Pa Environment Digest March 19, 2018

Issue #716 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA March 19, 2018
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PUC Ratifies Emergency Order Suspending Operations Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline
The Public Utility Commission Thursday unanimously ratified

the March 7 Emergency Order suspending operations of the
Mariner East 1 Pipeline (ME1) in Chester County without
discussion.
The Emergency Order requires additional testing and analysis
on ME1, in response to safety concerns regarding the integrity
of that pipeline which were raised by the PUC’s independent
Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement – which includes the
PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division.
This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Commission’s
independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement.
Future actions by the Commission will be contingent upon whether and how the terms
and conditions of the Emergency Order are satisfied.
Any reinstatement of service will require formal action by the Commission, at which time
the Commission will outline the process for addressing those matters.
Any additional public documents will be posted to the PUC’s online docket for this case
– P-2018-3000281.
For more information on the pipeline safety program, visit the PUC’s Pipeline Safety
webpage.
(Photo: Sinkhole near Mariner East 2 Pipeline on Lisa Drive in Chester County.)
NewsClips:
Maykuth: PUC Ratifies Sunoco Mariner East 1 Pipeline Shutdown Shutdown Order
PUC To Vote This Week On Restarting Sunoco Mariner East 1 Pipeline
Hurdle: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction Spill For 3rd Time
Sunoco: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Spills Fluid In PA Again
Hurdle: Some Well Owners OK With Sunoco Water On Mariner East 2 Pipeline Route
Mariner East 2 Protesters Rally At Scene Of Chester County Sinkholes
DEP Seeks Update Plan From Sunoco For Mariner East 2 Pipeline
5 People Arrested During Protest Of Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline In Lancaster
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Crable: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Tests Water Wells In Lancaster Prior To Construction
Bagenstose: Groups Urge DRBC To Prohibit Tree Clearing For PennEast Pipeline
Merits Of Laurel Pipeline Fuel Flow Reversal Debated
AP: Sunoco Rover Pipeline In WV Hit With Shutdown Order, Connects To PA
Pipeline Build-Out Unplugs Some Constraints On Gas Production, But New Capacity Could
Exceed Demand
This Is How Pipeline Companies Will Seek A Pass On Trump Tariffs
Related Story:
Senate Committees To Hold Joint Pipeline Safety Hearing March 20
[Posted: March 15, 2018]
Senate Committees To Hold Joint Pipeline Safety Hearing March 20
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and

Consumer Affairs and Professional Licensure Committees
will hold a joint hearing on pipeline safety on March 20.
On the agenda to offer comments are--
-- Gladys Brown, Chairman, Public Utility Commission;
-- Representative of the Department of Environmental
Protection;
-- Andrew Williams, Director of Regulatory & Legislative
Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund;
-- Rebecca Britton, Uwchland Safety Coalition;and
-- Keith Coyle, Chairman, Marcellus Shale Coalition Pipeline Safety Workgroup.
The hearing follows action by the Public Utility Commission last week to shutdown the
Sunoco Mariner East 1 Pipeline in Chester County after nearby construction of the Mariner East
2 Pipeline likely caused sinkholes to develop exposing the operating Mariner East 1 Pipeline.
The pipeline carries volatile and hazardous natural gas liquids from Western Pennsylvania to
processing plants in the Philadelphia area.
In February, the Department of Environmental Protection fined Sunoco $12.6 million for
violations related to construction of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline which DEP shutdown for several
weeks across the state.
The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building in Harrisburg
starting at 11:00. Click Here to watch live.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-787-3280 or sending email to:
gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be
contacted by calling 717-787-7105 or sending email to: yudichak@pasenate.com.
Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) serves as Majority Chair of the Consumer Affairs
Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-787-5072 or sending email to:
rtomlinson@pasen.gov. Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) serves as Minority Chair and can be
contacted by calling 717-787-4236 or sending email to: boscola@pasenate.com.
(Photo: Sinkhole near Mariner East 2 Pipeline on Lisa Drive in Chester County.)
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Exceed Demand
Related Stories:
PUC Ratifies Emergency Order Suspending Operations Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline
PUC Orders Shutdown Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline After Sinkholes Expose Bare Pipeline In
Chester County
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Committee Discusses Preliminary Pollution

Reduction Targets PA Must Meet
The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering

Committee Friday heard a series of presentations that outline
some possible options for meeting the preliminary nutrient
and sediment reduction targets Pennsylvania has been given
by the Chesapeake Bay Program.
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan
Pennsylvania must develop needs to achieve these draft
target reductions-- 36.37 million pounds of nitrogen and
867,000 pounds of phosphorus delivered to the Bay by 2025.
A sediment reduction number will be calculated based on the
final nitrogen and phosphorus reduction practices included in the Plan.
A Sector Growth factor must also be included in the Plans and for Pennsylvania that
means an additional reduction of 1.38 million pounds of nitrogen and 34,000 pounds of
phosphorus.
A Climate Change consideration is also being discussed by the Chesapeake Bay Program
which may mean a reduction of another 4.135 million pounds of nitrogen and 141,000 pounds of
phosphorus. But these numbers are more theoretical at this point because more research will be
done over the next two years to better understand what impact climate change may have.
A separate nutrient reduction plan will need to be developed to reduce nutrients for
Pennsylvania’s share of the Conowingo Dam obligations-- 4.56 million pounds of nitrogen,
177,000 pounds of phosphorus-- although these numbers are still being negotiated.
Pennsylvania’s total remaining obligations, if all these factors are included, are potential
reductions of 46.445 million pounds of nitrogen, 1.15 million pounds of phosphorus a
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speculative sediment reduction number that could run as high as 1.4 billion pounds.
By way of comparison, in the 31 years from 1985 to 2016, Pennsylvania was able to
achieve reductions of 15 million pounds of nitrogen, 2.445 million pounds of phosphorus and 1.1
billion pounds of sediments delivered to the Bay.
The reason these numbers seem so daunting now is, for the last decade Pennsylvania has
consistently missed its nitrogen and sediment reduction targets because the state has significantly
cut or diverted funding from programs that would have helped the Commonwealth meets its
Chesapeake Bay and local water quality cleanup obligations.
A presentation by Workgroup Co-Chairs and Matt Johnston, University of Maryland -
EPA Chesapeake Bay Office, providing the Steering Committee with an overview of what the
impact of using different best management practices and compliance strategies would have on
the reductions Pennsylvania needs to achieve.
The basic purpose of the presentation was to test drive certain strategies for achieving
reductions in the agriculture, wastewater, stormwater and forestry sectors to see what the result
would be.
The numbers that resulted are far from the beginnings of a strategy, but give the
Workgroups and the Steering Committee points of reference.
This presentation and a presentation by Johnston last September on targeting geographic
areas with cost-effective pollution reduction measures will need to be refined through much
more discussion and public input.
Click Here for available handouts from Friday’s meeting.
Future meetings of the Steering Committee are scheduled for May 17, July 10, September
10, October 24 and December 17.
For more information, visit DEP’s PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering
Committee webpage.
Related Stories:
Bay Journal: Plain Sect, Amish Farmers Becoming More Involved In Conservation
NRCS-PA Blog: A Little Farm Conservation Yields Big Improvement In Drinking Water For
14,000 In Berks County
Chesapeake Bay Commission Urges Significant Increase In Technical Assistance, Funding For
Federal Farm Bill Conservation Programs
April 12 Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your Land & Sustaining Your Farming Business
Program In Lewisburg
Penn State Extension: Online Course On Writing Manure Management Plans Available 24/7
House Agriculture Committee Meets March 26 On PennVEST Loan To Lyme Timber For
Conservation Easements
NewsClips:
Bay Journal: How Close To Perfect Must Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Be To Achieve Goal?
McKelvey: Capital Region Water Plans $315M In Upgrades
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
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Op-Ed: Fish & Boat Commission Deserves Its Independence To Restore Financial Stability
To The Agency
By Robert E. Hughes, Northeast Regional Vice President, PA Council Of Trout Unlimited
I’m writing as a longtime angler and conservationist of

Northeastern Pennsylvania, to relay my concerns about the
independence and financial stability of the Fish & Boat
Commission.
The Fish & Boat Commission deserves to operate
independently of the Legislature.
This is not an exercise of legislative oversight. It’s political
interference in an independent agency.
Legislators should allow the Commissioners to determine
when it’s time to choose a new Executive Director, and let the
agency do what’s best for managing our fisheries. It should be the Commissioners’ call, and at
this point, a majority of the Commissioners are happy with the direction of the PFBC under
current leadership.
For years, the Pennsylvania Legislature have worked unsuccessfully to address financial
issues plaguing the Commission. It has been 12 years since the Commission has been able to
raise its fees.
Rising costs have forced it to defer routine maintenance, cut staff, and consider reducing
services to the fishing and boating community of Pennsylvanians. The agency is largely
supported by fees from its users – angler and boaters.
I think that many anglers and boaters have said for years that they are willing to pay a
little bit more to make sure that the Commission can continue to do its job of protecting PA
fisheries.
This is a tried-and-true arrangement that helps Pennsylvania recruit sound candidates and
keep them accountable, and ensures that the Commission is focused on what's best for our
fisheries and waterways.
Sadly, efforts to solve that problem in a bipartisan way have been put on the backburner
for now, and instead a movement in the State House has taken place over the independence of
the Commission and may force and force a change in leadership of the organization by setting a
term limit for the Executive Director.
This is not a very pragmatic approach to solve the financial issues within the
Commission.
Many are incredibly frustrated that the Legislature hasn’t allowed the Commission to
raise its license fees so it can stay ahead of rising costs and avoid more cuts. Lawmakers should
set aside this political disagreement and focus on that issue.
I am urging our colleagues and leaders of our Legislature to listen to John Arway,
Executive Director, and work with him and the State Legislature to move the Commission closer
to a stable balance sheet and back to the job of protecting our streams and fisheries.
I am willing to pay a little more in fees and I think that many people who fish across PA
are willing to pay a little more, because we know first-hand how much the staff, Waterways
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Conservation Officers, fishery biologists, hatchery staff, and aquatic resource program
specialists, staff do to protect and enhance the State’s economically valuable fisheries that we are
underutilized and have the potential to improve hundreds of more miles of streams for restoration
and stream habitat improvement.
I appreciate the work the Commission does, and we work closely with them on projects
to protect and restore trout streams in Pennsylvania.
I work with the Fish & Boat Commission in many capacities and on numerous stream
restoration projects across our region and with many Northeast Regional Chapters of TU that do
as well.
We need to continue to see that they are self-sustaining to support our volunteers and
community groups who are protecting the coldwater resources, watersheds, fisheries, and
ecological systems across Pennsylvania.
This is economically important. More than a million people who fish add more than $1
billion to Pennsylvania’s bottom line each year.
They rely solely on fishing license fees and federal grants—no state tax dollars—to do its
critical work of enforcing pollution laws, protecting sensitive streams and wetlands, and
maintaining public infrastructure like dams and fish hatcheries.
Sadly, we haven't been able to garner the votes from our Representatives and Senators to
do so.
The recent actions of the House in an apparent act of political backlash, now threatens to
pull the rug out from under the Commission's Executive Director, John Arway, a true
conservationist and colleague that I have great respect for who has supported watershed
restoration projects, acid mine drainage remediation efforts, fishery studies, hatchery
improvements, and fishery habitat improvement projects for many years.
There is no excuse for trying to pass a law to limit the term of the Executive Director that
has led his staff to improve Pennsylvania's waterways, lakes, and streams while providing
numerous recreational outlets, programs, and fishing opportunities for families, Pennsylvanians,
and non-residents alike.
I would imagine that this situation is a problem for people just like me who fish, actively
restore, protect, and improve our rivers and streams, and enjoy the outdoor recreational
opportunities at our public waterways.
Anyone who cares about clean water that we all have a right to under Article 1, Section
27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution should be concerned.
The move of the Legislature threatens to undermine the independence of the Fish and
Boat Commission and put our healthy, fishable waters across the State at risk and will continue
to leave our streams that remain at risk even more vulnerable.
The Legislature already has oversight to make sure that the Commission is sticking to its
mission.
The Senate approves the Governor’s appointees to the Commission – they appointed four
of them just last year. The Commission submits annual reports to the House and Senate Game
and Fisheries Committees, and appears before those committees to answer questions.
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee conducts a performance audit every
three years.
If the Legislature isn't hearing from the fishing and boating community about a marginal
license increase on a daily basis, then what is the real problem?
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John Arway is a leader, let him lead.
[Editor’s Note: 1,163 responses (as of 5:00 p..m. March 16) to an online poll in the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette created by John Hayes found 80 percent agreed with the statement, “Will
you hold your legislators responsible at the polls if state politics interferes with the routine
operation of the wildlife management commissions?”]
Robert E. Hughes, Northeast Regional Vice President, PA Council Of Trout Unlimited, he can
be contacted at 570-239-3909 or send email to: rhughes@epcamr.org.
NewsClips:
Hayes: Legislators: No Funding Until Arway Is Out: Online Poll, What Do You Think?
Lawmakers Want To Oust Agency Head Over Dispute Over Stocking Trout Streams
Bob Frye: Not So Subtle: Attempt To Limit Term Of Fish Commission Executive Director
Op-Ed: In Harrisburg Politics, Revenge Is Power And Sometimes Policy. This Hit Job Is About
More Than Fishing Fees
Fish Commission: Fishing License Fee Increase Needed
Related Story:
Bill Limiting Terms Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Directors OK’d By House
Committee In Nearly Party Line Vote
The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh
The people have voted-- for the Pittsburgh-based

nonprofit Landforce which polled more online votes
than three other groups to win the second round of the
Google Impact Challenge Pittsburgh and $50,000.
For being selected in the final four, each group
received an initial $50,000 from Google.
"We are so grateful to have been chosen as the Google
Impact Challenge People's Choice. We will be using
the award to build a program around green
technologies like solar, energy efficiency, and other
renewables," said Alyssa Manspeizer, Ph.D., Executive Director of Landforce. "This will allow
us to build a more secure job pipeline, triple the number of people we serve within the next few
years, and expand the kinds of environmental services we provide. Our fellow awardees for the
initial Google Impact Challenge all have remarkable programs, and we have already learned so
much from them, and between us are already exploring new initiatives that we could work on
together. Google.org's generosity has already catalyzed so much for our organization, and we are
deeply thankful for this opportunity."
Landforce helps organizations restore and maintain land and green assets by providing
professionally skilled people who can assist in those projects. And the restores lives in the
process.
Crews from Landforce have built and maintained trails, restored habitats, stabilized
vacant land, protected green infrastructure and improved the health of waterways.
With their $100,000 grant, Landforce will scale their operations to ensure that everyone
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has the opportunity to earn livable wages by training people for jobs in environmental
restoration. Their project will help 150+ people previously on public assistance to earn over $10
million in income, and to facilitate almost 110,000 hours of restoration work.
In November 2017, Google launched the Google.org Impact Challenge Pittsburgh with
an invitation to local Allegheny County nonprofits to submit proposals for bold ideas to grow
economic opportunity in the local community. This announcement followed Google CEO Sundar
Pichai’s announcement in Pittsburgh of the Grow with Google initiative to help create economic
opportunity for Americans.
The panel of advisors selecting the final four winners included Mary Frances Cooper,
President and Director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; Grant Oliphant, President of the Heinz
Endowments; Charlie Batch, Former NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Founder of
Best of the Batch Foundation and Co-Founder of Impellia; and Kamal Nigam, Site Lead and
Engineering Director, Google Pittsburgh.
Profile: Terrence Montgomery
At 6’2” and 283 pounds, when Terrence Montgomery
walks into a room, it comes as no surprise that he once played
defensive tackle for the University of Oregon. What may come
as a surprise is how soft-spoken, earnest and kind he is.
When thinking back to the time right after he was
kicked off the team in 2010, Terrence doesn’t blame what
happened next in his life on “bad luck.” Rather, he owns the
“string of very bad decisions” that led to his incarceration,
protracted homelessness, and ultimate return to Pittsburgh.
Along the way he found resolve in his reignited faith to
overcome “myself, my past, a criminal record, laziness, lack of
motivation, unemployment, other people’s perception of me, my faith, and my skin color.”
Simultaneously he has also worked hard to overcome his perception of “other people,
their faith, and skin color.”
Terrance came to Landforce by way of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and is now
working full-time with the Allegheny County road crew.
He credits his time working with Landforce with helping him learn what to expect in the
workplace, preparing him for the intensity of teamwork, and instructing him on managing
potential conflicts with his colleagues.
“Knowing that all people have their own history, backgrounds, and journeys, I am able
to deal with conflict better and manage difficult situations with people at work,” Terrance
believes, “Landforce revitalized me and brought out my work ethic, discipline, integrity, and
focus and made it all second nature.”
Even more than enabling Terrance to start his job from a position of strength and
understanding, he credits Landforce with a pride in the work he does that goes beyond his
paycheck.
“Landforce taught and instilled in me the ability to look past myself, that while I get paid,
it’s not just about a paycheck, it’s about the impact that I can make daily in the life of my
coworkers or those out in the community. There is no feeling like someone you don’t know
coming to you and thanking you for doing your job because it makes where they live look better,
or it makes their lives a little easier. I’ll never ever take that for granted! I owe that to
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Landforce!”
Terrence is just one of the lives changed by Landforce.
Click Here to vote for Landforce. Click Here to learn more about the program and
contact them about a project you think they could help with.
NewsClip:
Pittsburgh’s Landforce Wins $50,000 As Google Impact Challenges People’s Choice
Related Story:
Pittsburgh Landforce Now Accepting Applications For Work Crew Members To Restore Green
Assets
Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
House
Microgrids: House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a regulatory framework to

encourage energy storage and microgrids to improve electric grid resiliency during disaster
emergencies and other circumstances was amended and reported out of the House Veterans
Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles: House Bill 1446 (Quinn-R-Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for
electric and natural gas fueled vehicles was amended and reported from the House
Transportation Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Taking Permit Reviews Away From DEP, State Agencies Giving It To Third Parties: House
Bill 1959 (Rothman-R-Cumberland) Establishes the Pennsylvania Permit Act which requires
agencies to create and develop a navigable online permit tracking system and takes authority to
issue certain permits away from state agencies like DEP and creates a new bureaucracy of
third-party reviewers. The bill was reported out of the House State Government Committee and
was Tabled. Click Here for more.
New Office of The Repealer: House Bill 209 (Phillips-Hill-R-York): Establishes the
Independent Office of the Repealer, a new bureaucracy to undertake an ongoing review of
existing regulations; receive and process recommendations; and make recommendations to the
General Assembly, the governor, and executive agencies for repeal. An amendment to the bill
places a cap on all regulations and requires agencies to delete two regulations for every new
regulations agencies seek to adopt. It is modeled after policies adopted by the Trump
Administration. The bill was reported out of the House State Government Committee and was
Tabled. Click Here for more.
Repeal Any Regulation By Resolution: House Bill 1792 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) Gives the
General Assembly the ability to repeal any state regulation in effect by a concurrent resolution
by requiring a single vote in the Senate and House. The process is modeled after a federal
9
procedure used by the Trump Administration to repeal regulations (sponsor summary).
Currently, the General Assembly can repeal any regulation by passing a new law which involves
a more extensive review and several votes by the Senate and House. The bill was amended and
reported out of the House State Government Committee and Tabled. Click Here for more.
Limit Term: Senate Bill 935 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which would limit the term of the Executive
Director of the Fish and Boat Commission to eight years was reported out of the House Game
and Fisheries Committee by a nearly party line vote (Republicans supporting) and was Tabled.
Click Here for more.
Borough-Owned Electric Companies: House Bill 2030 (Bernstine-R-Beaver) requiring

borough-owned electric companies located in two counties (Ellwood City) to calculate their rates
the same way as municipal authorities rather than using electric bills as a taxation tool was
reported from the House State Government Committee and Tabled.
NewsClip:
Op-Ed: Lawmaker’s Bill On Local Electric Companies Raises Moral, Legal Questions
One-Stop Permit Website: House Bill 1284 (Peifer-R-Pike) directs DCED to develop a
one-stop-shop online permitting portal for business (sponsor summary) was amended and
reported from the House Commerce Committee and Tabled.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
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 (April 9): House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends Title 58 to impose a
sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and includes provisions related to
minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a
regulatory framework to encourage energy storage and microgrids to improve electric grid
resiliency during disaster emergencies and other circumstances; House Bill 1446 (Quinn-R-
Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles; House Resolution
284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full
House Bill Calendar.
Senate (March 19): Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R-Franklin) requiring law fertilizer applicators to
be certified in application techniques and creates an education program; Senate Resolution 104
(Bartolotta-R-Washington) resolution urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new
non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling on state forest land (sponsor summary); House Bill
913 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by incorporated towns; House Bill 914
providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by boroughs; House Bill 915 providing for the
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adoption of stormwater fees by first class townships; and House Bill 916 providing for the
adoption of stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class; House Bill 1341 (Pyle-R-Armstrong)
further providing for training and certification of emergency medical personnel responding to
bituminous deep mine accidents (House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1486
(Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural high-tunnel structures from the Stormwater
Management Act (House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1550 (Klunk-R-York) changing
restrictions on preserved land to allow for an additional residence (House Fiscal Note and
summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy and Consumer Affairs and Professional
Licensure Committees hold a joint hearing on pipeline safety; the Game and Fisheries
Committee holds a hearing on annual reports of Game Commission and Fish and Boat
Commission. <> 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.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30
May 1, 2, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
House
April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 30
May 1, 2, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Governor’s 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. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol

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House Committee OKs Bills Creating New Bureaucracies To Take Permit Reviews Away
From DEP, Waive Penalties, Create Office of The Repealer, Cap Number Of Regulations
The House State Government Committee Tuesday approved bills taking permit reviews from
DEP and other state agencies, creating an Office of the Repealer, putting a cap on the number of
regulations, requiring the elimination of two regulation for every new regulation adopted by
agencies and authorizing the repeal of a any regulation by a simple House/Senate resolution.
The bills were reported out by party line votes, Republicans supporting.
The bills include--
-- Taking Permit Reviews Away From DEP, State Agencies Giving It To Third Parties:
House Bill 1959 (Rothman-R-Cumberland) Establishes the Pennsylvania Permit Act which
requires agencies to create and develop a navigable online permit tracking system and takes
authority to issue certain permits away from state agencies like DEP and creates a new
bureaucracy of third-party reviewers. (amended) Click Here for more.
-- New Office of The Repealer: House Bill 209 (Phillips-Hill-R-York): Establishes the
Independent Office of the Repealer, a new bureaucracy to undertake an ongoing review of
existing regulations; receive and process recommendations; and make recommendations to the
General Assembly, the governor, and executive agencies for repeal. An amendment to the bill
places a cap on all regulations and requires agencies to delete two regulations for every new
regulations agencies seek to adopt. It is modeled after policies adopted by the Trump
Administration.
-- Repeal Any Regulation By Resolution: House Bill 1792 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) Gives the
General Assembly the ability to repeal any state regulation in effect by a concurrent resolution
by requiring a single vote in the Senate and House. The process is modeled after a federal
procedure used by the Trump Administration to repeal regulations (amended) (sponsor
summary). Currently, the General Assembly can repeal any regulation by passing a new law
which involves a more extensive review and several votes by the Senate and House.
This meeting was a continuation of a January 31 meeting of the Committee which
reported out two other bills related to the Committee’s report on Regulatory Overreach--
-- Killing A Regulation By Doing Nothing: House Bill 1237 (Keefer-R-York) that would allow
the General Assembly to kill an economically significant final regulation from any agency by
doing nothing.
-- Regulatory Compliance Officers: House Bill 1960 (Ellis-R-Butler) which requires each
agency to appoint a Regulatory Compliance Officer with the authority to waive fines and
penalties if a permit holder attempts to comply.
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:
Editorial: Permits Still A Fundamental State Duty
Related Stories:
House Committee Republicans OK Bill To Kill Regulations By Doing Nothing
Analysis: How Do The Senate, House Use The Tools They Have Now To Review Agency
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Regulations?
PA Environmental Council: General Assembly Already Has Ample Authority To Review
Regulations
22 Groups Express Opposition To So-Called Regulatory Reform Bills By House Republicans
House Committee Chair Releases Regulatory Overreach Report, Endorses Bill Authorizing
Repeal Of Regulations By Doing Nothing
House Committee Approves Bill To Encourage Microgrids
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency

Preparedness Committee Monday unanimously
reported out House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware)
proposing a regulatory framework to encourage
energy storage and microgrids to improve electric
grid resiliency during disaster emergencies and
other circumstances (sponsor summary).
Microgrid systems offer many potential benefits to
the electrical grid, including increased resiliency
during large scale electric disruption, increased
integration of highly efficient Distributed Energy Resources (like solar energy and combined
heat and power systems) and potential cost savings for consumers, ratepayers and utilities.
Microgrids serve a small number of electricity users with a local source of power that is
able to function independently from the larger electricity grid, but is still connected to it.
The bill was amended to, among other changes, clarify reporting requirements by the
Public Utility Commission.
“It’s important to provide resiliency in the provision of electricity for our emergency
responders, especially during power outages. We all know that medical issues and other
emergencies don’t stop during outages. In fact, they can be more frequent, with vulnerable
citizens being exposed to more extreme temperatures and a lack of food and necessities,” said
Rep. Steve Barrar, prime sponsor of the bill.
The Committee held two hearings on the bill on June 19 and November 15 and found
general support for the legislation, along with suggestions for improving the bill.
Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee, and can be
contacted by sending email to: sbarrar@pahousegop.com. Rep. Chris Sainato (D-Lawrence)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: csainato@pahouse.net.
NewsClips:
PUC Moves To Demystify Electric Vehicle Charging Rules
Electric Choice Program On Decline
Pittsburgh Airport Might Use Natural Gas To Generate Power
Op-Ed: UN Selects Penn State To Lead A Global Transformation Of Building Sector
Op-Ed: Everyday Heroes Who Helped Get Power Back On
Penelec Default Rate Hearing In Erie Draws Crowd
York Power Line Opponents Show Up In Force At PUC Pre-Hearing
PJM Responds To PA Legislative Concerns About Baseload Plants
13
Maykuth: Federal Corporate Tax Cuts Flow Back To Utility Customers
Utility Customers Expecting Refunds From Federal Tax Cuts Keep Waiting
FERC Works To Ensure Customers Get Utility Rate Cuts From Republican Tax Bill
PJM Pushes Plant Payment Reforms As RTOs File Resilience Comments At FERC
Split FERC Approves ISO-New England Capacity Market Plan
Powelson Very Nervous About Long-Term Reliability In ISO-NE
FERC Chair Discloses Brain Tumor, Surgery, Says He’ll Keep Working
Trump Accuses Russia Of Ongoing Operation To Penetrate U.S. Energy Grid
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Electric Microgrids And Their Potential Benefits Topic Of House Hearing
PA Clean Transportation Infrastructure Bill Approved By House Committee
The House Transportation Committee Monday amended and reported out House Bill 1446
(Quinn-R-Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles (sponsor
summary).
Under House Bill 1446, Pennsylvania will:
-- Establish a state goal of expanding our electric transportation usage by at least 50 percent over
baseline forecasts by 2030;
-- Direct the development of regional transportation plans so that Pennsylvanians will be able to
live, work and play while going electric;
-- Require electric utilities to submit infrastructure investment proposals based on the regional
frameworks that help cost-effectively build out backbone charging infrastructure that meets their
local needs;
-- Complete statewide interstate and Turnpike fast electric and natural gas refueling networks;
and
-- Assess opportunities to increase the deployment of natural gas vehicles to support fleets and
other high-value uses.
“Electric-powered cars are becoming more affordable for both business and personal
use,” said Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks), prime sponsor of the bill. “However, people are
hesitant to purchase alternative fueled cars because of the availability of charging and refueling
stations. My legislation seeks to improve that, and to begin to enable the transition for long
distance travel with alternative fueled vehicles.
“Alternative fuel vehicles provide a great opportunity to help our economy and our
environment at the same time,” Rep. Quinn added. “Through good planning and regional
collaboration, we can make Pennsylvania a leader in adopting these exciting technologies.”
The bill was amended to, among other changes, require charging stations funded by the
legislation to be open to the public, revised review procedures related to the Public Utility
Commission and added hydrogen as an alternative fuel included in the program.
The Committee held a hearing on the legislation on November 14. The PA
Environmental Council offered its support for the legislation in a letter to the prime sponsor last
July.
Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
14
contacted by sending email to: jtaylor@pahousegop.com. Rep. William Keller (D-Philadelphia)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: wkeller@pahouse.net.
(Photo: Electric vehicle charging station behind Weis Markets, Union Deposit Road in
Harrisburg.)
NewsClips:
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House Committee Held Hearing On Clean Transportation Infrastructure Bill
Bill Limiting Terms Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Directors OK’d By House
Committee In Nearly Party Line Vote
The House Game and Fisheries Committee late Monday reported out Senate Bill 935
(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which would limit the term of the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat
Commission to eight years.
The vote was 15 to 9, with Chairman Keith Gillespie (R-York), Minority Chairman
Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria), Rep. Dan Moul (R-York), Rep. Dave Maloney (R-Berks), Rep.
Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks), Rep. Aaron Bernstein (R-Lawrence), Rep. Bud Cook (R-Washington),
Joe Emrick (R-Northampton), Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny), Rep. Garth Everett
(R-Lycoming), Rep. Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster), Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike), Rep. Justin Walsh
(R-Westmoreland), Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette), Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) voting in
the affirmative, and Rep. Thomas Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) joining remaining Democratic members
in the voting in the negative.
Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton), House Minority Whip, said, “Clearly there was a reason it
was not up to the legislature who the executive director is and how long he or she could serve.
Changing that by this legislation simply because we are dissatisfied with the current executive
director is wrong."
Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia) said, “After reading all the articles in the papers about
this, I think this is one person’s mission and we’re here to carry out the dirty work in the House. I
don’t think it’s right. I’m sorry the Senate put us in this position.”
Executive Directors are now selected by the Commission Board and have no term limits
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.
1,093 responses (as of 5:30 a.m. March 16) to an online poll in the Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette created by John Hayes found 80 percent agreed with the statement, “Will you hold
your legislators responsible at the polls if state politics interferes with the routine operation of the
wildlife management commissions?”
The meeting was called with just a few hours public notice and was not webcast by the
15
PA House Republican Caucus. Click Here for an audio recording of the meeting.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) serves as Majority Chair of the House Game and Fisheries
Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-705-7167 or by sending email to:
kgillesp@pahousegop.com. Rep. Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria) serves as Minority Chair and can be
contacted by calling 717-783-1491 or by sending email to: bbarbin@pahouse.net.
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March 23 In Monroe County
Bipartisan Bill To Require Water Testing At Schools Introduced
Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna), along with Rep.

Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), Wednesday announced
introduction of House Bill 2025 which would help address
the threat of lead in drinking water in Pennsylvania’s
schools.
From 2012-2015, Pennsylvania topped the list of states for
the number of times that elevated levels of lead were found
in our daycare and school drinking water.
House Bill 2025 creates the tools to address this by doing
the following:
-- Establishing a regular testing regimen for all water in schools used for drinking and cooking;
-- Requiring test results to be disclosed to parents; and
-- Setting a statewide standard for lead in school water to 5 parts per billion, the same standard
for bottled water in the Commonwealth.
“Article 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states, ‘The people have a right to clean air,
pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the
environment,’” said Rep. Boback. “I believe strongly that such legislation is necessary to ensure
the health, safety and well-being of our children, and that it is the responsibility of the
Commonwealth to provide for a safe environment in our schools.”
The PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center released a report that gave
Pennsylvania a grade of “F” with regard to the amount of lead in school drinking water.
“Most parents would be shocked to learn that there are almost no standards protecting our
children from lead in their school drinking water. We’re addressing that today,” said Stephanie
Wein, Clean Water Advocate for PennEnvironment. “In an era of political gridlock and
hyper-partisanship, it’s exciting that our elected leaders on both sides of the aisle can come
16
together to protect our children from the threat of lead in our drinking water.”
“As a parent and a legislator, I know that it’s crucial we tackle the threat of lead in
drinking water. This health risk threatens Pennsylvania’s urban, rural and suburban residents,”
noted Rep. Harkins. “This bill offers a set of commonsense and cost-effective solutions to reduce
the risk of lead in drinking water.”
News out of Flint, Michigan, brought the issue of lead in public drinking water to the
nation’s attention.
The bill has been introduced and enjoys bipartisan support from 50 House members and
referred to the House Education Committee. Click Here for a sponsor summary of the bill.
For more information, visit DEP’s Lead In Drinking Water webpage.
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First Step In Restructuring Pittsburgh Water Authority Could Come Next Week
Op-Ed: Privatization Not The Answer For Pittsburgh Water Authority
Philly Residents Could See Increase In Water Bill
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Communities
The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is scheduled to meet on March 26 for an
informational meeting on the investments the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority made in
Lyme Timber Company for working timberland conservation easements.
PennVEST approved two loans in October and February totalling nearly $50 million to
put private forest land in Cameron, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter and Venango into
working forest conservation easements to create forest-related jobs and to preserve, protect and
improve water quality. The property includes an acid mine drainage restoration project within the
Sterling Run tract.
At the time of the October announcement, Gov. Wolf said, “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."
“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
17
provide economic benefits in the form of jobs and property taxes.
The funding for this project came from a combination of state funds approved by voters,
federal grants to PennVEST from the U.S. 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.
The issue also came up in the Senate budget hearing on DCNR.
The Committee meeting will be held in Room 60 East Wing starting at 1:00.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron) serves as Majority Chair of the House Agriculture
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: mcauser@pahousegop.com. Rep. Eddie
Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
epashins@pahouse.net.
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Conservation Easement
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PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Committee Discusses Preliminary Pollution Reduction
Targets PA Must Meet
News From Around The State
DEP Citizens Advisory Council Reviews Waste, Recycling Programs March 20
DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet March 20 to hear a

series of presentations on Pennsylvania’s waste regulation, reduction and
recycling programs.
The presentations from the Bureau of Waste Management on Municipal
and Residual Waste, Waste Minimization, Planning and Recycling,
Hazardous Waste Management, Reporting and Fee Collection and Program
Development and Support. Click Here for an overview of waste-related
programs.
DEP provided its regular Monthly Report to Council.
18
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 10:00. A Conference Call-In option is available by calling 717-612-4788 or
855-734-4390 and using PIN 087398# .
The next scheduled meetings of the Council are April 17, May 16, June 19, July 17,
September 18, October 16 and November 13.
For more information, visit DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council webpage. Questions
should be directed to Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov.
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New Forms For Chpt. 105 Development-Related Permits Should Reduce DEP Review
Times
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced revisions to the instructions

and forms for Chapter 105 General Permit Registrations relating to water obstructions and
encroachments, one of the basic DEP permits needed for most development projects.
These revisions will improve the quality of General Permit registration requests,
eliminate unnecessary redundancies, and reduce review time frames. The new forms and
instructions will go into effect beginning March 26.
“As part of DEP’s effort to reduce permit review backlogs, these changes will help DEP
staff complete the review of thousands of Chapter 105 General Permit registration requests
received annually in a more expeditious manner,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP
discussed changes to the required forms and instructions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
and other agencies to ensure that the changes do not affect the environmental protections of the
permits.”
The new forms and instructions are available on the DEP website, and will be available
for use for all Chapter 105 General Permit Registrations beginning March 26. All information
can be found online.
The main changes to the forms and instructions were to condense forms and eliminate
unnecessary information. More information on the type of eliminated information can be found
in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
“DEP will continue to explore ways to improve our permit review processes, while
ensuring that any changes to those processes don’t hinder our mission to protect Pennsylvania’s
air, land, and water from pollution,” said McDonnell. “These changes are meant to encourage
responsible and environmentally safe development.”
An informational webinar was held on March 6, 2018 for potential permit applicants and
others in the regulated community to review the changes. A recording of that webinar is
available online.
DEP has been working to reduce permit backlogs across the department through a variety
of means, outlined in the Permitting Reform White Paper released in January 2018. These
reforms have included investments in technology, reassigning workloads across regional offices,
and new technical guidance for permit reviews.
19
Click Here for a copy of the Permitting Reform White Paper.
Questions about these changes should be directed to Sidney Freyermuth, Chief, Water
Obstruction and Encroachments, Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands at
717-772-5977 or send email to: sfreyermut@pa.gov.
NewsClip:
Related Story:
DEP Rolls Out New Chapter 105 General Permit Water Obstruction, Encroachment Form,
Instructions
By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal
A small stream flows out of the mountains in Lancaster

County, PA, near the Berks County border, with water
as clear as a freshly wiped window pane. It winds
through woods and over stones, shaded by trees and
embraced by undeveloped land.
Downstream, where the trees give way to farmland, the
stream flows through an enclave of Amish farms, first
through Benuel Zook’s pasture and then through
Raymond King’s.
As recently as 2012, the stream ran brown once it hit
pasture. It was often lined with up to 250 cows, from the first pasture to the last, about 40 from
each farm. Their manure, combined with soil from eroding banks, entered the stream.
But then farmers began to make some changes — and delivered a chain of conservation
actions with collective results.
“Look at my neighbors, they’re the heroes,” King said. “I’m not ahead of anybody. There
are five farms around that stream and all of them buffered their property back in 2012 or 2013
using the CREP program.”
For some farms in the Chesapeake Bay region, this would not be a surprising story.
CREP — the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program — is a federal program that provides
financial assistance to farmers who take streamside land out of production and plant it with
pollution-filtering buffers. But some of the more conservative Amish and other Plain Sect
farmers are reluctant to participate in CREP or any other government-funded program.
Reducing sediment and nutrient pollution from farm fields is the top priority for the Bay
restoration effort, but working in areas like Lancaster County, where many farms are owned by
Plain Sect farmers, has been a challenge.
As a whole, Pennsylvania farms send about 64 million pounds of nitrogen into the Bay
every year and, although that number has been dropping since 1985, Lancaster County still has
one of the highest per-acre loading rates for nitrogen in the Bay watershed.
The Plain Sect is a broad name for several Christian groups, including the Amish and
Mennonites, who separate themselves from most aspects of modern life. They are very
20
independent, relying on their own communities to meet their needs.
Some of the more conservative groups distrust the government and, although they pay
taxes, they don’t pay into Social Security because they choose not to collect it.
These cultural differences have made it difficult to recruit Plain Sect participants in
government-funded conservation programs. Even basic outreach is a challenge using modern
methods: Most don’t use computers or other means of mass communication.
But now, in Lancaster County, Plain Sect participation in conservation farming activities
is on the rise.
The Lancaster County Conservation District, nonprofit organizations and Amish
leadership that work with the Plain Sect have described a growing willingness from them to be
more environmentally conscious in farming.
The extent of the increase has not been formally documented, but Conservation District
manager Christopher Thompson said that some Amish and Mennonite farmers are taking
independent action while others are accepting government assistance or working with nonprofits
that steer both private and public funds toward farm conservation projects.
The change can be tracked to a combination of factors.
Pennsylvania farmers in general are under increasing pressure to comply with
state-mandated farm management plans.
Many began lining up to write plans after the state began inspecting farms in 2016; others
still feel the sting of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency visits to Watson Run in 2009
that found 17 out of 23 farms — all Plain Sect — not only had manure management problems
but were contaminated from nitrogen and pathogens in drinking water and barn wells.
Regulatory pressure is not the only reason for more Plain Sect involvement. There is now
greater financial assistance available through nongovernmental organizations, more Plain Sect
outreach and many outspoken Amish advocates who speak about their projects.
Some success is the result of efforts that began long ago: The County Conservation
District responded to the unique cultural and social need of the Plain Sect community by hiring a
Plain Sect outreach coordinator about 10 years ago.
In more recent years, Thompson and Russell C. Redding, Secretary of the Pennsylvania
Department of Agriculture, have also been meeting with Plain Sect leaders to discuss their
concerns.
“I have seen a great response from the Amish leadership,” Thompson said. “The
leadership understands the benefits of conservation and they have been quietly encouraging their
community to be part of the solution. They want to do the right thing.”
Two of the county’s most vocal conservation advocates, Thompson said, are King and his
neighbor, Zook.
King had long used no-till practices to reduce erosion from his fields. His interest in
additional conservation projects began when Zook worked with the Natural Resource
Conservation Service to finance and install a manure storage system on his dairy farm.
That led to a barnyard improvement project. King liked the way it looked, so he worked
with the NRCS and Lancaster County Conservation District to put manure storage on his farm as
well.
Then he opened his farm to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and agricultural service
agencies for farmer workshops.
The Bay Foundation also took King and his neighbors on a boat tour of the Chesapeake.
21
“I saw all these fishing boats pulling in nets,” King said. “These are all working people.
We really need to do a better job.”
New streamside buffers, planted to reduce erosion and runoff from fields, seemed to
grow organically from one farm to the next, almost to the stream’s confluence with the Little
Conestoga Creek, which flows into the Susquehanna River.
Nearby, at Aaron Hurst’s hardware store in Terre Hill, farmers often gather for
workshops. On an unseasonably warm February afternoon, 10 young Plain Sect farmers listened
attentively while an agronomist explained the intricacies of planting a healthy field of pumpkins
without tilling the soil.
After the presentation, the talk turned to conservation and manure management plans.
Both have been required by law in Pennsylvania for more than 30 years but, until recently, there
was little pressure to comply.
Chris Sigmund, president of Team Ag, an agricultural consultant firm, talked to the
farmers about a program that reimburses farmers for the cost of the plans.
“We got 30 applications today — people are taking advantage of the opportunity,”
Sigmund told the group. “Especially the young guys that say, ‘My dad never did this, but I want
to.’”
The reimbursement program that Sigmund pitched at the workshop is funded by the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in an effort to bring more farms into
compliance with the law.
Hurst, a member of the Mennonite Community, serves on the agricultural committee of
the Eastern Lancaster County Source Water Collaborative, a group concerned with drinking
water quality. He is a vocal advocate for conservation in eastern Lancaster County.
“They came to me because they were concerned about offending people,” Hurst said.
Working with Hurst and other Plain Sect advocates helped the collaborative attract 400 farmers,
mostly from the Plain Sect, to their first farmers’ meeting in 2013, titled Protecting Your Water
Begins with Your Land.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit grant-maker, pools public and
private funds to support a variety of government and nonprofit organizations for conservation
work. Some NFWF grants support agricultural conservation in places with Plain Sect
communities.
In 2016, NFWF awarded $1.5 million to work on barnyard fixes, stream restoration,
buffers and fencing projects with Lancaster County Plain Sect farmers.
Jake Reilly, NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Program director, said there’s growing recognition
that there is a real need out there.
“I think what’s happening more recently is that you are starting to see some initial
successes at several Amish communities around the watershed,” Reilly said. “People see pockets
of promise. Maybe that helps them to be a little warmer to working with these communities.“
A $693,000 NFWF grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will pay for
improvements on all 32 farms located in the watersheds of three small tributaries to Fishing
Creek in southern Lancaster County. Most of them are Plain Sect farms.
The project has 20 public and private partners, including the Lancaster County
Conservation District, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lancaster Farmland Trust.
The goal is the complete exclusion of cows from the creek, said Jeffery Swinehart, the
trust’s deputy director.
22
Farm visits began this spring and so far, 28 of the 32 farmers are in the process of writing
or updating their conservation plans, each of which will include fencing cows out of the streams.
The success rate of this program is especially welcome in southern Lancaster County,
where Plain Sect church districts are considered very conservative and insular.
“We had some reservations. We thought we would have more difficulty,” Swinehart said.
“Everyone is pleasantly surprised. They (farmers) are very grateful that there’s money
available.”
The Octoraro Creek watershed is also in the southern part of the county and suffering
from high nitrate pollution. Here, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is working with 25 Amish
farmers, supported by a $749,000 NFWF grant.
Jenna Mitchell, state director for the Alliance, thinks farmers have enough people telling
them what to do. Instead, they need choices and a checkbook not connected to the government,
she said.
“We’re non-threatening — that’s what we try to be,” she said. “They definitely like the
fact that it’s not straight from the government and there’s not a lot of red tape. We help them get
a conservation plan or we can do something, even if it’s small, to let them dip their toe in the
water.”
That approach seems to be working. Mitchell tells the story of one farmer who wanted to
stabilize his barnyard — and nothing more. Shortly after that was finished, he came back and
wanted help with his son’s barnyard. And the third time, he wanted to plant trees along his son’s
stream.
At another farm, on a tributary of the Octoraro, the Amish owner is so enthusiastic about
improving his farm that he wants to record video of the creek before and after his fencing and
buffer is installed.
“We find a lot of Amish farmers that are excited to plant trees,” Mitchell said. “There’s a
whole spectrum — they are just people. There are those that care about the environment and
others that don’t.”
For more information on efforts to meet Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay nutrient and
sediment reduction obligations, visit DEP’s PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering
Committee webpage.
(Photo: Trees lining unnamed tributary to Little Conestoga Creek In Lancaster County part of
efforts by 5 Plain Sect Farmers working with Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Buffer Bonus
Program.)
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Lancaster County Manure Spills Kills Fish
Milk Processor Cancels Farm Contracts As Walmart Makes Own Milk
23
Related Stories:
April 12 Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your Land & Sustaining Your Farming
Business Program In Lewisburg
The Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA and its

partners will host a Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your
Land and Sustaining Your Farming Business Program on
April 12 at the Union County Government Center, 155 N.
15th Street in Lewisburg from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Hibernation is Over! Please join the NRCS for a
"woman farmer awakening" to start a fresh growing season
with new tools and ideas as valuable support from your local
conservation team.
Meet other farmers and share in their journey to becoming successful farm businesses.
All farmers are welcome to attend. Registration is free, but seating is limited. Click Here
for more information.
To RSVP, contact Christine Nickey by calling 570-524-2549 x100 or send email to:
christine.nickey@pa.usda.gov.
For more information on technical and financial assistance available, visit the NRCS-PA
webpage or contact Local Service Centers.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
24
Penn State Extension: Online Course On Writing Manure Management Plans Available
24/7
Creating a manure management plan for your farm

doesn’t have to be a costly or time-consuming
chore—but it does need to be done. Let Penn State
Extension help you with step-by-step guidance to
complete this task.
Enroll in Writing a Manure Management Plan for
Pennsylvania Farmers and Property Owners, a new
online course that will teach you how to write a plan
that meets regulations and protects your employees,
family, and visitors.
The best part? This low-cost course is taught by experts and available 24/7!
The instructors for the course are Dr. Douglas Beegle, Distinguished Professor Emeritus
of Agronomy and Jerry Martin, Senior Extension Associate.
Click Here to watch a short video overview of the course. Click Here for an overview of
DEP’s Manure Management Manual.
For more information and to sign up for this course, visit Penn State Extension Writing a
Manure Management Plan for Pennsylvania Farmers and Property Owners webpage.
To learn more about nutrient management, visit Penn State Extension’s PA Nutrient
Management Program webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
25
NRCS-PA Blog: A Little Farm Conservation Yields Big Improvement In Drinking Water
For 14,000 In Berks County
By Amelia Dorch & Chad Douglas, NRCS-PA
All communities depend on clean water and

that supply of clean water depends on the
actions of members in the community and
outside of it.
The small city of Kutztown lies within the
Saucony Creek watershed in Berks County,
Pennsylvania. The watershed is mostly
agricultural, dotted with small family crop
and livestock farms, and the activities on
these farms affect water supplies near and
far.
Saucony Creek itself feeds into Lake Ontelaunee, the water supply for Reading,
Pennsylvania. Kutztown gets its water from wells that, because of the soils and geology of the
area, are strongly affected by activities on the surrounding landscape.
In the early 2000s, the nitrates in Kutztown’s water supply were approaching the
maximum safe levels for drinking water. The nitrates were related in large part to farms in the
area.
This situation energized a partnership of non-profit organizations, government agencies,
and private entities to ensure the safety of the city’s water supply, in part by helping local
farmers install conservation practices that protect and improve water quality.
As part of this effort, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
delivered additional funding for voluntary conservation assistance through its National Water
Quality Initiative (NWQI).
For years, dairy farmer Daniel Weaver faced challenges that made his life harder and
affected water quality in his area. He hauled manure every day because he had nowhere to store
it. And, his cows watered and roamed in a branch to Saucony Creek that runs through his
property.
This reduced the health of the stream and of his herd. That is before he formed a
relationship with NRCS staff at his local USDA Service Center.
With NRCS’s help, Weaver was able to implement conservation practices that improve
the operations of his farm in a way that also protects the ground and surface water flowing
through his property.
26
First, NRCS helped him develop a nutrient management plan for his property.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding, commonly known as EQIP,
enabled him to install a manure storage tank that alleviates the need to haul manure daily.
The new storage capacity allows him to control the rate and timing of manure application
on his farm, which are key factors in achieving healthy soil and clean water. He also says that it
has helped him save on labor and fertilizer.
“I think it should be mandatory for farmers to have a manure pit,” he said.
Streambank fencing and an animal crossing were installed to keep cows from
contaminating streams and creeks that crossed their pastures and therefore the downstream rivers
and lakes.
In the five years since installation, vegetation has grown on the stream banks, creating a
buffer for the stream and the crossing controls the cows’ access, thereby limiting pathogens and
nutrients from entering the water.
Not too far away, Harlan Burkholder owns and operates a 100-acre row crop and beef
cattle farm. He also worked with NRCS and other partners to improve water quality in Saucony
Creek.
When Burkholder bought his farm in 2005, manure was being stored on the ground near
the creek that runs through the property because there was limited space near the barn. He had to
spread manure on the fields often to keep it from piling up.
Realizing that it’s best to spread manure in the growing season and store it in the winter
to avoid runoff, he developed a nutrient management plan.
After applying for NRCS financial assistance, he worked with NRCS to co-invest in a
manure storage structure. Now, Burkholder is able to store manure over the winter so he can
spread it at optimal times.
He is grateful for NRCS’s help. “As a beginner, there’s no way I could have spent money
on something like this,” he said.
Burkholder also knows the importance of keeping soil healthy with no-till and cover
crops. As a 100-percent no-till farmer, Burkholder says, “I have no intentions of doing anything
else. It’s working.”
It’s working so well that he’s sharing his knowledge and experiences with other farmers.
Results
Together, NRCS and its partners have helped more than 20 farmers in the watershed get
conservation on the ground. In fact, NRCS has invested more than $2 million in targeted
assistance in this area alone.
“The voluntary efforts of these farmers that protect the water in Saucony Creek also has a
positive impact on the groundwater in aquifers beneath it,” said Martin Lowenfish, the team lead
for NRCS’s landscape conservation initiatives. “Kutztown is home to 14,000 residents who rely
on drinking water from those aquifers.”
And, the residents of Kutztown are taking notice. Just two years after the city’s water
treatment plant was updated with equipment to remove nitrates from the raw water, the plant is
running at minimum capacity because the nitrate levels have been reduced by almost half thanks
to the conservation efforts of farmers and ranchers upstream.
Now, the treatment plant’s water is within legal safe drinking water requirements and
treatment costs also have been significantly reduced.
This is just one impact among many that show how a little conservation can yield big
27
results for communities downstream.
For more information on technical and financial assistance available, visit the NRCS-PA
webpage or contact Local Service Centers.
(Photo: (Before) Cows had full access to a stream that winds throughout the Weaver farm in the
Saucony Creek Watershed. (After) Streambank fencing and a stream crossing restrict cattle
access to stream.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
(Reprinted from the NRCS-PA Blog.)
Chesapeake Bay Commission Urges Significant Increase In Technical Assistance, Funding

For Federal Farm Bill Conservation Programs:
The interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission Wednesday

released a series of 8 recommendations for significantly
increasing technical assistance and funding for conservation
programs under the federal Farm Bill now under
consideration in Congress.
The introduction to the recommendations note, “The
Federal Farm Bill is the most important piece of Federal
legislation in the country for promoting conservation on
private lands. Other than forest, agriculture represents the
largest land use and one of the largest industries in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“The Farm Bill has, and will continue to have, a profoundly influential role in our region.
“Not only does the Farm Bill enhance the economic viability of our farms, it also
provides critical financial and technical resources needed to address agricultural sources of
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pollution.
“Between now and 2025, all six Bay watershed states are relying on agriculture to play a
leading role in reducing pollution. Financial and technical support provided by the 2018 Farm
Bill will help to determine if the water quality goals of the region are met.”
The recommendations include--
1. Focus the critical role of NRCS on providing Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA),
development of practice standards, and training to increase the availability of conservation
professionals.
Conservation Operations (CO), including CTA is administered by NRCS and helps to
fund NRCS staff in the local offices. NRCS staff provide trusted expertise and planning that
leads to the installation of the right practices in the right locations.
Before a farmer is ready to participate in a Farm Bill program, this on-farm planning is
critical. Yet this foundation is threatened by continued cuts to CTA and other core NRCS
funding.
While new opportunities must be made to partner with private providers and NGOs to
enhance farm practice implementation, funding for CO and CTA must be at least stable.
Another role unique to NRCS is the development of practice standards for Federal cost
share programs. This backbone provides consistency nation-wide to ensure financial assistance
programs achieve their desired results, and design and engineering standards are met.
It is important to recognize this important role that only NRCS can provide.
In the same way, NRCS provides training and certification to third-party TA providers.
Again, this is a role unique to them, as the regulatory lead and technical authority.
To increase the availability of TA, additional resources are needed by NRCS for training
conservation professionals from Conservation Districts and state agencies, NGOs, and the
private sector.
The certification of third-party TA providers should be streamlined and
encouraged through numeric goals.
NRCS can also ensure that training for modern-day conservation professionals keeps
pace with the evolution of new pollution reduction technologies available to farmers, particularly
technologies that advance water quality goals while providing strong economic return.
2. Establish State Block Grants to supplement direct funding and strategically leverage
investments.
The Chesapeake Bay states, in close partnership with the Conservation Districts have
been leaders in agricultural conservation, helping to achieve some of the highest pollution
reduction rates reported across the country.
Due to the nature of farming, these efforts are all local. By providing supplemental
funding to the states – for financial assistance, TA, and edge-of-field monitoring – states can
work directly with NRCS, Districts and local partners to most efficiently address local priorities
and monitor progress.
This approach could be achieved through a variety of approaches, including:
-- Reserve a percentage of Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding for direct
state agency partnerships or for “State Agency-Approved/Prioritized” projects.
-- Allow RCPP, EQIP or other programs to be delivered through a “block grant” or an analogous
method between the conservation districts and state agricultural agencies, with administrative
duties retained by NRCS.
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3. Enhance financial and technical support for the working lands programs.
Working lands programs such as EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
provide farmers with the cost-share support they need to plan for and install conservation
practices.
These programs are the backbone of agricultural conservation efforts, helping to maintain
healthy soils and ensure clean water.
To successfully administer the financial assistance, TA, particularly engineering support,
is needed.
The recommendations of #1 and #2 above, plus the facilitation of public and
private-sector partner support for outreach and education, are critical to maximize the potential
of these financial assistance programs.
Program implementation would be enhanced through greater certainty in funding levels;
fluctuating funding levels increase a farmer/landowner’s investment risk.
4. Enhance the Regional Conservation Partnership Program through more funding and
make other changes.
With the creation of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) in the 2014
Farm Bill, over the first five years the Chesapeake Bay region received $49.3 million in Critical
Conservation Area projects – an average of $9.8 million.
This contrasts with the $47.6 million received annually through the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed Initiative in the 2008 Farm Bill.
More funding, better alignment with regional priorities, more transparency, and increased
opportunity for RCPP partners to provide TA will improve this regions’ prospects.
An opportunity for all award recipients within the watershed to convene and discuss best
practices and lessons learned in implementing the RCPP projects would also help to ensure that
each round of RCPP proposals is building on the best of what has been accomplished.
Specifically, we recommend:
-- Alignment with Regional Priorities: Projects awarded under the Critical Conservation Areas
(CCA) funding pool should be directly related to the resource concern for which the CCA was
designated. For example, projects awarded under the Chesapeake Bay CCA should directly
address nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment.
-- Transparency: Written feedback to applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, will improve
the quality of applications and ensure that projects support program goals.
Greater clarity in how awarded funds will be reserved for NRCS is also warranted.
-- Technical Assistance: Limitations on the amount that NRCS can reserve for TA, as well as the
ability to advance (rather than reimburse) TA costs and know the available amount up-front, will
facilitate state and local partners to provide TA services, relieving an already burdened NRCS
staff.
-- Funding: Increasing the overall funding for RCPP, while narrowing it to only the State and
CCA pools, would increase the amount available to the region and avoid application confusion.
The Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act of 2017 (S. 2139/H.R. 4420)
addresses these critical conservation conditions under the RCPP program.
5. Increase the Conservation Reserve Program cap to 30 million acres.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage cap of 24 million acres is a provision
of the 2014 Farm Bill.
Current enrollment is about 23.5 million acres, nationwide. This cap may soon prevent
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some marginal land from being enrolled. Continued cropping on this marginal land can present
an environmental risk due to its proximity to local waterways, and presents a financial risk due to
low yields, inefficient nutrient use, and/or flood damage.
The expense of increasing the enrollment cap could be offset by savings in the
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
6. Modernize Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
The Chesapeake Bay region boasts some of the longest and most successful state
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) programs in the country.
Continuing experience with CREP implementation has revealed several ways that the
program could be revised to improve delivery:
-- Encourage partnerships with NGOs for the delivery of TA and allow that service to count
toward the match.
-- Allow TA funding for riparian forest buffers to go directly to a state forestry agency.
-- Allow for enrollment of riparian forest buffers that were previously unmaintained grass
buffers.
-- Allow for the pooling of maintenance payments for contracting with a third party for the
maintenance.
7. Provide longer-term funding for annual practices.
Watershed-wide, one of the most commonly relied upon practices for achieving improved
water quality and soil health is cover crops. Yet cover crops are an annual practice, requiring the
farmer to apply for cost share year-after-year, adding unnecessary administrative burden to both
NRCS and the farmer.
Farmers will be more inclined to adopt such practices if there were reassurances of
support for multiple years. “High priority annual practices” identified by the states in concert
with the state NRCS office should be provided, with an option for a multiple-year contract.
Maryland provides a successful example of this approach.
8. Improve Funding and Flexibility of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
The loss of agricultural lands is of concern, both in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and
nationwide.
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers farmers a way to ensure
that their land stays available for farming in perpetuity, while providing an infusion of capital
that can be used to invest in new agricultural infrastructure, improve conservation practices,
acquire additional land, finance retirement, and/or enable the transfer of the farm to the next
generation.
To more easily achieve this, the following amendments are proposed:
-- Baseline funding for ACEP should be restored and increased to at least $500 million annually
over the next ten years, front-end-loading the early years, without reducing critical funding for
water quality programs.
-- Water quality benefits should be prioritized at the same level as wildlife benefits under the
Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) evaluation and ranking program.
-- Improve the certification process to recognize the diversity of state/public programs.
Certification should result in greater flexibility at the state level for choice of land acquisitions
and easement terms, allow for a wider window of time for choosing projects and accelerate the
closing of easement agreements.
-- Provide states and public programs with the flexibility to substitute parcels. This will allow
31
projects to be completed even if initial agreements fall through.
Click Here for a copy of the recommendations.
Pennsylvania’s representatives on the Commission include Sen. Gene Yaw
(R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee,
Sen. Richard Alloway (R-Franklin), Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming), Rep. Keith Gillespie
(R-York), Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) and DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Commission website. Questions should
be directed to Ann Swanson, Executive Director, by calling 410-263-3420 or sending email to:
aswanson@chesbay.us.
For information on available federal technical and financial assistance, visit the
NRCS-PA webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Natural Lands: Penn Township Wins Growing Greener Communities Award In Chester
County
Natural Lands and the Chester County Association

of Township Officials presented the Growing
Greener Communities Award to representatives of
Penn Township on March 13 in Chester County.
This award recognizes a Chester County township
that has engaged in a dynamic initiative designed
to save land, steward natural resources, and
connect people to nature.
Situated between the White Clay Creek in the
Christina Basin to the north and the Big Elk Creek
32
in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to the south, Penn Township is keenly aware of its
environmental responsibilities.
The Township’s multi-pronged approach toward stormwater management includes public
education, responsible planning, and infrastructure improvements all designed to protect the
environment and ensure public safety.
Along with an ongoing, robust public outreach program, 2017 saw Penn Township
advance projects that improved the stormwater management on several miles of township roads.
This included road and drainage system repairs and improvements to move stormwater from the
roadways to the White Clay Creek.
“CCATO is pleased to be able to highlight the continued efforts and dedication of our
local government members, the County of Chester, and Natural Lands in the area of
environmental protection,” said David Connors, CCATO president. “Environmental protection
efforts such as these will help ensure Chester County remains a healthy, vibrant community for
years to come.”
"The Penn Supervisors are honored to have been chosen as a Growing Greener
Community,” said Karen Versuk, director of operations and public information officer at Penn
Township. “The Supervisors make every effort to protect and preserve the health, safety, and
welfare of the community in every way. It is thrilling and humbling when these efforts are
recognized by an organization such as Natural Lands. Our community thanks Natural Lands and
CCATO for this honor from the bottom of our hearts."
“We were impressed by the strategy that Penn Township advanced towards
environmental stewardship,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands. “Innovative
approaches in engineering and community participation not only improve the environment but
can make communities safer.”
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural
Lands website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on
Facebook. Click Here to support their activities.
Water Insights Seminar March 20: Stroud: Multi-Strategy Whole Watershed Restoration
For Resiliency
The Penn State Environment and Natural Resources

Institute will hold its next Water Insights Seminar
March 20 featuring Dr. Melinda Daniels of Stroud
Water Research Center presenting on
Multi-Strategy Whole Watershed Restoration for
Ecological and Human Resiliency.
Watershed restoration has always presented an
opportunity for addressing both ecological and
human resiliency concerns, yet quantifying and
communicating the connections between the two
has been challenging.
This has resulted in segmented, piecemeal restoration funding with limited ecological or
human resiliency benefits.
33
We appear to be in a phase of opportunity to produce larger, connected, holistic
watershed restoration with clear and quantifiable improvements in both human and ecological
resiliency.
In this session we showcase a demonstration watershed restoration effort funded
following Hurricane Sandy that employs multiple in-channel, floodplain, and hillslope strategies
to restore hydrologic and water quality function to a headwater tributary of the Brandywine
Creek watershed with dual goals of human and ecological resiliency to large magnitude
disturbance events as well as persistent climate and land use change pressures.
Dr. Daniels holds a BS in Natural Resources from Cornell University, a Masters of
Research in Environmental Science from University College of London, England, and a PhD in
Physical Geography from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Her specialties include fluvial geomorphology and river restoration science and policy,
with emphases on in-channel flow hydraulics, channel erosion, large river planform dynamics,
human impacts on hydrologic and geomorphic regimes, river restoration assessment, and the
interconnections between hydro-geomorphologic and ecological processes in stream ecosystems.
Her work has been funded by federal, state, local, and non-governmental organizations
including The National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and has
resulted in over 40 peer-reviewed publications.
Her current research focuses on legacy disturbances to watersheds in Great Plains, Rocky
Mountain, and Mid-Atlantic river systems including effects of grassland grazing on prairie
headwater stream geomorphology and sediment transport dynamics, the effects of past forest
harvesting practices on woody debris dynamics in the Rocky Mountains, the effects of large and
small dams on hydrologic and geomorphological dynamics, modeling impacts of climate change
on coupled human-watershed systems in the Central Great Plains, long term research on the
effects of riparian reforestation, experiments with innovative practices for watershed restoration,
and the role of biological ecosystem engineers in regulating stream processes.
She serves on the Environmental Advisory Board to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Before joining the Stroud Water Research Center she was a tenured Associate Professor of
Geography at Kansas State University.
Click Here to watch a short video about her work at Stroud.
The Seminar will be held in Room 102 Forest Resources Building at Penn State in State
College from Noon to 1:00. Click Here to attend the Seminar by webinar (sign in with your
name and email).
Click Here for the full schedule of Water Insights Seminar series from Penn State’s
Environment and Natural Resources Institute and recordings of past Seminars.
NewsClips:
HBG Transportation Center, Paxton Creek Plans Could Reduce Flooding
DEP Officials Investigate Greenish Discharge In Montour Run Allegheny County
Fish & Wildlife Service To Begin Restore West Branch Wallenpaupack Creek In Pike County
Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Holds Bluebird Workshop March 24
34
Delaware RiverKeeper March 16 RiverWatch Video Report
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Other Archived Water Insights Seminars:
Chesapeake Bay: Emerging Policy And Practice Innovations To Improve Water Quality
Presentation Now Available Online
Water Insights Seminar: What Is Water Law And Why Should Scientists Care? - Available
Online.
Water Insights Seminar: Policies To Minimize Damage Caused By Aquatic Invasive Species
Water Insights Seminar: Climate Change Impacts On Wetland Hydrology
(Photo: Dr. Daniels at work in the Stroud water lab.)
Schuylkill Action Network Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Website
The Schuylkill Action Network Monday

launched its completely redesigned and
revamped website: SchuylkillWaters.org to
help celebrate its 15th anniversary.
The SAN is a collaborative network of
nonprofits, government agencies, water
utilities, and academia working together to
protect clean water in the Schuylkill River
Watershed.
As the website’s name implies,
SchuylkillWaters.org is designed to be more than just a resource to environmental partners. It has
been structured as a one-stop-shop with information and resources for individuals and groups
with a variety of interests – from farmers, to municipalities, water utilities, teachers, and more!
The new website has a clean, refreshed look, improved functionality, and is now
mobile-friendly for use on smartphones and tablets. Created to better serve the needs of the
users, the redesigned website has many new features including:
-- Grant directory that highlights available funding opportunities and can be filtered by area of
interest;
-- Upgraded “News” and “Events” webpages for individuals to stay up to date on what’s going
on in the region; and
-- “Explore the Schuylkill” map with key recreational opportunities by county.
Visitors to the new website can stay informed about news, events, and volunteer
opportunities by becoming a member or signing up for the e-newsletter. SAN partners can now
easily showcase and promote their events, volunteer opportunities, and projects by filling out a
contact form on the Contact page.
The launch of the website coincides with the SAN’s 15 Year Anniversary, celebrating 15
years of successful partnerships and innovative projects that protect and restore the Schuylkill
River and its tributaries.
35
There will be special events and new opportunities to engage with the Schuylkill River
and SAN partners throughout the year. Stay updated about 15 year anniversary events by visiting
the Events webpage.
The Schuylkill River is part of the Delaware River Watershed that spans four states and
provides drinking water for 15 million people.
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is working with the Schuylkill Action Network
and other partners across the region to protect and restore the waterways that keep communities
healthy and the economy thriving.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Schuylkill Action Network website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates. Like them on
Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to support their work.
DEP Holds P&N Coal Company Permit Application Meeting March 21 In Clearfield
County
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it will hold an informal

public conference on March 21 to discuss the bituminous coal surface mining permit application
submitted by P&N Coal Company, Inc. for a proposed surface coal mine located in Westover
Borough, Clearfield County.
P&N is requesting approval to surface mine the Upper Kittanning and Upper Freeport
coal seams over an area of 37 acres within the Chest Creek watershed.
The conference will be held on at the Westover Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall at
975 West Bridge Street, Westover beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Permit materials will be available for review, and DEP staff will be available to answer
questions from the public regarding the proposed project. DEP will accept verbal comments from
the public beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Those wishing to provide verbal comments to DEP regarding the proposed project should
register onsite prior to 7:00 p.m. Comments during the informal conference will be recorded, and
the time allotted to each speaker will be limited based on the number of speakers and the time
available.
Written comments of any length may also be provided to David Bisko, Chief, Technical
Services Section, via email to: dbisko@pa.gov, or via mail at 186 Enterprise Drive, Philipsburg,
PA 16866 no later than March 28.
Verbal comments provided at the hearing and written comments provided by the deadline
will be addressed by DEP in a comment response document.
A copy of the permit application is available for review prior to the conference at the
Clearfield County Conservation District office at 6395 Clearfield Woodland Highway, Suite 2,
Clearfield, PA 16830, during business hours.
Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With
Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact David Bisko at 814-342-8200, or through the
Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD Users), or 1-800-654-5988 (Voice
Users), to discuss how DEP may accommodate your needs.
Questions should be directed to Megan Lehman, DEP Northcentral Regional Office,
717-327-3659 or send email to: meglehman@pa.gov.
36
March Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition
The March edition of the Catalyst newsletter is

now available from the Slippery Rock
Watershed Coalition in Butler County featuring
stories on--
-- Exploring Nature Events Coming Up At
Jennings Environmental Ed Center
-- Interior Secretary Zinke’s Announces
Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funds For PA
(Photo)
-- The KIDS Catalyst - 4-Leaf Clover Hunt
-- Water Issues Class At Pitt Learns About
AMD
-- Moraine, McConnells Mill & Jennings Meeting March 21 On Schoolhouse Renovation
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
The Catalyst newsletter is distributed to over 1,200 individuals in over a dozen countries
including: Brazil, Peru, South Korea, Mexico, England, Wales, Venezuela, South Africa, New
Zealand, Australia and Germany.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Slippery
Rock Watershed Coalition website.
NewsClip:
Hayes: The (Weird) Color Of Water In Southwest Streams
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Waterline Project, Indiana County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a

waterline installation related to an abandoned mine reclamation project in Indiana 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.
NewsClip:
PennDOT Releases Paxton Creek Restoration Master Plan In Harrisburg To Deal With
37
Flooding; Meeting March 22
PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards

Thursday released a Paxton Creek
Restoration Master Plan to deal with
flooding near the City of Harrisburg
Transportation Center in Dauphin
County.
The Master Plan was released in
connection with a development plan for
the Harrisburg Transportation Center.
The Paxton Creek study outlines
potential steps to modify the channel size and make other improvements that would take 133
acres out of the 100-year flood plain and partially remove an additional 275 acres.
These steps would mean development on these tracts would not be required to have flood
insurance and would make it much more attractive to developers.
The Paxton Creek plan also envisions enhancing the creek area with recreational paths
and restoring the area to a much more natural, inviting environment.
The next step is to create a comprehensive implementation team that will undertake
detailed field surveys, hydrologic analysis, and preliminary design to confirm project feasibility
and acquire the necessary federal and state permits.
“These projects will provide exciting opportunities for development in the City of
Harrisburg, and for enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric
Papenfuse. “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with PennDOT on projects
that will benefit not only Harrisburg residents but the entire region.”
The estimated cost to deliver the creek improvements is roughly $60 million to $90
million and it will take at least four to five years of work before construction could begin.
Funding sources could include grants from the state Multimodal Fund, the Department of
Community and Economic Development, and the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.
Public Meeting
PennDOT will hold a public meeting on the Paxton Creek and Transportation Center
plans on March 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Harrisburg Train Station, 4th and Chestnut
Streets.
Click Here for copies of both Plans.
NewsClips:
38
The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a Final

Implementation Order for Act 65 of 2017, addressing
Commission oversight of water, wastewater and storm water
services by entities created by Pennsylvania cities of the
second class – specifically, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer
Authority.
The Final Order, approved by a 5-0 vote, details
ratemaking, tariff approval, compliance plans, infrastructure
improvements, consumer protections and other issues related
to the implementation of Act 65.
Under the plan outlined in the Final Order, on March 30, 2018, PWSA shall file its
Official Prior Tariff, detailing its rates and terms of service at that time. That Official Prior Tariff
will remain in place as a temporary measure, and be enforced by the Commission, until the
Commission reviews and approves full rate filings from the Authority.
PWSA’s new proposed tariffs for water and wastewater service must be filed no later
than July 2, 2018, and those tariffs would be subject to the PUC’s normal ratemaking process to
determine just and reasonable rates, including a Commission investigation, public input and the
ability for parties to voice their concerns.
The Final Order also requires PWSA to file a compliance plan by Sept. 28, 2018, to
ensure compliance for regulatory issues not addressed in the tariff filing.
That plan will address the future implementation of a stormwater tariff; a plan to address
lead levels in the water supply and the replacement of lead service lines; a metering plan
identifying unmetered accounts and plans to meter all customers; plans to convert to the Uniform
System of Accounts; a Self-Certification Form for Security Planning and Readiness; plans to
fully comply with the billing, collection, complaint, and termination rules of Chapter 14 of the
Public Utility Code and Chapter 56 of the Commission’s regulations; and access to PWSA
customer service management information system by the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services.
Additionally, the Final Order addresses the handling of consumer complaints, effective
April 1, 2018, including compliance with the Commission’s regulations regarding terminations,
disputes, termination disputes, and informal and formal complaints.
As part of that process, the Commission will begin accepting complaints from PWSA
customers – either as informal complaints submitted to the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services
(1-800-692-7380 and online) or as formal complaints filed with the Commission’s Secretary’s
Bureau.
The Final Order also outlines procedures for handling appeals to the Exoneration Hearing
Board that may be outstanding.
39
The Final Order addresses numerous comments received in response to the
Commission’s Tentative Implementation Order, which was posted for public comment in
January 2018.
Comments were received from PWSA, the Blue Ribbon Panel of the City of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh UNITED, the Pennsylvania-American Water Company, the PUC’s independent
Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate,
and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, as well as from several individuals.
Click Here for a copy of the final order.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Communities
Communities
PA American Water Wednesday announced its 2018

plans to rehabilitate 10 existing water storage tanks, as
well as erect six new storage structures in communities
across the state.
Pennsylvania American Water’s rehab program of
inspecting, sandblasting and repainting tanks will extend
their service life and protect water quality, and the new
tank construction will provide increased storage capacity
to meet customer demand and improve fire protection.
Total cost of the company’s water storage improvements
is approximately $19.6 million.
“Storage tanks are often in remote locations and not visible to customers, but they are
critically important to our infrastructure to ensure 24/7 reliability, meet the communities’ water
needs, and provide fire protection,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Jeffrey L.
McIntyre. “In addition to constructing more storage to meet local demand, we are prudently
investing in preventative maintenance to extend the lifespan of existing tanks, which is more
cost-efficient than replacing the structures.”
This year, Pennsylvania American Water will invest a combined total of nearly $6.6
million to rehabilitate and repaint existing tanks in the following municipalities:
-- Jefferson Hills Borough, Allegheny County – 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank
-- California Borough, Washington County – 400,000-gallon ground storage tank
-- Union Township, Washington County – 500,000-gallon treatment tank
40
-- Saxonburg Borough, Butler County – 400,000-gallon elevated storage tank
-- Conewago Township, Warren County - 1 million-gallon ground storage tank
-- Sugar Notch Borough, Luzerne County – 1 million-gallon ground storage tank
-- Plains Township, Luzerne County – 500,000-gallon ground storage tank
-- Wright Township, Luzerne County – 1 million-gallon ground storage tank
-- Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County - 500,000-gallon storage tank
-- West Caln Township, Chester County - 200,000-gallon elevated storage tank
To rehabilitate the tanks, crews will strip the original paint and apply a new coating,
which serves as a protective barrier that prevents the steel from rusting and compromising water
quality.
During construction, the company does not expect customers to experience service
interruptions. The projects include mitigation procedures to ensure that paint fumes and dust
levels are in compliance with air pollution control requirements mandated by local health
departments and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
In addition, the company will build new tanks in the following communities:
-- Canton Township, Washington County – 750,000-gallon elevated storage tank; Approximate
cost $2.6 million.
-- Fallowfield Township, Washington County - 500,000-gallon ground storage tank;
Approximate cost $3.2 million.
-- Lincoln Borough, Allegheny County - 1 million-gallon ground storage tank; Approximate cost
$3 million.
-- White Township, Indiana County – 750,000-gallon ground storage tank; Approximate cost
$1.7 million.
-- Shenango Township, Lawrence County – 300,000-gallon ground storage tank; Approximate
cost $1.6 million.
-- Dunmore Borough, Lackawanna County - 120,000-gallon ground storage tank; Approximate
cost $900,000.
McIntyre said, “This year’s tank upgrades follow our company’s 2017 investment of
nearly $8.5 million to rehabilitate 10 storage tanks and build four new storage structures.”
Pennsylvania American Water owns and maintains more than 250 water storage facilities across
the state.
For more information on the water service areas, visit the PA American Water website.
(Photo: Allentown Morning Call.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Strengthens Right-To-Know Policy, Recognizes
41
Mark Hartle With Goddard Award
On March 8 the Susquehanna River Basin Commission held

its quarterly business meeting in State College and finalized
changes strengthening its Right-To-Know Policy and
presented its 10th Maurice K. Goddard Award for Excellence
by a Water Management Professional to Mark Hartle of Port
Matilda, PA.
Hartle was recognized for his outstanding
contributions to the protection of fisheries in the Susquehanna
River Basin. He serves as Chief of the Division of
Environmental Services with the Fish and Boat Commission.
In particular, the Commission cited Hartle’s
coordination on the technical review of energy sector water
use applications, his key role in developing ecological flow
standards for the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, and his participation on the
Commission’s advisory committees.
Hartle earned a B.S. in Biology from the Univ. of Pittsburgh, Johnstown in 1978 and a
M.A. in Fishery Science from Cornell University In 1983.
Hartle’s professional experience includes work as a Sanitarian for seven years with DEP,
and 22 years working with the PFBC as a Fisheries Biologist in DES. His time with DES
includes work as the Chief of the Aquatic Resources Section since 2005.
Hartle has a broad background in DES including work on such things as instream flow
protection, hydropower license review, thermal discharges from power plants, impingement and
entrainment of fish and other aquatic organisms, herbicide permit review, drawdown permit
review, natural resource damage assessments at Superfund sites and related settlement
negotiations, mining, and pollution investigations.
Hartle has served as the agency’s liaison with both the Delaware River Basin
Commission and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Mark also has experience managing
grant programs related to settlements of various types with industry.
Mark and his wife Patti reside in Port Matilda. His hobbies include hunting, fishing and
woodworking. Mark is excited to begin his work as Division Chief, having aspired to this
position as he has advanced through the ranks at the PFBC.
Other Actions
Among its other actions, the Commission:
-- Adopted its FY 2019 budget reconciliation;
-- Authorized the Executive Director to spend $300,000 from the Commission’s Water
Management Fund to complete the Billmeyer Quarry consumptive use mitigation site
characterization and testing, including payment to the Lancaster County Solid Waste
Management Authority of $75,000;
-- Approved the execution of two agreements, one with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
participate in a project that will provide flood stage inundation mapping for Swatara Creek, and
another with the Clearfield County Conservation District to support the Bilger Run abandoned
mine drainage passive treatment system project;
-- Granted the waiver request of South Middleton Township Municipal Authority to extend the
42
expiration date of its groundwater withdrawal approval; and
-- Approved nine applications, two of which included reduced withdrawal rates, and tabled three
others.
The voting Commissioners and alternates were: Col. Ed Chamberlayne, Chair,
Commander and District Engineer, Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Paul
D’Amato, Director, Region 8, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Tim
Schaeffer, Acting Deputy Secretary, Water Programs, Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection; and Virginia Kearney, Deputy Director, Water Management
Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment.
Click Here for the complete announcement.
For more information on upcoming meetings, visit SRBC’s Public Participation Center
webpage.
For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission website. Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on
YouTube.
(Photo: Mark Hartle, Chief of the Division of Environmental Services with the Fish and Boat
Commission.)
NewsClip:
Lancaster Waste-To-Energy Facility Processed 10 Million Tons Of Waste Into Clean

Energy
Covanta and the Lancaster County

Solid Waste Management Authority are
celebrating the processing of 10 million
tons of municipal solid waste into 5.6
million megawatt hours of electricity
since 1991.
LCSWMA's Lancaster WTE Facility,
which Covanta designed, built and has
operated since 1991, primarily serves the sustainable waste management needs of Lancaster
County, with the capacity to process 1,200 tons of municipal solid waste per day to produce
enough renewable energy to power over 20,000 homes continuously.
In addition to processing 10 million tons since start-up, the facility has:
-- Produced 5.6 million megawatt-hours of electricity, enough to supply all of the homes in the
City of Lancaster for over 21 years;
-- Recovered 180,000 tons of ferrous metal for recycling, equivalent to over two Golden Gate
Bridges; and
-- Offset the equivalent greenhouse emissions of over 1.9 million passenger cars on the road for
one year.
The Lancaster WTE Facility has also been recognized as a Star worksite in the U.S.
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection
Program. VPP Star status is the highest honor given to worksites with comprehensive, successful
43
safety and health management systems.
"Almost 30 years ago LCSWMA made the smart decision to invest in an integrated waste
management system that also provides clean, renewable energy to its community," said Joey
Neuhoff, vice president and general manager of Covanta's mid-Atlantic region. "The milestone
of processing 10 million tons shows that their investment is paying off and will continue to
provide important benefits to the community for many years to come."
"We are proud of this big milestone and would like to thank Covanta for their excellent
partnership in operating our facility for almost 27 years," says Jim Warner, LCSWMA CEO.
"Together, we are truly transforming waste into a resource for this community."
For more information on Lancaster’s innovative recycling and waste management
system, visit the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority website.
In Pennsylvania, Covanta operates energy-from-waste facilities in Dauphin, Delaware,
Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties, a metals recycling facility in Bucks County and
ECOvanta, an electronics waste recycling operation in Philadelphia.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Robert Zorbaugh Named Next CEO Of Lancaster Solid Waste Management Authority
Robert Zorbaugh Named Next CEO Of Lancaster Solid Waste Management Authority
The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority Friday

announced the appointment of Robert “Bob” Zorbaugh as the next
CEO, starting January 1, 2019. The decision was ratified by
LCSWMA’s Board of Directors at their March 16 public meeting.
“The Board has great confidence in Bob’s diverse leadership
experience and unique abilities,” says Steve Dzurik, LCSWMA’s
Board Chair. “He brings a considerable knowledge base, deep
industry respect, and great energy to this role. We believe Bob is
well-positioned to lead LCSWMA to continue its long history of
excellence and service to our community.”
Zorbaugh is a 28-year veteran of the solid waste industry, with
expertise in facilities management, operational efficiency and safety,
capital project management, environmental compliance, and technical
services.
His career with LCSWMA began in 1990 as a Construction Inspector at the Frey Farm
Landfill. Zorbaugh then served in progressing management roles for LCSWMA, including
Landfill Manager (1993 – 2001), Operations Manager (2001 – 2010), and Chief Operating
Officer (2010 – 2018).
During his tenure with LCSWMA, Zorbaugh directed several, critical projects and
initiatives that positioned the organization as a nationally-recognized operation within the solid
waste industry, as well as a respected, valued, and trusted community partner in Lancaster and
44
Dauphin Counties.
Highlights from Zorbaugh’s career include:
-- Directing a 400,000-ton reclamation project at the Frey Farm Landfill (1991 – 1996), which
involved the excavation, processing, and transportation of landfilled waste for waste-to-energy
processing—the first project if its kind in Pennsylvania.
-- Launching an enhanced, comprehensive Safety Program (2002), with LCSWMA receiving
numerous safety awards that recognized its stellar record of safe operations for employees,
customers, and the community.
-- Directing the design, construction, and operations of a $34 million revitalization of
LCSWMA’s Transfer Station Complex (2005 – 2007), including the first (and only)
drive-through Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Pennsylvania.
-- Directing the operations of a $23 million revitalization of the Susquehanna Resource
Management Complex (SRMC) in Harrisburg (2014), including transforming the aesthetics of
the site, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing customer service.
-- Achieving an outstanding environmental compliance history at all LCSWMA permitted
facilities, including over 25-years of zero DEP violations at the Frey Farm Landfill.
-- Fostering a culture of excellent customer service at LCSWMA, including a focus on offering a
quality experience for waste hauling customers and the community.
Zorbaugh says, “I’m honored the Board selected me as the next CEO for this great
organization, of which I’ve been a part for almost three decades. I’m also excited about
LCSWMA’s future and look forward to continue working with our outstanding employees to
fulfill the organization’s mission.”
Starting this August, Zorbaugh will serve as co-CEO with LCSWMA’s current leader,
Jim Warner, as Zorbaugh transitions in to the CEO role on January 1, 2019. He conveys
gratitude for Warner’s leadership, saying, “Jim has been a wonderful Mentor during my career at
LCSWMA, and I appreciate all that he has given to not only myself, but the organization, and
community as well.”
Warner, who is retiring at the end of the year, reflects that “Bob has been critical to our
success as an organization. He offers a unique combination of knowledge, experience, and skills
that strongly positions him to lead LCSWMA into the future. I believe our Board made a wise
decision, and I look forward to assisting Bob’s transition into his new role as CEO.”
Beyond LCSWMA, Zorbaugh is a respected leader within the local community and the
solid waste industry. He most recently served as Board President (2015 – 2016) for the
Keystone Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), LCSWMA’s
industry association.
He holds a B.S. in Geo-Environmental Science from Shippensburg University, as well as
several operational certifications from SWANA.
For more information on Lancaster’s waste reduction, recycling and management
programs, visit the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority CEO Jim Warner To Retire
45
Lancaster Waste-To-Energy Facility Processed 10 Million Tons Of Waste Into Clean Energy
PennDOT, DEP Seek Volunteers For Statewide Spring Cleanup, Beautification Effort
The departments of Transportation and

Environmental Protection are seeking volunteers
for this year's Great American Cleanup of
Pennsylvania that began March 1 and runs through
May 31.
Groups participating in PennDOT's
Adopt-A-Highway program, which involves
volunteers cleaning roadsides year-round, are also
encouraged to participate in the cleanup.
The cleanup is sponsored each year by PennDOT,
DEP, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, and other
partners.
"PennDOT is grateful for the thousands of volunteers who work with us to keep our
roadways litter-free,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “We stand in full support of
those who share our desire to keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.”
"The volunteers who make the Commonwealth cleaner and greener benefit all
Pennsylvanians in many ways," DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. "Getting trash off streets
makes communities more inviting, can bring recycling revenue to municipalities, and reduces
stormwater runoff pollution. I thank the many volunteers statewide, and look forward to
participating in a cleanup event again this year."
Gloves, trash bags, and safety vests for the cleanup campaign will be provided by
PennDOT, DEP, and the GLAD Products Company, a national sponsor.
In addition, during "Pick It Up, PA Days,” April 7–30, registered cleanup events have
access to reduced or free disposal at participating landfills, through support from DEP and the
PA Waste Industries Association.
During last year's cleanup, 132,695 volunteers collected over 5.3 million pounds of litter
from Pennsylvania's roads, trails. and shorelines. Over 7,200 events were held, with every county
participating.
PennDOT's AAH program contributed 20,404 volunteers who cleaned up nearly 16
percent of the collected litter on 10,576 miles of cleaned-up roadway.
Through PennDOT's AAH program, volunteers collect litter on a 2-mile section of state
highway at least two times a year. The program currently has over 4,900 participating groups,
more than 85,920 volunteers, and 10,612 miles of adopted state-maintained roadways.
PennDOT has created a comprehensive webpage that includes all volunteer opportunities
available, from the Great American Cleanup of PA and Adopt-A-Highway to Safety Training,
Litter Brigades and more. Find out more on PennDOT’s website.
For their extensive partnership on the 2017 Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania,
DEP and PennDOT were awarded the State Agency Partner Award by Keep America Beautiful.
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
46
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 KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
Sign up now for the 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup
and beautification event from March 1 to May 31.
NewsClips:
Wanted: Volunteers To Clean Erie-Area Winter Debris
Harrisburg Officials Wants Stricter Ordinance Against Illegal Dumping
Weis Markets Supports Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday announced

Weis Markets has pledged support for their 2018 Great
American Cleanup of PA, a statewide community
improvement initiative that runs from March 1 through
May 31.
Events registered with the initiative receive free cleanup
supplies of gloves, bags and vests, as supplies last and
access to free or reduced disposal costs at participating
landfills.
Weis Markets, a Mid-Atlantic food retailer operating 204
stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New York,
Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia, has renewed their partnership with Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful as well as donated refreshments for registered participants of the Great American
Cleanup of PA in select areas across the state.
Weis Markets has been supporting the statewide initiative since 2014.
“Weis Markets is proud to partner with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful,” said Patti Olenick,
Sustainability Manager. “It is part of our commitment to sustainability, being good stewards of
the environment and giving back to the communities we serve. We’ve been serving our local
communities for 105 years and we are excited to be part of the Great American Cleanup of PA.”
“We are grateful for the continued support of Weis Markets. Their donation of gift cards
provides an added incentive to all those volunteers and organizations working tirelessly to keep
our communities clean and beautiful,” states Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful.
“Our volunteers and sponsors are who help make the Great American Cleanup of PA,
Pennsylvania’s premier community improvement initiative, possible. We couldn’t do it without
them.”
Since the inception of this statewide, annual event in 2004, over 2.1 million volunteers
have picked up 97 million pounds of litter and waste and cleaned 170,619 miles of roads,
waterways, shorelines, and trails.
More than 181,000 trees, bulbs, and flowers have been planted. Volunteers also removed
over 279,681 tires and 226,395 pounds of scrap metal during events coordinated through this
initiative.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s
47
largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. Your contribution will
directly support the Great American Cleanup of PA efforts.
To become a sponsor of the 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA, contact Shannon
Reiter by sending email to: sreiter@keeppabeautiful.org or 724-836-4121.
To register an event, please visit the Great American Cleanup of PA website or contact
Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext.
113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
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 KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
PennDOT, DEP Seek Volunteers For Statewide Spring Cleanup, Beautification Effort
DEP Proposes Changes To Regional Haze Air Pollution Plan For Comment, 3 Hearings
The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on proposed changes to

Pennsylvania’s Regional Haze Air Pollution Implementation Plan and 5-Year Progress Report.
(formal notice)
This proposed SIP revision is intended to address the requirements for periodic reports
evaluating progress towards the Reasonable Progress Goals.
The revision includes a negative declaration that further revision of the 2010 Regional
Haze SIP is not needed at this time to achieve established goals for visibility improvement and
emissions reductions.
DEP will hold three hearings on the revision all starting at 10:00--
-- April 19: DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh;
-- April 19: DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown; and
-- April 20: DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg.
Persons wishing to present testimony at a hearing should contact Kaylene Wance, P.O.
Box 8468, Harrisburg, PA 17105, 717-787-9257 or send email to: kwance@pa.gov to reserve a
time. Speakers will be limited to 10 minutes and should provide two written copies of their
comments. Persons who do not reserve a time will be able to testify as time allows.
If by 12 p.m. on April 16 no person has expressed an interest in testifying at the hearing,
the hearing will be canceled. The Department will provide public notice on the Bureau of Air
Quality webpage if the hearing is canceled. Persons may also contact Kaylene Wance at
717-787-9257 or send email to: kwance@pa.gov to find out if the hearing is canceled.
The Department must receive public comments no later than April 20. Click Here for a
copy of the Plan revision.
Commentators are encouraged to submit comments using the Department's eComment
48
system at or by email to: ecomment@pa.gov. Written comments may be mailed to the Policy
Office, Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box
2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. Use ''Regional Haze Five-Year Progress Report'' as the
subject line in written communication.
Click Here for the formal March 17 PA Bulletin notice for more details.
NewsClips:
Court: EPA Broke Law With Ozone Standard Delay
New York Petitions EPA To Force Emission Reductions In PA, 8 Other States
DEP Issues Water Quality Certification For Berks County Power Plant Natural Gas
Pipeline
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 17 PA Bulletin it has
issued the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the DTE Midstream Appalachia, LLC
natural gas pipeline in Berks County (page 1619).
The project involves 13.2 miles of new 12-inch pipeline running from the Texas Eastern
pipeline in Rockland Township, Berks County to the Birdsboro Power Plant in the Borough of
Birdsboro.
NewsClips:
Exceed Demand
Related Story:
DEP Issues Permits For Construction Of Birdsboro Natural Gas Power Plant In Berks County
CFA Provides $980,000 In Funding For Natural Gas Pipeline Project In Monroe County
The Commonwealth Financing Authority Friday approved $980,000 in funding for a natural gas
pipeline project that will bring natural gas energy to approximately 270 households, businesses,
49
and other properties in Monroe County through the Pipeline Investment Program.
The Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was approved for a grant to
construct a natural gas line extension along the Route 611 corridor in Pocono Township to the
Monroe County Transit Authority. The total project cost is $2.7 million.
The PIPE Program was created in November 2016 to provide grants to construct the last
few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks and existing manufacturing and
industrial enterprises, which will result in the creation of new economic base jobs in the
commonwealth while providing access to natural gas for residents.
Applicants eligible for PIPE funding include businesses, economic development
organizations, hospitals, municipalities, and school districts.
For more information and to apply, visit the CFA’s Pipeline Investment Program
webpage.
PUC Continues Analysis Of How Federal Tax Cuts May Affect Customer Utility Rates
The Public Utility Commission Thursday issued a Temporary

Rates Order, in conjunction with the ongoing review of how
the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may affect ratepayers of
electric, natural gas, water and wastewater companies
regulated by the PUC that earned over $11.8 billion in 2016.
The order, which was approved by a 5-0 vote, is part
of the PUC’s ongoing efforts to determine how the reduced
annual tax obligations may be addressed in rates charged to
ratepayers by public utilities.
The rates charged by Commission-regulated public utilities to their ratepayers reflect,
among other things, annual taxes paid both to the federal and state governments.
The order notes that the process for final resolution of this matter will require further
review and analysis.
While the Commission will process this matter as promptly as possible, given the
complex nature of the tax law changes and the numerous public utilities involved, it is not certain
as to when the issues in this matter will be finally resolved for each of the affected public
utilities.
Under the circumstances, the Commission moved to declare the current rates and riders
of affected utilities to be temporary rates – maximizing the PUC’s authority to establish refunds,
negative surcharges or other rate adjustments that are deemed to be necessary, just and
reasonable, in response to federal tax rate reductions.
A full list of the utilities impacted by the PUC order has been posted to the online docket
for this matter: M-2018-2641242.
NewsClips:
DEP, PennDOT Other Partners To Unveil Draft Plan To Increase Electric Vehicle Use At
50
March 26 Meeting
The Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition, a

statewide public–private working group led by the
Department of Environmental Protection, will unveil
details of its draft plan to help expand electric
vehicle use in Pennsylvania at a public meeting on
March 26.
“Many car manufacturers are committed to
developing electric vehicles in five to ten years.
Through planning that draws on statewide expertise
and viewpoints, we want to enable Pennsylvania to take full advantage of this significant
opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
“We’re pleased to be part of this coalition aimed at addressing current infrastructure
needs and planning for the anticipated changing landscape,” Department of Transportation
Secretary Leslie S. Richards said of the agency’s participation. “Supporting the public and our
partners alike will be critical as we continue making progress.”
The meeting will be held 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at PA Turnpike Commission
headquarters, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., Middletown, PA 17057. Click Here for meeting agenda.
There were 4,364 electric vehicles registered in Pennsylvania in 2017, the latest year for
which PennDOT data are available. In contrast, 10.1 million gasoline-powered vehicles were
registered.
The plan, titled “Pennsylvania Electric Vehicles Roadmap,” will present an analysis of
the economic, policy, regulatory, public awareness, technical, and infrastructure challenges to
expanding electric vehicle use.
Several scenarios of electric vehicle adoption in Pennsylvania will be presented at the
March 26 meeting, from a conservative scenario that involves little policy support to a more
aggressive scenario of public policy that encourages adoption.
Increasing electric vehicles in public and private fleets through commitments and
incentives and development of programs to support workplace and public charging are among
many ideas being discussed. A public education campaign is seen as important to raise
awareness of electric vehicles and the benefits that come with greater adoption, such as reduced
air pollution and new economic opportunities.
The final plan will be available to the public in June. The coalition will then determine
potential steps for implementation.
Participation in the Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition is open to the public. To
participate in meetings, please contact Mark Hand by sending email to: mhand@pa.gov, DEP
South Central Regional Manager, DEP Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance.
In addition to DEP and PennDOT, participants in the Drive Electric Pennsylvania
Coalition include: PA Turnpike Commission; the state departments of Community and
Economic Development, Conservation and Natural Resources and General Services; Public
Utility Commission; Electric distribution companies from around the state; Pittsburgh Region
Clean Cities Coalition; Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation; Cities of
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and Bellefonte Borough; Delaware Valley Regional Planning
Commission; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Auto companies including
51
GM, Nissan, Tesla, Ford, and BMW; Auto dealerships; National Resources Defense Council,
Sierra Club, Clean Air Board, and other environmental organizations; Electric vehicle charging
companies; and Georgetown Climate Center.
For more information, visit DEP’s Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition webpage.
Harrisburg.)
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
Proposed Policy On Third-Party Electric Vehicle Charging Advanced By PUC
The Public Utility Commission Thursday advanced

a proposed policy on third-party electric vehicle
(EV) charging stations that seeks to provide greater
clarity and consistency throughout the state.
“Elimination of any regulatory uncertainty is an
important first step in supporting the build-out of
electric vehicle infrastructure,” Chairman Brown
stated in a motion at the PUC meeting. “The
existing panoply of different tariffs indeed results in
a lack of clarity and consistency throughout the state
regarding resale/redistribution of electricity for EV charging, and I believe it is prudent to make
tariff provisions of this nature ubiquitous among Electric Distribution Companies.”
The Commission voted 5-0 to publish a draft Policy Statement which clarifies that
third-party electric vehicle charging is not considered resale/redistribution under Section 1313 of
the Public Utility Code and further directs EDCs to add EV charging tariff provisions consistent
with the policy.
Upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, there will be a 45-day comment period for
interested parties to share their thoughts with the Commission.
On June 15, 2017, the Commission issued a Secretarial Letter launching a third-party EV
charging inquiry, underscoring the differing rules and provisions of the resale of utility service
by third-party EV charging stations, all of which may be subject to differing interpretations.
In her comments, Chairman Brown emphasized the distinction between electricity for use
as a transportation fuel and electricity as an essential public utility service, noting that the
Commission has already approved one tariff provision – for Duquesne Light Company - which
helps to reduce regulatory uncertainty in that service territory.
Documents related to the issue can be found at: Docket No.: M-2017-2604382.
Harrisburg.)
NewsClip:
52
Related Story:
Gov. Wolf Holds Signing Ceremony For Solar Energy Credits Bill In Elizabethtown
Gov. Wolf: CFA Invests Nearly $30 Million In 78 Projects Solar Energy Projects
Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the Commonwealth

Finance Authority invested nearly $30 million in 78 new
Solar Energy Program projects in 22 counties through to
expand solar energy implementation and promote
development across Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania’s diverse energy portfolio is one of
our strongest assets, and expanding the use of solar energy
across the commonwealth builds on that strength,” Gov.
Wolf said. “These projects approved today represent our
forward-thinking approach to powering our state, and will
provide numerous benefits to the businesses, schools, and
community centers receiving the funding – while also benefiting our environment and promoting
renewable energy in Pennsylvania.”
The approved projects include the installation of rooftop- or ground-mounted solar
photovoltaic power generation facilities that will generate significant amounts of electricity – in
some cases, the projects will allow facilities to draw 100 percent of their power from the new
solar photovoltaic systems.
Authorized by the Alternative Energy Investment Act of 2008, the Solar Energy Program
provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds that are used by eligible
applicants to promote the generation and use of solar energy and the manufacture or assembly of
solar equipment in the Commonwealth.
The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic
Development and the Department of Environmental Protection under the direction of the CFA.
Last year, the Wolf Administration expanded SEP to offer both loans and grants rather
than only loans. For solar equipment manufacturing projects, SEP offers up to $40,000 in loans
or $5,000 in grants for every new job created within three years.
For energy generation or distribution projects, SEP offers loans up to $5 million or $3 per
watt, whichever is less, and grants up to $1 million or $1.50 per watt, whichever is less. SEP
loans will be repaid over a period not to exceed 22 years for equipment and 15 years for real
estate.
Applicants must provide matching funds of at least $1 for every $3 of loan funding
awarded, and at least $1 for every $1 of grant funding awarded.
Also last year, Gov. Wolf strengthened Pennsylvania’s solar sector by signing new
legislation known as Act 40 that requires a renewable facility to be in Pennsylvania in order to
generate credits under the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards.
Prior to Act 40 taking effect, Pennsylvania allowed these credits to be generated
anywhere in the PJM region, which stretches from North Carolina to Illinois. This has resulted in
a huge supply of credits being available, and – in keeping with the law of supply and demand –
53
has meant that credits in Pennsylvania haven’t had much value.
Click Here for a list of projects funded (highlighted in yellow).
For more information on the program, visit the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s
Solar Energy Program webpage. Click Here for more information on renewable energy and
green building funding opportunities.
(Photo: Rooftop Solar Project At Estes Trucking, Mercer County.)
Related Story:
Penn State Extension: New Working With Volunteers Online Course Available 24/7
Overcome the challenges of recruiting, retaining,

recognizing, and supervising volunteers with
Working with Volunteers, a new online course
from Penn State Extension.
This online course will help you:
-- Train, supervise, and evaluate volunteers;
-- Find, retain, and recognize quality volunteers;
-- Assess and enhance your organization’s
volunteer management program; and
-- Work with and manage all types of volunteers,
including those from different generations.
The instructor is Judy Chambers, an economic and community development educator for
Penn State Extension based in Adams County.
She has worked in the areas of organizational and leadership development, strategic
planning, local government training and land use education.
In 2009-2010 she served as Penn State Extension Fellow with the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania.
Chambers currently serves as an instructor for the Community and Economic
Development graduate program at the Penn State World Campus, working with new and
mid-career practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Chambers has over 11 years of experience as municipal manager for two small
communities, Boonsboro, MD, and Mercersburg, PA. She also worked on military base reuse for
Letterkenny Industrial Development Authority in Chambersburg, PA.
Complete the course at your own pace and have access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Working with Volunteers will help you find and keep incredible volunteers! Click Here
to watch a short video about this course.
Click Here to register or for more information.
Related Story:
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Call For Presentations: 2018 PA Brownfields Conference Oct. 1-3 In Bethlehem
The Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Department of

Environmental Protection, has opened a call for presentations for the 2018 Pennsylvania
Brownfields Conference at the Sands Bethlehem Casino in Bethlehem.
The deadline for proposals is April 30.
The Conference organizers are seeking presentations with current, relevant, timely and
informative content on a wide range of topics involved in bringing a brownfield back to
successful reuse.
While fundamental issues such as financing, funding, remediation and others will always
provide the foundation for reuse, they hope to go beyond these traditional topics to present a
program that is thought-provoking and forward thinking with “what’s next” for the brownfields
industry.
Click Here for all the details on submitting a proposal.
For more information on the Conference, visit the Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference
webpage.
(Editor’s Note: The Sands Bethlehem Casino was developed on the largest brownfield sites in
the United States.)
NewsClip:
Editorial: Persistence In Redeveloping Glass Plant Site Pays Off
PA Environmental Professionals 2018 Conference Set For May 2-4 In State College
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will hold their 2018 Conference on May 2-4
at the Toftrees Resort in State College.
The theme for the Conference, “Branches of Knowledge”, will promote and teach about
the unique, interdisciplinary nature of environmental careers and will exemplify the importance
of using various fields of study to help analyze and solve environmental issues.
Click Here for sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
For more information, visit the PAEP’s 2018 Annual Conference webpage.
More information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events is available by
visiting the PA Association of Environmental Professionals website.
Related Story:
PA Environmental Professionals Accepting Nominations For Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
Funding Available To Help Volunteer Fire Companies Battle Wildfires
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

is now accepting applications for grants to help volunteer
fire companies fight wildfires. Applications are due
April 19.
With spring’s arrival and the increased risk of
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forest and brush fires across the state, funding is now available to help Pennsylvania’s rural
communities better guard against the threat of fires in forested, undeveloped, and unprotected
areas.
“Spring’s warming temperatures, sunny days, and strong winds all combine to usher in
wildfire dangers that emphasize the value of having well-trained and well-equipped local
firefighting forces in rural areas,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn said. “These men and women deserve the very best training and equipment,
and these grants help them obtain both.”
In 2017, more than $592,000 was awarded to 129 volunteer fire companies serving rural
areas and communities where forest and brush fires are common. The grant program, offered
through DCNR and paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest
Service, has awarded more than $12 million since it began in 1982.
Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents
qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting
brush and forest fires.
In reviewing applications, DCNR will place priority on those requests seeking funds for
projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing.
Grants also may be used for purchasing mobile or portable radios, installing dry hydrants,
wildfire prevention and mitigation work, training wildfire fighters, or converting and maintaining
federal excess vehicles. These vehicles are presented to the local departments exhibiting the
greatest needs and those that commit to outfitting them for fire suppression.
Also, grants now can be used to purchase new/used 4x4 vehicles which will be utilized as
a Type 6 or 7 Wildland Engine, and costing $40,000 or less.
Aid is granted on a cost-share basis. Grants for any project during a fiscal year cannot
exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures of local, public and private nonprofit organizations
in the agreement. The maximum grant that will be considered from any fire company in 2018 is
$10,000.
Grant applications must be electronically submitted through DCNR’s grant website. For
more information, contact the DCNR Bureau of Forestry’s Division of Forest Fire Protection by
sending email to: RA-NR_FOR_VFA@pa.gov.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
New Book: Wildfires Across Pennsylvania: The Fires Of Penn’s Woods By Michael Klimkos
Pittsburgh Landforce Now Accepting Applications For Work Crew Members To Restore
Green Assets
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The Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Landforce is now
accepting applications for work crew members. The
deadline is March 31.
Landforce helps organizations restore and maintain
land and green assets by providing professionally skilled
people who can assist in those projects.
Crews from Landforce have built and maintained
trails, restored habitats, stabilized vacant land, protected
green infrastructure and improved the health of
waterways.
Click Here to apply.
For more information on the program, visit the Landforce website.
NewsClip:
Related Story:
The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh
National Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes TreePhilly Founder Erica Smith Fichman
The national Arbor Day Foundation Wednesday

announced six individuals and organizations are the
recipients of a 2018 Arbor Day Award in honor of their
outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation
and stewardship.
Receiving the Trail Blazer Award is Erica Smith
Fichman of Philadelphia.
In 2012, Erica Smith Fichman developed TreePhilly,
an urban forestry outreach program with the goal of
increasing tree canopy to 30 percent across every
neighborhood in Philadelphia. Under Erica's
leadership, TreePhilly strives to ensure that its programs are accessible to all residents of
Philadelphia.
The Trail Blazer Award which recognizes an individual under the age of 35 who has
demonstrated leadership in forestry, community forestry, research or tree care during the past
five years.
Click Here for other individuals and groups recognized.
Arbor Day is celebrated on April 27. To learn more, visit the Arbor Day Foundation
website.
Learn more about community tree management by visiting DCNR’s website.
NewsClips:
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Penn State Extension Healthy Trees, Healthy People Program May 23-24 In Pittsburgh
Penn State Extension will hold its

biennial Urban and Community
Forestry Healthy Trees, Healthy
People Program on May 23-24 at the
Frick Environmental Center, 2005
Beechwood Boulevard in Pittsburgh.
Community health and livability is
codependent on the health and care of
its forest canopy. Research provides a
wealth of information on the social, health, and ecological benefits that trees provide.
Healthy Trees, Healthy People is a two-day program featuring presentations on the link
between human health and community forest health, as well as information essential to the care
of community trees.
It is a great opportunity to share ideas with foresters, arborists, shade tree commissioners,
and others.
The first day will take us outside to explore examples of the role of community forests in
contributing to healthy communities.
During this afternoon field trip, we will see an urban tree nursery’s efforts to develop
healthy and genetically diverse trees, the impacts of oak wilt on tree canopy in a city park, and
how active neighborhood volunteers organized to care for their street trees.
The field trip will wrap up with a visit to a furniture workshop to see how reclaimed
urban wood is being transformed into fine furniture.
The second day will feature a variety of presentations on tree health, its impacts on
communities, and ways to plan and manage the community forest to ensure success.
This program is offered in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources and sponsors PA Urban and Community Forestry Council, Davey, J. Frank Schmidt &
Son Co. and ARBORjet.
Thanks to the generous support of this event sponsors, there are a limited number of
scholarships available. Each scholarship will cover the full registration cost for program. Priority
consideration for scholarships will be given to municipal shade tree commission members, as
well as those traveling from greater distances.
Those interested in being considered for a registration scholarship should contact Brian
Wolyniak by sending email to: bjw229@psu.edu or Ellen Roane by email to: eroane@pa.gov as
soon as possible to complete a short application form.
Click Here for all the details and to register.
For more information on community tree programs, visit the Penn State Extension’s
Urban Forestry and DCNR’s Community Tree Management webpages.
NewsClips:
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Feature: A Legacy You Can Take Pride In Continuing - 125 Years Of State Parks &
Forests
By PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Spring Penn's Stewards
Imagine Pennsylvania depleted of trees and

wildlife. No hiking trails or bike paths. And
polluted water and eroded shorelines. It’s
certainly not a pretty picture or one we want to
think about, but by the end of the 19th century’s
industrial heyday, that was the direction the
Commonwealth was headed.
Thankfully, our forefathers and mothers
recognized the need to preserve land and invest
in our parks and forests. As a result, we are
fortunate to enjoy breathtaking landscapes,
unsurpassed natural resources, and award-winning parks and forests.
It’s a legacy to be proud of continuing and one that was inspired by William Penn more
than 300 years ago. The founder of Pennsylvania and a forward thinker, Penn understood the
value that our forests provided and his obligation to protect them.
His early dedication to conservation paved the way for future leaders to invest in the
betterment of the Commonwealth.
Today, Pennsylvania boasts 121 state parks encompassing nearly 300,000 acres and a
nationally-recognized state forest system with 2.2 million-acres within 49 of the state’s 67
counties.
With the legacy of the state’s parks and forests now in our hands, it is up to us to sustain
the level of investments and resource protection begun by past leaders and citizens, continuing a
tradition that is so important to our heritage.
Pennsylvania Then and Now
To continue the legacy of conserving our state parks and forests, it’s important to
remember where we started. As we’ve often said, looking back serves as a reminder to never
take our natural resources for granted while inspiring us to plan for the future.
In the dawn of the 20th century, when the country was desperate for more of everything
to fuel expansion, Pennsylvanians cut, mined, quarried, hunted, fished, and harvested, leaving in
their wake unbelievable devastation.
Polluted air and waterways, denuded forests, impoverished soils, extinct and disappearing
plant and animal life motivated citizens to embrace an interest in conservation that they believed
would restore the state’s environmental health.
It wasn’t always easy, but through decades of hard work, environmental stewardship and
quality management, Pennsylvania is a shining example of how valuable protected land can be.
In fact, many now view our state parks and forests as essential features for healthy
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ecosystems and critical wildlife habitats, the protection of water resources, outdoor education
and recreation, personal well-being, and overall health.
The Evolution of Land Protection and Infrastructure
As a reaction to the devastating losses experienced through the industrialization of the
state, citizens began organizing – a movement that bore fruit in the creation of commissions, the
push for restoration, and the slow recovery of not just our forests, but the species that depend on
them.
A bill signed in 1893 formed the PA Forestry Commission, tasked with the control of
forest fires and to establish a forest reserve system. The system began with the purchase of 7,500
acres in Clinton County to be used to “furnish timber, protect the water supply of Young
Woman’s Creek, and provide recreation for citizens.”
Our first state park, Valley Forge, also established in 1893, recognized the importance of
putting aside places of cultural and natural significance for the benefit of all; a recognition that
we truly do live in a Commonwealth.
The founding mothers and fathers also acknowledged the health qualities of protecting
these assets, not just clean water from reduced erosion, but access to fresh air and open spaces.
Joseph Rothrock, our first Forestry Commissioner, actually practiced medicine and spent
much of his life outdoors because of its healing properties. [Note: Maurice Goddard is
considered the father of Pennsylvania’s modern state park system.]
Over the past 125 years, visionary leaders recognized the need to make investments to
develop our system, from early acquisition of lands through tax sales (thus reducing the burden
on local and county governments) to investments of infrastructure, leadership, and indeed the
public, recognized and supported these investments.
Community organizations grew out of need, and assisted in the advancement of a system
that become a fabric in the identity of the state and its residents. Indeed, our name says it all:
Penn’s Woods, Pennsylvania.
How Funding is Changing Lives
From the creation of the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, to Projects 70 and 500, to Growing
Greener I and II and the Keystone Fund, investments made a difference in the quality and
experience that our parks and forests provided and continue to provide, while also protecting the
natural assets we enjoy.
Today, every dollar invested in our state parks and forests brings multiple benefits to the
communities that surround them.
In a 2012 study, for instance, the return on taxpayer investment in our state parks alone
was estimated at nearly $12.41 for every $1 invested. With more than 41 million visitors to our
state parks in 2016, that accounts for considerable economic stimulation and jobs created and/or
retained.
Another study done in 2015, this time for the VisitPA.com website, found that $6.9
billion in tourism industry sales in Pennsylvania were associated with recreation, making it the
third most profitable industry in relation to tourism.
But the value of state parks and forests goes beyond economics. Several Pennsylvania
State Park Visitor studies by Penn State University found that Pennsylvanians who visit state
parks each year do so to have fun, reduce stress and anxiety, and connect to the outdoors. Not to
mention the fact that it also helps them achieve healthy lifestyles.
In terms of environmental services, our state forests and parks provide numerous benefits
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to us via water treatment, air purification, groundwater recharge, erosion reduction, and
capturing atmospheric carbon. Who doesn’t like clean water?
Ensuring Another 125 Years
It’s obvious that our state parks and forests are well loved and much appreciated, having
provided generations of Pennsylvanians with some of their fondest memories.
But with that use comes significant wear and tear to the built and natural infrastructure,
requiring frequent maintenance and upgrades to keep up with the demand and ensure that our
state parks and forests remain well regarded in the public eye.
With the significant amount of buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other structures
within our state parks and state forests, routine maintenance is a daily task.
Water and sewer lines, as well as treatment facilities, need to be upgraded to meet new
regulations, roofs worn by time need to be repaired or replaced, roads need to be resurfaced,
campsites need to be mowed, and fences need to be mended or removed.
Much like a home to-do list, the removal of one project from the maintenance list at a
state park or forest makes way for another project, and another, and another.
Like our foremothers and fathers, we all play a role in ensuring we present our children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren with the same opportunities we had for enjoying the
outdoors. To hand them anything less would rob them of their legacy, and remove their rights
under our state constitution.
How do you want to be involved? Does volunteerism interest you?
Are you interested in advocacy? Is there a project that you would like to support
financially? A trail you want to hike? A skill you have to share? There is a role for everyone in
continuing the legacy of conservation that IS our state parks and forests.
Be Part Of The 125th Anniversary
Throughout 2018 opportunities exist to engage in the 125th anniversary of our parks and
forests.
While we are still building our activity list, we welcome your input. Email your ideas to
125anniversary@paparksandforests.org and share your thoughts with PPFF.
Keep your eye on the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website and calendar for ways to
get involved.
Conservation Heritage
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s environmental heritage, visit the PA Conservation
Heritage website.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to become a member of the
Foundation.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: 2016 People’s Choice Best In Show Winner, PPFF Photo Contest, Kyle Yates, Cook
Forest State Park, Clarion County.)
NewsClips:
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March 16 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Are Treasure Hunters, The FBI And DCNR Digging For Lost Gold In Elk County?
Judge Orders Negotiations Between DCNR, Gun Club Over State Park Eviction
PA Parks & Forests Foundation Accepting Entries For 2018 Photo Contest
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation is now

accepting entries for its 2018 Parks & Forests Thru
The Seasons Photo Contest. The deadline for entries
is September 5.
Let Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests inspire the
Ansel Adams in you!
The contest allows professional and amateurs alike to
vie for supremacy in a variety of categories, capturing
all that is special and the memories that are made in
our state parks and forests.
The categories for this year are: The Built
Environment; Dogs in the Outdoors; Fun in the Outdoors; Beauty All Around; Young
Photographers (ages 12-17)
Once selected each year, our photo showcase gallery goes on tour across the
Commonwealth the following spring – and the whole process begins again with the launch of a
new contest each September.
Looking for inspiration? Click Here to visit the Gallery of past winners.
Click Here for the rules and all the details.
Foundation.
(Photo: 2017 Honorable Mention, Tim Garlick, Canoe Creek State Park, Blair County.)
(Reprinted from the Spring Penn’s Stewards newsletter from PPFF. Click Here to sign up for
your own copy.)
NewsClips:
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Spring Penn’s Stewards Newsletter Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation
The Spring edition of Penn’s Stewards,

the newsletter from the PA Parks and
Forests Foundation, is now available
featuring articles on--
-- A Legacy You Can Take Pride In
Continuing - 125 Years Of State Parks &
Forests
-- The Importance Of Investing In State Parks & Forests
-- Keystone Fund Success Stories
-- 2018 PA Parks & Forests Foundation Photo Contest
-- Meet Invasive Tree Pests Of PA State Parks & Forests
-- What We Do: DCNR’s Bureau Of Topographic & Geologic Survey
-- Laurel Highlands Hiking Update
-- Remembering The Father Of PA Forestry Dr. J. T. Rothrock Conservation Week April 21-28
-- Updates From Friends Groups Around Pennsylvania
Foundation.
NewsClips:
Register Now For Rails-To-Trails Conservancy June 10-14 Delaware & Lehigh Sojourn
The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy is now accepting

registrations for the June 10-14 Delaware & Lehigh
Trail Sojourn in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Spend five days exploring more than 160 miles of
this scenic and historic Delaware & Lehigh Trail and
the vibrant towns it touches, with the people who
know trails best.
This fully supported bicycle tour will have hot
showers, great food, fun evening activities, awesome
optional trips—and the added benefit of supporting
America’s trails!
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Click Here for all the details and to register. Click Here for more details on the D&L
Trail.
For more information on rail-trails in Pennsylvania, visit the Rails-To-Trails
Conservancy website.
NewsClips:
Mountain Biking To Explore Nature Taking Off In Blair County Area
10 Most Beautiful Destinations For Bicyclists In PA
Changes Coming To Philly’s Indego Bike Sharing Program
Gun Club Seeks Emergency Injunction To Prevent Eviction From State Park
Construction On Final Leg Of Warrior Trail Delayed
Volunteers Create, Maintain Bike Trails At Moon Lake Park
Lebanon County Settles Rail Trail Dispute For $125,000
Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Woodloch Resort Guests Raise Funds For Conservation
On March 6, representatives from Woodloch

Resorts in Wayne County presented the Delaware
Highlands Conservancy with a check for $35,722
for funds collected in 2017 through the Green
Lodging Partnership.
The funds were collected at both Woodloch Pines
Resort and The Lodge at Woodloch.
Through the Green Lodging Partnership, guests at
participating hotels are invited to make a
$2-per-stay donation to the protection of the
beautiful farms and forests, clean waters, and outdoor recreational opportunities that make the
Upper Delaware River region such a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
The funds raised directly support the Conservancy's land protection efforts—and ensure
that everything that's special about our region will remain, now and for future generations.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Delaware
Highlands Conservancy website or call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010. Click Here to sign up
for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter. Click Here
to support their work.
(Photo: Rory O’Fee, Woodloch Resort; Bethany Keene, Delaware Highlands Conservancy; Bob
Kiesendahl, Woodloch Resort; Jason Zarnowski, Delaware Highlands Conservancy; and Tess
Murray, Woodloch Resort.)
NewsClips:
Schneck: World-Famous PA Trout Stream Gains Headwaters Protection
Lawrence County Nears Acquiring Land For Quaker Falls
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PA Trout Unlimited Roundtable On Climate Change Effects On Wildlife and Forests
March 27 In Wilkes-Barre
The PA Council of Trout Unlimited is hosting a Roundtable on Climate Change Effects on Fish,
Wildlife and Forests on March 27 at the Marts Sport and Conference Center, Room 214, at
Wilkes University, 274 Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Roundtable experts will discuss how climate change is affecting fish, wildlife and forests
in Pennsylvania, and what the future holds. Speakers include--
-- Shawn Rummel, PhD, Field and Research Manager, PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration
Program, Trout Unlimited;
-- Greg Czarnecki, Climate Change & Research Coordinator, Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources;
-- Lisa Williams, Program Leader, Ruffed Grouse and Webless Migratory Game Birds, Bureau
of Wildlife Management, Game Commission;
-- Jeff Stratford, PhD, Associate Professor, Biology Department, Wilkes University; and
-- Ed Perry, National Wildlife Federation, PA Outreach Coordinator, Climate Change
Campaign.
Other Upcoming Events
-- April 14: Lunch meeting to discuss the Future of the Little Lehigh
-- June 17-24: Keystone/TU Teens Conservation Camp
-- July 17-21: PA Brookies Field School, Wildlife Leadership Academy
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the PA
Council of Trout Unlimited website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Council
(top of page).
NewsClips:
Fish & Boat Commission Trying To Get More Kids Fishing
Trout Stocking Is Underway In Southcentral PA
Related Stories/Reports:
DCNR To Release Climate Mitigation, Adaptation Plan This Spring
NWF Report: Pennsylvania Wildlife Icons At Risk
NWF Report: Global Warming Picks A Winner, The Rise Of Noxious Insect Pests
The Nature Conservancy-PA: Framing Strategies To Minimize Impacts On PA Wildlife
71% Increase In Very Heavy Precipitation In Last 54 Years, 831,000 Pennsylvanians Living At
Risk On Floodplains
DEP Accepting Comments On 2015 PA Climate Impacts Assessment Report
Be A Citizen Scientist: Participate In 2018 City Nature Challenge In Pittsburgh Region

April 27-30
Help show the world how biodiverse the Pittsburgh

Region is by making as many observations of as many
species as possible April 27-30 as part of the
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international City Nature Challenge 2018.
Which city on Earth has the most nature and the most engaged residents? More than 75
cities on six continents are asking residents of and visitors to these urban areas to explore nature
all around them and document the species they find.
You can also help with IDs for other people's observations to increase the region’s
species count, come to a bioblitz, or even hold your own event!
The groups in Allegheny County participating in this Challenge include: the Carnegie
Museum of Natural History, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Allegheny Land Trust, the
National Aviary, the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and the Animal Rescue League
Shelter and Wildlife Center.
To participate, Click Here to join the project and create a free account and then follow the
instructions. There are apps available to make it easier to record observations and attach photos.
Results will be announced May 7, so be sure to upload your observations by then!
Building on the success of the first City Nature Challenge in 2016 between San Francisco
and Los Angeles, and the 2017 City Nature Challenge across 16 U.S. cities, the event founders,
the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County,
have expanded the event around the world.
Last year over 126,000 observations were logged in 5 days by over 4,000 citizen
scientists, representing more than 8,500 species in the United States! That works out to one
observation about every 3 seconds of the City Nature Challenge!
What will we find this year, when we look all over the world?
Check back at the Pittsburgh City Nature Challenge for events happening in the
Pittsburgh region during the City Nature Challenge - join with others to make iNaturalist
observations and to help ID!
Fish & Boat Commission Receives Funding To Update Children's Lake Dam In
Cumberland County
Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced he has

authorized construction funding to the Fish and
Boat Commission to advance the Children’s Lake
Project in Boiling Springs, South Middleton
Township, Cumberland County.
“This is an excellent community project
that my administration is proud to support,” said
Gov. Wolf. “The local community raised money
to invest in Children’s Lake and its enthusiasm
and support has led to a truly cooperative state
and local partnership.”
The scope of the project includes repair
and replacement of the dam spillway and addressing structural and drainage issues, as well as
other amenities such as ADA-compliant sidewalks and railings, construction of streetscape
features, sediment removal and ecological assessments.
The PFBC and South Middleton Township Board of Supervisors each contributed
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$200,000 to support the estimated $2.4 million project. The balance of the project will be funded
by capital budget funds approved by the governor’s office.
“Children’s Lake is a gem in Cumberland County, drawing anglers and tourists
year-round to the charming community of Boiling Springs,” said PFBC Executive Director John
Arway. “We are very grateful to Gov. Wolf for approving the project funding and to local
officials and residents for rallying around the project and demonstrating the value the lake brings
to the community.”
Township officials further touted the project as an excellent example of inter-agency and
intergovernmental coordination.
“We are fortunate to have a fantastic and spirited group of committed individuals to help
us get to this point,” said Brian Gembusia, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “I would like
to express our appreciation to those that have been critical to making this a success, including
Gov. Wolf, Sen. Mike Regan (R-Cumberland), and the Fish and Boat Commission.”
The next step in the process is to retain engineering services for the project’s design.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2020.
NewsClips:
Popular Mentored Youth Trout Days Set For March 24, April 7
Parents and kids are eagerly awaiting warmer

weather and the start of the 2018 fishing season,
which kicks off March 24 with the first of two
Mentored Youth Trout Days. The second one is set
for April 7.
Now in its fifth year, the popular program provides
adult mentors with an opportunity to take kids
fishing before the traditional rush of the regional and
statewide opening days of trout season.
“Our goal is to get more kids involved in fishing and
to keep them engaged, and one of the best ways to do that is to make the experience as easy as
possible for parents and mentors,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “The Mentored
Youth Trout Days program does just that and has developed into the premiere spring event for
kids, with more than 30,000 participating last year.”
Beginning at 8 a.m. on these two days, participants can fish in any PFBC stocked trout
water. Kids can keep two trout, which must measure at least seven inches. Mentors must have a
fishing license and trout stamp.
Because the program is focused on kids, adult mentors are encouraged to fish with the
children and provide encouragement and tips, but they must release their catch to the water
unharmed.
Click Here for all the details from the Fish and Boat Commission.
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NewsClips:
Egg-citing News! Harrisburg Peregrine Falcons Have 2 Eggs So Far!
The Harrisburg peregrine falcons are proving

productive again this year with two eggs so
far in their nest on the 15th Floor of the
Rachel Carson Building.
The first egg arrived Tuesday and the
second on Friday. The falcons lay from 3 to
5 eggs in a clutch.
Click Here for a recap of events
through the Falcon Wire News. Click Here
to watch live video online (pop up).
For more information on peregrine falcons, visit DEP’s Falcon Cam webpage.
For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website,
Click Here to sign up for DEP’s monthly newsletter, visit DEP’s Blog, Like DEP on Facebook,
Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.
NewsClips:
Schneck: Intruder Attacks Bald Eagle Nest Livestreamed From Hanover
Broken Egg Found In Pittsburgh Hays Bald Eagle Nest
After Successful 2017, Will Plovers Return To Presque Isle?
Internationally Acclaimed Birder, Photographer Richard Crossley Visits State College

April 7
The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation will be

hosting an event with internationally acclaimed
birder, photographer and author Richard Crossley
on April 7 at the Nittany Lion Inn’s Fireside Lounge
in State College, Centre County, from 11 a.m.-1
p.m.
Richard Crossley will tell his story There and Back
in his thick Yorkshire accent. One morning Crossley
woke up and decided he needed to drive to the
Arctic Ocean from his home all the way in Cape
May, New Jersey. Richard will talk about his 16,000-mile journey, living in his car, all the
inspiring people he met and all the places he went.
Following the presentation, there will be a reception with light refreshments as well as a
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book signing with Crossley.
The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation will be raffling off two copies of Richard
Crossley’s book, The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl. One raffle will be for only students and the
other will be for the other attendees.
The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl comes loaded with the award-winning Crossley-style
plates. They are perfect for beginners, kids and intermediates. Unlike other guides, this book
features large, lifelike scenes that are painted in pixels.
The book contains over 300 pages comprised of over 5,000 individual images, covering
all of North America’s ducks, geese and swans. Its friendly, interactive writing style covers
identification, conservation, fun facts and everything in between!
Click Here for a flyer on this special event.
All attendees must RSVP by April 2 by sending email to: info@wildlifeforeveryone.org
or by phone at 814-238-8138.
Wildlife for Everyone Foundation website.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Wildlife For Everyone Foundation: First Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala April 6 In State College
Wildlife For Everyone Foundation: First Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala April 6 In State
College
The Wildlife For Everyone Foundation will be holding its first

Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala on April 6 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State
College, Centre County. The event will begin with an open bar from
5:30-6:30 p.m.
The night will feature a presentation by naturalist Lee Peterson, dinner,
live music and a live and silent auction.
There are numerous items being auctioned off during the silent auction
including a Nick Foles signed football, a signed Sidney Crosby Jersey,
an Elton John signed photo/CD, a Mario Lemieux signed hockey puck
and so many more awesome prizes!
The live auction will be featuring a week-long trip in Tuscany, Italy, an
African Safari trip for two, and many other amazing items!
The dress code for this event is evening attire. All proceeds will support the Wildlife for
Everyone Foundation’s conservation and educational efforts in Pennsylvania.
Individual tickets are priced at $125 and tables of 10 can be purchased for $1,200.
Attendees must RVSP by March 30, 2018.
You can purchase tickets online. Feel free to contact the Foundation with any questions
regarding the event at info@wildlifeforeveryone.org or call at 814-238-8138.
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Wildlife for Everyone Foundation website.
NewsClips:
AP: Dispute Over Trout Stocking Roils Fish & Boat Commission In Controversy
Bill Limiting Terms Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Directs Ok’s By House Committee
In Nearly Party Line Vote
Editorial: Cats Are Key To Easing Rabies Problem In Lancaster County
Schneck: Salamanders Of PA; 22 Species, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Marbled, Hellbender
Asbury Woods Nature Center Near Erie Welcomes New Ferret
Frye: Coyotes, Foxes Learn To Coexist
Schneck: 15 Common Butterflies Of PA For Learn About Butterflies Day
Schneck: Why Do We Have An Easter Bunny And Other Rabbit Mysteries
Related Story:
Internationally Acclaimed Birder, Photographer Richard Crossley Visits State College April 7
Interns Wanted: Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation:

Communications, Watershed Positions
The Luzerne County-based Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is seeking
qualified candidates for two summer intern positions-- Communications and Watershed.
Send a completed volunteer form and a letter of interest and your resume to: Robert
Hughes, Executive Director, at: rhughes@epcamr.org.
Interns Wanted: TU PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program Biological Field Interns
The Trout Unlimited PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration

Program is seeking qualified candidates for Biological Field
Interns.
Duties include: Collect field data through activities such as
electrofishing, benthic
macroinvertebrate surveys, water quality sampling, and fish
habitat surveys; Assist in stream habitat improvement
projects; Provide data entry and database management, as
well as prepare maps and assist with reports; Represent TU
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and its mission when meeting with landowners, volunteers, and other partners; and Assistance to
other program staff as needed.
The interns will be compensated with a stipend of $4,300 for a 12 week term.
Travel-related expenses are reimbursable.
Click Here for all the details and how to apply. The deadline for applications is April 9.
Send a letter of interest and resume to Dr. Shawn Rummel at srummel@tu.org and
include “Biological Field Intern” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Help Wanted: Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Filling 3 Positions Based In Harrisburg
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA is seeking qualified candidates to fill three position based
in Harrisburg--
-- PA Senior Scientist: Leverages broad-based technical expertise in examining issues related to
water quality, point and nonpoint source pollution, and emerging issues impacting the rivers and
streams in the Commonwealths portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. With the assistance of
senior and other technical staff, the position undertakes in-depth analysis to formulate and
advocate for positions on state legislation, regulations, technical guidance, policies, federal/state
funding, permits, and related matters. The position provides scientific support for all state office
endeavors including outreach & advocacy, restoration, education, and litigation. Click Here for
all the details.
-- Rain Garden Maintenance Specialist: Responsibility will be to maintain and monitor the
flora and activity of Capital Region Water’s Summit Terrace rain garden, which will serve the
neighborhood as a stormwater management best management practice (BMP). Additional
responsibilities may include assisting with volunteer tree planting events in the Harrisburg, PA
area and providing outreach and education to the public on the benefits of rain gardens as an
approved stormwater BMP. (May to October 2018) Click Here for all the details.
-- PA Office Manager: Provides proactive, efficient, and comprehensive administrative
management of the CBF Pennsylvania office staff. This position requires an understanding of
and professional experience in office and program financial planning and management, contract
and permitting processes, and general office administrative support functions. The Office
Manager plays a critical CBF and the Pennsylvania office achieving its mission. Click Here for
all the details.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
Help Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy: Program Manager For Farm Preserve In

Westmoreland County
The Brandywine Conservancy is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Program
Manager for the Penguin Court and Thomas Road Farm in Ligonier, Westmoreland County.
The individual in this position develops, leads, promotes and documents education and
public outreach projects and programs for Penguin Court and Thomas Road Farm; manages
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recreation and natural areas; acts as a liaison on behalf of Penguin Court and Brandywine
Conservancy with the community; directs the implementation of the Penguin Court and Thomas
Road Farm management plan.
Click Here for all the details and to apply.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine
Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle
of the webpage.) Visit the Conservancy’s Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow
them on Instagram.
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 the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards.
March 17-- Fish & Boat Commission. Sportsmen’s Forum On Conserving Aquatic Resources,
Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Lycoming College, Williamsport, Heim Building,
Room G-11., 10:00.
March 17-- Dauphin County Woodland Owners Association. Backyard Forestry Seminar.
Dauphin County Agricultural & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road,
Dauphin. 8:30.
March 17-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Turf Management. Dauphin County Agriculture
& Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 17-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Get Outdoors Poconos. Cherry Valley Ridge
Trail Hike. Monroe County. 10:00.
March 18-- Butler County Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Waste Collection Event.
129 Ash Stop Road, Evans City, Butler County.
March 20-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and Consumer Affairs and
Professional Licensure Committees Joint Hearing On Pipeline Safety. Hearing Room 1, North
Office Building. 11:00. Click Here to watch live. Click Here for more.
March 20-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is
april 17. . DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
March 20-- Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
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Building. 10:00. Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171,
leemurray@pa.gov.
-- Bureau of Waste Management Overview
-- DEP provided its regular Monthly Report to Council
March 20-- Agenda Posted. Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and
Advisory Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building,
651 Boas Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
March 20-- NEW. Penn State Environment and Natural Resources Institute. Water Insights
Seminar: Multi-Strategy Whole Watershed Restoration for Ecological and Human Resiliency.
Room 102 Forest Resources Building at Penn State, State College. Noon to 1:00. Click Here to
attend the Seminar by webinar (sign in with your name and email).
March 20-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. Tyler State Park,
Newtown, Bucks County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
March 20-- Penn State Extension Community Forestry Management Program. PA TreeVitalize
Program Update Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
March 21-- Senate Game and Fisheries Committee holds a hearing on annual reports of Game
Commission and Fish and Boat Commission. Room 8E-B East Wing. 9:30.
March 21-- NEW. DEP Informal Public Conference On P&N Coal Company Permit
Application In Clearfield County. Westover Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall at 975 West
Bridge Street, Westover. 6:00.
March 21-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. Ridley Creek State Park,
Media, Delaware County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
March 21-- Pike County Workshop For Contractors: Plan Your Project Proactively. Pike
County Training Center, 135 Pike County Blvd, Lords Valley. 8:00 to 1:00.
March 21-- PA Chapter Of The Association Of Royalty Owners Annual Conference. Ramada
Conference Center, State College.
March 21-22-- NRCS-PA: 2018 Western PA Annual Spring Grazing Conference. 180 W.
Trinity Drive, Clarion. 8:40 - 3:30.
March 21-23-- PA Chapter Of The Association Of Royalty Owners. Ramada Conference
Center, State College.
March 22-- NEW. PennDOT Meeting On Paxton Creek Restoration Plan in Dauphin County.
Harrisburg Train Station, 4th and Chestnut Streets, Harrisburg. 4:00 to 6:00.
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March 22-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. Jacobsburg
Environmental Ed Center, Nazareth, Northampton County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
March 22-- Agenda Posted. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, 717-783-9730,
jmelnic@pa.gov.
March 23-- Brodhead Chapter Trout Unlimited. Annual Banquet - Honoring John Arway, Fish
& Boat Commission. Ridgecrest at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, Monroe
County.
March 24-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Attracting Bluebirds. Dauphin County
Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 26-- NEW. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee holds information meeting
on PennVEST investments in Lyme Timber Company working timberland conservation
easements. Room 60 East Wing. 1:00. Click Here for more.
March 26-- DEP Public Meeting, Hearing On Rose Valley Lake TCE Contamination Site In
Lycoming County. Gamble Township Community Hall, 17 Beech Valley Road, in Trout Run.
Meeting- 6:00, Hearing- 7:00.
March 26-- NEW. DEP, PennDOT. Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition Unveiling Of Electric
Vehicle Plan. PA Turnpike Commission headquarters, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., Middletown.
10:00 to 3:00.
March 26-- Pike County Conservation District. Discovering Your Drinking Water Program.
District Office, 556 Route 402, Hawley. 7:00 p.m.
March 27-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commission annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 10:00. Click Here for more.
March 27-- DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health & Disease Briefing. Penn Stater Hotel
and Conference Center in State College, Centre County. 8:30 to 3:30.
March 27-- NEW. PA Trout Unlimited. Roundtable on Climate Change Effects On Wildlife.
Marts Sport and Conference Center, Room 214, Wilkes University, 274 Franklin Street,
Wilkes-Barre. 4:00 to 6:00.
March 27-30- PA Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference. Pocono Manor, Monroe
County.
March 28-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commission
annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 10:00. Click Here for more.
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March 28-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie, 717-772-9084 or
send email to: gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice)
March 29-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189, dhissner@pa.gov.
April 3-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board conference call. 2:00. DEP Contact: John
Brakeall, 717-783-9731 or send email to: jbrakeall@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 3-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Shell Ethane Pipeline. Central Valley High School
Auditorium 160 Baker Road Extension, Monaca, Beaver County. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 3-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
April 3-6-- Carnegie Mellon University Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. 2018
Energy Week Program. Carnegie Mellon University.
April 3-- Northeast Recycling Council. Spring Workshop Markets Or Bust. Sheraton Baltimore
Washington Airport Hotel in Maryland.
April 4-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Mike Maddigan, 717-772-3609, mmaddigan@pa.gov.
April 4-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Shell Ethane Pipeline. Burgettstown Area School District
Campus, LGI Room, 104 Bavington Road, Burgettstown, Washington County. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 5-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Shell Ethane Pipeline. Quaker Valley Middle School
Auditorium, 618 Harbaugh Street Sewickley, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 5-- PA Camber of Business & Industry Environmental Conference & Trade Show. Eden
Resort Inn & Suites, Lancaster. 8:00 a.m. to 3:15.
April 6-- NEW. Wildlife For Everyone Foundation. Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala. Nittany Lion
Inn in State College, Centre County. 5:30.
April 7-- Penn State Extension, DCNR Woods In Your Backyard Workshop For Small
Woodland Owners. Union County Government Center, 155 N. 15th Street, Lewisburg. 9:00 to
4:15.
April 7-- NEW. Wildlife For Everyone Foundation. Internationally Acclaimed Birder,
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Photographer Richard Crossley Visits State College. Nittany Lion Inn’s Fireside Lounge, State
College, Centre County. 11:00 to 1:00.
April 9-- DEP Hearing Amending PA’s Air Quality Plan To Repeal Low-RVP Gasoline
Requirement In Pittsburgh Region. DEP’s Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive,
Pittsburgh. 1:00.
April 10-- DEP Mine Families First Response & Communications Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 10-- CANCELED. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board conference call
rescheduled for April 3. DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731 or send email to:
jbrakeall@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 10-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2018 National Watershed & Stormwater
Conference. Maryland and Virginia In-person and online.
April 11-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel Powered (Mining) Equipment. DEP
New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloski,
724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 11-- DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators. 10th
Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar Chescattie,
717-772-2814 or eschescattie@pa.gov.
April 12-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Bureau of
Laboratories building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
717-346-7200, aaalger@pa.gov.
April 12-- NEW. NRCS-PA Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your Land & Sustaining Your
Farming Business Program. Union County Government Center, 155 N. 15th Street, Lewisburg.
8:30 to 3:30.
April 14-- PA Land Trust Association. 2018 Environmental Advisory Council Network
Conference. In Conjunction with the PA Land Conservation Conference, Malvern, Chester
County.
April 14-- Master Gardeners Of Lancaster County. 26th Annual Shirley R. Wagner Garden
Symposium. Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. 7:30 - 2:45.
April 17-- 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.
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April 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov.
April 17-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
April 19-- NEW. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board Legislative and Technical
Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: DAniel Snowden,
717-783-8846 or send email to: dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 19-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Proposed Changes To Regional Haze Air Pollution Plan.
DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown. 10:00.
DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 10:00.
April 20-- Berks County Conservation District. Tree Seedling Sale & Education Programs
Event. Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 11:00 to 7:00.
April 21-- PA Resources Council. 2018 Reuse Fest. Children’s Hospital Employee Parking Lot,
55th & Harrison Streets, Lawrenceville, Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00.
April 22-- Earth Day. What Are You Doing?
April 22-- Butler County Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Waste Collection Event.
129 Ash Stop Road, Evans City, Butler County.
April 24-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: John Krueger, 717-783-9264 or jkrueger@pa.gov.
April 24-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157,
jvollero@pa.gov.
April 24-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Public Water Supply Assistance Program.
Technical and Regulatory Considerations For Public Water Supply Managers and Consultants
Workshop. SRBC Offices, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:00 to 3:00.
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April 25-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269 or
nherb@pa.gov.
April 26-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, 717-772-5636, jbraund@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
April 26-27-- PA Wilds Center Awards Dinner and Entrepreneur’s Conference. Pajama Factory,
Williamsport, Lycoming County.
April 27-30-- NEW. 2018 City Nature Challenge In Pittsburgh Region.
April 28-- Stroud Water Research Center. Wildlands Conservancy. Citizen Science Volunteer
Training. Emmaus, Lehigh County. 9:00 to 3:00.
April 28-- Manada Conservancy Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown Borough Park, Dauphin
County. 10:00 to 3:00
April 28-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Foods Of The Delaware. Silver Birches
Waterfront, 205 PA 507, Hawley, Wayne County.
April 28-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Biodiversity Workshop.
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
May 8-- Registration Open. 2018 PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn in State College,
Centre County.
May 8-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. DEP Northwest Regional
Office, Meadville, Crawford County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
May 8-10-- PA Section American Water Works Association. 70th Annual Conference. Kalahari
Resort and Convention Center at Pocono Manor, Monroe County.
May 9-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. Westmoreland County
Conservation District Office, Greensburg, Westmoreland County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To
Register.
May 17-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. King’s Gap Environmental
Center, Carlisle, Cumberland County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
May 22-23-- Choose Clean Water Coalition. 9th Annual Clean Water Conference. Lancaster
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Marriott.
May 23-24-- NEW. Penn State Extension Healthy Trees, Healthy People Program. Frick
Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh.
May 26-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Organic Garden Solution
Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
June 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5556, daheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
June 10-14-- NEW. Rails-To-Trails Conservancy. Delaware & Lehigh Trail Sojourn. Eastern
Pennsylvania.
June 12-- DEP Weathering The Storm Stormwater Education Workshop. Alumni Room of the
Waldron Campus Center, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie. 8:30 to 3:30.
June 13-- DEP Weathering The Storm Stormwater Education Workshop. Winnie Palmer Nature
Reserve, Saint Vincent College, 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, Westmoreland County. 8:30 to 3:30.
June 20-21-- 20th Anniversary PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Ramada

Conference Center, State College.
June 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Flowers And Feathers, The
Connection Between Plants and Birds Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614
Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
July 25-27-- Registration Open. Professional Recyclers of PA. 28th Annual Recycling &
Organics Conference. Best Western Premier Hotel, Harrisburg.
July 28-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Gardening for Pollinators and
Butterflies Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh.
10:00.
August 20-23-- U.S. Biochar Initiatives Conference. Chase Center on the Riverfront,
Wilmington, Delaware.
September 6-9-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Educational Retreat For Women Forest
Landowners. Highlights Workshop Facility in Boyd’s Mill, Milanville, Wayne County.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Trees and Shrubs,
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Supporting Wildlife In Winter Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville
Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
October 1-3-- NEW. Engineers’ Society of Western PA. PA Brownfield Conference. Sands
Bethlehem Casino, Bethlehem.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
November 1-2-- PA Water And Wastewater Technology Summit. Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel, State College.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEP’s 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 DEP’s eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
March 3, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 1374
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 (February 2018) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
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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 DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
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.
March 22-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans

March 23-- PA American Water Stream Of Learning College Scholarships
March 23-- PA Wilds Champion Of PA Wilds Awards
March 23-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
March 23-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
March 23-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
March 23-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
March 30-- President’s Environmental Youth Award
March 30-- Game Commission Seedlings For Schools, Pre-K To 12
March 30-- PA Environmental Professionals Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
March 30-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy College Scholarships
March 31-- DEP Municipal, Hazardous Waste Municipal Inspector Grants
March 31-- NEW. Pittsburgh Landforce Work Crew Member Applications
April 1-- DEP Farm Conservation Plan Grant Chesapeake Bay Watershed
April 1-- Grow Pittsburgh Community Garden Sustainability Grants
April 6-- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
April 6-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Save The Bay Photo Contest
April 7-- DEP Local Recycling Implementation Grants
April 11-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 12-- NFWF Delaware River Restoration Fund Grants
April 13-- NRCS-PA Farm Conservation Stewardship Contract Renewals
April 13-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
April 15-- DCNR Environmental Careers Camp
April 19-- NEW. DCNR Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire Grants
April 27-- NRCS-PA Conservation Innovation Grants
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April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 1-- Delaware River Basin Commission Spring Photo Contest
May 15-- Manada Conservancy Short Story Writing Contest
May 18-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
May 18-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
May 18-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
May 18-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
May 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement, Treatment Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Orphaned Or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Program Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Grants
June 30-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (first come, first serve)
July 20-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
July 20-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
July 20-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
July 20-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
September 5-- NEW. PA Parks & Forests Foundation Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education 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 PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.

Air
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Alternative Fuels
Awards & Recognition
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Citizen Action
Volunteers Sought To Cleanup PA’s Battlefields, Historic Sites
Climate
Commentary: U.S. Budget Bill May Help Carbon Capture Get Back On Track
Compliance Action
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Economic Development
Education
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Energy
Electric Choice Program On Decline
Op-Ed: Everyday Heroes Who Helped Get Power Back On
Penelec Default Rate Hearing In Erie Draws Crowd
York Power Line Opponents Show Up In Force At PUC Pre-Hearing
PJM Pushes Plant Payment Reforms As RTOs File Resilience Comments At FERC
Split FERC Approves ISO-New England Capacity Market Plan
Powelson Very Nervous About Long-Term Reliability In ISO-NE
FERC Chair Discloses Brain Tumor, Surgery, Says He’ll Keep Working
Energy Conservation
Environmental Heritage
Volunteers Sought To Cleanup PA’s Battlefields, Historic Sites
Farming
Flooding
PECO: 8,700 Customers Still Without Electricity
Forests
Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Sites
Turnpike Mishandles Pickle Liquor Sludge In Pittsburgh Highway Project
Train Strikes Tanker Truck In Springdale
Land Conservation
84
Lawrence County Nears Acquiring Land For Quaker Falls
Land Recycling
Editorial: Persistence In Redeveloping Glass Plant Site Pays Off
Littering/Illegal Dumping
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Upper Burrell Residents Ask Judge To Overturn OK For Gas Well Pad
Greek Gods Have Gas Well Namesakes In Upper Burrell
StateImpact Reporters To Talk Shale Gas Development At March 21 Pittsburgh Event
Ethics Commission Investigating Complaint Against Wolf Aide Married To Natural Gas
Lobbyist
Lycoming County Experiences Natural Gas Resurgence
Sisk: Disputes Over Gas Royalties Fester Throughout Oil & Gas States
Op-Ed: A Dark Side To The American Shale Gas Boom
Schlotterbeck, CEO Of EQT Drilling, Abruptly Resigns
EQT Drilling CEO Says He Left In Pay Dispute
Seismic Testing Company Wants Its Missing Devices Back In Westmoreland
Hurdle: EPA Deal Gives Philly Refinery Some Relief On Renewable Fuel Credits
Permitting
Personnel
Fallingwater’s Longtime Director Prepares To Retire
Pipelines
85
Exceed Demand
Recreation
Crable: Winter Camping In The Most Remote Spot In PA (Potter County)
Mountain Biking To Explore Nature Taking Off In Blair County Area
10 Most Beautiful Destinations For Bicyclists In PA
Changes Coming To Philly’s Indego Bike Sharing Program
Gun Club Seeks Emergency Injunction To Prevent Eviction From State Park
Construction On Final Leg Of Warrior Trail Delayed
Volunteers Create, Maintain Bike Trails At Moon Lake Park
Lebanon County Settles Rail Trail Dispute For $125,000
Allegheny River Locks To Open For Recreational Boaters For 9 Days In July
Editorial: Are We Getting Best Use Out Of Wilkes-Barre River Area?
Fallingwater’s Longtime Director Prepares To Retire
Recycling/Waste
Wastewater Facilities
Watershed Protection
Wildlife
AP: Dispute Over Trout Stocking Roils Fish & Boat Commission In Controversy
Bill Limiting Terms Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Directs Ok’s By House Committee
In Nearly Party Line Vote
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Editorial: Cats Are Key To Easing Rabies Problem In Lancaster County
Schneck: Salamanders Of PA; 22 Species, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Marbled, Hellbender
Frye: Coyotes, Foxes Learn To Coexist
Schneck: 15 Common Butterflies Of PA For Learn About Butterflies Day
Schneck: Why Do We Have An Easter Bunny And Other Rabbit Mysteries
Other
Luzerne County One Of Least Healthy In State
Chester County Once Again Healthiest County In PA
Federal Policy
EPA Regional Administrator Seeks Better Communication
Commentary: U.S. Budget Bill May Help Carbon Capture Get Back On Track
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the March 17 PA Bulletin of final-omitted
regulations on the administration of the Land Recycling Program.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - March 17, 2018
Sign Up For DEP’s 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.
87
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
March 3, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 1374
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 53 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the March 17 PA Bulletin -
pages 1567 to 1620.
The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on proposed changes to

Pennsylvania’s Regional Haze Air Pollution Implementation Plan and 5-Year Progress Report.
(formal notice)
DEP published notice in the March 17 PA Bulletin of proposed 2018 Ozone Season Nitrogen
Oxide Emission Limits for Nonelectric Generating Units.
DEP published notice in the March 17 PA Bulletin of changes to the list of companies and
individuals certified to perform radon-related activities (page 1618).
The Game Commission published notice in the March 17 PA Bulletin on changes to chronic
wasting disease disease management areas.
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 (February 2018) - 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 DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
88
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
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Pa Environment Digest March 19, 2018

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Issue #716 ​Crisci Associates​, Harrisburg, PA March 19, 2018

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

PUC Ratifies Emergency Order Suspending Operations Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline

The Public Utility Commission Thursday unanimously ratified

Senate Committees To Hold Joint Pipeline Safety Hearing March 20

The ​Senate ​Environmental Resources and Energy​ and

PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Committee Discusses Preliminary Pollution

The ​PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering

I’m writing as a longtime angler and conservationist of

The people have voted-- for the Pittsburgh-based

Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

Microgrids:​ ​House Bill 1412​ (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a regulatory framework to

Borough-Owned Electric Companies:​ ​House Bill 2030​ (Bernstine-R-Beaver) requiring

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full House Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

News From The Capitol

House Committee Approves Bill To Encourage Microgrids

The ​House Veterans Affairs and Emergency

PA Clean Transportation Infrastructure Bill Approved By House Committee

Bipartisan Bill To Require Water Testing At Schools Introduced

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna), along with Rep.

News From Around The State

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Reviews Waste, Recycling Programs March 20

DEP’s ​Citizens Advisory Council​ is scheduled to meet March 20 to hear a

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced revisions to the instructions

By Donna Morelli, ​Chesapeake Bay Journal

A small stream flows out of the mountains in Lancaster

The ​Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA​ and its

Creating a manure management plan for your farm

By Amelia Dorch & Chad Douglas, ​NRCS-PA

All communities depend on clean water and

Chesapeake Bay Commission Urges Significant Increase In Technical Assistance, Funding

The interstate ​Chesapeake Bay Commission​ Wednesday

Natural Lands​ and the ​Chester County Association

The ​Penn State Environment and Natural Resources

Schuylkill Action Network Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Website

The ​Schuylkill Action Networ​k Monday

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it will hold an informal

The ​March edition of the Catalyst​ newsletter is

Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Waterline Project, Indiana County

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published notice​ of an opportunity to bid on a

PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards

Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Oversight Order Approved By PUC

The ​Public Utility Commission​ Thursday approved a ​Final

PA American Water​ Wednesday announced its 2018

Susquehanna River Basin Commission Strengthens Right-To-Know Policy, Recognizes

On March 8 the ​Susquehanna River Basin Commission​ held

Lancaster Waste-To-Energy Facility Processed 10 Million Tons Of Waste Into Clean

Covanta​ and the ​Lancaster County

The ​Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority​ Friday

The departments of Transportation and

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful​ Wednesday announced

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on proposed changes to

The ​Public Utility Commission​ Thursday issued a ​Temporary

The ​Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition​, a

Proposed Policy On Third-Party Electric Vehicle Charging Advanced By PUC

The Public Utility Commission Thursday advanced

Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the ​Commonwealth

Overcome the challenges of recruiting, retaining,

The ​Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania​, in partnership with the Department of

Funding Available To Help Volunteer Fire Companies Battle Wildfires

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Issue #716 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA March 19, 2018

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and

The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering

Microgrids: House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a regulatory framework to

Borough-Owned Electric Companies: House Bill 2030 (Bernstine-R-Beaver) requiring

House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet March 20 to hear a

By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal

The Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA and its

By Amelia Dorch & Chad Douglas, NRCS-PA

The interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission Wednesday

Natural Lands and the Chester County Association

The Penn State Environment and Natural Resources

The Schuylkill Action Network Monday

The March edition of the Catalyst newsletter is

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a Final

PA American Water Wednesday announced its 2018

On March 8 the Susquehanna River Basin Commission held

Covanta and the Lancaster County

The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority Friday

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday announced

The Public Utility Commission Thursday issued a Temporary

The Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition, a

Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the Commonwealth

The Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Department of

The national Arbor Day Foundation Wednesday

By PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Spring Penn's Stewards

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation is now

The Spring edition of Penn’s Stewards,

The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy is now accepting

On March 6, representatives from Woodloch

Help show the world how biodiverse the Pittsburgh

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation will be

The Wildlife For Everyone Foundation will be holding its first

The Trout Unlimited PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration

April 22-- Earth Day. What Are You Doing?

April 27-30-- NEW. 2018 City Nature Challenge In Pittsburgh Region.

June 20-21-- 20th Anniversary PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Ramada

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

March 22-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

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

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers