Energy Future
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
The Public Utility Commission Monday submitted formal comments to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission saying the U.S. Department of Energy grid reliability and resilience
pricing proposal benefitting coal and nuclear power plants threatens the efficient functioning of
organized competitive wholesale electricity markets by providing de facto cost of service
treatment to coal and nuclear generation without adequate justification.
The comments point out the PUC has historically been supportive of competitive
wholesale markets and has actively advocated in favor of policy and regulatory proposals at
FERC that promote the success of competitive markets.
Competitive wholesales markets, the PUC said, have translated into equally vibrant
retail choice markets in PA and the proposed DOE rule could put Pennsylvanias retail choice
programs at risk.
The comments also question one justification for the DOE proposal saying the 2014 Polar
Vortex is an inadequate and inappropriate justification for the proposed rule.
The PUC comment recommend the stakeholder process now underway through the PJM
Interconnection should be permitted to go forward since they are discussing the resilience and
reliability issues at the level of a regional electricity market.
A copy of the comments are available online.
Related Stories:
Senate, House Adopt FERC Coal/Nuclear Electric Pricing Resolutions
Post-Gazette: FirstEnergy Will Dump Coal, Nuclear Regardless Of What FERC Does
Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Station Begins Planned Refueling Outage
NewsClips:
Legislature Throws Its Support Behind Trump Energy Plan
Energy Supplier Calls For Competition, Not Subsidies For Nuclear, Coal
FirstEnergy CEO: Will Dump Coal, Nuclear Regardless Of What Federal Govt. Does To Help
Legere: FERC Commissioner Powelson Throws Doubt On Rule To Benefit Nuclear, Coal
PJM Says DOE Plan To Subsidize Coal, Nukes Not Workable
AP: Big Electric Grid Operator PJM Slams Trump Plan To Aid Coal, Nuclear Plants
PUC: DOE Coal/Nuclear Proposal Threatens Competitive Electricity Markets
DOE Coal, Nuclear Plant Subsidy Plan To Cost Taxpayers $10.6 Billion A Year
Plan To Support Coal, Nuclear Divides U.S. Energy Industry
Coal Industry Tells FERC Last 7 Years Was A Catastrophe It Must Now Fix
Puko: Trump Plan For Coal, Nuclear Power Draws Fire From Environmental, Oil Groups
Solar Power Costs To Fall By 60 Percent In Next 10 Years
Op-Ed: Trump Is Taking Right Steps To Ensure Our Energy Future
[Posted: Oct. 27, 2017]
Chester County Judge Issues Opinion Reaffirming Decision To Dismiss SLAPP Suit
Against Environmental Group
A Chester County court Monday issued an opinion reaffirming its August 22 decision to dismiss
a lawsuit filed by developer Brian ONeill, his corporate counterparts Constitution Drive
Partners and ONeill Developers against Maya van Rossum and the Delaware Riverkeeper
Network.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network organization, led by van Rossum, has been
challenging a proposal by ONeill, ONeill Developers and Constitution Drive Partners to initiate
partial cleanup of the contaminated Bishop Tube site located in East Whiteland Township in
order to construct a more than 200 unit housing development.
ONeills original suit sought a judgement that would both silence the organization and
mandate they pay over $50,000 in damages. The lawsuit also named one citizen and listed up to
ten unnamed citizens as current and/or potential targets of the suit.
On August 22, 2017, the Chester County Court of Common Pleas dismissed this lawsuit
against DRN stating, This is what we call constitutionally protected free speech under the First
Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution. ONeill filed
an appeal of the decision that same day.
On October 23, 2017 the court responded to the appeal, issuing an opinion supporting the
August 22 decision. In the course of affirming its original decision, Judge Sommers stated that
complaints filed against DRN lack merit.
The court also questioned the complaint itself, saying While we question the good
faith of Appellants in bringing the instant lawsuit and subsequent appeal, we will address the
complaints,...
The opinion also stated that Mr. ONeill et al had commenced this action as a means of
intimidation and harassment, not because Appellants believe in the success of their claims.
DRN has been working closely with the East Whiteland Township community on this
issue and has written letters, commented at township meetings, and held open public
presentations about the site.
The courts opinion states that DRN had merely exercised their right of free speech
under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to petition their government,...
The court also recognized that DRN and community advocates were concerned about the
spreading of contaminated soil and groundwater throughout the community and that the
assertions made in fliers and on the DRN website are true, and as such the activities undertaken
are protected under various elements of law.
Mr. ONeill should be ashamed of himself for misusing the law to threaten people into
silence and seeking a judgment that would strip them of their First Amendment rights to free
speech and to petition their government for appropriate action, said Maya van Rossum, the
Delaware Riverkeeper and leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
Ms. van Rossum and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network were represented by attorneys
Mark L. Freed and Jordan B. Yeager of Curtin & Heefner LLP.
Were pleased that the Court has vindicated the constitutional rights of residents to
speak up and advocate for a healthy environment without fear of retribution, Freed said about
the original August 22nd dismissal.
The original action was filed by ONeill and his counterparts on June 27, 2017 and
claimed the advocacy activities of DRN resulted in defamation/commercial disparagement,
interference with contractual or business relations and amounted to a civil conspiracy.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network and members of the East Whiteland community held
a press conference on Wednesday, July 26, expressing their opposition to the lawsuit. Senators
Andy Dinniman and Daylin Leach released statements supporting DRN and the community at
that event.
Pennsylvanians have a Constitutionally protected right to clean air, pure water, and the
preservation of the natural environment. Citizens also have a right to voice their opinions, views,
and concerns on decisions regarding our public natural resources and to be involved in the
processes be they at the local, state or federal levels. The bottom line is Chester County has a
long history of standing up for our environmental resources and to stand up, we need to speak
out, said Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) in a statement released at the July press event.
Lawsuits have an important purpose, but when they are wielded as a bludgeon by
wealthy interests to silence advocates and communities, they harm the principles that form the
foundation of our country, said Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) in a statement also issued
for the July press event. Free speech is a right held by all Americans wealthy or notand its
our job to protect it.
The Bishop Tube Site is a former metals processing plant located in East Whiteland
Township, PA. The site is bordered by Little Valley Creek a stream designated under state law as
Exceptional Value.
The Bishop Tube Site is listed on the Pennsylvania Priority List of Hazardous Sites for
Remedial Response under the Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act. Groundwater, soil and
surface water at the Site are contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), which is classified as a
probable human carcinogen by the EPA and also as causing other significant health problems.
TCE and other contaminants of significant concern known to be present at the site
continue to migrate into the aquifer, stream and nearby residential area. The DEP has still not
published any final remediation plans for the Site.
Click Here to read the opinion (after the release in this file).
[Posted: Oct. 24, 2017]
DEP Receives Updated Phase II Permit Application For Elcon Hazardous Waste Facility
In Bucks
Gov. Wolf Issues Executive Order To Overhaul PA's Professional Licensing System
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced he signed an executive order to begin a review of the
Commonwealths professional licenses to benchmark Pennsylvanias licensing requirements
against national and regional averages.
The review will ensure that professional licenses are free from unnecessary barriers to
opportunity from excessive licensing requirements, fees and policies that unnecessarily block
hardworking Pennsylvanians from the career of their choice, while also protecting against public
harm.
Requiring a license to work in certain jobs helps to keep all of us safe, but those
requirements should be fair relative to other states in our region and across the country, said
Gov. Wolf. Overly burdensome requirements and fees can block some workers especially
minorities or spouses in military families who move frequently from starting a career and
supporting their families.
With this executive order, I am tasking the Commissioner of the Bureau of Professional
and Occupational Affairs within the Pennsylvania Department of State. The commissioner will
work with the various licensing boards and commissions to give them the tools they need to
more efficiently regulate their industry.
The commissioner will partner with the 29 boards and commissions in Pennsylvania to
study each boards licensing process, fees, training and continuing education requirements. The
commissioners will prepare a report comparing Pennsylvanias requirements with other states in
our region and across the nation and include any reciprocity agreements with other states.
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Department of State
provides administrative and legal support to professional and occupational licensing boards and
commissions.
Approximately 20 percent of Pennsylvania workers need a license to do their job. The
share of workers with an occupational license has grown rapidly since the 1950s.
We need to find the right balances in our licensing requirements so talented and skilled
workers can do their jobs and support our economy as we continue to attract business to
Pennsylvania and develop a strong workforce, said Gov. Wolf. Looking for ways to modernize
our licensing process for workers is an important part of that process.
Among the long list of boards and commissions included in the executive order are--
-- State Board of Crane Operators
-- State Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
-- State Board of Landscape Architects
-- Navigation Commission
The commissioners findings will be submitted to the governor within seven months from
the effective date of the order.
Click Here for a copy of the Executive Order.
[Posted: Oct. 25, 2017]
Get Outdoors Poconos Nov. 25 Cranberry Creek Hike In Paradise Twp., Monroe County
Game Commission: Deer On The Move, Motorists Use Caution, PA 3rd In Vehicle-Deer
Collisions
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Name Chris Hennessey Northeast Public Lands
Coordinator
October 28-- NEW. Clinton County CleanScapes. Rail Trail Hillside Community Cleanup Day.
Lock Haven, Clinton County. 9:30 to 1:00.
October 28-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water. Drug Take Back Event. Green Tree
Borough Building, 10 W. Manilla Ave., Green Tree, Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00.
October 28-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water.. Drug Take Back Event. Medical
Rescue Team South, 315 Cypress Way, Mt. Lebanon, Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00.
October 28-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water. Drug Take Back Event. The Mall at
Robinson, Sears parking lot, 100 Robinson Centre Dr., Robinson, Allegheny County. 10:00 to
2:00.
October 28-- PA Environmental Council. Potter County Cleanup Event. Hector Township along
Loucks Mill Rd., Potter County. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
October 28-- PA Environmental Council. Potter County Cleanup Event. Bingham Township
along Rowley Rd., Potter County. 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
October 30-- Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on lead
exposure and mitigation. John P. Cosgrove Center, Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad Street,
Pittston, Luzerne County. 11:00. Click Here for more.
October 31-- NEW. House Republican Policy Committee holds a hearing on the impact of the
permanent drilling moratorium being proposed by the Delaware River Basin Commission. Parc
Pavilion, Camp Ladore, 287 Owego Turnpike, Waymart, Wayne County. 10:00. Click Here to
watch the hearing online. Click Here for more.
November 1-- Agenda Posted. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Click Here to join the meeting online through WebEx. DEP
Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- Presentation: Class IID Injections Wells And How They Are Regulated
-- Discussion: Area of Review Technical Guidance
-- Discussion: Guidelines for Chain Pillar Development & Longwall Mining Adjacent to
Unconventional Wells
-- Discussion: Water Supply Replacement Technical Guidance
-- Update on Technical Guidance Development
November 1-- CANCELED. DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. Rescheduled for
December 14. DEP Contact Daniel Snowden, dsnowden@pa.gov or 717-787-5103. (formal
notice)
November 1-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Camp Hill,
Cumberland County, Giant Food Store Community Room. 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
November 1-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. L&I Building, 651 Boas Street, Room E-100, 1st Floor, Harrisburg. 10:00.
Contact: Cindy Holtry at 717-783-4560. (formal notice)
November 2-- NEW. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee workgroup meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, jvollero@pa.gov, 717-783-7416. (formal
notice) Click Here for more.
-- Review of Act 26 Implementation Strategy for including alternative onlot septic systems in
sewage facility plans
November 2-- DEP Hearing On Hill Top Energy Center Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant Air
Quality Plan Approval. Carmichaels Area Senior High School Auditorium at 215 N Vine Street,
Carmichaels. Q/A -6:00, Hearing- 7:00.
November 2-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Birdsboro Power LLC Natural Gas Power Plant.
Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill Street, Birdsboro, Berks County. 6:30. (formal notices Oct. 21
PA Bulletin, page 6562)
November 2-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a hearing on water withdrawal
projects. Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Questions should be
directed to Jason Oyler, General Counsel, 717-238-0423, Ext. 1312, fax 717-238-2436. 2:30 to
5:00. Click Here for more. (formal notice with project list)
November 2-- PA Recreation and Park Society/DCNR. Get Outdoors PA Regional Summit.
Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, Lehigh County. 8:30 to 2:30.
November 2-- Capital Chapter Society For Women Environmental Professionals. Annual
Regulatory Update. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 8:00
to 3:30.
November 3-- Schuylkill Action Network Annual Meeting. Reading Area Community College.
9:30 to 3:00.
November 3-- Creative Makers Of The Pennsylvania Wilds - A Traveling Art Show. Winkler
Gallery of Fine Art, 36 N. Brady St., DuBois, Clearfield County. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
November 4-- Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Love Your Park Fall Service Day.
Philadelphia.
November 6-- Green Roofs For Healthy Cities/University of Pittsburgh. Green Roof & Wall
Symposium In Pittsburgh. University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh. 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
November 8-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Rescheduled
for December 4. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 8-- DEP Hearing On GE Transportation-Erie RACT II Air Quality Plan (if
requested). DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Meadville. 10:00.
November 8-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Nanticoke,
Luzerne County, Luzerne County Community College Educational Conference Center. 9:00 a.m.
to Noon.
November 8-- NEW. PennTAP. Saving Energy Costs By Implementing Energy Management
Systems Workshop. Penn State Center at the Energy Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Avenue,
Suite A in Pittsburgh. 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
November 9-- CANCELED. DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs
ATV Trails In Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven
University, Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. NOTE: Rescheduled for December 12, 19 same
place same time.
November 9-- Energy Coordinating Agency Fall Energy Conference. Temple University
Student Faculty Center, 3340 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia. 8:45 to 4:15.
November 10-11-- Bucknell University 12th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium. Bucknell
University Campus, Lewisburg, Union County.
November 12-- Trout Unlimited Allegheny National Forest Trout Spawning Sites Survey.
Sheffield, Warren County.
November 13-- NEW. House Transportation Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1446
(M.Quinn-R-Montgomery) related to establishing a clean transportation infrastructure (sponsor
summary). Room 140. 11:00.
November 13-- PA Recreation and Park Society/DCNR. Get Outdoors PA Regional Summit.
Montour Preserve/Environmental Education Center, 700 Preserve Road, Danville, Montour
County. 8:30 to 2:30.
November 13-14-- Northeast Recycling Council 30th Anniversary Fall Conference. Amherst,
Massachusetts.
November 14-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled
meeting is December 12. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400
Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
November 14-- 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, 717-787-8171, LeeMurray@pa.gov.
November 14-- 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 or Glenda Davidson 717-783-4759 or gldavidson@pa.gov. Click Here for more.
-- Discussion of comments gathered in 2017 Listening Sessions
November 14-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Clarion,
Clarion County, Trinity Point Church of God. 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
November 15-- NEW. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee workgroup meeting. Desert Room,
Keystone Building Meeting Center, 400 North Street, Suite 114 East, Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP
Contact: Janice Vollero, jvollero@pa.gov, 717-783-7416. (formal notice) Click Here for more.
-- Review of Act 26 Implementation Strategy for including alternative onlot septic systems in
sewage facility plans
November 15-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Allison
Park, Allegheny County, Hampton Township Community Center. 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
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-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or
dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
November 16-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Blue Bell,
Montgomery County, Montgomery County Community College, Central Campus. 9:00 a.m. to
Noon.
November 16-- PennTAP: How To Move Your Company Toward Sustainability Webinar.
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
November 16-- Penn State Extension. Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells, Whats A Reasonable
Estimate? Webinar. 1:00 to 2:00.
November 16-- NEW. PA Sea Grant Program. Responding To Hydrilla In The Lake Erie
Watershed Workshop. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Presque Isle State Park, Erie. 9:00 to
3:30.
November 18-- NEW. Brodhead Creek Watershed Association. Water Wiser Kids. Explore The
H2Olympics. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Bartonsville, Monroe County.
10:30.
November 18-- Audubon Society Of Western PA. Zeloyle Sanctuary Reforestation Project.
Sarver, Butler County. 9:00 to Noon.
November 20-- DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Foam Fabricators Columbia
County (if requested). DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101 in
Williamsport. 10:00.
November 21-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. State
College, Centre County, Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Deans Hall 1. 9:00 a.m. to
Noon.
November 25-- NEW. Brodhead Creek Watershed Association. Get Outdoors Poconos.
Cranberry Creek Hike in Paradise Township, Monroe County. 10:00.
November 30-- NEW. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee workgroup meeting. 4th Floor
Training Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, jvollero@pa.gov,
717-783-7416. (formal notice) Click Here for more.
-- Review of Act 26 Implementation Strategy for including alternative onlot septic systems in
sewage facility plans
December 4-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
December 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email to:
dheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
December 5-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, agaida@pa.gov, 724-404-3147.
December 6-- DEP Hearing On Chapter 16 Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
Changes. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 1:00.
December 6-- Environmental Quality Board Hearing On Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards
Changes Under Triennial Review. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square,
Wilkes-Barre. 2:00.
December 8-- DEP Hearing On Chapter 16 Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
Changes. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 1:00.
December 8-- Environmental Quality Board Hearing On Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards
Changes Under Triennial Review. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg. 2:00.
December 12-- 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, ledinger@pa.gov.
December 12-- DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs ATV Trails In
Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven University,
Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
December 13-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Michael Maddigan, mmaddigan@pa.gov, 717-772-3609.
December 13-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Webinar. 10:00 to
11:30.
December 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436.
December 14-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. 14th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact Daniel Snowden,
dsnowden@pa.gov or 717-787-5103. (formal notice)
December 14- DEP State Board For Certification Of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri
Sansoni, csansoni@pa.gov, 717-772-5158.
December 14-- DEP Hearing On Chapter 16 Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
Changes. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh. 1:00.
December 14-- Environmental Quality Board Hearing On Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards
Changes Under Triennial Review. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive,
Pittsburgh. 2:00.
December 19-- DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs ATV Trails In
Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven University,
Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
January 11-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Webinar. 10:00 to 11:30.
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
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Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
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This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
-- 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.
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The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
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The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the October 28 PA Bulletin of a correction
to the public hearings for the proposed Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards regulations.
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.
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.
The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice of availability for the NPDES
General Permit for Point Source Discharges from the Application of Pesticides (PAG-15) in the
October 28 PA Bulletin.
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