Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011

8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In

PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa February 7, 2011

Corbett Names George Greig Secretary Of Agriculture

Gov. Tom Corbett this week announced he intends to nominate George

Greig, a farmer and agriculture leader from Linesville, Crawford County,

as Secretary of Agriculture.

George Greig is an experienced farmer, businessman and leader,

Gov. Corbett said. His record of success and service makes him an ideal

choice to lead this important state agency.

Greig, 59, has held many positions within the Pennsylvania Farm

Bureau, where he has served as the State Board Director for the past six

years. Before that, he served as Crawford County Farm Bureau President

for eight years, Crawford County board member for 12 years and has been local affairs chairman

and served on the legislative committee.

Greig also owns and operates a 650-acre dairy farm in partnership with his brother in

Crawford County. The Greig brothers also produce soybeans and hay.Greig currently serves as township supervisor in Conneaut Township. Corbett said that

Greig has also served on the USDA Farm Service Agency PA State Committee, the Crawford

County Conservation District, and the Great Lakes Regional Water Board.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau applauds Governor Tom Corbetts appointment of George

Greig to serve as Secretary of Agriculture," said PA Farm Bureau President Carl T. Shaffer. "As

a lifelong farmer, George will understand the complex matters of agriculture his first day on the

job. As an experienced leader, he will build strong and productive working relationships among

all segments of our farm and food industry that will benefit every Pennsylvanian.

The Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related

industries throughout the state while providing consumer protection through inspection services

that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.Greig and his wife, Christine, have been married for 15 years and have six children.

Gov. Corbett has four remaining major cabinet posts to fill: the departments of

Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Labor & Industry and the Adjutant General of

Military & Veterans Affairs.

NewsClips: Corbett Nominates George Greig As Ag Secretary

Farm Bureau Official Eyed For Agriculture Post
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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 Senate and House schedule--

Senate

February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 28

March 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 (Budget Hearings Weeks of 14th, 21th & 28th)

April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27

May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30

House

February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 28

March 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, (Budget Hearings Weeks of 14th, 21th & 28th)

April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, (25 NV), 26, and 27

May 2, 3, 4, 9. 10, 11, 23, 24, and 25

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, and 30

Bill Calendars

House (February 7): Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (February 7): Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees

House: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds an informational meeting

on the Forest Products industry; the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to

considerHouse Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) adding provisions in Act 319 farmland

preferential assessment allowing the split off of land for wireless services and mineral rights

development; the Consumer Affairs Committee holds an informational meeting on electric

industry; the Game and Fisheries Committee holds an informational meeting to receive GameCommission annual report. Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTM


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House

Farmland Assessment Wireless, Mineral Extraction: House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna)

correcting provisions in Act 319 farmland preferential assessment allowing the split off of land

for wireless services and mineral rights development.

Household Hazardous Waste: House Bill 326 (Harper-R-Montgomery) providing $150,000

for local household hazardous waste collection events.

Pipeline Safety: House Bill 344 (M.Baker-R-Tioga) further providing for the Public Utility

Commission regulation of pipeline safety.

Dormant Gas Rights: House Bill 375 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) providing for the preservation

of interests in the case of abandoned oil and gas rights.

Gas Distribution Line Charges: House Bill 376 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providingfor a sliding scale of rates and adjustments for distribution line maintenance.

Municipal Aggregation: House Bill 411 (Preston-D-Allegheny) providing for municipal

aggregation of electric generation supply.

Solar Clothes-Drying: House Bill 417 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) prohibiting governing bodies

from restricting solar clothes-drying devices.

Green Roof Credit: House Bill 490 (M.Smith-D-Allegheny) providing a tax credit for

installation of green roofs.

Green Building Credit: House Bill 491 (M.Smith-D-Allegheny) providing a tax credit for high-

performance green buildings.

Senate

Home Energy Payments: Senate Bill 333 (Tomlinson-R-Bucks) establishing the Home Energy

Efficiency Act to provide assistance to ratepayers delinquent in energy payments.

Farmland Assessment Noncoal Mines: Senate Bill 301 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amending Act 319

farmland preferential assessment law to allow for splitting off of land for purposes of developinga noncoal mine.

Waste Facilities/Schools: Senate Bill 347 (Browne-R-Lehigh) prohibiting waste facilities within

1,000 feet of a school.

Natural Gas Severance Tax: Senate Bill 352 (Dinniman-D-Chester) enacting a natural gas

production severance tax and using the revenue to establish the Natural Gas Conservation and
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Community Investment Fund to allocate money to the General Fund, Environmental Stewardship

Fund and other programs.

Green Work Force Training: Senate Bill 364 (Kitchen-D-Philadelphia) establishing the Green

Work Force Training Program.

Mineral Rights Development: Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) providing for the

development of mineral rights under state land owned by agencies other than the Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources, Fish & Boat and Game Commissions.

News From The Capitol

Rep. Mundy Reintroduces Bills To Protect PA Waters From Gas Drilling

Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-Luzerne) has reintroduced a package of bills to

ensure Pennsylvania's environment, particularly its drinking water supply,is protected from the natural gas drilling industry.

"With thousands of gas wells expected to be drilled in the next

decade, we have to make sure appropriate law and regulations are in

place," Rep. Mundy said. "We must ensure that drillers do the job right;

prevent problems to the extent possible and, when problems do occur, that

they are dealt with effectively."

House Bill 233 would put a one-year moratorium on the issuance

of new natural gas drilling permits in the Marcellus Shale deposit. The bill, Mundy said, would

give the legislature time to enact necessary protections in law and regulations.

House Bill 230 would create a buffer around drinking water supplies. It would prohibit

companies that use fracking or horizontal drilling from drilling wells underneath or within 2,500feet of a primary source for a community water system, such as a lake or reservoir. The current

restriction is only 100 feet.

"The Huntsville and Ceasetown reservoirs supply drinking water to thousands of my

constituents," Rep. Mundy said. "This bill would help protect those reservoirs and drinking water

supplies across the state."

House Bill 234 would create an online tracking and reporting system for Marcellus Shale

waste, such as drilling mud and chemically treated water used to fracture shale to release gas. It

would require drillers to report the amount of waste generated by their wells and the facilities

that accepted the waste for disposal, treatment, or reuse. The information would be posted on the

state Department of Environmental Protection's website. House Bill 234 builds on Act 15 of

2010, which requires Marcellus Shale well operators to report well production data on a semi-

annual basis to DEP.

House Bill 232 would restrict drilling and site preparation in floodplains, improve the

disposal of waste water and better control erosion and sedimentation where gas is drilled in these

areas. This bill is of particular importance as it would help protect my legislative district, which

by and large lies within a floodplain.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=364http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=367http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0233http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=230http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0234http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0232http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0232http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0234http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=230http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0233http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=367http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=364


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Additionally, the bill would impose a three-year moratorium on new permits to discharge

drilling wastewater into surface waters. It would require DEP to evaluate alternatives for

wastewater disposal and enforce those alternatives if they are environmentally sound.

Within the first six months of the moratorium, DEP would be required to establish an

online tracking system to monitor the storage, transportation and disposal of oil and gas drilling

wastewater.Mundy said that the legislation would require DEP, the Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the Game Commission to do a joint study on the

cumulative impact of gas and oil drilling in Pennsylvania.

The bill also would compel DEP to require an erosion and sedimentation control permit

for all earth moving done for oil and gas drilling. DEP would be required to conduct site visits

before issuing erosion and sediment control permits because of the damage drilling can cause.

Permits would only be issued to applicants that develop appropriate erosion and sediment

control, as well as storm water management plans that are compliant with the Clean Streams law

and other environmental regulations.

NewsClips: Rep. Mundy Heralds Gas Drilling Bills, DEP: No Air Emission Threat

Rep. Mundy Introduces To Bills To Toughen Drill Rules Relaunched

Sen. Yaw's Legislative Priorities Center On Marcellus Shale Issues

As the Senate begins a new legislative session, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-

Lycoming) has introduced a number of bills that address issues relating to

the growing Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania, closing loopholes

in Megan's Law and further reforming practices in state government.

Sen. Yaw said much of the new legislation he is sponsoring has

been prompted by the booming natural gas drilling industry in his district,

which is bringing both economic development and new challenges toPennsylvania's landowners and municipal officials.

"Our area is at the epicenter for Marcellus Shale-related activity,

and as a result we are seeing some of the issues that come along with it here first. Because of

this, I feel it is necessary for me to come out and craft legislation to protect communities and

encourage well-regulated growth," Sen. Yaw said. "And frankly, the majority of these bills are

directed toward benefitting the landowners."

Among those bills are the following:

-- Pugh Clause In Developing Tracts: Legislation which would stop the practice of tying up

large tracts of land by including only a few acres in a production unit. According to Yaw, under

today's laws, utilizing as little as two or three acres in a production unit could hold 200 or 300

acres with no obligation to develop the gas under that land.Sen. Yaw proposes what is known as a Pugh Clause in his legislation. This would apply

to all production units formed after adoption of the legislation. This provision would provide the

landowners and gas companies the option to develop the acreage not included in a production

unit, allow the lease to expire with respect to the unused portion, renegotiate the lease as to the

unused land or include the unused land in another production unit.

"I see no harm whatsoever to gas companies but I see a great benefit to landowners," said

the Senator.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mundy-heralds-gas-protection-bills-dep-finds-no-health-threat-from-marcellus-air-emissions-1.1098111http://www.timesleader.com/news/Mundy_bills_to_toughen_drill_rules_relaunched_01-31-2011.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Mundy_bills_to_toughen_drill_rules_relaunched_01-31-2011.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mundy-heralds-gas-protection-bills-dep-finds-no-health-threat-from-marcellus-air-emissions-1.1098111


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-- Company to company pooling is another proposal Sen. Yaw will be introducing.

Encouraging development of the Marcellus Shale with a minimum number of well sites provides

well-known environmental benefits. What has been discovered is that the majority of pooling

issues involve inter-company dealings with leased land.

For example, one company declines to cooperate in developing a leased area for its own

competitive advantage to the detriment of the environment and stranded landowners whose gasdevelopment may be blocked by the uncooperative company.

Unlike earlier pooling suggestions, this type of pooling would affect only leasehold

interests and would have no impact on private landowners who decline to lease their land. Yaw

said, "I am told that this type of pooling will solve about 90 percent of the pooling issues. If I can

solve 90 percent of any issue, I will be extremely satisfied with the result."

-- Certified Metering Devices: Another proposal affecting the natural gas industry would

include a requirement to have state certification of all metering devices on Marcellus Shale

wells.

Sen. Yaw related, "Pennsylvania requires state certification on scales to buy meat and on

pumps to dispense gasoline, but meters used to measure production data on which royalty

payments to landowners are based are exempt. It seems as though we have a huge void in thisarea which needs to be addressed."

-- Beneficiaries of royalty payments felt it was very difficult to understand just what charges

were being made on their net earnings. Therefore, a detailed listing of all deductions on royalty

payment check stubs would be required under another proposal sponsored by Sen. Yaw. "What

we intend here is to standardize the information so that all royalty recipients are dealing with the

same, easy to understand information."

-- Abandoned Mineral Rights: Due to the thorough manner in which the gas companies search

real estate titles, a significant problem with abandoned rights has surfaced. It is not unusual to

find situations where as long as 100 years ago, gas and mineral rights were reserved by a prior

landowner. In some instances, these individuals may have died without exercising the rights andwithout paying any of the real estate taxes. Therefore, the reservation continues in perpetuity,

creating a cloud on the title of the current landowner.

In many cases, it is impossible to track down an owner and a lengthy court process

known as an "Action to Quiet Title" is required. Under Sen. Yaw's proposed legislation, nonuse

of gas or mineral rights for a period of 21 years would be considered an abandonment of those

rights, thus vesting them in the owner of the surface rights. This is consistent with the 21 year

time period in Pennsylvania's adverse possession law.

Many municipalities and school districts have brought forth the need to have some

method by which they can be compensated for the direct impacts created by the growing gas

industry.

"Virtually every state agency expects a share of this tax, whether they need it or not.Several state agencies already benefit from natural gas development, either directly through

bonus payments and royalties received on gas wells on their property or indirectly by servicing

the needs of the industry. Why shouldn't those agencies use the income derived from the gas

industry for their purposes instead of taking more tax money?" stated Sen. Yaw.

-- Taxing Royalty Interests: Proposed legislation would grant authority to counties to assess

royalty interests as real estate. This would apply only to producing wells. Until 2002, gas wells

were subject to the assessment laws in Pennsylvania, but the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled


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that gas wells were not to be included in the law. This legislation would fill the hole noted by the

Supreme Court.

"It appears that some sort of tax or fee is inevitable. Under this legislation, the taxing

authority would be local and all of the funds derived from an assessment would stay within our

local governments where impacts are tangible. I believe this is the best option rather than sending

our money to Harrisburg and standing in line with our hand out, hoping to get a little back,"according to Sen. Yaw.

A proposal to correct a problem with the Hotel Occupancy Tax related to Marcellus Shale

workers is also a part of Sen. Yaw's legislative initiatives.

-- Senate Bill 300 -- Currently, counties are authorized to levy a 3 percenttax on room rentals of

30 days or less. Many companies book rooms for 60 days to 6 months for employees thus

making the transaction exempt from the taxing authority. Money collected from this tax is used

by counties to promote tourism. Under the Senator's bill, long term rentals by companies would

be subject to the tax.

Sen. Yaw also proposes to further amend the Clean and Green Law.

-- Senate Bill 301 -- This bill aims to further clarify how counties apply roll-back taxes on

mineral rights, specifically to include Non-coal Surface Mining such as Pennsylvania Bluestone.

News From Around The State

SRBC Releases Findings From Water Quality Monitoring In 4 Watersheds

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission this week announced findings from four separate

river monitoring programs providing biological and water quality data used to assess streams and

rivers and identify changes in stream health over time.

The technical reports focus on: the Susquehanna River and other large rivers, West

Branch Susquehanna Subbasin, the Lackawanna River, and streams that cross the NewYorkPennsylvania and PennsylvaniaMaryland state lines.

Each of the Commissions monitoring programs is unique and generates data that are

very valuable to water managers, said Paul Swartz, SRBC Executive Director. The data can be

used to assess compliance with state and federal water quality standards, characterize stream

quality and identify areas for restoration and protection.

The four technical reports, which are available on SRBCs website or by hard copy, are

as follows:

-- Susquehanna Large River Assessment Project (Publication #271) continued SRBC's

biological assessment of the basin's large rivers, which include the mainstem Susquehanna,

Chemung, West Branch Susquehanna, and Juniata Rivers.

During 2009, the assessment stretched from Sidney, N.Y., to Towanda, Pa., andencompassed a total of eight stations: six in the Upper Susquehanna Subbasin; one in the Middle

Susquehanna Subbasin, and one on the Chemung River.

Four of the sites were designated as non-impaired, three sites were slightly impaired, and

one site was moderately impaired. Only 4.5 percent (9 of 200) of the water quality values

exceeded their respective limits, indicating fairly good water quality in the Susquehanna River.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0300http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0301http://www.srbc.net/http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/techdocs/Publications/techreports.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/techdocs/Publications/techreports.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0301http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0300


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Data collected during 2009 completed sampling conducted during 2008 at 17 additional

sampling stations.

-- Middle Susquehanna Subbasin Year-2 Survey: Small Watershed Study Lackawanna

River, April 2009 April 2010 (Publication #269) is a second-year, water quality study in the

Middle Susquehanna Subbasin focused on the Lackawanna River Watershed. In particular,

SRBC examined the impacts of stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) on thewater quality in the Lackawanna River and its tributaries.

SRBC staff collected base flow and stormflow water quality samples at 15 locations

within the Lackawanna River Watershed. During base flow, total phosphorus and total nitrogen

were the two parameters that most consistently were above levels of concern for aquatic life. For

storm samples, iron, aluminum, nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids (TSS) often

exceeded water quality standards or levels of concern.

During storms, nitrogen and TSS increases were likely due to the introduction of human

sewage from CSOs. More than 130 CSOs are still active within the watershed and can discharge

into the Lackawanna River and its tributaries between Carbondale and Old Forge, Pa., during

rain events.

-- West Branch Susquehanna Subbasin Year1 Survey: A Water Quality and BiologicalAssessment, March July 2009 (Publication #268) is a stream quality assessment based on one-

time sampling of water chemistry, biological, and habitat conditions throughout the West Branch

Subbasin during 2009. Samples were collected at 141 tributary and mainstem river sites.

Pollution concerns in this subbasin are largely due to resource extraction activities as land use is

mostly forested.

Abandoned mine drainageways the most prevalent pollution issue, with additional

impacts from atmospheric deposition. Historical data from previous subbasin surveys at these

sites in the West Branch Subbasin were compared to current conditions. Despite improvements

in mayfly populations (mayflies are sensitive to AMD conditions), the percentage of impaired

streams in the West Branch Subbasin continue to be higher than other subbasins throughout theSusquehanna River Basin.

-- Assessment of Interstate Streams in the Susquehanna River Basin, January 1 December

31, 2009 (Publication #270) is a summary report of water quality and biological data on streams

that cross state lines. This interstate stream monitoring began in 1986 to collect data that were

not available from monitoring programs in New York, Pennsylvania or Maryland.

In New YorkPennsylvania streams, the parameter that most frequently exceeded water

quality standards was total aluminum, followed by total iron. The PennsylvaniaMaryland

border streams are located in a heavily agricultural region, and nutrient concentrations were high

at many of these sites. Fish sampling at 18 sites began in 2009. Index of biotic integrity

analyses showed that fish communities at 9 sites were good, 8 sites were fair and 1 site was rated

poor.SRBCs monitoring programs and their associated annual reports are funded largely by

grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Copies of the reports are available online.

NewsClip: Report Details Storms' Impact On Lackawanna River

DEP Issues Report On Air Quality Impacts From NE Marcellus Shale Development
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The Department of Environmental Protection released a report this week on a four-week air

quality study conducted near Marcellus Shale natural gas operations in Susquehanna and

Sullivan counties.

This short-term study of the air emissions at surveyed sites shows no emission levels

that would constitute a concern to the health of residents living near these operations, DEP

Director of the Bureau of Air Quality Joyce Epps said. This study provides us with goodinformation as part of our ongoing effort to gauge the impact these operations have on our air

quality, public health and the environment.

The report notes that the sampling effort was not meant to address potential cumulative

impacts.

DEPs assessment focused on concentrations of volatile organic compounds, including

benzene, toluene and xylene, which are typically found in petroleum products. The department

also sampled for other pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide near natural gas

extraction and processing sites.

The sampling was conducted the weeks of August 9, September 13, October 14 and

October 25. An evening sampling event was held October 6. DEPs mobile laboratories were

used and the equipment was set up downwind of the target sources during early morning and lateevening hours, which is when the department received the most complaints from residents.

The agency collected background samples at Sones Pond in the Loyalsock State Forest in

Sullivan County.

The air monitoring surveys near natural gas operations in Susquehanna County were

conducted at a completed and operating gas well (Cabots Gesford 2V/7H) on Carter Road in

Dimock Township; two compressor stations (Cabots Lathrop and Teel stations near

Springville); and at a well site being fracked (Stone Energys Loomis well site) near Lawton.

Those surveys detected the main constituents of natural gas including methane, ethane,

propane and butane as well as low levels of associated compounds such as MTBE, carbon

monoxide and methyl mercaptan, the odor-producing compound.In addition, DEP used a specialized infrared camera that can detect emissions of certain

pollutants from a source that otherwise may be invisible to the naked eye. That equipment did

detect fugitive and direct emissions from the well equipment at the Carter Road site.

Overall, DEPs air sampling did not find concentrations of any compound that would

likely trigger air-related health issues associated with Marcellus Shale drilling activities in the

northeast region.

DEP also conducted similar air-monitoring studies near Marcellus gas facilities in north-

central Pennsylvania. Those results are currently being evaluated. Results from a study in

southwestern Pennsylvania were announced in November 2010.

A copy of the report is available online.

NewsClips: DEP Says Air Near Marcellus Drilling Sites Is SafeAir Quality At Marcellus Sites Acceptable, DEP Study Finds

DEP Finds No Danger In Drilling Emissions

Shale Work Not Risk To Air Quality, Study Says

Rep. Mundy Heralds Gas Drilling Bills, DEP: No Air Emission Threat

DEP Fines General Energy Company For Drilling Airfoam Discharge In Lycoming
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The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced it has fined Pennsylvania

General Energy Co. LLC of Warren $28,960 for the illegal discharge of Airfoam HD, a

surfactant, into Pine Creek in Lycoming County last March.

Surfactants are used by natural gas drillers to create a foam that will lift water and drill

cuttings to the surface. Airfoam HD is approved by DEP for use by the industry.

PGE responded immediately to this incident and fully cooperated with the department,said DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber.

During the weekend of March 13 and 14, 2010, there was significant rainfall and snow

melt that caused residual Airfoam in a Marcellus well bore to migrate to a spring on the hillside

creating a white, foamy substance. The spring was not used as a source of drinking water.

A DEP investigation on March 15 verified that the material was flowing from the spring,

down the hillside, under Pa. Route 44 via a storm drain, and into Pine Creek. At the time, the

spring was flowing at an estimated 180 gallons per minute.

PGE began diverting foam from the storm drain in the road berm and later placed an

absorbent boom across the spring run on the hillside, which prevented further discharges to Pine

Creek.

No constituents of Airfoam HD were detected in Pine Creek.The discharge was a violation of the Clean Streams Law, Solid Waste Management Act,

and DEPs oil and gas regulations.

The fine was deposited into the fund that supports DEPs oil and gas permitting and

enforcement programs.

NewsClips: DEP Fines Drilling Company For Surfactant Spill

Driller Fined For Spill

Heinz Endowments Awards Marcellus Shale Research Grant To Penn State

The Heinz Endowments recently awarded a team of Penn State researchers a $412,000, three-year, grant to identify and mitigate the effects of Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration and

development on the forest ecosystem.

The interdisciplinary research team, led by Margaret Brittingham, professor of wildlife

resources, and Patrick Drohan, assistant professor of pedology, both faculty members in the

College of Agricultural Sciences, also will develop land management practices and a monitoring

program to reduce the Marcellus disturbance footprint.

Focusing on the north-central region of Pennsylvania, the research incorporates four

broad components. First, researchers will use a database to evaluate landscape change as a result

of gas exploration disturbances.

Second, they will assess local and landscape-scale changes to the forest ecosystem

utilizing birds, invasive plant species, and soils as indicators of broader environmental effects.The team will also develop an electronic field guide for on-site remediation and wildlife

habitat enhancement at Marcellus drilling sites and pilot a long-term citizen-science based

monitoring program to track changes to the physical landscape and biotic communities across the

Marcellus shale formation in Pennsylvania.

Exploration and development of natural gas within the Marcellus Shale formation is

occurring at an accelerating rate across much of Pennsylvania and has the potential for large-

scale ecological change, said Brittingham. There is a critical need among public and private
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landowners for information on how to develop drilling sites, and their associate infrastructure, in

a way that minimizes ecological damage and that can restore sites to pre-drilling conditions.

The project addresses a central goal of the endowments Environment Program, to

support sustainable communities within a sustainable region by promoting environmentally

responsible land use and by protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.

We are grateful to The Heinz Endowments for funding this research, which was initiatedwith a seed grant from the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, said

Brittingham. The funds from Heinz will enable us to begin to document and monitor how

Marcellus-related exploration and development is changing the landscape of Pennsylvania and to

develop mitigation and remediation strategies to minimize negative environmental impacts.

The University has been at the forefront of research and outreach efforts since advances

in horizontal drilling technology sparked interest in unconventional gas shales.

Through MCOR, Penn State scholars and researchers are working on many of the most

critical technical aspects of Marcellus Shale development, providing science-based programming

on the Marcellus and other unconventional gas shales, and protecting the Commonwealths water

and forest resources.

Penn State researchers also are exploring community, family, health and populationimpacts of Marcellus development; effects on the transportation infrastructure; and labor issues

such as the housing, job creation and training needed to develop and sustain a local workforce.

Opinion

Penn State Prof: Philadelphia City Council Misses Mark On Marcellus Shale Gas

In the midst of political debate over natural gas development in

Philadelphia, Penn State Geosciences Professor Michael Arthurhighlights

the incongruities in local anti-fracking movements:"Practically all U.S. natural gas development involves hydraulic

fracturing, so it would be very difficult for consumers to discriminate

specific natural gas sources because many are melded into gas storage

fields or in transmission pipelines immediately following production.

"Natural gas has been developed in Pennsylvania for more than 100

years, and there have been more than 350,000 oil and gas wells drilled

herebut Philadelphia has never previously considered a ban.

"People need to know that natural gas is a critical resource in a greener energy portfolio

that reduces our carbon footprint and promotes energy independence. The hundreds of trillion

cubic feet of extractable natural gas in our state alone are sufficient to provide more than 20

years supply at the United States' current rate of consumption. Moreover, recent advances intechnology enable us to reach these deep shale gas resources with a smaller environmental

footprint.

"However, many residents know little about the importance of the industry and how it

fuels our economy and way of life. This is why Penn State is engaged in helping stakeholders

better understand and evaluate both the benefits and challenges in natural gas development.
http://www.marcellus.psu.edu/http://www.marcellus.psu.edu/about/directors.phphttp://www.marcellus.psu.edu/about/directors.phphttp://www.marcellus.psu.edu/


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"The Philadelphia City Council needs to understand how integral natural gas is to the

Commonwealth and how a significant portion of the city's homes, businesses and industries are

powered by natural gas. Given the importance of natural gas, I hope the city council will

reconsider and support the further development of this important domestic resource."

Professor Arthur teaches in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

Link: Penn State Earth-Mineral Sciences Profs Benefit From New Product To Frack Gas Wells

Laser Northeast Gathering Co. Breaks Ground For New Natural Gas Pipeline

Laser Northeast Gathering Company, LLC officials, joined by landowners and local officials,

held a ground breaking ceremony this week in New Milford, Pa to mark the start of construction

in Pennsylvania for their Susquehanna Gathering System.

"As a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania, this is a very exciting day," said Laser

Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Karam. "We are proud to stand here and announce that we are

starting construction of a project that is bringing substantial investment and additional jobs to

Northeastern Pennsylvania. This project will play a vital role in helping the area realize the fulleconomic potential of the natural gas resources that are here."

The Susquehanna Gathering System will gather natural gas from wells tapping the

Marcellus Shale formation and transport it up to 30 miles from Susquehanna County into the

Millennium interstate pipeline located in Broome County, NY. Construction of the pipeline

begins this week and is expected to be complete this summer.

"The real heroes here are all the landowners and public officials who have worked

diligently to help us create a great project," said Laser Northeast Gathering President Chip

Berthelot. "The collaborative effort between Laser, landowner groups, individual landowners,

and municipal officials has contributed to making this the best project possible."

The project has already begun to stimulate the local economy through payments to locallandowners and the use of local firms and services. To date, Laser had already added more than

$20 million to the local economy. The company is committed to maximize the use of local

products and services.

Laser has opened a regional office at 3008 State Rd. 92 in Montrose, where it currently

employs 20 full-time staff people. During the construction phase of the project in Pennsylvania,

the company expects to employ approximately 350 construction professionals, as well as,

employ several local contractors to do work. The company has already committed to buy over $6

million worth of pipe for the project from a Pennsylvania steel company.

Laser's focus is on developing, constructing and operating "midstream" natural gas

pipeline. Laser's management team has over 150 years of pipeline operating experience in

Pennsylvania.For more information, visit the Laser website.

PA Lake Management Society Accepting Applications For Restoration Grants

The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society, with funding from the Department of

Environmental Protection, is now accepting applications for lake restoration grants until

February 23.
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The grants are intended to offer assistance to landowners, non-profits, and municipalities

to address lake-related issues of critically eroded shorelines, excess nutrient loading, and aquatic

invasive species that degrade the quality of lakes in the Commonwealth.

A limited number of grants will be offered on a competitive basis of up to $24,000 each

to correct identified lake problems.

For more information, visit the Grant Program webpage.

Annual Pond & Lake Management Conference March 2-3, Photo Contest Entires Invited

The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society will hold its annual Pond and Lake Management

Conference on March 2-3 in State College. The theme of this year's conference is "Shoreline

Stabilization, Buffers and Lake BMPs."

The keynote speaker for this special event will be Dr. Robert Kirschner, Chicago Botanic

Garden Lake Enhancement Program on the topics of "But What Will the Neighbors Think?" and

"Creating Native Shoreline Landscapes That Are Easy on the Eye and Great for the

Environment!"

Download the Conference agenda and registration brochure.Photo Contest

Submit your favorite lake or pond photograph to PALMS' 10th Annual Photo Contest.

Winners will be selected at the PALMS Conference and announced during the general

membership meeting. Entries must be postmarked by February 22.

The first place photo will be used on the cover of next year's PALMS Conference

brochure and featured on the PALMS website. The second place photo will also be featured on

the website. Both photos will be submitted to the North American Lake Management Society.

For detail entry instructions, download the Conference brochure.

Williamsport Lycoming Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications

The Williamsport Lycoming Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its Spring

2011 competitive grant round. Letters of intent are due March 1.

Each year, grants are awarded in the areas of education, human services, youth and

recreation, economic development, arts and culture and civic projects. The Foundation typically

funds fifty percent of the requests for funding that it receives.

In 2010, the Foundation received ninety-eight requests totaling $1.5 million. Click Here

for a list of grants awarded.

The Foundation has a long partnership with the nonprofit sector, and sees these grants as

a collaborative effort to find solutions to our most pressing needs. It is our intent to be helpful

and responsive to those community needs, said Suzanne Lee, the Foundations President &CEO.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated or apply through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization that acts as a fiscal sponsor. Grants awarded by the WLCF are intended to serve the

residents of the Williamsport Lycoming area. Any organization located outside of the area must

include in their application the percentage of those served by the program who are residents of

Lycoming County.
http://palakes.org/new.aspxhttp://palakes.org/http://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/http://www.northcentralpa.com/news/2010-07-22_williamsport-lycoming-community-foundation-grants-277000-local-nonprofit-organizatiohttp://www.northcentralpa.com/news/2010-07-22_williamsport-lycoming-community-foundation-grants-277000-local-nonprofit-organizatiohttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/http://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/http://palakes.org/new.aspx


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Letters of Intent must be submitted on the organizations letterhead and should be no

more than a brief paragraph describing the program, stating the amount of funding needed and

providing an email address. Only those Letters of Intent that are postmarked on or before March

1 will be considered.

The Foundation will review the letters of intent and if approved invite organizations to

submit a full grant application. Organizations requesting less than $6,000 are not required tocomplete a Letter of Intent, but must submit an application for funding.

Complete guidelines and applications may be found on the Community Foundations

website.

Letters of Intent and Applications can be submitted by postal service to the Program

Officer, Williamsport Lycoming Community Foundation, 330 Pine Street, Suite 400,

Williamsport, PA 17701. For additional information contact the Program Office toll free at

866-901-2372.

Mine Reclamation At No Cost To Commonwealth In Westmoreland

DEP's Greensburg District Mining Office recently awarded a Government FinancedConstruction Contract to Robindale Energy Service, Inc., to reclaim 25.3 acres of abandoned

coal refuse adjacent to Loyalhanna Creek in Loyalhanna Township, Westmoreland County.

The operator will remove all marketable refuse from the site for use as a co-generation

power plant fuel. After refuse removal, the area will be regraded to blend with the original

ground contour and re-vegetated with grasses and legumes.

The project will reduce pollutional loading of acid mine drainage to the watershed. The

cost of the reclamation is estimated at $253,000.

PA American Water Accepting Environmental Grant Applications

Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 PA American WaterEnvironmental Grant

Program. Applications are due March 25.

Grants of up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities

such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer

restoration projects and hazardous waste collection efforts in the PA American Water service

territory.

"American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment,

as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs," said Debra

Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. "We are all environmental stewards in protecting

our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this

important effort."Established in 2005, American Water's Environmental Grant Program offers funds for

innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the

watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships.

For more information, download theprogram brochure and the grant application form or

contact Terry Maenza at 610-670-7789, ext. 1009 or send email to: [email protected].

Innovating Policy For Chesapeake Bay Restoration Event March 29
http://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Letter-of-Intent-Guidelines-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Guidelines-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Application-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/content/funding-opportunitieshttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantBrochure.pdfhttp://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantForm.pdfmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantForm.pdfhttp://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantBrochure.pdfhttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/content/funding-opportunitieshttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Application-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Guidelines-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Letter-of-Intent-Guidelines-Web.pdf


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On March 29 the Penn State Environment and Natural Resources Institute and other sponsors

will host a one-day Innovating Policy for Chesapeake Bay Restoration Conference in

Cambridge, MD.

The purpose of this one-day conference is to foster innovative thinking on the suite of

federal and state policies needed to reduce water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.Presenters will examine shortcomings of existing policy approaches and highlight

opportunities for correcting those deficiencies from economic, political, legal, ecological, and

policy perspectives.

The conference will also examine issues related to the pace and magnitude of the nutrient

and sediment reductions, efficient and fair allocations of load reductions between states, the

structure of interstate agreements, ecological and economic uncertainty, and adaptive

management.

The presenters are leading economic, scientific, and policy authorities on water quality

policy from academia, government agencies, and nonprofits. Conference participants will be

encouraged to engage in discussion.

A limited number of poster presentations are being accepted for review until March 1.The conference is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:

USDA ERS, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Farm Foundation, and Penn State

Environment and Natural Resources Institute.

For more information and to register, visit the Conference webpage.

Spotlight

Congress Eliminates Funding For Susquehanna Flood Warning SystemBy Paul Swartz, Susquehanna River Basin Commission

On January 5, 2011, I received news from Marylands U.S. Senator

Barbara Mikulski that Congress had blocked the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY-11)

Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Consequently, none of the congressionally

directed projects in the bill, including $2.4 million needed for the

Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System (the System), will be

funded in FY-11.

Senator Mikulski, who has been our key champion for flood

forecast funding, said: I am extremely disappointed. As a member of the

Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to provide funding for projectsthat create jobs, meet

a compelling human need, promote innovation, improve public safety or strengthen our

infrastructure. It is unlikely that congressionally designated projects will be funded in the near

future.

Those words were sobering and a clear signal to us that this vitally important activity

one that has a proven track record of protecting public health and safety is now in serious

jeopardy.

The System provides the National Weather Service the critically important data necessary

to issue flood warnings. The System is extremely cost-effective, providing a 20-to-1 benefit-cost
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ratio; for every dollar invested by the federal government, the System saves $20 through reduced

flood damages and reduced payouts through the federal flood insurance program.

Of particular concern is the potential loss of data critical for providing timely and

accurate flood forecasts. The System uses radar and a network of stream and rain gages to

provide the data that are used to forecast river levels and issue more accurate early flood

warnings.With early flood warnings, businesses and residents living in flood-prone areas have time

to secure their properties and get themselves to safer locations before flood waters strike. The

System was established 25 years ago because the Susquehanna River Basin is one of the most

flood-prone areas in the entire country. More than 80 percent of the basins 1,400 plus

municipalities include areas that are flood-prone.

Loss of System funding also poses the risks of additional funding being discontinued by

other System partners who currently provide support for stream gages. Those partners also rely

on the gages for their water management activities. For example, the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania relies on 13 of the jeopardized stream gages for its drought monitoring network.

Regrettably, despite the Systems irrefutable benefits, it is now in danger. In a time of

tight budgets and with the country determined to get its fiscal house in order, everyoneunderstands the need to curb spending. But eliminating funding for this proven System risks loss

of life and property and leaves Susquehanna basin residents, communities and businesses

vulnerable. Is that a prudent financial decision?

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and its partners in the System are currently

developing strategies to prevent the System from being shut down in FY-11. We are exploring

all avenues so critical stream and rain gages will not be eliminated.

With the loss of direct congressional funding in FY-11 a foregone conclusion, the

Systems future is uncertain. Like other federal agencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, which administers the Systems funding through its National Weather Service, is

currently funded under a Continuing Resolution, which allows the agency to operate at last fiscalyears funding level. However, the Continuing Resolution expires on March 4, 2011, and

without knowing what Congress decides to do about a budget for the remainder of FY-11,

funding for the System remains in question.

The Commission will be meeting with National Weather Service officials shortly to urge

their support to provide funding to bridge the System into the next fiscal year. While funding for

FY-12 is equally uncertain, we are prepared to work tirelessly with members of Congress to

restore funding. But because of the current desire to eliminate all congressionally directed

funding (earmarks), FY-12 represents yet another challenge for the System.

For FY-13, our strategy is to have funding for the System included in the Presidents

budget to avoid the need for a congressional add-on. That is exactly where funding for the

System rightfully belongs -- in the Presidents budget. Congress has carried the burden offunding the System for too long. Its time for the Executive Branch to take the lead.

Beyond the Systems many flood forecasting benefits, the stream gages that are the

backbone of the System are also relied on by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to

protect streams from water withdrawals we regulate for natural gas development in the Marcellus

Shale and other water-dependent projects.

The stream gages, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, provide flow data used by the

Commission and its regulated water users to determine when they must stop withdrawing water


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to prevent impacts to aquatic species and other downstream water users during periods of low

flows.

As the demand for water continues to increase from the natural gas industry, as well as

for power generation and other purposes, stream gages must be preserved not only for flood

hazard mitigation purposes, but also to protect streams from water withdrawals.

It is not a question of whether flooding will again occur in the Susquehanna River Basin,but rather when it will occur and how severe it will be. I pray it will not take the devastation of

another flood event for us to once again learn the wisdom of the adage that an ounce of

prevention is worth a pound of cure.

For more information is available at the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning

System webpage.

NewsClips: System Of Susquehanna River Gauges Imperiled

Flood Warning System Could Lose All Its Funding

Paul Swartzis Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Planting Program Seeking Applications

Applications are now being accepted by the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Planting Program from

groups interested in receiving trees for the 2011 planting season. Applications are due March 25.

The Program supports street tree, park, and riverfront plantings by supplying trees and

limited services to help prepare planting locations within the City of Pittsburgh, in City and

Allegheny County parks, and along riverfront trails.

Submitting an application does not guarantee your group will receive trees. Funding for

seasonal plantings is limited.

For more information, visit the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh webpage or call the Western PA

Conservancy at 412-586-2396 or send email to: [email protected] to discuss yourcommunitys goals and preparedness.

Hands-On Tree Tender 2011 Course Schedule In Southeast PA

The PA Horticultural Society has just released its 2011 schedule of Tree Tenders Program

workshops for Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The fee for each course is $25 and pre-registration is required. Click Here for the

complete schedule.

Ecological Landscaping: Land Ethics Symposium February 17

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is hosting a Land Ethics Symposium on February 17 at the

Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Langhore, Pa.

The Symposium focuses on ways to create low-maintenance, economical and ecological

balanced landscapes with native plants and restoration techniques.

This day-long Symposium is geared toward professionals, including landscape architects,

designers, contractors and the green industry, environmental consultants, land planners,

managers and developers, and state/municipal officials.
http://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/http://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/http://www.timesleader.com/news/System_of_river_gauges_imperiled_02-03-2011.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/6640-flood-warning-system-could-lose-all-its-fundinghttp://www.srbc.net/http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/http://pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/tree-training.htmlhttp://www.bhwp.org/index.htmhttp://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htmhttp://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htmhttp://www.bhwp.org/index.htmhttp://pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/tree-training.htmlhttp://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.srbc.net/http://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/6640-flood-warning-system-could-lose-all-its-fundinghttp://www.timesleader.com/news/System_of_river_gauges_imperiled_02-03-2011.htmlhttp://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/http://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/


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The Symposium features presentations by regional and national experts. Continuing

Education Credits are available. A selection of topical books are for sale throughout the event.

For more information and to register, visit the Land Ethics Symposium webpage.

Explore The Wissahickon With FOW Trail Ambassadors This Month

Trail Ambassadors from the Friends of the Wissahickon are offering

two free nature walks in Wissahickon Valley Park in February. The

walks include:

-- February 12: Woodsy Trek to Visit Our Legendary Indian with

Bruce Wagner. 10:00 a.m. to noon. Meet at Valley Green Inn. From

there we will walk to the Indian statue. Using story and photographs

we will experience the past and present of our Wissahickon Valley,

including the Wissahickon Turnpike, the Indian statue, and Council

Rock.

Walkers will visit the Victorian stairway that marks theinclusion of the Wissahickon Valley in Philadelphias celebration of

the 1876 U.S.A. Centennial. For our return, the group will decide

whether to walk along Forbidden Drive or a woodsy path on the other side of the Creek. We are

eager to walk in the winter snows, and so this walk will take place in all but the most serious of

winter blizzards! For more information, send email to Bruce Wagner (photo) at:

[email protected].

-- February 19: Meanderings in the Wissahickon with Shelly Brick. 1 p.m..Enjoy the park and

share stories as you explore the Wissahickon trails for 1.5-2 hours. Pace will be set by the group.

For more information, send email to: [email protected].

Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador hikes use rocky, rugged trails that may be

wet and slippery. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Long pants are recommended for

protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Bring water and a snack if desired.

Children over seven are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are

cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions. Registration is not required, but is recommended so

that FOW can inform you of weather or other emergency cancellations.

The Trail Ambassador program was launched in 2008 in partnership with Fairmount

Park. These volunteers share their knowledge of the Wissahickon with park users and report any

problems they see to Fairmount Park Rangers.To register, contact Heather Davis-Jones by sending email to: [email protected] or call

215-247-0417.

PA-AWWA Sponsors Residential Sprinkler, Valve Workshops March 8

The PA Section of the American Water Works Association will sponsor two training workshops

on March 8 in Harrisburg on residential fire sprinkler systems and valve maintenance.
http://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htmhttp://www.fow.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.fow.org/http://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htm


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For more information, download the registration information or contact Nancy Dinger at

717-774-8870 or send email to: [email protected].

U.S. Senator Casey Returns To Senate Agriculture Committee

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced he will return to the U.S.Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Senator

Casey has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since he took

office in 2007.

I am pleased to return to the Senate Committee on

Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry as the committee will begin work

on the new Farm Bill, said Senator Casey. This committee is vital to Pennsylvanias number

one industry - agriculture. I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy to promote

Pennsylvania agriculture and better help Pennsylvanias farm families.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Casey secured victories in

the 2008 Farm Bill for Pennsylvanias specialty crops, dairy farmers and conservation programs.

From strengthening the safety net in the MILC program for dairy farmers to establishing theChesapeake Bay Watershed Conservation to help farmers meet their goals to restore the Bay,

Senator Casey fought to improve the Farm Bill so it was more fair and equitable for

Pennsylvania agriculture.

Senator Casey also worked to increase funding and commodity purchases for nutrition

programs in the 2008 Farm Bill. With one in ten Pennsylvanians receiving food stamps and

many food banks facing shortages during this economic downturn, these legislative

improvements made significant differences in the lives of many throughout the Commonwealth.

In addition to the 2008 Farm Bill, Senator Casey has also worked within his committee

role to reauthorize the federal child nutrition programs, making the most historic investment in

child nutrition programs since their inception. This re-authorization was completely paid for andreceived unanimous approval by the full Senate.

Senator Casey has received the Pennsylvania Farm Bureaus Friend of the Farm Bureau

Award and the National Farmers Unions Golden Triangle Award.

Feb. 15 PA Recycling Industries Congress Showcases Economic Importance of Recycling

Private-sector recyclers and companies that use recycled materials to make new products will

showcase their contributions to Pennsylvanias economy at the 2011 Pennsylvania Recycling

Industries Congress on February 15 in the Capitols East Wing Rotunda.

The first-ever event is being sponsored by the PA Waste Industries Association and the

Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center.More than two dozen recyclers and recycled-products companies will have exhibits and

displays in the rotunda throughout the day.

Recycling is a growing and important part of the private-sector waste industry, which

contributes $3 billion a year to our Pennsylvania economy and accounts for 31,500 jobs, said

Tim ODonnell, president of PWIA, which represents private-sector recyclers, waste haulers, and

landfill operators. The Recycling Industries Congress is an opportunity to get this message out

to legislators and the public.
http://www.paawwa.org/PDFfiles/ValveSprinklersMarch82011Harrisburg.pdfmailto:[email protected]://casey.senate.gov/http://www.pawasteindustries.org/http://www.parmc.org/http://www.parmc.org/http://www.pawasteindustries.org/http://casey.senate.gov/http://casey.senate.gov/mailto:[email protected]://www.paawwa.org/PDFfiles/ValveSprinklersMarch82011Harrisburg.pdf


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Pennsylvania is a leading state in terms of the importance of recycling, said Michele

Nestor, chair of the RMC board. The private sector has invested more than $66 million in

recycling facilities, state-of-the-art sorting and processing equipment, and new recycling jobs in

Pennsylvania in just the past few years. This event is our opportunity to show how private

enterprise has made recycling an important part of our economy.

ODonnell and Nestor agreed that Pennsylvania state government has done a good job ofcreating a favorable climate for the development and growth of recycling but that, ultimately, its

up to the private sector to make sure recycling operates with a sound business footing and is self-

sustaining into the future.

The displays will include videos and models that explain how single-stream recycling

works and samples of products made from recycled plastics, paper, glass, and other materials.

For more information contact Natonia Samchuck, 717-232-1898 or send email to:

[email protected].

PROP 4th Annual Recycling FilmFest Call For Entries

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania Fourth Annual Recycling Film Festival will be heldon July 25 in conjunction with PROPs 2011 Annual Recycling Conference in Erie, Pa. Entries

must be received by July 11.

PROP reports the first entry to the FilmFest has been received. Hempfield Area High

School, Westmoreland County, has submitted Spartan Nation Takes a Stand, a two-minute

inspirational production designed to encourage participation in the schools single stream

recycling program.

PROP is soliciting entries from other schools, colleges and universities, municipalities,

counties, municipalities, waste and recycling authorities, others in the recycling industry, or

individuals to submit similar, short video productions on any recycling or waste reduction topic.

FilmFest attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite video. The topcontender will receive a cash prize.

In 2010, the animation Dont Kill Polar Bears Recycle, submitted by The University

of Oregon, won first place honors. The Philadelphia Streets Departments suite of videos titled

Unlitter Us, placed second, and Weisenbach Recycled Products animated video Caps Can

Do, garnered third. These top contenders received recycled content plaques honoring their

achievements.

Other entries include: "Broken Bottles" by Whitney, "The City Has A Heartbeat" by

Greg, "Reconsider" by Carlo and "Philly" by Steve.

If you are interested in participating or publicizing the 2011 PROP FilmFest, please keep

the following in mind: All entries must be submitted in DVD format, by July 11 to: Amy Schirf,

Chair, PROP Education Committee, Centre County Solid Waste Authority, 253 Transfer Road,Bellefonte, PA 16823.

Entries in other formats, electronic files or web links cannot be accepted. Entries

received after July 11, will not be accepted for the 2011 FilmFest. PROP retains the right to

screen all entries for inclusion in the FilmFest. DVDs entered into the contest will not be

returned.

You can read more about the PROP Recycling FilmFest in Jill Brubaker Reighs

September 2010 Resource Recycling article, Finding Reel Inspiration.
mailto:[email protected]://www.proprecycles.org/http://tinyurl.com/uopolarbearhttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusdenisehttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruswhitneyhttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusgreghttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruscarlohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusstevehttp://www.centrecountyrecycles.com/Pdf%20Files/filmfestarticle.pdfhttp://www.centrecountyrecycles.com/Pdf%20Files/filmfestarticle.pdfhttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusstevehttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruscarlohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusgreghttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruswhitneyhttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusdenisehttp://tinyurl.com/uopolarbearhttp://www.proprecycles.org/mailto:[email protected]


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February Issue Of Environmental Ed Connections Newsletter From PCEE

The February EE Connections newsletter is now available from the PA Center for Environmental

Education. Here are just some of topics covered in this month's newsletter--

Thanks To Patrick Henderson: Gov. Corbett recently named Patrick Henderson his key

Energy Executive in charge of pulling together a coherent energy policy for Pennsylvania.

PCEE Director Kathleen Paul recounts her experiences working with Henderson on

environmental education issues.

General News: Covered Devices Recycling Act to Limit 'E-Waste,' Western PA Environmental

Award Nominations Open, National Environmental Education Week April 10-16

K-12 News: 'Wind for Schools' Project Application Due March 1, Feb. 18 Deadline for Creative

Energy Challenge, NEEF Offers Cash for Winners of Green School Contest, Lehigh

Environmental Initiative Releases ELI Curricula

Higher Education News: Elizabethtown College Uses New System to Recycle Food Waste,

Chatham University Announces Plans for New Campus, National Wildlife Federation Seeks

Young Leader Delegates

Professional Development for Educators: Registration Open for ALCOSAN's Spring Educator

Workshop, Hopewell Big Woods Workshop Slated for May 2, 'Tiny Hands in Nature' Workshop

Offered at Winnie Palmer

Other Professional Development: Land Ethics Symposium Comes to Langhorne, PALTASponsors Land Conservation Conference, Farm to Table Conference Scheduled for March 25-26

Grants and Awards: PAW Sponsors 'Stream of Learning' Student Scholarships, PEST

Management Funding Available through USDA, Mini-Grants Available for 'Celebrate Urban

Birds' Events, Project Funding for Rural School Classrooms Available

Contributions welcome! The Center receives news and information from a variety of

sources across Pennsylvania and beyond. We appreciate all of the organizations, agencies and

individuals who provide EE services and share their relevant information.

If you would like to contribute to future issues of EE Connections, please submit your

article before the 15th of the month. Articles should be of statewide interest and are subject tospace availability.

Share EE Connections! If you know of others who would appreciate receiving EE

Connections, please complete the online form or call 724-738-9020. To see all of the resources

available on the PCEE website.

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation Honors Award Recipients May 3
https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102m.asphttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102_PCEE_News.pdfhttps://mail.crisciassociates.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://pcee.org/static/newsletterSubscribehttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://mail.crisciassociates.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://pcee.org/static/newsletterSubscribehttps://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102_PCEE_News.pdfhttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102m.asp


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The PA Parks and Forests Foundation will hold a banquet on May 3 in Harrisburg to honor the

winners of their 2011 awards. The winners this year include:

-- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Bob Griffith, retired Executive Director, PA

Recreation and Park Society;

-- Joseph Ibberson Government Award: Forests Assessment Team, Bureau of Forestry,

DCNR;-- President's Award: Borough of Ohiopyle;

-- Park of the Year: Pine Grove Furnace State Park;

-- Forest of the Year: Susquehannock State Forest;

-- Friends Volunteerism Award: Friends of Mt. Pisgah State Park;

-- Friends Education Award: John Salvetti, Prince Gallitzin State Park; and

-- Friends Improvement Award: Thomas Scully.

Call the PA Parks and Forests Foundation at 717-236-7644 or tickets or contact Marci

Mowery by sending email to: [email protected].

PA Environment Ride From The Susquehanna To The Schuylkill June 24-26

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is sponsoring a unique

biking event from the Susquehanna to the Schuylkill River-- the

Pennsylvania Environment Ride-- June 24-26.

The Pennsylvania Environment Ride is an exciting new ride

designed to support the Pennsylvania Environment Councils extensive

trail and greenway work. On June 24, riders will embark on an

Amtrak train for Elizabethtown, PA. Upon arrival at Elizabethtown,

you will begin a three-day return journey to Philadelphia.

The route will be fully supported by a volunteer crew who will

mark the route, hand out refreshments and good cheer at rest stops,offer sweep services to riders who need a lift, and more. You will

enjoy the Amish country of Lancaster and surrounding counties, farm

vistas, covered bridges, Chester County horse country and dramatic views of the Susquehanna

River.

Nearly the entire route will be on scenic country roads and bike paths, ending in

downtown Philadelphia. The ride will feature the regions great history and bounty, treating you

to an unforgettable weekend.

The Pennsylvania Environment Ride supports development of the bicycle trails in

southeastern Pennsylvania. This vital network of trails is used extensively for commuting,

recreation and sightseeing throughout the region.

The ride is limited to 75 committed riders.For more information and to register, visit the Pennsylvania Environment Ride website.

Become A Community Greening Volunteer In Western PA

The Western PA Conservancy is now seeking volunteers for its Spring Community Greening

Projects.
http://www.paparksandforests.org/http://www.paparksandforests.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.environmentride.org/http://www.environmentride.org/http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.environmentride.org/http://www.environmentride.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.paparksandforests.org/http://www.paparksandforests.org/


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Over 12,000 Western Pennsylvanians helped beautify the Pittsburgh region in 2010 by

planting almost 200,000 flowers and helping tend to the beds throughout the summer into the

fall.

Volunteers range in age from 8 to 80 and come from all walks of life. They live in city

neighborhoods, suburbs and rural communities. They may come as individuals, families,

community groups or corporate volunteers. Some have never planted before; others are skilledgardeners and have been planting with us for years.

If you or your group are interested in volunteering at any of our gardens in the spring or

summer, please contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at 412-586-2324 or send email to:

[email protected].

Wildlands Conservancy Offers February Education Programs

The Wildlands Conservancy is again offering a series of environmental education programs for

students and adults during February.

The topics include: Den Detectives, Groundhog Wildlife Walk, Spying Without Being

Spied, Winter Survival, Adventure Allentown- Snowshoeing for Kids, Boardwalk Bird Walk andmuch more.

Check out the Wildlands Conservancy Calendarfor details.

Game Commission Board Approves Mineral Leases, Purchases

The Board of Game Commissioners this week approved a donation of land in Lehigh County,

and two acquisitions of land in Centre and Blair counties.

The Board approved accepting a donation from Leroy L. and Lola M. Spangler, of three-

tenths of an acre in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, adjoining State Game Land 217. The

tract reduces an indenture into SGL 217, and provides road frontage on Reservoir Road. Theproperty is forested with mixed oak and has mountain laurel growing in its understory.

The Board approved the purchase of 114.7 acres in Howard Township, Centre County,

adjoining SGL 323, from Howard L. Mantle for $395,000, which will be paid with funds from

the land exchange with Pennsylvania State University on SGL 176.

The purchase is subject to the approval of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Both tracts are forested and adjoin U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Foster Joseph Sayers Dam

property to the south. Right-of-way access is provided from Old Route 220/Township Route 663.

The Board also approved the purchase of mineral rights under two portions of SGL 198,

Allegheny Township, Blair County, from Christian W. Anslinger for $2,500 lump sum. The first

tract is 295.55 acres, the other is 129.05 acres. Acquiring these mineral rights will provide more

control of the surface on this portion of SGL 198.The complete announcement is available online.

NewsClips: Ronald Weaver Elected President Of Game Commission Board

Column: Game Commission Move To Reduce Doe Seasons

Link: Game Commission Proposes 2011-12 Season, Bag Limits

2011-12 Season, Bag Limits Proposed By Game Commission
mailto:[email protected]://wildlandspa.org/http://wildlandspa.org/education/ed_calendar.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__017_11.htmlhttp://www.ydr.com/sports/ci_17263843http://blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2011/02/pennsylvania_game_commissioners_move_to_reduce_doe_seasons_across_much_of_pennsylvania.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__015_11.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__015_11.htmlhttp://blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2011/02/pennsylvania_game_commissioners_move_to_reduce_doe_seasons_across_much_of_pennsylvani

Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011

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