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 9, 2009
DEP/Cabot Agreement To Prevent Natural Gas Migration, Restore Water Over 9 Square Miles
The affected area covers nine square miles around Carter Road.
The consent order and agreement outlines a process that will give DEP more oversight of Cabot’s new well construction work in the affected area. Prior to drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or hydro fracking, the company will submit well casing and cementing plans to DEP. Once DEP provides written approval, Cabot may proceed.
“The goal of the consent order and agreement is to ensure a long-term resolution to issues that have emerged in Dimock,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch. “The company will focus on the integrity of the wells in the affected area in an attempt to determine the source of the migrating gas.”
This past week, Cabot has provided an interim solution for all of the homes where water supplies have been affected. Cabot must develop a plan by March 31 to restore or replace the affected water supplies permanently.
Under the consent order and agreement, Cabot must additionally submit to DEP:
-- Information on all parties who have contacted the company about water quantity or quality issues; and
-- A plan that specifically identifies how the company intends to prove the integrity of the casing and cementing on existing wells and fix defective casing and cementing by March 31.
If Cabot fails to fix the defective casing and cementing by the March deadline, the company must plug defective wells or implement another alternative as approved by DEP.
In addition, Cabot paid a $120,000 civil penalty for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Solid Waste Management Act and the Clean Streams Law.
The consent order and agreement caps a DEP investigation that began early this year when numerous Dimock area residents reported evidence of natural gas in their water supplies. DEP inspectors discovered that the well casings on some of Cabot’s natural gas wells were cemented improperly or insufficiently, allowing natural gas to migrate to groundwater.
On September 25, following a series of wastewater spills, DEP ordered Cabot to cease hydro fracking natural gas wells throughout Susquehanna County. The prohibition was removed after the company completed a number of important engineering and safety tasks.
DEP Fines Texas Drilling Firm In Northern Counties, Marcellus Shale Brings Wealth, Worry
Marcellus Wastewater Treatment Bids Sought
Cabot OKs Remedies For Contamination
Drilling Company Vows It's Cautious
Cabot OKs Remedies For Contamination
Drilling Company Vows It's Cautious
Gas Company Slapped With Environmental Violations
Wyoming Valley Authority Eyes Treatment Of Marcellus Shale Wastewater
Wyoming Valley Authority Eyes Treatment Of Marcellus Shale Wastewater
Drilling Started On 38 New Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Wells, Drillers Add More Leases
Through October 30, DEP issued 1,592 Marcellus Shale drilling permits. Since 2005, DEP has issued a total of 2,112 Marcellus Shale well permits and there have been a total of 660 Marcellus Shale wells drilled.
One-third of the permits were issued in Susquehanna, Tioga and Bradford counties.
Track gas well drilling activity and permits issued on DEP's Permit & Rig Activity webpage.
Other Announcements
Atlas Energy, Inc. announced this week it has successfully drilled and completed two additional horizontal Marcellus Shale wells in southwestern Pennsylvania: one in western Fayette County and another in eastern Greene County. Both of these wells are in the high pressured, dry gas area of southwestern Pennsylvania, an area that makes up the core of the Company’s 519,000 acres in the Marcellus Shale.
The Fayette County well, which is the first horizontal Marcellus Shale well drilled and completed in the county, has produced into a pipeline an average of 3.3 million cubic feet per day (“Mmcf/d”) for its first 30 days.
The Company’s second horizontal Marcellus Shale well drilled during 2009 in Greene County is exhibiting a similar flat production profile after an initial peak rate of 3.5 Mmcf/d. Both of these wells are producing at rates that exceed the Company’s assumed 4 billion cubic feet (“Bcf”) type curve. Atlas’s last four horizontal Marcellus Shale wells that were turned into line in southwestern Pennsylvania had an average peak 24-hour rate of 5.1 Mmcfe/d. (complete announcement)
Talisman Energy Inc. announced it has substantially increased its landholdings in two of the top unconventional natural gas plays in North America and is increasing its development programs.
“I am very excited as we accelerate our shale programs in North America on the heels of excellent drilling results and the continued growth of a very large, high-quality land position in two of the best shale plays in North America,” said Paul Smith, Executive Vice President, North American Operations. “We have positioned ourselves for a significant increase in drilling and production in the Marcellus shale next year and are planning to move segments of our Montney shale play to commercial development at the beginning of next year.
“We have been successful in doubling our Tier 1 unconventional acreage in the Pennsylvania Marcellus and the Montney shales over the past few months," said Paul Smith, Executive Vice President, North American Operations. "Recognizing that not all shale acreage is created equal, we define Tier 1 as top quality acreage with an expected full cycle breakeven of approximately $4/mcf. In these two plays alone, we have added 170,000 net acres through a combination of acquisitions and swaps for C$570 million. The Company now holds approximately 350,000 net acres of Tier 1 land in these two areas, with the potential for 4,800 net drilling locations.
“We have seen excellent drilling results in the Pennsylvania Marcellus and each well looks better than the previous one. Average drilling and completion costs are down to $4.3 million per well. Our average assumption for expected ultimate recovery over all Tier 1 acreage has increased by 17 percent, to 3.5 bcf per well, with the last five wells displaying EURs of 6 bcf. Average 30-day initial production (IP) rates for wells drilled year-to-date was 4.5 mmcf/d, with the last six wells at 5 mmcf/d or better. We are currently producing over 50 mmcf/d (sales gas) and expect to exit the year at approximately 70 mmcf/d.
“With the growing success of our Pennsylvania shale program, we have decided to open an office in Pittsburgh because it makes sense to shift our center of gravity and manage the rapid growth of our US shale development programs closer to the majority of our activity. We will be keeping our field office in Horseheads, New York.
Talisman started commercial development in the Marcellus shale late in 2008. Year-to-date, the Company has drilled 31 gross wells (27 net) with approximately 60 horizontal wells planned by year end. Talisman has added a third rig and plans to move to six rigs by the end of the year. Production was 5 mmcf/d at the beginning of the year and is currently over 50 mmcf/d (Talisman working interest sales gas), with an expected exit rate of approximately 70 mmcf/d.
Average D&C costs are down to $4.3 million per well, while the average EUR has increased by 17 percent to 3.5 bcf per well, with the last five wells in the Marcellus at 6 bcf. Thirty day IP rates for all wells drilled year-to-date have averaged 4.5 mmcf/d, with the last six wells at 5 mmcf/d or better.
The Company started the year with 140,000 acres in the Pennsylvania Marcellus, 90,000 of which the Company internally high-graded as Tier 1 acreage. Through a combination of land acquisitions (at an average cost of $3,250/acre) and land swaps, Talisman has added over 90,000 Tier 1 acres in the Pennsylvania Marcellus shale year-to-date, doubling its Tier 1 acreage to approximately 180,000 acres. Talisman believes it has approximately 1,800 net well locations on this acreage.
The Company expects a full cycle breakeven on this Tier 1 acreage of approximately $4/mmbtu.
In total, Talisman currently holds 214,000 net acres in the Pennsylvania Marcellus. These are highly contiguous acres concentrated around the Bradford and Tioga counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The complete announcement is available online.
Susquehanna Commission Seeks Real-Time Monitoring Partners In Marcellus Shale Areas
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is seeking partners to help start up a monitoring network to constantly record water quality conditions of smaller rivers and streams in areas where Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling is taking place in Pennsylvania and New York.
SRBC, state and federal water management officials and others would receive the real-time data electronically. The network would also help local public water suppliers, local watershed groups and communities stay informed.
“As the demand for water from smaller rivers and streams increases, particularly from the natural gas industry, so does the amount of wastewater that is generated,” said Paul Swartz, SRBC Executive Director. “It is important to monitor these smaller, remote waterways to verify whether or not they are being impacted by certain pollutants.”
Swartz said, “The proposed network would essentially be an early warning mechanism to help environmental protection officials respond more rapidly if streams are polluted. The Commission is well qualified to lead this effort as we have operated and maintained a real-time monitoring network on the mainstem Susquehanna River for about six years. The Commission also has extensive experience conducting various types of monitoring throughout the Susquehanna watershed.”
SRBC’s objectives for this proposed network are:
1. To establish a real-time monitoring network at areas of concern in the Susquehanna River Basin in order to provide monitoring data to resource agencies, the regulated community and the public and monitoring to allow timely response in the case of pollution incidents;
2. To establish baseline water quality conditions in targeted areas of the basin;
3. To verify whether or not the natural gas well industry and/or other activities with the potential to cause pollution incidents are causing adverse impacts on local water quality;
4. To reduce the cost of data collection through the utilization of advanced technologies; to form collaborative partnerships to improve monitoring technology and provide educational opportunities;
5. To enhance protection for water supplies through source water monitoring; and
6. To be responsive to public concerns.
SRBC’s proposal calls for 30 monitoring stations in the targeted regions where drilling in the Marcellus shale for natural gas is most active. In these targeted, remote areas, the terrain is mostly forested and lacks easy access for routine monitoring. This network would provide constant monitoring through instruments sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in water quality.
Each of the 30 monitoring stations would be equipped with a datasonde and data platform powered by a solar panel. The equipment would continuously monitor water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductance (ability to conduct electricity) and turbidity (water clarity). The water depth also would be recorded to establish a relationship with stream flows.
“While the Commission has confidence in the value and benefits of this remote monitoring network, we can not do it alone; nor do we assume our proposal is final at this point. We welcome partners from all sectors, private and public, for their financial support and for their feedback and involvement.”
SRBC has been reaching out to and engaging governmental and non-governmental organizations in this effort through meetings and other forms of communication.
For more information on SRBC’s proposed water quality monitoring network, go to SRBC’s website. This webpage contains a project information sheet, power point presentations and other information.
Opinion
The Marcellus Shale Play - What’s In Store For PA’s Natural Resources?
Robert M. Pennell,
Secretary - PA Council of Trout Unlimited
As created in 2003, the concept called for the Deptartment of Conservation and Natural Resources to help develop tourism through improvements to state parks; a process which was also expected to develop additional tourism businesses catering to anglers, hunters and others who are seeking an outdoor getaway experience.
Of course we would hope that the underlying purpose of creating the Pennsylvania Wilds was for the preservation of what already exists there; unbroken forested areas, pristine mountain streams, serenity, and the ability to view an incredible array of stars in the sky on a clear night. After all, it is called the Pennsylvania Wilds!
Well, for those of you who haven’t visited the northern part of our commonwealth recently, let me tell you that the forested areas are seeing a proliferation of new roads being built, the water flow of some streams is being siphoned off and occasionally polluted, and the starry skies are being blotted out by a relatively new entity; the lights from around-the-clock activity on natural gas drilling sites.
By now we would have to assume that most Pennsylvanians have heard about the natural gas being extracted from a widespread geological formation known as the Marcellus Shale. The drilling companies refer to this as the Marcellus “play,” or focused drilling efforts within this region.
Although geologists have known for some time that this formation contained vast untapped wealth, it has not been until more recently that a process called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” has been employed to successfully extract the gas from depths of a mile or more beneath the surface.
Okay, so all this sounds great for our ailing economy, right? Well yes, if the proper environmental procedures and regulations are followed and enforced as the tempo of drilling activity begins to ramp up across the northern tier counties, as well as in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately however, we have already witnessed some significant negative environmental impacts result from the activities of several of the drilling companies who either chose not to follow the rules, or were simply careless in their execution.
Here in simplified form is what’s involved in the development of a typical Marcellus gas well. First, an access road must be built, or an existing forest road must be improved to handle the heavy truckloads of equipment and water. Next, a well pad site, generally of about 5 acres, is cleared from the forest, and a huge retention pond is excavated.
The drilling procedure requires millions of gallons of water to be brought to the site for the fracking operation, which then requires the addition of a large number of potentially toxic chemicals. After the fracking operation is completed, the water contaminated by both the additives and naturally-occurring chemicals flows back to the surface where it will either be temporarily stored on site or removed and treated before discharge into a receiving river or stream.
So what are the major concerns surrounding all these activities? Construction of the roads and pad sites must follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) to avoid erosion and sedimentation runoff to streams. Source water must be evaluated and permitted for safe levels of withdrawal. Construction of retention ponds must utilize the highest quality fail-safe liner materials to prevent leaching of contaminants into groundwater, and more and better off-site treatment plants must be built to handle the ever-increasing volumes of contaminated water.
And above all, competent supervision must be available at all times on site to oversee the drilling operations and handle any environmental problems that might occur.
The Department of Environmental Protection seemingly has shot itself in the foot when it comes to protecting our natural environment from the inevitable problems of rapidly escalating gas extraction activities.
Earlier this year, DEP made the decision to dismiss the county conservation districts as the watchdogs over local construction activities, and then instituted a new fast-track permitting rule whereby construction plans would no longer be subjected to scrutiny by DEP as long as a registered engineer’s certification appeared on the plans.
In a recent case involving problems with well sites in several northern tier counties, it was determined after the fact that the DEP-approved engineer’s plans failed to include some of the most basic measures to control erosion and sedimentation at these sites.
And then there’s the major issue of our state legislators failing to pass a gas severance tax which would not only pump much-needed General Fund capital into the state coffers, but also provide a funding source to help pay for future environmental mishaps.
Gov. Rendel had proposed such a tax in June of this year to help balance the state budget, but later backed down, conceivably due to the more than $1,000,000 spent by oil and gas lobbyists to defeat such a tax in Pennsylvania. It is a fact that every other major natural gas-producing state imposes a severance tax on such mineral extractions.
The somewhat lame argument later used by the governor and apparently a majority of our legislators was that if the tax was added, gas extraction companies would simply pull up stakes and move elsewhere. But the gas is here - trillions of cubic feet of it!
When the state budget was finally passed this year, the agencies which suffered the largest cutbacks are the same agencies we depend on to oversee the health of our natural environment; the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
With such deep cuts in their operating budgets, and the inevitable scaling back of agency personnel and programs, now more than ever it is imperative that our legislators support and pass a gas severance tax which allocates a substantial percentage to our environmental programs.
Let’s keep the “wild” in Pennsylvania Wilds!
Robert M. Pennell is Secretary - PA Council of Trout Unlimited and can be contacted by writing 2319 Valley Road, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Sen. Mary Jo White, Secretary John Hanger Respond To DEP, DCNR Budget Cut Stories
Both Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger this week responded to stories about the significant cuts in the budgets for environmental programs. Here are their responses--
Sen. White: While the recent state budget contains difficult spending reductions for all agencies, necessitated by a $3.2 billion deficit, your recent article (October 16) leaves an inaccurate impression on how much money the state's environmental and conservation agencies have available to do their job.
An important component lacking from your report is the fact that the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources receive money outside of the state budget bill. For example, DEP is slated to receive nearly $20 million in new revenue from higher permitting fees - money that will go directly to paying for personnel costs. Additionally, many of the cuts to DEP's budget were for discretionary grant programs, including the elimination of one program The Patriot-News has criticized as "WAMs."
Likewise, DCNR suffered cuts to its budget, but your article overlooks that the agency has $25 million available to it from the 2008 Marcellus Shale lease offering. Recall that in Gov. Rendell's first year, he cut state park funding by 20 percent and not a single park closed.
The budget package also sets aside $50 million in future royalty money for DCNR to use virtually anywhere in its budget. And DEP and DCNR continue to benefit from other off-budget programs, such as Growing Greener and the Keystone Fund.
The budget cuts are real and will require difficult management decisions. But your readers deserve an accurate picture of the total resources agencies have available to do their job.
In a typical year, state funds account for less than a third of DEP's budget. Last year, for example, state funds totaled $232 million of our $712 million departmental budget. Federal dollars and other revenues derived from fees and fines make up the bulk of our agency budget.
In addition, fees for gas drilling permits were increased to make it possible for us to hire additional inspectors to oversee and make sure gas drilling in the state does not harm the environment. The cut in state funds will have no impact on the permitting and inspection operations performed by the oil and gas staff at DEP, because instead of taxing the citizens for this work, we are making the drilling companies pay for this critical environmental protection work.
Gov. Rendell had to accept a final budget that cut spending in this recessionary national economy. It regrettably will require layoffs in DEP and other departments, as well as reductions or eliminations to some worthy services. But, and this is most important, we have made sure that our critical environmental inspection and enforcement efforts remain top priorities and will not be reduced.
Waste, Recycling, Growing Greener Fees Collected By DEP Continue Decline In 2008-09
The Department of Environmental Protection reported collecting a total of $104.7 million in fees from landfills, resource recovery facilities, hazardous waste transporters, and hazardous waste treatment and storage facilities for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
The $104.7 million in revenues came from: the $4/ton Environmental Stewardship Disposal Fee generated $62.3 million in revenue, the $2/ton Recycling Fee generated $36.3 million in revenue, the $.25/ton Environmental Stewardship Fee generated $4.3 million in revenue, hazardous waste TSP fees generated $1.3 million in revenue, hazardous waste TSD fees generated $0.4 million in revenue, and hazardous waste annual permit administration fees generated $42,150 in revenue.
Overall, waste fee receipts have been declining over the past five years mainly due to a drop in the amount of out-of-state waste disposed in Pennsylvania.
From fiscal year 03-04 through fiscal year 08-09 total waste receipts from landfills and resource recovery facilities fell from a high of 25.2 million tons to a low of 20.6 million tons. Pennsylvania waste receipts remained steady until fourth quarter 2008 when it followed the national economy and declined.
The fiscal year fee report is available online.
For more information, visit the Municipal Waste Management Fees webpage or contact Bill Sedlak by sending email to: wsedlak@state.pa.us or call 717-783-9258.
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On the Hill
On the Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule
Here's the latest session schedule, Senate and House Calendars and Committee schedules--
Session Schedule
The Senate is now on a six-hour call by the President Pro Tempore, but is not expected to return until November 16. The House is scheduled to return to voting session on November 9, 10, 16, 17, 18 and December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16.
Calendars
House (November 9): House Bill 80 (Vitali-D-Delaware) expanding the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and authorizing a carbon sequestration network; House Bill 687 (Dermody-D-Allegheny) expanding the guaranteed energy savings contract provisions to include technology upgrades designed to reduce water and wastewater consumption or operating expenses; House Bill 1489 (George-D-Clearfield) authorizing a natural gas severance tax.
Committees
House: the Health and Human Services Committee meets to consider House Bill 894 (Phillips-R-Northumberland) establishing a task force on Lyme Disease; the Urban Affairs Committee holds a hearing on environmental sustainability in urban areas.in Pittsburgh.
Other News
Port Of Pittsburgh-Ohio River Watershed Celebration Attracts Over 800 People
Click here to enjoy special photo gallery.
So far this year over 1,568 people attended conferences on watershed issues. (Pa Environment Digest 7/27/09)
The ad-hoc ORWC Steering Committee raised all funding for the event through donations from individuals, businesses, industries, municipal authorities, and foundations. With the generous sponsorship, the event was free-of-charge for all attendees. Two different cruises comprised the event.
Networking Cruise
The Majestic was the home for the Networker Cruise designed for the adult community (18 and over). The Majestic departed Station Square at 1:00 PM sailing up the Monongahela River through the Braddock Lock and Dam and back to the Point during the three-hour cruise. The theme for this year’s event was “The Ohio River Watershed - Fuel for the Nation”. Innovative energy topics were presented throughout the cruise.
Several presentations on energy issues were given on the cruise, including: “Port of Pittsburgh” by Jim McCarville, Port of Pittsburgh Commission, “Geothermal Energy” by Rev. Calvin Cash; Holly Cairns, Herron Avenue Corridor Coalition and “Energy Efficiency Projects” by James Sloss, City of Pittsburgh
Many points of interest, current and historical, were highlighted with a very informative narration provided by Maggie Hall, Department of Environmental Protection; Dave Plank, DEP (retired); and Joe Dinkel, West View Water Authority. Points of interest included the various bridges along the way, GTECH’s biofuel project, Waterfront Redevelopment Project, USS Edgar Thompson Works, and the Braddock Lock and Dam.
Over sixty watershed and energy-related displays were on the Majestic providing participants the opportunity to meet and discuss (Network) with each other. Attendees included: watershed organizations and professionals, local, state and federal government agency personnel, business and industry leaders, college faculty members, college students, interested private citizens, and private foundation members.
Watershed Awards
Denny Tubbs, SW Regional Outreach & Education Coordinator, Fish and Boat Commission served as Master of Ceremony and judging was coordinated by Joe Dinkel, West View Water Authority for this years awards to watershed groups providing displays on the cruise.
The ORWC highlights positive efforts of small local groups who address watershed issues. Efforts of these dedicated volunteers are vital in the overall recovery of the Ohio River Watershed.
Many of these groups operate on the proverbial “shoestring” budget and we are pleased to honor their contributions with four, $500.00 & four, $250.00 awards, sponsored by David Hess (former DEP Secretary) and an anonymous donor.
The Watershed Award winners included--
Best Display: Kiski-Connemaugh Stream Team (1st place), Natural Biodiversity (2nd place)
Most Innovative Project: The Awesome Spirit of Wildlife (1st place), Stoneycreek River Improvement Project (2nd place)
Community Outreach & Education: Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center (1st place), Indiana Pennsylvania Senior Environmental Council (2nd place)
Best Example of Partnerships: Washington County Watershed Alliance (1st place), Westmoreland County Cleanways (2nd place)
Energy Conservation Award: City of Pittsburgh - accepted by James Sloss
Environmental Awards
The ORWC Environmental Awards each year recognizes an individual, business or industry, and a local government agency which demonstrated a commitment to watershed or energy conservation. They receive a framed plaque citing their efforts.
The 2009 Environmental Award Winners were--
Individual: Reverend Calvin Cash, Herron Avenue Corridor Coalition
Government: Borough of Green Tree
Business/Industry: Pittsburgh Water Limo
Organization: Stonycreek River Improvement Project
Student Imagination Cruise
This year’s “Imagination Cruise” held on the Empress riverboat, offered public, cyber and home-schooled students in grades K-12, along with their parents and teachers, a chance to learn how the resources of the Ohio River Watershed have shaped the culture, economy, and environment of the region.
Dynamic, hands-on activities related to the theme of: “Ohio River Watershed – Fuel for a Nation” demonstrated how the watershed, which has supplied energy for a growing country for over 250 years, continues to be a leader in innovative energy conservation modeling and alternative energy technologies.
The cruise took advantage of the unique perspective from the river to focus on how the watershed has played a role in the historic production and distribution of energy, to illustrate the role it plays today and to explore what may be in store for the future.
The event provided a unique opportunity for energy-related organizations and industries to communicate how energy needs are met, how these needs impact the resources within the watershed and what can be done to conserve energy in order to lessen this impact.
Everyone’s interest was sparked with the kick-off presentation of “It’s Electric” by Carnegie Museum of Science, which showed how electricity is created and transmitted to power homes, schools and businesses.
Through fun, educational activities and interactive displays located on all three decks, students learned about various energy sources, including coal, natural gas, oil, the sun and garbage!
Groups of students used Lego construction sets to build solar cars, then raced them against one another to find out which designs were most efficient. They learned how sunlight energy flows through food chains and supports food webs; discovered how solar energy can be used to heat and pump water; compared the amount of energy used by several types of light bulbs; and computed the efficiencies of shipping goods via river barges.
They also found out how waste equates to energy, and how they could do their part to conserve energy by reducing, reusing and recycling. Many explored the effects of oil on birds’ feathers, and discovered how little of the earth’s supply of water is available for drinking.
Some grabbed fishing rods to practice fly casting and experience how energy and physical forces are involved in the casting motion. Others were amazed by the variety of fish that live in the Ohio River watershed, and at the adaptations they have for survival.
There was plenty of time to participate in the various activities, while still enjoying the view from the deck rails, as the boat floated up the Mon River, under historic bridges, through the Braddock Lock and Dam (with narration by a representative of the US Army Corps of Engineers), then back to the dock.
Each student was given a specially designed “Learner’s Log” in which to write and draw records of information gained and experiences enjoyed. The log helped them build knowledge, as well as lasting memories of their river journey.
The following lists the 19 government agencies, conservation and educational organizations, private business and industry were involved in the planning and implementation of the event, which received rave reviews from participants: Jennings Environmental Education Center (DCNR); Vox Energy Solutions; RiverQuest; National Aviary; Creek Connections; Port of Pittsburgh Commission; Carnegie Science Center; University of Pittsburgh; Fish and Boat Commission; Range Resources; Family Tyes; Commonwealth Connections; US Army Corps of Engineers; Butler Co. Dept. of Recycling & Waste Mgt.; ALSOSAN; Solar Power Industries; PittCon; CCI Center; Drake Well Museum (PHMC); Tour Ed Mine & Museum.
The Celebration could not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors and partners.
2009 ORWC Sponsor List
Prime: Port of Pittsburgh Commission
Platinum: Foundation for PA Watersheds; CONSOL Energy; Dominion Foundation;
BioMost, Inc.
Gold: Municipal Authority of West View; Anonymous
Silver: David Hess, PA Environment Digest/Crisci Associates; PA American Water; Society of Analytical Chemists (Pittsburgh); PA DCNR Bureau of State Parks; Spectroscopy Soc. of Pittsburgh; PlasTie, Inc.
Bronze: Commonwealth Connections Academy; Municipal Authority of Westmoreland Co.;
ALCOSAN; Allegheny Energy; W.K. Merriman, Inc.; Quality Aggregates Inc.; American Water Works Assoc. - SW PA Section; Anonymous
2009 ORWC Partner List
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District.); Department of Environmental Protection; Fish and Boat Comm.; Jennings Env. Ed. Center (PA DCNR); US Office of Surface Mining (Pittsburgh); Conservation Consultants Inc.; Creek Connections; Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation; Butler County Dept. of Recycling & Waste Management; Drake’s Well Museum (PHMC); National Aviary; RiverQuest; Pittsburgh Conf. on Analytical Chemistry & Applied Spectroscopy; Solar Power Industries; Family Tyes; Commonwealth Connections Academy; Carnegie Science Center; Venture Outdoors; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Game Commission; 241 Computers; Gateway Clipper Fleet; Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team; U.S. Carbon Sequestration Council; Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition; Laurie Popeck; Dave Plank; Stream Restoration Inc.
Susquehanna Basin Commission Releases Findings From 4 Monitoring Programs
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission this week announced the findings from four separate river monitoring programs providing biological and water quality data used to assess streams and rivers and identify changes in stream health over time.
The technical reports focus on: the Susquehanna River and other large rivers, the watersheds surrounding Whitney Point Lake in Broome and Cortland counties in New York, the Middle Susquehanna Subbasin, and streams that cross the New York-Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania-Maryland state lines.
“With nearly 25 years of continuous monitoring experience, the Commission is a leader in monitoring and in the area of quality assurance and quality control of data,” said Paul Swartz, SRBC Executive Director. “Each monitoring program is unique and the data help in decision-making by SRBC, its member state and federal agencies, and other water resource managers.”
Here is a brief summary of each report--
Susquehanna Large River Assessment Project (publication #265) is an assessment of the mainstem Susquehanna River and a portion of the West Branch Susquehanna River. Given the characteristics of large rivers, specific data collection methods devised two years ago are employed by SRBC. SRBC staff collected data at 17 stations between Great Bend, N.Y., and Marietta, Pa.
For biological health, SRBC found nonimpaired conditions at two stations, slightly impaired conditions at ten stations, and moderately impaired conditions at five stations. For water quality conditions, only 6.9 percent of the values exceeded their respective limits, indicating fairly good water quality in the Susquehanna River.
Middle Susquehanna Subbasin: A Water Quality and Biological Assessment, June – October 2008 (publication #263) is an assessment of specific streams within the middle portion of the river basin, which includes 3,700 square miles in northeast Pennsylvania from Ulster to Sunbury, Pa.
The report identifies stream impairments and makes comparisons with past surveys of the Middle Susquehanna Subbasin. The results of this report were similar to those found in the 2001 survey with the majority of streams (74 percent) having nonimpaired or slightly impaired conditions. Of the moderately and severely impaired stream sites, most were impacted by abandoned mine drainage or urban land uses.
Upper Susquehanna Subbasin Small Watershed Study: A Water Quality and Biological Assessment of the Watersheds Surrounding Whitney Point Lake, Broome and Cortland Counties, N.Y. (publication #264) is an overview of critical, baseline monitoring that was conducted to help evaluate the implementation of a large scale restoration project on Whitney Point Lake.
The project involves water releases from the lake to augment low flow conditions downstream of the lake. The supplemental flows are expected to reduce stress on the river ecosystems, benefiting fish and macroinvertebrates. At least five years of additional project monitoring will be performed.
Assessment of Interstate Streams in the Susquehanna River Basin, July 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008 (publication #266) is a web-based report that includes interactive maps providing detailed water quality and biological data on streams that cross state lines.
This interstate stream monitoring began in 1986 to collect data that were not available from monitoring programs in New York, Pennsylvania or Maryland. SRBC tracks 53 crossing points on 48 streams that cross state lines. In NY-PA streams, iron and aluminum most frequently exceeded water quality standards for the calendar year 2008 report. In PA-MD streams, nutrients continue to be the biggest concern. Biological and habitat health were also evaluated at 49 sites in 2008.
SRBC’s monitoring programs and their associated annual reports are funded largely by grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection.
Swartz said, “Among the many benefits, the data generated through these four monitoring programs can be used to assess compliance with state and federal water quality standards, characterize stream quality and identify areas for restoration and protection.”
The four technical reports are available on SRBC’s website.
DEP Has Renewed Watershed Specialist Funding Through 2012
The Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation announced Friday, the Department of Environmental Protection has renewed funding for county Watershed Specialists through June of 2012.
"We are grateful for this news, especially considering all of the financial difficulties and budget cutbacks faced by our State today," said Andy McAllister, WPCAMR Watershed Coordinator. "We're also grateful for the outpouring of support given to the Watershed Specialist program by individuals and organizations within the watershed community as a result of WPCAMR's Watershed Specialist advocacy campaign.
"It is the letters and emails in response to our call for action that, in part, gave the supporters of the program within the DEP the ammunition they needed to press for continued funding. The amount of support from you, our readership, and from within DEP is a testament to the value of the Watershed Specialist program.
"Without a doubt, this announcment from DEP is certainly good news for the watershed community and the Watershed Specialists in particular. However, after we've all breathed that collective sigh of relief, we must remember this isn't a permanent solution, it's merely a reprieve. Without a permanent funding source in place, the future of the Watershed Specialist program is precarious.
"With that in mind, WPCAMR will continue to work with members of our watershed community, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts and other partners in advocating for permanent funding for the Watershed Specialist program."
Video Blog: County Watershed Specialists
Western PA Watershed Mini-Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
Proposals for the 2010 Watershed Mini-Grant program are now being accepted by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Dominion.
Proposals are due December 18.
The program offers funding to watershed organizations in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Cumberland, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Watershed Mini Grants may be used for expenses in three categories: operating costs, organizational promotion and outreach, and/or restoration projects. A cash or non-cash match is preferred but not required. Grants of up to $1,000 may be awarded for operating expenses. Up to $2,500 is available for promotion and outreach or restoration projects.
The grant application and proposal guidelines are available online.
Contact Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to have an application mailed to your organization or to ask questions regarding the application and its required information. Grant applications must be mailed to: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, c/o Teddi Renee Stark, 246 South Walnut Street, Blairsville, PA 15717 or call 724-459-0953 ext. 112 or send email to: tstark@paconserve.org.
Growing Greener Anniversary Grant Applications Due November 20
The Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Program will be ten years old in December and to help celebrate 10 groups have come together to invite watershed groups to share their success stories on a special Growing Greener website.
Thanks to the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and an anonymous benefactor, two $250 grants will be given to the watershed groups with the best article and photo or video each month through December.
The groups partnering to sponsor the celebration include: the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Stream Restoration, Inc., the Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the PA Association of Conservation Districts, LandStudies, Inc. and PA Environment Digest.
November 20 is the next deadline for entries for the second month of the grant program.
Visit the GrowingGreener website and learn how you can earn $250 for your watershed group by sharing your Growing Greener success story. Look over the history of the program and see the stories, photos and videos already posted there.
Save The Date: December 3 Workshop On Dam Removal For Watershed Groups
American Rivers and the Fish and Boat Commission are sponsoring a workshop for watershed groups, local conservation organizations, land trusts and municipal environmental planners for dam removal project managers on December 3 in Harrisburg.
The workshop will be held at the Fish and Boat Commission headquarters on Elmerton Avenue. Space will be limited to 40 participants and reservations are required.
For more information send email to Sara Strassman, American Rivers at sstrassman@amrivers.org.
Watershed Implementation Plan For Pine Creek Finalized
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has completed a Watershed Implementation Plan for the Pine Creek Watershed located in Allegheny County.
The goal of the plan was to determine how best to reduce the nonpoint source pollutant loads in this watershed.
What makes this plan unique is that this is the first Watershed Implementation Plan that EPA Region 3 has received that is based solely on urban stormwater management measures. Additionally, this plan can be viewed in the context of a much larger Act 167 study that is underway in four watersheds in northern Allegheny County, including Pine Creek. The Act 167 study will create a detailed GIS based watershed model that will evaluate multiple flood control and water quality improvement scenarios and will further the details provided in the Watershed Implementation Plan.
The analysis from the Watershed Implementation Plan determined that there are five main approaches to reducing the impacts of urbanization in the watershed.
The proper implementation of the Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance requirements adopted by the Pine Creek municipalities in 2008. These requirements will insure that all significant future development and redevelopment in the watershed be constructed using water quality BMPs such as natural area conservation, stream buffers, enhanced swales, infiltration zones (like rain gardens), and environmentally sensitive subdivisions.
The construction of approximately 19 million cubic feet of additional water quality BMPs to reduce pollutant loading from developed areas. It is recommended that a portion of these water quality volume BMPs be developed by retrofitting existing stormwater dry ponds into wet ponds.
The stabilization of 5.3 more miles of stream banks to reduce erosion.
The use of ‘Green Streets' concepts in the highly urbanized portions of the watershed. This uses methods such as street side rain gardens and the separation of combined sewers to reduce urban runoff and sewer overflows into the waterway.
The protection of steep slopes and natural areas in the watershed. It is recommended that the municipalities adopt steep slope protection ordinances and encourage the use of conservation easements to protect natural areas within the watershed.
Funding was provided by the Department of Environmental Protection through Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act Administered by the U.S. EPA. For more information, contact Jen Novak in the Pittsburgh Office.
Click here to read the plan.
WPC Protects Valuable French Creek Property
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that limits future development while keeping land in private hands.
The conserved property, which consists of 143 acres at the confluence of the West Branch and main stem of French Creek in Venango Township, Erie County, is owned by Jim and Pat Harwood of Harwood Farms, Inc. Conservation of this property will help to restore and maintain floodplain forests as well as protect French Creek, which contains rare and endangered freshwater mussels, fish and other aquatic species.
“The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is pleased to be able to protect this property in partnership with the Harwoods. Recording a conservation easement on this property will allow the Harwoods to continue to own, farm and enjoy this creekfront property but also protect it from development permanently,” said Tom Saunders, president and CEO of the Conservancy. “This brings the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's protected acreage in the French Creek watershed to 3,528 acres.”
The French Creek Joint Venture is a partnership of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and the French Creek Valley Conservancy. WPC purchased the conservation easement on the Harwoods’ property with federal funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Landowner Incentive Program, and with matching funds from The Nature Conservancy.
The newly conserved land adds to a larger watershed conservation area along the West Branch of French Creek that includes the 244-acre Lowville Fen, a WPC-owned property, as well as four private properties totaling 303 acres that have been permanently protected by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy through easements.
Trail Work Continues Along Wissahickon At Devil's Pool
This project is part of FOW’s Sustainable Trails Initiative, which will comprehensively rebuild the entire 50 mile natural surface trail system in Wissahickon Valley Park, making it a physically and socially sustainable system that works for all park users.
The current project at Devil’s Pool is being completed in partnership with the Fairmount Park Commission and with support from the International Mountain Biking Association in the form of a Trail Specialist who is managing work at the site.
In this photo, workers from Paul Steinbeiser Landscape Design and Construction are using mortar to set stones from the Wissahickon into a cement foundation, creating a natural looking staircase down to Cresheim Creek from the upper trail near Livezey Lane.
Fish & Boat Commission Seeking Applications For Boating Facilities, Clean Vessel Programs
The Fish and Boat Commission is encouraging local governments and nonprofit groups which are interested in providing or improving public boating facilities to apply for funding through the agency’s Boating Facilities Grant Program and the federal Clean Vessel Program.
Boating Facilities Grants
“The (Boating Facilities Grants) program is designed to help local governments and eligible nonprofit groups, including land trusts, conservancies and watershed associations, to provide or improve public recreational boat access facilities in their communities,” said Dr. Douglas Austen, PFBC executive director. “Private businesses are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local government for funding.”
The deadline for submitting applications is December 18.
Eligible activities include the rehabilitation, expansion or construction of new boat ramps, bulkheads, courtesy floats, access roads, parking areas, restrooms, signs and localized landscaping. Activities must benefit and directly support public recreational boating. Eligible projects must occur on public lands owned by the project sponsor, or where the sponsor has a long-term lease or agreement on the site.
The grant program will reimburse recipients for up to 75 percent of the costs for land acquisition, project design and engineering, development, expansion, and major rehabilitation. Funds are to be used only for major site improvements and not for routine maintenance or operation activities. Successful applicants must agree to provide a 25 percent grant match and be willing to enter into a long-term agreement to keep the facility open to free public use for its useful life. The PFBC will give priority-funding consideration to applicants that provide more than the required 25 percent match, thereby reducing the total amount of grant funds required to complete the project.
The program is a reimbursable grant program. Grant funds will be disbursed to the recipient only after the project is completed and agency staff has verified that the work has been completed. Grant funds are derived from boat registration fees, state fuel taxes collected on fuel used in motorboats, and taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. General state funds are not used for the program.
For more information about the Boating Facilities Grant Program and an application are available online.
Clean Vessel Program
The Fish and Boat Commission is also requesting applications from interested parties seeking funding under the Clean Vessel Act Program, a federal grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that funds the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of pump-out stations and waste reception facilities for recreational boats.
Applications must be submitted to the PFBC by December 1.
The PFBC is the only entity within Pennsylvania eligible to apply to the FWS for funding under the CVA program, and is looking for interested partners to utilize these funds. CVA funds are available to both public and private entities that meet program requirements. Reimbursements will occur only after final inspection and approval of the project by PFBC staff.
For more information about the CVA grant program, please visit the following websites or contact the CVA coordinator at 717-346-8196.
PFBC grant application forms and instructions and detailed information on the federal CVA grant program are available online.
Video Blog
TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, How You Can Participate
The Western PA Conservancy, DCNR and other partners are encouraging Western PA residents to plant trees through the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Program.
The goal of the program is to plant 20,000 trees throughout the Pittsburgh region by 2012. This effort is part of the statewide TreeVitalize Program.
Click here to view video.
OSM Proposes Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative
The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative is a cooperative effort between the states of the Appalachian region and US Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining, leading the way to reforest mined lands—old and new—through the use of cutting-edge research and diverse partnerships.
The Initiative proposes the creation of a Green Forest Works for Appalachia program to help achieve our partnership’s goals. This program will employ over 2,000 Appalachian citizens to reforest old mined lands, similar to reforestation efforts performed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s.
Successful reestablishment of diverse hardwood forests that once dominated these lands will provide a significant carbon sink and a renewable, sustainable multi-use resource that will create economic opportunities while enhancing the local and global environment.
ARRI scientists estimate that between 750,000 and 1 million acres of old surfacemined land is available for reforestation in the eastern coal fields. The existence of these neglected mined lands presents significant environmental challenges for Appalachia, but also provides many opportunities through the creation of green jobs, environmental enhancement, and climate change mitigation.
Through the Green Forest Works for Appalachia program, many economic, social, and environmental improvements will be realized for the citizens of Appalachia. Forested watersheds help control flooding and improve stream water quality.
Thriving forests sequester carbon, clean the air, and help offset global climate change. Diverse forests provide habitat for wildlife and support a variety of recreation activities important to local human communities. Healthy forests are renewable and sustainable, thereby providing local jobs for an existing and growing wood industry for decades to come.
Over a period of five years, the Green Forest Works for Appalachia program will create permanent employment for approximately 2,000 local residents from rural coalfield communities planting more than 125 million trees on over 175,000 acres.
A copy of the Reforestation Initiative is available online.
Keystone State Park Goes In For A Green Touch-Up By Planting Trees
A lot of hard work has resulted in a greener Keystone State Park with the addition of 102 additional trees and shrubs.
The Friends of Keystone State Park, park staff, and numerous volunteers have planted native trees and shrubs throughout the park over the past year, with the majority of the plantings most evident around the beach area and along the new 2.2 mile trail that encircles the lake.
The new greenery at the beach have helped to control the resident goose population from accessing and soiling the grassy area and sand near the swimming area, and have also assisted in retaining the sand and other sediments from being washed into the lake during periods of heavy rain.
In the main picnic area, they will help to break-up the large, seldom-used grassy areas along with controlling the rain run-off and. The trees in this area will also serve as the next generation of shade tree for picnickers as the older mature trees reach their full maturity.
Additional plantings can also be found along various tributaries coming into the lake. These plantings will assist in stream bank stabilization, thus decreasing the amount of sediment that is washed into Keystone Lake.
Financial support for portions of this project were provided by the Dominion Foundation. The Friends of Keystone State Park were successful in obtaining a grant through a program that was administered by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
For those interested in helping with the tree planting program at Keystone State Park, call 724-668-2939.
DCNR Proposes 4,248 Acre Land Exchange In Northwest, Public Meetings Scheduled
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice of a proposed exchange of 4,248 acres of land in Crawford, Jefferson, Clarion, McKean and Elk counties.
The Department is proposing to convey 4,248 acres in North Shenango, Sadsbury and Pine Townships, Crawford County and 2 acres in Heath Township, Jefferson County to the Commission. In return, the Commission proposes to convey 4,573 acres in Highland and Mill Creek Townships, Clarion County, 181 acres in Heath Township, Jefferson County, 10 acres in Hamlin Township, McKean County and 52 acres in Spring Creek Township, Elk County to the Department. All acreages are approximate.
Two public informational meetings have been scheduled to respond to any questions or concerns the general public may have regarding this exchange of lands.
A meeting in Crawford County has been scheduled for November 17 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Linesville High School Library, 302 West School Drive, Linesville, PA. For more information, call 724-932-3142.
A meeting in Clarion County has been scheduled for November 19, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Clarion Holiday Inn, 45 Holiday Inn Road, Clarion, PA. For more information, call 814-744-8407.
There will be a 30-day period for public inquiry and/or comment starting November 14 and ending December 14.
Oral or written comments or questions concerning this proposed exchange may be addressed to John Norbeck, Director, Bureau of State Parks, P. O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551, telephone 717-787-6640. These oral and/or written comments will become part of the official document used in the final decision process.
Westmoreland Conservation District Offers Low-Impact Development Workshop Dec. 4
On December 4, the Westmoreland Conservation District is sponsoring a workshop “Saving Time & Money with Low-impact Development.”
Low-impact development is a way of designing a site so that the buildings, parking lots, roads and other manmade features fit into the natural shapes of the land. It’s an old idea -- farmers often did this when they built their barns into the slope of hillside – that’s becoming popular again, as more and more people realize its aesthetic, time-saving, and money-saving benefits.
Topics and presenters include:
-- A Developer’s Thoughts on the Cost and Time Savings of Adapting Your Project to the Land (instead of visa versa) – Kim Miller, president, Wolf Lake, Inc., a land-development firm
-- Growth Trends in Westmoreland County – Larry Larese, director, Westmoreland County Department of Planning & Development, and Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation
-- The Smart Growth Viewpoint: Traditional vs. Lower-impact Development – Alex Graziani, AICP, executive director, Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County
-- Go Green and Save on Your Bottom Line at the Same Time (a designer’s approach) – Chris Nix, certified professional in erosion and sediment control and civil engineer, R.A. Smith National
-- Avoiding Pitfalls in Working with Municipalities– Andy Blenko, PE, JD, planning and zoning director, North Huntingdon Township
-- Money-wise Stormwater Management – Westmoreland Conservation District Technical Staff
The daylong event will also feature a hands-on visioning activity using smart growth principals in low-impact development. The cost is $40, and includes breakfast, lunch, and materials.
Seating is limited and registration and pre-payment are required by November 25.
Click here to download workshop flyer and registration form or contact Christie Sebek, 724 837-5271, ext. 210, or send email to: christie@wcdpa.com.
When parking spaces were added here, the conventional (high-impact) way would have been to cut out almost all of the slope. About 300 cubic yards of soil – 30 dump trucks full – would have been dug out and hauled away, and all the beautiful specimen trees growing on top of it would be gone. Losing all that earth and all those trees would have meant losing a lot of natural area where stormwater could infiltrate into the ground.
Instead, a low-impact approach was used. Most of the slope was left right where it was and secured by installing two different kinds of concrete block walls. The blocks pictured include “planting pockets” – small areas of soil where stormwater can infiltrate and plants can be tucked in.
Another benefit of this low-impact approach was saving money! By letting the ground and trees and plants do the work of managing stormwater, fewer curbs, gutters, inlets and pipes had to be installed.
Go Green at Wildlands Conservancy’s Green Gala November 20
Join the Wildlands Conservancy community on November 20 at Brookside Country Club when more than 250 supporters celebrate conservation in the Lehigh Valley region at the organization’s Green Gala.
The event, which consists of both silent and live auctions, raises funds for land preservation, river restoration, trail development and environmental education programs for the community.
The evening will start at 6 p.m. with a silent auction while guests enjoy cocktails and hors d’oevures. The silent auction features holiday items, gift certificates and passes to local eateries and entertainment spots and outdoor gear and equipment. The auction will also feature the special “Go Green” section highlighting eco-friendly and sustainable items. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by a live auction.
Christian F. Martin IV, from C.F. Martin Guitar & Co., will be the master of ceremonies and Ralph Zettlemoyer will be the night’s auctioneer.
Tickets for the Green Gala are $135.00 per person. RSVP deadline is November 6. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Current leadership sponsors are: East Penn Bank, Gross McGinley, LP; RidgeCrest Landscaping & Lawncare; S.G. Rogers Properties; Amaranth Foundation; Allied Building Corporation – a Scarcia Company; Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits, LLP; Just Born, Inc.; Keystone Consulting Engineers; LandStudies; Valley Preferred; Robert C. Dorney; and Michael and Meda Henry.
For more information on Wildlands Conservancy’s Green Gala, please contact Elizabeth McKinney, development manager, at 610-965-4397, ext. 126 or send email to: emckinney@wildlandspa.org.
Save The Date: 2010 Professional Recyclers Conference July 27-29
The Professional Recyclers of PA has announced their Twentieth Annual Conference that will be held at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College from July 27 – 29, 2010.
The conference title, “Twenty Years and Zero Waste To Go” both reflects the continuity of PROP in the national recycling arena while also focusing on the primary goal of zero waste, noted Jill Reigh, PROP Communications Manager.
Reigh complimented the conference committee, chaired by Joanne Shafer, Centre County Solid Waste Authority Deputy Director, for their notable work in promoting the conference to recycling and organics professionals across the state of Pennsylvania while also reaching nationally and internationally.
The PROP Conference is widely recognized for delivering vital educational plenary sessions, Professional Certification classes in cooperation with Penn State Altoona and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Early promotion allows municipal leaders time to budget for their employees to attend the conference, where they receive vital continuing education. As the DEP stresses, education is the first step in improving recycling rates.
PROP attendees will also learn about the latest innovations in all aspects of recycling and organics from the exhibitors expected to sell out the large hall at the Penn Stater. This year will also feature outdoor exhibits with demonstrations offered daily.
The PROP Conference offers attendees and exhibitors several opportunities to build priceless networking connections with other professionals. Activities include a twilight cruise at Penn’s Cave. Other activities are highlighted on the attached conference brochure.
PROP invites anyone interested in recycling, organics and other related environmental issues to attend the conference. Daily rates are available as well as package rates and sponsorship opportunities. For further information, please visit the PROP website.
Colleges Can Sign Up Now For EPA's 2010 RecycleMania
RecycleMania, with the support of multiple partners and sponsors including the Coca Cola Company, is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to use to promote waste reduction and recycling activities on their campuses.
RecycleMania is a project of the College and University Recycling Council and is supported by the U.S. EPA's WasteWise Program.
From January 17 through March 27, participating schools will be required to report recycling and trash data which will be used to rank them in categories such as who collects the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or have the highest overall recycling rate.
With each week’s reports and rankings, participating schools watch how their results fluctuate against other schools and use this to rally their campus communities to reduce and recycle more.
Questions regarding the rules and/or registration process may be directed to the Helpline at 843-278-7686 or send email to: helpline@recyclemaniacs.org.
Pennsylvania has been the #1 State for the last three years, with 48 schools participating in 2009. Their goal is to make it four by increasing that total by 20 percent in 2010!
If you have any questions, please contact Donna McGowan, EPA Region 3 Recycling Program Manager, at 215-814-5197 or send email to: mcgowan.donna@epa.gov, Ric Laudenslager, at 610-519-4466 or send email to: richard.laudenslager@villanova.edu, or Jan Arnold, PROP Program Manager by sending email to: jarnold@proprecycles.org.
PPL Electric Utilities Launches Refrigerator, Freezer Recycling Program
PPL Electric Utilities on Thursday launched its new refrigerator and freezer recycling program with the pickup of the first unit at the home of Mary Ann Smeltz.
For Smeltz and thousands of other PPL Electric Utilities customers, turning in older, energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers is a great way to save money as well as help save the environment by using less electricity and properly disposing of the toxic materials found in old fridges.
Under this new program, PPL Electric Utilities’ customers can turn in their old refrigerator or freezer and receive a $35 incentive and free removal of their old unit. Plus, customers can save up to $150 a year on their electric bill by removing an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1990 consume three times more electricity than newer appliances, and many Pennsylvania homes have those old appliances in their garages or basement.
It is estimated that second refrigerators are found in 21 percent of homes, and separate freezers are also found in 21 percent of homes and nearly 40 percent of all refrigerators and more than 55 percent of the freezers are 10 years or older.
By recycling just 5,000 of these units in the PPL Electric Utilities’ service territory, customers can save about $5 million in lifetime energy costs.
“The removal and recycling of extra, inefficient refrigerators or freezers is a great way for customers to save money and help protect the environment,” said Tom Stathos, PPL Electric Utilities’ director of Customer Programs and Services.
PPL Electric Utilities’ program vendor, JACO Environmental, removes the appliances from residents’ homes at no charge to the homeowner. JACO then transports the units to its recycling facility where they are dismantled and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
About 95 percent of each unit is recycled, including metals, plastic, oils and the foam insulation. The foam removed from the appliances contains chlorofluorocarbon gases which, if improperly disposed of, can have harmful effects on the ozone layer. JACO removes and bags the foam and then has it incinerated, using the heat generated during incineration to create new energy.
“There are many ways for people to reduce their energy consumption and impact on the environment,” said Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for JACO. “Recycling a refrigerator ranks near the top. It works for the planet, it works for your wallet and it works for conserving our precious resources.”
Since 2001, federal standards require new refrigerators and freezers to consume less energy. Current models use about 450 kilowatt-hours annually, compared with older units that burn through an average of 1,500 kilowatt-hours per year.
To schedule the pickup of an old refrigerator or freezer for recycling, PPL Electric Utilities’ customers can call 1-877-270-3522 or visit www.pplelectric.com/recycle. Customers will receive a check for $35 four to six weeks after collection of the appliance.
The program is limited to the removal of two units per household and is available to residential electric customers. Appliances to be recycled must be in working order with an inside measurement of 10 cubic feet or more.
JACO Environmental has contracts with more than 60 utilities in 27 states and the company operates 17 recycling centers. JACO was awarded the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2004 and a Best of the Best Award in 2007 by the EPA on the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol. For more information, visit the JACO website.
Central PA Conservancy Sponsors Two Cleanups On November 7, And Tree Planting
The Central PA Conservancy will hold cleanups in two areas-- Greg's Woods and Vince's Meadow- on November 7.
CPC has partnered with PA CleanWays for a second clean-up of Greg's Woods. Volunteers should meet at the ball field (outfield) in Mexico to get materials. Lunch will be provided by PA CLeanways. Please be sure to wear sturdy boots. There is glass and sharp metal. We appreciate everyone's help in getting this beautiful area cleaned up from a legacy dump which occurred 20 years ago at least. Read about Greg's Woods under "Projects". Please RSVP to Susan Carmichael by sending email to: scarmichael@pacleanways.org if you are able to volunteer!
A second event sponsored by Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited.will cleanup Vince's Meadow, Spring Garden Rd. in Carlisle, Cumberland County, to assist with about two hours of effort to improve water flow and spawning conditions along the Letort Spring Run near the former Charlie Fox residence. Tom Baltz will be directing the project and your assistance is appreciated. Bring gloves and chest waders. If you do not have chest waders, bring hip boots. For more information, send email to Debra Bowman at: DBowman@Centralpaconservancy.org.
LeTort Springs Tree Planting
On November 21, the second phase of tree planting will take place at the former Spanglers Mill Dam site in Cumberland County. Approximately 100 trees will be planted with Cumberland Valley High School students doing the majority of the work. Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited needs "Feet in the Stream" volunteers to work with the students and supervise the tree planting effort.
The work will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the trees are planted. The students will work in two hour shifts throughout the day so we need to stagger times. Bring gloves, long handle spade shovels and a mattock, which is a tool with one flat, adz type blade, for loosening the soil and digging and cutting up roots, if you have one. This is a great experience and in addition, you will get the opportunity to see the results of a major dam that was removed from the Yellow Breeches.
To register for either of the two events, please contact Gene Giza by sending email to: FlyFisher9304739@aol.com.
November PA Center For Environmental Education Newsletter Now Online
The November issue of the EE Connections newsletter from the PA Center for Environmental Education is now available online. This month's newsletter highlights these stories:
General News: Pocono Raceway to Build Largest Sports Solar Energy Facility, Sustainable Business Network Releases Project Report, EPA Presents Environmental Awards to Five PA Organizations, 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Project Launches Website
K-12 News: PA State Departments Launch 'Farm to School' Program, Wildlife Leadership Academy Field Schools Offered, Earth Day Network's New 'Green Your School Guide,''Top Stars' Contest Accepting Submissions, Cloud Institute Develops New EfS Curriculum
Higher Education: Two PA Schools Receive EPA's P3 Awards, Dickinson College Initiates Car-Share Program, Temple University Launches New Bike Campaign, Duquesne University Wins EPA Energy Star Award, Sierra Club Releases 'Moving Campuses Beyond Coal' Report
Professional Development for Educators: 'Obesity and Other Environmental Health Issues' Workshop, 'Tohora: Origin of Whales' Teacher Workshops Offered, Project WILD Workshops Offered at Ohiopyle
Other Professional Development: SRBC, DCNR Host Stormwater Management Workshop, Grid-Tied Solar Installation Workshops Offered, Wind Basics Workshops Blow into Northeastern PA, PRC East Plans Invasive Plants Workshop
Grants/Awards: DEP's Environmental Education Grants Now Available, Citizen Power, Inc. Offering Renewable Energy Grants, Alternative Fuels Grant Now Available, Toyota TAPESTRY Program Science Grant Competition
If you would like to contribute to future issues of EE Connections, please submit your article before the 15th of the month. Articles should be of statewide interest and are subject to space availability.
Share EE Connections! If you know of others who would appreciate receiving EE Connections, please complete the online formor call 724-738-9020. Go to the PCEE website to review all the resources they have available.
PA Songbirds Teacher Workshop December 10
The Carbon County Environmental Education Center is hosting a PA Songbirds Teacher Workshop on December 10.
PA Songbirds is an all-encompassing curriculum that utilizes birds as a spark to teach math, science, reading & more. The curriculum is fully integrated into the PDE Standards and is for Grades K - 12. Hands-on, minds-on education has been proven to raise test scores!
Subjects include bird biology, ecology, habitat, identifying songbirds, migration, research techniques, & more! You’ll get to see real birds up close & learn natural history. You will receive the curriculum ($15 value) and lots of resource materials.
This workshop is open to both formal and non-formal educators. Educators will earn 6.5 Act 48 credits. The cost is $40, which includes lunch and materials.
The facilitators will be Carissa Reilly-Longo & Jeannie Carl.
To register, contact Jeannie Carl at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center by sending email to: Naturalist_eec@yahoo.com.
Educators: PA Integrated Pest Management Program Wants Your Opinions
The PA Integrated Pest Management Program is partnering with the Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center to assess teachers’ interest and need for curricula that apply science, math, and language arts to environmental and human health issues associated with pests and pesticides. The NE IPM Center is a non-profit organization funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
As you may know, pest-vectored diseases such as Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease present critical opportunities to educate students and families about the importance of pests and how to manage them. In addition, how we as individuals approach pest management in our homes, schools and yards affects our immediate environment and personal and environmental health.
Similarly, food safety, world food supply, and pesticide impacts on our environment are relevant topics that fit well within science, math, social studies, and language arts curricula.
Take a few minutes to participate in this short on-line survey.
The information gained in this survey will be used to develop new lessons, to tailor and expand teacher-training opportunities, and to make curricula available to teachers in all northeastern states. Your participation is critical to the success of this grant-funded project, which aims to bring useful teaching tools and teacher-training resources to educators in our state. Your responses will be kept confidential.
If you have any questions about the survey or would like more information about integrated pest management curricula please contact Kathy Murray by sending email to: kathy.murray@maine.gov
EPA SunWise Poster Contest Now Accepting Entries
The 2010 SunWise with SHADE poster contest is a joint effort by the U.S. Environmental Protecton Agency's SunWise program to protect children from excessive sun exposure which can lead to skin cancer, cataract/eye damage, and immune system suppression.
The deadline for entries is April 7.
To enter, students must submit hand-drawn posters on 8.5 x 11 inch paper, be original, creative, show ways to prevent skin cancer and raise sun safety awareness, and must be attached to an official entry form.
Besides other prizes, the national winner in the 4th-8th grade category will receive a family trip to Disney World and a WeatherBug Tracking Station for his/her school with lifetime access to WeatherBug Achieve.
Additional information is available on EPA's SunWise program webpage.
Nominations Open For 2010 Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award
The Richard C. Bartlett Award is presented annually by the National Environmental Education Foundation to an outstanding teacher who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily curriculum.
Nominations will be accepted through January 15.
The 2010 prize will be given to a high school teacher who can serve as an inspiration and model for both students and colleagues.
The winner receives a $5,000 award and a trip to Washington D.C. where he or she meets with representatives from the environmental education community to further his or her education network.
Do you know a teacher who stands out among the rest? If so, please nominate him/her for the 2010 Richard C. Bartlett Award.
To learn more or submit your nomination visit the Richard C. Bartlett Award webpage.
Natural Gas Utilities, Suppliers And Experts Brief PUC On Reliability For Winter
The Public Utility Commission held its annual Winter Reliability Assessment Meeting this week where presenters reported that natural gas companies across Pennsylvania are equipped to meet the conditions forecasted this winter.
Presentations can be viewed by selecting the links below:
The presenters discussed the various conditions that may affect supply, price and service reliability of natural gas this winter.
An Energy Association of Pennsylvania representative said member natural gas companies across the state are well-prepared to accommodate the conditions forecasted in their winter season planning.
A representative with PECO Energy Co. said its supply outlook is good as the storage of natural gas is at record levels and demand has not rebounded.
Texas Eastern Interstate Pipeline officials presented information on the expansion of its system to meet the needs of shippers as its supply dynamics are changing.
A UGI Energy Services representative said propane supply and transportation are positioned for normal weather patterns and demand.
Visit the PUC Prepare Now for Winter webpage.
PA's Solar Capacity Doubles Under Sunshine Solar Rebate Program
The new PA Sunshine Solar Program is performing better than expected and has helped to double the state's solar generating capacity in less than 6 months, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.
The program has reached its first incentive milestone for small business rebates—the deployment of 5 megawatts of solar power, or enough to supply electricity to about 575 average homes in the state.
Under the original guidelines of the program, reaching the 5 megawatt threshold means the incentive rates for small business solar projects will be reduced. Originally, the program offered $2.25 per watt for 3-10 kilowatt projects, $2 per watt for 10-100 kW projects, and $1.75 per watt for 100-200 kW projects.
As of October 31, all small business incentive rates were reduced by 50 cents across the board. Homeowner incentive rates will remain at the original level of $2.25 per watt.
The Governor said achieving the goal is good news for those small businesses interested in lowering their electricity costs through clean, renewable energy, and also for Pennsylvania's environment and economy.
"When we enacted the PA Sunshine program, we said it was going to help reduce electricity bills for consumers, make solar energy more affordable, create economic opportunities, and help produce more renewable energy that will help improve our environment," said Gov. Rendell. "Reaching this milestone, not to mention the overwhelming response we've had to the program, is proof that it's performing as intended.
"PA Sunshine is putting people to work across the state doing everything from manufacturing solar technologies to installing and maintaining them, while helping people and businesses become less dependent on the electrical grid and other fossil fuels, which saves them money. And because of the program, we're also emerging as a national leader in developing and deploying solar technology. With the projects this program is making possible and others in the works, it is likely that we will be among the top five states for total solar capacity within the next year," he added.
Since the program opened on May 18, the Commonwealth has committed $12.5 million in 625 projects by residential and small business consumers. The projects represent at least $50 million in private investment, according to DEP.
More than 300 installers have been certified to install solar systems under the program and DEP continues to receive and accept applications.
The solar electricity capacity created by the small business program, 5 megawatts, is enough to offset 5,580 tons of carbon dioxide, 16,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide, and 77,500 pounds of sulfur oxide.
A running tally of completed projects is kept on the rebate program's website so perspective applicants and solar developers are able to track the program's progress.
"Among the small business community in particular, we are seeing a very high response rate to the program, so much so that in less than six months, we've more than doubled the solar capacity in Pennsylvania," said DEP Secretary John Hanger. "As the market continues to develop, the intense competition among solar installers and greater efficiencies on the part of manufacturers will help bring down prices for solar. As such, the need for the incentive will continue to decline."
The $100 million PA Sunshine Solar program reimburses homeowners and small business owners up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology. In combination with federal tax credits, consumers could reduce system costs by 45 percent. It is part of the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund Governor Rendell signed into in law in July 2008.
For more information, call the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment at 717-783-8411 or visit PA Sunshine Program webpage.
PUC Seeks Comments On Addressing Barriers To New Solar Development In PA
The Public Utility Commission this week issued for comment a proposed policy statement to address possible barriers that prevent new solar projects from becoming a reality in Pennsylvania.
"The attached proposed policy statement is designed to provide a foundation from which we can achieve these solar renewable energy goals at least cost to Pennsylvania consumers," said Commission Chairman James H. Cawley in a motion. "More specifically, this policy seeks to provide the longer term revenue stability that is likely needed to support both small scale and large scale solar development, and to address other barriers which could prevent new solar projects from coming to fruition in Pennsylvania."
The Commission voted 4-0 to seek comment on the proposed language. Commissioner Robert F. Powelson issued a statement. The proposed policy statement:
-- Defines large- and small-scale solar projects;
-- Recommends using requests for proposals to establish solar renewable energy credit (SREC) values recoverable as a reasonable expense;
-- Establishes a stakeholder working group of electric distribution companies, electric generation suppliers, Commission staff, public advocates, solar aggregators and other interested parties to ensure SREC contracts reflect the most recent developments in Pennsylvania law and energy policy; and
-- Encourages consumer education of retail customers of the opportunity to sell SRECs in support of local development of solar resources.
The Order and proposed language will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which will contain information on how parties can provide comments.
PPL Receives FERC Approval To Expand Holtwood Hydroelectric Plant
“Expanding the Holtwood plant is part of PPL’s commitment to make sound financial investments while increasing the proportion of non-fossil-fuel resources in our strong generation portfolio,” said Victor N. Lopiano, PPL’s senior vice president-Fossil and Hydro Generation. “We appreciate FERC’s timely action on our application.”
About 40 percent of the electricity PPL generates annually comes from nuclear, hydroelectric and renewable sources that do not emit carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, he said.
The expansion project, with an estimated cost of $440 million, will add enough renewable energy to power 100,000 typical homes. PPL’s planned 125-megawatt increase in generating capacity will more than double Holtwood’s existing generating capacity of 108 megawatts. In addition, in approving this application FERC has extended the existing operating license for the Holtwood hydroelectric plant through August 2030.
PPL resubmitted the Holtwood expansion application to FERC in April 2009 after withdrawing the original application in December 2008, citing economic conditions. In refiling the application, PPL said incentives in the federal stimulus package could make the project feasible again by offsetting the factors that caused the company to withdraw its original application.
“We continue to work with the U.S. Department of Energy to obtain loan guarantees for the Holtwood project from the federal economic stimulus package. The loan guarantees will enable us to reduce the overall financing cost for the project to develop additional clean, renewable energy,” Lopiano said.
Additional benefits of the project are improved passage for migratory fish along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, and improved recreational opportunities.
PPL has selected Walsh Construction of Chicago as the general contractor for the project, which is expected to create more than 200 construction jobs. Some pre-construction work has begun. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2010.
PPL purchased the turbine generators for the project from a Pennsylvania company, Voith Hydro of York.
FERC’s approval of the Holtwood project comes just weeks after PPL’s official start of redevelopment at its Rainbow hydroelectric plant near Great Falls, Mont. The Montana project, with an estimated cost of $230 million, will increase the amount of clean, renewable power generated there by 70 percent and improve fish passage when the project is completed in 2012.
The Holtwood plant has been generating electricity since 1910, using the power of the water held back by a 55-foot-high dam across the Susquehanna River between Lancaster and York counties in south central Pennsylvania. The dam creates Lake Aldred, an 8-mile reservoir that provides opportunities for boating, fishing and other public recreation.
Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station Receives 20-Year License Extension
FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company announced this week the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a 20-year license extension for the Beaver Valley Power Station Unit 1 and Unit 2 in Shippingport, Pa.
FENOC submitted a revised license renewal application to the NRC in 2007 for Unit 1 and Unit 2 to operate until 2036 and 2047, respectively. Unit 1’s original license was set to expire in 2016 followed by Unit 2 in 2027.
“Today’s NRC decision is an important milestone for FirstEnergy,” said Anthony J. Alexander, president and chief executive officer of FirstEnergy. “I am very proud of our employees at Beaver Valley, who have not only maintained some of the highest safety and performance standards in the industry, but have worked to ensure that the plant remains a key asset to the company and the community for many years to come.”
The license renewal was granted after the NRC thoroughly inspected and audited the plant’s safety and environmental programs; heard detailed information from Beaver Valley representatives during five public meetings; and reviewed more than 3,000 pages of supporting documents. The NRC concluded there were no safety concerns that preclude license renewal.
“As a result of the license extension, the additional 20 years of operation means Beaver Valley will remain an important source of safe, reliable and clean electricity for the region while providing good paying jobs and financial support to the community,” said Paul Harden, vice president of Beaver Valley.
Beaver Valley is capable of generating 1,815 megawatts (net), or enough electricity to power more than 1.4 million homes. In addition, plant operations avoid more than 12 tons of carbon dioxide gases annually, an amount equal to what would have been emitted by a similar-sized coal fired power plant.
The station is one of the largest taxpayers and employers in Beaver County.
Annual property and payroll tax payments total $4 million, with some of the tax dollars supporting local schools and police and fire departments. The plant employs 950 highly trained professionals with an annual payroll of nearly $70 million. In addition, employees have contributed more than $1.2 million to local charitable organizations since 2001.
Beaver Valley Unit 1 and Unit 2 went into operation in 1976 and 1987, respectively. FENOC began operating the plant in 1999 after an asset transfer with Duquesne Light. Since that time, the company has invested more than $500 million to ensure continued safe and reliable operations including the replacement of Unit 1’s reactor head and steam generators in 2006 and power output increases totaling 10 percent since 2002.
Beaver Valley is the 56th out of 104 nuclear reactors in the United States to receive a license extension from the NRC.
PUC OKs Met-Ed, Penelec Electricity Supply Plan For After Expiration Of Rate Caps
The Public Utility Commission this week approved a settlement for the default service programs for Metropolitan Edison Co. and Pennsylvania Electric Co.
The Commission voted 3-1 to approve the settlement among the companies, Office of Consumer Advocate, Office of Small Business Advocate, Retail Energy Supply Association and other formal complainants. Commission Chairman James H. Cawley issued a statement. Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a dissenting statement.
Under the settlement, the DSP will have a 29-month term, beginning January 1, 2011, and ending May 31, 2013. The companies will:
-- Include competitive procurement plans that provide for a mix of spot purchases, short- and long-term contracts, including using a descending clock auction to procure the full-requirements component of the supply mix and requests for proposals;
-- Include a mix of supply resources that is designed to obtain least cost generation supply contracts on a long-term, short-term and spot market basis;
-- Conduct a separate solar procurement process designed to meet the solar photovoltaic requirement for the duration of the programs.
The 1996 electric competition law requires electric companies, or a Commission-approved alternative supplier, to provide default electric generation service to customers who have not selected an alternative generation supplier. The default service prices for electric generation service are required to result in a procurement strategy to produce the least cost to customers over time.
Allentown Enters EPA Sustainability Pact
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Allentown became partners in the EPA Region 3 Sustainability Partnership Program to help the city prevent pollution, minimize waste, and conserve resources while saving money.
The partnership assists those who are major users of water, energy, and natural resources improve their environmental footprint, and meet their sustainability goals by identifying ways to minimize any adverse effects on the environment in their operations.
EPA and Allentown agreed to host an Energy Efficiency Expo; provide specific tools, and financing for these improvements; attract businesses and residents to help create a sustainable city; and utilize EPA Brownfields grant funds to clean up properties and prepare them for redevelopment.
Giant Eagle Honored With Green Grocer Award for Environmental Practices
Pittsburgh-based supermarket retailer Giant Eagle, Inc. this week celebrated the receipt of a Green Grocer award from the supermarket industry's Progressive Grocer magazine.
Retailers selected by Progressive Grocer include only a select few supermarkets that have demonstrated highly innovative projects or efforts to help the industry as a whole become more environmentally responsible. Award winners were recognized at Progressive Grocers' Corporate Social Responsibility Awards, held on November 3 in Phoenix.
"Being named a Green Grocer underscores Giant Eagle's commitment to environmental responsibility across all areas of our business from recycling to store construction," said Giant Eagle Senior Vice President of Real Estate Shelly Sponholz. "We see our efforts in the area of environmental stewardship as part of how we serve the communities in which we operate and we are honored by this recognition."
"'Corporate responsibility' is a term that can be overused -- or even overlooked -- but our editorial staff is very fortunate to have an opportunity to continually learn about industry-leading companies that are not only dedicated to serving their communities, but are also focused on being outstanding global citizens," explained Michelle Moran, Editor-in-Chief of Progressive Grocer. "For this reason, we are both pleased and proud to honor Giant Eagle's exemplary commitment and focus on environmental sustainability efforts," added Moran.
Giant Eagle maintains the company's green commitment through energy management, recycling initiatives and community environmental outreach. Last year, Giant Eagle recycled more than 92 million pounds of materials -- consisting of cardboard, film plastic, mixed office paper, and meat and cooking byproducts -- and sold and encouraged customer use of reusable bags at every store.
This year marked the fourth year in a row Giant Eagle was recognized by the U.S. EPA for its energy conservation efforts with an Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award. In addition to building the world's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified supermarket in 2004 in Brunswick, Oh., and being awarded in 2008 the first-ever Gold LEED award in the "New Construction" category for its New Albany supermarket in Columbus, Oh., the company has continued to incorporate sound environmental features into all of its new construction and remodeled stores.
These environmentally-friendly store features can include:
-- Naturally beautiful light -- integrated with the electrical lights, to deliver daylight to the store while offering a consistent lighting level and minimizing electricity usage;
-- Fresh air -- air quality sensors constantly monitor for carbon dioxide to ensure fresh, clean air throughout the store. Air quality is improved by the use of adhesives, sealants, paints, carpeting and wood products that are low in volatile organic compounds;
-- Water conservation -- parking lot landscaping has been planted with drought-tolerant vegetation that requires no irrigation;
-- Water retention - a retention pond holds excess water, preventing it from contributing to the storm water peak flows that affect many natural rivers and streams;
-- Greater energy savings -- green energy sources provide stores with the capability to consume 20 percent less energy than comparable, conventionally designed supermarkets;
-- Use less heating and cooling -- increased insulation, reflective roofing, and day lighting help the store save energy year round;
-- Cleaner atmosphere -- stores use no-ozone-depleting refrigerants in refrigeration and cooling systems;
-- Recycling and recycled materials -- a majority of construction waste, such as steel and drywall, is sent to various companies for reuse, and nearly all wood used is harvested from sustainable resources. All cabinetry is free of urea formaldehyde and all gypsum wallboard is made from 10 percent recycled materials. Nearly all food by products, such as cooking oil and trimmings, are transformed into other areas including bio-diesel fuel, animal feed, and lubricants.
Across all of its stores, Giant Eagle currently buys more than 17 million kilowatt-hours of wind power annually as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership. Additionally, the U.S. EPA's GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership recognized Giant Eagle earlier this year for having one of the two lowest refrigerant emissions within the program's membership.
Save The Date, Call For Papers: 2010 Business Of Brownfields Conference
The Engineers' Society of Western PA will hold their 2010 Business of Brownfields Conference in Pittsburgh April 19-21 at the Sheraton Station Square.
Every year the Business of Brownfields Conference highlights the technical, legal and financial aspects of brownfields reclamation and development.
Professionals from all aspects of the industry including the public sector, owners, the private sector including consulting, contractors, legal, and financing are all at the BoB every year!
A call for papers to be presented at the Conference has also be issued covering one or more of the five main actions of brownfields development: public health/institutional controls, marketing and finance, working within legal/regulatory framework, site characterization and site remediation. Click here to submit abstracts.
For more information, visit the Business of Brownfields Conference webpage.
Campaign Targets Diesel Vehicle Idling In Philadelphia
The Clean Air Council and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission are partnering on a new program to reduce diesel engine idling in Philadelphia.
A new hotline by the Clean Air Council (1-877-853-1552) and a new website encourages Philadelphians to report truck and bus idling throughout the City to reduce residents' exposure to diesel exhaust pollution, a leading contributor to heart disease and climate change. Fines range from $150-$300 and court costs.
The website was developed as part of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commissions Sustainable Skylines Initiative. The initiative is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency supported, public-private partnership designed to improve air quality and promote sustainability in communities.
A summary of EPA Region 3's multi-state anti-idling regulations and laws are available online. A copy of anti-idling regulations enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection is also available online.
EPA Soliciting Applications For Environmental Justice Grant Funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for a total of $1 million in funding for projects aimed at addressing environmental and public health issues in communities.
Proposals are due January 8.
EPA expects to award approximately 40 grants of up to $25,000 each. Local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.
The goals of the Environmental Justice Grant Funding Program are to help communities understand and address environmental challenges and create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships focused on improving human health and the environment. Past projects have focused on issues including exposure to toxins, farm worker pesticide protection, mercury in fish, indoor air quality, drinking water contamination, and pollution from shipping ports.
In addition to the traditional criteria, EPA is encouraging applications that address the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities by emphasizing climate equity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, local green economy, and green jobs capacity building.
Since 1994, EPA has provided more than $32 million in general funding to more than 1,100 community-based organizations.
For information on eligibility and application materials, visit the Environmental Justice Grant webpage.
Penn State: Spider Mite Predators Serve As Biological Control
The control of spider mites, which damage tree leaves, reduce fruit quality and cost growers millions of dollars in the use of pesticide and oil spraying, is being biologically controlled in Pennsylvania apple orchards with two tiny insects known to be natural predators, according to Penn State researchers.
"Spider mites feed on the chlorophyll in the cells of leaves, damaging their ability to use photosynthesis," said David Biddinger, tree fruit entomologist and biocontrol specialist at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville. "When the numbers of mites per leaf reaches 25 to 30, the tree becomes stressed and the leaves start to bronze. This affects the quality of its fruit and in two to three seasons can actually kill small trees."
The two most popular insect specialists used to control spider mites are a lady bug named Stethorus punctum and a predatory mite named T. pyri. These insects prey on two types of spider mites, the European red mites and the two-spotted spider mites, which are agricultural pests worldwide. Much of Biddinger's work is in Pennsylvania apple orchards, a prime target for both types of pest mites. (click here for photos)
Although the lady bug and the predatory mite both hunt spider mites, their ways of tracking them down are different.
"It turns out the predatory mite sort of roams around and bumps into them," said Biddinger. "The lady bug on the other hand is a selective killer, hunting using visual and olfactory cues to prey on spider mites."
The lady bug is tiny, oval, and black and it is a natural killer of pest mites. It is attracted to specific volatile chemical signals given off by the damage the spider mites cause to leaves. It is not just the smell that drives the lady bugs wild; this insect cannot resist the yellowing of the leaves damaged by spider mites. Adult lady bugs can live for over a year and eat up to nine mites an hour or 75 to 100 a day.
The predatory mite is much smaller than the lady bug. It is pear-shaped and is usually creamy-white in color. Young mites develop into adults in a very short time and their voracious appetites make them a formidable enemy to spider mites. Adults have a lifespan of about 75 days and can eat 350 mites during this time.
Reducing pest mite numbers and controlling outbreaks with the aid of mite predators is an important task. The biological control of spider mites reduces the need for mite-controlling chemicals and saves growers millions in integrated pest management costs. "Biological control is basically using the good bugs to control the bad bugs," said Biddinger.
Growers chose lady bugs as their biological control agent until U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations prompted growers to switch to new pesticides that kill lady bugs. The predatory mite, however, was resistant and could live through sprayings. So predatory mites are now the hunter of choice for spider mites.
Biddinger, working with Donald C. Weber, research entomologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Maryland, and Larry Hull, professor of entomology, Penn State, published their work in a special issue of Biological Control devoted to ladybugs in agriculture.
"With the pesticides we are using now it is very hard for the lady bug to survive," said Biddinger. "The predatory mite could never exist here before because they could not stand the old pesticides, but they are resistant to the new pesticides. With the predatory mite being more effective than the lady bug, we are probably going to exceed the savings for growers that we had with the lady bug in the past. So far we have reduced miticide use by over 90 percent since we switched. This is saving growers about a million dollars a year and is reducing oil spraying by 45,000 gallons a year."
The State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania supported this work.
Dr. Biddinger may be reached at 717-677-6116 or by sending email to: djb134@psu.edu.
Shawn M. Garvin Named EPA Region 3 Administrator
President Barack Obama this week selected Shawn M. Garvin to be the agency’s new Regional Administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region (Region 3). This region encompasses Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
"I look forward to working closely with Shawn on the range of urgent environmental issues we face, in region 3 and across the nation," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "At this moment of great challenge and even greater opportunity, I'm thrilled that Shawn will be part of our leadership team at EPA. He will certainly play an instrumental role in our agency's mission to protect our health and the environment."
Shawn M. Garvin has worked for EPA Region 3 for more than 10 years and currently serves as EPA Region 3’s Senior State and Congressional Liaison. In that position he serves as the primary contact to Congressional delegations and state and local officials throughout the region. He joined EPA in 1997, serving as Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator.
Prior to that, Garvin worked for then-Senator Joe Biden and County Executive Dennis Greenhouse. Garvin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.
George Jugovic Named New Southwest DEP Regional Office Director
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger this week named George Jugovic Jr. director of the DEP’s southwest regional office in Pittsburgh.
“The southwest region faces environmental challenges on a daily basis and I am confident that George can effectively direct our efforts to protect the health of our citizens in the region and its resources,” said Secretary Hanger. “George has spent more than two decades defending the environment, making him an excellent choice for the post of regional director.”
The regional director serves as the top administrator in the DEP regional office, responsible for overseeing the Air Quality, Waste Management, Water Management, Water Supply Management, Environmental Cleanup, Emergency Response, Energy and Technology Deployment and Watershed Management programs.
Jugovic most recently served as senior counsel for the southwest office managing enforcement litigation for the department. His experience in environmental protection spans two decades.
Jugovic is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College and The Pennsylvania State University.
DEP’s Northwest Regional Roundtable Seeking New Volunteer Members
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking northwestern Pennsylvania residents who are concerned about the environment and want to help the state improve the policies and programs that keep the air, land and soil clean.
Become a volunteer member of DEP’s Northwest Regional Roundtable by attending the group’s next meeting at 10 a.m. on November 12, at the Venango County Courthouse Annex, 1174 Elk St., Franklin, Venango County.
The meeting will focus on the impact of environmental regulations on local planning. In the coming months, the roundtable will cover topics such as energy resources, water and watershed management, and air and sewage management.
According to Dave Sterrett, chairman of the Northwest Regional Roundtable, even if a person is unwilling to make the commitment necessary to become a member, the meetings are still an opportunity to get involved.
“Roundtable members have more than a single-issue interest, are willing to make the commitment to attend five meetings per year, and are interested in being active participants,” said Sterrett. “But even if your interest is more limited in focus, we still encourage you to attend the next meeting.”
Membership to the roundtable is open to those who live in Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Venango, and Warren counties, added Sterrett.
The Northwest Regional Roundtable is a volunteer group that, since its beginning in 1984, has provided input to DEP about the department’s policies, regulations and various program activities. There are four roundtable membership categories: Technical, Government/Local Official, Public/Environmental Group, and Business/Industry.
DEP Bid Opportunity: Mine Drainage Abatement In Clearfield, Elk Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a mine acid abatement project in Clearfield and Elk counties.
Spotlight
Pocono Region Meeting Charts Course For Conservation Landscape Initiative
There’s something else in Evans’ Lackawanna County neck of the woods—change is rearing its sometimes ugly head.
“You may not see it here in Thornhurst Township,” said the chair of that municipality’s board of supervisors, “but it’s all around us. Change is right across the Lehigh River. There is growth, sometimes too rapid growth, in nearby Monroe and Pike counties.”
The supervisor’s listeners nodded knowingly. They, too, appreciated the good life she described; they, too, had seen the changes to the Pocono area they hold so dear. Together, in what may well be a ground-breaking assemblage, no less than 119 men and women from all walks of life met for a day to start charting a course for the region’s resources and lifestyles of tomorrow.
They wore the uniforms of the Game Commission and the bureaus of forestry and state parks, and the emblems and logos of wildlife groups, land conservancies and local trails supporters. They represented state senators and representatives, state agencies and departments, and local governing bodies.
They came to sample the warm hospitality of the Thornhurst Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co. on an October 15 that dawned raw and damp, and they left at day’s end as the season’s first heavy, wet snowfall coated township roadways.
All sensed their presence and contributions were valuable. All seemed willing to label the first-ever “Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Partners’ Roundtable” a rousing success.
“When you look at this crowd—an almost overflow turnout—that says so much for the interest in, and commitment to, this effort,” said Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) President Don Welsh. “This is a real watershed for Conservation Landscape Initiatives (CLI) movements across the state,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Cindy Dunn, “and, when you look around this room, you know the interest and enthusiasm already is here.”
From Assistant State Forester, Brad Elison, who served as roundtable emcee: “As we begin to chart a course for this CLI effort, it is so encouraging to look around and see the tremendous numbers we have today.”
With 119 attendees introducing themselves, PEC’s Ellen Ferretti, initiative coordinator, already had accomplished the first of her three-part roundtable agenda: understand, share and pull together DCNR and partners’ projects and programs for the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape.
“When you look at the number and varied interests of people attending, from habitat and conservation to trails and tourism,” noted Ferretti, “there was a resounding confirmation of the conservation ethic within this region; DCNR's history of involvement in the six county area; and, the effectiveness of the foundation we have built together under the Conservation Landscape.”
Encompassing Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Carbon counties, the Pocono area is among seven geographical areas targeted by DCNR and conservation organizations for wide-ranging attempts to conserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life they so often support.
DCNR officials now are working on six other CLI areas: South Mountain, PA Wilds, Laurel Highlands, Lower Susquehanna, Lehigh Valley Greenways and the Schuylkill Highlands.
Why the Poconos?
Keynote speaker Dan Devlin, director of the Bureau of Forestry, cited some reasons:
-- Natural resources abound. Here is found the greatest concentration of wetlands in the state; large tracts of state and federal land; state parks; and private hunting camps dating back more than a century;
-- The region has a core of protected DCNR-owned land: 54,536 state park acres; 85,239 state forest acres, with over 10,000 of those acres designated either “Wild” or “Natural” areas, where human activity is especially regulated; and
-- Unrelenting growth pressure, with development often encroaching or consuming open-space, state park and forestland buffers.
Something else sets the Poconos apart, Devlin said, referring to the northeast section of the state as his family’s vacation favorite where “some of my fondest memories of the outdoors were forged, and why I entered the outdoors-oriented career field.”
“Whether it’s a land conservation effort or tourism promotion, the Poconos always have been marked by a cooperative spirit,” Devlin said. “This is one of the rare areas of the state that has been collaborating for years.”
The October 15 meeting, Devlin said, was a unified attempt to enhance that cooperative spirit.
“People have said they wanted DCNR to be a leader, a strong voice in the efforts of conservation across the state that go beyond our state parks and forests,” the state forester said. “We all need a shared vision of what we want to see or, perhaps more appropriately, what we don’t want to see.”
The regional conservation concept is not new, Devlin said, citing the Everglades, Great Lakes, and desert areas of the Southwest as solid examples of wide-scale involvement in other states. In the Poconos, he said, specific goals include:
-- Identification of acreage for acquisition and easements, with a targeted conservation of 5,000 acres annually the next five years;
-- Aiding local governments in decisions that would conserve land and revitalize communities;
-- Increased engagement of, and support from, businesses;
-- Improved public awareness of the surrounding natural world; and
-- Heightened cooperation among state agencies and department, local governments and private sectors.
“What we heard at the roundtable was a call for continued support of this work,” said Ferretti. “We now have a regional forum for cross-communication, which did not exist before.
“We also have a frame in which to coordinate varied programs and projects in these counties, including nature-based tourism for visitors and residents, linkages to state parks and forests, increasing the link to sustainable communities,” Ferretti said.
The accomplishments enabled the PEC official to check off the two remaining goals of the meeting she had planned:
-- Identify collaborative opportunities to advance a shared vision; and
-- Discuss ways to better communicate and share information; track progress and coordinate efforts.
“What does this all mean? Where do we go from here?” Ferretti offered. “It means the foundation is sound and now we work together to build the structure. What it will look like will depend on the team working on it, but with this group, it will most certainly be vibrant, real and enjoyed.”
For more information, contact Ellen Ferretti, PEC. by sending email to: eferretti@pecpa.org.
Reprinted from DCNR Resource online newsletter.
Spotlight
Glimpse At The Chesapeake Bay Forestry For The Bay Program
Sudden. Illuminating. It’s an eye-opening, if you will. A transformation, and it is, oh, so beautiful. At least in the eyes of its beholders, folks like environmental educator Elysa Miller (Photo) who welcomes visitors to the lives and livelihoods enriching her hometown -- that rich slice of Americana known as Smith Island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Here, everything revolves around the health of surrounding bay waters. Here, the lives of local residents today are being shaped by how many of us plan for tomorrow. Here, surrounding homes of some 300 full-time residents there are very few forests, but the growth, health and future of our Pennsylvania woodlands is paramount to the wellbeing of Miller’s neighbors.
"I love a visitor’s reaction when they come here for the first time,” Miller said. “They’ll get away from their classrooms and meetings, telephones and computers, and, instead, take interest in what can be the smallest things: ‘Look at this tiny crab,’ they’ll say.
“It is that transformation I see here that I truly love.”
That’s why the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) official was on hand Oct. 20 at the public dock as “Tylerton’s Lifeline,” the Capt. Jason II, discharged a diverse cargo: 18 men and women with backgrounds in forestry, hydrology, wildlife biology, environmental interpretation and public information.
Even before bidding farewell to the ferry’s amicable skipper, Capt. Larry Laird, the group knew it was bound for a very special place where the outdoors experiences were unending; food and hospitality excellent; and the people, warm and real.
Officially billed as the annual “Chesapeake Bay Program Forestry Workshop,” the event was financed by the USDA Forest Service, and coordinated by the foundation and Maryland’s Forest Service. The three-day effort, drawing attendees from Virginia and Maryland’s forestry departments, and Pennsylvania’s DCNR, addressed the promise of urban forestry and vibrant riparian buffers; erosion and sedimentation control; and threats of climate change, the nutria and other invasive species.
To be sure, the learning experience came with its fair share of Power Point presentations, guest speakers and roundtable discussions, but the classrooms came alive when they moved to the water and some very unlikely instructors addressed the class. With humor applied as liberally as Old Bay seasoning on their beloved blue crab, the men and women who fuel the fiercely independent mystique of the waterman bring their subjects alive:
“If you boys like to fish, you’re in luck,” Capt. Laird tells two wide-eyed passengers just before his boats strikes out for Smith Island from the mainland port of Crisfield. “Them ‘rocks’ are running strong. Yesterday I watched a boy catch one right after another, casting right from the public dock.”
“Rock.” Rockfish. “Striper.” Striped bass. Whatever you call it, call it one saltwater species whose populations have exploded in the bay, a poster child for what can be achieved when water quality is improved; protective measures are applied. With the rockfish’s rebound came a valuable sport-fishing commodity and a boon to tourism.
““Now, if you hold them right,” Capt. Wes Bradshaw advises, a very large, very irritated blue crab flailing from his catcher’s-mitt hand, “he won’t git you. Hold them this way and he’ll reach right around and git you. They ain’t dumb.
"'Course, if any of you are, I just happen to have a pair of pliers handy to help persuade him to loosen his grip.”
Thus began the group’s introduction to the blue crab and the waterman’s lifestyle around which it is so closely entwined. There were crab traps to be baited, set, checked and emptied.
Dredges were dragged for their succulent relatives, the soft-shells, or “shedders,” that seek out the safety of eel grass and other vegetation as they molt their old shell and take on newer, larger protective armor. Oysters, too, were dredged, examined and returned to their protected waters -- waters that have become increasingly troubled.
Crab catches are down; oyster populations are way down. Capt. Wes, Miller and her CBF colleague, Krispen Parke, tick off the reasons: sometimes over-fishing and toxic pollutants; more often siltation, sedimentation and oxygen depletion. For the foresters, all put to work aboard Bradshaw’s shallow-drought, jet-driven Walter Ridder, the value of what they all do in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is reinforced.
So, too, is the value of tourism on an island where just about everything comes over by boat. Where the blue crab, oyster and rockfish go, so go the visitor’s dollars. The boatloads of tour-bound school students, photographers and other professionals are ending; cold weather is starting; and lean times are descending on places like the Drum Point Market in Tylerton.
Jeff Woleslagle, information and interpretation specialist with DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, saw it when he and a coworker wandered into a store marked by smiling faces, sparsely stocked shelves, and the heady aroma of crab cakes frying.
“Where you both from? You with that photographers group staying here on the island,” asked the shopkeeper, breaking from her painstakingly careful, protective wrapping of one very fragile, very beautiful, hand-painted blue crab shell that bears the image of a swirling rockfish.
The woman was pleased when Woleslagle’s companion paid for the shell; she was elated when the DCNR worker paid for a fishing rod and reel to target those rockfish when the workshops were over. The warm exchange, heartfelt thanks; the invitation to “come back again -- soon” -- all part of those defining moments and hands-on experiences sought by the coordinators of these workshops.
“Last week we may have had visits by a student group or teachers,” said Parke, who manages the CBF facilities, “This week we have foresters, but the main message is pretty much the same: no matter how far upstream they may be, we want them to know the impact of what they do affects the bay and its people down here.”
A successful effort? Jeff Woleslagle, information and interpretation specialist with DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, thinks so:
“The local residents and island are enthralling and I learned a great deal about the bay. I found the Walter Ridder-based field trips to be top-notch learning experiences for a first-hand look at the life in the bay. I especially enjoyed the insight of Capt. Wes.
“I left the island with a new appreciation for these beautiful waters, a true concern for the people and wildlife that call the area home, and a greater awareness of the threats the bay faces.”
For details on how private landowners in Pennsylvania can participate in Forestry for the Bay efforts telephone 800-YOUR BAY, ext. 723 or 777.
Reprinted from DCNR Resource online newsletter.
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for grants and financial assistance as well as nominations for awards and other recognition programs. NEW means from last week—
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Program webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for projects you have in mind.
November 17-- PennVEST Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Grants
November 20-- Growing Greener Anniversary Grants
December 1-- NEW. Fish & Boat Commission Clean Vessel Grant
December 4-- Chesapeake Bay Trust Restoration, Outreach Grants
December 15-- EPA Environmental Education Grants
December 18-- NEW. Western PA Mini-Watershed Grants
December 18 - NEW. Fish & Boat Commission Boating Facilities Grants
December 18-- Coldwater Conservation Grants
December 18-- DEP Environmental Education Grants
December 18-- Sinnemahoning Watershed Grants
TBA- DEP PA Sunshine Solar Energy Rebates
TBA - CFA High Performance Building Financing (Program link)
TBA - CFA Solar Energy Financing (Program link)
TBA-- Commonwealth Finance Agency Geothermal, Wind Energy Projects (Program link)
January 8-- L&I PA Conservation Corps Grants
January 8-- PA Land Trust Conservation Lifetime Leadership Award
January 8-- NEW. EPA Environmental Justice Grants
January 15-- NEW. NEEF Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award
February 5-- PA Land Trust Conservation Government Leadership Award
February 16-- PennVEST Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Grants
April 7-- NEW. EPA SunWise With Shade Student Poster Contest
Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Marcellus Shale
Marcellus Wastewater Treatment Bids Sought
Cabot OKs Remedies For Contamination
Drilling Company Vows It's Cautious
Water Quality Issues Surface At Conference
Cabot OKs Remedies For Contamination
Drilling Company Vows It's Cautious
Water Quality Issues Surface At Conference
Other
Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board published notice of proposed changes in regulations related to the beneficial use of coal ash, proposed changes to hazardous waste identification, proposed changes to Air Quality requirements for paper, film and foil surface coating processes and proposed changes in Total Dissolved Solids regulations related to oil and gas well drilling.
The Environmental Quality Board meets November 17 to consider proposed VOC emission controls, New Source Review, water quality standard and NPDES permitting regulations (agenda, handouts online).
Comment Deadlines: Technical Guidance (DEP website)
Copies of Proposed Regulations Open For Comment (DEP website)
Copies of Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods (DEP website)
Rolling Regulatory Agenda (DEP website)
Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of proposed changes to policies related to Critical Area Water Resources Plans and the Field Manual for Compliance Orders (see below). DEP also published notice of a proposed waste general permit in an Environmental Justice Area in Hazleton.
Draft: DEP ID: 362-4000-002. Field Order Instruction Manual for Water Quality Operations. This revised technical guidance has been developed to update and establish uniform instructions and procedure for Water Quality Field Operations staff, by authority of the PA Clean Streams Law, for the issuance of Field Orders for violations occurring at permitted and unpermitted facilities.
Draft: DEP ID: 392-2130-015. Guidelines for Development of Critical Area Resource Plans. The Water Resources Planning Act (Act 220 of 2002) provides for the development of a Critical Area Resource Plan (CARP) for any watershed designated as a Critical Water Planning Area.
Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW indicates new from last week. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
-- NEW. DEP No Cost, Web-Based Remediation Training
November 10-- House Health and Human Services Committee meets to consider House Bill 894 (Phillips-R-Northumberland) establishing a task force on Lyme Disease. Room 39 East Wing. 10:00.
November 12 -- CANCELED. DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee meeting. Next scheduled meeting December 7. (formal notice)
November 13-- House Urban Affairs Committee holds a hearing on environmental sustainability in urban areas. Phipps Conservatory, One Schenley Dr., Pittsburgh. 10:00.
November 17-- NEW. Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to consider the nomination of Russell Redding as Secretary of Agriculture. Room 8E-A East Wing. 10:30.
November 17-- CANCELLED. Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee holds a hearing on electric rate cap expiration for PPL. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. 9:30.
November 17-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. (formal notice)
November 17-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (agenda)
November 17-- NEW. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00.
November 18-- CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Next Scheduled meeting is March 10, 2010. (formal notice)
December 7 -- NEW. DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. (formal notice)
Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (courtesy PA Center for Environmental Education)
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates and the public. Crisci Associates is a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates call 717-234-1716. All rights reserved.
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