Pa Environment Digest Dec. 24, 2018

Issue #756 Harrisburg, PA Dec.
24, 2018
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PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Presented With Most

Detailed Recommendations Yet
On December 17, the PA Chesapeake Bay

Watershed Planning Steering Committee was
presented with the most detail
recommendations yet from its workgroups on
what should be in the plan for cleaning up local
streams and rivers in the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed.
The Agriculture, Forestry, Stormwater and
Wastewater workgroups presented detailed
“templates” with their recommendations,
expected nutrient reductions, agency and local
partners responsible for implementation, timelines, challenges, resources available and resources
needed for implementation.
Not all the blocks in the templates were filled out, but DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell
was pleased with the progress so far.
“The kind of detail we have now in the templates is more information than we’ve ever
had at this point in the planning process,” said McDonnell. “We are also bringing a rigor to the
process of developing recommendations we have never had before and we are engaging
communities around the watershed asking them what they want for their communities. It’s
exciting.”
Wastewater Workgroup
The Wastewater Workgroup presented its recommendations to the Steering Committee
for the first time. The group pointed out wastewater treatment plants have already met their
targets of reducing nutrient loads by 95 percent after a significant financial investment.
The Workgroup recommendations included--
-- Beef up DEP’s wastewater treatment plan optimization program
-- Incentivize plant optimization through an operation and maintenance grant program
-- Require a nutrient reduction alternatives evaluation for Biological Nutrient Removal
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before any major infrastructure improvements
-- Recommended expansion of local onlot septic system maintenance programs
The Workgroup recommended against requiring across-the-board Enhanced Nutrient
Removal (ENR) at wastewater plants.
Available handouts from the Workgroup at the meeting--
-- Click Here for a Narrative Description Of Wastewater Recommendations.
-- Click Here for Wastewater PPT Presentation
-- Click Here for a Detailed Wastewater Recommendations Template
-- Click Here for Wastewater Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade Cost Table
Stormwater Workgroup
The Stormwater Workgroup Recommendations Template added more detail to the 5 core
recommendations made in the group’s initial report to the Steering Committee in November.
The recommendations included--
-- Changes to the MS4 Stormwater Pollution Reduction Program
-- Changes to the Industrial Stormwater Pollution Reduction Program
-- Encouraging the installation of new riparian forest buffers
-- Additional Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination controls
-- Adoption of legislation to control the application of commercial fertilizer
-- Click Here for a Detailed Stormwater Recommendations Template
Forestry Workgroup
The Forestry Workgroup added more detail to the recommendations it made to the
Steering Committee in July. They revolve around 5 key areas--
-- Increasing Riparian Forest Buffers: Sets a goal of adding 80,500 acres of buffers on
agricultural land and 3,100 acres of buffers in developed areas.
-- Increasing Tree Canopy: Sets a goal of planting 15,000 individual trees in developed areas
-- Increasing Woods & Pollinator Habitat: Sets a goal of converting 5,000 acres of lawn into
woods and 5,000 acres of lawn into meadows
-- Increasing Forest And Natural Area Conservation: Sets a goal of 20,000 acres annually
-- Increasing Stream And Wetland Restoration: Sets a goal of 60,000 linear fee annually for
stream restoration and 400 acres of wetland annually
-- Click Here for Narrative Description Of Forestry Recommendations
-- Click Here for Forestry Land Conservation Recommendations Template
-- Click Here for Forestry Tree Buffers Recommendations Template
-- Click Here for Forestry Stream & Wetland Restoration Recommendations Template
-- Click Here for Forestry Community Forestry Template
Agriculture Workgroup
The Agriculture Workgroup said they did not add significantly to the recommendations
they made to the full Steering Committee in July except to put them into the template format.
The recommendations included--
-- Agricultural Compliance: Sets goals of having farm conservation plans on 90 percent of crop
and hay lands, proper runoff controls on 90 percent of feed/barnyard areas on permitted CAFOs
(Concentrated Animal Farm Operations) and 67 percent of feed/barnyard from others. Yields:
8.1 million pound nitrogen reduction, 236,000 pound phosphorus reduction at an estimated cost
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of about $30.5 million.
-- Forested And Grassed Buffers: Sets a goal of 25 percent of agricultural land along streams
with a buffer of at least 35 feet in width and 15 percent of other land adjacent to streams with a
35 foot width, both with fencing to exclude animals from streams. Yields: 8 million pounds of
nitrogen, 1 million pounds of phosphorus at a cost of $44.9 million.
-- Practices for Improved Soil Health: Sets a series of goals for residue management, use of
cover crops, prescribed grazing. Yields: 7.6 million pounds nitrogen reduction, 327,300 pounds
of phosphorus at a cost of about $30.3 million.
-- Enhanced Manure Storage Facility Development: Sets goals of 90 percent of swine and
poultry operations and 75 percent of other livestock operations. Yields: 7 million pounds of
nitrogen, 303,900 pounds of phosphorus at a cost of $204.6 million.
-- Elimination of Excess Manure: Among the options are transporting manure out of the Bay
Watershed, but no specific recommendations made. Yields: 957,000 pounds of nitrogen,
181,500 pounds of phosphorus at an unknown cost because no specific recommendations were
made.
-- Enhanced Nutrient Management Planning On Lands Not Receiving Manure: Sets a goal
of nutrient plans on 20 percent of crop land not receiving animal manure. Yields: 817,000
pounds of nitrogen, 44,200 pounds of phosphorus at a cost of $18.1 million.
-- Precision Feeding & Management of Diet: Sets a goal of 33 percent of dairy operations
adopting precision feeding. Yields: 610,000 pounds of nitrogen, 61,200 pounds of phosphorus at
a net cost reduction of $1.7 million.
The total impact of these recommendations are a nitrogen reduction of over 33.3 million
pounds-- about 63 percent of the reduction goal-- and 2.1 million pounds of phosphorus-- about
106 percent of the reduction goal-- at an estimated cost of about $327 million annually.
The Workgroup is still accepting comments on the template version of their
recommendations.
-- Click Here for a Narrative Description Of Ag Recommendations
-- Click Here for a Detailed Ag Recommendations Template
Pilot Counties
Nicki Kasi, Director of DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Office, said they are hoping to have
presentations from the 4 pilot Clean Water Planning Counties-- Adams, Franklin, Lancaster and
York-- on the agenda for the January Steering Committee meeting outlining the
recommendations they developed.
The other major workgroups-- Funding and Local Area Goals-- may also present their
findings at the January or February. The Funding Workgroup, in particular, may be later because
they base their recommendations on the needs identified by the other workgroups.
PA In the Balance Conference Feb. 6-8
Kasi also announced there will be another PA In The Balance Farm Conservation
Conference February 6-8, 2019 hosted by the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center.
The 2016 PA In The Balance Conference and its follow-up identified new and innovative
solutions for addressing clean water issues involving agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed.
Available Meeting Handouts
DEP was having technical issues posting handouts from the Steering Committee meeting
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on its website. Here are the available handouts discussed at the meeting--
-- Agriculture - Narrative Description Of Recommendations
-- Agriculture - Detailed Recommendations Template
-- Forestry - Narrative Description Of Recommendations
-- Forestry - Land Conservation Recommendations Template
-- Forestry - Tree Buffers Recommendations Template
-- Forestry - Stream & Wetland Restoration Recommendations Template
-- Forestry - Community Forestry Template
-- Stormwater - Detailed Recommendations Template
-- Wastewater - Narrative Description Of Recommendations
-- Wastewater - PPT Presentation
-- Wastewater - Detailed Recommendations Template
-- Wastewater - Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade Cost Table
The next scheduled meeting of the Steering Committee is January 16 in Room 105 of the
Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg from 1:00 to 4:00. Click Here to register to attend by
webinar. Participants will also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE 642 304 985.
For more information, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering
Committee webpage.
hoto: F
(P orested buffer on ag land from Forestry Workgroup report.)
NewsClips:
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority: Homeowners Installing Stormwater Measures Can Reduce
Fee 30%
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Sets Appeal Process For Stormwater Fees
Luzerne Flood Authority Airs Grievances Over Stormwater Fee Project
Earth Conservancy Awarded $500,000 DEP Grant For 1,900 Feet Of Riparian Buffer Along
Espy Run In Luzerne County
DEP Announces $1.6M Grant For Farm Conservation Projects In Centre County
DEP Announces $1 Million+ Grants For York County Stream Restoration Projects
DEP Awards $1 Million To York Conservation District For Stormwater, Creek Projects
DEP Grant To Revitalize Espy Run In Luzerne County
CBF-PA Accepting Sign-Ups For PA Student Action & Restoration Program
Bay Journal: Chesapeake Bay Foundation Celebrates 40 Years Of Immersing Students In
Watershed Experiences
Hampton To Tackle Flooding With Creative New Tool To Finance Green Infrastructure
Editorial: Praise For New Federal Farm Bill
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Related Stories:
2019 PA In The Balance Conference On Farm Conservation Feb. 6-8
DEP Announces $1.6 Million Grant For Farm Conservation Projects In Centre County
DEP Announces $1 Million+ Grants For Stream Restoration Projects In York County
CBF-PA Accepting Sign Up For PA Student Action & Restoration Program
EPA Awards $1.1 Million To Chesapeake Conservancy To Track Environmental Impacts of
Land Use in Bay Watershed
Report Urges Strong Action To Protect Delaware River Water Quality
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[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
2019 PA In The Balance Conference On Farm Conservation Feb. 6-8 Hershey
The Penn State Agriculture and Environment

Center and many partners invite you to attend the
Pennsylvania in the Balance Conference 2019 at
the Hershey Lodge February 6-8 where your
ideas can help shape agriculture’s role in the
Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Implementation Plan.
Impacts to water quality from excess
nutrients and sediment are among the most
complex and pervasive environmental problems
faced today, not only in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, but across the nation and the globe.
In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Pennsylvania is faced with finding a path forward to
meet requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for nutrients
and sediment.
Pennsylvania agriculture plays a critical role in solving these challenges. Any solution
must balance the Commonwealth’s interests in a vibrant agricultural sector, local water quality,
and finite state and federal resources.
The 2016 Pennsylvania in the Balance Conference generated new ideas for Pennsylvania
agriculture as a solution for clean water. These ideas have spurred actions and provided
inspiration for preliminary recommendations for Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan
currently under development.
The goal of the 2019 conference is to provide a collaborative forum to provide input into
the WIP and identify innovative implementation strategies that can help us ensure vibrant,
productive agriculture while meeting water quality goals for the Commonwealth’s rivers and
streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
To register and for more information, visit the Pennsylvania in the Balance Conference
2019 webpage.
Related Stories:
Chesapeake Bay - PA In The Balance Conference Report Now Available From Penn State
Op-Ed: PA In The Balance, Stakeholders Can Be Part Of The Clean Water Solution
Related Story This Week:
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Presented With More Detailed
Recommendations To Include In Plan
NewsClips:
Fee 30%
5
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
On December 20, Environment America

Research & Policy Center and several state
partners issued a report and
recommendations to address threats to
Delaware River watershed water quality.
Based on its first-of-its-kind interactive
map of the Delaware River watershed, the
report, “Threats to Clean Water in the
Delaware River Basin: Insights from the
Interactive Online Map &
Recommendations,” urges policymakers to
use the full suite of tools under the Clean Water Act to protect the Delaware River watershed.
“The Delaware River is a vital source of water for drinking, wildlife, and recreation,”
said John Rumpler, clean water program director at Environment America Research & Policy
Center. “This vital waterway needs stronger protections from pollution, not plans to undermine
the Clean Water Act.”
The product of a more than a year and a half of effort, the map and recommendations
draw on more than 5,000 data points from over a dozen sources to major pollution threats in the
basin.
The threats include: Runoff from agriculture and impervious surfaces; 660+ industrial
sources; 250+ sewage treatment plants; and fossil fuel infrastructure such as pipelines,
abandoned coal mines, and refineries.
The map allows the public to see pollution sources in their own neighborhoods, as well as
those upstream.
“Threats to Clean Water in the Delaware River Basin” charts the way forward for the
public – and decision-makers – to improve water quality across the watershed. When it comes to
water quality in the Delaware River basin, everything is connected,” said Tony Dutzik, senior
policy analyst at Frontier Group, which played a major role in developing the report and map.
“These recommendations to improve water quality build on the insights our interactive map
provides residents of the watershed, highlighting the water quality challenges their local
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waterways face and how they can be solved.”
In addition to the map and report recommendations, Environment America Research &
Policy Center also released a set of fact sheets summarizing the data and outlining key solutions
for reducing each type of pollution--
-- Industrial Pollution In The Delaware River Basin
-- Mining And Fossil Fuels In The Delaware River Basin
-- Runoff Pollution In The Delaware River Basin
-- Sewage In The Delaware River Basin
-- Summary Of Threats In The Delaware River Basin
“The Delaware River Watershed supplies 15 million people with drinking water, yet
serious water quality threats highlight the urgent need for federal funding and watershed-wide
planning. In particular, robust federal funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
directly translates into on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects, supporting a
protected watershed and healthier environment for generations to come,” said Sandra Meola,
Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.
The map marks a key milestone in the work of the group’s state affiliates protect the
Delaware River watershed – including protections for high quality waterways in New Jersey,
keeping fracking and its waste out of the watershed, and defending protections of the Clean
Water Act for streams and wetlands.
Yet, as the map and recommendations show, much more work is needed.
“Environment America’s new interactive map is a powerful tool for understanding where
water protections are needed most,” said Joseph Minott, Executive Director and Chief Counsel
of Clean Air Council. “We intend to use it to focus our efforts and encourage others to do so as
well.”
“PennFuture is pleased to see that the recommendations in Environment America’s report
track many of PennFuture’s priorities to improve the water quality of the Delaware River Basin,”
said Jacquelyn Bonomo, president and executive director of PennFuture. “Both the report and the
map provide valuable tools for us to better educate our members, local groups, and policymakers
on the threats and opportunities throughout the Basin.”
The report recommendations, which are aimed at an audience of public officials,
businesses, residents and the press, are focused on responding to recognized threats and to
restore water quality, and include: 1) Keeping pollution threats away from waterways. 2)
Preventing pollution before it occurs. 3) Setting and enforcing tough limits on pollution. 4)
Improving the quality of environmental information and engage the public. 5) Investing in
restoration. 6) Ensuring the Clean Water Act remains strong, including federal protections for the
basin’s streams and wetlands.
Click Here for a copy of the full report. Click Here to use the interactive map. Click
Here for the set of fact sheets.
NewsClip:
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Assn Receives $100,000 Grant For Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Outreach Project
Related Story:
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
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Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards Grew To 302 Members, Logged 11,696
Volunteer Hours In 2018
In 2018, the Penn State Extension Master

Watershed Steward Program grew to 302
dedicated community volunteers that logged
11,696 volunteer hours across the state.
The Master Watershed Stewards made over 18,000
personal contacts with Pennsylvania residents and
shared information on protecting our water
resources at nearly 200 school and community
events.
They also conducted water quality sampling on 56
sites along 29 streams and assisted in the planting of 2,540 trees.
In Montgomery county, MWSs took the lead on inspecting and maintaining stormwater
basins, reforesting appropriate areas, creating nature trails, and educating residents in two
developments.
The Bucks County program worked with the Bucks County Conservation District on a
“Bank Erosion Monitoring” project, currently 12 monitoring sites along the Poquessing Creek,
Neshaminy Creek, Little Neshaminy Creek and Cooks Creek to measure, record and share data
with municipalities regarding streambank erosion.
Berks County MWSs have partnered with the Berks County Conservation District and
Trout Unlimited-Tulpehocken to bring “Trout in the Classroom” to all 18 school districts in the
county, free-of-charge.
The volunteers also worked with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and the
Schuylkill Action Network to survey area streams for freshwater mussels, in preparation for
mussel reseeding.
Five of the Chester/Delaware MWSs became members of municipal Environmental
Advisory Councils and two of those EACs were established because of the Master Watershed
Steward.
They also assisted Darby Creek Valley Association to design and install a native upland
meadow at Meadow Run and assisted Stroud Water Research Center with DIY monitoring
stations.
Monroe MWSs worked with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service doing live stake plantings at
the newly-formed Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and will continue working on a
restoration project of a tributary to Cherry Creek in 2019.
In the Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming program, MWSs assisted local conservation
districts with implementing on-the-ground restoration projects, including a native planting at 3
stormwater basins in Dallas.
The Lehigh/Northampton program piloted a Junior Master Watershed Steward
program, offering in-school curriculum on water quality. They also coordinated 3 rain barrel
workshops and assisted the DEP with water quality monitoring.
York MWSs educated the community through presentations for various organizations,
leading educational activities for libraries, 4H clubs schools, the York County Envirothon and
8
more, leading rain barrel workshops and setting up educational booths at festivals and events.
With each passing year, the Stewards become more confident in their knowledge and
their ability to make a difference. Community organizations continue to turn to them for
assistance and support of new projects.
New Classes Forming
In spring of 2019, the counties of Berks, Bucks, York, Montgomery, Lackawanna/
Luzerne/Wyoming, Chester/Delaware and Monroe will be training new classes.
The Master Watershed Steward program offers 40 hours of training in environmental
resources. After training, participants need to secure 50 hours of volunteer service to become a
certified Master Watershed Steward.
In subsequent years, volunteers need to complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 10
hours of advanced education to remain active in the program.
All the volunteer and training opportunities are shared by the County Coordinator and
volunteers can choose what they would like to do based on time availability and interests. The
programs also have social activities such as paddling trips, hikes and potlucks.
It is a great way to learn more, meet new people and have fun while giving back to the
community.
There are currently active Watershed Steward groups in Berks, Bucks, Chester,
Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia,
Wyoming, and York counties.
Application information and specific county details can be found on the Penn State
Extension Master Watershed Steward Program webpage. If you live in the participating counties
or would like to establish a program in your county, contact Erin Frederick at 610-391-9840 or
send email to: elf145@psu.edu.
Other Related Penn State Extension Stories:
-- Should You Test Your Water for Arsenic?
-- Hard Water And Water Softening
-- Storing Fuels And Protecting Water Resources
Related Story:
Call For Presenters: 2019 PA Groundwater Symposium May 1 In State College
NewsClips:
Lancaster County Bird Club Lead A Flock Of Citizen Scientists
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
EQB Approves Nearly $22 Million In Proposed, Final Permit Fee Increases To Offset Cuts
In General Fund Appropriations
On December 18, the Environmental Quality Board approved nearly $22 million in proposed
increases to Air Quality permit and NPDES and Water Quality permit fee increases and a change
to the final noncoal permit fee increase language.
The fee increases are necessary to pay for the administrative costs of these programs as
the result of the failure of the General Assembly to provide adequate General Fund
appropriations to DEP.
9
The proposed increases will be published for public comment and the change to the final
noncoal mining fee increase will be returned to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission
for its review.
Proposed Air Quality Fees
DEP is proposing a total increase of $12.6 million in Air Quality fees for the federal Title
V-- $5.9 million-- and state non-Title V-- $6.7 million-- permit fees.
The proposal includes a new annual maintenance fee for both kinds of permits, a new fee
for asbestos notifications and an increase in the existing operating permit fees.
There is no proposed increase of the Title V per ton emission fee, beyond the annual
increase based on the Consumer Price Index.
These are the first general Air Quality fee increases since 2013. DEP budget cuts have
resulted in eliminating more than 30 percent of its staff or about 100 positions.
DEP is projecting a $4.359 million deficit in the non-Title V permit account in FY
2019-20 and a zero returning balance in the federal Title V account by FY 2022-23 with the
current fee structure.
Without the proposed fee increases, DEP would have to cut its Air Quality staff by 30
percent or 80 positions.
Failure to adopt proposed fee increases for the federal Title V program will result in
action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to penalize Pennsylvania for failure to
maintain adequate funding for this federal program.
The Board approved the proposal which will be published for public review and
comment and review by the House and Senate and the Independent Regulatory Review
Commission.
Proposed Water Quality/NPDES Fees
DEP is proposing a total increase of $8 million in Chapter 92a NPDES-- $7 million-- and
Chapter 91 Water Quality-- $1 million-- permit fees.
The NPDES permit fee increases would cover approximately 4,000 facilities and the
Water Quality permit fees from 500 to 600 applicants annually.
Chapter 91 wastewater facility fees have not been increased since 1971 and NPDES
permit fees were last increased in 2010.
Since 2007, DEP’s Clean Water Program staff has been reduced by 25 percent due to cuts
in state General Fund appropriations.
DEP believes 25 additional staff are necessary in the Bureau of Clean Water to
adequately carry out its responsibilities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has told DEP several times since 2010 the
agency does not have adequate resources to carry out its federally mandated responsibilities for
the NPDES Program, including the MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program.
The Board approved the proposal which will be published for public review and
comment and review by the House and Senate and the Independent Regulatory Review
Commission.
DEP said it would increase the public comment period to 45 days with the addition of a
public hearing on this proposal.
Final Noncoal Mining Fees
In response to a concern expressed by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission,
DEP withdrew the final regulation adopting an increase in noncoal mining permit fees to return it
10
to the Environmental Quality Board to add clarifying language.
The IRRC asked DEP to add language to the regulation making it clear the fees adopted
in the package do not exceed the cost of administering the program as required by the Noncoal
Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act.
The language would not change the timing or amount of the phased-in fee increases
adopted in the package.
Returning the regulation to the EQB to add the clarifying language will delay finalization
of the regulation, however, the fee increase was not set to go into effect until January 1, 2020
anyway.
With the change approved by the EQB, the regulation will be returned to the Independent
Regulatory Review Commission for their review.
Other Agenda Items
Also approved by the EQB were--
-- Proposed changes required by EPA to requirements for the control of fine particulate matter
under the New Source Review Program for nonattainment areas.
-- Proposed changes to Class A Stream designations for multiple streams in Berks, Cambria,
Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Indiana,
Lackawanna, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Schuylkill, Somerset, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wayne
counties.
These proposed regulations will be published for public review and comment and review
by the House and Senate and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.
The next scheduled meeting of the EQB meeting is February 19 and will be held in Room
105 of the Rachel Carson Building starting at 9:00.
Click Here for available handouts on each of the actions at the December 18 meeting.
For more information on 2019 meetings, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage.
Questions should be directed to Laura Edinger by calling 717-772-3277 or send email to:
ledinger@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Legere: Air Pollution Fee Hike Planned For 1,000s Of Facilities As DEP Account Runs Dry
Op-Ed: Giving Carbon Pricing Program Revenue To People Can Calms Angst
Op-Ed: Gov. Wolf’s Next Budget Must Properly Fund Our Environmental Needs - Rep. Vitali
Op-Ed: PA Can’t Keep Underfunding Environmental Protection - Rep. Vitali
AP: Court Again Rules Against General Assembly’s $200M Raid On Insurance Fund
U.S. Senate Fails To Renew Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund
Related Story:
House Democrats Say More DEP Funding A Priority For 2019-20 Budget
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
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On December 17, House Republican
Appropriations Chair Stan Saylor (R-York) and
House Democratic Appropriations Chair
Matthew Bradford (D-Montgomery) outlined
their priorities for the 2019-20 in separate
statements.
Rep. Saylor keep with the “no new taxes”
and “live within our means” positions echoed
Senate and House Republican leadership
comments last week before the mid-year budget
review by the Governor’s Budget Secretary.
Rep. Bradford and House Democratic
Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) said, in a Capitolwire.com interview, providing more
state funding for education, especially in early education, providing access to health care and
steering state funding to the Department of Environmental Protection so it can turn around
environmental permits quicker.
Both Dermody and Bradford acknowledge that years of underfunding and staff attrition
has hurt DEP's ability to handle permits sought by businesses.
"I believe that's the case (with DEP)," said Dermody. "We want everyone to follow the
law."
"DEP unfortunately has gotten more than its fair share of those cuts," said Rep. Bradford.
"I would challenge the business community which understandably complains about delays in
permits. This isn't just a pro-environmental issue. This is about being pro-business and making
sure DEP can function and turn around permits in a timely manner."
Rep. Saylor’s entire statement said, “As we head into the new legislative session, the
focus of the House Republican Caucus will be on creating a budget that does not rely on new
taxes or fees and that supports job creation.
“Revenue collections are strong, and the Commonwealth has collected $333 million more
than expected through the end of November.
“The budget secretary stated during his mid-year briefing that the administration expects
to end the current fiscal year with a surplus.
“There has been a lot of chatter about the recent Independent Fiscal Office’s report. A
deficit is only created when you spend more than you take in.
“We fully intend to enact a budget in the upcoming fiscal year that lives within current
revenue projections. While I respect the IFO, they have historically overestimated the General
Fund spend number.
“In November 2016, the IFO predicted the 2017-18 budget would be $33.4 billion and
the enacted 2017-18 budget was $31.996 billion. That’s $1.4 billion lower than the IFO
originally predicted.
“In November 2017, the IFO predicted the 2018-19 budget would be $33.5 billion and
the enacted 2018-19 budget was $32.7 billion. That’s $800 million lower than the IFO originally
predicted.
“The IFO’s predicted deficit is based on the assumption that we enact a $35.6 billion
budget in 2019-20. There simply are no votes in the House Republican Caucus for a budget that
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large, and I doubt there are 93 votes for it in the House Democrat Caucus.
“House Republicans will continue to hold the line on new taxes. The people of
Pennsylvania want a government that lives within its means and we intend to provide that.
“The governor’s budget secretary stated during the mid-year briefing that the governor’s
focus for the next term will be to reduce and restrain spending to balance budgets.
“If the governor is serious about this, then House Republicans are ready to join him in
that effort. Our focus will be creating a budget centered on economic growth for better job and
career opportunities and setting Pennsylvania up for success in the long-term.”
(Photo: Rep. Dermody, Rep. Bradford.)
NewsClips:
Related Story:
EQB Approves Nearly $20 Million In Proposed, Final Permit Fee Increases To Offset Cuts In
General Fund Appropriations
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
Chester County District Attorney Opens Criminal Investigation Into Mariner East Pipeline
Construction
On December 19, Chester County District Attorney

Thomas Hogan announced he has opened a criminal
investigation into the construction and “not so subtle
bullying” of residents in connection with Sunoco’s
Mariner East Pipelines.
“In the last two years, we have seen these pipelines rip
through the heart of Chester County. We have seen
sinkholes created by the pipeline drilling,
contaminated well water, and some subtle and not-so-subtle bullying of Chester County citizens
by big corporate interests,” said District Attorney Hogan. “We expected the state regulators and
the governor to step in and assure the safety of Pennsylvanians. They have not. So now the
Chester County District Attorney’s Office will demand that every aspect of these pipelines be
conducted safely, or we will bring into play all of the tools of the criminal justice system.”
The Mariner East 1, 2, and 2X pipelines are intended to ship volatile natural gas from
western Pennsylvania all the way to Marcus Hook in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
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These pipelines cut directly through the middle of Chester County, bisecting heavily
populated residential areas, running near schools and businesses, and in close proximity to
railroads and streets.
The Mariner East 1 pipeline previously existed to ship refined petroleum under Chester
County running from the eastern portion of Pennsylvania to the west.
Refined petroleum is a very different substance than natural gas and Mariner East 1 is
smaller than the planned Mariner East 2 and 2X pipelines. Sunoco intended to build the Mariner
East 2 and 2X pipelines along the same route as Mariner East 1.
In order to accomplish this, they intended to use horizontal directional drilling, a process
that can be problematic depending on the area where drilling is occurring. Sunoco also
introduced plans to reverse the flow of Mariner East 1 and use it to ship natural gas under
Chester County in the older and smaller pipeline.
The Mariner East pipeline construction has experienced significant problems. On the
property of homes in West Whiteland Township, the drilling resulted in significant sinkholes in
the residents’ back-yards.
In another area of Chester County, the drilling caused the apparent contamination of well
water for multiple residences. In Beaver County, Pennsylvania, there was an explosion along a
pipeline, destroying a home.
The Department of Environmental Protection has fined the owners of the pipelines. But
the construction of these pipelines keeps continuing.
“Two things recently happened that drew the attention of the District Attorney’s Office,”
Hogan added. “First, the explosion in Beaver County changed speculation into tangible danger
and destruction. Second, over Thanksgiving, some of the residents of Lisa Drive in West
Whiteland were kind enough to take me onto their property and show me the damage caused by
the pipelines. The concerns and fears of those citizens were both disturbing and heart-
wrenching. I then detailed District Attorney staff members to do the legal research to make sure
that the DAO had jurisdiction to investigate the pipelines and received an affirmative response.”
The District Attorney’s investigation will cover both past and future conduct related to
the pipelines.
Potential charges include causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief,
environmental crimes, and corrupt organizations. Such offenses could include criminal charges
directly against the individual employees involved, from workers on the pipelines through
corporate officers.
Sunoco has been advised of this investigation via a letter.
“This investigation will not be easy. It will take time to dig into the historical information
and we will need to constantly monitor any future activity. But we are committed to protecting
Chester County. And we will need our citizens to help,” said Hogan.
Citizens Asked To Call
Chester County Detective Ben Martin is the lead investigator. The assigned prosecutors
are Alexander Gosfield and Myles Matteson. Anybody with information should contact
Detective Martin at 610-344-6866.
“We understand that only the Pennsylvania Utility Commission or the governor can shut
down construction of these pipelines, and neither has shown any inclination to do so. But we can
at least make sure that anything that happens in Chester County complies with the criminal laws
of Pennsylvania. We owe that to our citizens. Money should not be allowed to trump safety,”
14
said Hogan.
Click Here for more information on DEP’s actions related to the Mariner East 2 Pipeline.
NewsClips:
AP-Levy: Chester DA Begins Investigating Mariner East Pipeline Work
Hurdle: Chester County DA Opens Criminal Investigation Into Mariner East Pipelines
Crable: Chester County DA Opens Criminal Investigation Into Mariner East Pipelines
Chester County DA To Investigate Mariner East Pipeline Companies
Maykuth: Chester DA Launches Criminal Probe Into Mariner East Pipeline
Litvak: Prosecutor, Citing Beaver County Explosion, Begins Investigating Mariner East Pipeline
Work
Chesco DA Launches Criminal Investigation Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline
Hurdle: PUC Investigators: We Didn’t Say Mariner East 2 Pipeline Was Safe
Hurdle: PUC Investigators Sees Statewide Concern With Mariner East 1 Pipeline Corrosion
Cong. Fitzpatrick, Rep. Staats Ask For Planned Adelphia Pipeline Compressor Station To Be
Moved
DEP Approves Shell Falcon Ethane Pipeline Project Permits
DEP OKs Shell Pipeline Permits Linking To Natural Gas Processing Plant In Washington
County
Frazier: DEP Approves Pipeline To Shell’s Ethane Plant In Beaver County
Legere: Pipeline To Shell’s Ethane Plant Gets OK From DEP
Game Commission, Conservation Fund Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Partnership Conserves 752
Acres In Sullivan County
Judge: PennEast Pipeline Can Use Eminent Domain In New Jersey
Federal Court Cites Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax In Rebuke To U.S. Forest Service As It Tosses Out
Pipeline Permit
Related Stories:
PUC Enforcement Bureau Proposes $225,000 Penalty For 2017 Ethane/Propane Leak From
Mariner East 1 Pipeline In Berks County
DEP Inspections Find Unreported Landslides On Right-Of-Way Of Newly Constructed
Revolution Pipeline In Western PA, Compliance Order Issued
Delaware, Chester Citizens Group Releases Final Risk Assessment Report On Mariner East
Pipelines
DEP Issues Modified Permits For Mariner East 2 Pipeline In Chester County; PUC Lifts
Construction Ban At 2 Locations
DEP Assesses $148,000 Penalty Against Mariner East 2 Pipeline For Violations in Berks,
Chester, Lebanon Counties
PUC Lifts Shutdown Order On Mariner East 1 Pipeline; Mariner East 2, 2x Pipeline
Construction Remains Shut Down In Chester County
Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline Fined $12.6 Million, DEP Allows Construction To Resume
Related Stories This Week:
Construction
2 Natural Gas Power Plants Beginning Operations In Westmoreland, York Counties Have
Combined Generating Capacity Of 1.7 Gigawatts
DEP Invites Comments On Water Quality Certification For Proposed UGI Liquefied Natural Gas
15
Truck Loading Facility In Berks County
Report: Investment In Natural Gas Pipelines, Infrastructure To Remain Strong Through 2035
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
PA Joins 8 Other States, D.C. To Develop Regional Program To Cap Greenhouse Gas
Pollution From Transportation
On December 18, Pennsylvania and a

coalition of 8 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
states and the District of Columbia
announced the formation of a regional
Transportation and Climate Initiative and
their intent to design a new regional
low-carbon transportation policy proposal
that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels, and
invest proceeds from the program into low-carbon and more resilient transportation
infrastructure.
The initiative, endorsed by Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., describes the
goals of such a program, including reducing climate changing pollution, creating economic
opportunity, and improving transportation equity for currently underserved and overburdened
populations.
It also sets a goal of completing the policy design process within one year, after which
each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.
“PennDOT is proud to partner with our sister Northeastern state transportation and
environmental protection agencies in TCI’s bold initiative to reduce carbon emissions from the
transportation sector and to strengthen the resiliency of our transportation infrastructure,” said
Leslie S. Richards, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “We look forward to
actively participating in this multi-state policy development process to evaluate low-carbon
transportation options. As one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world, the
northeastern States working together have enormous potential to change the direction of climate
policy toward sustainability.”
“With the federal government’s latest climate report, it is clear that delaying action on
climate change is no longer an option,” said Patrick McDonnell, Secretary, Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection. “Through the Transportation Climate Initiative, the
bipartisan leaders of the northeast and mid-Atlantic region have committed to working together
to tackle the largest source of greenhouse gases in our region. Pennsylvania is a state with
abundant alternative energy resources and we look forward to bolstering our efforts to make our
transportation systems smarter, more efficient, better for people, and better for the planet.”
Specific Steps
The regional Transportation and Climate Initiative agreed in a joint statement to take
these specific steps to develop a regional carbon emission reduction initiative, according to the
agreement--
1. Regional Policy Design. We will cooperate to design the regional policy, focusing on areas
where consistency across jurisdictional boundaries is important. Decisions to be made during the
16
regional policy design process include the following:
a. Determine the level at which to cap emissions;
b. Develop monitoring and reporting guidelines to ensure that transportation related emissions
decline over time;
c. Identify the regulated entities and determine which fuels to include;
d. Develop mechanisms for cost containment and compliance flexibility;
e. Identify shared priorities for investment of proceeds;
f. Establish clear processes and timelines for implementation; and
g. Assess ways to foster broader transportation equity across communities.
2. Expert Consultation. We will consult with experts, including those with expertise in
transportation equity, throughout the design and potential implementation of the regional policy.
3. Further Stakeholder Engagement. Building on previous stakeholder engagement and the
listening sessions held to date, we will engage with the public to invite their input on policy
design questions, including through specific outreach to underserved communities, fuel
providers, and other businesses. Individual jurisdictions may choose
to carry out their own parallel processes with the regional process.
4. Technical, Environmental and Economic Analysis. We will jointly carry out technical,
environmental, and economic analysis to better understand the benefits and costs of regional
transportation policy and how those benefits and costs may be distributed across different user
groups.
5. Complementary policy development. At the same time that TCI states are designing and
planning for implementation of a regional policy, we may choose to explore the design and
potential implementation of complementary policies, such as coordinated infrastructure planning,
land use planning improvements, and the development of green banks and other innovative
financing mechanisms.
Click Here to read the full statement of the regional Transportation and Climate Initiative.
Click Here for statements from other participating states.
The work of TCI is facilitated by the Georgetown Climate Center.
Earlier this year, TCI jurisdictions hosted a series of six regional listening sessions that
informed Tuesday’s statement.
For more information, visit the Transportation and Climate Initiative website.
Reaction
“Gov. Tom Wolf is showing real leadership in this commitment to developing a program
that will limit climate pollution from our cars and trucks,” said Mandy Warner, Senior Manager
of Climate and Air Policy for Environmental Defense Fund. “Now is the time to expand this
commitment to include climate pollution from the electric power sector. Right now,
Pennsylvania is the only state from Maine to Virginia without a plan to cut pollution from their
power plants.”
Other PA Actions On Climate
There were several significant actions taken in the last few weeks related to climate
issues in Pennsylvania. This is a quick summary.
Cap-And-Trade Petition
On November 27, Robert B. McKinstry, Jr., the Clean Air Council, Widener University
Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, eco(n)law LLC and 61 other individuals, groups,
businesses and local governments submitted a rulemaking petition to the Environment Quality
17
Board to establish a market-based cap-and-trade greenhouse gas emission reduction program that
eliminates those emissions from major sources by 2052.
The Department of Environmental Protection is now reviewing the petition to see if it
meets the requirements for consideration by the EQB. If it is acceptable, it will go to the EQB
for a vote on whether the petition should be accepted for study. Read more here.
Nuclear Energy Caucus
On November 29, Senators Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne)
along with Representatives Becky Corbin (R-Chester) and Rob Matzie (D-Allegheny), co-chairs
of the Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus released a report summarizing their findings on the
impact of closing nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania and outlining potential solutions.
The report, which will be transmitted to all members of the General Assembly and to
Gov. Wolf, includes four options for the future of the state’s challenged industry, including the
General Assembly taking action in 2019 to prevent the “employment, economic, and
environmental devastation” associated with the premature closure of nuclear plants in the
Commonwealth.
One of the options in the report is to impose a carbon tax on energy sources. Read more
here.
PA Climate Action Plan Update
DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on December 4 to
review the draft 2018 PA Climate Action Plan and recommendations as well as an updated
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory.
Draft Plan recommendations will, for the first time, include overall greenhouse gas
emissions reduction targets of a 26 percent reduction in net emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels
and an 80 percent net reduction by 2050 to gauge the results of the recommended strategies..
The targets are in line with the goals established in the goal established by the 2015 U.N.
Paris Climate Agreement. Read more here.
Oil & Gas Methane Limits
DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet December 13 on
a draft regulation to set limits on volatile organic compound emissions-- with the “co-benefit” of
reducing methane emissions-- from existing well sites, pumps, storage and other equipment at oil
and gas facilities. Read more here.
Senate Climate Hearing
On November 28, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing in Pittsburgh
on local and state efforts to address climate change.
“In the absence of federal leadership on climate change, it is imperative that Pennsylvania
continue to participate in cooperative efforts to stave off the catastrophic consequences of global
warming,” said Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). “We need to maintain efforts to keep
Pennsylvania on track to combat climate change.” Read more here.
Visit DEP’s Climate Change webpage to learn more about state climate initiatives.
NewsClips:
Legere: PA Signs On To Major Regional Plan To Cut Car, Truck Carbon Emissions
Cusick: PA Joins Regional Effort To Cut Carbon Emissions From Vehicles
Regional Climate Initiative To Reduce Transportation Emissions Would Mirror RGGI
AP: PA, Coalition Of States Work To Curb Carbon Emissions From Transportation
Editorial: State Right To Curb Carbon Emissions
18
Related Stories:
PUC Approves PECO Rate Settlement With Pilot Program For Fast-Charging Stations For
Electric Vehicles
Harrisburg University Distinguished Speaker Series On Climate Disruption, Sustainable
Development
Op-Ed: Conservatives Should Lead The Way On Clean Energy That Creates Jobs, Prosperity
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
Chairman Gladys Brown Highlights 2018 PUC Accomplishments, Programs
On December 20, the Public Utility Commission fulfilled a

longstanding custom of the Commission in highlighting some
of the agency’s major accomplishments over the past year.
“We enjoyed another successful year at this Commission
because of the dedication and commitment of our PUC staff,”
said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “It’s only because of
the staff we have here that the PUC has such a great
reputation and can tackle anything given to us by the General
Assembly.”
Among the Commission’s 2018 accomplishments were the
following:
-- PA One Call/Damage Prevention Committee - The
Commission now has jurisdiction over Pennsylvania One Call, and several of its bureaus worked
to successfully create a Damage Prevention Committee (DPC). To date the PUC has taken nearly
300 actions against facility owners, excavators and project owners across the state during
meetings which are livestreamed to the public.
-- Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority - The Commission also received oversight of the
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. To ensure a smooth transition, a PUC working group
worked directly with PWSA and local officials to increase educational efforts toward customers,
address consumer inquiries to the PUC call center and evaluate PWSA’s rate increase request.
-- Cybersecurity / New Cyber Office - The PUC hired a Director to oversee the newly created
Office of Cybersecurity Compliance and Oversight. Working with utilities, state agencies,
emergency responders and other organizations, the Commission is focused on better preparing
for cyber and physical attacks and to better coordinate state-level response to large-scale
hazardous events.
-- Rural Broadband / Area Codes - The PUC continued its efforts to help preserve
Pennsylvania’s access to funding for rural broadband projects and joined with the Center for
Rural Pennsylvania to encourage consumers, businesses and community organizations to take
part in a broadband speed test, helping to “crowdsource” an effort to map the state’s “digital
divide.”
Additionally, as part of its telecommunications efforts, the PUC assisted with the
implementation of the new “445” area code in portions of Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery,
Lehigh and Berks counties.
-- Tax Reform Impacts on Utilities - Triggered by changes in federal tax rates, the PUC
ordered 17 major electric, natural gas, and water and wastewater utilities to begin adding credits
19
to monthly customer bills beginning July 2018 bills. Utilities are expected to return $400 million
in annual savings.
-- #UtilityCareers & Veterans Workforce Development - The PUC took its ongoing,
award-winning #UtilityCareers campaign across the state, joining with utilities and other state
agencies at job fairs and public events. The outreach extended to the Commission’s own
“microsite” where job seekers learn more about the campaign and available opportunities.
-- “Year of the Rate Case” / Increase in Filings – 2018 was the “Year of the Rate Case,” as the
PUC received 18 applications from utilities for rate increase requests. Overall, the Commission
received approximately 26,000 filings and served approximately 12,000 documents and there are
now approximately four million pages of PUC historical files online for public review.
-- Electric Vehicles - The PUC adopted a final policy statement on third-party electric vehicle
(EV) charging stations, a big step toward designing a regulatory landscape which supports
innovating and dynamic pricing for EV charging.
-- Pipeline Safety / Mutual Aid to Massachusetts - Pipeline safety continued to be a priority
for the Commission this year. In addition to its in-state efforts, the PUC’s Gas Safety Division
provided mutual aid and sent personnel to Massachusetts to aid in the aftermath of the September
13 natural gas line explosions in the Merrimack Valley.
-- Office of Competitive Market Oversight - Led by its Office of Competitive Market
Oversight, the PUC continued moving forward on several fronts to further remove barriers to
competition in the state’s natural gas and electric markets, including:
-- Advanced efforts on regulations about the release, assignment and transfer of capacity
among natural gas distribution companies and natural gas suppliers, with a technical conference
held in March;
-- Launched a rulemaking to review and update the Commission’s Chapter 54 electric supplier
disclosure regulations; and
-- Clarified the ability of customers on FirstEnergy’s CAP program to choose a competitive
electric supplier through CAP-specific rules and standards.
-- NARUC / International Participation - Commissioners and staff participated on a
nationwide level with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners throughout
the year, including an opportunity to continue sharing best practices internationally with
Commissioner and staff visits to Kosovo.
-- Energy Burden / Low-Income Issues - The Commission is in the midst of a deep exploration
of energy affordability – examining the “energy burden” for households in Pennsylvania, or how
much of a family’s income is spent on things like heat and light. As a complement to that study,
we are evaluating Commission policies regarding “universal service programs.” Together, these
two initiatives will provide important insights to improve the way we serve our most vulnerable
households, and we look forward to productive discussions about energy affordability in 2019.
For more information on the Commission, visit the Public Utility Commission website.
NewsClips:
Maykuth: Expect A Slight Higher PECO Electric Bill
Tenaska Gas-Fired Power Plant Goes Into Operation In Westmoreland
Duquesne Light Ordered To Give $24 Million Back To Customers
Olyphant To Undergo $450,000 Electric Meter Upgrades
20
Johnstown Man Stole Electricity From Neighbor After His Was Shut Off
New York Governor Pledges 100% Carbon-Free Electricity By 2040
New Jersey Regulators Issue Rules To Rejoin RGGI Carbon Trading System
D.C. Passes Most Ambitious Mandate For 100% Renewables By 2032
Catastrophic Power Outages Pose Profound Risk To U.S., Advisory Council Warns
PJM Says Electric Grid In Good Shape Despite Coal, Nuclear Plant Shutdowns
Related Stories:
Electric Vehicles
PUC Looks To Clarify Procedures For Electric Supplier Shopping Under Utility Customer
Assistance Programs
David W. Sweet To Serve As Vice Chairman Of Public Utility Commission
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
EPA Approves DEP Request To Eliminate 7.8 RVP Gasoline In Pittsburgh Region Which
Increased Summer Gasoline Prices Up To 15 Cents/Gallon
On December 20, the U.S. Environmental

Protection published a notice in the Federal
Register formally approving DEP’s request to
eliminate the mandate for 7.8 Reid Vapor
Pressure gasoline in the Pittsburgh Region.
The low-RVP requirement affected Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette,
Washington and Westmoreland counties.
DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality concluded the
low-RVP gasoline requirement contributed
minimally to improved air quality and was
trending toward no air quality benefits for the
region at all.
At the same time, this special blend of gasoline for only these 7 counties from May to
September typically raised the cost of gasoline for motorists in Western Pennsylvania from 10 to
15 cents a gallon over what consumers over the border in Ohio and nearby communities were
paying.
The one remaining paperwork issue is with Allegheny County, since the Health
Department there runs its own Air Quality Program.
The Allegheny County Health Department has not yet submitted its formal regulation
change eliminating 7.8 RVP gasoline from its requirements to DEP/EPA for approval, according
to EPA’s December 20 notice.
Allegheny County suspended enforcement of the requirement in May of 2018 when DEP
did and it maintains that posture now, according to its website, but some gasoline refiners
questioned whether they would still be vulnerable to third party lawsuits if they did not continue
to supply the more costly 7.8 RVP gasoline.
21
So, at the moment, the mandate for the more costly gasoline is off the books in
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, but not technically
yet for Allegheny County.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Tri-County CleanWays In Butler, Lawrence, Mercer Counties Celebrates 25 Years Of

Keeping PA Beautiful
On December 18, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

congratulated local affiliate, Tri-County
CleanWays serving Butler, Lawrence and Mercer
counties for 25 years of keeping Pennsylvania
Beautiful.
The milestone was recently celebrated with many
volunteers who have dedicated much of their free
time to cleaning up illegal dumpsites and
coordinating and working special collection events,
some since the group’s inception in 1993.
The local affiliate began as PA CleanWays of
Lawrence County, providing services and expertise
regarding dumpsite cleanups and proper disposal.
The group later merged with PA CleanWays of
Butler County and in 2011, changed its name to Tri-County CleanWays and extended their reach
to include Mercer County.
The three-county affiliate and its programs are housed and supported by Lawrence-
Mercer Recycling/Solid Waste Department.
“Keeping our communities beautiful is a team effort and one that we are proud to be a
part of. As a small grassroots organization, we owe our success to the continued passion and
support of our dedicated volunteers, municipalities, sponsors, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful,”
said Jerry Zona, Tri-County CleanWays Coordinator and Director of Lawrence-Mercer Counties
Recycling and Solid Waste Department.
Over the past 25 years, this group of environmental champions have removed 838,000
pounds of trash, 8,712 tires and 322,000 pounds of scrap metal from various illegal dumpsites
from the tri-county area.
The dumpsites, usually in out of the way locations and over a hillside, included historic
sites such as, State Game Lands 95 and Miller Esker in Butler County and Chewton-West
Pittsburgh Road in Lawrence County.
In addition, Tri-County CleanWays coordinates special collections for tires, appliances
and electronics on an annual basis.
The collections have properly disposed over 18,000 tires, 1,497 appliances, 502,284
pounds of electronics, 65,363 pounds of hazardous waste, in addition to paper, magazines,
batteries and fluorescent lights.
“I want to thank Tri-County CleanWays for consistently providing cleanup and special
collection programs for their residents for twenty-five years. Anyone who has worked with this
group knows the amount of dedication, knowledge and sheer determination that exists among all
22
of its members,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “By rolling up
their sleeves and taking action, Tri-County CleanWays members and devoted volunteers have
unquestionably improved many neighborhoods in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. They
are an asset to the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network.”
The success and longevity of Tri-County CleanWays can be attributed to the support of
local businesses, local government, local residents, and a core group of volunteers, all of whom
care about their local community and where they live.
To find out more about Tri-County CleanWays and scheduled events, visit their
Facebook page or call 724-658-6925.
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:
Volunteers, Philly Water Dept. Remove Shocking 245 Tons Of Garbage From Schuylkill River
Philly’s Dirtiest Blocks Get Surveillance Cameras To Fight Against Illegal Dumping
Related Story:
Illegal Trash Bag Dumper Fined In Reading With Help Of Keep PA Beautiful Camera Loan
Program
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
Environmental Council Of The States Names Don Welsh Executive Director
On December 17, the Environmental Council of the States

(ECOS), the national nonprofit, nonpartisan association of state
and territorial environmental commissioners, formally
announced the selection of Donald S. Welsh as Executive
Director.
Welsh brings extensive experience in federal, state, and
local government. In his new capacity, he will also direct the
Environmental Research Institute of the States, which connects
state environmental agencies to education and research resources
to support current and emerging environmental policies.
“Don’s experience in leadership roles in state
environmental protection and at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency provides him the ideal background to lead
ECOS as we work to implement Cooperative Federalism 2.0,” said ECOS President Becky
Keogh. “His demonstrated skills in building and maintaining successful partnerships to achieve
environmental results will be valuable to the association in our efforts to improve the capability
of state environmental agency leaders and their staff to protect and improve human health and
the environment.”
Appointed in 2013 by the Governor of Pennsylvania to the Citizens’ Advisory Council
(CAC) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Welsh has served
23
since 2017 as its Chairman.
Welsh also currently serves as a voting member of the Environmental Quality Board,
which adopts environmental regulations in Pennsylvania.
He was President & Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council
in 2009-2010. From 2001 until 2009, he served as the U.S. EPA Region 3 Regional
Administrator.
From 1995 until 2001, Welsh held several positions at the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection including Deputy Secretary for State/Federal Relations. He holds a
B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.
As an alumnus of ECOS, Don will be instrumental in helping member states develop
consensus while preserving states’ diversity in environmental policy. He has direct experience in
organizational management and in creating measurable environmental results.
“I am excited to work with Don to continue our collective efforts to advance
science-based decisions,” added ECOS Vice President Jim Macy.
The CAC, where Welsh currently serves as Chairman, conducts independent oversight of
the Pennsylvania DEP, participates in the development of regulations, and provides advice on
environmental matters to the department, the Governor, the General Assembly, and the federal
congressional delegation.
“Under his tenure, the council conducted a systematic review of the major regulatory
programs of DEP to provide input on program priorities and efficiencies,” said ECOS Secretary
Patrick McDonnell. “Don has been a tremendous partner and public servant to the citizens of
Pennsylvania, and I look forward to his contributions to advance the states’ roles at this exciting
time for ECOS and our nation.”
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the
Environmental Council of the States website.
[Posted: Dec. 17, 2018]
House/Senate Co-Sponsor Memos/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--
House and Senate Co-Sponsorship Memos
House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos
Senate: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
January 1, 15, 16, 28, 29, 30
February 4, 5, 6
24
Budget Hearings: Feb. 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, March 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
March 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
April 8, 9, 10, 29, 30
May 1, 6, 7, 8
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
House
January 1, 15, 16, 28, 29, 30
February 4, 5, 6, 19, 20, 21
Budget Hearings: Feb. 11 March 7
March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30
May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
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
Wolf Announces Staff Changes At Administration, PEMA, Policy & Planning
On December 21, Gov. Wolf announced several changes to his cabinet and immediate staff--
-- Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich will be taking a job as a Vice Chancellor for
Administration and Finance at the State System of Higher Education. Replacing her wll be
Michael Newsome, a Liquor Control Board member;
-- Rick Flinn, Director of the PA Emergency Management Agency, will be leaving. Randy
Padfield, who served as the agency’s Deputy Director for Response will become acting Director.
-- Sarah Galbally, Secretary of Policy and Planning, is leaving and will be replaced by Meg
Snead, who served as a deputy in the Office.
Wolf previously announced Budget Secretary Randy Albright is leaving for a position
at the State Employees’ Retirement System. He will be replaced by Jen Swails who serves as
the Fiscal Management director overseeing the budgets of Aging, Health, Human Services and
Alcohol Programs.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Senate, House Appropriations Committees Complete Agency Budget Hearing Schedule
On December 18, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its agency by agency budget
hearing schedule, one week after the House. The combined schedule follows for general budget,
environmental and energy-related programs--
February 11-- House: 10:00- Independent Fiscal Office, 1:00- Dept. of Revenue/Lottery
25
February 13-- House: 10:00- State Treasurer, 1:00- Auditor General, 3:00- Attorney General
February 14-- House: 10:00- Dept. of Environmental Protection, 1:00- Dept. of
Conservation and Natural Resources
February 19-- Senate: 10::00- Dept. of Revenue/Lottery, 1:00- Independent Fiscal Office, 3:00-
Public Utility Commission
February 21-- Senate: 1:00- State Police/Homeland Security, 3:00- PA Emergency Management
Agency/Fire Commissioner
February 25-- House: 10:00- State Police/Homeland Security, 3:00- Dept. of Health
February 25-- Senate: 3:00- Dept. of Transportation
February 26-- House: 1:00- Dept. of Transportation, 3:00- Dept. of General Services
February 27-- House: 1:00- Dept. of Community & Economic Development
February 27-- Senate: 10:00- Dept. of Health
February 28-- Senate: 3:00- Dept. of Environmental Protection
March 4-- House: 10:00- Dept. of Education
March 4-- Senate: 3:00- Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources
March 5-- House: 10:00- Dept. of Agriculture
March 6-- House: 10:00- Governor’s Budget Secretary
March 6-- Senate: 1:00- Dept. of Agriculture
March 7-- House: Open.
March 7-- Senate: 1:00- Dept. of Community & Economic Development, 3:00- Budget
Secretary
All House hearings are in Room 140 of the Main Capitol Building and are typically
webcast through the House Republican Caucus website. Click Here for the full schedule
All Senate hearings are in Hearing Room 1, North Office Building and are typically
webcast through the Senate Appropriations Committee webpage. Click Here for the full
schedule.
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
The Feds
Congress Failed To Reauthorize Federal Land And Water Conservation Fund
The U.S. Senate passed a measure December 19 to

keep the federal government funded until
February, but failed to include a public lands
package that would have reauthorized the Land
and Water Conservation Fund in that bill.
It was the final opportunity to renew
LWCF, which expired in September, before the
end of the year.
The following is a statement from Kameran
Onley, director of U.S. Government Relations at
The Nature Conservancy:
“What a disappointing way for Congress to
end its session, when it had a clear way to simply allow Land and Water Conservation Fund
26
renewal to be included in final votes for the year. LWCF has a long track record of success,
strong bipartisan support and champions from a broad range of businesses, landowners,
conservation organizations and state and local officials.
“Renewing the program had obviously enough support to pass—if it had just been
allowed to receive a vote before the clock ran out. Now, Congress will continue to force our
nation to go without its leading conservation program for the longest time since it was created 53
years ago.
“LWCF doesn’t cost taxpayers anything. While it is expired, it can no longer receive
funding that was always intended to balance the use of one public resource, oil and gas drilling
revenues, by conserving others.
“Denying that fundamental principle and risking our ability to conserve some of our
nation’s most valued places was the wrong choice. For the benefit of our families, economy and
lands and waters, Congress must make renewing this program one of its first priorities in its new
session next year.
“If there is a bright spot here, it is the inspiring and tremendous efforts of LWCF’s
champions in the [U.S.] Senate in recent days to try everything they could to renew the program.
“We’re grateful they were able to secure an agreement to address these important public
lands issues early next year. We stand ready to support that urgent and critical effort however we
can.”
Pennsylvania Impact
The PA Environmental Council issued this statement on the failure of Congress to act--
“Congress has missed its last opportunity in 2018 to reauthorize the Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF), a landmark conservation and recreation program that has funded
projects throughout Pennsylvania and across the nation since it began in 1965.
“Despite strong bipartisan support, including from the Pennsylvania delegation, the
Continuing Resolution passed by the Senate this week did not include LWCF.
“To date, Congress has already left nearly $200 million – more than $2 million per day –
on the table; money that would have been made available to communities to build and enhance
public recreational opportunities, and to help protect our most unique and threatened historic and
natural areas.
“LWCF is funded through leasing revenues from offshore oil and gas development; its
benefits, available to everyone, are not paid for by the taxpayers. So many of Pennsylvania’s
iconic and most treasured areas – the Appalachian Trail, the Flight 93 Memorial, the Greater
Allegheny Passage, to name just a few – all have been made possible by LWCF.
“And that doesn’t even include the hundreds of local parks and recreational facilities in
almost every county in Pennsylvania that were supported by the fund.
“These spaces are a fundamental part of Pennsylvania’s identity and heritage. They
support a tremendous sector of our economy – one that generates billions of dollars in public
revenue, and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“When the new Congress reconvenes in January, our representatives must make LWCF
reauthorization a top priority in their first 100 days.
“Each day without permanent reauthorization is a lost opportunity for the people and
communities of Pennsylvania.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided more than $309 million in funding
to support projects in Pennsylvania like public park development and land conservation in
27
counties and municipalities across the state.
To learn more about the Fund, visit the Save The Land & Water Conservation Fund
website.
(Photo: Appalachian Trail in the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania.)
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf Urges Congress To Reauthorize Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund
Op-Ed: Congress Needs To Permanently Reauthorize Land & Water Conservation Fund - Ed
Perry
Op-Ed: Time Is Running Out For The Federal Land And Water Conservation Fund - PEC
Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Applaud Addition Of New National Wilderness Areas
Included Federal Farm Bill
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2018]
Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Applaud Addition Of New National Wilderness Areas

Included Federal Farm Bill
On December 21, Friends of Allegheny

Wilderness applauded the addition of 20,000
acres of the Cherokee National Forest as
wilderness in Tennessee as a result of
President Trump’s signature on the 2018
federal Farm Bill.
This is the first wilderness designated in the
U.S. during the current (115th) session of
Congress, and the first wilderness designated
in Tennessee since 1986.
The legislation designates 20,000 acres
within the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness. Specifically, the bill designates the
9,038-acre Upper Bald River Wilderness, adds 348 acres to the Big Frog Wilderness, adds 966
acres to the Little Frog Mountain Wilderness, adds 2,922 acres to the Sampson Mountain
Wilderness, adds 4,446 acres to the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, and adds 1,836 acres to the
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
“This has been a long time coming, and something that Senator Bob Corker (R), Senator
Lamar Alexander (R), and Congressman Dr. Phil Roe (R) have been working diligently on for
years, through multiple sessions of Congress,” noted Friends of Allegheny Wilderness executive
director Kirk Johnson. “Further, with his signature on the Farm Bill, President Trump also keeps
an important streak alive — every U.S. president since the Wilderness Act became law in 1964
has signed wilderness legislation, incrementally growing America’s National Wilderness
Preservation System to it’s present size of 110 million acres.”
“With two Republican Senators, a Republican Congressman, and a Republican President
strongly supporting the Tennessee Wilderness Act, it can be seen that wilderness truly is
America’s common ground,” said Johnson.
“Friends of Allegheny Wilderness and all of our supporters call upon Congressman
Glenn Thompson (R), Senator Pat Toomey (R), and their Keystone State colleague on the other
28
side of the aisle Senator Bob Casey (D) follow in the Tennessee contingent’s footsteps and work
to protect by law under the Wilderness Act important and eminently deserving natural areas of
the Allegheny National Forest, such as the proposed Tracy Ridge Wilderness and others,”
Johnson said.
For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved, visit the
Friends of Allegheny Wilderness website.
(Photo: Members of Friends of Allegheny Wilderness are shown during a 50th anniversary of
the Wilderness Act winter backpacking trip into the 9,700-acre proposed Tracy Ridge
Wilderness in the A llegheny National Forest in March of 2014.)
Related Stories:
Congress Failed To Reauthorize Federal Land And Water Conservation Fund
Farm, Conservation Groups Say New Federal Farm Bill Has Victories, But Serious Cuts To
Farm Conservation
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Last Minute Vote In Congress Extends National Flood Insurance Program Until May 31
On December 21, the U.S. House voted to

extend the National Flood Insurance Program
through May 31. The program was set to expire
at midnight on December 21.
The reauthorization allows the program,
which is over $20 billion in debt, continue to
borrow up to nearly $10 billion more.
Had the program’s authorization lapsed,
it could have continued to borrow up to $1
billion. After reaching that threshold,
communities would not be able to make claims for flood damage until a reauthorization passed
Congress.
For information on flood insurance options in Pennsylvania, visit the Dept. of Insurance
Flood Insurance webpage.
NewsClips:
Congress Extends National Flood Insurance Program To May 31
Yearly Rainfall Record Broken As Yet Another Storm Passes Through NE
Flood Watch In Effect In PA For Thursday, Friday Storms
As Much As 2.5 Inches Of Rain Expected In Philly Area
Pending Storm Raises Possibility Of River Flooding
Luzerne Flood Authority Says Use Of Toby Creek Basin For Stormwater Project Not Set In
Stone
Work Finally Begins On Backyard Holes In Scranton Caused By Stormwater Pipe Collapse
Mehoopany Creek Watershed Group Awarded $471,276 DEP Grant For Stream Restoration
Project In Wyoming County
29
Growing Greener Cash Heads To Mehoopany Watershed To Help Prevent Flooding
Latrobe Schools Eyes $44K Cost To Correct Storm Drainage At Fmr School
Lycoming County Considers Extending $72,000 Lobbyist Contract For Levee
Some Midstate Creeks Approaching Minor Flooding Stage
WITF Smart Talk: Want To Know About Flood Insurance?
Low-Interest Loans Available For PA Homeowners Affected By August Floods
New U.S.G.S Dataset On Bankfull Discharge, Channel Geometry Now Available In StreamStats
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
News From Around The State
Register Now! PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation/National Abandoned Mine Lands

Program Conference, Scholarships Available
Registration is now open for the combined 2019

PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and National
Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conference in
Pittsburgh on September 8-11.
With the theme of Restore, Transform,
Revitalize, the Conference will for the first time
bring together the National Association of
Abandoned Mine Land Programs, the National
Association of State Land Reclamationists and Pennsylvania’s own Statewide Abandoned Mine
Reclamation community.
These three organizations share common goals and interests focused on successful
reclamation and environmental restoration of previously and currently mined sites including the
abatement or treatment of mine drainage.
The multi-organization focus will provide conference attendees a broader range of
mining and reclamation topics and issues from across the United States as well as increased
opportunities for both networking and sponsor & exhibitor outreach.
Call For Papers
The Conference organizers have issued a call for papers to be presented at the Conference
on a variety of topics. The deadline for proposals in May 10. Click Here for more information.
Sponsor & Exhibit Opportunities
Click Here for information on sponsor or exhibitor information for the Conference.
Scholarships
In order to keep the Joint Conference affordable for those who typically attend the
Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference, the organizers are awarding generous
scholarships on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible applicants.
Coupon codes worth up to $200.00 will be distributed to scholarship awardees to be used
during the registration process. In addition, scholarship awardees will be reimbursed up to $400
for travel and lodging expenses.
Scholarships will be offered in whole or in part to members of Pennsylvania’s nonprofit
watershed community and Conservation Districts. The PA AMR Conference Committee reserves
the right to award scholarships on demonstrated need, distance, and availability of funding.
30
The scholarship request deadline is June 3, 2019.
Scholarship requests can be made to Anne Daymut by sending email to:
anne@wpcamr.org or calling 724-664-8893. Please provide your name and affiliation within the
Pennsylvania watershed community or Conservation District. You may be asked for additional
verification including a letter from your organization supporting your travel and/or proof of your
organization’s 501(c)(3) status.
Scholarship awardees will be notified of the amount of their scholarship amount on or
before July 1, 2019. Scholarship awardees will be responsible for making their own lodging
reservation. You do not need to stay at the official conference hotel to receive the travel and
lodging reimbursement.
Questions about scholarships should be directed to Anne Daymut by sending email to:
anne@wpcamr.org or calling 724-664-8893..
For more information, visit the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and National
Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conference website.
PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the Conference.
NewsClips:
Pittsburgh Glass Works Not Required To Extinguish Underground Mine Fire
Editorial: Time For Congress To Act On Federal RECLAIM Act To Fund Mine Reclamation
Fmr Fossil Fuels Lobbyist To Serve As Acting Head Of U.S. Dept. Of The Interior
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
On December 18, the Department of Environmental

Protection announced the award of a $1.6 million
grant to the Centre County Conservation District to
implement stream restoration and riparian buffers at
four agricultural sites in Centre County.
This 2019 Growing Greener grant will be
used to establish 23.4 acres of forest buffers and
protect 8,000 linear feet of streambank.
These improvements will reduce pollution
into the Susquehanna watershed, eliminating an
estimated 418 tons of sediment and more than
13,000 pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution annually.
“Planting trees and other buffers between agricultural fields and waterways is one of the
best ways to reduce runoff pollution,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “These practices
pay dividends downstream as well, with better water quality and fish habitat.”
One of the largest investments to improve Pennsylvania’s environment, Growing Greener
projects have been instrumental in cleaning up abandoned mine lands, preserving farmland, and
protecting and restoring watersheds throughout the Commonwealth.
The Growing Greener grant program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship
Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees and a transfer from the Marcellus
31
Shale Legacy Fund.
Click Here for more information on DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
Resources
For more information on buffers, financial and technical assistance available, visit
DCNR’s Forest Buffers webpage.
New DCNR Grant Round
To learn more about grant opportunities to support riparian buffer, trail and recreation
projects, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Grant Program webpage. A new grant round is
opening January 22 and will close April 10.
Forest Buffer Summit
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Western PA Conservancy
will be hosting a Riparian Forest Buffer Summit on February 20-21 at the Best Western Premier
Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg.
(Photo: example of a new forested buffer from Lancaster County.)
NewsClips:
Website Connects Retiring Farmers With New Farmers Looking To Buy, Lease
Trump Signs Federal Farm Bill That Backs Climate Change Programs
Congress Legalized Hemp, What It Means For PA
Related Stories:
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Assn. Receives $100,000 Grant For Green Stormwater
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
On December 19, the Department of

Environmental Protection announced the award
of two grants totaling over $1 million for stream
restoration projects in York County to improve
water quality.
A $562,335 grant was awarded to the
Borough of Hanover to develop a campus-wide
stormwater management plan at the Hanover
School District that will eliminate an estimated
4,000 tons of sediment runoff and more than 50
32
pounds of combined nitrogen and phosphorus pollution every year.
The grant will be used to develop and implement the plan, including soil restoration and
the installation of a meadow featuring native plants.
The other grant is to the York County Conservation District for $509,395 to restore 1,000
feet of the West Branch of Codorus Creek. The grant will be used to plant native grasses, shrubs,
and trees along the creek.
These improvements will reduce sediment runoff pollution by an estimated 116 tons,
nitrogen pollution by 312 pounds, and phosphorus pollution by 210 pounds annually.
“Controlling and reducing stormwater runoff, and restoring and replanting streambanks,
can lead to dramatic positive results for water quality,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
“Thousands of tons of sediment and tons of nitrogen and phosphorus will be kept out of our
waterways through these projects, allowing them to thrive again.”
One of the largest investments to improve Pennsylvania’s environment, Growing Greener
projects have been instrumental in cleaning up abandoned mine lands, preserving farmland, and
protecting and restoring watersheds throughout the Commonwealth.
Growing Greener
Shale Legacy Fund.
Resources
Related Stories:
Pennsylvania In The Balance Conference 2019: Helping To Shape Agriculture’s Role In PA’s
Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan For The Chesapeake Bay
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
33
Earth Conservancy Awarded $500,000 DEP Grant For 1,900 Feet Of Riparian Buffer
Along Espy Run In Luzerne County

Protection announced the award of a $500,000
grant to the Earth Conservancy for the Espy Run
stream restoration project in Hanover Township,
Luzerne County.
This 2019 Growing Greener grant will be used to
restore a 1,900-foot section of Espy Run, including
the installation of riparian forested buffers to help
shade and partially protect the stream from the
impact of adjacent land use.
It also includes a stream bank stabilization to reestablish the channel and restore the flow
that is currently being lost into the underground mines.
Once complete, the project will reduce the amount of acidic mining discharge that flows
downstream into Espy Run and eventually Nanticoke Creek. Reconstruction of several sections
of Espy Run is already underway and this project will help to continue the reestablishment of the
Espy Run stream channel.
“We are continuously looking for ways to redevelop old mine land, particularly in
Northeast Pennsylvania, and this Growing Greener grant provides much of the funding needed to
continue that effort near Espy Run,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Any time a stream
can be restored, the community gets more use of that land.”
“Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program is vital to environmental organizations, like
the Earth Conservancy, as they work to mitigate acid mine drainage into the Susquehanna River
by improving tributaries, like Espy Run,” said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair
of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
“Espy Run is one of the many streams in our region damaged by historic anthracite
mining. Earth Conservancy’s reconstruction of its channel will increase habitat, repair local
hydrology, and reduce acid mine drainage entering the Nanticoke Creek,” said Mike Dziak,
Earth Conservancy’s President and CEO.
“This will improve the water quality of the Nanticoke Creek watershed and ultimately the
Susquehanna River. The Growing Greener program is so important for projects – like Espy Run
– which seek to improve and protect Pennsylvania’s waterways. We greatly appreciate the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s and Sen. Yudichak’s support.” Dziak
added.
Earth Conservancy has already undertaken large-scale surface mine remediation projects
within the vicinity of this project. These projects have been financed through awards from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement’s Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events by the Conservancy,
visit the Earth Conservancy website.
Resources
34
(Photo: Espy Run Wetlands/Wetlands Enhancement.)
Related Stories:
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2018]
CBF-PA Accepting Sign Ups For PA Student Action & Restoration Program
Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA is now

accepting teacher and student sign-ups for a
PA Student Action and Restoration Program in
2019.
The program presents opportunities for
macroinvertebrate surveys, water chemistry
monitoring, soil health evaluations, riparian
buffer assessments, tree planting, stream
clean-up, storm drain stenciling, invasive
species removal, canoeing, and fly fishing.
The field curriculum is custom made, depending on teacher/student ideas and site
requirements. Following the field site experience, students and teachers may choose to develop
an action plan suitable for their own schoolyard.
The CBF-PA field sites include these locations--
-- Carlisle, Cumberland County: Explore the headwaters of the Letort Spring Run, a nationally
prominent trout fishery and unique limestone stream surrounded by wetlands, important bird
habitat, and distinct regional history. This site is within one hour of schools in Cumberland,
35
Perry, Dauphin, Lancaster, York, Adams, and Franklin counties.
-- Columbia, Lancaster County: Situated along the Susquehanna River, this field site offers
students the opportunity to explore urban issues affecting water quality and participate in
creating sustainable solutions. The option to canoe is water-level dependent. This site is within
one hour of schools in Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Perry, and Adams
counties.
-- Gettysburg, Adams County: Explore how human land-use, such as agriculture and
development, have shaped the ecology of south central Pennsylvania and Marsh Creek, a
tributary of the Potomac River. This site incorporates forests, meadows, riparian buffers, and an
American Chestnut orchard. This site is within one hour of schools in Adams, Franklin,
Cumberland, and York counties.
-- Rebersburg, Centre County: Situated along Elk Creek, this field site offers students the
opportunity to investigate stream restoration efforts and the positive effects of these practices on
water quality, aquatic habitat, and recreation. This site is within one hour of schools in Centre,
Mifflin, Huntingdon, Union, Snyder, and Lycoming counties.
-- Pequea, Lancaster County: Nature preserves provide us with a wonderful opportunity to
investigate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and practice being good stewards of the land. This
site is within one hour of schools in Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks, Chester, and York
counties.
Click Here to register or for more 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.
NewsClips:
Toms Run Nature Reserve Is Expanding In Allegheny County
Dec. 21 Winter Solstice: The Longest Night Of 2018
Related Stories:
Pennsylvania In The Balance Conference 2019: Helping To Shape Agriculture’s Role In PA’s
Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan For The Chesapeake Bay
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
EPA Awards $1.1 Million To Chesapeake Conservancy To Track Environmental Impacts

Of Land Use In Bay Watershed
36
On December 19, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency announced it has awarded
$1,080,000 to the Chesapeake Conservancy so
that it can update and improve land use data
critical to Chesapeake Bay Restoration.
“This project will give states, counties
and local jurisdictions critical information on
how the landscape is changing over time and
how these changes impact progress towards
achieving restoration of local waters and the
Chesapeake Bay,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “It will also provide more
accurate information about how water moves through the landscape which will help the partners
plan restoration efforts.”
“The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Partnership is at the national forefront of
data-driven conservation and restoration,” said Chesapeake Conservancy President & CEO Joel
Dunn. “Our work together is creating consistent and comprehensive information that leverages
the latest technology and advances strong public and private partnerships. Chesapeake
Conservancy is proud to help empower stewardship, from the smallest non-profits to state and
federal agencies, and bring our common goal of a healthier and sustainable Chesapeake that
much closer."
The Chesapeake Conservancy, working with project partners and the CBP will provide
state and local jurisdictions updated, high-resolution, high-quality data about changes to
landscapes and the locations of headwaters streams and other water features to support continued
progress in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and local waters within its watershed.
It will also provide:
-- Detailed information on streams that is critical to understanding how water moves through the
landscape and where restoration efforts could be located;
-- Optimal siting for best management practices for maximizing water quality benefits;
-- Tracking and reporting tools for partners to streamline project implementation; and,
-- Mapping support to help partners integrate geospatial data into restoration efforts.
Partners involved in this effort include: University of Vermont Spatial Analysis
Laboratory, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Drexel University Academy of Natural
Sciences, and Chesapeake Commons.
The projects undertaken as part of this agreement support the goals of the 2014
Chesapeake Bay Watershed agreement.
Visit EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program webpage for more information on Bay water
quality restoration efforts.
For information on programs and initiatives of the Conservancy, visit the Chesapeake
Conservancy website.
Related Stories:
37
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Awards Stormwater Fee Credits To Those Adopting
Measures To Reduce Stormwater Pollution
The Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority has established a

program to give property owners credit of up to 30 percent of
their stormwater pollution reduction fees if they adopt best
management practices to eliminate or reduce stormwater
pollution coming from their property.
The Authority leads a regional effort in Luzerne County to
implement stormwater pollution control practices across more
than 30 municipalities under the MS4 Stormwater Program.
A new Stormwater Management Program Credit Policy
Manual was published by the Authority laying out the details
of the BMP credit program (starting on page 34).
The credits are available to property owners with 500 square feet or more of impervious
area on their property-- Tier 2 and 3 properties under the Authority’s fee system. These are
generally commercial properties.
Among the types of BMPs for which credit are given are riparian buffers, stream
restoration projects, rain barrels and downspout disconnection, green roofs, revegetating and
reforesting disturbed or impervious areas using native species, turf and landscape management
program, installation of pervious pavement, retrofit of an existing BMPs to add a water quality
benefit and getting a separate MS4 permit to cover the property (45 percent credit).
Residential Fee Credit Survey
The Authority is also conducting an online survey of residential property owners to help
gauge the interest in a BMP credit program for residential property. Click Here to take the
survey if you are in the Authority’s service area.
For more information on the Authority’s regional stormwater pollution reduction
program, visit their Stormwater Management webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Leads MS4 Stormwater Effort To Save Communities More
Than 50% In Compliance Costs
DEP Commeds Regional Approach To Reduce Stormwater Pollution In Luzerne County
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Receives Governor's Local Government Award For MS4
Stormwater Management Partnership
38
Pittsburgh Water Authority OKs Funding For 3 Green Infrastructure Projects
Nominations Now Being Accepted For Philadelphia Area Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Awards
[Posted: Dec. 17, 2018]
On December 14, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer

Authority’s Board of Directors approved three critical
funding for several neighborhood-based sewer and
stormwater infrastructure improvement projects.
The projects embody the mission set out in the
Authority’s 2030 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan
to build flood-prepared, safe, and healthy
neighborhoods. In addition to unanimous support from
the PWSA Board, Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto
endorses these investments.
The three projects include--
-- Ivyglen and Odette Streets Sewer Reconstruction and Separation: On June 23, 2018,
PWSA was informed of a landslide in the Overbrook neighborhood. The landslide caused a
manhole to collapse and severely damaged 550 feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer line on Odette and
Ivyglen Streets between Lodge and Mullooly Streets.
PWSA responded by establishing temporary sewer service for the impacted homes. The
Authority also completed an expedited design for the sewer reconstruction project, which will
separate the previously combined flow of sanitary sewage and stormwater.
The board authorized PWSA to move forward with the approximately $1.2 million
construction phase of the project, which is expected to begin in January 2019 and be completed
by June 2019.
PWSA is coordinating closely with the impacted residents and has benefited from
assistance provided by District 4 Councilman Anthony Coghill.
-- St. John’s Stormwater Management Project: The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority,
the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation, Allegheny Land Trust, and the Urban Redevelopment
Authority of Pittsburgh are collaborating on the design and redevelopment of the former St.
John’s Health and Hospital Center site located at 3325 and 3339 McClure Avenue in Brighton
Heights.
The property is a large, vacant site with potential for stormwater management as well as
greenspace.
The Board approved an additional $50,000 in capital funding to complete the preliminary
design for green stormwater infrastructure at the site. PWSA had already committed $75,000 to
the project.
The design will evaluate cost-effective opportunities for managing stormwater runoff
from six acres of impervious surface surrounding drainage area on the St. John’s site. This
process will identify which stormwater management practices are best suited to slow the flow of
stormwater into the combined stormwater system.
39
-- Panther Hollow Lake Flood Mitigation: The Board approved entering into a grant
agreement with 3 Rivers Wet Weather, Inc. to complete the Panther Hollow Lake Flood
Mitigation Project.
In 2018, PWSA implemented smart green technology called OptiNimbus to monitor
Panther Hollow Lake. OptiNimbus is a continuous monitoring and adaptive control service that
will help address water quality and combined sewer overflow impacts in the Panther Hollow
Watershed.
Total budget for the project is approximately $103,000.
Recent flow monitoring data shows that the Panther Hollow Lake contributes an
estimated 30 million gallons of wet weather flow per year. OptiNimbus will allow PWSA to
interactively monitor and manage the water level in the lake.
The system will also give PWSA the ability to lower the water level in the lake prior to
anticipated rain events, decreasing peak discharge and reducing downstream overflows and
flooding events.
By monitoring and managing the water level in the lake, our initial estimates show that it
may be possible to increase wet weather storage by approximately 1.5 million gallons.
Using this technology will also better inform the broader Four Mile Run Stormwater
Improvement Project that is currently underway.
Visit the Authority’s 2030 Green Infrastructure Plan for more information on green
stormwater projects.
(Photo: New stormwater project at Centre and Herron streets in Pittsburgh.)
Related Stories:
Western PA Conservancy: TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Accepting Applications For Community Tree
Plantings In Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Awards
[Posted: Dec. 17, 2018]
Western PA Conservancy: TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Accepting Applications For Community

Tree Plantings In Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
On December 19, Western PA Conservancy’s

TreeVitalize Pittsburgh program announced they are
now accepting applications for 2019 Community
Tree Planting Grants. The deadline for applications
is March 15.
TreeVitalize Pittsburgh currently supports
street tree plantings within the City of Pittsburgh and
in Allegheny County by providing forestry expertise,
trees, supplies, and planting event coordination for
neighborhood groups.
The TreeVitalize Pittsburgh program’s street
tree plantings help the Conservancy and its partners
40
meet the goals of Pittsburgh’s 10-year Street Tree Management Plan. The plan is based on tree
inventory data collected in 2014 and helps guide our work to increase the street tree population.
In order for your application to be considered, you must contact Jeff Bergman, director of
community forestry and TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, at 412-586-2396 or by sending email to:
jbergman@paconserve.org, prior to submitting an application.
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee your group will receive
trees; funding for seasonal plantings is limited.
Click Here for an applications for tree planting grants within the City of Pittsburgh or
Allegheny County (separate applications).
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
Click Here to support their work.
For information on community tree planting financial and technical support and tree
tender training, visit DCNR’s TreeVitalize webpage.
NewsClips:
SCI-Huntingdon Tree Tenders Help Beautify Huntingdon Streets
Meyer: What Does it Take To Be In The PA Christmas Tree Business? Patience
Christmas Tree Recycling Starts Dec. 26 In York County
Pittsburgh Expands Recycling Locations For Christmas Tree Disposal
Related Stories:
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
Mehoopany Creek Watershed Group Awarded $471,276 DEP Grant For Stream
Restoration Project In Wyoming County

Environmental Protection announced the
award of a $471,276 grant to Mehoopany
Creek Watershed Restoration, Inc. for the
Mehoopany Creek Rogers Hollow Stream
Restoration Project in Wyoming County.
This Growing Greener grant will be
used to construct over 700 feet of stacked
boulder along the right bank of the stream
and another 267 feet on the left side. This
project will alleviate flooding issues and
remove sediment while stabilizing the banks
of the stream.
41
Heavy rains events over the last several years have led to flooding of nearby residences
and to areas of State Route 87.
“This area of Wyoming County has seen its share of flooding events, and this project will
help protect the residents from future flooding and improve water quality,” said DEP Secretary
Patrick McDonnell.
The Mehoopany Creek Roger Hallow Stream Restoration is part of the 2007 Mehoopany
Creek Watershed Plan.
This project will meet the PA Nonpoint Source Management Plan which focuses on
reducing water quality degradation from “polluted runoff.” Rogers Hollow Stream is part of the
Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Shale Legacy Fund.
Resources
Related Stories:
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]

Environmental Resources announced the
award of a $100,000 grant to the Wissahickon
Valley Watershed Association in Montgomery
County for a green stormwater infrastructure
outreach project
This Growing Greener grant will be used to
launch “Stream Smart,” an outreach program
42
designed to recruit residents willing to learn about, install, and maintain green stormwater
infrastructure on residential properties.
Embracing actions such as rain barrels, tree planting, and rain gardens in the Sandy Run
watershed are expected to reduce stream sediment by more than 3,500 pounds per year.
“Innovative projects such as this will likely serve as a demonstration for future outreach
and residential projects”, said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Working together as partners,
neighbors and communities is vital to the long-term success of these efforts.”
Shale Legacy Fund.
Resources
(Photo: Rain garden installation in the Wissahickon Watershed.)
Related Stories:
Awards
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Call For Presenters: 2019 PA Groundwater Symposium May 1 In State College
Penn State Extension, Master Well Owner

Network and the Department of Environmental
Protection have issued a call for presentation
proposals for the 2019 Pennsylvania
Groundwater Symposium, to be held May 1 in
State College. The deadline for proposals is
43
February 1.
Abstracts for presentation can be submitted on a wide variety of groundwater topics
including but not limited to: groundwater monitoring, climate impacts on groundwater, data
availability and access, groundwater processes, karst groundwater systems, wellhead protection,
water well studies, emerging contaminants, aquifer studies, groundwater/surface water
interactions, issues related to energy extraction, and education and outreach.
Use the following guidelines when submitting an abstract:
-- All abstracts must be limited to 200 words excluding the Title, Authors, Affiliations
-- Underline the presenting author’s name
-- Use 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins and 1.5 line spacing
-- Abstracts must be written in English
-- All abstracts should be emailed to Bryan Swistock at: brs@psu.edu
-- References, credits, tables, and figures must not be included in the abstract
-- Be sure to proof and edit your submission carefully.
-- Abstracts will be published in a symposium proceedings which will be provided to all
attendees
-- Presenting authors must pay the registration fee and attend the meeting
The Symposium planning committee will review all abstracts and notify authors of
acceptance via email in mid-February 2019
The day-long symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 1 with opening remarks by the
Fish and Boat Commission. The morning plenary session will be highlighted by a keynote
presentation on Emerging Groundwater Issues.
Additional morning and afternoon plenary and concurrent session speakers will address
numerous important groundwater issues in Pennsylvania.
Registrants can also receive continuing education credits for attending all sessions. An
optional half-day field trip will be offered on April 30 for an additional fee.
The complete Symposium agenda and registration will be available in mid to late
February 2019 on the Symposium webpage.
The Symposium will be moving to a new location in 2019 at the Penn Stater Conference
Center in State College, but it will continue to provide a forum for researchers, students,
professionals and educators working in the groundwater field to exchange information and
promote protection of groundwater resources throughout the state.
For additional information or questions about the Pennsylvania Groundwater
Symposium, see the Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium website or contact Bryan Swistock
at 814-863-0194 or send email to: brs@psu.edu.
We hope you can join us for this event showcasing Pennsylvania's valuable groundwater
resources!
Related Story:
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Nominations Now Being Accepted For Philadelphia Area Green Stormwater

Infrastructure Awards
44
The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and the Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Partners are now accepting nominations for the 2019 Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Awards. The deadline for nominations is February 15.
Nominations are invited in several categories--
-- Public Projects: Built projects managed in large part by a public agency and/or on public
property (municipal, state, federal)
-- Private Projects: Built projects managed in large part by private entity and/or on private
property
-- Innovation: Processes, programs, or technology that break new ground, by applying
information, ingenuity, and initiative to significantly advance GSI impact
Winning applications should highlight the triple bottom line (environmental, social, and
economic) benefits of a green infrastructure approach to stormwater management. Click Here
for a list of winners from 2018.
The awards will be presented in a special ceremony on May 23 in Philadelphia.
Click Here for all the details. Questions should be directed to Fran Lawn, Manager, GSI
Partners, by calling 215-922-7400 or sending email to: fran@sbnphiladelphia.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and the Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Partners websites.
NewsClips:
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Presented With Most Detailed
Recommendations Yet
Fee 30%
Westmoreland Conservation District Hopes Stormwater Retrofits Serve As An Example
PennDOT Seeks Private Partner For Chalfont Wetlands Replacement Project
Related Stories:
45
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
New U.S.G.S. Dataset On Bankfull Discharge & Channel Geometry Now Available In
StreamStats
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the

Bradford County Conservation District, recently
released a new report and dataset on bankfull stream
discharge and channel geometry for glaciated and
nonglaciated settings in Pennsylvania that are now
available in StreamStats.
Streambank erosion in areas of past glacial
deposition has been shown to be a dominant source
of sediment to streams. Water resource managers are
faced with the challenge of developing long and short
term (emergency) stream restoration efforts that rely
on the most suitable channel geometry for project
design.
A geomorphic dataset of new (2016, n=5) and
previous (1999–2006, n=96) estimates of bankfull
discharge and channel dimensions at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations was
compiled to present and contrast the glaciated and unglaciated noncarbonate settings of southern
New York and Pennsylvania that included selected areas of Maryland.
Data stratification by glaciation did not improve regional curves relations developed
previously for the noncarbonate (glaciated and unglaciated) and carbonate settings of
Pennsylvania and Maryland, but the new estimates of bankfull discharge and channel dimensions
at streamflow gaging sites and updated drainage areas from StreamStats were incorporated into
previously developed regional curves to produce an updated set of regression relations of
bankfull discharge and channel geometry for the noncarbonate and carbonate settings of
Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Click Here for access to the report and go to StreamStats to select a stream location in PA
for bankfull discharge and channel dimensions estimates. Questions should be directed to John
Clune, U.S.G.S., by sending email to: jclune@usgs.gov.
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
Penn State Extension Begins 5-Part Land Use Webinar Series Jan. 16
Penn State Extension will host a 5-part Land

Use Webinar Series from January 16 to May 15
to provide monthly in-depth presentations on
land-use topics affecting the communities of
Pennsylvania.
46
Each of the webinars will be held from Noon to 1:15 on--
-- January 16: Zoning Ethics, an overview of the zoning and land development plan process;
-- February 20: Geodesign: Using Data Transparency and Community Voices for Enhanced
Land-Use Planning
-- March 20: Municipal Options for Meeting MS4 Compliance Without Breaking the
Budget
-- April 17: Making the Most of Historical and Heritage Assets: How a Preservation-based
Design Ethic Can Promote
-- May 15: The Benefits and Challenges of Ridesharing on the Transportation System
Click Here for more on each webinar.
Who should attend? Landowners; Farmers; Elected & appointed officials; Developers;
and Community members who are involved in decision-making processes regarding using or
preserving natural resources
Click Here to register or for more information.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
EQB Publishes Final Regulation Updating Aboveground, Underground Storage Tank

Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in

the December 22 PA Bulletin (page 7875) of final
changes to the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention
Program regulations covering aboveground and
underground storage tanks. It is the first
comprehensive update to the tank regulations in 10
years.
One primary purpose of the changes is to maintain
consistency with updates made to U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency underground storage tank
regulations.
Among the changes made-- and there are many--
are--
-- Underground tank owners must not only have spill prevention, overfill prevention and release
detection equipment in place, they now need to periodically prove the equipment is functioning;
-- Shortens the in-service inspection cycle for certain aboveground storage tanks; and
-- Updates and changes certification requirements for third party storage tank inspectors.
This final-form rulemaking will affect approximately 7,000 storage tank owners at nearly
12,600 storage tank facilities.
DEP said the changes were needed because of the continuing problems with storage tank
leaks. Between October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017, there were 210 confirmed releases
from underground storage tanks.
Click Here for a copy of the final regulation starting on page 7875, a detailed description
of changes made in the regulation and a summary of responses to comments received by DEP.
Questions should be directed to Kris Shiffer, Chief, Division of Storage Tanks, at
717-772-5809 or by sending email to: kshiffer@pa.gov.
47
For more information on the program, visit DEP’s Storage Tanks webpage.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Illegal Trash Bag Dumper Fined In Reading With Help Of Keep PA Beautiful Camera
Loan Program
On December 19, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

announced Wilfredo Soto Torres (age 56) was
cited by City of Reading police officer Devin
Hasenauer for illegally dumping a large number
of black plastic bags on September 24 with the
help of KPB’s Surveillance Camera Loan
Program.
Soto Torres was found guilty by the Magisterial
District Judge Kyley L Scott of depositing waste
on a roadway in the City of Reading and paid a
fine of $300 plus costs for a total penalty of
$416.50.
“I am glad to be working with Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful on this program,” says Kevin Lugo,
Sustainability & Solid Waste Manager for the
City of Reading. “Illegal dumping puts litter in
our neighborhoods, can be a health hazard, and
costs the city thousands of dollars to clean up.
Dumping is an eyesore in our community and
directly affects residents and businesses who find
garbage piled on their property. Our community
does not tolerate illegal dumping. If you witness
illegal dumping or find a dump site, please let the City know by reporting it through iRequest or
calling 877-727-3234.”
“The camera program is working just as intended. We want to thank our municipal,
enforcement, and organizational partners who used the evidence to identify and hold accountable
the individual who chose to dump trash illegally,” explained Shannon Reiter, President of Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful. “Through publicizing these prosecutions, we hope to help curb the act of
dumping. Dump cleanups bring a financial burden to our communities and municipalities as
they are often saddled with the responsibility of cleaning it up. Cleanups are needed, but our end
goal needs to be to stop the dumping in the first place.”
In a recent study, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful found that on average, it costs local
communities $600/ton or nearly $3,000 for an average illegal dump cleanup.
Funding for the surveillance Camera Loan Program was provided by the Department of
Environmental Protection. DEP funds for this program are from fines that the state agency
receives for environmental infractions.
The cameras are able to capture high quality, prosecution-worthy photos, even of license
plates at night.
For more information on the program, visit KPB’s Surveillance Camera Loan Program
48
webpage.
Municipalities and other agencies can find out more about the program at
IllegalDumpFreePA.org, or contact Rob Dubas by sending email to:
rdubas@keeppabeautiful.org or calling 724-836-4121 ext 107.
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.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
KPB: Two Men Cited In Crackdown On Illegal Dumping In Arnold, Westmoreland County
Tri-County CleanWays In Butler, Lawrence, Mercer Counties Celebrates 25 Years Of Keeping
PA Beautiful
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
DEP Approves Shell Falcon Ethane Pipeline Permits In Allegheny, Beaver, Washington
Counties

Protection approved permit applications for the Shell
Pipeline Company Falcon Ethane Pipeline Project
proposed to run through Washington, Allegheny,
and Beaver counties.
DEP has determined that the applications meet the
requirements of Chapter 105 (water obstruction and
encroachment) and Chapter 102 (erosion and
sediment control) of DEP’s regulations.
The pipeline is DEP engineers and biologists
conducted a technical review of the applications in
consultation with three county conservation districts to ensure the applications meet all
applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
DEP heard feedback through public comment periods and three separate public hearings
on the permit applications, receiving input from nearly 1,500 commenters.
“DEP’s due diligence included a robust review which facilitated the public’s participation
by encouraging public feedback and access to important information throughout the process,”
said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Comments and questions received from citizens were
reviewed by DEP technical staff who requested additional information from the applicant and
included conditions in the final permits to ensure the protection of resources.”
Of significant concern to multiple commenters was the proximity of the proposed ethane
pipeline to the Ambridge Reservoir and the raw water line from the reservoir that serves the
Ambridge Water Authority Water Treatment Plant.
The application and permits include appropriate construction techniques and special
49
conditions requiring the permittee to control pollution from construction of the ethane pipeline in
the area of the reservoir and other water resources along the pipeline route.
In its permit applications, Shell proposed to deepen the horizontal directional drill (HDD)
below the raw water line, have a crew on standby in the event of a break in the raw water line,
have additional pre-stressed concrete pipe repair joints at the job site, and use other construction
techniques to minimize impacts to the raw water line during construction.
There were many other public comments considered during DEP’s review, a number of
which resulted in modifications to the applications or permit conditions. DEP prepared a detailed
comment and response document regarding public comments on the Chapter 102 and 105 permit
applications.
The Falcon Ethane Pipeline will begin at the MarkWest Houston Processing and
Fractionation Facility in Chartiers Township, Washington County and travel through
Washington, Allegheny, and Beaver counties before ending at the Shell Chemical Appalachia
Petrochemical Complex in Potter Township, Beaver County.
A separate segment of the pipeline will connect a MarkWest facility in Cadiz, Ohio and
the Utica East Ohio plant in Scio, Ohio to the petrochemical complex in Beaver County.
In total, approximately 45.5 miles of pipeline will be located in Pennsylvania, and the
pipeline will cross portions of southwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and the West Virginia
panhandle.
Construction and operation of the pipeline will fall under the jurisdiction of the federal
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Copies of the permit, comment response document, applications, and associated materials
related to this project can be found on DEP’s Shell Falcon Ethane Pipeline webpage.
NewsClips:
County
Chester County District Attorney Opens Criminal Investigation into Mariner East Pipeline
Construction
Work
Moved
50
Pipeline Permit
Related Stories:
Construction
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2018]
DEP Invites Comments On Water Quality Certification For Proposed UGI Liquefied
Natural Gas Truck Loading Facility In Berks County
The Department of Environmental

Protection published notice in the December
22 PA Bulletin inviting public comments on
a Section 401 Water Quality Certification
for a proposed UGI liquefied natural gas
truck loading facility at 5665 Leesport
Avenue, Reading, Ontelaunee Township,
Berks County.
Approximately 9.5 acres of earth
disturbance is proposed within the property
footprint of the existing Temple Truck Rack
site, with approximately 5.6 acres of permanent use areas proposed.
DEP is accepting comments on the proposed certification for 30 days. Click Here to read
the complete PA Bulletin notice for all the details starting on page 7830.
Related Stories:
Construction
Counties
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
On December 21, the 940-MW Tenaska natural

gas power plant in Westmoreland County began
51
operations and Calpine’s 828-MW York 2 Energy Center natural gas power plant began start up
operations in York County.
Tenaska
The Tenaska Westmoreland is located near Smithton in South Huntingdon Township,
Westmoreland Countycan generate enough power for about 940,000 homes.
"Tenaska Westmoreland is a highly efficient generating facility that is well suited to meet
the needs of the PJM market," said Tenaska CEO and Vice Chairman Jerry Crouse. "We are
excited to have this plant join our operating fleet, and we look forward to Tenaska Westmoreland
being a reliable power producer for decades to come."
York 2 Energy Center
McDermott International, Inc. announced it successfully achieved first fire of units 5 and
6 and steam blows at Calpine's York 2 Energy Center, an 828-MW combined-cycle natural gas
power station in Peach Bottom Township,York County.
First fire and steam blows are critical milestones for the power plant as it validates the
operability of the new facility. As a result of this milestone, units 5 and 6 are generating power
for one of America's largest generators of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources.
"As we mark this project milestone, we are one step closer to delivering a world-class
power project for Calpine," said Richard Heo, McDermott's Senior Vice President for North,
Central and South America. "This combined-cycle project is an excellent example of
McDermott's experience and comprehensive capabilities in providing vertically-integrated
solutions for leading power companies in the U.S."
Ironically, nearby Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant has a generating capacity of
837-MW, almost exactly the same size.
Calpine’s York Energy Center, which is on the same site as its York 2 Energy Center, has
been operating since 2011 with a generating capacity of 565-MW.
In May, the U.S. Energy Information Agency estimated Pennsylvania would see 5.2
gigawatts of natural gas-fired electric power generation come online during 2018.
(Photo: Tenaska said this photo represents a power plant almost the same as Tenaska
Westmoreland.)
NewsClips:
McDermott Announces First Fire At Calpine’s York 2 Energy Center
Related Story:
U.S. EIA: Pennsylvania To Add 5.2 Gigawatts Of Natural Gas-Fired Electric Generating
Capacity In 2018
Construction
Counties
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
52
Report: Investment In Natural Gas Pipelines, Infrastructure To Remain Strong Through
2035
On December 20, Penn State Extension summarized the

findings of a recent Interstate Natural Gas Association of
America Foundation report on natural gas infrastructure
saying strong investment in pipelines and other infrastructure
will continue through 2035.
The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
Foundation retained ICF to help forecast the amount of
midstream infrastructure development needed in the near
future.
The study considered infrastructure investments for surface
and lease equipment; gathering and processing facilities; oil, gas, and NGL pipelines; oil and gas
storage facilities; refineries and oil products pipelines; and export terminals.
The key findings of the study were:
-- Infrastructure investment, while projected to peak in 2019, will remain strong through 2035
due to continued shale development, strong market demand and relatively low pricing due to the
new oil and gas supplies.
-- New midstream infrastructure capital expenditures (CAPEX) will average $791 billion over
the next 17 years, for an average of $44 billion/year.
-- For oil, gas and NGL transport, an additional 41,000 miles of pipeline and 7 million
horsepower (HP) of compression and pumping are anticipated through 2035.
-- To support gathering, processing and storage of oil, gas, and NGLs, an additional 139,000
miles of gathering lines and 10 million HP are required.
-- $1.3 trillion to U.S. and Canadian Gross Domestic Products, or approximately $70 billion
annually is anticipated to be invested in infrastructure through 2035.
-- Significant employment opportunities are created not only within states where infrastructure
development occurs but across all states because of indirect and induced labor impacts to the
tune of approximately 725,000 workers.
-- The infrastructure development is dependent on regulatory approvals of the projects as to the
costs for pipeline construction. Two scenarios are used; a constant unit cost and an escalating
unit cost.
The report said 48,718 jobs were expected to be created by natural gas infrastrastructure
investment in Pennsylvania between 2018 and 2035, which is less than the report’s estimate of
56,450 jobs between 2013 through 2017.
“While we now are in the midst of a remarkable expansion of the pipeline network, this
report confirms that there will remain a need for new pipeline infrastructure. Continued
production growth, combined with growing consumption – particularly for natural gas – will
drive the need for expanded pipeline capacity to supply energy consumers in both domestic and
export markets," said INGAA Foundation President Don Santa.
Click Here for a copy of the study.
Related Stories:
Construction
53
Counties
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2018]
PUC Approves PECO Rate Settlement With Pilot Program For Fast-Charging Stations
For Electric Vehicles
On December 20, the Public Utility Commission approved a partial settlement involving PECO
Energy Company and various other parties that includes a pilot project to encourage installation
of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.
The settlement also substantially reduces the rate increase requested earlier this year by
the utility and requires the utility to return $68 million in federal tax savings to customers.
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a net revenue increase of $24.9 million for PECO,
compared to $81.9 million increase in the utility’s initial filing with the PUC-- a reduction of
approximately 70-percent in the rate increase that was sought.
Under the settlement, the average monthly bill for a residential customer using 700
kilowatt-hours per month would increase from $102.65 to $103.92 (or 1.2%), effective January
1, 2019.
In addition, the settlement requires PECO to refund $68 million in savings that resulted
from the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Residential customers will receive a one-time
bill credit in January 2019, while refunds to larger commercial and industrial customers will be
spread over a one-year period.
The settlement also includes a pilot project intended to encourage the installation of
fast-charging stations for electric vehicles and gather data to investigate future rates for direct
current fast charger systems-- a program highlighted by PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown as an
important step to stimulating the electric vehicle market and something that aligns with the
Commission’s recent policy statement regarding development of EV charging infrastructure.
The Commission also addresses issued raised by NRG Energy related to default service
costs and methods used by PECO to calculate their price-to-compare (used by consumers
shopping for competitive energy suppliers).
PECO provides electric services to approximately 1.6 million customers within Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties.
The joint petition for settlement in this rate case was filed by PECO, the PUC’s
independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer
Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate, the Philadelphia Area Industrial Energy Users
Group, the Coalition for Affordable Utility Services and Energy Efficiency in Pennsylvania, the
Tenant Union Representative Network and Action Alliance of Senior Citizens of Greater
Philadelphia, the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, Tesla Inc., ChargePoint Inc.,
Walmart Stores East LP and Sam’s East Inc.
Related Stories:
PA Joins 8 Other States, D.C. To Develop Regional Program To Cap Greenhouse Gas Pollution
54
From Transportation
Development
Assistance Programs
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2018]
Op-Ed: Conservatives Should Lead The Way On Clean Energy That Creates Jobs,
Prosperity
By Jim Cawley, Former Lt. Governor Of Pennsylvania
For those who still question the economic benefits of

clean energy and energy diversification, look no further
than Pennsylvania.
Our energy sector has expanded tremendously in recent
years, fueled by advances in technology that seemed out
of reach 10 or 20 years ago. Clean energy is now cheap
enough to compete economically with the likes of coal
and natural gas.
These economic and technological advances have created
unprecedented individual freedom in energy
development-- and an unparalleled ability to create even
greater prosperity for our communities and families.
I say all of that as a free-market conservative-- and a clean energy advocate.
Conservatives who have investigated the energy marketplace, as I have, believe free
enterprise drives job creation and economic growth. Increasingly, that’s what we’re seeing when
it comes to clean energy in Pennsylvania and around the country.
That’s why I recently joined the Leadership Council of the Pennsylvania Conservative
Energy Forum, a group advocating for greater adoption of clean energy across the
Commonwealth.
When I was lieutenant governor, I supported our burgeoning energy industries, and the
Corbett-Cawley administration was deeply invested in freedom and economic development.
Now, an “all-of-the-above” energy portfolio-- which includes historic commodities like
natural gas and coal, renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro, and legacy and new
technologies for nuclear power-- like the one we have in Pennsylvania provides a national
blueprint for driving economic growth.
Today, clean and renewable energy is growing at an annual rate of more than 2 percent.
There are now more than 86,000 clean energy jobs in Pennsylvania, including
65,000-plus in energy efficiency, which saves businesses money, enhances conservation, and
creates local jobs.
Job growth and economic development in the clean and renewable sector lowers costs
55
for efficient energy options and broadens their appeal and viability. In other words, we grow the
economic “pie” for everyone.
To illustrate the new opportunities in this sector, look no further than the
Commonwealth’s brand-new Commercial PACE-- Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy
— program.
Pennsylvania’s county governments, supported by the recent passage of the bipartisan
C-PACE bill, can now offer low-interest financial backing to entrepreneurs in the commercial
sector who wish to invest in clean and renewable energy at the local level.
This work, representing a soft government footprint and a strong business-friendly
climate, will continue to create jobs and grow the economy.
A true Pennsylvania conservative leader-- and one who will soon begin his first term in
Congress-- Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny), sponsored the C-PACE bill.
Our House and Senate leadership-- starting with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe
Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), both Republicans-- led
their respective caucuses with overwhelming votes in favor.
Why did so many conservatives sign on? Because clean and renewable energy means
jobs, economic development, and more economic freedom for landowners, farmers, and
communities.
It was none other than Ronald Reagan who once said that to be a conservative is to
conserve.
Conserving and developing our energy resources are defining characteristics of clean and
renewable energy. It’s also this approach that frees us from high dependency on foreign sources
of energy, often purchased from hostile regimes overseas.
Energy that is abundant, locally sourced, and encouraged by favorable free-market state
policies is something that all conservatives can — and should — take pride in.
(Photo: Solar energy installation at Maximuck's Farm and Market in Buckingham Township,
Bucks County.)
Jim Cawley served as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2015. He recently
joined the Leadership Council of the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum.
NewsClips:
Zoning Board Rejects Wind Turbine Proposal For Land Surrounding Bethlehem’s Reservoirs
Philadelphia Mayor To Move Forward On New Solar Power Plan
New Jersey Moves To End Solar RECs, Take Steps Toward 100% Renewables
Related Stories:
From Transportation
Electric Vehicles
Development
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2018]
56
Development
On December 18, Harrisburg University of

Science and Technology announced it will
host a series of six public lectures in 2019--
from January through May-- featuring
thought leaders who will speak on a variety
of topics related to climate disruption and
sustainable development.
The Fourth National Climate Assessment
(NCA) was released in November 2018. It assesses the science of climate change and variability
and its impacts across the United States, both now and through the end of this century.
The Fourth NCA found that climate disruption presents grave present risks, and
intensifying future risks, to communities-- particularly indigenous communities, our economy,
ecosystems, the environment and the natural world, public health, water quantity and quality,
agriculture, and infrastructure.
Harrisburg University’s 2019 Distinguished Speaker Series on Climate Disruption and
Sustainable Development, organized by HU’s Center for Environment, Energy, and Economy
(E3), will present thought-provoking discussions on this vitally important topic.
Harrisburg University President Eric Darr said, “Harrisburg University is proud to
present this series of in-depth discussions on the magnitude of the climate risk, approaches to
mitigation, and available legal and policy tools. The series will culminate with three sessions on
relevant cutting-edge research and technology development being conducted at Harrisburg
University. We welcome our students, faculty, and the community to these important
conversations.”
The events, which are free and open to the public, will take place at Harrisburg
University main campus in downtown Harrisburg, 14th Floor Auditorium, except the April 19
event which is in Room 1151.
Each event in the speaker series will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. From 11:30 a.m.
to noon, there will be networking and a complimentary lunch. The lectures begin at noon with
time for Q&A following. The series will also be webcast.
The events will be moderated by John Quigley, Director of HU’s Center for E3.
Registration for these events is requested. Click Here to RSVP.
Schedule
-- January 18: What Citizens Urgently Need to Know About Climate Change in Light of
Several Recent Scientific Papers Including the Special Report of IPCC on Limiting Warming to
1.5 0 – Donald A. Brown, Scholar In Residence and Professor, Sustainability Ethics and Law,
Widener University Commonwealth Law School, Harrisburg, PA.
This presentation will explain six things that citizens around the world urgently need to
understand about climate change in light of the most recent climate change science. These six
things are:
-- The enormous magnitude of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions needed to prevent
catastrophic warming.
57
-- The speed of GHG emissions reductions needed to prevent catastrophic warming.
-- No nation may either legally or morally use national self-interest alone as justification for their
failure to fully meet their obligation under the UNFCCC.
-- No nation may either legally or morally use scientific uncertainty as justification for their
failure to fully meet their obligations under the UNFCCC.
-- Developed countries must legally, morally, and practically more aggressively reduce their
GHG emissions than developing countries
-- Developed countries must legally, morally, and practically help finance mitigation and
adaptation programs in poor developing countries.
-- February 7: Is 100% Renewable Energy the Answer to Climate Change?: Technical and
Economic Implications of the Clean Energy Transition – Karl Hausker, Ph.D., Senior Fellow,
World Resources Institute
This briefing will explore how assumptions regarding the availability, performance, and
integration of various energy technologies drive the climate and economic implications of
contrasting pathways to the “deep decarbonization” of the U.S. economy. Implications for
energy policy and R&D portfolios will also be explored.
-- March 15: Legal Pathways to Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions – John Dernbach,
Commonwealth Professor of Environmental Law and Sustainability and Director, Environmental
Law and Sustainability Center, Widener University Commonwealth Law School, Harrisburg, PA
Scientific reports are increasingly urgent about the need to act on climate change. But
what do we do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
This presentation will discuss the findings in a new book that describes and analyzes
more than 1,000 legal tools for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to zero, or nearly zero,
by midcentury.
The book is Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States (Michael B.
Gerrard & John C. Dernbach, editors, Environmental Law Institute Press, forthcoming March
2019).
The book provides tools for policy makers, lawyers, and the public to address what is
easily one of the most challenging problems of our time.
-- March 29: Natural Gas in Pennsylvania: Energy, Innovation, and the Environment –
Arvind P. Ravikumar, PhD, Assistant Professor in Energy Engineering, Harrisburg University
Natural Gas in Pennsylvania: Energy, Innovation, and the Environment
Pennsylvania is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the United States. The shale
boom of the past decade had many benefits – it reduced air pollution, created jobs, and provided
local economic growth.
More importantly, it has also made US a net importer of oil and gas resources – a feat
that was considered impossible just 10 years ago.
In this talk, Dr. Ravikumar will discuss how Pennsylvania can harness advances in new
technological innovation to make the natural gas industry more sustainable, while creating
hundreds of local, high-paying jobs.
Despite this success of natural gas development in recent years, it has also brought its
own challenges – methane emissions. Methane is the major component of natural gas that heats
our homes and cooks our food.
However, leaks in the natural gas supply chain often releases methane directly into our
atmosphere. This is a problem.
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Methane is a greenhouse gas that is far more powerful than carbon dioxide and
contributes to climate change. Near the ground, it can lead to ozone formation and local air
pollution. The challenge, therefore, to Pennsylvania and the U.S., is to strike a balance between
effective environmental regulations and economic development.
Fortunately, the last 5 years has seen tremendous technological innovation in the methane
space. Many start-up companies in the US are developing methane leak detection sensors that are
faster, cheaper, and more effective than existing solutions.
These new sensors, often on mobile platforms such as drones, trucks, planes, and even
satellites, can enable the sustainable development of the natural gas industry. In this lecture, we
will explore this technological revolution, understand its impact on the energy industry, and
discuss what it means to Pennsylvania.
-- April 5: Towards a Public Web-Platform for Limiting Methane Emissions from the Oil
and Gas Sector: Iheb Abdellatif, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Information Systems Engineering
and Management, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, with Arvind P. Ravikumar,
PhD, Assistant Professor in Energy Engineering, Harrisburg University
FEAST (Fugitive Emissions Abatement Simulation Testbed) is a tool for modeling the
performance of methane leak detection and repair programs that can be used to evaluate the
effectiveness of detection technologies and proposed mitigation policies.
Originally developed by HU Professor Arvind Ravikumar and colleagues at Stanford
University, FEAST is now being refined at Harrisburg University.
Dr. Abdellatif will discuss how Harrisburg University is enhancing the FEAST tool and
migrating it to a web-based platform to meet widespread interest among regulators, industry, and
other academics in using a tool like FEAST to understand the economics of methane mitigation
policy. T
his project is part of HU efforts to comprehensively advance the business case for
methane emission reduction from energy production across the full value chain – from
production through distribution.
-- April 19: Using the Latest Digital Innovations to Address Energy Poverty in Developing
Countries [Room 1151]– Festus Odubo, Ph.D., Public Utility/Energy Advisor/ Rate Case
Review Specialist and Agency Representative, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission (PA PUC) and Amjad Umar, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Management and
eBusiness degree program and the Information Systems Engineering and Management (ISEM)
programs, Harrisburg University; and Senior Advisor to the United Nations and a Fulbright
Senior Specialist with the US Council for International Exchange of Scholars
Dr. Odubo will present his work on the technical and economic/financial issues that
impact the commercial viability and effectiveness of microgrid systems in Nigeria and the
viability of existing and future microgrid projects in the country.
Dr. Umar will present a model of how the latest digital innovations and computer-aided
planning can be deployed to address the issues and foster a bottom-up, community-based
approach to addressing energy policy and sustainable development in developing and least
developed countries.
About the Center for E3
Harrisburg University’s Center for Environment, Energy, and Economy (E3) was created
in August 2017 to connect HU’s faculty, curriculum, and students to change-makers who work to
combine environmental protection and sustainability practices with economic development.
59
The Center partners with and solves problems for businesses and governmental entities,
focusing on IT, data, and systems-based projects that can support evidence-based
decision-making systems, policy development, and practice.
For more information, visit the Harrisburg University website.
Related Stories:
From Transportation
Electric Vehicles
NewsClips:
Cusick: Climate Change In PA: A Look Back At 2018, And Ahead At 2019
From Transportation
Op-Ed: Methane Regulations Benefit Oil & Gas Industry, Society
Editorial: State Right To Curb Methane Leakage From Oil & Gas Operations
Sisk: Penn State Researchers Push For Answers On Carbon Capture
Op-Ed: How Local Climate Action Can Tackle A Global Problem
Op-Ed: Facts Rain On PA Governor’s Climate Change Parade
Op-Ed: Will PA Heed Scientific Warnings And Continue Reducing Methane?
Development
Exxon Asks EPA To Regulate Methane Emissions From Oil And Gas
AP: Nations At UN Climate Talks Back Universal Emissions Rules
UN Compact Recognizes Climate Change As Migration Driver For 1st Time
WITF Smart Talk: Prof. Brown Talks About His Experience At Climate Conference In Poland
Editorial: Concession To Rioters In France Subverts Paris Climate Accord
U.S. EIA: Carbon Dioxide Emissions From U.S. Power Sector Have Declined 28% Since 2005
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
Assistance Programs
On December 20, the Public Utility Commission approved a motion from Commissioner David
W. Sweet seeking to provide more uniform retail electric shopping standards for customers
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participating in electric distribution companies’ (EDCs) Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs).
CAPs are intended to provide eligible low-income customers with lower monthly payments and
arrearage forgiveness.
EDCs periodically submit default service plans (DSPs) to the Commission outlining their
electric generation procurement processes and associated programs tied to their provision of
default service for customers, including those in CAPs, who have not switched to competitive
suppliers.
The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the motion, which proposes certain criteria all EDCs
with CAP requirements should follow in their future DSPs to better ensure CAP customers
switching to a competitive supplier do not pay higher rates for electric generation and to keep
down costs ultimately paid by all customers.
The motion directs the PUC’s Law Bureau to prepare a Proposed Policy Statement for the
Commission’s consideration no later than Feb. 28, 2019, setting forth specific areas of
uniformity in CAP shopping practices that EDCs with CAP requirements should have in future
DSPs, including:
-- A requirement that the CAP shopping product have a rate that is at or below the EDC’s Price
to Compare (PTC) at all time periods of the contract between the EGS and the customer;
-- A provision that the contract between the EGS and the CAP customer contains no early
termination or cancellation fees; and
-- A provision that, at the end of the contract, the CAP customer may reenroll with the EGS at a
product that meets the same requirements as outlined above, switch to another EGS offering a
product that meets those requirements or be returned to default service.
Click Here for a copy of Commissioner Sweet’s motion.
Related Stories:
Electric Vehicles
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Pennsylvania State Parks, Forests Offering Visitors A Winter Playground
With the official arrival of winter on December 21,

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn is reminding outdoor
enthusiasts Pennsylvania’s state forest and park
systems again are rolling out the welcome mat for
winter visitors intent on enjoying cold-weather,
outdoor fun.
“Our state forests and parks are the perfect
place to enter a new world of outdoor excitement and
adventure as the temperatures turn seasonable and
snow and ice begins to accumulate,” Dunn said. “We hope families seek out a sledding hill at a
nearby state park or stroll on a forest trail and enjoy the beauty and peace winter landscapes
offer. For others, snowmobile and ATV trails have opened, and hunters and anglers can enjoy
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late-season hunting and ice fishing.”
Following the December 8 close of Pennsylvania’s regular deer hunting season,
snowmobiling began December 9 and closes April 1, 2019, in state forests and parks where
conditions permit.
This season, snowmobile riders in Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks have access to
3,000 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state’s 20
state forest districts and in 32 state parks.
Winter ATV trails stretching more than 170 miles in seven state forest districts also
opened December 9.
DCNR again provides condition updates on its toll-free, snowmobile hotline,
1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253); or 717-787-5651. Recorded messages, providing reports
on snow depths and trail conditions across the state, are updated at about noon each Tuesday and
Thursday.
DCNR also provides weather and condition reports online for state parks and forests.
All snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered with DCNR’s
snowmobile/ATV Unit. For more information on registration, call toll free (866) 545-2476 or
visit DCNR’s website.
When winter weather cooperates, state parks and forests also are the scene of coordinated
winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for families.
For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country
ski trails are offered on Pennsylvania’s more than 2.3 million acres of state forestland. Also
available are nearly 400 miles of groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails in 73 state
parks.
Downhill skiing is offered at Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County; Laurel Mountain
State Park, Westmoreland County; and Camelback (Big Pocono State Park), Monroe County.
Skiing is not being offered this season at Denton Hill State Park, Potter County.
Most state parks with bodies of water are open, weather permitting, for ice-skating, ice
fishing, and ice boating. Sledding, tobogganing, and snowshoeing also are available at many
parks.
Archers, muzzle-loaders, and other late-season hunters are reminded that more than 400
miles of normally gated state forest roads were opened for the late fall and early winter seasons
to provide easy access to often remote areas.
As much as 3,040 miles had been open to hunters, but openings and closings are at the
discretion of local forestry officials and are weather-dependent. Hunters are urged to check with
forest district offices about specific roads.
Several state parks have winter cabin rentals available. Cabin reservations can be made
by calling the toll-free information and reservation line, 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757). It
operates Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
First Day Hikes
You can also check out the new tradition of the First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day
when many people start the year out on January 1 by taking an outdoor hike. Click Here for a
schedule from DCNR’s Calendar for Events.
For details on ice and snow conditions, or winter festivals at state parks and forests,
visitors also may call the nearest state park or state forest district office.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
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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.
You can also call 717-783-7941 (Bureau of Forestry) or 717-772-0239 (Bureau of State
Parks).
(Photo: Ice boating at Moraine State Park, )
NewsClips:
Hopey: 2 Ohiopyle River Guides Win Carnegie Medal Hero Award For Saving Rafters On
Youghiogheny
Congress Failed (So Far) To Reauthorize Federal Land And Water Conservation Fund
Allegheny Front: Turning To Forests For Better Health
Dec. 21 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Editorial: Walkability Sensible Goal For Downtown Scranton
Kane Council Funds Knox & Kane Railroad Trail Development With Drilling Fees
Interior Secretary Zinke Resigning Cites Vicious Attacks
Op-Ed: Congress: It’s Time To Save The Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund
Related Story:
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Hosts Jan. 19 Schisler Museum Naturalist Hike At East Stroudsburg
U., Monroe County
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Hosts Jan. 19 Schisler Museum Naturalist Hike At East
Stroudsburg U., Monroe County
The Brodhead Watershed Association will host a January

19 Naturalist's "Hike" through the Schisler Museum of
Wildlife and Natural History at East Stroudsburg
University in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County as part
of its Get Outdoors Poconos and Water Wiser Kids
series.
In the span of an hour at the Schisler Museum, visitors
can tour the Frozen North, a Boreal Forest, Canyon
Country, the Verdant East, and the African Bush.
This naturalist guided hikes through the museum, one
geared toward kids and another for adults – to offer
everyone an insider’s knowledge.
There is a lot to learn here, even without a guide. An
amazing number of the world’s creatures are represented
in a very small space, in realistic dioramas. No thick
glass separates viewers from the displays. To protect the
exhibits, no touching is allowed.
The Verdant East displays and describes the eastern forests we call home. Critters you
63
see outside your kitchen window and along every roadway are put in context.
Even if you’ve lived in the Poconos forever, there’s plenty to learn at the Schisler
Museum about the everyday creatures in our woods — from the special “fur” of the porcupine
(aka quills), to why possums drool when threatened, to the silent feathers of a screech owl.
This event is free, but registration is required. Regular Museum fees apply, but will be
paid by the Watershed Association for participants who register in advance. Admission includes
a visit to the McMunn Planetarium to see one of its five films.
To register call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or send email to:
info@brodheadwatershed.org. Tours start at 1:00- Students and 3:00- Adults.
This program is made possible through grants from the William Penn Foundation and the
Dr. Claus Jordan Endowment from Lehigh Valley Health Network Pocono Foundation.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association. Click Here to become a member.
Related Story:
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
Game Commission, Conservation Fund, Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Partnership Conserves

752 Acres In Sullivan County
On December 19, the Game Commission and The

Conservation Fund announced the purchase and
preservation of 752 acres of forestland near Red Rock
in Sullivan County.
Bordered on three sides by Ricketts Glen State Park
and State Game Lands (SGL) 13 and 57, the property
provides habitat for a variety of migratory birds,
popular game animals, aquatic life and threatened and
endangered species.
The newly protected area in Sullivan County features
wetlands, swamps and forested headwaters for two miles of the high-quality Mehoopany Creek,
including core habitat for natural heritage areas important for preserving biologic diversity and
water quality of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
“While this is a large acquisition for the Game Commission in terms of acreage, the
overall impact is larger still,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “The
acquisition pushes the total acreage of State Game Lands 13 to over 50,000 acres, and it creates
nearly 100,000 acres of contiguous state game lands because State Game Lands 13 and 57 border
one another. For hunters, trappers and all users of game lands-- and importantly, for wildlife--
the acquisition is an important achievement in conservation. On behalf of these parties and the
Game Commission, allow me to thank The Conservation Fund for its efforts.”
The Game Commission purchased the land on December 18 with transactional support
from The Conservation Fund and funding from the Williams Pipeline Company in connection
with the construction and operation of the company’s Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline
project.
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Now part of SGL 13, the land is open to the public for hiking, hunting, fishing and
wildlife-viewing, activities that support the outdoor recreation economy of the Endless
Mountains Heritage Region.
Additional funding for the acquisition was provided by the Game Commission.
“This is a great place to visit and experience the outdoors. In addition to wildlife and bird
watching, the property has high quality habitat for game species and will prove a worthy addition
to the opportunities afield for Pennsylvania hunters.” said Kyle Shenk, Pennsylvania State
Director for The Conservation Fund. “Securing large contiguous forest as public land prevents
fragmentation of habitat—which is good for wildlife, the forest products industry and local
economies.”
Located within the Audubon Society’s designated Loyalsock North Mountain Forest
Block Continentally Important Bird Area (IBA) and among more than 109,500 acres of protected
public lands, the property supports breeding habitat for 75 species of migratory birds and bats,
including state listed species like the American bittern, yellow-bellied flycatcher, American
woodcock, Louisiana waterthrush and the silver-haired bat.
(Photo: Mehoopany Creek.)
NewsClips:
Audubon Bird Town Designation In Wellsboro Could Lead To More
Related Story:
Conservation Partners, Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Funds Protect 77 Acres In Berks County
New Central PA Conservancy Land Acquisition Connects Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area,
Local Park In Dauphin County
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2018]
New Central PA Conservancy Land Acquisition Connects Boyd Big Tree Conservation
Area, Local Park In Dauphin County
On December 20, the Central PA Conservancy

announced funds had been secured to complete the
acquisition of the 5-parcel Spangler properties on
the Kittatinny Ridge immediately north of
Harrisburg to connect the Boyd Big Tree
Conservation Area with Hocker Park in Lower
Paxton Township, Dauphin County.
The goal is to work together with Lower Paxton
Township to improve the ridgeline trail (former
east-short Darlington Trail) and trailhead and
parking area. While eventual transfer to the Boyd
Conservation Area is part of the plan, CPC intends to hold the land in fee and manage it as a
preserve property until a transfer is feasible.
This project builds on an earlier addition to Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area
spearheaded by CPC together with another local landowner in 2002. CPC acquired an 80-acre
parcel, and subsequently transferred it to DCNR's Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area.
65
The Spangler lands adjoin this parcel, and once acquired, will extend the protected
corridor all the way to the Blue Mountain Parkway.
This project is made possible by a recently-awarded a grant from the Community
Conservation Partnerships Program, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under
the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of
Recreation and Conservation.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of legislation establishing the Keystone Fund,
which is financed by a real estate transfer tax and has supported $1B for parks, trails, community
green spaces, and libraries.
A grant of $229,000 was approved to support the bargain sale purchase of the Spangler
parcels.
The Alexander Boyd and Jane Starke Boyd Charitable Foundation and a landowner
donation of value completed the financing with generous commitments both monetarily, and to
the goal of preserving natural and recreational resources in their communities.
This project also marks another success for the Kittatinny Ridge Land Partnership, an
effort administered by The Nature Conservancy-PA and formed by 7 regional land trusts
(including CPC) to advance land conservation efforts on the 185 miles of ridgeline running
through PA.
Protecting the ridge will preserve critical habitat for migratory bird species and
mammals, secure a connected migratory corridor, support recreational activity and public access,
and preserve an important part of PA's natural heritage for future generations.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Central PA
Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for updates from the Conservancy. Registration
now open for 2019 Ironmaster’s Challenge April 28.
(Photo: Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area. )
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Game Commission, Conservation Fund, Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Partnership Conserves 752
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2018]
DCNR Publishes Final Changes To PA Native Wild Plant Regulations
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

published final changes to the Conservation of Pennsylvania
Native Wild Plant regulations in the December 22 PA
Bulletin (page 7757). The changes finalize the updated list
of wild plants that are endangered, threatened or rare
regulated under the Wild Resource Conservation Act.
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DCNR made no changes to the list of species as originally proposed.
DCNR now includes 582 species on the Native Wild Plant list because they are a
conservation concern. Before these changes there were a total of 604 plants on this list.
DCNR is making 51 classification changes, including: 9 currently unclassified plant
species proposed to be newly classified and added to the list; 11 currently classified plant species
proposed to be reclassified to another part of the list; 31 currently classified plant species that are
proposed to be declassified.
The changes the scientific names of 79 plants to the modern nomenclature.
This list of plants is used as part of the review process for DEP environmental permits
and will, when finalized, be incorporated into the PA Natural Diversity Inventory and DCNR’s
online permit review and planning tool Conservation Explorer.
Click Here for a fact sheet on the changes.
Click Here for a copy of the final regulation-- beginning on page 7757. Questions should
be directed to Rebecca Bowen, Chief, Ecological Services, DCNR Bureau of Forest at
717-787-3444 or send email to: rebbowen@pa.gov.
Visit DCNR’s PA Natural Heritage Program webpage for more information on this
program.
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: Ratibida pinnata (Vent.) Barnhard - Gray-Headed Prairie Coneflower is now listed as
endangered.)
NewsClips:
How An Audubon Educator Transformed A PA Community With Native Plants
A Forest’s Hopes Rest On Golden Wings In Bradford County
Endangered Turtle Smuggling Case By Central PA Man Likely To End With Federal Plea Deal
Op-Ed: If We Lose Insects - Everything Else Collapses
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
York County Master Gardeners Hold GardenWise Native Plants, Ecosystems Gardening
Session March 9
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Of York

County host a GardenWise education program
March 9 at the Central York Middle School, 1950 N.
Hills Road, in York from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The goal of GardenWise is to share researched-based
information about sustainable gardening and
environmental stewardship--
-- Larry Weaner, Landscape Associates joins us with
tips on how to landscape with native plants.
-- Susan Smith Pagano, Rochester Institute Of
Technology, brings her research on berries and birds.
67
-- Dan Duran explains the ecosystem services provided by insects and how we can preserve
those services.
Additional breakout sessions on herbs, hollies, pruning, ticks/ lyme disease, and more
will be offered.
In between sessions, shop their vendors, visit educational displays, and network with area
gardeners.
Click Here to register or for more information.
For more information on how you can get involved in this and other program in your
county, visit the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Program webpage.
Native Plant Resources
There are lots of resources available to help property owners landscape with native plants,
including--
-- DCNR Landscaping With Native Plants
-- Game Commission: Common Beneficial Plants Found In Wildlife Habitat
-- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Native Plants For Wildlife Habitat And Conservation
Landscaping
-- Chesapeake Bay Sustainable Landscape Professional Directory
-- Brandywine Conservancy: Forested Riparian Buffer Planting Guide
-- Audubon PA: Bird Habitat Recognition Program
-- National Audubon: Native Plants Database
-- Xerces Society For Invertebrate Conservation
-- Gardening For Butterflies: Penn State Extension
-- Planting For Pollinators: Penn State Extension
-- Center For Pollinator Research, Penn State
-- Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan - Learn Why Pollinators Are At Risk In PA
-- Ernst Seeds - Pollinator Habitat Restoration
-- Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
You can also check with land trusts, watershed groups, PA Audubon and Trout Unlimited
Chapters, county conservation districtor other groups near you to see how they can help.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Senate Hearing: Non-Native, Invasive Plant Species And Preserving Pollinators
Manada Conservancy Offers Native Plant Landscape Design Service
Feature: Recognizing The Value Of Native Plants For Pollinators - Dr. Doug Tallamy
Agriculture, Penn State Release PA Pollinator Protection Plan Recommendations
Pollinator Population Is Going Down In PA Due To Pesticides, Parasites And Pathogens
Sen. Yudichak, Cong. Barletta, Author Caroline Jones Celebrate The Launch Of We Saved The
Bees And The Butterflies Children's Book
[Posted: Dec. 17, 2018]
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On December 20, Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys

M. Brown announced the Commissioners’ selection of David W.
Sweet as Vice Chairman effective Jan. 1.
He will replace Andrew G. Place, who has served as Vice
Chairman since 2015 and will remain as a Commissioner with a
term expiring April 1, 2020.
Chairman Brown said at the meeting the Commissioners
selected a Vice Chairman for the coming year as they are required
to do under the Public Utility Code.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vice
Chairman Place for his three years of service in the role of Vice
Chairman. He has brought passion and intelligence to this role, and I know he will continue his
ongoing efforts to share his knowledge base with not only us at the PUC, but also OPSI
(Organization of PJM States Inc.) and NARUC (the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners),” said Chairman Brown. “We have voted to select as our Vice Chairman
Commissioner David Sweet. Let me add my congratulations to Commissioner Sweet, who is
fully equipped to now take on the new challenge of being the Vice Chairman beginning in
2019.”
Sweet joined the Commission following a nomination by Gov. Tom Wolf on May 4,
2016, and a Pennsylvania Senate confirmation on June 15, 2016. His five-year term expires in
2021.
In addition to his work on the Commission, Sweet is a member of the NARUC
Presidential Task Force on Veterans’ Workforce, and also is leading the PUC’s efforts to
encourage enhanced veterans outreach and hiring by utilities across Pennsylvania.
Prior to serving at the Commission, Sweet served as the Senior Advisor to Gov. Wolf,
focusing on energy and economic development issues. Among his many assignments was
serving as liaison to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and in this role helped shape and
implement the Governor’s economic growth strategy for the Philadelphia region. Sweet also
served as the Governor’s designee on the Banking and Securities Commission.
For more information on the Commission and its activities, visit the Public Utility
Commission website.
Related Stories:
Electric Vehicles
Assistance Programs
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2018]
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.
69
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Environmental Council Of The States Names Don Welsh Executive Director

Murphy: Wolf Announces Staff Changes At Administration, PEMA, Policy & Planning
Politics
Click Here for a Week’s Worth Of Political NewsClips
Air
EPA Approves DEP Request To Eliminate 7.8 RVP Gasoline In Pittsburgh Region Which
Increased Summer Gasoline Prices Up To 15 Cents/Gallon
From Transportation
Chemical Leak Spreads Strong Gas Smell In Hempfield
It’s Not Your Imagination, Bad Odors Are Back From UAJA Wastewater Facility, Centre
County
Despite Cleanups, Philadelphia School Still Expose Kids, Teachers To Asbestos
Cancer In Pittsburgh: Genetics Loads The Gun, But The Environment Pulls The Trigger
Survey: Allegheny County Residents Praise Quality Of Life, Worry About Air, Drinking Water
Quality
Alternative Fuels
Electric Vehicles
Awards & Recognition
Youghiogheny
PA Beautiful
Fmr Rep. Mike Hanna Recognized For Work On Mine Drainage, Stream Improvements, As
Agriculture Chair
Nominations Now Being Accepted For Philadelphia Area Green Stormwater infrastructure
Awards
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
70
Budget
EQB OKs Nearly $22 Million In Proposed, Final Permit Fee Increases To Offset Cuts In General
Fund Appropriations
Chesapeake Bay
Recommendations Yet
Fee 30%
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Citizen Action
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Climate
Cusick: Climate Change In PA: A Look Back At 2018, And Ahead At 2019
From Transportation
Sisk: Penn State Researchers Push For Answers On Carbon Capture
Op-Ed: How Local Climate Action Can Tackle A Global Problem
Op-Ed: Facts Rain On PA Governor’s Climate Change Parade
Op-Ed: Will PA Heed Scientific Warnings And Continue Reducing Methane?
Development
AP: Nations At UN Climate Talks Back Universal Emissions Rules
UN Compact Recognizes Climate Change As Migration Driver For 1st Time
WITF Smart Talk: Prof. Brown Talks About His Experience At Climate Conference In Poland
Editorial: Concession To Rioters In France Subverts Paris Climate Accord
U.S. EIA: Carbon Dioxide Emissions From U.S. Power Sector Have Declined 28% Since 2005
Coal Mining
Coal Mine Worker Killed In Accident In Somerset County
WITF Smart Talk: An Epidemic Killing Coal Miners - Black Lung
Black Lung: An Epidemic Killing Thousands Of Coal Miners
Black Lung Disease Is Still Killing Miners, The Coal Industry Doesn’t Want To Hear It
Editorial: Hold Coal Companies Responsible For Black Lung
Editorial: Lawmakers, Don’t Take Easy Way Out On Black Lung
Delaware River
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Drinking Water
Chemicals That Tainted Water On Military Bases Spreading To Other Towns In Bucks, Montco
After PFAS Contamination, Elevated Chemical Levels In Bucks, Montco Residents’ Blood
Officials Discuss Blood Testing Results, Health Concerns With Bucks, Montgomery Residents
Bagenstose: Frustrations Continue At Military Meeting On PFAS Cleanup
Boil Water Advisory Issued For Upper Leacock Twp, Lancaster County
State Prison In Fayette Under Boil Water Advisory
Survey: Allegheny County Residents Praise Quality Of Life, Worry About Air, Drinking Water
Quality
St. Francis U. Students Working To Get Lead Out With Testing, Remediation Efforts
Economic Development
A Mix Of Developers Set Sights On Hazelwood Green, Fmr Brownfield Site
Schneck: What Are Hunting, Fishing, Recreation Worth In PA?
Frye: Wildlife Watching, Fishing, Hunting All Powerful Economic Forces In PA
Education
Dec. 21 Winter Solstice: The Longest Night Of 2018
Energy
Electric Vehicles
Maykuth: Expect A Slight Higher PECO Electric Bill
Duquesne Light Ordered To Give $24 Million Back To Customers
Olyphant To Undergo $450,000 Electric Meter Upgrades
Johnstown Man Stole Electricity From Neighbor After His Was Shut Off
Environmental Heritage
Archeological Digs In Luzerne Shed Light On Mining, Immigrant History
Farming
Recommendations Yet
Website Connects Retiring Farmers With New Farmers Looking To Buy, Lease
73
Congress Legalized Hemp, What It Means For PA
Flooding
Last Minute Vote In Congress Extends National Flood Insurance Program Until May 31
Congress Extends National Flood Insurance Program To May 31
Yearly Rainfall Record Broken As Yet Another Storm Passes Through NE
Flood Watch In Effect In PA For Thursday, Friday Storms
As Much As 2.5 Inches Of Rain Expected In Philly Area
Pending Storm Raises Possibility Of River Flooding
Luzerne Flood Authority Says Use Of Toby Creek Basin For Stormwater Project Not Set In
Stone
Latrobe Schools Eyes $44K Cost To Correct Storm Drainage At Fmr School
Lycoming County Considers Extending $72,000 Lobbyist Contract For Levee
Some Midstate Creeks Approaching Minor Flooding Stage
WITF Smart Talk: Want To Know About Flood Insurance?
Low-Interest Loans Available For PA Homeowners Affected By August Floods
Flooding - Hurricanes
How To Prepare Philly, Puerto Rico For Next Climate Disaster? Penn Design Students Took On
The Challenge
Forests
Meyer: What Does it Take To Be In The PA Christmas Tree Business? Patience
Geologic Hazards
Norfolks Southern Sues Pittsburgh Seeking $1.1M In Costs From 2016 Landslide
Norfolk Southern Sues Pittsburgh Over Costs Of 2016 Landslides
Very Deep Sinkhole Detours Traffic In Columbia, Lancaster County
Green Infrastructure
Recommendations Yet
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Fee 30%
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Forum On PFAS Blood Test Results Leaves Bucks, Montco Residents With Few Answers
Hazardous Substances
Chemicals That Tainted Water On Military Bases Spreading To Other Towns In Bucks, Montco
After PFAS Contamination, Elevated Chemical Levels In Bucks, Montco Residents’ Blood
Officials Discuss Blood Testing Results, Health Concerns With Bucks, Montgomery Residents
St. Francis U. Students Working To Get Lead Out With Testing, Remediation Efforts
Despite Cleanups, Philadelphia School Still Expose Kids, Teachers To Asbestos
Cancer In Pittsburgh: Genetics Loads The Gun, But The Environment Pulls The Trigger
2,600 Pounds Of Explosive Gas Leaked In Accident That Shut Delaware Memorial Bridge
Croda Officials Update Residents After Chemical Leak Closed Delaware Memorial Bridge
Illegal Dumping/Littering
PA Beautiful
Illegal Trash Bag Dumper Fined In Reading With Help Of Keep PA Beautiful Camera Loan
Program
Land Conservation
New Central PA Conservancy Land Acquisition Connects Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area,
Local Park In Dauphin County
75
Land Recycling
A Mix Of Developers Set Sights On Hazelwood Green, Fmr Brownfield Site
Mine Reclamation
Register Now! PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation/National Abandoned Mine Lands Program
Conference, Scholarships Available
Pittsburgh Glass Works Not Required To Extinguish Underground Mine Fire
Editorial: Time For Congress To Act On Federal RECLAIM Act To Fund Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Man Dies After Explosion At Washington County Natural Gas Processing Plant
Worker Dies From Injuries At Natural Gas Processing Plant
Natural Gas Plant Moving Ahead In Elizabeth After Zoning Change
Allegheny County Farmer Challenges Boro’s Natural Gas Well Restrictions
Litvak: Greene County House Explosion A Complicated Lab For Natural Gas Analysis
Pipelines
Chester County District Attorney Opens Criminal Investigation into Mariner East Pipeline
Construction
Work
Moved
County
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Pipeline Permit
Radiation Protection
Recreation
Youghiogheny
Allegheny Front: Turning To Forests For Better Health
Dec. 21 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Editorial: Walkability Sensible Goal For Downtown Scranton
Kane Council Funds Knox & Kane Railroad Trail Development With Drilling Fees
Interior Secretary Zinke Resigning Cites Vicious Attacks
Op-Ed: Congress: It’s Time To Save The Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund
Recycling/Waste
Crable: Lancaster City Recycling Drop-Off Sees Explosive Growth Of Banned Items
Editorial: Applauding Recycling Efforts At Lancaster City Facility
Come Jan. 1, Many Allegheny County Communities Will No Longer Recycle Glass
Recycling Guidelines Changing Throughout South Hills, Allegheny County
Tough Year For Recycling Industry To Continue As China Holds Fast On Tougher Rules
Kummer: Holidays Are The Trashiest Time Of Year. Here’s What To Do
Tips On Keeping Holiday Season From Overwhelming Recycling Centers
PA Resources Council’s Tips To Make Christmas A Little Greener
Renewable Energy
Zoning Board Rejects Wind Turbine Proposal For Land Surrounding Bethlehem’s Reservoirs
Philadelphia Mayor To Move Forward On New Solar Power Plan
New Jersey Moves To End Solar RECs, Take Steps Toward 100% Renewables
Storage Tanks
Suspected Storage Tank Found Where Gasoline Entered Harrison Sewer System
Stormwater
Fee 30%
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Fix Coming For Backyard Holes Caused By Failed Stormwater Pipe In Scranton
Wastewater Facilities
Maykuth: Sewer System That Spilled 5 Million Gallons Into Valley Forge Park Has New Owner
Erie Sewer Upgrades Carry Multimillion-Dollar Price Tag
It’s Not Your Imagination, Bad Odors Are Back From UAJA Wastewater Facility, Centre
County
Suspected Storage Tank Found Where Gasoline Entered Harrison Sewer System
Watershed Protection
Recommendations Yet
Fee 30%
Bagenstose: Local Groups Critical Of New EPA Definition Of Waters Of U.S. Rule
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Wetlands
Wildlife
Schneck: What Are Hunting, Fishing, Recreation Worth In PA?
Frye: Wildlife Watching, Fishing, Hunting All Powerful Economic Forces In PA
Report: Game Commission Considering Earlier Deer Season Start
Bear Attack In Lycoming County Caused By Dog, Cubs Encounter
Woman Punches Bear To Survive Attack, Credits Dog With Saving Her Life
Schneck: Backyard Bears In PA: What To Do, Not To Do
Crable: Ridealong With Game Warden Using Robotic Decoy To Nab Road Hunter
New Hays Bald Eagle Webcam Will Have Pittsburgh View As Backdrop
Swarming Birds Turn York County Neighborhood Into Hitchcock Movie
Unusual Waterfowl Spotted Across Erie Region
Frye: Crayfish Research Turns Up Exciting Finds
Trump Pick For U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Head Decried For Inexperience, Conflicts Of
Interest
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
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. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2019 schedules of its advisory committees, councils and board
meetings in the Dec. 10 PA Bulletin, page 7708.
December 28-- DEP Hearing [If Needed[ On Lebanon County Fine Particulate Standard Plan.
DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 1:00.
January 1-- First Day Of New 2019-2020 Legislative Session
January 1-- NEW. DCNR, Partners First Day Hikes To Start The New Year.
January 9-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622 or sbox@pa.gov.
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January 9-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment (Mining)
meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. Contact: Peggy
Scheloske, 724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
January 10-- DEP Coal And Clay Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund Board meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: James Charowsky, 717-787-7007.
jcharowsky@pa.gov.
January 10-- Penn State Extension Farm Soil Health & Cover Crop Workshop. Penn State
Extension Mercer County, 463 North Perry Highway, Mercer. 10:00 to 1:00.
January 10-11-- NDAL Ecology Based Landscape Design: What Comes Next? Montgomery
County Community College.
January 11-- Foundation for Sustainable Forests. French Creek Valley Conservancy. Woods &
Waters Film Series. Helene Barco-Duratz Cultural Center, 415 Chestnut Street (East Alley
entrance), Meadville, Crawford County. 6:30.
January 12-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. 10:00 to 1:00, Click
Here for more.
January 15-- Inauguration Day For Gov. Wolf, Lt. Gov. Fetterman
January 16-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 1:00. Click Here to register to join the meeting by webinar.
Participants also need to call in 1-650-479-3208, PASSCODE: 642 304 985.
January 16-- NEW. Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Zoning Ethics, Overview
Of Zoning And Land Development Plan Process. Noon to 1:15.
January 17-- DEP Mining & Reclamation Advisory Board meeting & Regulatory, Legislative &
Technical Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 8:30 (Committee), 10:00
(Board). A conference call option will also be available. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden,
717-783-8846 or dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
January 18-- NEW. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy
Climate Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: What Citizens Need To Know About
Climate Change. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg.
11:30 to 1:00.
January 19-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association. Schisler Museum Naturalist Hike -
Students, Adults. East Stroudsburg University, Monroe County. 1:00- Students, 3:00- Adults
January 22-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or ksalador@pa.gov.
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January 23-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269 or
nherb@pa.gov.
January 24-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3720 or diawilson@pa.gov.
January 24-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board Regulatory, Legislative & Technical Committee
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. A conference call option
will also be available. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-783-8846 or dsnowden@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
January 24-- Penn State Extension, Partners Online Tree Tender Training. First of weekly
sessions through March 7. Noon, 7:00.
January 26-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. Noon to 1:00. Click
Here for more.
January 27-30-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. 2019 Delaware Estuary Science &
Environmental Summit. Cape May, NJ.
January 31-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or dhissner@pa.gov.
February 2-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. 10:00 to 1:00. Click
Here for more.
February 5- Governor’s Budget Address.
February 6-- Penn State Extension Woods In Your Backyard Webinar Series Starts. 7:00 to
8:00 p.m.
February 6-8-- NEW. Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center. PA In The Balance
Conference On Farm Conservation. Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
February 6-9-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Sustainable

Agriculture Conference. Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster.
February 7-- NEW. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy
Climate Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Is 100% Renewable Energy The Answer
To Climate Change?. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street,
Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
February 11-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Independent Fiscal
81
ouse Republican
Office. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
Caucus website.
February 12-13-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators.

Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin,
Dauphin County. Click Here to register.
February 13-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State Treasurer, 1:00-
Auditor General, 3:00- Attorney General. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically
ouse Republican Caucus website.
webcast through the H
February 14-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of

Environmental Protection, 1:00- Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
February 19-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10::00- Dept. of
Revenue/Lottery, 1:00- Independent Fiscal Office, 3:00- Public Utility Commission. Hearing
Room 1, North Office Building.
February 20-- NEW. Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Geodesign: Using Data
Transparency And Community Voices For Enhanced Land Use Planning. Noon to 1:15.
February 20-21-- DCNR, Western PA Conservancy. PA Riparian Forest Buffer Summit. Best
Western Premier Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg.
February 21-- PA Resources Council. Zero Waste Pennsylvania. Green Building Alliance. True
Zero Waste Symposium. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh. 8:00 to 3:00.
February 21-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- State
Police/Homeland Security, 3:00- PA Emergency Management Agency/Fire Commissioner.
Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
February 22-- Foundation for Sustainable Forests. French Creek Valley Conservancy. Woods &
Waters Film Series. Erie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 11296 Wood Duck Lance,
Guys Mills, Crawford County. 6:30.
February 24-25-- PA Environmental Council, PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers.
Statewide Watershed Connections Conference. State College.
February 25-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State

Police/Homeland Security, 3:00- Dept. of Health. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 25-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of
Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
82
February 26-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of
Transportation, 3:00- Dept. of General Services. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Community &
Economic Development. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the
House Republican Caucus website.
Health. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 2-- PA Wilds. Retailers, Producers, Public 3rd Annual PA Wilds Buyer’s Market.
Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room, Clarion University.
March 4-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Education.
Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website.
March 4-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of
Conservation & Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 5-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Agriculture.
Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website.
March 5-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Ebensburg Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Margaret Scheloske, 724-404-3143,
mscheloske@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
March 5-6-- Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance. Healthcare Industry Forum On Energy
Efficiency. Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College, Centre County.
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Governor’s Budget
ouse
Secretary. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
Republican Caucus website.
Agriculture. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 7-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Open. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
83
Community & Economic Development, 3:00- Budget Secretary. Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building.
March 9-- 2019 Watershed Congress Along The Schuylkill River. Montgomery County
Community College campus in Pottstown.
March 9-- NEW. Penn State Extension York County Master Gardeners GardenWise Native
Plants, Ecosystems Gardening Workshop Central York Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Road,
York. 7:30 to 4:00.
March 15-- NEW. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Legal Pathways To Zero Greenhouse Gas
Emissions. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30
to 1:00.
March 18-19-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators. 2019 Cityscapes & Greenscapes
Conference. Philadelphia.
March 20-- NEW. Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Options For Meeting MS4
Stormwater Pollution Reduction Requirements Without Breaking The Budget. Noon to 1:15.
March 21-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice)
March 27-28-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators. Jennings
Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery Rock, Butler County. Click
Here to register.
March 29-- NEW. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Natural Gas In PA: Energy, Innovation And The
Environment. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg.
11:30 to 1:00.
April 5-- Wildlife For Everyone We Love Wild Things & Wild Places Gala.
April 5-- NEW. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Towards A Public Web-Platform For Limiting
Methane Emissions From The Oil & Gas Sector. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium,
326 Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
April 7-9-- CMU Mascaro Center For Sustainable Innovation. 2019 Engineering Sustainability
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
84
April 17-- NEW. Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Making The Most Of
Historical And Heritage Assets. Noon to 1:15.
April 19-- NEW. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Using The Latest Digital Innovations To Address
Energy Poverty In Developing Counties. Harrisburg University, Room 1151, 326 Market Street,
Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
April 29 to May 2-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2019 National Watershed and Stormwater
Conference. South Carolina.
May 1-- NEW. Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.
May 8-10-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals. 2019 Annual Conference - Growth
Through Collaboration. State College.
May 15-- NEW. Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. The Benefits And Challenges
of Ridesharing On The Transportation System. Noon to 1:15.
May 16-18-- PA Land Trust Association. Land Conservation Conference. Monroe County.
July 24-26-- Professional Recyclers Of PA. Annual Recycling & Organics Conference.
Harrisburg.
October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.
Related Tools ----------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
Visit DEP Connects for opportunities to interact with DEP staff at field offices.
Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
Flickr.
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.
85
December 28-- Western PA Conservancy/Dominion Energy Watershed Mini Grants
December 30-- Coca-Cola, Keep America Beautiful Public Spaces Recycling Bin Grants
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
January 4-- Voting Ends For 2019 Pennsylvania River Of The Year
January 11-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle Grants
January 11-- PennDOT Green Light-Go Program, LED Light Upgrades
January 11-- DEP Environmental Education Grants
January 11-- PA Solar Center Assistance To Nonprofits Converting To Solar Energy
January 11-- Small Farms, Big Impact Sustainable Farming Grants
January 16-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Project Funding
January 18-- South Mountain Partnership Spirit Of South Mountain Award
January 18-- PA Land Trust Assn. Lifetime Achievement Award
January 25-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
January 25-- Appalachian Audubon Hog Island Youth Education Scholarship
January 31-- NFWF Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grants
January 31-- EPA Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup and Multipurpose Grants
February 4-- PA Environmental Professionals College Scholarships
February 8-- DEP FAST Act Alternative Fuels Corridor Infrastructure Grants
February 8-- Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Conservation Ambassador
February 11-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award
February 15-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 15-- Delaware River Basin Commission Winter Photo Contest
February 15-- NEW. Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Awards - Philly Area
February 20-- NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training Grants
February 28-- PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Winter Photo Contest
March 1-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Wilderness Wheels Grants (Rolling Deadline)
March 1-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Investment Funding (Rolling Deadline)
March 4-- DCNR PA Outdoor Corps Young Adult Crews (At The Very Latest!)
March 15-- NEW. WPC TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Tree Planting Grants
March 31-- DEP Level 2 Electric Charging Station Rebates (First-Come)
May 10-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle Grants
July 15-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
December 16-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
March 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
March 22-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation Grants
June 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 23-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle Grants
December 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund 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.
86
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical

guidance and permits.
Regulations -----------------------
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the December 22 PA Bulletin (page 7875)
of final changes to the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Program regulations covering
aboveground and underground storage tanks. It is the first comprehensive update to the tank
regulations in 10 years.
One primary purpose of the changes is to maintain consistency with updates made to U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency underground storage tank regulations. Click Here for more.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published final changes to the
Conservation of Pennsylvania Native Wild Plant regulations in the December 22 PA Bulletin
(page 7757). Click Here for more.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 22, 2018
Technical Guidance -------------------
No new technical guidance published this week.
Permits ------------
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 22 PA Bulletin

the per acre reclamation fee for 2019 will be $0.
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 48 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the December 22 PA Bulletin -
pages 7784 to 7832.
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.
Related Tools ----------------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
DEP Proposals Out For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
87
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
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
August 4, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4733
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 (July 2018)- DEP webpage
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Issue #756 Harrisburg, PA Dec.

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​ Facebook Page

PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee Presented With Most

On December 17, the ​PA Chesapeake Bay

2019 PA In The Balance Conference On Farm Conservation Feb. 6-8 Hershey

The ​Penn State Agriculture and Environment

Report Urges Strong Action To Protect Delaware River Water Quality

On December 20, ​Environment America

In 2018, the ​Penn State Extension Master

On December 19, Chester County District Attorney

On December 18, Pennsylvania and a

Chairman Gladys Brown Highlights 2018 PUC Accomplishments, Programs

On December 20, the ​Public Utility Commission​ fulfilled a

On December 20, the U.S. Environmental

Tri-County CleanWays In Butler, Lawrence, Mercer Counties Celebrates 25 Years Of

On December 18, ​Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Environmental Council Of The States Names Don Welsh Executive Director

On December 17, the ​Environmental Council of the States

House/Senate Co-Sponsor Memos/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

House and Senate Co-Sponsorship Memos

House: ​Click Here​ for all new co-sponsorship memos

Senate: ​Click Here​ for all new co-sponsorship memos

News From The Capitol

Wolf Announces Staff Changes At Administration, PEMA, Policy & Planning

Senate, House Appropriations Committees Complete Agency Budget Hearing Schedule

Congress Failed To Reauthorize Federal Land And Water Conservation Fund

The U.S. Senate passed a measure December 19 to

Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Applaud Addition Of New National Wilderness Areas

On December 21, ​Friends of Allegheny

On December 21, the U.S. House voted to

News From Around The State

Register Now! PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation/National Abandoned Mine Lands

Registration is now open for the combined ​2019

On December 18, the Department of Environmental

On December 19, the Department of

On December 20, the Department of Environmental

Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA​ is now

EPA Awards $1.1 Million To Chesapeake Conservancy To Track Environmental Impacts

The ​Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority​ has established a

Pittsburgh Water Authority OKs Funding For 3 Green Infrastructure Projects

On December 14, ​Pittsburgh Water and Sewer

Western PA Conservancy: TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Accepting Applications For Community

On December 19, ​Western PA Conservancy’s

On December 21, the Department of

On December 21, the Department of

Call For Presenters: 2019 PA Groundwater Symposium May 1 In State College

Penn State Extension​, ​Master Well Owner

Nominations Now Being Accepted For Philadelphia Area Green Stormwater

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the

Penn State Extension​ will host a ​5-part Land

EQB Publishes Final Regulation Updating Aboveground, Underground Storage Tank

The Environmental Quality Board published notice in

On December 19, ​Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

On December 20, the Department of Environmental

The Department of Environmental

On December 21, the 940-MW ​Tenaska natural

On December 20, ​Penn State Extension summarized the

By Jim Cawley, Former Lt. Governor Of Pennsylvania

For those who still question the economic benefits of

On December 18, ​Harrisburg University of

Pennsylvania State Parks, Forests Offering Visitors A Winter Playground

With the official arrival of winter on December 21,

The ​Brodhead Watershed Association​ will host a January

Game Commission, Conservation Fund, Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Partnership Conserves

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed Facebook Page

On December 17, the PA Chesapeake Bay

The Penn State Agriculture and Environment

On December 20, Environment America

In 2018, the Penn State Extension Master

On December 20, the Public Utility Commission fulfilled a

On December 18, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

On December 17, the Environmental Council of the States

House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

Senate: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

On December 21, Friends of Allegheny

Registration is now open for the combined 2019

Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA is now

The Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority has established a

On December 14, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer

On December 19, Western PA Conservancy’s

Penn State Extension, Master Well Owner

Penn State Extension will host a 5-part Land

On December 19, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

On December 21, the 940-MW Tenaska natural

On December 20, Penn State Extension summarized the

On December 18, Harrisburg University of

The Brodhead Watershed Association will host a January

On December 19, the Game Commission and The

On December 20, the Central PA Conservancy

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Of York

On December 20, Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys

January 1-- First Day Of New 2019-2020 Legislative Session

February 5- Governor’s Budget Address.

February 6-9-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Sustainable

February 12-13-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators.

February 14-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of

February 25-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State

May 1-- NEW. Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.

October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 22 PA Bulletin

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

PA Environment Digest is a publication of PA Environment News LLC and is edited by

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

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PA Environment Digest is proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

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