Pa Environment Digest April 8, 2013

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa April 8, 2013

DEP Celebrates Earth Month With Full Calendar Of Environmental Activities

The Department of Environmental Protection kicked off

Earth Month Monday with the launch of its Earth Day

Central webpage and the announcement that the agency will

display its interactive DEP at Home exhibit in the EastWing Rotunda of the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg,

Dauphin County, from April 22-26.

Earth Day on Monday, April 22, is an annual global observance that reminds people to do their

part to care for the Earths air, land and water.

"This interactive exhibit has significant educational value, and I am delighted we have the

opportunity to share it with fellow Commonwealth employees and visitors to the Capitol, especially

students, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. I encourage anyone who can to stop by and see it

during Earth Week.

DEP at Home is an interactive, educational exhibit fashioned into a home structure that features

practices and products promoting energy efficiency and environmentally beneficial products for thehome. It was created through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energys State Energy

Program.

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building is open to visitors weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DEPs energy experts will be at the exhibit daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer visitors questions

and share details about the exhibit. All visitors must go through a visitor entrance to gain access to the

Capitol.

In addition to visiting the DEP at Home exhibit, the agency encourages all Pennsylvanians to visi

the Earth Month page of its website to post events around the state to the virtual calendar and learn

about activities that DEPs regional offices and other organizations are hosting, as well as Great

American Cleanup of Pennsylvania events.The Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania, an annual effort DEP sponsors, is happening

now through May 31 to encourage communities and individuals to organize cleanup events throughout

the state.

There will also be a free DEP at Home webinar, Watch Your Waste, on April 3, from 7 to 8

p.m.

Award Announcements

During Earth Month, DEP will announce the winners of its new Employee Recognition Awards,
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the Environmental Education grants and the Governors Awards for Environmental Excellence.

For more information, visit the Earth Day Central webpage.

PUC: Drilling Impact Fee Revenue Drops Below $200 Million This Year

The Tribune Review reported Wednesday the state will collect about $6 million less in drilling feerevenues for the 2012 reporting year than during the first year of collections-- $198 million versus $204

million-- bringing the total collected so far to $402 million.

Lower natural gas prices and a lower second year fee for some wells resulted in the reduction.

The Impact Fee producer payments for 2012 were due to the Public Utility Commission April 1.

Act 13 is a law that has helped bring Pennsylvania forward both economically and

environmentally, Gov. Corbett said. In addition to enacting some of the most rigorous environmental

standards in the nation, weve brought in more than $400 million for our communities directly impacted

by unconventional drilling, along with other environmental efforts across the state.

As this industry grows, benefitting all Pennsylvanians with thousands of new jobs, lower energy

prices, and increased energy independence, Act 13 has played a key part in our role making sure that itgrows safely and responsibly, Corbett said.

Payments for some wells are still being challenged by some producers. As per the law, disputed

wells are not reflected in the current data available. Any additional payments received from these

disputed wells will be updated on the website and included in the 2012 Reporting Year disbursement if

they are received prior to when the calculations are made to distribute the funds.

I am pleased to see the positive effect that the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee revenue funds are

having across our state, said Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). This reasonable impact fee on the

industry provides the necessary funding to protect Pennsylvanias natural resources, particularly during a

time when we continue needing to find ways to stretch our tax dollars.

Sen. Scarnati was a chief architect of the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, which wasenacted last year after considerable discussion among state government, local government, citizens,

representatives of environmental groups and representatives of the industry.

The law protects the environment by providing for environmental safeguards, while also

imposing a reasonable annual impact fee on each well.

The passage of Act 13 last year was a major achievement for Pennsylvania residents, Sen.

Scarnati said. The Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation is the result of great collaboration between

Gov. Corbett, members of the House of Representatives and my colleagues in the Senate.

The provisions laid forth in Act 13 are ensuring that our environment is protected, counties and

municipalities receive the funding they need and also place an increased level of transparency on natural

gas drilling, Sen. Scarnati said. The feedback and response we have received from individuals

regarding Act 13 is extremely positive, yet I am amazed that there are local officials in Derry Township

Westmoreland County, for example, who are actually complaining about receiving millions of dollars for

local projects.

Sen. Scarnati also stated that the zoning provisions laid forth in Act 13 are currently being

reviewed by the Supreme Court.

The shale industry has brought tens of thousands of family-sustaining jobs and economic

growth to Pennsylvania, hopefully including a soon-to-be $2 billion ethane cracker plant. It is important
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that we continue to see this significant economic growth within our state. It is my hope that the Supreme

Court will recognize the importance of providing the industry with increased stability through validating

the zoning provisions in Act 13, Sen. Scarnati said.

Marcellus Shale Coalition CEO Kathryn Klaber issued the following statement regarding the

release of 2012 impact fee revenue data by the Public Utility Commission:

This is more exciting news for the Commonwealth, with literally every Pennsylvanian benefitingfrom responsible Marcellus development, even as commodity prices remain at historic lows.

These funds, in addition to the hundreds of millions in natural gas-related tax revenue, are

ensuring that critical projects and investments will continue across the state, regardless of where natural

gas production occurs.

Its also a stark reminder that these benefits should not be tempered by policies that discourage

safe, tightly-regulated natural gas development, especially as it relates to local zoning.

Interactive Fee Webpage

The PUC Wednesday introduced an interactive website that allows users to better examine

information related to the collection and distribution of the states unconventional gas well Impact Fee.

In administering the Impact Fee, the PUC has been unwavering in our efforts to be transparentwith the implementation of the law, said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. This website takes that

to the next level by providing an interactive, searchable resource where residents, local officials or

anyone interested in the Impact Fee can view what money was collected and distributed as well as the

calculations behind those numbers.

The website includes graphical data analysis including the top paying producers, well count

breakdowns and top collecting counties and local governments.

Additional information on the amount of money expected for 2012 as well as the amount of

money collected to date can be found on the website.

Payments for some wells are still being challenged by some producers. As per the law, disputed

wells are not reflected in the current data available. Any additional payments will be reflected as they arereceived before calculations are made to disburse the funds.

Users also can search statistics such as money paid by producers or money dispersed to state,

county or local government. The information also breaks down the distribution calculations outlined in

the law in areas such as eligible wells per county/ municipality and distributions to municipalities and

counties with qualifying wells and to municipalities that are located within a county with qualifying well

and are contiguous to a municipality with wells or within five miles of a municipality with wells (based o

population and highway miles calculations).

Distributions of the Impact Fee by the PUC are due to county and municipal governments by

July 1. County and municipal government information on how the 2011 Impact Fee monies were spent

are due to the PUC by April 15.

On February 14, 2012, Gov. Corbett signed into law Act 13 of 2012, the Unconventional Gas

Well Impact Fee Act, which amended Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

The PUC is responsible for implementing the provisions contained in Chapters 23 and 33 of the

Act. Chapter 23 provides for the imposition, collection and distribution of an unconventional gas well

fee (also called a drilling impact fee).

Chapter 33 governs local ordinances that impose conditions, requirements or limitations on oil

or gas operations.
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For more information, visit the PUCs Act 13 Drilling Impact Fees webpage.

At its April 16 meeting, DEPs Citizens Advisory Council will hear a presentation from PUC

Commissioner Pamela Witmer on Act 13 drilling fees received and how it was distributed.

NewsClips:

Drop In Natural Gas Prices Hits Drilling Fee RevenuePA Will Get 3 Percent Less In Drilling Fees

Impact Fee Proceeds Decline With Price Of Gas

Towns To See Fewer Drilling Fee Dollars

Corbett Announces 2013 Environmental Excellence Award Winners

Gov. Tom Corbett Thursday announced that 19 organizations involved in 16 environmental projects

from across the state will receive the 2013 Governors Award for Environmental Excellence.

This administration values innovation and hard work that positively impacts the environment,

Corbett said. These organizations have proven that they too take those principles to heart.Any Pennsylvania business, school, government agency, trade organization, non-profit

organization or agribusiness that has completed projects to promote environmental stewardship and

economic development was eligible to apply for the award.

The winners were selected by DEP and the non-profit organization Pennsylvania Environmental

Council.

PEC will host a dinnerto honor the award winners April 17 at the Hilton in downtown

Harrisburg. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan will be the

keynote speaker.

Every year, I am impressed by the diversity of the award winners and the many ways they

innovate, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. Their efforts play a big part in protecting Pennsylvaniasair, land and water.

The winning projects include beekeeping, abandoned mine reclamation, brownfields

redevelopment, road improvements and the use of alternative energy, among others.

The 19 winners of the 2013 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards are listed below, by

county and project location:

Allegheny

-- Propel Andrew St. High School High School Beekeeping

-- RiverQuest Exploring the Marcellus Shale Outreach Program and

-- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Creation of an Energy and Environmental Engineering

Department at a Healthcare Facility

Berks

-- East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. Grid Scale Energy Storage Demonstration for Ancillary Services

Using Deka Unigy Ultrabattery Technology

Delaware

-- The Boeing Company Central Utility Plant Building 86-4-14

Elk

-- Bennett Branch Watershed Association Dents Run Watershed Restoration Project (see related
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story)

-- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Dents Run Watershed Restoration Project

-- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Dents Run Watershed Restoration Project and

-- P&N Coal Company, Inc. Dents Run Watershed Restoration Project

Huntingdon

-- Shoups Run Watershed Association Miller Run Brook Trout Enhancement ProjectLancaster

-- Klines Services Phase II: Methane Digester Electrical Generation and

-- Rettew Associates Inc. Chesapeake Energy Roadway Restoration and Upgrade

Lehigh

-- The Seed Farm New Farmer Training Program

Luzerne

-- Earth Conservancy Huber IV Mine Land Reclamation Project

Lycoming

-- Jersey Shore Steel Company Making and Marketing the Worlds Greenest Steel (Facility located in

Clinton County)Potter

-- Hoopes Turf Farm Inc. The Ulysses Liquefied Natural Gas Vehicle Diesel Reduction Project

Schuylkill

-- Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Schuylkill Action Network Source Water Protection Initiative

York

-- Harley Davidson Motor Company Inc. Harley Davidson Promotes Redevelopment in York

County and

-- SPX Cooling Technologies Lean and Clean Manufacturing

For more information, visit the Governors Award for Environmental Excellence webpage.

NewsClip:Earth Conservancy Earns Statewide Environmental Award

Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of

topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.

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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 latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

Senate

April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30

May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

House

April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Bill Calendars

House (April 8): House Resolution 129 (Causer-R-Forest) directing the Legislative Budget and

Finance Committee to investigate combining the Game and Fish and Boat Commissions. Click Here

for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (April 8): Senate Bill 177 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing a task force on Lyme

Disease and related diseases. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
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House: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider bills related to the

House Republican Marcellus Works Initiative-- House Bill 302 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds

from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert small mass transit

bus fleets to natural gas, House Bill 303 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas

Lease Fund to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert large mass transit fleets to natural gas,House Bill 306 (Pickett-R- Bradford) redirecting the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund to create the

Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to natural gas, House Bill 307

(Evankovich-R- Armstrong) amending the Air Pollution Control Act to eliminate duplication of

certification for natural gas vehicles, House Bill 308 (Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually

from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions to natural gas the Finance Committee meets

to consider bills related to the House Republican Marcellus Works Initiative-- House Bill 301

(Saylor-R-York) providing for a natural gas vehicle fleet tax credit, House Bill 305

(Denlinger-R-Lancaster) providing for a natural gas corridor tax credit, House Bill 309

(Grove-R-York) providing for a natural gas vehicle tax credit. Click Here for full House Committee

Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--

House

Appropriations

EducationEnvironmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice
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Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Natural Gas Access Act:Senate Bill 738 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) directing natural gas distribution utilities

to submit plans to the PUC relating to expansion of natural gas services. A summary of the bill is

available. [Note: was referred to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.]

Natural Gas Conversions: Senate Bill 739 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) amending the Alternative energy

Investment Act to provide $15 million in grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to

schools, hospitals and small businesses to obtain access to natural gas. [Note: was referred to the

Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.]

Surface Owner Protection: Senate Bill 780 (Kasunic-D-Somerset) providing for surface owners

damages resulting from oil and gas operations. A summary is available.

Health Registry: Senate Bill 790 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) allocating $2 million from the natural gas

drilling fees for a health registry. A summary is available.

Natural Gas Tier II:House Bill 1062 (Moul-R-Adams) adding natural gas to Tier II of the

Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. A summary is available.

Natural Gas Tier I:House Bill 1073 (Moul-R-Adams) adding natural gas to Tier I of the Alternative

Energy Portfolio Standards. A summary is available.

News From The Capitol

Senate Resolution Urges Support For Study Of Converting State Fleet To Natural Gas

Sen. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) is again introducing a resolution-- Senate Resolution 38-- urging the

Department of General Services to study whether it should convert more state vehicles to run on natural

gas.Pennsylvania is at the forefront of the natural gas industry and our resource supply puts us in a

position to reap great benefits from using this asset wisely, he said. One of the ways in which we can

do this is by setting an example for the Commonwealth by using natural gas in our state fleet.

Many gasoline powered vehicles can be cost-effectively converted to run on natural gas,

Solobay said. While many private companies have converted truck fleets to take advantage of

historically low natural gas prices, consumer conversions have been hampered by a lack of refueling

infrastructure.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DR%26BN%3D0038&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHS0zR4btxbT7_MDTan5TNYfgcM0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D10460&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEytMoVnxRsCiue2zdG41q4z-GwZghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1073&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEkpifSdApNvxsVGzKWO9_uFl-o3Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D10454&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMxOiu_vgxU3NTbufn-1NGCDpslwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1062&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHwRxz1-sJZ5np2ySaPNF1Z8pdumwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D9868&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPrwbFyx1E1EhpfeD8FfYqJk5W4ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0790&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGeRRWdsKiJMMXfiHnakGiipU5N6Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D11426&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGSuTZGe2GUWg16PfJuQQdMoOzxAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0780&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxVqTD0oqLEsAPfHkdZiKTUg1ygghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0739&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQ4ok45jm-LrFTJ_6vq9BQCseX-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D9820&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-xId0FoEQOSEatTtCjg30yAS5lQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0738&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHWu9IpOoac0J5w3I1jkZ_HTBE6Hwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIg


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If we could convert the state fleet that would kick-start the development of refueling stations in

all corners of the state and it could have a snowball effect, he said. More refueling stations could lead

to more converted cars and that would mean less dependence on foreign oil.

With the exploration of gas deposits in the Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania has become a leader

in natural gas production and the production could spin-off other economic benefits.

If we want to keep the jobs and the economic benefit of natural gas drilling, we have to helpcreate new markets, Sen. Solobay said. Building momentum toward widespread use of this cheaper,

cleaner fuel will pay dividends to future generations.

Proposed Bill Eliminates Anti-Degradation Rule For Onlot Systems In HQ, EV Watersheds

Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) circulated a memo this week asking House members to sign on to a bill

which would prohibit DEP from applying its anti-degradation rule to the consideration of onlot sewage

modules in High Quality and Exceptional Value watersheds.

Rep. Maloney said his legislation was prompted by a proposal from DEP to apply

anti-degradation requirements to onlot systems the agency was directed to put forward as a result of anEnvironmental Hearing Board decision directing the department to act.

"This proposed guidance will have a significant impact on growth and development across the

state as many developing areas simply cannot locate large sewage treatment facilities neither nearby nor

in a cost effective manner, said Rep. Maloney. Likewise, the proposed onlot requirements will make

it too difficult to locate these systems in economical way stifling building projects and further straining

our economy. Perhaps most troubling, these restrictions will ultimately deny Pennsylvanians of the right

to use their land.Property owners invest in their land and they establish estates for their children.

Overly burdensome regulations like these do little more than rob such assets from our

residents, Rep. Maloney said. "We've been able to protect our water while balancing the need for on

lot systems" with our existing regulations.Lee McDonnell, Director of the Bureau of Point and Non-Point Source Management, provided

the DEP Citizens Advisory Council with an overview of new procedures DEP is developing for

reviewing sewage modules in High Quality and Exceptional Value watersheds at its meeting in March.

Click Here for a copy of his presentation.

McDonnell noted the new procedures were prompted by two Environmental Hearing Board

decisions-- Pine Creek Watershed Association v. DEP-- directing DEP to consider the impacts of onlot

septic systems on HQ and EV streams during its review process.

McDonnell said the proposed review process gives onlot sewage module applicants options

they can mix and match to achieve the right water quality protection factors. Those options include: one

acre or more lot size, setback distances from streams or wetlands, riparian buffers and in-ground

barriers between the systems and streams.

He noted the proposed process is undergoing public review and the department is open to

considering ways to improve the process.

Click Here for a copy of the proposal under review by DEPs Sewage Advisory Committee.

House Republicans Set To Move Marcellus Works Natural Gas Conversion Bills
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fsewage_advisory_committee_(sac)%2F14015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxbDcTyNJQ8IaYPNLfwyRCpfRe-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2013_03%2FSAC_02_8_2013_KHC.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGwTdcTCeonrLd3ZYZvI-O891qgCg


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The House Finance Committee on April 9 and the House Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee on April 10 are scheduled to consider an eight bill package designed to promote the

conversion of vehicles and fleets to natural gas called Marcellus Works.

Funding for the programs would come from diverting monies from DCNRs Oil and Gas Lease

Fund and DEPs Clean Air Fund.

The Finance Committee will meet in Room 60 East Wing at 9:45 on April 9 to consider---- House Bill 301 (Saylor-R-York) providing for a natural gas vehicle fleet tax credit

-- House Bill 305 (Denlinger-R-Lancaster) providing for a natural gas corridor tax credit and

-- House Bill 309 (Grove-R-York) providing for a natural gas vehicle tax credit.

The Environmental Committee will meet in Room 60 East Wing at 9:00 on April 10 to

consider--

-- House Bill 302 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to DEP for a

competitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas

-- House Bill 303 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to DEP for a

competitive grant program to convert large mass transit fleets to natural gas

-- House Bill 306 (Pickett-R- Bradford) redirecting the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund to create theKeystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to natural gas

-- House Bill 307 (Evankovich-R- Armstrong) amending the Air Pollution Control Act to eliminate

duplication of certification for natural gas vehicles and

-- House Bill 308 (Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance

vehicle conversions to natural gas.

News From Around The State

DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On Drilling Fee Income, Distribution

At its April 16 meeting, DEPs Citizens Advisory Council will hear a presentation from PUC

Commissioner Pamela Witmer on revenue received from the Act 13 drilling impact fees and how those

monies were distributed.

Also on the agenda is an update on natural gas radiation study and a summary of comments

received on natural gas distribution facility general permit by Vince Brisini, DEP Deputy Secretary for

Air, Radiation and Remediation.

The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at

11:00.

Click Here for a copy of the agenda and more information.

Formerly Polluted Bennett Branch To Be Stocked With 1,000 Trout In Elk County

Thanks to the Department of Environmental Protections

successful Hollywood acid mine drainage treatment plant, the

Bennett Branch and Toby Creek watershed associations and the

Potter County Anglers Club will celebrate the waterways

rebirth on April 6 and stock 1,000 trout above and below the
http://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBennettBranchWatershedAssociation&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHI7LLmWiwdHMIwhjEcQFBzTL51AQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F14033&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvSPGNj4MAq0x97x8V18XTgGhmRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fcitizens_advisory_council%2F14019&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF9oYZJjwH_HdKdy-xvEEOmDb5Dnghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D308&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHGqOXrNceNDDAtp961TjKqcKUjaghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D307&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG36or8PcT22wIntCNtMHT5dKMLzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D306&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEQ5XpIBNrlB1W6z90SCPXEL1US7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D302&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHudtyRQc1qIXWr2XYhEEE94ODKlghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D309&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtdaoL1dnXLQ1QmdsQ1Z39XLIlDQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D309&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtdaoL1dnXLQ1QmdsQ1Z39XLIlDQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D305&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJxdPOqkxlnbBg3doDnej2zrk4iwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D301&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFMDo1DvI5QGywkAi5NDPTMyKG7CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marcellusworks.net%2FNewsItem.aspx%3FNewsID%3D10955&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEt9MlZm6eE6xGQuwiZVBz8MwkDsQ


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plant near the Clearfield-Elk counties border.

In less than a year, the Hollywood plant has treated 21 separate discharges from four

abandoned deep mines, raising the pH from 3.8 to neutral and removing harmful metals like iron,

aluminum and manganese, DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner said. Bennett

Branch is now so healthy that trout stocking will be done for the first time, which is sure to increase

tourism in that area and benefit local angler-related businesses.The trout stocking will be done by the Potter County Anglers Club as part of the Fish and Boat

Commissions Cooperative Nursery Program.

This is a milestone in the recovery of the Bennett Branch, Fish and Boat Commission

Executive Director John Arway said. Thanks to remediation efforts led by DEP, I am pleased to say

that it is now fishable again. The Bennett Branch is one of the few places east of the Mississippi River

where one can now fish for trout and listen to the bugle of Rocky Mountain elk.

The $14.5 million plant began operating in July 2012 and covers 41 acres. Designed by DEPs

Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and operated by the agencys Bureau of Conservation and

Restoration, it can treat an average of 4,000 gallons per minute of acid mine drainage.

The project was funded by $12 million from the states Capital Budget and $2 million from theGrowing Greener program. Annual operating and maintenance costs of $400,000 are being funded by

DEPs Acid Mine Drainage Set-Aside program, which is funded by a fee placed on each ton of coal

mined in the country.

The federal Office of Surface Mining collects the fees and returns some of the money to states

like Pennsylvania that have historic acid mine drainage problems.

DEP chose the Bennett Branch location for the project because about 70 percent of the land

within its nearly 400-square-mile watershed is on state game land or state forest land. It is also within

the scenic, rugged area designated as PAWilds, and it is the home of Pennsylvanias elk herd.

The local Bennett Branch Watershed Association has been an active partner with DEP for many

years in watershed restoration efforts and will be awarded one of the Governors 2013 Awards forEnvironmental Excellence for another project in Elk County.

The Hollywood plant mixes lime with the acid water removes the metals in a 180-foot diameter

clarifier and pumps alkaline sludge back into the deep mines. A major treatment component of the

facility is a 4.5-acre polishing pond, which holds 10 million gallons of water five to nine feet deep,

depending on flow. Water flows through the pond before entering the stream.

The plant, built by Kukurian Contracting Inc. of Export, Westmoreland County, also has a

number of safety features, including an emergency generator with enough fuel stored on site to operate

the facility for two days in the event of a major power failure. If necessary, a plant operator can use a

laptop computer to remotely control the facility.

In addition to the Hollywood plant, DEP has been working since 2004 with the Bennett Branch

Watershed Association, several other state and federal agencies and the active mining industry to

reclaim abandoned mine sites and improve water quality throughout the Bennett Branch Watershed.

Since then, more than 1,000 acres of abandoned mine land has been reclaimed six coal refuse

piles have been reprocessed and five smaller mine drainage discharges have been treated with wetland,

or passive, treatment systems. The majority has been on state game lands or state forest lands.

Wildlands Conservancy Invites Friend Of The Lehigh River Nominations
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24926&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH4FCG_Gzmmq4GhucwdjkCFxD09pghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24926&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH4FCG_Gzmmq4GhucwdjkCFxD09pghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcli%2Fpawilds%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGnsaUde9IMdHa16XBfSH5nNIULkw


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The Wildlands Conservancy is seeking nominations for its Friend of the Lehigh River Awards which

annually recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, institutions, or government entities fo

their commitment to preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Lehigh River and its watershed.

Nominations are due May 17 and can be submitted by a one-page summary of the nominees

accomplishments and justification for receiving the award. Contact information of the nominee and thegroup or individual making the nomination should be included.

This years award winners will be announced during Wildlands Conservancys Lehigh River

Sojourn Closing Ceremony held at Wildlands Conservancys Pool Wildlife Sanctuary on June 24.

Last years Friend of the Lehigh River Award winners were: Mario Spangoletti, member of the

Whitehall Township Environmental Advisory Council Tom Shive, retired Central Catholic High School

teacher and champion for the schools EnviroMentor program and the Hokendauqua Chapter #535 of

Trout Unlimited.

Nominations should be sent to: Friend of the Lehigh River Award Nomination Committee, c/o

Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, PA 18049 or email nominations to:

[email protected] more information, contact Megan Sciarrino, director of annual fund and communications, at

610-965-4397, ext. 116 or send email to: [email protected].

Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team Publishes Annual Report

The Conemaugh Valley Conservancys Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team has published its 2012 annual

report, which is available fordownload on its website.

In 2012, the Stream Team engaged over 100 people in its water monitoring and environmental

education programs, as well as in special projects, like stream and roadside litter cleanups, a native

plant garden, and field studies for a coldwater conservation plan.These individuals contributed more than 1,300 hours of in-kind service, valued at well over

$28K, to the Stream Team. Please view the annual report for more details and accomplishments.

The Stream Team is pleased to be the recipient of two recently awarded DEP Growing Greener

grants that will support its water monitoring programs. Another Growing Greener grant was awarded to

the Poconos Northeast Resource Conservation and Development Council for C-SAW ( Consortium for

Scientific Assistance to Watersheds), of which the Stream Team is a part.

These funds sustain and wisely grow the Stream Team. Well over a dozen watershed and

conservation groups benefit from a partnership with the Stream Team and others can request assistance

through C-SAW. In 2013,Natural Biodiversity will be working with the Stream Team to offer

technical assistance and mentoring to eligible groups through C-SAW.

The Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin encompasses portions of Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana,

Somerset and Westmoreland counties.

For more details on this assistance or any of the Stream Team projects, please call

814-444-2669 or send email to: [email protected].

Wissahickon Creek Clean Up Needs You On April 27
mailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.naturalbiodiversity.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH7jsE3eiTyM9FoyhZYVrE7YwLzcAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpa.water.usgs.gov%2Fcsaw%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFUlHxoKNqB-iMv5xEmtz64v94bFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpa.water.usgs.gov%2Fcsaw%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFUlHxoKNqB-iMv5xEmtz64v94bFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org%2Fconservation%2Fpdf%2F2012_Annual_Report_-_FINAL_2.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGyGCRGOU3CvzDv8LDWocny7npZNQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org%2Fconservation%2Fkcst.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSsoHU-11e06MrRFpzLjwiLbQQiwmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwildlandspa.org%2Feducation%2Fpool.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpr-xk8nHRH8Nildlv9BYHi672vwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwildlandspa.org%2Feducation%2Flehigh_river_sojourn.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF8l4x8vH1KZvHPZLpptIkrRGDr3Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwildlandspa.org%2Feducation%2Flehigh_river_sojourn.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF8l4x8vH1KZvHPZLpptIkrRGDr3Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildlandspa.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1ZbQVz27FZ0A8Uq_lAGITC7K9CQ


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The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association in Montgomery

County are joining forces to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom on April 27 from 9:00

a.m. to noon.

This spring marks the 43nd anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual

Creek Clean Up, and the fourth year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA to clean all 21 miles of the

Wissahickon Creek.Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, its surrounding trails, and its many tributaries. Armed

with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek to collect anything from plastic bags and

swing sets, to mattresses and tires.

Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic held from

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Washington Parks Flourtown Pavilion on Mill Road in Flourtown.

CBF, Community Action Partner On April 27 Harrisburg Tree Planting

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has partnered with the Community Action Commission to plant 20

street trees along Derry Street in Harrisburg on April 27 starting at 1:00.Street trees are great at reducing water pollution coming off sidewalks and roads, also called

stormwater, the largest growing source of pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. Street trees also provide

community benefits like increasing property values and community pride, and decreasing heating and

cooling costs for nearby residents.

These shared environmental and community benefits make street trees an effective way to

improve the health of our state capital and water.

Volunteers will be tasked to dig holes with shovels, maneuver 1.5 inch caliper trees, and cover

up the holes with soil and mulch. Please wear hard sole shoes and be prepared to work!

If youre interested in volunteering or have any questions, contact Andrew Bliss by sending

email to: [email protected].

DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Watershed TMDLs In Franklin County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices inviting public comments on proposed

total maximum daily load plans for Doylestown Stream and Dry Run Watersheds in Franklin County

(PA Bulletin page 1931).

A copy of the plans is available on DEPs TMDL webpage.

Royer Named Director Of Penn State Agriculture And Environment Center

An environmental attorney, with experience working for the Chesapeake Bay

Foundation, has been named as the new director of the Penn State Agriculture

and Environment Center, in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Matthew Royer, of Mount Gretna, who has served as the center's

strategic initiatives director for the Lower Susquehanna Basin for the past three

years, took the director's reins April 1 from Kristen Sacke Blunk, who is now

working in support of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Chesapeake
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ahs.dep.pa.gov%2FTMDL%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGiqs89KoDaycaZztgj4c-w37yxNQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-14%2F43-14.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGfh7IxAdVw83BnZZRifSHIg1yuTwmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fow.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYsm8_giVmzBwTEwwJNrzVUXTmPA


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Bay Stewardship program.

Most recently, Royer has served as point man for the center's Conewago Creek Conservation

Initiative, an integrated watershed approach to restoring waters to an unimpaired status through

collaborative partnerships. He has been working with diverse partners across all landscapes --

agricultural, urban, commercial and municipal -- to develop and implement innovative approaches to

reducing pollutant loads.A former staff attorney with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania office, Royer has

also worked as a staff attorney for the Department of Environmental Protection and for a private law

firm. He holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and a law degree from Duke University

School of Law.

Created in 2008, the Agriculture and Environment Center is an initiative of the College of

Agricultural Sciences' Environment and Natural Resources Institute and Penn State Extension. Its goal is

to connect science, policy and partnerships to solve problems and resolve issues to improve the balance

of agriculture with the environment.

"I am honored to be named director of the Agriculture and Environment Center and excited to

take on this new role," Royer said. "I look forward to building upon the successes the center hasenjoyed to date and growing its breadth and reach in research, extension and education in the arena of

agriculture and the environment."

Royer was clearly the right person for the director's position, according to Jim Shortle,

Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Economics and director of the Environment

and Natural Resources Institute.

"Matt is a leader in building partnerships that engage science and education to help

Pennsylvanians solve environmental problems in agriculture," Shortle said. "He will be a tremendous

asset to the College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State and to citizens of Pennsylvania in this new

role."

To learn more, visit the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Centerwebpage.

Ag Producers Learn About Water Quality Effects On Pesticide Spray Applications

Penn State Extension is delivering an important message to pesticide applicators in Pennsylvania this

year on the impact of water quality on pesticide performance.

Pesticide applicators each year look to Penn State Extension to learn of new research

information and to obtain pesticide recertification credits to maintain their applicator licenses with the PA

Department of Agriculture.

A water presentation was created by Fred Whitford at Purdue Extension and adapted for

Pennsylvania by Bill Riden in the Pesticide Education Program at Penn State. In many cases, water

makes up ninety-five percent of the total pesticide spray mix and is the foundation of the application. T

he quality of the water the applicator uses can affect the efficiency of the spray material. Yet few

people consider the impact that the quality of the water can have on the spray product.

The pH of the water is a main concern due to a process called alkaline hydrolysis. This is a

chemical reaction that occurs when some pesticides in the presence of alkaline water, or water with a

pH above 7.0, degrade or lose their effectiveness. Many pesticides are formulated at a pH of 4.0 to 6.5

or slightly acidic.
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The half-life of a product means the amount of time that is needed for one half of the substance

to break down. The herbicide Flumioxazin, for example, is very stable at a pH of 5, but at a pH of 7 the

half-life is 24 hours, and at a pH of 9 the half-life drops to only 15 minutes.

Extension Water Resources Educator, Jim Clark, was recently involved with a project in North

Central Pennsylvania that tested 689 private water supplies. The low pH in this project was 3.0 and

was found in Clearfield County, but the high pH of 8.79 was found in neighboring Jefferson County.An important question for applicators is what is the pH of the water that you are using to mix

up your spray application and is it affecting the efficiency of the pesticide product you are using?

One other aspect of water quality covered in the presentation is the amount of total suspended

solids in the water. This is the amount of material that is floating or suspended in your water. Usually the

total suspended solids level in water will be higher in surface water sources such as ponds, rivers, or

ditches.

Filters can remove this debris from water, and prevent spray nozzles from plugging up.

However, there can be very small material such as salt, clay, and organic matter suspended in the water

and these will settle to the bottom of the tank if they are left undisturbed.

It can be surprising what settles out of water, if you take a glass of water and leave it on theshelf for a few weeks. This turbid water is important because pesticides have the ability to adsorb or

stick to soil particles and other particles suspended in water.

The pesticide product that adsorbs to these particles is not available to do what is expected and

desired in a spray application and the efficiency of the spray application is decreased. This clearly

describes why it is so important to properly clean out spray tanks between applications, as well as,

check the total suspended solids level in the source water.

Twenty-four percent or 166 of the 689 of the private water samples, in the testing project

referenced before, were found to be above the turbidity standard of 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity

Units).

Pesticide applicators should be aware that water quality issues can mean reduced pesticideperformance even if the equipment is calibrated and the application is perfect. It has been proven in

research, and now shared by extension, that poor water quality can have a negative effect on certain

families of pesticides.

A small amount of effort to have your water tested is rather cheap insurance to ensure that

products perform as promised and deliver the expected results.

(Written By: Jim Clark, Extension Educator, McKean County, and reprinted from Penn State

Extensions Watershed Winds newsletter.)

The Story Of Honey Hollow Watershed Symposium May 4

The Bucks County Audubon Society will present a symposium on May 4 entitled, A History of

Protecting the Future: The Story of the Honey Hollow Watershed, at the Buck County Audubon

Visitor Center at 2877 Creamery Road in New Hope.

Jean Cutler, Director of the Bureau of Historic Preservation for the PA Historic and Museum

Commission will be the keynote speaker.

There will be a guided walking tour of the Center by Malcolm Crooks and a soil and watershed
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conservation workshop where participants will learn how to protect water resources.

Reserve a seat today by going online or call Joyce at 215-345-7020 ext. 114.

EQB To Consider Final Water Quality Standards Changes April 16

The Environmental Quality Board meets on April 16 to consider a series of regulation changes, includingfinal rulemaking changing some water quality standards. The agenda items include--

-- Proposed Medical and Chemotherapeutic Waste Regulations

-- Consideration of Rulemaking Petition on Cranberry Creek, Monroe County

-- Consideration of Final Rulemaking Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards

-- Statement of Policy On Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria For Toxic Substances

The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at

9:00.

A copy ofthe agenda is available. For more information and available handouts and

presentations, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage.

Project Learning Tree Grants Available For Classrooms

Project Learning Tree is now accepting applications from schools and nonprofit organizations for

environmental service-learning projects. Deadline for applications is September 30.

Do you have an idea for a school/community native plant garden, a forest improvement project,

a streamside restoration plan, a recycling program, or energy conservation project for your students?

Need funds to implement it? Apply for a Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! grant!

Traditional GreenWorks grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded in support of environmental

projects that demonstrate service-learning, exemplify student voice, involve at least one community

partner, and can be completed within a year. To be eligible, projects must secure at least 50 percent inmatching funds (in-kind acceptable).

GreenWork! grants for registered PLT GreenSchools of up to $3,000 support projects that

meet all the parameters for traditional GreenWorks grant funding are also available. To be eligible,

applicants must be a school (public or private), be registered on the PLT GreenSchoo! Web site, have

an established Green Team, have completed one or more of the PLT GreenSchools Investigations, and

propose a project based on the findings of one or more of the PLT GreenSchools Investigations.

For more information and applications, visit the Project Learning Tree website.

PA Sustainable Agriculture Supports Sustainability Schools Partnerships

The PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture, already at the forefront of farm-based education in

Pennsylvania, Tuesday announced an expanded list of partners offering courses for consumers

interested in living more sustainably.

Through its Good Food Neighborhood program, PASA partners with organizations, groups

and individuals to provide Sustainability Schools throughout the Commonwealth.

Living more sustainably is something we can all do to contribute not only to the viability of our

own families, but increasingly of our local communities, says Hannah Smith who heads up PASAs
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodfoodneighborhood.org%2Fsustainabilityschools&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpkZlP_iB9OoVOK7AQmazdpy7myghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pasafarming.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFUPlJ23qEx0NaQwPz2jFgTQT7rfwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plt.org%2Fapply-for-greenworks-environmental-education-grant&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHEml6R3SFsCt6hG92qouAoytkTDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plt.org%2Fapply-for-greenworks-environmental-education-grant&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHEml6R3SFsCt6hG92qouAoytkTDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fenvironmental_quality_board%2F14005%2Feqb_meeting_schedule_2013%2F1339599&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGrImMKQlLwn5G4G60U8OHrzEW6fQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FPublic%2520Participation%2520Center%2FPubPartCenterPortalFiles%2FEnvironmental%2520Quality%2520Board%2F2013%2FApril%252016%2520EQB%2FApril_16_2013_EQB_Agenda.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8s8dGJSFD8x7l40p1wBJGJzufeQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fenvironmental_quality_board%2F14005%2Feqb_meeting_schedule_2013%2F1339599&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGrImMKQlLwn5G4G60U8OHrzEW6fQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heritageconservancy.org%2Fregistration-for-honey-hollow&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFoqVCztmjZ1wg_AU7WBqvNyyPLKQ


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community outreach efforts.

Smith designed the program which parallels PASAs very popular peer-to-peer farmer

education program.

PASA is well-known for its farm-based education programs which highlight the skills and

experience of our farmers to farm sustainably. Likewise, our local communities are gaining strength by

the networking of folks who have much to offer in the way of living sustainably. Our SustainabilitySchools draw on these community resources, said Smith.

Smith points to a wide range of courses available from composting to backyard poultry and

beekeeping, from home energy efficiency to food preservation, and even home brewing and

fermentation.

PASA is now partnering with Chatham Universitys School of Sustainability and the

Environment (Eden Hall Farm Campus, Gibsonia, Pa) Dickinson College Farm (Boiling Springs, Pa)

Eastern Pennsylvania Permaculture Guild (Lansdale, Pa) Greener Partners (Collegeville, Pa) Home

Grown Institute (Philadelphia, Pa) Jennings Environmental Education Center (Slippery Rock, Pa)

Quiet Creek Herb Farm and School of Country Living (Brookville, Pa) Spring Creek Homesteading

Fund (State College, Pa) and Pennypack Farm & Education Center (Horsham, Pa).Katherine Watt, an organizer with Spring Creek Homesteading, offers, "These courses are

about learning how to do more things for ourselves. In this time when families are feeling so stretched

from a contracting economy, rising energy prices and the impacts of extreme weather conditions,

building a safety net using local resources of time, skill and land can make all the difference."

For more information on upcoming courses, visit the Sustainability Schools webpage.

Zero Waste Pittsburgh To Help Apartment Building Residents Recycle

Attention Pittsburgh apartment dwellers and friends of apartment dwellers - does your building recycle?

Tell Zero Waste Pittsburgh your story and your building could be selected to participate in a multi-familyhousing recycling program made possible through the generous support of the Alcoa Foundation.

Contact Kyle Winkler for details at 412-773-7159 or send email to: [email protected].

Zero Waste Pittsburgh is also looking for contractors to assist with Zero Waste Special Events this

spring and summer.

PRC: Hard To Recycle, Drug, Household Chemical Collection Events In Pittsburgh

The PA Resources Council and its partners are sponsoring special collection events in Pittsburgh in

April and May. Heres a list of upcoming events--

-- April 20: Hard To Recycle Collection, Pittsburgh

-- April 27: Drug Take Back Day, various locations and

-- May 4: Household Chemical Collection, Allegheny County.

For more information, visit PRCs Zero Waste Pittsburgh website.

PROP Sponsors Plastics: Beyond The Bottle Certification Class May 2
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fzerowastepgh.org%2Fres-index.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG4NlbXaP4gazJGhNWSrkNW94kaBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fzerowastepgh.org%2FAllegheny%2520HHW%25202013%2520Flyer.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFt31737XUk037Ebg0wPZPc-1gHiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fzerowastepgh.org%2FPharm%2520flyer%2520--%25202013%2520spring.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHEmtdrjIwHXTLWi1pHiE20Vo6ZEQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fzerowastepgh.org%2FHTR%25202013.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF219h8E2gfFOovuv1AP3Tb6KWuKQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prc.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHi9jQeyKs-4_mstc9nJBHRhFFFDgmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fzerowastepgh.org%2Fcomm-index.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFue9Wv_Birakc6Bm7Z-Escs9tmOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodfoodneighborhood.org%2Fsustainabilityschools&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpkZlP_iB9OoVOK7AQmazdpy7myg


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The Professional Recyclers of PA will host a recycling certification class on May 2 in Harrisburg

entitled, Plastics: Beyond the Bottle.

Plastic recycling remains the most complicated and frequently confusing portion of our recycling

stream. Yet their processes and profitability are frequently undermined by packaging that is not

designed for recyclability. This class will help answer the question about plastics recycling.The class will be held at the Wildwood Park and Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way,

Harrisburg.

Click Here for the class announcement. Click Here for more information on PROP certification

classes and registration or call Michelle Glenny, PROP Certification Coordinator, at 814-937-6041 or

send email to: [email protected].

DEP: Sampling, Quality Assurance Plans For Natural Gas Radiation Study Available

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday released detailed sampling and quality

assurance plans for its ongoing comprehensive radiation study of oil and gas development.The agency will sample and analyze radioactivity levels of flowback waters, treatment solids,

drill cuttings and drilling equipment, along with the transportation, storage and disposal of drilling waste

Based on current data, regulations and industry practices, there is no indication that the public or

workers in the oil and gas industry face health risks from exposure to radiation from these materials. The

study is aimed at ensuring that public health and the environment continue to be protected.

Pennsylvania is setting the bar for responsible shale gas development, and the study of radiation

issues in oil and gas development is yet another example of that, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said.

Not only do we in Pennsylvania operate with scientific rigor, we do so with unmatched transparency.

These plans show exactly how we are conducting this study.

On January 24, Gov. Corbett directed DEP to undertake a comprehensive study examiningnaturally occurring levels of radioactivity in byproducts associated with oil and gas development. Since

then, the agency sought a peer review of its sampling and quality assurance plans and expects to begin

sampling this month.

The sampling plan outlines the types of samples DEP will collect, their locations and the

methods for analyzing them. The quality assurance plan provides specifics on how the agency will

collect, transport and analyze the samples.

DEP will collect and analyze drill cuttings, flowback fluid and drilling mud for a variety of

radioactive particles. Staff will also examine compressor stations, storage tanks, trucks, drill rigs and

wastewater treatment facilities.

DEP routinely reviews radioactivity data in wastes that the drilling industry and other industries

generate, and the information obtained to date indicates very low levels of natural radioactivity. The

agency also maintains a statewide monitoring network to protect the public from exposure to unsafe

levels of radiation.

For more information and to view the plans, visit DEPs Oil and Gas Development Radiation

Study webpage.

NewsClip: DEP Unveils More Details On Natural Gas Radiation Study
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F04%2F03%2Fdep-unveils-more-details-about-marcellus-radiation-study%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFNeW2RVb-CuK-uNrTJWt0M3a_T1Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foil___gas_related_topics%2F20349%2Fradiation_protection%2F986697&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFN9KFgZJvE7y0grKFfQrvO5HEWhAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foil___gas_related_topics%2F20349%2Fradiation_protection%2F986697&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFN9KFgZJvE7y0grKFfQrvO5HEWhAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foil___gas_related_topics%2F20349%2Fradiation_protection%2F986697&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFN9KFgZJvE7y0grKFfQrvO5HEWhAmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.proprecycles.org%2Findex.aspx%3FNID%3D94&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGf3XToOTgMWYfArPAvBMQ9hEETWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcampaign.r20.constantcontact.com%2Frender%3Fllr%3Dvf8v4bdab%26v%3D001PAHSyKgq2IrR5exSN_lw47xKpfbobszObmHmJiJ3bmsXSAU5_xG82VKCz0YEWdOZFumj-ACV_hrJe2CukB21A0IsEK1bfmLKV736rRWRun30L2mYbbBdrw%253D%253D&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE24UK1bgqiz2OWljlU3ilsBYtqrghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.proprecycles.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEjseed2oTUwQTTssT3XdmPyjVCig


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DEP To Host Meeting, Hearing On Washington County Compressor Permit May 1

The Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday it will host an open house and formal

public hearing on May 1 to discuss a proposed air quality plan approval for MarkWest Liberty

Midstream and Resources LLC to install and begin temporary operation of new equipment at its SmithCompressor Station.

The facility is located in Smith Township, Washington County.

The open house and hearing will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Smith Township

Municipal Building, located at 1948 Smith Township State Road in Slovan, Washington County.

The company is requesting approval to allow the installation and temporary operation of eight

new rich burn natural gas-fired compressor engines. The newly proposed engines have a higher

horsepower rating than engines currently in operation at the facility. The company is also asking to

increase the capacity of a currently authorized dehydrator.

At 6:30 p.m., the open house portion of the evening will begin with representatives from

MarkWest making a presentation outlining their request. DEP will explain the plan approval process.Then, company representatives will be available to further explain the request and answer questions.

Immediately following, at 7:30 p.m., members of the public may present up to five minutes of

formal testimony for the public record. The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and

transcribed into a written document, and DEP will create a written response to all relevant testimony.

Those who wish to present oral testimony should contact DEP Community Relations

Coordinator John Poister at 412-442-4203 or register that evening prior to the hearing. Only those

who register can give testimony at the public hearing.

For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comment should be submitted by the

close of business May 11 to Alan Binder, PA DEP Bureau of Air Quality, Southwest Regional Office,

400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act

of 1990 should contact John Poister at 412-442-4203 or make accommodations through the

Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

FirstEnergy April 10 Webinar On Energy Efficiency

FirstEnergy will sponsor a webinar on April 10 on Sustainable Lighting Basics-Where to Begin starting

at Noon.

This session provides a beginners' look at lighting and controls technologies. It is designed for

facility, operations, sustainability and finance managers who have not yet considered lighting retrofits

before and are interested in understanding how to evaluate whether a lighting retrofit is for you, what

factors to consider, the latest update on technology, conducting a lighting inventory and basic audit, and

identifying the right partner.

A whitepaper -- 7 Essential Guidelines for Every Lighting Retrofit -- will be made available to

participants.

For more information on FirstEnergy Act 129 programs, visit the Energy Save PA website or

send email to: [email protected]. Click Here for a listing of all FirstEnergy webinars.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energysavepa-business.com%2Fcalendar.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMetE0BivR7brfwWzldHXHsJb0OQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energysavepa-business.com%2Fcalendar.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMetE0BivR7brfwWzldHXHsJb0OQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energysavepa.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcPktFplDXJtbuquwb1IWwnPkuqghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energysavepa.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcPktFplDXJtbuquwb1IWwnPkuqg


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May 2 Public Hearing On Union County Tire-Derived Fuel Power Plant

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on May 2 to discus

a proposed Air Quality plan approval for En-Tire Logistics of Milton PA LLC for a new tire-derived

fuel steam and power generation plant to be constructed in White Deer Township, Union County.The plant would produce 7-megawatts of electricity and provide steam to the adjacent NGC

Industries LLC facility.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be at the Warrior Run Area Fire Department at 196 White Deer

Ave. in Allenwood, Union County.

Staff from DEPs Air Quality program will explain the application review process and

applicable regulations, and En-Tire officials will review the project with the audience, DEP

North-central Regional Director Marcus Kohl said. These presentations will be followed by a

question-and-answer session, so that DEP and the company can hear about residents concerns and

provide needed information.

En-Tire submitted the Air Quality plan approval application to DEP on March 19, 2012. Theplan would include a combustion unit rated at 185 million Btu per hour of heat input, which incorporates

kiln and boiler stages in series.

The proposed project also includes the construction of a dry sorbent storage and handling

system, a cooling tower and one aqueous ammonia storage tank. Emissions from the combustion unit

would be controlled by dry and wet scrubbers, a fabric collector, oxidation catalyst and selective

catalytic reduction.

DEP published a notice of intent to issue the plan approval in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on

March 30, 2013, and asked for public comment. A local environmental group, Organizations United for

the Environment, had previously requested that the agency hold a public meeting or public hearing to

discuss the application.During the 8 p.m. hearing portion of the evening, the public will have an opportunity to present

up to five minutes of oral testimony about the application. Written testimony of any length will also be

accepted. The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document,

and DEP will create a written response to all relevant testimony.

Those who wish to present oral testimony may register t

Pa Environment Digest April 8, 2013

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Transcript of Pa Environment Digest April 8, 2013