PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa June 20, 2011

Senate Committee Reports Out Marcellus Shale Fee Bill To Move Process The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week amended and reported out Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee and requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to control drilling activities to provide a vehicle for the impact fee issue. The vote on the amendment and the bill were unanimous, but Committee members took turns expressing concerns about the amendment and the bill itself, some noting they plan to offer amendments of their own once the bill reaches the Senate Floor. Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Committee, described the amendment as turning the bill into a pure impact fee bill, rather than what she said was a severance tax based in part on well production. We want to be clear to distinguish an impact fee from a tax. A fee is tailored to defray the cost of an activity, while a tax is levied on an activity and the revenue redistributed elsewhere a redistribution of income, said Sen. White. Weve all been put on notice that there will be no new taxes. This is an attempt to provide some relief to communities that experience direct impacts due to drilling. The amendment establishes only a per well fee for the first 10 years of production starting at $40,000 per year, dropping to $10,000. The amendment also makes a number of changes to the distribution of the funds raised--- Creates a housing credit for up to 30 percent of a well fee owed by an operator for contributions to a local affordable housing fund or organization; -- Allocates $1 million per year to the State Fire Commissioner for local community emergency service organization training and equipment grants; -- Removes trails, parks and recreation, open space, floodplain management and agricultural preservation from eligible uses of the local and state share funding; -- Revises the way local share funds going to county conservation districts are handled, but keeps the conservation allocation in the bill; -- Reduces the amount allocated to the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the state share from 80 to 60 percent and provides that no more than 40 percent of the funds can go for water, stormwater and sewer system projects; -- Increases the amount of the state share funding going to the Motor License Fund for state road and bridge repairs;

-- Increases the amount of money going to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund from 10 to 20 percent of the state share; -- A priority for state share money was added to include acid mine drainage, cleanup and reclamation projects which recycle and treat mine drainage water for use in drilling operations; and -- Adds a provision requiring the elimination of the impact fee if a severance tax is adopted. Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Committee, noted the significance of the action taken this week saying this is the first action by the Senate on any Marcellus Shale fee or tax bill, although he said the structure and allocation of funds in Senate Bill 905, which he and Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) sponsored, were closer to what he thought was needed. It is imperative to move impact fee legislation to the full Senate, Sen. Yudichak said. This legislation may not be the final version of a severance tax or impact fee, but it moves the process and debate on this key legislation forward as we negotiate a state spending plan. We owe it to the citizens, especially those who live in the Marcellus Shale region, to alleviate some of the environmental burdens they face due to natural gas drilling. He said, like Sen. Scarnati, the impact fee legislation should be part of the budget talks because the revenue generated by the bill is necessary to offset local impacts of drilling and expressed concerns about taking away local authority to control the impacts of drilling through zoning. While I remain concerned that this bill does not go far enough to protect Pennsylvanias citizens and environment, I know how important it is to have a severance tax or fee in place, Sen. Yudichak said. I am pleased with the bipartisan effort and the serious discussions that have progressed on this issue. I hope we can reach an agreement on a fair and responsible severance tax before this summers recess. A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in every region of the state. The bill now goes to the Senate Floor and is expected to be referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. A copy of the amendment and a summary is available at the Committee website. A summary of the original bill is available online. NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative

Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Growing Greener Coalition: Amended Impact Fee Bill Unfortunate Step Backward The Renew Growing Greener Coalition expressed disappointment in amendments made by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson)-- Senate Bill 1100-- which establishes an impact fee on natural gas drilling, but fails to include funding for key programs to protect the environment. Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath issued the following statement: The amended Scarnati impact fee legislation is an unfortunate step backward. By removing critical funding for key environmental programs, the legislation leaves the future of our natural resources, community vitality, and economy at risk. Without funding for farmland, forests, community parks, trails and green open spaces our children and grandchildren may never get to appropriately enjoy the wealth of our natural heritage, which has defined Pennsylvania as a great place to live and raise a family. Moreover, by failing to invest in Growing Greener the legislation fails to invest in our economy. Growing Greener projects have not only addressed millions of dollars in environmental legacy costs, they have generated billions of dollars for Pennsylvania in jobs, taxes, and tourism. In addition, by changing the existing funding mechanism for Growing Greener, the legislation raises real concerns about fairness and transparency. The current way of funding vetted through public agencies that are experts in their fields has worked since 1999. Why change something that isnt broken? As this legislation moves forward, the Renew Growing Greener Coalition is counting on Legislators from across the great state of Pennsylvania to stand up for the environment, stand up for our children and grandchildren and restore funding for Growing Greener. Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. In 2002, during the post 9-11 recession, a dedicated source of revenue for Growing Greener was identified in an increase in the states tipping fee, the fee charged for dumping trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, those funds will be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping fees going to the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds. More than 90 Pennsylvania municipalities and counties have passed resolutions urging the Governor and legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties passing resolutions include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh,

Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York. A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in every region of the state. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing nearly organizations and government entities. NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Conservation Districts See Hope In Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Bill Moving In response to the action on Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale impact fee, the PA Association of Conservation Districts issued this statement-I thank and applaud Sen. White and members of the committee for moving this important bill forward that will benefit and safeguard our precious environmental resources, said MaryAnn Warren, President, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. The County Conservation Districts provide essential environmental protection services in every county across the commonwealth and stable funding and resources are needed to support their mission and the critical work they do every day to protect our communities. Senate Bill 1100 will supply a steady, long-term funding stream to Pennsylvanias county conservation districts that continue to provide crucial permitting and environmental protection activities in the Marcellus Shale region. The bill appropriates $7.5 million in funds annually to assist conservation districts in their efforts to provide vital services at the local level. Money for the districts would be placed into a Conservation District Fund administered by the State Conservation Commission. We are very pleased with the action taken today by the committee, said Robert B. Maiden, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. We are looking forward to the Senates consideration of this bill and once again commend Senator

Scarnati for having the fortitude and commitment to protect Pennsylvanias environment and its resources at this very pivotal moment in its history. Over the last decade, Pennsylvanias county conservation districts have seen a decline in state funding, but an increase in work load and responsibilities. Each of the 66 conservation districts takes its work to protect our natural resources and our environment seriously, but is often left struggling to find new resources, avenues and additional funding to keep our water resources pollution free, the air we breathe clean and the land we live on sustainable. The staff at the conservation districts works tirelessly for the federal, state and local governments in almost every facet of environmental protection. From permitting and farm land preservation to stream erosion programs and protecting the water you drink, the Conservation Districts respond quickly without reservation to all environmental issues and needs within the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania now finds itself at a crossroads as it relates to protecting its environmental resources. The massive exploration and development of natural gas from the vast Marcellus Shale formation, while positive for our economy and livelihood, can also be detrimental to our environment. That is why, now more than ever, it is important that the conservation districts be provided with a dedicated annual stream of funding that will support the increased demand on the conservation districts as a result of the drilling for natural gas in communities throughout the state. A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in every region of the state. NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Sen. Yaw Supports Impact Fee Bill, Urges Action To Make Royalty Interests Taxable

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) said action this week by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee improved Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) by adding provisions creating a shale impact fee housing credit. "This legislation is an important step forward to ensuring that local communities and local governments impacted by the drilling receive much-needed support in the form of an impact fee," said Sen. Yaw. "Increased investment driven by the natural gas industry has resulted in unprecedented levels of growth throughout the Northern Tier. Never before has there been such an urgent need for residential and commercial real estate to fully serve this area. We have an obligation to ensure that the local housing market is viable for all area residents," Sen. Yaw added. Sen. Yaw also urged support for legislation that would make "royalty interests derived from Marcellus Shale irrespective of the well location" a real estate interest and thus a subject of taxation under the assessment law. Senate Bill 744, sponsored by Yaw, would seek to give local governments a stake in their own decision-making regarding the industry within the respective municipal boundaries. "As a real estate interest, the value of the gas well would be determined according to the law in the same manner as any other real estate interest in Pennsylvania, such as hotels, mini markets, shopping malls, industrial properties and homes," Sen. Yaw said. "This bill (Senate Bill 744) is the only pending legislation, which would allow school districts to directly benefit from the gas industry." He added that until 2002, gas wells were taxed in this manner. In 2002, however, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our statute was not broad enough to include gas wells. A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in every region of the state. NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Reps Scavello, Peifer, Brown Co-Sponsor Rep. Quinn's Marcellus Fee Plan

Reps. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe), Mike Peifer (R-Monroe) and Rosemary M. Brown (RMonroe) have co-sponsored House Bill 1700 (Quinn-R-Bucks) that will create an unconventional well impact fee applied to Marcellus Shale wells that would be distributed to local governments, environmental programs and road and bridge repairs. The proposal, known as the Shale Impact Mitigation Policy for Local Government, the Environment and Roads Act (SIMPLER), divides proceeds from the impact fees between three new funds in the State Treasury benefiting local governments and environmental concerns in shale impact areas, and roads and bridges across the Commonwealth. No matter how many wells are physically located in the districts we represent, the potential environmental impact on the lakes and watersheds in Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties is our primary concern, said Rep. Scavello. Our area depends on environmental tourism, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, canoeing, biking and hiking, so naturally we are most concerned with the possible impact of wells on watersheds, lakes and rivers. House Bill 1700 would assess a $50,000 impact fee per well for the first two years of production on an unconventional well, such as those being drilled for Marcellus Shale. The impact fee decreases $5,000 every two years from $45,000 in years three to four to $20,000 in years 13 through 14, and is set at $15,000 for the next six years of production and $10,000 in year 21 and thereafter. Our constituents support an impact fee that stays locally and is used to monitor and remediate any issues that arise from Marcellus shale gas wells drilled in our counties or in neighboring areas, said Rep. Peifer. Marcellus Shale jobs have been a boon to Pennsylvania, which is third in the nation in job creation during the past nine months, but we must have a balance between jobs and the impact of the wells on our natural areas. We want to ensure that the health and safety of the people we represent is protected specifically by the companies conducting the drilling, said Rep. Brown. We don't want to see a similar situation as what happened with the coal industry where decades of mining resulted in environmental impacts we are still addressing today. The impact fees will stay local and allow municipalities and counties the financial means to protect our area and the areas experiencing the majority of drilling. House Bill 1700 is sponsored by Rep. Quinn and has bipartisan support. It will be referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, but Rep. Quinn did not rule out introducing the proposal as an amendment to a bill moving through the Legislature during June so that it can be considered as part of the budget process. Impact Fee Distribution Fact Sheet -- The Local Government Shale Impact Mitigation Fund would receive 50 percent of the revenue. -- Half would be provided to municipalities in which wells are located. The funds could be used for: -- Water, storm water and sewer system construction, repair and maintenance; -- Preservation and reclamation of surface and subsurface water supplies; and -- Construction and maintenance of municipal roads and bridges. -- Half would be provided to counties in which wells are located. The funds could be used for: -- Municipal police, fire and emergency medical services, equipment and training; -- Equipment for countywide training for municipal first responders and emergency preparedness associated specifically relation to gas well incidents; and

-- Grants to municipalities for environmental projects relating to watershed protection and flood control, and planning and enforcement activities. -- The Environmental Shale Impact Mitigation Fund would receive 30 percent of the revenue. -- 25 percent would be transferred to the Environmental Stewardship Fund until the 2014-15 fiscal year. -- 15 percent from the 2015-16 fiscal year and beyond. -- 10 percent would be transferred to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund from the 2015-16 fiscal year and beyond. -- 5 percent would be transferred to the Conservation District Fund. -- The Impact Road and Bridge Shale Impact Mitigation Fund would receive 20 percent of the revenue for funding highway and bridge construction priority projects across the Commonwealth. A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in every region of the state. NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Renew Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Rep. Quinn On Marcellus Fee Bill The Renew Growing Greener Coalition this week commended Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) for proposing Marcellus Shale local impact fee legislation-- House Bill 1700-- that includes funding for the states Growing Greener program through the Environmental Stewardship Fund. Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath issued the following statement: The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is pleased with legislation proposed by Rep. Quinn that provides dedicated funding for the states Growing Greener program through the Environmental Stewardship Fund and also takes care of our conservation districts, which are our first line of defense for our waterways. Rep. Quinns legislation gets back to basics and is a simple, common sense approach to addressing the impact of the natural gas industry on local communities and our natural resources.

By establishing a fair and reasonable fee based on well construction rather than production or market rates, Rep. Quinn has put forth a plan that we believe the Governor can support while keeping his promise not to raise taxes. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition supports Rep. Quinns efforts to restore funding to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. In 2002, during the post 9-11 recession, a dedicated source of revenue for Growing Greener was identified in an increase in the states tipping fee, the fee charged for dumping trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, those funds will be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping fees going to the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds. More than 90 Pennsylvania municipalities and counties have passed resolutions urging the Governor and legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties passing resolutions include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York. A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in every region of the state. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing nearly 300 organizations and government entities. NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate

New Poll Finds Voters Support New Tax On Drilling Companies 69 to 30 Percent A new poll released by Quinnipiac University this week shows voters support a new tax on companies drilling for natural gas 69 - 24 percent. Even Republicans support such a tax 59 - 33 percent. Support tops 60 percent among all other groups and in all regions. Pennsylvania voters say 63 - 30 percent that the economic benefits of natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale outweigh the environmental impacts. Support is strong among men, women, all parties and in all regions, ranging from 55 - 38 percent among voters in the northeast corner of the state to 69 - 25 percent among voters in the northwest corner. "'Drill, baby, drill,' is the call from Pennsylvania voters, and 'tax, baby, tax,' is the followup as voters see natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale as an economic plus more than an environmental negative," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "They also see added taxes on gas drillers as one of the few acceptable ways to help balance the budget." In the same poll, voters disapprove 52 - 33 percent of the way Corbett is handling the state budget and say 48 - 36 percent that Gov. Tom Corbett's proposals to balance the budget are unfair to people like them. Democrats say unfair 66 - 19 percent while Republicans say fair 55 31 percent. Independent voters say unfair 45 - 38 percent. Overall, voters give Gov. Corbett a 39 - 38 percent job approval rating, with 23 percent of voters still undecided. A complete copy of the poll results is available online. NewsClips: PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Poll: Corbett Approval Found To Founder Poll Shows Gender Gap On Corbett's Job Approval Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers Chester County, 11 Organizations Join Support For Renewal Of Growing Greener Program

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition this week applauded the Chester County Board of Commissioners for passing a resolution calling for the renewal of Growing Greener, the states primary source of funding to help local communities preserve open space and farmland, protect water quality, and enhance parks, trails and recreational opportunities. In addition, 12 other groups and local governments joined the Coalition this week: Delaware River City Corporation (Philadelphia), Hay Creek Watershed Association (Geigertown), Peoples Emergency Center (Philadelphia), and The W2Group (Philadelphia) as well as City of Coatesville (Chester County), East Vincent Township (Chester County), Newlin Township (Chester County), London Grove Township (Chester County), Phoenixville Borough (Chester County), Sadsbury Township (Chester County) and West Nantmeal Township (Chester County). They join more than 215 other organizations and groups that have also announced their support for renewing Growing Greener. Funding for Growing Greener will dry up unless the state Legislature and Governor Corbett act now to renew it, said Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition. County Commissioners and Pennsylvanians from across the Commonwealth understand the incredible importance of renewing funding to the Environmental Stewardship Fund for Growing Greener in order to ensure families have access to clean drinking water, fresh air and green open spaces. Growing Greener has provided tremendous support for preservation and conservation efforts throughout Chester County, said Terence Farrell, chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners urge the Governor and the Legislature to renew funding for Growing Greener. Without it, Chester County may not be the special place it is today. Commissioner Kathi Cozzone stated, The economic benefits of preserving Open Space are very real. As confirmed in a study conducted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the GreenSpace Alliance, Open Space preservation creates jobs, brings money into the community, enhances home values, filters drinking water and cleans the air. In addition, trails, parks and preserves provide low or no cost recreation for citizens, saving money and improving health. There is certainly a tremendous return on the investment of Growing Greener funds in our communities. "There have been many successful and meaningful projects that the County and our municipalities have been able to implement as a result of utilizing Growing Greener funds," said Commissioner Ryan Costello. "We are cognizant that the state budget is under consideration right now, and that times are tough, but we hope our legislature and the Governor will recognize that Growing Greener has been a successful program, and therefore give it worthy consideration, so that if funds are available, Chester County can once again utilize them for more successful projects." In Chester County, Growing Greener funds have helped to: -- Preserve nearly 3,500 acres of working farmland throughout the county. -- Reduce flooding and minimize stormwater flowing from the athletic fields at Conestoga High School, protecting area streams from pollution carried by water runoff. -- Restore 2,000 feet of East Branch Chester Creek in East Goshen Township, improving water quality, wildlife habitat and natural vegetation.

-- Acquire 113 acres of land to establish the Peacedale Preserve owned by the Natural Lands Trust and located Franklin Township. -- Fund the environmental clean up for the River Station redevelopment project on the site of the former Sonoco Products paper plant in Downingtown. -- Acquire 50 acres to complete the Rushton Woods Preserve where the Willistown Conservation Trust offers several youth outreach programs, a community supported agriculture program, and a center for bird conservation. -- Support the creation of the Schuylkill River Greenway trail, which will run through Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties and continue into Philadelphia. Chester County joins nearly 90 other Pennsylvania municipalities and counties in passing a resolution urging the Governor and Legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties passing resolutions include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York and represent over 5 million Pennsylvanians. Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 34,000 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. In 2002, during the post 9-11 recession, a dedicated source of revenue for Growing Greener was identified in an increase in the states tipping fee, the fee charged for dumping trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, Growing Greener I funds will be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping fees going to the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing over 300 organizations and government entities. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the Senate and House schedule-- 9 voting days until budget deadline. Senate June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 House June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30

Bill Calendars House (June 20): House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing education of engineers and geologists; House Resolution 70 (Harhart-R-Lehigh) requesting the Department of Transportation to study the potential use of quarry and other mining waste in highway and civil engineering projects <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (June 20): House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware) providing for the 2011-12 General Fund Budget; Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee and requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to control drilling activities; Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amending the Downtown Relocation law to allow for compliance with economic revitalization plans; Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) Allows walking, jogging, bicycling, exercising and horseback riding on nature trails as a recreational purpose by limiting liability and was changed by a technical amendment; <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees NOTE: In this budget season, Committee meetings can happen at anytime without any notice to move any bill that might be part of a budget agreement. House: the State Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 263 (Erickson-RDelaware) requiring data to support rulemakings. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring the posting of certain emergency information for each gas well, House Bill 143 (MajorR-Susquehanna) amending Act 319 to authorize the splitting off of land for noncoal mining, House Bill 144 (Pickett-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize taxation of oil and gas well production; the Local Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 394 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further providing for local authority to preserve open space. <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Biofuels: House Bill 1652 (Grove-R-York) amending the Biofuel Development Production Incentive Act to remove a section related to cellulosic ethanol content in gasoline. Energy Efficiency Funding: House Bill 1667 (Galloway-D-Bucks) establishing the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to allow local funding of energy efficiency improvements. Severance Tax: House Bill 1671 (Miccarelli-R-Delaware) enacting a severance tax on natural gas product to provide senior citizen property tax relief.

Taxing Gas Leases: House Bill 1674 (Kula-D-Fayette) making oil and gas leases held by property owners to be assessed and tax by political subdivisions. Electric Corridor: House Bill 1675 (Cohen-D-Philadelphia) establishing an Electric Vehicle Charging Corridor Tax Credit. Fracking Chemicals: House Bill 1680 (Johnson-D-Philadelphia) amending the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the disclosure of fracking chemicals. Land Banks: House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) authorizing municipal land banks to provide for the reuse of abandoned or vacant properties. Biomass Fund: House Bill 1684 (Rapp-R-Forest) establishing a Biomass Energy Program within DCED to provide financial assistance. Leaf Waste: House Bill 1691 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for the recycling of leaf waste. Water Trail Impacts: Senate Resolution 143 (Pippy-R-Allegheny) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the economic impact of recreational water trails. Solar Energy: Senate Bill 1146 (Hughes-D-Philadelphia) amending the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to further provide for solar energy mandates. Sewage Program: Senate Resolution 140 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to review the state's sewage facilities management program under Act 537.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-House Bioenergy Crops/Mine Reclamation: House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) encouraging the use of bioenergy crops for mine reclamation purposes was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) further providing for biodiesel standards and blending requirements and establishing fees for enforcement of biodiesel mandate was referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Geologist Continuing Education: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing education of engineers and geologists was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action. Senate Nominations: The nomination of Bernard A. Labuskes, Jr. to the Environmental Hearing Board was approved unanimously by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now before the full Senate. General Fund Budget: House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware) providing for the 2011-12 General Fund Budget was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Marcellus Shale Impact Fee: Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee and requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to control drilling activities was amended and reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to provide a vehicle for adopting an impact fee. The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Gas Well Emergencies: Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring gas well operators to post certain 911 response information at the entrance to each well site was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Downtown Relocation: Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amending the Downtown Relocation law to allow for compliance with economic revitalization plans was amended and reported from the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Fuel Testing: Senate Bill 341 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing a automotive fuel testing program was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

News From The Capitol

Proposal To Use Bioenergy Crops For Land Reclamation Passes House The House this week passed House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) that would help promote private investment in bioenergy resources while assisting to reclaim mine lands in Pennsylvania. The potential created by this legislation will help spur economic development by helping private businesses mitigate their costs, and providing them additional resources to invest in jobs. This legislation is also a perfect fit to help address our energy security concerns. These crops can also be used as a biomass fuel creating another homegrown energy resource, Rep. Brooks said.

For the past three sessions, I have been working to advance this bill through the legislative process to encourage the use of various grasses such as switchgrass, camelina and canola to assist Pennsylvania with energy independence while also facilitating the repair of abandoned mine lands. Studies have been done in other states to prove that these fast-growing crops can flourish in all types of environments. The robust nature of these plants can help repair mine lands faster than traditional plants that are grown on previously mined lands, said Rep. Brooks. House Bill 608, which received overwhelming bipartisan support from the committee and on the House floor, would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to encourage the planting of switchgrass or other fast-growing crops to revegetate lands affected by surface mining. Under the legislation, if a mine operator uses one or more of these crops in reclamation, the bond can be fully released at the Stage II level instead of Stage III, provided other criteria are met. This means that the financial guarantee bonds will be available to be used on other reclamation sites increasing the rate on which mine lands are reclaimed. The proposal, which is now with the Senate for consideration, would apply to all lands affected by surface mining activities, not just to re-mined lands. Senate Bill Proposes Arbitration For Gas Well Site Disputes Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) recently introduced Senate Bill 1108 to provide an expeditious and less costly way for property owners and drillers to settle disputes over well locations rather than taking the issue to court. Under the bill, those disputes could be considered by a special review board set up to arbitrate coal bed methane well location disputes between land owners and gas companies. My bill extends the purview of the Coal Bed Methane Review Board to include natural gas wells, Sen. White said. Under the bill, both parties would retain the right to appeal the boards decision to their county court of common pleas. As Marcellus Shale activity grows, I believe such a review process would be a beneficial and less costly option for landowners with natural gas development on their properties. Act 4 of 2010 authorized the creation of the three-member Coal Bed Methane Review Board to consider objections by property owners and reach agreements with gas companies on issues such as the location of coal bed methane wells and/or access roads. Previously, disputes between surface land owners and the holders of mineral rights for those properties were often unresolved as landowners had very little recourse if they did not approve of the location of a well. Just as with Act 4, Senate Bill 1108 does not change the ownership of property or rights, but creates a timely, less expensive process for property owners to clear up disputes that arise over the location of natural gas well sites without going to court, Sen. White said. Sen. White sent a copy of Senate Bill 1108 to Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, Chairman of the Governors Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, and requested that it be considered as part of that panels recommendations. As Chairman of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, I would appreciate your sharing this legislation with the other members of the commission and consider it as part of its overall initiative, Sen. White wrote in a letter to the Lieutenant Governor. Thank you for your

consideration of Senate Bill 1108 as a way to address the needs of both the natural gas industry as well as those who own the property where the resources are located. Sen. White authored Senate Bill 275 during last session, which set the framework for the review board. The key provisions of Senate Bill 275 were amended into House Bill 1847 by the Senate and subsequently enacted as Act 4. The Coal Bed Methane Review Board is made up of a member appointed by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, a member appointed jointly by the PA Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Oil and Gas Association and the Pennsylvania Coal Association, and a member appointed jointly by the deans of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences of Penn State University. The board is required to make a decision within 10 days from the time a hearing is held on a well location dispute. Senate Bill 1108 is now before the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for consideration. Bill Authorizes Low Interest Loans For Energy Improvements Rep. John Galloway (D-Bucks) introduced House Bill 1667 to allow local governments to offer property owners low-interest loans to finance renewable energy upgrades. "By making it easier for homeowners and businesses to finance alternative energy upgrades, we help them cut their energy bills, plus we help to create local jobs for businesses that make and install the equipment," said Rep. Galloway. "In addition, this bill would send a message to industries that produce such power that Pennsylvania is ready to be a partner in the development and use of sustainable alternative energy." Under the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, or PACE, that would be created by House Bill 1667, eligible property owners would finance such improvements as installing solar panels through a voluntary assessment on their property taxes. They would pay back the loan to their municipalities or townships as part of their property tax bill. "PACE is a tool for local governments to stimulate their local green economy while providing competitive financing for commercial and residential property owners," said Rep. Galloway. Rep. Galloway first introduced his PACE legislation last session after officials from Falls Township, Bucks County, who were working with AE Polysilicon and the Department of Environmental Protection, had attempted to create a municipal finance program for solar projects in 2009. DEP told the township that the plan was not feasible due to current state law that prohibits such financing arrangements. California was the first state to implement a PACE program in 2008. Since then, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin have followed suit. More information about PACE can be found online. Senate Resolution Proposes Study Of Water Trail Economic Impact In PA

Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny) this week introduced Senate Resolution 143, which if passed, would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the economic impact of recreational water trails in Pennsylvania. There are 20 water trails developed or under development in the state totaling nearly 2,000 river miles, several of which have have gained national attention as National Recreation Trails. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat Commission are partners with other public and private entities, including the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, to develop the trails. Water trails and Pennsylvania's other significant recreation and historic resources contribute over $5.1 billion to the Commonwealth's economy each year. The study would help document the economic impact of the trails, plus serve as a guide to help the state and communities target future investments. For more information, visit the Water Trails webpage for maps and guides to each trail.

News From Around The State

New PEC Website Levels The Playing Field In Marcellus Shale Debate A new website aimed at organizing the avalanche of information on all things Marcellus Shale was announced this week by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. MarcellusFacts scours the Internet 24-hours-a-day for news and information on anything pertaining to the development of Marcellus Shale and aggregates it into an easy-to-read format. Source material is gathered from a variety of independent sources, such as Google News searches, RSS feeds and audited news sites, organized into a clear and concise format and displayed on a computer or smartphone. There is so much information about Marcellus Shale swirling around in cyberspace that it has become very difficult to manage it all, says PEC president Paul M. King. Our goal in creating MarcellusFacts is to simplify the challenge of being well-informed on this issue and to make the people of Pennsylvania better participants in the public process of Marcellus Shale development. The content aggregated in MarcellusFacts is drawn from a variety of sources in the Marcellus Shale gas industry, nonprofit environmental organizations, Pennsylvania newspapers, Google News, universities, as well as PECs own website. PEC does not filter the content or provide any subjective commentary on any of the articles collected and posted on its site. We felt it was important to present unedited information from all sides of this debate, including our own, said PECs King. This way, the public can easily compare what the industry is saying to what were saying and what editorial writers think. In addition to a constant stream of news and information, MarcellusFacts also includes a Twitter feed from Pennsylvania Environmental Digest. MarcellusFacts is also social mediaenabled with Twitter and Facebook to allow for real-time discussions among users about the news and issues of the day.

There is no requirement to be a subscriber to MarcellusFacts, there is no charge for its use, and PEC does not accept advertising for the site. MarcellusFacts was developed with the generous support of the Colcom Foundation. Marcellus Shale Coalition Tops 200 Members This week, the Marcellus Shale Coalition welcomed its 200th member, passing a significant organizational milestone. Current MSC membership stands at 40 full members and 161 associate members, respectively. Full members are exploration and production companies and midstream/pipeline operators, while associate members -- the backbone of the Marcellus supply chain -- include service companies, water management specialists, environmental consultants, construction companies and engineering and law firms. The MSC board of directors also elected Dan Merz, Manager, Government Affairs, at Williams Companies to the executive committee. Dans term will extend through the end of 2012. Kathryn Klaber, president and executive director of the MSC, issued this statement: Just two short years ago, our organization was a loosely aligned group with 17 members. Today, were a coalition of more than 200 companies representing the fabric of the shale gas industry across the entire region. To see the interest and commitment by so many outstanding companies grow at this rate in such a short period of time has been remarkable. The MSCs greatest strength is our memberships expertise and shared goal of responsibly developing the regions abundant, clean-burning natural gas resources. Its also a pleasure to welcome Dan Merz to our executive committee. With more than 30 years of experience in the natural gas industry, Dan will offer keen insight and expertise from a midstream and exploration perspective as we continue to work to safely deliver American natural gas to consumers. While the drilling and completion process certainly receives significant attention, midstream operations are mission critical in transporting natural gas to market. We look forward to working alongside Dan in this new capacity and benefiting from his expertise and strategic guidance. PA, WV Environmental Agencies Alert Residents Of Golden Algae In Private Pond The Pennsylvania and West Virginia Departments of Environmental Protection have begun sampling and monitoring ponds and streams in the Dunkard Creek area after sampling found golden algae in a privately owned pond in Greene County, Pa. Golden algae was determined to be the cause of a fish kill in Dunkard Creek in the fall of 2009. The pond is located just north of the West Virginia and Pennsylvania state line, downstream from the town of Blacksville. The discovery was made by staff of CONSOL Energy during routine monitoring and sampling. CONSOL Energy reported its findings June 9 to the DEP in both states, which immediately sent staff to the area to collect samples from the pond and various sites along Dunkard Creek. The samples were sent to various experts with extensive experience studying algae. The departments are awaiting the results. On Tuesday, June 14, WV DEP staff flew over

the area to see if they could spot any other water bodies with discoloration and target them for sampling. We are still very early in this process, and there is no evidence that the algae is having a toxic effect in the pond at this time, said Scott Mandirola, director of Water and Waste Management for WV DEP. We are asking residents to be aware of this discovery and look for discoloration in their private ponds and area streams. Ever since this discovery, our staff has been in close contact with Dr. Bryan Brooks of Baylor University for guidance. He is one of the nations top algae experts, and we have been working with him for several years, PA DEP Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic said. While there is no evidence to suggest the health of our streams is at risk, we urge residents to be attentive to any changes they notice and to report them to us right away. Golden algae is not harmful to humans and is only harmful to aquatic life when it releases toxins. Experts have determined that an algae bloom that is not receiving enough nutrients will release toxins to kill nearby aquatic life to create the nutrients it needs to survive. There is no proven way to treat golden algae without also causing harm to all other forms of algae. CONSOL had shut off discharges from its St. Leo operation prior to the discovery, and the Blacksville #2 discharge was shut down as a precaution. WVDEP, WV Division of Natural Resources, Pennsylvania DEP, PA Fish and Boat Commission and CONSOL Energy will continuously monitor for the algae as well as the overall quality of the water. Area residents who have information to share with the regulatory agencies may do so by calling 304-368-3960 in West Virginia and 412-442-4000 in Pennsylvania. 9 American Water Plants Receive National Recognition In PA PA American Water this week announced the receipt of 15 Directors Awards of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water. Fourteen plants received awards for maintaining Phase III certification for ten years, and one plant was presented with its first Directors Award for Phase III certification. The facilities winning recognition include: Brownsville Water Treatment Plant; Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant; Kane Water Treatment Plant; Lake Scranton Water Treatment Plant; Norristown Water Treatment Plant; Punxsutawney Water Treatment Plant; Susquehanna Water Treatment Plant; Watres Water Treatment Plant; and White Deer Creek Water Treatment Plant. In addition, Pennsylvania American Waters Stony Garden Water Treatment Plant received its first Phase III Directors Award. The Partnership is a voluntary initiative developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other water organizations to recognize water suppliers that consistently achieve water treatment standards that surpass EPA regulatory requirements. The awards were presented today during the 2011 American Water Works Association Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Our employees are committed to delivering the best water quality possible to our customers, at an exceptional value at about a penny per gallon, said Jeff Sterba, President and Chief Executive Officer. We're pleased to achieve this recognition from the Partnership as a testament to our dedication to operational excellence.

As a member of the Partnership for Safe Water, American Water demonstrates its commitment to voluntarily providing drinking water of a quality better than is required by federal standards. American Water has had more plants receive Phase III certification than any other water utility in the country. Approximately one-third of all water treatment plants nationwide to receive Phase III certification are American Water plants. In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap.

Spotlight Susquehanna River Basin Commission Marks 40 Years

By Dr. Robert M. Summers Maryland Commissioner, Susquehanna River Basin This year marks the Susquehanna River Basin Commissions 40th anniversary, and its a good time to reflect on the many accomplishments in water resources management since 1971. I have listed some of those accomplishments, and hope you will visit the SRBC anniversary webpage. Highlights of SRBC Accomplishments 1971 - 1975 Devastating, record-setting flooding from Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 set SRBCs course and agenda for many years to come. SRBC began developing flood plain maps and flood hazard reports. Other key highlights during the early 1970s: -- Adopted first Comprehensive Plan and initiated first Water Resources Program. -- Began work on nonpoint source pollution, water quality assessment and coal mine drainage. -- Adopted initial project review regulations effective June 1, 1975. 1976 - 1980 -- Adopted consumptive use and groundwater regulations. -- Adopted goals for restoring migratory fish such as American Shad. -- Began water quality efforts related to the Chesapeake Bay Program. 1981- 1985 -- Approved use of water from Conowingo Pond as mitigation water for Peach Bottom Power Plant. -- Amended Comprehensive Plan to recognize pre-Susquehanna Basin Compact water diversions by City of Baltimore and others for future planning purposes. -- Served as an intervener in the federal relicensing the four hydroelectric projects. 1986 - 1990 -- Began the enhanced Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System. -- Initiated SRBCs Interstate Water Quality Monitoring Network. -- Notified regulated entities of SRBCs groundwater withdrawal requirements. 1991 - 1995 -- Declared a basin-wide drought emergency and released 440 million gallons of water stored in Cowanesque Reservoir in September 1995 to mitigate for consumptive water uses. -- Marked the completion of migratory fish passage facility at Conowingo Dam in 1991.

-- Adopted comprehensive regulatory revisions, including surface water regulations. 1996 - 1999 -- Adopted an out-of-basin diversion policy to ensure that other users or the natural environment are not negatively impacted when water is removed from the Susquehanna Basin and discharged in another basin. -- Formed and led Sediment Task Force that evaluated and made recommendations on management options for addressing the buildup of sediment in the Conowingo Pool. 2000 - 2005 -- Adopted Susquehanna River Basin Drought Coordination Plan. -- Approved settlement agreement with City of Baltimore affirming SRBCs authority to regulate citys water withdrawals from Susquehanna River. -- Marked record-setting run of American shad through fish passage facilities. -- Coordinated an assessment of Susquehanna flood warning system performance during Tropical Storm Ivan in 2004 and held a public meeting in Port Deposit, Maryland. 2006 -2010 -- Improved regulations governing withdrawal and consumptive use of water by natural gas drilling industry, and launched state-of-the art Remote Water Quality Monitoring Network. -- Adopted substantially revised Comprehensive Plan. -- Produced first-ever State of the Susquehanna Report. For more information, visit the SRBC anniversary webpage. Chesapeake Bay Foundation: U.S. House Backs Away From Agricultural Funding Chesapeake Bay Foundation Federal Affairs Director Doug Siglin issued this statement following a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to significantly reduce agricultural conservation funding for fiscal year 2012. Just as we are beginning to see progress in reducing pollution, the House of Representatives dealt a significant blow to family farms, local economies, and the health of rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. Agricultural conservation practices are the most efficient and inexpensive ways to reduce pollution, and Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania have developed pollution reduction plans that require agriculture to do its share. Reducing federal funding will increase the burden on the states and farmers who will have to make up the difference. The House voted to cut conservation programs for farmers and landowners by $645 million and reduce acreage in the Wetlands and Grasslands Reserve Programs by 160,000 acres. CBF commends the effort by Congressmen Holden and Thompson to restore the conservation funding and acreage cut before the final vote. CBF wrote to all the members of Congress from the Bay watershed urging them to vote for that effort, which proved to be unsuccessful. Putting farm conservation practices on the ground is not just good for water quality, it also helps local economies and the farms bottom line. An economic study of practices considered critical for cleaning up Virginia rivers and restoring the Chesapeake Bay found that every public dollar spent on implementing the practices will produce $1.56 in new economic activity. Further, the practices would generate almost 12,000 new jobs of approximately one year duration. One practice, fencing cattle out of streams for example, reduces pollution, improves

herd health, and increases weight gain by 5-10 percent. This can translate into increased value of calves of $15 per head. Fortunately the House doesnt have the last word. CBF and its partners will work to restore conservation funding when the Senate takes up the budget later this summer. NRCS Awards Conservation Partnership Grants To Improve Chesapeake Bay Water Quality The U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service this week awarded $3.5 million in grants for six projects in four states designed to help improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Grants in Pennsylvania were awarded for a $424,000 project in the Wysox Creek Watershed in Bradford County to reduce streambank erosion. A second $40,000 will support a Chesapeake Bay Foundation Healthy Dairies, Healthy Streams project would implement agricultural gets management practices in dairy farms in the Pennsylvania portion of the Bay watershed restoring about 12 miles of riparian buffers and treating animal concentrations areas and barnyards. We believe that a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector is critical to restoring the Chesapeake Bay, said NRCS Chief Dave White. The unique partnership available through CCPI provides us an opportunity to show that a voluntary, site-specific approach to conservation can work very successfully in this watershed. CCPI-CBW funding falls under the umbrella of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative For more information, visit the NRCS Chesapeake Bay Initiative webpage. Save The Date: Ohio River Watershed Celebration September 22 September 22 is the date of the 2011 Port of Pittsburgh Ohio River Watershed Celebration, the largest gathering of individuals, groups, local governments and businesses concerned about restoring watersheds in Western Pennsylvania. Click here to check out photos from the 2010 Celebration. You can follow activities related to the Celebration on Facebook and Twitter. Read a summary of the awards and activities from the 2010 Celebration. Early Registration Deadline For PA Conference On Abandoned Mine Reclamation June 30 The early registration deadline is June 30 for the 13th Annual PA Conference on Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Coal Mine Heritage on August 4-6 in Hazleton. This years conference will focus around the theme of showcasing coalitions Working Together for Innovation and Success. Visit the Conference website for more information.

Green Roofs To Top Bus Shelters In Center City Philadelphia The Philadelphia Water Department is teaming with Roofmeadow to give Philadelphians something to look up to. As part of its Green City, Clean Waters plan, the PWD has commissioned Roofmeadow to create a deployable prefab bus shelter green roof kit. The prototype is to be installed at a bus shelter across the street from City Hall. Mayor Nutter will launch the installation of the series on June 15 at 12:30. Green City, Clean Waters is the cornerstone of his GreenWorks plan, the stated goal of which is to transform Philadelphia into the greenest city in the United States. Through the Green City, Clean Water plan, we seek to achieve a host of tangible environmental, social and economic benefits for Philadelphians while improving the health of the Citys creeks, rivers and urban landscape, added Water Commissioner Howard Neukrug. That means not only cleaner water for our citizens, but cleaner air, a higher quality of life and meaningful jobs for future generations. The Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects will honor Commissioner Neukrug at the launch of the bus shelter green roof series. Commissioner Neukrug is expected to use this opportunity to promote the bus shelter as an emblem of the Green City, Clean Waters initiative. The bus shelter project will benefit the city by increasing Philadelphians familiarity with a new type of city greening, says Charlie Miller, P.E. President and Founder of Roofmeadow. Green roofs positively contribute to the quality of life in dense urban environments. They help manage rain water and limit the amount of pollution and particulate matter that enters rivers and streams. They create habitat for urban wild life and mitigate the urban heat island effect. A properly designed and maintained green roof can double or triple the life span of a waterproofing membrane and provide benefits for multiple generations of urban dwellers. Through the bus shelter program all Philadelphians can see a green roof up close and personal. Roofmeadow is a 14-year old Philadelphia-based green roof provider. They have designed and, through their Network of green roof contractors, installed over 140 green roofs across the U.S. including Chicago City Hall, PECO Main Office Building and New Kensington CAPA High School.

Spotlight
Penn State Extension: Why Should I Pump My Septic Tank Septic tanks are commonly used as a part of on-lot wastewater disposal systems for homes. Septic tanks remove solids from the wastewater that is disposed of down the drains including waste from the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen in your home. These solids either settle to the bottom of the tank, known as sludge, or float to the surface and become a scum layer. The clear liquid or effluent is then passed on to additional

treatment processes or is distributed to the soil absorption area, such as a sand mound. Removing the solids from the wastewater in the septic tank protects the soil absorption area from clogging and failure. Up to 50 percent of the solids retained in the tank decompose; the remainder accumulates in the tank. Biological and chemical additives are not needed to aid or accelerate decomposition. Properly sized septic tanks are large enough to safely store up to three years of sludge and scum. If you go beyond three years and the tank fills with sludge and scum, the clear wastewater is retained in the tank for less time because there is less space in the tank for the liquid to remain there. As this occurs, the solids removal process becomes less effective and more solids escape into the soil absorption area. If too much sludge accumulates, the solids will flow to the soil absorption field causing system failure. System failure can lead to wastewater coming to the surface of your yard causing hazardous wet areas or it could cause wastewater to back up into your home. To prevent this, the tank must be pumped periodically. The material pumped is known as septage. The frequency of pumping depends on several factors: capacity of septic tank, volume of wastewater (related to size of household), and amount of solids in the wastewater (for example, use of garbage disposals produce more solids). Homeowners should get in the habit of having the septic tank pumped on a routine basis. If you are able to have your septic tank pumped on a schedule, such as every 2 years, it may be possible to further enhance the effectiveness of your entire on-lot wastewater disposal system. Research at Penn State has shown that your soil absorption system will benefit from periodic resting (a period during which no wastewater is added to the system). To get the greatest benefit from pumping your septic tank, it is recommended that you have your septic tank pumped every two years on the day before you, and your family, leave for your summer vacation. This means the whole system, especially the soil absorption area, will have the opportunity to dry out and any partially decomposed organic waste that may have moved into the soil absorption area will quickly decompose in the absence of water. Under current Pennsylvania law a 900 gallon septic tank is the minimum size that may be used for a home with three bedrooms or less. If six people reside in a three-bedroom house, the tank should be pumped every 1.3 years. If the same system serves a family of two, the tank would need pumping every 5.2 years. Systems installed before the current rules and regulations were implemented may need to be pumped more often, perhaps every year or less. For more information about on-lot septic systems, please visit the Septic Systems webpage. (Information for this article edited by Dana Rizzo, Extension Educator, Water Quality. Information used by permission from Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet F-161, Septic Tank Pumping by Dr. A. R. Jarrett, Professor, Agricultural Engineering.) DEP Fines Rorre Corp. $15,000 For Wayne County Septage Spill, Other Violations

The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced Rorre Corp. has agreed to pay a $15,000 civil penalty for a 1,000-gallon septage spill and for violating the conditions of a residential septage land-application permit. The permit, for a site in Berlin Township, Wayne County, required Rorre to keep detailed records of where the septage, or partially treated waste, was being applied; to promptly notify DEP of any spill; and to properly dispose of screenings, such as plastic and other non-organic trash, from the septage. Multiple site inspections showed the company was not in compliance with the requirements of the permit, which allows it to apply residential septage as a fertilizer for agriculture. Separate DEP site visits in June 2009 and June 2010 revealed that screenings were improperly discarded on the ground and that log sheets lacked sufficient detail concerning where the septage was being applied. The June 2010 inspection also revealed a 1,000-gallon spill at a loading site. Rorre was issued a notice of violation for failing to take immediate corrective actions and for not notifying DEP. Additional notices of violation were issued for the screenings and log sheets. Rorre has since made a written commitment to DEP that future screenings will be disposed of properly and that the company will maintain accurate records. Rorre has also pledged to implement measures to prevent future spills at the loading area. Delaware River Sojourn Highlights PA Rivers Month Activities Showcasing the wild and scenic beauty that earned it River of the Year honors, the Delaware River again is expected to draw large numbers of paddlers, campers and other outdoors enthusiasts to the waterway's sojourn, which began June 18. Registration is continuing for the eight-day paddling trip celebrating the Delaware's selection as Pennsylvania's 2011 River of the Year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Marking its 17th year and celebrating the theme "River of Life," the Delaware sojourn is among a series being held across the state to mark June's observance of Pennsylvania Rivers Month. The Delaware sojourn ends June 25. "A goal of our River of the Year designation is to raise awareness of the river and its conservation needs and the Delaware is an invaluable resource that must be protected," said DCNR Secretary Richard J. Allan. "Our selection aims to cement a vital connection among the waterway, area residents and visitors. The sojourn and other future educational events planned by river supporters can only strengthen those bonds." In support of that goal, Gov. Tom Corbett has proclaimed June as Rivers Month in Pennsylvania, Allan noted. "Pennsylvania's river initiatives are driven by voluntary partnerships with municipal officials, local groups, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies, to develop watershed conservation plans for restoring, maintaining and enhancing all rivers; and leading to the rebound of waterways such as the Delaware River," Corbett's proclamation read. Among the nation's longest-running sojourns, the Delaware event will traverse almost 75 miles of the river's main stem, from upper Wayne County to lower Bucks County. Daily trips

will range from nine to 14 miles, and a 10-mile paddle also is planned on the Lackawaxen River, a tributary to the Delaware and last year's Pennsylvania River of the Year. "Whether joining the guided trip for a single day or all eight, paddlers will explore and experience the Delaware from where it's seen and felt best: the water," said Kate O'Hara, communications assistant for the Delaware River Basin Commission and event co-chair. "Program topics this year include water quality monitoring, aquatic life, Native American storytelling, paleontology, and archaeology. Through paddling, education, and camping, we hope to provide sojourners with a heightened sense of appreciation of and stewardship for the river and its watershed." The sojourn program is coordinated by the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, or POWR, in partnership with DCNR, as well as dozens of local organizations. POWR's mission is to advocate for protection, restoration and enjoyment of water resources, and conduct programs that foster stewardship, communication, leadership and action. "These annual paddling events encompass more than 500 river miles, span more than 50 on-the-water days, and engage more than 4,000 participants," said POWR Executive Director Jon Meade. "Some sojourns have occurred for more than 20 years, while others, like the Lackawaxen River Sojourn, are new." Other upcoming river sojourns include: North Branch Susquehanna, Thursday through Sunday (June 16-19); Lehigh River (June 24-27); West Branch of the Susquehanna (June 25); Susquehanna Main Stem (June 25); and Ohiopyle Over the Falls Festival (August 20). Earlier sojourns this month and in May included: AlleghenyKiski-Connie, Clarion, Juniata River, Kiski-Connie, Perkiomen Creek, Schuylkill River, Swatara Creek and Yellow Breeches Creek. Since 1983, a state River of the Year has been featured on posters sent to watershed organizations, local municipalities and interested individuals throughout the state to encourage a statewide focus on Pennsylvania's waterways. For more information, visit the PA River of the Year website. Allegheny County, Trail Groups Open 3 Mile Stretch Of Great Allegheny Passage Allegheny County, Allegheny Trail Alliance, and Steel Valley Trail Council representatives this week raised a ceremonial railroad crossing gate and officially opened a three-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile biking and hiking trail that connects with the 185-mile C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland, Md. Together, the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath will create a 335-mile traffic-free, non-motorized route between Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The trail travels through a scenic and historic corridor, roughly following early footpaths leading west from the tidal areas of Virginia. The opening of these two bridges and connecting trail segments marks two significant milestones in completing the Great Allegheny Passage, said Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato. First, this part of the trail was the most difficult to complete in Allegheny County due to the active rail lines and numerous property owners. Second, it means that we are literally in the home stretch of finishing the entire 335-mile trail from Downtown Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. Less than one mile remains, and we are working hard to get it completed.

The new three-mile section runs from Grant Avenue in Duquesne to a new 110-foot-long, 37-ton bridge that crosses Norfolk Southerns Port Perry rail yard and connects to the southern end of the former U.S. Steel coke gas pipeline. A second new bridge, which is 170 feet long and weighs 62 tons, crosses six sets of tracks operated by Norfolk Southern and Union Railroad Company. The second span connects the northern end of the coke gas pipeline trail to a portion of Allegheny Countys Carrie Furnace site on the south side of the Monongahela River in Whitaker. From there, the trail connects to the Waterfront in Munhall. Linda McKenna Boxx, president of the Allegheny Trail Alliance, predicts that this will be one of the most popular sections of the Great Allegheny Passage. There have already been hundreds of people on the trail since we informally opened it a week ago, said Boxx. It will be used for recreation, but also by people who work at the Waterfront or the RIDC parks for commuting to work or going out for lunch. This was by far the most complicated piece of trail in our 30-year history of trail building, and we are thrilled with the results. We worked with dozens of partners to get this done, and we appreciate their support and help. In October 2010, Onorato announced that the County had signed easement agreements with Sandcastle Waterpark and CSX Corporation that will enable completion of the final 0.85-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage. The final segment to be completed begins near Costco at the Waterfront in West Homestead. The trail alignment will follow Sandcastle Drive and pass under a railroad bridge and the Glenwood Bridge. There, it will connect to a trail segment now under development, and then connect to the existing South Side trail. In 2006, there were only nine miles of the Great Allegheny Passage left to be completed, and they were all in Allegheny County, added Onorato. I pledged to trail groups and the residents of this region that we would do whatever it took to make this trail a reality. Today, we are one step closer to completing this remarkable trail. This is a transformational moment for our region, both economically and recreationally. This trail has been improving the economy and quality of life in towns throughout the Laurel Highlands and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and now its benefits will spread north through the Mon Valley and into the City of Pittsburgh. During the past five years, Allegheny County and trail organizations negotiated with 18 individual property owners for easements or ownership of 28 separate parcels between McKeesport and Pittsburgh. The County has provided $1.6 million toward completion of the Great Allegheny Passage, including construction of the portal tunnel in Duquesne, property on the Carrie Furnace site, easements from railroads, engineering services and appraisals. Allegheny County assumed ownership from U.S. Steel of the Riverton Railroad Bridge, a 1200-foot span that carries the Great Allegheny Passage across the Monongahela River between McKeesport and Duquesne. The County also assumed ownership of the two bridges on the section of trail that opened Friday. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, private foundations, and Allegheny Regional Asset District have provided $11.5 million toward completion of the Great Allegheny Passage. NewsClip: Great Allegheny Passage Trail Nears Finish 2011 Greenways And Trails Summit September 11-13 In York

The 2011 Greenways and Trails Summit will be held in York this year on September 11-13 sponsored by the PA Recreation and Park Society and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The theme of the Summit is, "Health and Recreation Destinations...Greenways and Trails Leading the Way." Check the PA Recreation and Park Society website for more information in the future. Fish & Boat To Host National Park Service Public Meeting on Chesapeake Bay Access Points Where do we need boat ramps or fishing piers, places to swim, or scenic spots to bird watch or just look at the water? Come to a Public Access Open House to give your input about where new access to the Chesapeake Bay and tributary rivers is most needed. The National Park Service has scheduled a series of open houses from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can stop by any time during those hours to mark a map with your suggestions. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. The Pennsylvania Open House will be on June 21 in Harrisburg at the Fish and Boat Commission Headquarters Building, 1601 Elmerton Avenue. The NPS and local and state governments have been studying the places residents can go to enjoy public access to the Chesapeake Bay and tributary rivers. In 2010, the federal Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed set a goal to provide 300 additional public access sites in the Bay watershed by 2025. The information you provide will help NPS and our partners create the "Chesapeake Bay Region Public Access Plan" due in 2012 to support this commitment for new access. Your participation will ensure that we accurately identify the gaps in public access available now and where there are opportunities for new access sites. Plenty of maps will be on hand so you can pinpoint the locations that are important to you. Not able to attend a public meeting? NPS is developing a web-based tool so you can share your ideas on an interactive map. The site will be available for use June 21 through July 20. This online tool will allow the public an easy way to share input with NPS and state agency staff. For more information, visit the Public Access Open House webpage. DEP Finds Zebra Mussels in Conneaut Lake Boaters, Anglers Cautioned Boaters and anglers are being asked to take steps to prevent the further spread of zebra mussels after the Department of Environmental Protection discovered the nuisance species in Conneaut Lake, Crawford County. Regional DEP staff found three zebra mussels during June 10 sampling, two in the lake and one in the Conneaut Outlet immediately below the lake. The small number suggests that the current population of zebra mussels is relatively small and may not yet be self-sustaining, DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said.

We need the public's help to keep the mussels from gaining a foothold in Conneaut Lake and to keep them from spreading to other area waterways. Introduced to the Great Lakes through ballast water from a freighter from Europe, zebra mussels have caused environmental havoc and millions of dollars in property damage as theyve been transported to other waterways. Adult zebra mussels are small, clam-like animals about the size of a fingernail, but can grow to be two inches in length. They have a zebra-striped pattern on the shell. State and local biologists have monitored Pennsylvania waters since zebra mussels were discovered in Eries Presque Isle Bay in the late 1980s. DEP biologist James Grazio has studied zebra mussels since they first emerged in the region. Zebra mussels disrupt the food chain by devouring the microscopic aquatic plants that support the existence of native mussels and fish, Grazio said. They are a hazard to swimmers because of their sharp shells and can damage boat motors by clogging water intakes. Adult zebra mussels can attach themselves to the hull of a boat or any hard underwater surface. A boat moving from one body of water to another may also carry zebra mussel larvae, or veligers, which cannot be seen by the naked eye but feel like grit or sand on a hard surface. Veligers can survive and be transported in standing water found in the live wells, bilges, trailer frames or other exposed gear. Boaters, anglers, water skiers, scuba divers and canoeists can take steps to help prevent zebra mussels introduction into uninfested waters: -- Inspect your boat, trailer and all boating equipment that gets wet and remove any visible plants and animals before leaving any water body. -- Drain water from the motor, live well, bilge and transom wells while on land before leaving any water body. -- Empty your bait bucket on land before leaving the water body. Never release live bait into a water body, and never release aquatic animals from one water body into another. -- On your way or once home, wash and dry your boat, trailer, tackle and other boating equipment to kill veligers that may not be visible at the boat launch. Adult zebra mussels can survive 10 to 14 days in a moist environment such as a damp boat or gear, or even a wet cloth or rag. If the mussels are in completely dry surroundings, they will die within five days. Methods to kill the mussels and veligers include spraying the boat and trailer with highpressure water, drying the boat and equipment for at least five days before launching elsewhere, or rinsing the boat and any equipment that normally gets wet using a concentration of one-half cup salt to one gallon of hot water. Salt will kill the mussels, but a thorough rinse with fresh water is needed to prevent it from damaging gear. Adult zebra mussels can be found in other western Pennsylvania waters, including the Ohio River and lower portions of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. Other occurrences of zebra mussels have been reported from northwestern Pennsylvania lakes, such as Edinboro and Sandy lakes, as well as upper French Creek in Crawford County and Conewango Creek in Warren County. Zebra mussel sightings should be reported to James Grazio at 814-217-9636 or Sarah Whitney with Pennsylvania Sea Grant at 610-304-8753. For more information about aquatic invasive species and tips on how to clean your gear, visit the Fish and Boat Commission website.

NewsClip: Zebra Mussels Found In Conneaut Lake Stroud Water Research Center To Study Agricultural Contaminants In Costa Rica Lush and tropical Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species. The Rio Sierpe in the southwestern part of the country supports some of the Earths greatest biodiversity, and the high annual rainfall makes it well suited to rice farming in particular. However, pesticides and other contaminants from agriculture in the surrounding watershed pose an unknown threat to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to humans who eat contaminated fish and shellfish. To evaluate those threats, Stroud Water Research Center will work with the Rainforest Alliance and the Sustainable Agriculture Network in a new study. Scientists will not only identify contaminants but also contaminated species that threaten humans who consume them. The study is funded with a grant from the Blue Moon Fund, a landscape conservation group that focuses on regions of high biodiversity in Asia, North America, and the Tropical Americas. Adrian Forsyth, vice president of programs for the Blue Moon Fund, says the Center was chosen for the grant because of its long history of fieldwork in Costa Rica. He commented, Stroud Water Research Center is the premier institution focused on fresh water in North America and possibly the world. We are proud to work with them in understanding and protecting the Rio Sierpe wetlands, which are among the most important in Central America. Although a great deal has been done in the U.S. to reduce the risks to humans posed by pesticides used in agriculture, these threats still exist in the developing world, said Dr. William H. Eldridge, assistant research scientist at the Center. Eldridge along with Drs. Bernard W. Sweeney and David B. Arscott, director and assistant director of Stroud Water Research Center, make up the studys research team. Pesticides can reach streams in a variety of ways, and earlier research conducted by Center scientists has revealed that contamination is not limited to the site of application. Pesticides applied by plane or during the rainy season, a common practice in the area, can travel by wind and rainwater runoff to other areas such as drinking water supplies, freshwater habitats, and protected lands. Yet contaminant levels in the drinking water supplies are likely to be too low to detect using standard techniques, so researchers will collect fish and macroinvertebrates that are more fatty and longer living. Thats because pollutants, which are stored in fat cells, rise within an organism as it grows, and aquatic organisms may bioaccumulate environmental contaminants to more than 1 million times the concentrations detected in water. The species that are likely to pose the greatest threats to humans, said Eldridge, are those that are eaten regularly and that live in some or all of the Rio Sierpe near agricultural areas, so the team will collect samples from a variety of species. By testing contaminant levels in both sedentary organisms such as mussels and far-traveling ones like the black snook, the scientists can compare local and regional threats. The study will take place over the next 12 months, and researchers will make two trips to Costa Rica to collect samples once during Costa Ricas rainy season in the summer and again during the dry season in late fall. The trips are timed to coincide with agricultural pesticide applications, and the Rainforest Alliance will help identify areas likely to be contaminated. The

researchers will return to Stroud Water Research Center to analyze the samples they collect from those sites. This study will help us to better identify how pesticides and contaminants transfer and accumulate throughout an ecosystem, said Chris Wille, chief of agriculture at the Rainforest Alliance. Results from this study may offer valuable insight into the long-term implications of pesticide use that could be used to refine the Sustainable Agriculture Network standards that guide better farming practices. The research findings may offer additional insight into how agriculture impacts streams and rivers, and in turn, human health, in Pennsylvania as well as in Costa Rica. Eldridge added, Any one farm or sector of agriculture may have a significant impact on human health. On the other hand, when one farm adopts more environmentally sustainable farming practices, threats to humans may be reduced. For more information, visit the Stroud Water Research Center website. York County Joins Keep Pennsylvania Beautifuls Growing Grassroots Network Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is pleased to announce the newest affiliate to the growing Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network, Keep York County Beautiful. Keep York County Beautiful was developed with the support of the York County Commissioners and Penn State Cooperative Extension - York County - West Nile Virus Program. Thomas Smith will serve as the Affiliate Coordinator. Mr. Smith works for the West Nile Virus Program as the programs Administrator. Keep York County Beautiful will serve York County minus the City of York, which is served by Keep America Beautiful affiliate Keep York Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, a nonprofit organization based in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, has the mission of empowering Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean and beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful carries out their mission with the help of nineteen Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates and six Keep America Beautiful local affiliates across the state. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, along with their affiliates, have engaged more than 1,100,000 volunteers and nearly 15,000 communities in keeping Pennsylvania beautiful. They have properly disposed of almost 80 million pounds of littered trash from our communities and cleaned more than 93,000 miles of roadways, streams, trails, and greenways. The organizations three focus areas are Prevent It (litter and illegal dump prevention), Clean It (cleanup and community greening), and Keep It (proper waste handling and sustainable practices). By engaging volunteers, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful extends the reach of its educational efforts and multiplies the impact of its actions. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful believes education is the key to encourage positive behaviors toward community improvement and that improving communities, their environment, and quality of life all begins with personal responsibility. In July, 2010, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful released its report on illegal dumps in York County. The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful survey of the county, done in partnership with the Penn State Cooperative Extension - York County - West Nile Virus Program, identified 274

illegal dumpsites containing an estimated 263 tons of trash. The survey found that 36 of the 72 municipalities in the county have illegal dumping activity. Illegal dumpsites pose many threats to the health and safety of humans and wildlife, including giving mosquitoes a place to breed. West Nile Virus, carried by mosquitoes, has been a primary concern for environmental officials. An initial goal of Keep York County Beautiful will be to work with volunteer groups, municipalities, and community partners to get these sites cleaned and have them remain clean. Individuals and groups interested in volunteering can contact Keep York County Beautiful at 717-840-2375. DCNR Forests, Parks Participate in Deer Management Assistance Program Deer hunters again will find greater hunting opportunities in state forests and parklands participating in the Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program, or DMAP. The DMAP areas allow hunters an additional week of antlerless hunting opportunities in the participating areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' website will also provide hunters with a wealth of information designed to boost their success. The program enables DCNR and private landowners to more effectively manage whitetailed deer populations and curtail damage to forests and crops by allowing landowners to apply for permits to encourage antlerless harvests on their property. "Our biologists and foresters relied on detailed surveys and management plans to select areas where increased hunter participation would benefit forested habitat," said Bureau of Forestry Director Daniel Devlin. "Sixteen of our 20 state forest districts and 21 of 117 state parks will offer additional deer hunting opportunities this year through DMAP participation." DCNR enrolled 912,205 acres in DMAP for 2011 and sought 13,897 permits. On these state forest and park tracts, including 91,889 acres of parkland, hunters may harvest additional antlerless whitetails with a valid tag. DCNR received 13,898 permits for 930,464 acres in 2010. DCNR's DMAP strategy this year again takes into account shortened antlerless deer seasons in a number of Game Commission Wildlife Management Units. "Our DMAP areas provide hunters an additional week of antlerless hunting opportunities in these WMUs," Devlin noted. "This is an advantage for hunters who can only make it to camp or hunt certain areas the first week of the season. Using DMAP allows them to maximize their hunting opportunities." DCNR continues to adjust DMAP applications based on habitat conditions. For instance, several state forest districts will not participate in the program this year because of improved forest regeneration. "By focusing DMAP antlerless harvests in our other 16 forest districts and some of our state parks, hunters can help balance deer populations with available habitat, and promote healthy forests and healthy deer while enjoying quality hunting experiences," Devlin added, noting that Tuscarora, Weiser, Cornplanter and William Penn state forest districts will not be enrolled in DMAP. "In some areas where we have seen decades of overabundance, the DMAP program can serve as a tool to help those areas recover," Devlin said.

State park DMAP hunting areas can be found this year at: Bald Eagle, Centre County; Beltzville, Carbon County; Blue Knob, Bedford County; Canoe Creek, Blair County; Codorus, York County; Cook Forest, Clarion County; Gifford Pinchot, York County; Hickory Run, Carbon County; Keystone, Westmoreland County; Kings Gap, Cumberland County; Moraine, Butler County; Nescopeck, Luzerne County; Ohiopyle, Fayette County; Oil Creek, Venango County; Presque Isle, Erie County; Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County; Raccoon Creek, Beaver County; Ricketts Glen, Luzerne County; Ryerson Station, Greene County; Shawnee, Bedford County; and Tobyhanna, Monroe County. Permits can only be obtained directly from license issuing agents or the Game Commission website. Hunters may no longer apply at forest district or park offices, or on the DCNR website. Applicants for DMAP permits can find DCNR tract locations and maps, availability numbers, past hunter success rates and other information at the DCNR DMAP webpage. For more details, contact Ecological Services Section, Bureau of Forestry, 717-787-3444; or send email to: ra-askdcnr@state.pa.us. Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council Conference August 3-4 The Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council will hold its Sixth Invasive Plant Conference on August 3-4 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. The Conference theme is, "Tools and Techniques for Mapping, Managing and Mending Invaded Lands." Topics for the Conference include: early detection and prevention; invasive species mapping, monitoring and control; restoration; cooperative weed management partnerships; field demonstrations of GPS technologies, mechanical and chemical control techniques, herbicide selection, mixing and sprayer calibration and personal protective equipment; and the history, spread and control of wavyleaf basketgrass. Pesticide recertification credits will be available. For more information, please send email to Jan McFarlan at: jlm@upenn.edu. For more information and to register, visit the Conference webpage, courtesy of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. State Board Preserves Additional 1,469 Acres Of Prime Farmland An additional 1,469 acres of prime farmland on 16 farms have been protected through Pennsylvanias nationally recognized farmland preservation program this week. Pennsylvania is the national leader in farmland preservation, and today 16 more families protected their land from development, ensuring it will continue to be farmed for many generations, said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. I thank these families for their commitment to keeping our agriculture industry and economy growing. The farms approved by the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board today are in Adams, Beaver, Bucks, Columbia, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne and Susquehanna counties.

During the programs 23-year history, 451,994 acres on 4,173 farms have been safeguarded for future generations. The states farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, which was developed in 1988 to help slow the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. The program enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland. Since the programs inception, state, county and local governments have invested more than $1.1 billion to preserve farms. Greig added that farm succession planning is essential to ensuring producers are available to farm preserved land, and the Center for Farm Transitions can offer assistance to find the next generation of farmers. A number of resources are available at the Centers website. For more information, visit the Department of Agriculture's Farmland Preservation webpage. Western PA Conservancy Issues 2010 Annual Report The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy this week issued its 2010 Annual Report outlining its activities in land conservation, protecting and restoring rivers and streams, developing community gardens and greenspaces and more. Click Here to read a copy online.

Mayor Releases 2011 GreenWorks Philadelphia Progress Report This week Mayor Michael A. Nutter released the 2011 Greenworks Progress Report and unveiled a pilot green roof on the corner bus shelter, a collaborative project of the Philadelphia Water Department and Roofmeadow, a Philadelphia-based company that is a national leader in green roof design. Greenworks Philadelphia, a comprehensive sustainability plan to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America by 2015, is reducing Philadelphias vulnerability to rising energy prices, limiting the citys carbon footprint, and positioning Philadelphia as a leader in the emerging green economy. Mayor Nutter announced that in the two years since implementing the plan the City and its partners have started or completed work on 135 of the 151, or 89 percent, of Greenworks initiatives. Our commitment to sustainability is making Philadelphia a green city, attracting clean tech companies and increasing quality of life in our neighborhoods, said Mayor Nutter. Our great progress toward Greenworks goals not only benefits us today, but also sets the stage for Philadelphia to thrive in the future. Accomplishments during the second year of Greenworks implementation include:

-- Launch of EnergyWorks, a comprehensive energy efficiency solutions program offering energy audits and funded by ARRA dollars through the new, regional Metropolitan Caucus, lowinterest financing, and certified contractors for home and business owners in the Greater Philadelphia region. -- Installation of 55,000 and replacement of 30,000 LED traffic signals, saving over $1 million a year in electricity costs. -- Acceptance of Philadelphia Water Departments Green City, Clean Waters, a groundbreaking stormwater management plan, by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. -- Release of Green2015: An Action Plan for the First 500 Acres, a study establishing green space expansion strategies, by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and PennPraxis. -- Philadelphia Department of Public Healths launch of Get Healthy Philly program to reduce obesity by increasing access to healthy, affordable food and opportunities for physical activity. -- Installation of the first City-owned solar project, a 250 kW array at the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant. -- Weatherization of over 2,300 homes, saving low-income homeowners money on their energy bills. -- City Council legislation permitting the use of sustainable materials such as pervious pavement for sidewalk paving, and the Streets Department installing the Citys first porous pavement street, which reduces the number of pollutants that enter our waterways and creates safer driving conditions in hazardous weather. -- Reconstruction of the South Street Bridge with dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks, showcasing Citys dedication to complete streets. The City of Philadelphia is attracting significant attention for its sustainability efforts. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy chose to locate one of three national innovation clusters in Philadelphia. The Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster, located at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, is uniting a broad coalition of partners from across sectors to research and implement improvements in building energy efficiency. In the process, GPIC is transforming the Philadelphia area by showcasing new tools and technologies in local buildings and attracting the brightest minds in clean technology to the city. Greenworks is an ambitious plan, and the progress accomplished during the first two years of implementation proves that when Philadelphians work together, we can make great strides, said Katherine Gajewski, Director of Sustainability. Many thanks are due to City agencies for finding innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into their work, to our external partners their continuing efforts and new collaborations with the City, and to our residents for making green choices in their everyday lives. Green roofs like the one on the 15th and Market bus shelter decrease the amount of stormwater that enters the sewer system, reduce the urban heat island effect, and prolong the useful life of a roof. The technology is a great example of how, even in a small footprint, property owners can reduce their long term costs while making Philadelphia a more pleasant and healthier place to live. A copy of the 2011 Greenworks Progress Report is available online. Sustainable Energy Fund To Host Fact Based Shale Education As Part of Energypath 2011

Sustainable Energy Fund will be hosting a nonpartisan fact based Marcellus Shale educational program as part of Energypath 2011 on June 30 at DeSales University. "Extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale has become a very controversial issue," stated Jennifer Hopkins, President Sustainable Energy Fund. She continued, "We felt it was important for the leaders of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to learn the facts then be able to decide for themselves." The information on natural gas extraction from Marcellus Shale is being presented in two sessions. The first session starting at 8:30 am will be presented in an academic format and focus on what shale is, how it was formed, where it is and what is the process to extract natural gas from the shale. The second session starts at 12:15 pm with personal stories from those personally impacted by the extraction, both positively and negatively. Following the personal stories is a panel that features stakeholders from the various sides of each issue. The panelists include representatives from the business community, industry and environmental groups. Ms. Hopkins stated, "I would recommend these sessions to anyone who is tired of the talking points, over the top rhetoric and wants the facts so they can decide for themselves." The annual Energypath conference hosted by Sustainable Energy Fund provides a nonpartisan fact based venue for educating the leaders of today and tomorrow. This year's event is being held at DeSales University, 2755 Station Road, Center Valley, Pennsylvania June 29 and 30. Prospective attendees can register at the Energypath 2011 website. Senate Confirms Richard Allan As DCNR Secretary The Senate this week unanimously confirmed Richard J. Allan, of Camp Hill, Cumberland County, as secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "Richard Allan is a proven leader and commands a wealth of knowledge and experience in environmental and energy issues," Gov. Corbett said. "I am confident that his abilities and background will be a tremendous benefit to DCNR, especially during this critical time in the agency's history." Since 1991, Allan has served as executive director for the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware members of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, the national trade association that represents the recycling industry. Since 2005, he has also been a consultant to energy producers in the electric, wind, solar and coal sectors. Allan, 57, has served on the boards of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Pennsylvania Resources Council since 2000. Allan was also a member of the energy and environmental committees for Governor Corbett's transition team. Allan has long been involved in environmental interests. He was a founding member of Back Mountain Recreation, Inc., a recreation and environmental facility in Luzerne County. He was also a founding member of the North Branch Land Trust, which provides management to

more than 10,000 acres of land in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has also worked with the LACAWAC Sanctuary Foundation. He also served on the Department of Environmental Protections Solid Waste, Recycling Fund and Climate Change advisory committees, and the Recycling Markets Development Center Allan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences/Biology from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre in 1976. He was vice president and general manager of Allan Industries from 1975 to 1991. Allan and his wife, Patricia, live in Camp Hill and have two adult daughters. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is charged with maintaining and preserving the 117 state parks; managing the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas. NewsClips: Senate Confirms Allan As DCNR Head NE PA Native Confirmed For State DCNR Post Renew Growing Greener Coalition Welcomes Confirmation Of DCNR Secretary Allan Renew Growing Greener Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath this week issued the following statement commending the Senates confirmation of Richard Allan as Secretary for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources earlier this week. Secretary Allan is a proven leader who has spent his career working to improve Pennsylvanias environment in the recycling and energy industries. He has been a champion for conservation and recreation through his work with several non-profit organizations including a founding member of the North Branch Land Trust and Back Mountain Recreation, Inc.; a member of the LACAWAC Sanctuary Foundation; and a member of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Pennsylvania Resources Council. The Coalition also recognizes the important role the Secretary played in the passage of Growing Greener I and the Environmental Stewardship Fund. We look forward to working with Secretary Allan to ensure that programs like Growing Greener provide DCNR with the necessary funding for the protection of our natural resources, conservation of open space and provision of state and local recreation opportunities while helping to grow local economies. Growing Greener is a proven national model of how to effectively repair the environmental scars from our industrial heritage while continuing to improve the quality of life in our communities and create jobs. With money running out in the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the main source of funding for Growing Greener, its more important than ever that we work together to continue the decade of successes the program has realized. Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a tremendous legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands.&nbsp;

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing nearly 300 organizations and government entities. Opportunity To Bid On DEP Gas Well Plugging Project In Jefferson County The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on plugging an abandoned gas well in Jefferson County.

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. June 30-- Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants June 30-- DEP Nitrogen Tire Inflation System Grants June 30-- ARIPPA, WPCAMR, EPCAMR Reclamation/AMD Grants July 11-- PROP Annual Recycling FilmFest Competition July 29-- PAEP Karl Mason Award Nominations July 31-- DCNR South Mountain Mini-Grants No Deadline-- DEP County Waste Planning Grants August-- EPA/American Rivers Potomac Highlands Restoration Grants August 26-- Foundation for PA Watersheds Grants September 1-- TKF Foundation Open Space Sacred Places Grants September 1-- PEMA Volunteer Fire Company Grants September 4-- Chester County Green Business Awards September 16-- EPA Apps For The Environment Challenge November 30-- iConservePA CSI Pennsylvania Super Sleuth Sweepstakes! December 31-- President's Environmental Youth Awards -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee

Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Rep. Quinn Seeks Fee On Gas Drilling Wagner: Schools Should Benefit From Marcellus Shale Upper Dublin Hosts Growing Greener Forum Chester County Commissioners Support Growing Greener Other NE PA Native Confirmed For State DCNR Post Senate Confirms Allan As DCNR Head Recycling Along The Susquehanna River Commons E-Cycling Proves Popular Philadelphia Lands No. 2 Spot On Dirty-City List Unveiling Philadelphia's 1st Green Roof Bus Shelter June 15 PECO Offers Customers $120 For Energy Savings Program PECO Gets Competition For Residential Customers Power Plant In York Latest To Run On Natural Gas Recharging Stations For Electric Vehicles Touted Penn State Eco Car Team In 3rd Year Of Competition Using, Improving Public Transit Key, Sierra Club Reg Says Wind Developer Gets Erie Landowners On Board Fight For Solar Power Heats Up Longwood Gardens Dedicates New Solar Field 18th Century Manor Faces Longwall Mining Peril History Being Undermined On Avella Farm FirstEnergy Sweetens Offer To Community For Fly Ash Dump Despite Overtures, Residents Wary Of Fly Ash Dump Miners Honored In Windber Celebration Op-Ed: Reducing Power Plant Emissions Can Improve Health Op-Ed: Emission Limits Mean Fewer Jobs, Higher Electric Bills Op-Ed: Coal Has Critical Role In PA, Nation SW Regional Commission Promotes Sustainable Transportation Op-Ed: E-Billboards Are Eyesores Pop-Up Garden Sprouts In Center City Philadelphia Editorial: North Park Treasure Back In Its Glory Ohioplyle Kickoff Event Focuses On Invasive Plant Species Invasive Giant Hogweed Appears In Western PA

Zebra Mussels Found In Conneaut Lake Paddle Penn's Landing Is Back With A Splash! Proposed Pittsburgh To Freeport Trail Plan Progresses Great Allegheny Passage Trail Nears Finish Partnership Adopts Trail At Presque Isle 272 Acres Underdeveloped Land Will Be Protected End To Sunday Hunting Ban Is Debated Ridge Center Supporters To Give Environmental Award

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Leading Marcellus Geologist Advocates Forced Pooling Of Gas Ridge: Marcellus Drillers Must Improve Image, Reassure Public DEP Examines Report Of Gas In Lycoming County Wells State Eyes New Instance Of Methane Near Drilling Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate Rep. Quinn Seeks Fee On Gas Drilling Wagner: Schools Should Benefit From Marcellus Shale PA To Monitor Cancer, Other Illnesses In Fracking Areas Health Department Not Tracking Drilling Illness Claims Marcellus Shale Health Data To Be Tracked PA Health Chief Wants to Analyze Drilling Areas Op-Ed: Will Gas Companies Steal Our Stream? Region's Landowners Want Gas To Stay Here Natural Gas Prices Set To Jump With Exports Editorial: Exporting Natural Gas, Words Of Caution Fracking Sets Off Boom In Gas Suppliers

Debate On Drilling, Amending The Environment Editorial: Cawley vs. DEP On Natural Gas Bonanza Marcellus Task Force Plans Forum In Fayette County Schuylkill County Marcellus Shale Task Force Holds 1st Meeting Wyoming County Officials Propose Drilling-Related Changes Benton Approves Gas Well But Requires Monitor Drilling Wastewater Plant Seeks Hearing to Avert Shutdown Wyoming County To Update Rules For Natural Gas Pipelines Williams Plans To Move Metering Station Dallas Twp. Gas Metering Station Still In Works Chief Creates New Plans For Natural Gas Metering Station Newton Hears From Gas Expert On Community Rights Ordinance Hearing On Drilling Packs Murrysville Council Room North Huntingdon Adopts Coal and Gas Drilling Regulations Reed Smith, K&L, Gates Handle ExxonMobil's Marcellus Buy State Fire Academy To Aid Responders Training PA Gas Drilling Hearing In DC Draws Backers, Opponents DC Was Ban Fracking vs. Drill Baby Drill Raucous Crowd Meets On Shale Debate Op-Ed: Drilling Study Merits Review Rather Than Biased Reaction Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale And The Pennsylvania Constitution Financial Marcellus Aids PA Jobless Rate Effects Of Gas Drilling In PA Unknown Penn State Economist Says Power Plant In York Latest To Run On Natural Gas

Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Volunteers Sought For Western PA River Sweep Ohio River Sweep Set For Saturday Frackville Authority Considers Selling Nitrogen, Phosphorus Credits New Chesapeake Bay Standards Challenge Farmers Revising Strategies On Delaware Waterfront PA Monitors Ridley Park Lake After 1,000 Fish Die Allentown To Spend $8.6 Million To Replace Water Meters Editorial: Head To The River And Revel In It

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Environmental Quality Board published final regulations on incidental coal extraction, bonding and enforcement.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - June 18, 2011 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage Rolling Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of nutrient credit trading actions. DEP also published notice of changes to individuals and companies certified to perform radonrelated activities (PA Bulletin page 3153). Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. NOTE: In this budget season, Committee meetings can happen at anytime without any notice to move any bill that might be part of a budget agreement. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. June 20-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 995 (Baker-RLuzerne) requiring the posting of certain emergency information for each gas well, House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) amending Act 319 to authorize the splitting off of land for noncoal mining, House Bill 144 (Pickett-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize taxation of oil and gas well production. Rules Room. Off the Floor. June 21-- NEW. House State Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 263 (Erickson-R-Delaware) requiring data to support rulemakings. Room B-31. 10:00. June 21-- NEW. Senate Local Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 394 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further providing for local authority to preserve open space. Room 8EA East Wing. 10:00.

June 21-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is July 19. (formal notice) June 21-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. June 22-- Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) June 23-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee, Land Use and Transportation Subcommittee meeting. 15th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 1:00. (formal notice) June 23-- Agenda Released. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. June 23-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting/hearing. Cecil College Conference Center, North East, MD. 8:30. (formal notice) June 24-- PA Energy Development Authority meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) June 27-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Local Impact and Emergency Response Work Group meeting. 2nd Floor Training Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. June 28-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Public Health, Safety and Environmental Protection Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. June 29-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Infrastructure Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. June 30-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Economic and Workforce Development Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. July 12-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee, Energy Production, Transmission and Distribution Subcommittee meeting. 15th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 1:30. (formal notice) July 14-- New Location. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Elk County Visitor Center, Benezette. 9:00. (formal notice) August 23-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

August 25-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) September 16-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) December 6-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) DEP Calendar of Events Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (PA Center for Environmental Education) Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

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