PA Environment Digest an Update on Environmental Issues in PA Edited By: David E

PA Environment Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In PA Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa November 10, 2014

Tom Wolf Wins Governor’s Race, Senate, House GOP Gain Seats, Session Next Week

CNN (8:03) and NBC News (8:07) projected Tom Wolf the winner of the Governor’s race in Pennsylvania just minutes after the polls closed at 8:00 p.m. The Department of State election results webpage shows Wolf at 54.8 percent and Corbett at 45.1 percent. Senate Republicans picked up 3 new seats for a 30 seat majority and the House Republicans picked up 8 new seats for a 119 majority in the new General Assembly. The Senate and House return to Harrisburg November 12 to elect caucus leaders. Senate Senate Republicans picked up three new seats to have a majority of 30 seats in the new Senate come January. The Associated Press Thursday reported Sen. Jake Corman (RCentre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and part of the current Senate Republican Leadership, is expected to challenge Sen. Dominic Pileggi (RDelaware) for the Majority Leader position. Republican conservatives have been upset over the failure of the Senate to pass legislation on pension reform and privatizing the sale of liquor. Caucus differences came into the public eye a few weeks ago with first Sen. Scott Wagner (RYork) and Sen. Don White (RIndiana) wrote letters to Sen. Pileggi saying they could not support him for Majority Leader. On Friday, Sen. Lisa Baker (RLuzerne) announced she was seeking to be Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. No changes are anticipated in the Chairs of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. These three seats were picked up by Senate Republicans 32nd Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland Counties Open Seat (D) R Patrick Stefano: Won Stefano is a lifelong resident of Fayette County and the third generation to run his family’s printing company, Stefano’s Printing. He earned an AS Degree in Business Administration from Penn State Fayette. Stefano worked in the family business for the next 29years including the last ten years as owner and operator. He is Vice President of the Fayette County Chamber and a member of the Greater Connellsville and Morgantown chambers of commerce and has worked countywide serving as a Board Member of the FayPenn Economic Development Council. D Deberah Kula House Member 40th District Monroe, Northampton Counties New Seat RMario ScavelloHouse member: Won Now in his sixth full term, he serves as the State Representative of the 176th House District. He is a former mayor of Mount Pocono and former chairman of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. A graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx, New York, he also attended City University in New York. DMark Aurand 46th District Washington County R Camera Bartolotta: Won Is the owner of the quicklube company Duke of Oil in the Mon Valley. She holds a high school diploma and two college degrees. Ms. Bartolotta is involved with the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association of Washington County, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Gilda’s Club of Western PA. She is also a Member of Saint Damien of Molokai Catholic Church. D Timothy Solobay incumbent House House Republicans picked up 8 seats to have a 119 seat majority in the new General Assembly come January. House Republicans will be electing a new Speakerdesignate of the House, with the retirement of Sam Smith, and other members of House GOP Leadership when they return to Harrisburg on November 12. Capitolwire.com reported Friday Rep. Mike Sturla (DLancaster) is challenging Frank Dermody (DAllegheny) for House Democratic Leader. “I don't think anybody can look back on the last four years and say that our caucus did everything that was possible, and I think there's a lot of members that felt there were different things we could have done, whether that be floor debates, or getting the message out through the media as to what it was we were trying to get accomplished,” Rep. Sturla told Capitolwire.com. “As a result of that, it culminates in not having good election results,” he said. “It's kinda incomprehensible that you could have a Republican Caucus that pretty much voted 100 percent with a governor that lost by 10 points and they would pick up eight seats,” Rep. Sturla added. House Republicans will also be naming new Committee Chairs in the coming weeks, including a new Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee after the retirement of Ron Miller. These 8 seats were picked up by House Republicans 46th District Allegheny, Washington Counties R Jason Ortitay: Won Is a resident of Allegheny County. He has worked in the banking industry as a Relationship Manager, and Treasury Management for PNC Bank. He graduated from Robert Morris University, with a Bachelor’s degree and from Stetson University with a Masters of Business Administration degree. Mr. Ortitay also owns and operates Jason’s Cheesecakes, a firm that helps school groups fundraise. D Jesse Whiteincumbent 52nd District Washington County R Ryan Warner: Won Born and raised in Fayette County, Warner is a former steel worker and farmer. He graduated from Frazier High School and Penn State with a degree in Communications. Warner has been involved in the family logging business and worked for Siemens Industry in Westmoreland County as a project controller. D Andrew Boni 74th District Chester County Open Seat (D) R Harry Lewis: Won Is a retired Principal and teacher from Coatesville City. As an educator he worked as a special education, physical education teacher, and track coach. He holds a bachelor’s degree from WinstonSalem University, a Master’s degree in Wellness & Fitness from West Chester University, and a Master’s degree in education administration from Cheney University. D Josh Maxwell 83rd District Lycoming County R Jeff Wheeland: Won Is a businessman and Lycoming County Commissioner. He owns Home Service Beverage and First Ice. Mr. Wheeland graduated from Montoursville High School and earned an A.D. in Business Management from the former Williamsport Area Community College, and attended other postsecondary courses at Lycoming College. D Rick Mirabito 115th District Lackawanna County R David Parker: Won Lives in Stroud Township where he is the coowner of Cramer’s Home Building Centers. He is a member of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee. Mr. Parker earned his bachelor’s degree from Messiah College. In the 4way GOP Primary, he won with 54% of the vote. D Maureen Madden 120th District Luzerne County Open Seat (D) R Aaron Kaufer Won A graduate of Lafayette College, Kaufer works as a marketing representative for Mohegan Sun. The Kingston resident noted he was endorsed by the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition, which supports the elimination of school property taxes. Kaufer also said he supports term limits for state legislators and would only serve eight years in the state House. D Eileen Cipriani 146th District Montgomery County R Tom Quigleyformer House member: Won Is a former State Representative from Royersford Borough. Prior to serving in the House of Representatives, he served as Mayor of Royersford and also sat on the Borough Council. He graduated from Philadelphia University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. D Mark PainterIncumbent 169th District York County New Seat (D) R Kate Anne Klunk: Won Klunk earned her B.A. in History, Economics and Public Policy Studies from Dickinson College and her J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University. Her professional experience includes working as a private practice attorney, in the Office of Communications and on the National Economic Council at The White House, as a congressional intern for United States Representative Todd Platts and as a general laborer for Utz Quality Foods. NewsClips: What Wolf Means For Energy, The Environment StateImpact: Meet The Candidates: Tom Wolf Wolf Talks Severance Tax, Protecting The Environment Wolf: Reluctant Heir To Family Business, Peace Corps Volunteer Corbett, Wolf Differ On Obama’s Carbon Rules Energy Contributions To Gubernatorial Candidates Wolf Pledges To Work Together With GOP Wolf Faces SuperGOP Legislature Wolf Expected To Have To Bend On Agenda GOP Leadership Fight Brewing In PA Senate Senate GOP Leadership Fight Signals Conservative Shift Sen. Corman Eyes Pileggi’s Post Sen. Baker Seeks Senate Leadership Position On Wolf Challenges, House Majority Leader Race Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Funding Veto PA Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes

What Tom Wolf Said He Would Do On Environmental Issues

In May, then candidate Tom Wolf gave the Pennsylvania Environmental Council answers to questions on important environmental issues. Among them, he was asked what he would do during the first 100 days in office. He said Appoint qualified individuals to lead the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. These leaders will be responsible for bringing greater transparency to the fracking process, proactively addressing climate change, and promoting policies that are in the best interest of current and future residents not special interests; Submit a budget that includes additional funding for the Department of Environmental Protection so that it is sufficiently staffed and able to provide oversight of natural gas drillers; and Introduce legislation to enact a five percent extraction tax on natural gas. Specifically on Marcellus Shalerelated issues, Wolf said on his campaign website Make smart investments to fund Pennsylvania's priorities. Rather than just using natural gas funds to plug budget holes or fund the same old approaches to economic development, we should use these new resources to build a brighter future for Pennsylvania's with strategic investments in schools, roads, and renewable energy technology. Bring greater transparency to the fracking process by requiring drillers to publicly disclose chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process, and lifting the current gag order on physicians; Allow local communities more control in zoning. When asked about how he would address Pennsylvania’s legacy of abandoned mine drainage, Wolf told the PA Environmental Council “I believe we need a multipronged approach to address the restoration of AMD. First, we need to enact tougher legislation to hold coalmining companies responsible for clean up and environmental damages. Second, we need to engage Pennsylvania’s worldclass universities and colleges as well as the private sector in developing costeffective approaches to abandoned mine drainage restoration. Third, both the federal government and the state need to stepup and proactively address this issue by directing additional funding.” With respect to Climate Change, Wolf said on his campaign website he would Expand the use of Clean Energy: Tom will work to make Pennsylvania a national leader in the development of clean energy sources. Within his first year in office, Tom will introduce legislation expanding Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and restoring some funding for the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority. Accelerate Investment in Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Tom wants to accelerate new investments in Pennsylvania in energy efficiency retrofits of commercial and residential real estate by engaging the private sector and developing new programs and policies to spur growth. Tom will explore several policy options including new workforce development training for workers in the energy efficiency retrofit sector, new access to energy use data to allow investors to determine which buildings represent the best potential investments for retrofits, and new financing tools to attract private sector investments in Pennsylvania in building retrofits. Issue Responsible Climate Change Action Plans: The next Climate Change Action plan, which is mandated by Act 70, is due in October, 2015. Tom will direct his Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection to produce a report that is based on science, and includes meaningful emission reduction targets and policies to help meet these goals. Set Green Building Standards for State Buildings: Tom will require the State to meet green building standards on all stateowned new large building projects (20,000+ square feet), building projects in which a state agency is leasing at least 90 percent of the square footage, and renovations of stateowned or leased buildings that meet this "size" criteria. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Under Tom's leadership, Pennsylvania will join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. He will work with the initiative and other states to set emission caps that are fair to Pennsylvania. Tom will use a portion of the revenue generated from the sale of permits to invest in renewable energy technology. Help build renewable energy workforce and sector: As governor, Tom will target existing State workforce and education dollars toward the development of a public/private green jobs training program. NewsClips: What Wolf Means For Energy, The Environment StateImpact: Meet The Candidates: Tom Wolf Wolf Talks Severance Tax, Protecting The Environment Wolf: Reluctant Heir To Family Business, Peace Corps Volunteer Corbett, Wolf Differ On Obama’s Carbon Rules Energy Contributions To Gubernatorial Candidates Wolf Pledges To Work Together With GOP Wolf Faces SuperGOP Legislature Wolf Expected To Have To Bend On Agenda GOP Leadership Fight Brewing In PA Senate Senate GOP Leadership Fight Signals Conservative Shift Sen. Corman Eyes Pileggi’s Post On Wolf Challenges, House Majority Leader Race Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Funding Veto PA Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes

PEC Urges DEP To Create A More Robust Oil & Gas Well Inspection Program

In comments on DEP’s proposed Oil and Gas Program Enforcement Policy, the PA Environmental Council Friday called on DEP to create a more robust compliance inspection program for oil and gas wells which it says the Department does not now have. PEC, in a letter signed by John Walliser, Vice President for Legal and Governmental Affairs, said “We commend the Department for pursuing continuous improvement of its policies and regulations with respect to shale gas development. However, we are deeply concerned about a fundamental provision of this inspection and enforcement policy. “Section III(A)(2) of the proposed policy, which details frequency of well inspections, states: “Each District Office should ensure that all wells are inspected at least once in accordance with the following schedule ….” (emphasis added). The policy then lists 12 possible inspection events relating to the cycle of well development and restoration, including responses to complaints or permit violations. “However, it is clear by the language of the proposal that only one inspection is required. “Over the past several years and across two Administrations, the Department has made much of the fact that it has increased capacity for well inspection and enforcement. There is collective recognition that consistent well inspection is essential for proper management and environmental protection. Even the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, in its recommendations report, underscored this tenet, which was subsequently reflected in the Act 13 of 2012 revisions to the Oil and Gas Act – requiring operators to provide the Department with notice prior to certain steps in the well development process. “Inspection and enforcement is fundamental to the central mission of the Department. The proposed policy, in Section III(A)(2), fails that mission by relegating a core function into an aspirational objective. In fact, failure of the Department to sufficiently inspect well sites undercuts the entirety of the proposed policy, regardless of its other merits. “Based on this policy and corresponding statements made by agency personnel, this provision equates to an acknowledgement by the Department that it does not have the necessary resources to perform a core function, and/or it is disproportionately restrained by other administrative limitations with respect to well site permitting and enforcement. “The solution to this problem is not creating undue leeway in necessary policy or guidance. “For that reason we believe this proposed policy ultimately fails its intended purpose. “If the Department is unable to maintain robust inspection, it has the responsibility to identify the cause and take affirmative and immediate steps to rectify any shortfall. Both the Department and Commonwealth are much better served by a comprehensive response that ensures that not only will the agency have the financial and staffing support needed to meet its obligations, but that it has also reconciled any competing policies that frustrate this commitment. While there is strong value in seeking ongoing improvement, that improvement must be reinforced and commitments must be met. “Unless the consistency and frequency of inspections is increased both in writing through this policy and in practice by the Department, this guidance fails both the mission of the Department and the citizens of the Commonwealth. “The Department should formally amend this policy to require greater consistency and frequency of inspection for each and every well site in the Pennsylvania. PEC has been steadfast in its call for strong regulation of the conventional and unconventional natural gas industry to protect environmental values of the Commonwealth. However, such regulation is potentially for naught unless backed by robust and implemented enforcement protocols. “Furthermore, the Department should conduct a public analysis on limitations to its monitoring and enforcement capabilities, whether due to funding/staffing or other administrative constraints. The findings of this analysis should guide all future amendments to policy, permits, or regulation to ensure the Department has the ability to fulfill its mission. “Thank you for your consideration.” Sincerely, John Walliser Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs Pennsylvania Environmental Council A copy of the PEC letter is available online. Click Here for more information on the proposed Oil and Gas Enforcement Policy. DEP is accepting comments on the policy through November 18.

DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Begin Discussion Of Report To New Governor Nov. 18

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council will begin a discussion of its recommendations to GovernorElect Tom Wolf for improving DEP operations and programs at its November 18 meeting. During the Secretary’s Report to Council, Acting DEP Secretary Dana Aunkst to discuss the steps the agency is taking to implement recently passed legislation, including House Bill 1565 (HahnRLehigh) related to stream buffers and House Bill 2354 (SnyderDFayette) relating to developing a greenhouse gas emission reduction plan. Council will also consider recommendations made by the Public Participation Committee for improving the way DEP uses its Advisory Committees. Council will hear presentations about DEP’s Environmental Education Grant Program and DCNR’s Forestry Plant regulations. DEP’s November Report to the CAC is now available providing updates on agency programs and activities. A copy of the full agenda is available online. The next meeting of Council is tentatively scheduled for January 21. For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage.

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor David Hess, and let us join your Circle. Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource. You’ll receive asithappens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced

House (Adjourned): The House adjourned and no more voting session days are scheduled. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (Adjourned): All bills left on the Senate Calendar were Tabled when the Senate adjourned as is the custom in the Senate. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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

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

Other: Independent Fiscal Office annual presentation on Pennsylvania’s Economic and Budget Outlook.

Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House

House November 12 (nonvoting, reorganization session)

Senate November 12 (nonvoting, reorganization session)

Capitol News

Senate Leadership Files Lawsuit Over Gov. Corbett’s Veto Of Fiscal Code Bill

The Pittsburgh PostGazette reported Wednesday Senate Republican and Democratic Leadership filed a lawsuit on election day against Gov. Corbett for his veto of provisions in the Fiscal Code bill in July which, among other items, vetoed $5 million in Senate and House funding for Harrisburg Parking expenses. The major environmental line items vetoed by the Governor include $500,000 in DCNR’s budget for Washington Crossing Historical Park; $150,000 for independent research of natural gas drilling; and Specific amounts in specific counties for sewage facilities planning, system operations. Click Here for a copy of the item veto message listing those items from the Fiscal Code bill. In a separate action in the main budget bill, Gov. Corbett vetoed $65 million in direct funding for all four Caucuses of the General Assembly and $7.2 million in legislatively designated spending. At the time, Gov. Corbett said, “As they did in the last three budgets, agencies sharpened their pencils, set priorities, and spent what they had – not what they wished they had. We made tough decisions so that funding for critical programs and services that benefit the people of Pennsylvania would go unharmed. It is what I promised the people of Pennsylvania I would do, and, frankly, it is what they expect and deserve from their state government. “The same, however, cannot be said for the General Assembly,” he noted. The lawsuit, a copy of which is included with the PostGazette article, said Gov. Corbett does not have the authority to veto individual items in the Fiscal Code bill since it does not represent an appropriation line item. As a result, the lawsuit says, the Governor violated the separation of executive and legislative power. NewsClips: Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Funding Veto PA Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes Corbett Sued Over Legislative Spending Cuts PA Revenue Collections Higher Than Expected In October

News From Around The State

Chesapeake Bay FoundationPA Tree Plantings, Film Screening In November

The Chesapeake Bay FoundationPA is sponsoring tree plantings in Dauphin and Lancaster counties and a special film screening of Water Blues, Green Solutions at the Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg, according to Kate Austin, PA Grassroots Field Specialist, CBFPA. Here are the details— — November 8: Tree planting along Mill Creek in New Holland, Lancaster County, from 9 a.m to noon. To register, send an email to: Kristen Kyler at: [email protected]. — November 15: Tree planting with community groups to plant street trees in the Bellevue Park and Uptown neighborhoods of Harrisburg, from 8:30 a.m to noon. To register, send an email to Kate Austin at: [email protected]. — November 18: Special film screening of Water Blues, Green Solution at 6:00 p.m. at the Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For questions, please contact Kate Austin by sending an email to: [email protected].

Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit Jan. 2528 In New Jersey

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will host its annual Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit on January 2528 in Cape May, New Jersey, with the theme of Balancing Progress and Protection. The Summit brings together scientists, outreach specialists, and resource managers for 3 exciting days of presentations and networking events. Averaging over 300 attendees, the Summit is the best way learn, share information, and meet partners to drive your work forward in the Delaware Estuary. For more information, including sponsorships and registration, visit the Science and Environmental Summit webpage.

Growing Greener Coalition Funding, Grants Workshop Nov. 21 In Pittsburgh

The PA Growing Greener Coalition and its partners will host a oneday Grants and Funding Workshop November 21 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at the Regional Learning Alliance, 850 Cranberry Woods Dr., Cranberry Township, in Butler County. Participants will learn what state funding programs exist for recreation, conservation, restoration and preservation projects, how to access those funds, how to engage interested partners and discuss strategies for winning funding. Experts will also share how they have successfully utilized these tools to create long lasting projects in Southwestern PA. This free workshop is open to nonprofit organizations and local governments with support from The Laurel Foundation. Please RSVP by calling 7177459304. Finding The Green The Growing Greener Coalition now has available a guide to finding funding for your conservation, restoration or recreation project called Finding The Green. The purpose of this singlesource guide is to provide an overview of funding opportunities that may be of help to you. The guide contains a thorough listing of state funding programs for conservation, preservation and recreation projects, including the more recent funding made available from Act 13 of 2012. In addition to a list of specific grant opportunities, you’ll find tips on how to apply and where to go for more information. The guide is available for download and will be updated regularly as we gather new information so be sure to check back often.

Where In The Watershed Walk #9, Brodhead Watershed Assn. Nov. 16

Attend the Brodhead Watershed Association and the Pocono Heritage Land Trust’s monthly “Where in the Watershed” Walks to little known places throughout the Brodhead Creek Watershed in Monroe County. This month’s walk, the ninth in the series, is an adventure into the Brodhead Canyon along the Brodhead Creek on Stroudsburg's Glen Park and Monroe County Open Space lands, on November 16 from 1 – 5 p.m. Join two of the area’s finest naturalists and friends, Don Miller and Bill Sweeney, for an exploration of the beautiful, wild Brodhead Canyon. This little known stretch of the Brodhead Creek is a great place to go hiking, biking, birding or flyfishing, with "wild scenery rivaling the large boulder rivers of the West". Nature's late autumn preparations for winter will be highlighted as we explore the mature rhododendron and mixed deciduous forest areas along the trail on the former NY and Susquehanna rail line. Appropriate outdoor attire and hiking boots are recommended for this moderate difficulty hike on a level, forested old railroad bed along the “canyon” area of Brodhead Creek. The walk will start in the parking area for Glen Park, located at the end of Collins Street, just off Broad Street/Park Street in south Stroudsburg. Fee is $3.00 per BWA/PHLT member, $5.00 per nonmember, children are free, to be collected at the start of the hike. To register for this hike please call the Pocono Heritage Land Trust office at 5704241514 from Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30.

October Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

The October edition of The Catalyst newsletter is now available from the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition in Butler County featuring articles on 2014 Ohio River Watershed Celebration Summary Kids Catalyst Pennsylvania Trees Word Search Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

October Water Policy News Now Available From Water Resources Education Network

The October issue of Water Policy News is now available from the PA League of Women Voters’ Water Resources Education Network featuring articles on WREN Projects Turn Doers Into Leaders The WREN Experience, Anecdotes From Project Leaders Ready For Fall Fun? Build Your Own Cornstalk Teepee Just What Is A 100Year Flood Chance All About? What Happens To Fertilizer And Water When A Well Is Pumped? Capital Region Water Graphic Gives Tour Of Harrisburg’s Water Systems New Venice IslandSchuylkill Banks Boardwalk In Philadelphia DEP’s Proposed Oil & Gas Program Enforcement Policy Update On EPA’s Waters Of The United States Rulemaking EPA Proposes Regulation Of Strontium In Drinking Water Funding and Grants Available Click Here to sign up for your own copy of Water Policy News

Penn State Extension: Nov. 3 Watershed Winds Newsletter

The November 3 Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring articles on Winterizing Your Drip Irrigation System Irrigation Water Outreach To PA Growers Supporting Green Infrastructure Development The Greasy Goblin Lurking Below Your Town A Backyard Pond New Tracers Can Identify Frack Fluids In The Environment Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy.

Former Camp Hill Borough Manager Charged With Illegal Sewage Dumping

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane Wednesday announced charges against former Camp Hill Borough Manager Gary Kline for allegedly allowing millions of gallons of untreated sewage to be discharged into the Conodoquinet Creek and the Yellow Breeches Creek. An investigation by the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Unit revealed that for a period of six years during high volume rain events, Gary Kline allegedly authorized unpermitted sewage discharges. Gary Kline, 46, 512 Barbara Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, is charged with several violations of the Clean Streams Law, the Solid Waste Management Act and the Fish and Boat Code, including: two counts of unlawful conduct; one count of prohibition against other pollution; one count of sewage discharges, one count of pollution of waters and one count of unlawful conduct illegal dumping. Kline surrendered on November 4 before Magisterial District Judge Richard Dougherty. He was preliminarily arraigned and released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 11. Attorney General Kane thanked the Department of Environmental Protection for its assistance with the investigation. The case will be prosecuted in Cumberland County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Brian Coffey of the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Unit. A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. NewsClips: ExCamp Hill Manager Charged With Illegal Sewage Dumping Former Camp Hill Borough Manager Charged With Illegal Dumping

PRC Hard To Recycle Events Keep Thousands Of Pounds Of Waste From Landfills

The PA Resources Council would like to thank all of our sponsors, partner organizations, volunteers, and contractors for making the 2014 Hard to Recycle Collections the most successful in the program's 10+ year history! PRC was excited and amazed by the response from the general public this year. We'd especially like to thank eLoop LLC, Liberty Tire, and the Appliance Warehouse for their amazing work this event season and the Allegheny County Health Department, NOVA Chemical, Duquesne Light Watt Choices, Colcom Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments for their continued support of these events. This year alone we had almost 3,000 participants keep over 300,000 pounds of electronics and more out of our landfills. This doesn't even include the hundreds of pounds of DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, tires, batteries, and waste oil we recycled! The PA Resources Council and its partners will host the last electronics recycling collection event of the year in Lansdowne Borough, Delaware County on November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click Here for all the details.

Nov. 15 Electronic Waste Collection Event In Delaware County

The PA Resources Council and its partners will host an electronics recycling collection event in Lansdowne Borough, Delaware County on November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click Here for all the details.

PA Resources Council 75th Anniversary Dinner, Awards Program Nov. 13

The Pennsylvania Resources Council – the Commonwealth’s oldest grassroots nonprofit environmental organization – is celebrating its 75th anniversary of protecting Pennsylvania’s environment at its annual dinner being held on November 13 at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. “Since 1939, PRC has been at the forefront of grassroots environmental activism, promoting recycling and waste reduction, educating students about our natural environment, and advocating for litter prevention, protection of scenic beauty, and conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources,” according to PRC Executive Director Robert Jondreau. “PRC will mark this incredible milestone with a 75th anniversary celebration on Thursday, November 13, at the worldrenowned Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.” The celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, silent auction, and museum tours followed by the 7 p.m. dinner program featuring special anniversary remarks by Sen. Edwin B. Erickson (RDelaware) and the presentation of a special lifetime achievement award to former PRC Executive Director Ruth Becker. Several ecofriendly cars will be on display and a limited number of Tesla test drives will be available. Visit PRC’s 75th Anniversary Dinner webpage to register and for more details.

November ePRC Newsletter Now Available From PA Resources Council

The November issue of the ePRC newsletter is now available from the PA Resources Council featuring articles on 75th Anniversary Dinner & Awards Program Nov. 13 PRC Launches Cans For Pets Program In San Antonio, TX Nov. 15 Electronics Recycling Collection Event In Delaware County Hard To Recycle Events Keep Thousands Of Pounds Of Waste Out Of Landfills PECO Smart Energy Conservation Idea Events Coming Up Click Here to learn how you can receive your own ePRC newsletter.

KPB’s Shannon Reiter Elected To Keep America Beautiful Board

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s President, Shannon Reiter, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful. As a Director, Reiter will represent the interests of KAB’s powerful network of communitybased affiliates, particularly its State Leaders Council. Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that builds and sustains vibrant communities. “Keep America Beautiful affiliate representatives are essential to serving on our board of directors, providing the ontheground perspective that we need to effectively shape our programs,” said Jennifer Jehn, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Shannon Reiter brings a deep passion and clarity of vision to her role in serving Pennsylvania. She has proven to be a strong state leader for KAB with great experience in nonprofit management and environmental stewardship.” “I am excited and pleased to be a part of Keep America Beautiful and play a role in community improvement solutions at the grassroots level,” stated Reiter. “I look forward to providing insight and a unique perspective that comes from implementing programs at the local level to transform public spaces into beautiful places.” Prior to Reiter’s role as President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, she was President of PA CleanWays where she began in 2004. In 2010, Shannon led the merger of the two organizations. Reiter has more than 15 years’ experience in facilitating partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves on the Westmoreland County Community Foundation Grants Committee and the Executive Committee for the State Leaders Council of KAB. Reiter obtained her Masters of Public Administration in Public/Nonprofit Management (2003) from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh. For more information, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website.

DEP Forces Revised Power Plant Air Quality Regulation Thru Advisory Committee

DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee Friday voted 11 to 5 to recommend a final rulemaking to impose more stringent requirements Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) air quality standards on power plants be forwarded to the Environmental Quality Board for consideration, but only allowed members of the Committee two days to review the 24 page proposal and did not include key information used to calculate compliance with the standard. The Committee members only received the proposal late on Tuesday (November 4) and handed out a new version at the beginning of Friday’s meeting. The agency did not have the comment/response document available for the Committee to review either. DEP also pointed out the rulemaking may have to be redone when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues additional guidance on complying with federal ozone standards in December. At the end of the meeting Friday, DEP canceled the December 11 meeting of the advisory committee. The current schedule of upcoming Environmental Quality Board meetings will also not allow the regulation to be finalized before the new Wolf Administration takes office in January. The rulemaking establishes additional requirements for existing major stationary sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as electric generating units (EGUs) and combustion units. As defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RACT is the lowest emissions limitation that a particular source is capable of meeting by the application of control technology that is reasonably available, considering technological and economic feasibility. "When implemented, this plan will result in considerable emissions reductions of ozone precursor emissions," DEP Deputy Secretary for Waste, Air, Radiation and Remediation Vince Brisini said. In April, the Environmental Quality Board published the proposed RACT rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin for public comment. As originally proposed, allowable emissions rates were lower than the current allowable rates, and certain EGU owners and operators would have needed to optimize existing control technology to meet reduction requirements. The final proposed rulemaking requires all EGUs to operate emission control equipment. If operating conditions do not allow for the operation of control technology, EGUs must meet reduced NOx and VOC emission levels. A 30day emission averaging period will provide operational flexibility and protect the reliability of the electric grid system. As revised, emission limits apply during all conditions, including startups, shutdowns and malfunctions. DEP, however, did not provide the Committee with its formula for calculating the 30day emission averaging period saying it would be put in the preamble to the rulemaking. With the implementation of this RACT final rulemaking as proposed by DEP, and other previous regulations, NOx emissions from coalfired EGUs will be reduced by over 85 percent from 1990 levels. The federal Clean Air Act requires the reevaluation of state RACT requirements for major stationary sources following the creation of new national ambient air quality standards. RACT is required for nonattainment areas, and because Pennsylvania is located in the Ozone Transport Region, all major sources in the state are treated as being located in at least a moderate ozone nonattainment area. Based on monitoring data for 2012 through 2014 ozone season, all ozone monitors in the Commonwealth, except one, are measuring attainment of the 2008 ozone NAAQS. A copy of the revised final RACT regulation is available on DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee webpage. NewsClip: DEP Revises Proposal To Limit Emissions From Power Plants

Free Potassium Iodide Tablets Available Nov. 20 To Residents Near Nuclear Power Plants

The Department of Health will provide free potassium iodide, or KI, November 20 to Pennsylvanians who currently have tablets with a December 2014 expiration date who live within 10miles of one of the state’s five nuclear power plants. The department will properly dispose of expired KI that residents bring with them to the distribution sites. KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when told to do so by state health officials or the governor. Each adult will receive four 65milligram tablets. Children will be given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up KI tablets for other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own. Directions detailing when to take the tablets and how to store them will be provided with the KI. Anyone can take the tablets as long as they are not allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI should ask a healthcare provider. KI tablets are also available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments or state health centers. Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants are closely regulated, secure and wellmaintained. The facilities are: Beaver Valley Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station and Three Mile Island Generating Station. Additional KI tablets are set to expire in 2015. The department will provide an update early next year. KI tablets will be available between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the distribution sites below in Pennsylvania. No appointments are necessary.

Beaver Valley Power Station (Beaver County) Beaver County Emergency Services, 351 14th St., Ambridge Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca

Limerick Generating Station (Montgomery County) Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown The Montgomery County Health Department is also offering KI tablets at the following location from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 20: Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (York County) Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta East Drumore Township Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Luzerne County) Berwick Fire Department, Reliance Hose Company #1, 501 W. Third St., Berwick Butler Township Community Center, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Training Institute, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke

Three Mile Island Generating Station (Dauphin County) Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown Lower Swatara Township Building, 1499 Spring Garden Dr., Middletown Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Rd., York

Click Here to download a fact sheet on KI tablets from the Department of Health.

Sunoco To Go Ahead With 2 Pipeline Projects For Natural Gas Liquids, Propane

Sunoco Logistics Thursday announced they will go ahead with a second pipeline the Mariner East 2 to carry natural gas liquids from southwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West Virginia to the Marcus Hook Refinery near Philadelphia. The $2.5 billion pipeline has a proposed capacity of 275,000 barrels per day. Sunoco is in the process of repurposing the Mariner East 1 pipeline to carry propane from Delmont in Westmoreland County to Marcus Hook. Mariner East 1, Sunoco said, should be shipping propane by the end of this year. NewsClips: Sunoco To Go Ahead With $2.5B Pipeline Thru PA Sunoco Proposes Larger Pipeline To East Coast Sunoco Pipeline Will Quadruple Gas Liquids Traffic Shell To Buy Potential Ethane Cracker Plant Site

Project Learning Tree GreenSchools Workshop Dec. 2 At Grey Towers

Teachers, students and school support staff and partners in the tristate region are invited to attend a free workshop on December 2 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Monroe County. Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools! is a nationwide environmental servicelearning program that helps improve students’ academic performance in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects while providing a blueprint for teachers, students, administrators, custodians, parents, and community members to engage in creating more green and healthy learning environments. Studentdriven investigations and their ensuing action projects increase students’ leadership skills, and give students a sense of empowerment and ownership of projects they lead to green their schools. Targeted to grades 5 through 12, the workshop will be very interactive. Participants will learn about PLT background information and curricula, the path to becoming a certified PLT GreenSchool!, monitoring different environmental issues and parameters, investigating applications to their schools and communities, and developing an action plan to investigate their schools. Training costs will be covered by partner organizations. Lunch will be provided for all participants and substitute teacher expense stipends are available, along with Act 48 hours. The training will be facilitated by National Project Learning Tree GreenSchools! representatives. To register, send the following information via email to: [email protected]: Name of School or organization Names of Participants attending (please note whether these are teachers, administrators, custodians, students, parents, partners or volunteers) Contact email and telephone information for each adult participant Please note whether you will utilize the substitute teacher stipend This workshop is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, the U.S. Forest Service, Grey Towers National Historic Site, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Project Learning Tree.

Pittsburgh’s Outdoor Classroom Sets Fall Schedule Of Teacher Education Programs

The Outdoor Classroom environmental education center has updated its Fall schedule of teacher education programs, including Project WILD, Project WET and others, at its Pittsburgh facility. Click Here for a full schedule of upcoming events.

DPW Urges Pennsylvanians To Apply For Assistance With Home Heating Bills

The Department of Public Welfare Monday kicked off the start of the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 201415 season. LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep lowincome Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months. It’s available to renters and homeowners. Crisis and regular LIHEAP grants begin Nov. 3 this year. “Last year LIHEAP helped more than 400,000 Pennsylvania families stay warm in their homes,” Department of Public Welfare Secretary Beverly Mackereth said. “Individuals can apply now rather than wait for a cold spell. We encourage people to apply online so they can avoid lines and traveling. ” Online applications can be completed by visiting the COMPASS website. Paper applications are still available through local county assistance offices, or interested applicants can download and print an application from the department’s website. “LIHEAP is a wonderful program and we are happy to offer it,” Mackereth said. “We want Pennsylvanians to stay healthy all winter long.” For helpful tips on keeping warm throughout the winter while saving money on utility costs, visit the Energy Savers website. For more information, visit DPW’s LIHEAP Program webpage.

Natural Lands Trust Pioneers Conservation Easement On Former Superfund Site

Natural Lands Trust announced recently the conservation of Laurel Hill, a 211acre property in Newlin Township, Chester County. With towering oaks, maples, and tuliptrees overhead—a riot of color with their autumntinted foliage—and the cold, clear waters of Briar Run beneath, Laurel Hill is a sylvan paradise. It is this beauty that prompted Laughton Company, LLC, owned by Cyndy and Barry Olliff, to purchase the property in 2007. “We didn’t want it to be developed,” said Cyndy. “We knew if we didn’t step up, the developers would.” A few years later, Laughton decided to go a step further to protect the land and contacted Natural Lands Trust, a regional conservation organization that has protected more than 100,000 acres in its 61year history. Last month, an agreement was finalized to place 159 acres under conservation easement with Natural Lands Trust. Under an easement, property remains in private ownership, but is protected from future development in perpetuity. The easement area includes 94 acres of highquality deciduous woodlands that are bisected by Briar Run, a tributary to West Branch Brandywine Creek and one of a handful of troutbreeding streams in southeastern Pennsylvania. It also protects the scenic views along Laurel Road; the property includes more than 2,000 feet of road frontage. While every conservation easement is tailored to the specific property and the goals of its landowners, the Laurel Hill transaction included one rather unique challenge: the property is the site of the former Strasburg Landfill, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated as a “Superfund site” in 1989. The conservation easement is believed to be the first of its kind in the country: the permanent protection of many acres of desirable, undeveloped real estate surrounding a federal Superfund site by private, nongovernment parties. For six years, the landfill accepted municipal and industrial waste; it was closed in 1984. Between 1989 and 2001, the EPA capped and fencedoff the fill site and installed a collection and treatment system to mitigate contaminants leaching from the fill. The Department of Environmental Protection, which maintains the 24acre retired landfill, has determined that the fill no longer poses a measurable risk to the surrounding community. Though the conservation easement does not include the landfill, it virtually surrounds the remediated site. “While at first glance, Laurel Hill might seem like an unlikely target for development, make no mistake about it: this property was at risk,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “Hundreds of subdivisions and shopping malls have been constructed on or adjacent to other Superfund sites across the country, including the infamous Love Canal. And the scenic and natural attributes of this land made it a priority for conservation.”

ClearWater Conservancy: Tussey Mountain Land Purchase Now Part Of State Forest

ClearWater Conservancy completed the purchase of 281 mountainside acres on Tussey Mountain in Harris and Ferguson Townships, Centre County, and transferred the land to public ownership as part of Rothrock State Forest October 29. The land, purchased from Richard and Bernadette Hale, is immediately to the east of Musser Gap, a property conserved by ClearWater in similar fashion in 2006. Since 2007, ClearWater Conservancy has added 928 acres on Tussey Mountain to Rothrock State Forest, creating conserved land for wildlife and recreational use in perpetuity. (Photo: View from Mt. Nittany.) “ClearWater Conservancy is delighted to acquire the properties and transfer ownership to Rothrock State Forest. We trust in the land management philosophy and stewardship of the forest resources carried out by the Bureau of Forestry in our community. Land conservation activities like this are at the core of ClearWater’s mission of conserving the special, beautiful, natural places that give our region its character,” said ClearWater Conservancy President Steve Miller. As part of Rothrock State Forest, the land will now be owned and cared for by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry. "The Forest District and the users of the Rothrock owe a debt of gratitude to ClearWater Conservancy for their diligence in this almost twoyear project to make this acquisition happen. The tract will now be evaluated by District staff for forest stand health and for recreational opportunities,” said Mark Potter, District Forester for Rothrock State Forest. Conserving and protecting mountain land does more than secure scenic views and recreation, it helps ensure safe drinking water for the entire region. “This adds 280 acres of protected mountain land to the mountain recharge area and creates an excellent source water protection area for Slab Cabin Run and both the Harter and Thomas well fields. This is very important for the community’s drinking water supplies because it has been estimated that mountain runoff provides upwards of 50 percent of the groundwater recharge to the carbonate aquifers that support the State Borough Water Authority’s Thomas and Harter well fields, ” said Brian Heiser, SCBWA Water Production Superintendent. Funding for the acquisition was from DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation via The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, DCNR Bureau of Forestry and ClearWater Conservancy. ClearWater Conservancy’s Land Conservation Program seeks to balance the rapid growth of central Pennsylvania with the conservation of important ecological, cultural, and historic places. They work with interested landowners and managers to determine appropriate and voluntary conservation methods, including land management recommendations, conservation easements, and land acquisitions.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Volunteer Training Dec. 6

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce an Eagle Watch Volunteer Training Day on December 6, from 9:00 a.m.1 p.m. in Lackawaxen, Pike County. New volunteers will meet at the Upper Delaware Visitor Center (176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen) at 9 a.m. Then, new and existing volunteers will gather next door at the Inn at Lackawaxen at from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. From 12 p.m. 1p.m., attendees will visit the eagle observation areas. Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our magnificent national bird, to help protect eagles in their habitat, and to assist in educating the public about sharing our region with thriving eagles. Volunteers are trained to monitor and collect data about the large population of eagles that migrate to this region every winter. Volunteers also learn how to help the thousands of people who want to view the eagles in the safest and least intrusive manner, and share “Eagle Etiquette” tips. New this year, volunteers are also needed to help staff the Visitor Center on weekends. Interact with likeminded eagle enthusiasts, without needing to be out in the cold! Binoculars, spotting scopes, training manuals, data forms, and hand warmers are provided by the Conservancy. The winter Eagle Watch program runs from December through March, weekends only. Volunteers may cover morning or afternoon shifts. The main monitoring areas are the Mongaup Reservoir and the Delaware River at Minisink Falls and the Zane Grey boat launch at Lackawaxen. It is highly recommended that all new volunteers attend the training day. Please dress warmly – waterproof boots, hats and gloves. If you cannot attend, please contact us to make alternate arrangements. Volunteers should be able to withstand cold temperatures and enjoy interacting with the public Trained eagle volunteers are also needed throughout the year to help staff booths, participate in workshops, and be a part of other eaglerelated Conservancy events. To register, send email to: [email protected], or call 5702263164 or 8455831010. For more information on this training day and other upcoming eagle events, visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy website.

Fall Issue Of Keystone Wild! Notes Now Available

The Fall issue of Keystone Wild! Notes is now available from DCNR’s Wild Resource Conservation Program. “This issue has the theme of “things you may be surprised to learn live in Pennsylvania,” said Rebecca Bowen, Notes Editor. “Notes has some interesting articles this edition, including an article investigating whether Pennsylvania has any endemics, which are species that live in one place on earth and nowhere else. “It also has an indepth interview with DCNR’s executive staff members Ellen Ferretti the Secretary of DCNR, and Dan Devlin the Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry and a follow up article describing a former Wild Resource Conservation Program grantee, and the work she has done with restoration of red spruce forests, which is northern flying squirrel habitat. “Another interesting piece is a look at how ecologists can use isotopic analysis to determine qualities of a habitat.” Click Here to read the Fall Keystone Wild! Notes. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

Help Wanted: Berks County Urban Resource Conservationist

The Berks County Conservation District is seeking candidates for an Urban Resource Conservationist position. The position is responsible for processing of NPDES Permits, reviewing project erosion and sediment control plans as per the Department of Environmental Protection guidelines. The District has delegation agreements with DEP for Chapter 102., PCSM and Chapter 105, inspecting earth disturbance activities for compliance. Candidates should be energetic, professional and knowledgeable of Conservation District Law, mission and goals. A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Planning, Resource Management or other related subjects is required; experience is a plus. Starting salary is $33,000. Send resumes to Tammy Bartsch by email to: [email protected] by December 8.

Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released. It also gives you a headsup on House and Senate Committee meetings, conferences and other interesting events. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.

November 10 DEP Meeting, Hearing On Easton Compressor Station. Easton Area Middle School, 1010 Echo Trail, Easton. 5:00 p.m. meeting, 6:00 p.m. hearing.

November 12 CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. (formal notice)

November 12 DEP Hearing on its request for authority to implement the federal Hospital, Medical, Infectious Waste incinerators Plan in Pennsylvania. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

November 1213 PA Wilds Trail Summit. Genetti Hotel and Convention Center, Williamsport.

November 13 DEP Stormwater Management Design Training. Holiday Inn Harrisburg East, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg 9:00.

November 13 Independent Fiscal Office annual presentation on Pennsylvania’s Economic and Budget Outlook. 14th Floor Conference Center, Harrisburg University, 326 Market St., Harrisburg. 1:30.

November 13 PA Resources Council 75th Anniversary Dinner Celebration. Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, 6825 Norwitch Dr., Philadelphia.

November 14 Public Utility Commission hearing on future of Philadelphia Gas Works. Drexel University's Behrakis Grand Hall, 32nd and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (formal notice)

November 17 Academy of Natural Sciences hosts Tapping Our Delaware Watershed. National Mechanics in Philadelphia’s Old City. 6:00

November 18 CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice)

November 18 DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

November 1819 PA Water Infrastructure Expo. Grantville.

November 19 NEW. [Agenda Not Posted] DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

November 22 Delaware Highlands Conservancy 20th Anniversary Celebration. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY.

December 2 DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 9 DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 9 DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00.

December 10 Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators meeting 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 10 DEP Meeting, Hearing on Proposed Hazardous Waste Storage and Treatment Facility, Falsl Township, Bucks County. Falls Township Building, 188 Lincoln Highway, Suite 100, Fairless Hills, Pa. 7:00. (formal notice PA Bulletin page 6715)

December 11 CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15.

December 11 NEW. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice)

December 11 Energy For The Power Of 32 Counties, 4 States, 1 Energy Future. Pittsburgh.

December 17 DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.

December 17 DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice)

December 18 DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 22 DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Operators meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

May 68 PA Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference. Toftrees Resort, State College.

May 1315 DEP and Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania 2015 Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference. Erie Bayfront Convention Center, Erie.

Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods DEP webpage Recently Finalized Regulations DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update DEP webpage

DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance DEP webpage

Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized DEP webpage

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

DEP Calendar of Events

Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 201112 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

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Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.

November 14 DEP Natural Gas Vehicle Grants November 15 Western PA Conservancy Canoe Access Grants November 20 EPA Building Blocks For Sustainable Communities Assistance December 1 PHMC Historical Marker Nominations December 8 PA Green Ribbon Schools Nominations December 11 EPA Clean Diesel Grants For Ports December 19 Coldwater Heritage Conservation Grants December 19 DEP Environmental Education Grants December 31 DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until they last) January 2 Natural Lands Trust Chester/Montgomery Growing Greener Awards January 29 Sustainable Energy Fund Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Financing April 15 DEP Small Business Advantage Grants (or until funds run out)

Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

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General Environmental/Budget NewsClips

Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state

What Wolf Means For Energy, The Environment StateImpact: Meet The Candidates: Tom Wolf Wolf Talks Severance Tax, Protecting The Environment Wolf: Reluctant Heir To Family Business, Peace Corps Volunteer Corbett, Wolf Differ On Obama’s Carbon Rules Energy Contributions To Gubernatorial Candidates Wolf Pledges To Work Together With GOP Wolf Faces SuperGOP Legislature Wolf Expected To Have To Bend On Agenda GOP Leadership Fight Brewing In PA Senate Senate GOP Leadership Fight Signals Conservative Shift Sen. Corman Eyes Pileggi’s Post On Wolf Challenges, House Majority Leader Race Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Funding Veto PA Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes Budget Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Funding Veto PA Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes Senate Leaders Sue Corbett Over Budget Vetoes Corbett Sued Over Legislative Spending Cuts PA Revenue Collections Higher Than Expected In October Other Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Comes From PA High Winds Leave 22,600 Without Electric Power Energy Spotlight: On Demand Energy Solutions Open Enrollment For LIHEAP Begins Today Wind Turbine Blade Separated, Crashed To Ground Sunday DEP Revises Proposal To Limit Emissions From Power Plants FirstEnergy Boosts Profits OhioFirstEnergy Sees Promise In Shales PPL Cutting 450 Jobs Nuclear Plant Fees Set To Increase Westinghouse CEO Expects Nuclear Power To Grow Climate Change: How Best To Help PA’s Forests Discussion Of Climate Change Scarce At Pittsburgh Schools UN Panel Adopts Landmark Climate Change Report OpEd: How EPA’s Coal Regs Threaten Green Jobs Mussels, Climate Boost Lake Erie’s Toxic Algae Keystone Landfill Expansion Facing Organized Opposition Declining Landfill Fees Could Lead To 22% Tax Hike In Lower Saucon DEP: Northampton County Man Illegally Dumped Debris DEP: Bangor Man Must Clean Up Taylor Dumping Ground State Responds To Waste Cleanup Company’s Lawsuit Open Burning Law Strengthened In Allegheny County Brownsville Receives Recreation Grant A Lehigh Valley Future With More Farms, Buses, Downtown Homes Outdoor Fires Become Burning Issue In Allegheny County Annual Audubon Critter Workshop At Mill Grove Nov. 22 PA Wilds, More To See Than Mountains And Streams Flight 93 Centers To Open In 2015

DEP’s NewsClips webpage Click Here

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Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling

Natural Gas Royalties Open Farm Opportunities Could Mine Drainage Be Used For Fracking? Sunoco To Go Ahead With $2.5B Pipeline Thru PA Sunoco Proposes Larger Pipeline To East Coast Sunoco Pipeline Will Quadruple Gas Liquids Traffic Decrepit Natural Gas Utility Pipelines Years From Upgrade Columbia Gas Programs Seeks To Expand Service Areas 3 New PA Natural Gas Fired Power Plants Planned Company To Build Small Power Plants In Marcellus Region 3 New GasFired Power Plants Planned For PA Feds Subpoena Chesapeake Energy Over Royalty Complaints Mineral Rights, Royalties Flowing To Western PA Charities Shell To Buy Potential Ethane Cracker Plant Site Lebanon Pipeline Awareness Group Sets Nov. 6 Meeting Bridge Closed After Drilling Company Truck Crash In Susquehanna Bar Assn. Publishes Treatise On Oil & Gas Law Editorial: Shale Question, Boom Or Bust? Philly Council To Hold Hearings On PGW Philly Energy Hub Debate Centers On PGW Having Trained Oil & Gas Workers Pivotal To Western PA Following Fracking Scandal, Rep. White Loses House Seat Financial/Other States Europeans Shop For Energy In Philly 3 of 4 Fracking Bans Fail In Utica Shale Rising Natural Gas Production Should Ease Storage Deficit Natural Gas Glut Keeps Pushing Prices Downward Fracking In Marcellus Shale Turns 10 FirstEnergy Boosts Profits OhioFirstEnergy Sees Promise In Shales

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Watershed/Flooding NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state

Flooding Grant To Help With Flooding Along Rushbrook Creek Project Other Watershed NewsClips Judge: Dana Mining Can Continue To Treat Mine Water Could Mine Drainage Be Used For Fracking? Unity Wants To Continue Stormwater Plan Discussions Green Roof Planted Atop LEAF Building In Erie Mussels, Climate Boost Lake Erie’s Toxic Algae ExCamp Hill Manager Charged With Illegal Sewage Dumping Former Camp Hill Borough Manager Charged With Illegal Dumping

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Environmental Quality Board published notice of final regulations related to medical and chemotherapeutic waste. (PA Bulletin page 7021)

Pennsylvania Bulletin November 8, 2014

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Governor’s Executive Board published notice of a reorganization of the Department of Environmental Protection.

DEP published notice of the rescission of six technical guidance documents related to infectious and chemotherapeutic waste, incineration of mixed waste with ICW and other guidance incorporated into DEP ICW regulations published in 2000.

DEP also published notice of additional proposed revisions to the General Permit for Bluestone Mining (BMRGP105.

The Game Commission published notice of the fee for the PA Hunting Registration Vehicle License Plate.

DEP ID: 2542167708. Title: Procedures for Container/Vehicle Decontamination and Small Spill CleanUp. Description: This policy provided guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting reusable containers and vehicles that are used for the transportation of infectious and chemotherapeutic waste (ICW), including cleanup guidelines to be followed in instances of accidental spills and leaks that may occur during the transportation of ICW and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting reusable containers after each use. This guidance is outdated; therefore, it is being rescinded.

DEP ID: 2542167712. Title: Clarification of the PermitByRule Provision for Mixed Waste with Residual Waste. Description: This policy clarified how the permitbyrule provisions should be implemented for generators that incinerate a mixed waste stream (for example, municipal waste mixed with regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste or residual waste mixed with regulated medical or chemotherapeutic waste). This guidance is outdated; therefore, it is being rescinded.

DEP ID: 2542167709. Title: Clarification of Requirements Related to Storage Bags. Description: This policy provided guidance related to disposable plastic bags when used for the storage of ICW. This guidance is outdated and contains information that was incorporated into the Department's ICW regulations published in December 2000; therefore, it is being rescinded.

DEP ID: 2542167725. Title: Clarification on the Temporary Storage and InTransit Provisions During Transportation or Transfer. Description: This policy provides guidance relating to the exemption from permit requirements where ICW is temporarily stored. This guidance is outdated and contains information that was incorporated into the Department's ICW regulations published in December 2000; therefore, it is being rescinded.

DEP ID: 2542167702. Title: Clarification on the Identification of an Infectious Waste Generator. Description: This guidance assisted generators in determining whether, by virtue of the activities they conduct, they are required to follow the regulations for the management of infectious waste. This guidance is outdated; therefore, it is being rescinded.

DEP ID: 2542167703. Title: Clarification on the Commingling of Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste. Description: This policy provides guidance related to the commingled onsite storage and subsequent transport of ICW in one container. This guidance is outdated and contains information that was incorporated into the Department's ICW regulations published in December 2000; therefore, it is being rescinded.

Contact Keith Ashley at 7177872553 or send email to: [email protected].

Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

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

DEP Calendar of Events

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Stories Invited

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: [email protected].

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburgbased government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations.

Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

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PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.