Water Utility Council of the PA-Section, American Water WUC Works Association (PA-AWWA)

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATE From Milliron & Goodman Government Relations, LLC.

200 North 3rd Street  Suite 1500  Harrisburg, PA 17101  Phone: 717-232-5322  Cell: 717-574-3963  Erik A. Ross, Associate  www.millirongoodman.com Harrisburg, PA [email protected] August 7, 2017 -- Issue 1049

PA- Section, American Water Works Association National Association of Water Companies Water Works Operators' Association of

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology Lisa Daniels Named Acting from Penn State University and spent time working DEP Deputy for Water in an environmental laboratory before starting her career with the Commonwealth. Programs Dana Aunkst started with DER in 1985 as an isa Daniels has been named Acting Deputy environmental engineer in the Meadville Regional for Water Programs at the Department of Office. He also worked for a period of time in the L Environmental Protection. She replaces Williamsport Regional Office. He has been with the Dana Aunkst in that position. Department off and on for 23 years and has worked in environmental protection, in both the private and She will be responsible for overseeing the public sectors, for 31 years. operations of the bureaus of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, Aunkst will be moving to a position with the and Clean Water, Compacts and Commissions Bureau of Waste Management. Office and Planning and Conservation Division, and will oversee the Chesapeake Bay Office. Source: PA Environmental Digest, 8/7/2017

Daniels served as the Director of the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water prior to this position and has Manganese Rider in Budget been with DEP since 1989. Bill Shifts Responsibility for

Before becoming Director, Daniels served in a Cleaning Up Water from the variety of positions within the Bureau, including as Chief of the Operations Section and spent many Discharger to Water years developing and delivering training on Companies, Other Water numerous drinking water topics. Users She started her career at DEP as a sanitarian working out of the York District Office in Southcentral Pennsylvania. ne of the riders the Senate passed in the (McGarrigle-R-Delaware). Administrative Code bill -- House Bill 118 O (Kaufer-R- Luzerne) -- was a provision These changes have nothing to do with eliminating the requirement in place for 28 years implementing the budget. that the water quality standard for manganese be met when water is discharged into a stream, and replacing it with a requirement that the standard be Impacts of Manganese from Mine Discharges met at the point water is taken out of a stream for use as drinking water and without regard for the Manganese, along with iron and aluminum, potential impact on fish and aquatic life in between. make up most of the contaminants found in mine drainage which make streams uninhabitable for fish If there is no water supply downstream, there and benthos life and can turn rocks in streams black. effectively is no point of compliance for a manganese discharged from mining operations, Manganese is difficult to remove from according to the way the bill language is drafted. discharges because the pH of the water must be raised to above 10.0 before manganese will Technically, what the provision in the precipitate. Manganese is persistent and can be Administrative Code bill does is direct the carried for long distances downstream of a source of Environmental Quality Board to adopt a proposed mine drainage. manganese standard within 90 days that includes the 1 milligram/liter manganese standard How manganese specifically impacts fish and established under 25 Pa Code Chapter 93.7 and aquatic life in a receiving stream depends in large insure the standard is met at the point of intake for part on the pH of the receiving stream water, that’s water suppliers (25 Pa Code Chapter 96.3). why DEP has regulated manganese levels at the point of discharge like other pollutants from mining The 1 milligram/liter standard is 20 times the operations. level of manganese that water suppliers are allowed to have in their water supplies, according to EPA’s Impacts to Drinking Water secondary maximum contaminant levels. Manganese contamination in drinking water has Since 1989 25 Pa Code Chapter 93.6 required all a significant impact on its taste, color and water quality standards to be met at the point of odor. High manganese levels can also stain discharge so the water does not contain substances laundry, plates and fixtures. “in concentration or amounts sufficient to be inimical or harmful to the water uses to be protected That’s why water supply companies monitor for or to human, animal, plant or aquatic life” or that manganese in their intake water to make sure they “produce color, tastes, odors, turbidity or settle to can properly treat it before it becomes a problem. form deposits.” Moving the point of compliance for manganese The change included in the bill was made at the from the place it’s discharged into a stream to the request of the Coal Alliance because they had intake of a water company will increase the need for concerns about being able to meet the standard for more water monitoring by water companies because manganese at the point of discharge from coal there will be no more buffer area between the point mining and reclamation operations. of discharge and intake.

The coal industry argued the “best solution to It will also increase drinking water treatment pollution is dilution” of pollutants discharged from costs to customers because manganese will be their mining sites. coming into their systems at much higher levels than it was before. A similar provision was added in the House to another Administrative Code bill -- Senate Bill 446 2 In 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Fiscal Code - House Bill 453 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) Agency issued an advisory on manganese contamination concluding chronic exposure to high -- Oil and Gas Lease Fund: Annually transfer $20 doses of manganese may cause problems with the million [supposed to be $35 million] from the Oil nervous system and neurological effects, as well as and Gas Lease Fund to the Marcellus Shale Legacy problems with water taste, odor and color. Fund for distribution to the Environmental Stewardship Fund and $15 million transferred to the EPA set what is calls a secondary maximum Marcellus Legacy Fund to transfer to the Hazardous contaminant standard for manganese at 0.05 Sites Cleanup Fund. milligrams/liter (20 times LESS than the 1 milligram/liter discharge standard the bill language -- Air Pollution Act Transfer: $30.4 million from requires) that water suppliers should follow to avoid a settlement by the Attorney General relating to taste, color, odor, health and other impacts. violations of the Air Pollution Control Act by Volkswagen received during the fiscal year to the In December, 2016 EPA published a rule General Fund. requiring water suppliers to start monitoring more carefully for manganese starting in 2018. The -- Small Water and Sewer System Funding: $15 results of that monitoring will be the basis to million available for small water and sewer projects determine if there is a need to set a primary with a cost of not less than $30,000 or more than maximum contaminant standard for manganese. $500,000. Transfers an additional $10 million from Building PA Program to small water and sewer Penalty Assessments projects.

Over the past few years EPA has imposed -- Funding Sewer/Water Laterals: Allows public significant penalties on mining companies in municipal authorities to use funds to replace private Pennsylvania for water quality violations, including water and sewer laterals. for manganese. -- Susquehanna and Delaware River Basin In 2014, EPA fined Amerikohl Mining $140,000 Commissions: Authorizes the Auditor General to for violations at 22 mining sites and Pennsylvania audit the river basin commissions and no more than received $4.1 million from an EPA settlement the 25 percent of the appropriations to the commissions same year from several mining companies. may be spent in any quarter and the commissions shall reimburse the Auditor General for the cost of Conclusion the audit.

The result of this proposed revision will shift the -- Natural Gas Pipeline Fund: $6 million transfer burden for reducing manganese in our streams from from the Building Pennsylvania Program to the the coal industry to our drinking water suppliers Natural Gas Pipeline Fund who will likely see increased costs for source water monitoring and treatment to meet the .05 mg/L EPA -- Repeals Drilling Moratorium End Date in secondary standard for drinking water to avoid Southeast: Repeals the January 1, 2018 expiration taste, color and odor complaints from their on the drilling moratorium in the South Newark customers. Basin in Southeast PA.

Other Environmental Riders -- Temporary Cessation of Oil & Gas Wells: Provisions relating to payments of royalties during The following is a summary of the major periods of nonproduction. environment-related riders added by the Senate the Fiscal Code, Tax Code and Administrative Code -- Farm Succession Planning Grants: Allows the bills: Department of Agriculture to use funds from the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund 3 for succession planning grants to continue Coal Alliance adopting a standard used by West agricultural operations. Virginia prohibiting enforcement of a manganese discharge standard unless it was within 5 miles of a Click Here for the amendment water supply.]

Tax Code - House Bill 542 (Thomas-D- -- Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater Philadelphia) Treatment: Requires water treatment facilities providing water disposal services exclusively to -- See separate article for a description of changes conventional oil and gas wells shall be allowed to that would emasculate DEP’s ability to regulate air, operate under existing permits through December water, mining, waste, radiation and oil and gas 31, 2019. [Supported by conventional oil & gas operations. drilling industry and applies to three privately- operated conventional wastewater treatment -- Natural Gas Production Severance Tax (New): facilities.] $108 million would range from 1.5 to 3.5 cents per MCF depending on the price of natural -- Wyoming County State Park: Requires DCNR gas. Revenues generated from the tax will be to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment pledged to hold harmless the Unconventional Gas of a state park in Wyoming County, including an Well [Act 13 Impact Fee] Fund at $200 million and appraisal of the fair market value of property the remainder will be deposited in the General fund. proposed for a state park. [No funding provided.]

-- Gross Receipts Tax (New) - Natural Gas: Click Here for Administrative Code bill amendment $303.7 million of which $20 million dedicated to + summary LIHEAP, $20 million for natural gas infrastructure improvements and to expand market access for These bills are all now in the House for action. residential gas customers Source: PA Environmental Digest, 8/2/2017 -- Wild Conservation Tax Check off: Made permanent PUC Congratulates Click Here for the amendment. Commissioner Powelson on

Administrative Code - House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R- Appointment to Serve on Luzerne) Federal Energy Regulatory -- Recycling Fee Extension: Removes the sunset Commission date for the $2/ton municipal waste recycling fee and funds will remain in the Recycling fund for n August 4, 2017, members of the grants. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission O (PUC) offered congratulations to -- Solar Borders: Requiring solar energy credits Commissioner Robert F. Powelson, whose under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to nomination to serve on the Federal Energy be purchased within Pennsylvania. [Senate Bill 404 Regulatory Commission (FERC) was unanimously this session, House Bill 2040 last session.] confirmed yesterday by the U.S. Senate.

-- Manganese Standard: Directs the "Commissioner Powelson has been a strong Environmental Quality Board to propose advocate for the important role of utility regulators, regulations setting a point source water quality and he goes to FERC with a deep knowledge and criterion for manganese and changing the point of passion about public utility issues," said PUC compliance from the discharge point to the point of Chairman Gladys M. Brown, on behalf of the entire intake by public water supplies. [Supported by the Commission. "The issues he has championed 4 include the need for greater infrastructure Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in July was investment, the need for innovation in the utility $827 million. industry and the development of our next generation of utility workers - which are all in key matter for Corporation tax revenue was $61.8 million for Pennsylvania and the nation." July.

Commissioner Powelson began his service as a General Fund revenue figures for July included Pennsylvania PUC Commissioner in 2008, $83 million in inheritance tax. following a nomination by Edward G. Rendell. He was appointed to a second PUC term Other General Fund revenue, including by Governor Tom Corbett and served as Chairman cigarette, malt beverage and liquor and table games of the Commission from 2011 through 2015. taxes totaled $138.4 million for the month. Additionally, Powelson was elected in 2016 as President of the National Association of Regulatory Non-tax revenue totaled $22.1 million for the Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and he also month. serves on the Electric Power Research Institute Advisory Board (EPRI) and the Drexel University In addition to the General Fund collections, the Board of Trustees. Motor License Fund received $248.6 million for the month, which includes the commonly known The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine, balances the needs of consumers and utilities; and fee revenues. ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; July collection data does not include a educates consumers to make independent and comparison against anticipated amounts because informed utility choices; furthers economic revenue estimates for each month are not yet development; and fosters new technologies and finalized. competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. Source: Department of Revenue Press Release, 8/1/2017 For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at Treasurer Torsella http://www.puc.pa.gov/ . Follow the PUC on Authorizes $750 Million Line Twitter - @PA_PUC for all things utility. "Like" Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on of Credit to General Fund Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues. Urges passage of a responsible revenue plan, warns of unprecedented lending Source: PUC Press Release, 8/4/2017 n August 3, 2017, Revenue Department announced that he has O authorized a short-term two-week $750 Releases July Collections million line of credit from Treasury's Short Term Investment Pool (STIP) to the Commonwealth's ennsylvania collected $ 2.1 billion in General General Fund from August 14 to August 28. Fund revenue in July, the first month of the Without this line of credit, the General Fund would 2017-18 fiscal year, Revenue Secretary Dan fall into negative territory during that period. P Hassell reported on August 1, 2017. "The necessity to step-in and financially prop up Sales tax receipts totaled $912.7 million in July. the General Fund just six weeks into the fiscal year is extraordinary and without precedent," said 5 Torsella in a statement. "Cash flow borrowing this Short term public borrowing, such as Tax early and of this magnitude has not happened in the Anticipation Notes, requires the consent of both the last twenty-five years. As a state, we once again State Treasurer and the State Auditor General. As find ourselves in uncharted waters, not only having Treasurer Torsella has previously stated, it would be to borrow so early in the fiscal year, but doing so financially irresponsible to go to the public markets with an underlying General Fund Budget that is not to borrow for the Commonwealth's operating yet balanced." A copy of Treasurer Torsella's full expenses without a finalized 2017-18 budget and statement is available HERE. revenue plan in place.

"This is deeply troubling. While our lending is EXPECTED NEEDS EXCEED TREASURY expected to be for a short two-week period, I am CAPACITY extremely concerned that without action from the General Assembly this month, we will face an even Without borrowing money from the public more difficult problem within weeks," said Torsella. markets to support the General Fund, a line of credit "Our projections continue to show that - without from Treasury's STIP is the primary tool to pay for corrective action - the General Fund balance will the continuing operations of the Commonwealth become negative in early September and will during the current fiscal year. Without legislative remain so for two-thirds of the fiscal year, with the action on a responsible revenue package, the total projected borrowing need potentially as much as $3 borrowing needs of the General Fund could billion." approach $3 billion over the next eight months, beginning in early September. This amount is Noting that borrowing of that magnitude exceeds beyond the prudent lending capacity of Treasury's Treasury's capacity, that there is no historical investment pool. Further, there is no historical precedent for Treasury lending to the General Fund precedent for Treasury lending to the General Fund without an approved revenue package, and that without an approved revenue package in place. other borrowing , such as through the public markets, would be irresponsible without an EXPENDITURE CUTS WILL BE NECESSARY approved final budget package, Torsella urged action by the General Assembly to pass a Without sufficient money in the General Fund, responsible revenue package. the Commonwealth will be forced to forgo certain expenditures beyond traditional government POTENTIAL CREDIT DOWNGRADE operations, including, for example, support for Penn State, Pittsburgh, Temple and Lincoln Universities, As recently as last month, Standard & Poor's discretionary grants and other deferrable expenses. placed the Commonwealth's credit rating on "negative watch." In its statement, S&P warned "There are limits to what Treasury can prudently that, "[i]f legislators enact a budget that relies on do to bolster the General Fund.," said Torsella. "I what we view as optimistic assumptions or one-time therefore urge action by the General Assembly to sources, we would likely lower the rating." Another pass a responsible revenue package." downgrade to the Commonwealth's credit rating would increase debt service costs and limit future Editor's Note: Torsella's statement emphasized borrowing options. A credit downgrade from that even immediate action would take months to Pennsylvania's current AAA- to A or less by S&P impact the General Fund; using the proposed would drop it to a low not seen since 1978 and tobacco settlement fund borrowing as an example, make the borrowing costs more expensive to an illustration of the delayed impact of legislative taxpayers. revenue measures on the General Fund balance is available HERE. NO SHORT TERM PUBLIC MARKET BORROWING Source: Treasurer Joe Torsella Press Release, 8/3/2017

6 until they figure out a way to provide Auditor General DePasquale Pennsylvanians with a balanced budget." Continues Raising Concerns In a joint letter to legislators last month, about Impact of Unbalanced, DePasquale and Torsella warned that the threat of a credit rating downgrade from Standard & Poor's Unfinished State Budget will ultimately result in a back-door tax increase for all Pennsylvanians because of the increased cost to Calls on General Assembly, Governor to finalize pay off debt and borrow in the future. budget, focus on moving Pennsylvania forward Source: Auditor General DePasquale Press n August 3, 2017, Auditor General Eugene Release, 8/3/2017 DePasquale issued the following statement O on the unbalanced, unfinished state budget after signing a $750 million line of credit to Senate Leaders Underscore mitigate cash-flow problems: Difficult Decisions Made by "Today I added my signature to the $750 million Senate to Avoid Negative line of credit that Treasurer Joe Torsella authorized from Treasury's Short Term Investment Pool (STIP) Budget Ramifications to prevent the state's general fund cash balance from hitting zero this month. The fact the state is running enate Republican leaders offered the out of money in the second month of the fiscal year following statements on the announcement by should be a wake-up call to every elected official in S the state Treasurer that the Commonwealth Pennsylvania. needed a $750 million line of credit in order to keep the General Fund from falling into negative territory "My concern goes beyond the cash-flow problem at the end of the month. that indicates the state's unaddressed structural deficit. I am concerned that schools and county Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati agencies across the state are once again worried (R-25): "Senate Republican Leadership understood about funding uncertainties. the gravity of the 2017-18 state budget that was supported by most House and Senate members. The "Currently, Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln Commonwealth's revenue situation is dire and the universities are in limbo waiting for final approval Senate worked efficiently to address it. Difficult of their state funding. As I said in my recent audit of decisions were made and we certainly did not come Penn State, it is becoming increasingly difficult for to the components of the revenue package lightly." middle-class students to afford to attend our state- related universities. An unresolved budget will Senate Majority Leader (R- make this problem worse. 34): "We understand the severity of the Commonwealth's finances. It's this reason that the "Meanwhile, earlier this week Franklin County Senate acted quickly last week to adopt a reasonable officials publicly voiced concerns about state revenue package to fund the spending plan funding in light of the unfinished, unbalanced approved by the House and Senate. We have an commonwealth budget. obligation to govern and make the difficult decisions that will move toward steadying our "The House must do the responsible thing and financial footing." come back next week to address this budget situation. And once they are back, the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Pat Senate leadership and the governor should Browne (R-16): "The Treasurer's report today immediately lock themselves in a room and work confirms what Senate Leadership has been saying for months regarding the dangerous financial

7 situation facing the Commonwealth without a higher or new taxes on gross receipts taxes on balanced budget. That is why it was critical and natural gas, electric and telecommunications bills. urgent for the Senate to act last week on a fiscally responsible revenue package. Without it, as the “These taxes would have a cascading effect on Treasurer also highlighted, the state's financial taxpayers,” Dush said. “You’ve got a tax, upon a position will quickly deteriorate, putting at risk tax, upon a tax.” private sector job creation and vital state programs and services." Ryan echoed Dush’s remarks, noting businesses would be forced to leave the state under the heavy Source: Senate Republican Communications, burden of over taxation. 8/4/2017 “By the time we realize the damage this has done, it will be too late. We will have lost more Taxpayers to PA businesses just like when we lost the steel industry Representatives at Hearing: that once thrived in this state,” said Ryan.

‘We Don’t Want More Barry Fenicle and his wife, Judy, who are residents of the 92nd District, said consumers can’t Taxes’ afford higher utility costs brought on by higher taxes. ouse members of the Pennsylvania Taxpayers’ Caucus received input during a “Businesses can pass on the cost to consumers. H hearing at the Fairview Township Fire But constituents don’t have anyone to pass higher Company on August 2, 2017 about how the costs onto,” Fenicle said. “How can Pennsylvania proposed Senate tax increases would drive fill the budget gap? I have an idea: Find out the businesses from the state and people from their revenue first and then figure out what to spend.” homes if the legislation is signed into law by Gov. . A consumer who has a $100 natural gas bill would have to pay an additional $5.70 because of The hearing was hosted by Rep. Dawn Keefer the new tax. Additionally, the tax on electric bills (R-Dillsburg) and featured members of the state's would increase by about a half-percent to 6.5 business community, local small business owners, percent and the tax on phone bills would increase to organizations and constituents. Also in attendance 6 percent, up from 1 percent. were Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York In response to Fenicle’s comments, Keefer said Township), Dan Moul (R-Gettysburg), Cris Dush she agreed state government must form budgets like (R-Brookville) and Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon), all of how families budget their personal finances, “I see whom are members of the Pennsylvania Taxpayers’ the same thing. If I couldn’t cover my mortgage, I’d Caucus. cut my cable because that’s a luxury.”

“One underlying theme - ‘You can’t spend what “The days of spending money before we know you don’t have!’ - was common among everyone how much the state will collect in revenue must who testified,” said Phillips-Hill. “The message was end,” Moul said. “Consumers don’t decide how loud and clear that Pennsylvania needs to live much they want to spend on a new car and then within its means and balance its budget without tax figure out how to pay for it. State government increases.” shouldn’t do that either. It is not fair to taxpayers and they simply cannot afford it.” The hearing focused on the impact a severance tax on natural gas drillers and additional taxes on Testimony received during the hearing will utilities would have on businesses and consumers. guide the representatives as they dive deeper into The Senate revenue plan includes $405 million in

8 the Senate tax plan and search for ways to generate service because the remaining supply of available revenue without raising taxes. 717 telephone numbers is close to exhaustion.

“In addition to opposing the tax increases, “To begin preparing for 10-digit dialing in the testifiers objected to many aspects of how the 717 area code, start looking at the devices you have Senate plans to spend incoming revenue,” added by making sure they include all the area codes you Klunk. “For instance, tourism dollars are increased need, including 717,” said Chairman Gladys M. but much of it goes to pet projects for individual Brown. “Also check devices like medical alert Senators. We should be promoting our entire state systems, alarm systems, and any other systems that so that Pennsylvania’s number two industry can automatically make calls, to be sure they are set up compete for tourism dollars against states like New for 10-digit dialing – and in the future, when you York and Michigan.” start adding new numbers, be sure you include the area code.” “The invaluable testimony from the mouths of those who will be impacted by this egregious taxing The list of devices that consumers should check, plan speaks volumes,” Keefer said. “Every to verify they are configured for 10-digit dialing, Pennsylvanian would be hit by these taxes. We includes: must now find alternatives to tax increases.” • Mobile phones, landline phones & tablets and Founded as a result of the 2015-16 budget fax machines that can save/store phone impasse, the Taxpayers’ Caucus was created by numbers. members of the House and Senate with the single • Life-safety & medical alert systems. purpose of changing the culture of Harrisburg. • Alarm/security systems and security gates. • Call-forwarding settings & voicemail services. Source: Pennsylvania Taxpayers’ Caucus, • Internet dial-up systems. 8/2/2017 • Automatic dialing equipment & software. • Speed-dialers. PUC Encourages Residents • Ankle monitors. • Any other device that can save, store and & Businesses in ‘717’ Area automatically dial phone numbers. Code to Prepare for August NOTE: If you have questions about the 26 Switch to 10-Digit Dialing compatibility of or programming of a device, contact your equipment or service provider. n August 1, 2017, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) encouraged Since the spring, telephone carriers across the O residents and businesses across Central region have been providing their customers with Pennsylvania served by the 717 area code to prepare educational materials about the upcoming dialing for the upcoming switch to mandatory 10-digit changes – encouraging them to begin voluntarily dialing for all local calls. using 10-digit dialing for calls within the 717/223 service area and also checking the telephone Starting on August 26, callers in the 717 area numbers stored on their phones or other devices to who attempt to make calls using only a seven-digit ensure that they include the full 10-digit number. number will reach a recorded announcement instructing them to hang up and redial using the According to Neustar, Inc., the neutral third area code plus the seven-digit number. The switch party area code relief planner for Pennsylvania, the to 10-digit dialing is required for the activation of a dialing plan for the 717/223 area code is as follows: new “overlay” area code, which will serve the entire 16-county region included in the 717 service area. That new area code – “223” – is being put into

9 • Local & Toll calls from the 717/223 area to other numbers inside the 717/223 area: Dial 10- DRBC: Public Hearing and digits (717 or 223 + XXX-XXXX) Business Meeting

• Local & Toll Calls from the 717/223 area to he Delaware River Basin Commission will numbers in another area code: Dial 1 + 10- hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August Digits (1 + XXX-XXX-XXXX) T 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, Washington Crossing. • Operator Services (Credit card, collect, third The hearing will include draft dockets for party): Dial 0 + 10-digit (0 + XXX-XXX- withdrawals, discharges and other water-related XXXX) projects subject to the Commission's review.

The Commission’s Order approving the overlay A business meeting will also be held on plan specifies that any new numbers for the 223 Wednesday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Bucks overlay area code shall not be released until Sept. County Community College, Newtown, and include 26, 2017, and that requests for numbers in the 717 adoption of the minutes of the Commission's June area code will continue to be honored as long as 14, 2017, business meeting, announcements of resources are available. upcoming meetings and events, a report on hydrologic conditions, reports by the Executive The overlay area code relief option was Director and the Commission's General Counsel, supported by the majority of individuals who consideration of any items for which a hearing has submitted written comments or testified at PUC been completed or is not required, and one hour of hearings, along with the telecommunications open public comment. industry. Overlay area codes have now been approved for most of Pennsylvania and are in use Comments for the hearing will be accepted across much of the country. through 5 p.m. on August 21 or at the conclusion of the meeting. To present, contact Paula Schmitt at The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission [email protected] . Written comments balances the needs of consumers and utilities; should be submitted at drbc.net or to Commission ensures safe and reliable utility service at Secretary, PO Box 7360, 25 Cosey Road, West reasonable rates; protects the public interest; Trenton, NJ 08628. educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic Source: Pennsylvania Bulletin, 8/5/2017 development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. Availability of the 2016 Integrated Water Quality For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about Monitoring and Assessment the PUC, visit our website. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” Report Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility he Department of Environmental Protection issues. provided the 2016 Integrated Water Quality T Monitoring and Assessment Report to the Docket No.: P-2015-2510230 public at http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us with both a narrative description and waterbody specific Source: PUC Press Release, 8/1/2017 lists. Details on changes from comments are available in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

10 Questions should be directed to the Water cleaning up local waters, and ensuring that current Quality Division at (717) 787-9637 or local water cleanup efforts are being accurately [email protected] . tracked and the data shared with EPA.

Source: Pennsylvania Bulletin, 8/5/2017 The meeting also included a presentation by EPA Chesapeake Bay Program data analyst Matt Johnson on data analysis software available to the Lessons from Past, Tools for Pennsylvania team that will assist in decision- Future Focus of Meeting on making on how to identify local area goals. Collecting and analyzing data in order to create Phase 3 of Pennsylvania’s local water cleanup plans with the greatest possible impact is a priority of Phase 3 plan development. Plan to Clean Up Local Waters in Chesapeake Bay The steering committee will next meet on August 24 in room 309 at the Pennsylvania Watershed Department of Agriculture.

n its third public meeting, the steering Source: DEP Press Release, 8/4/2017 committee coordinating Phase 3 of I Pennsylvania’s plan to clean up local waters in # # # # # # # the Chesapeake Bay Watershed discussed lessons learned from previous planning efforts. This newsletter provides general information, not legal advice as to any specific matter. It “We’ve started off development of Phase 3 with should not be used as a substitute for appropriate genuinely fresh thinking and energy,” said Patrick legal advice. McDonnell, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which hosted the meeting on July 31. “Our process prioritizes bottom-up plan development by diverse partners throughout our Bay watershed counties. In June, over 240 Pennsylvanians brought their expertise and ideas to our public listening event. Taking a good look at the strengths and weaknesses of Phase 1 and 2 plans is part of this new approach.”

Many local municipalities, farmers, and other groups know the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates Pennsylvania to meet numeric goals in reducing nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment in local waters, said three speakers who worked on the earlier plans: York County Planning Commission Director Felicia Dell, Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Deputy Executive Director John Brosious, and PennAg Industries Association Assistant Vice President Jennifer Reed-Harry.

Their recommendations for Phase 3 included breaking these large target numbers down to a more local level, identifying the value (e.g., economic benefits and herd and soil health benefits) of 11