Pa Environment Digest April 9, 2012

8/2/2019 Pa Environment Digest April 9, 2012

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In February, Gov. Corbett proposed to permanently eliminate funding for environmental projectsfrom the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund leaving a $36 million annual holein the budget for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

In addition to this cut, Gov. Corbett has proposed these other reductions:

-- $10.5 million in General Fund monies from DEP, and $2.5 million from DCNR;-- Continues the $102.8 million cut made by Gov. Rendell beginning in FY 2010-11;-- Takes $20.5 million in Cigarette Tax revenue previously earmarked for agricultural land

preservation and puts it in the General Fund to balance the budget;-- Takes $6.5 million in Utility Gross Receipts Tax revenue normally transfered to theAlternative Fuels Incentive Grant Fund and puts it in the General Fund; and-- Again zeroes out funding again for the PA Center for Environmental Education ($368,000)and McKeever Environmental Center ($213,000).

So far, the Corbett Administration has cut, diverted or proposed to continue cuts inenvironmental programs totaling $376.5 million . The Rendell Administration made $1.4 billionworth of cuts in environmental programs during its tenure.

Keystone Fund DetailsThis is not the first time a Governor and members of the General Assembly proposed

eliminating the Keystone Fund.In 2007 Gov. Rendell, Senate Republicans and House Democrats, then in charge of the

House, agreed to eliminate Keystone Fund support for environmental projects, but a bipartisangroup of House members and conservation organizations beat back the challenge.

During budget hearings in March, many members of both parties on the Senate andHouse Appropriations Committees expressed concern about eliminating the Keystone Fund, butso far no proposals have been made to restore funding.

DCNR Secretary Richard Allan told the Committees he advised the Governor's Office the

reduction in funding will require the agency to put off some maintenance projects and reduce thefunding going for grants. He also said the transfer will require the agency to look to other sources of monies to support their operations, like the Oil and Gas Fund, the EnvironmentalStewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling impact fee revenue.

Passed in 1993 as a Senate Republican initiative by Sen. Joe Loeper (R-Delaware), theKeystone Fund generated overwhelming bipartisan support in the General Assembly.

The Keystone Fund allocates a small portion-- 15 percent-- of the states real estatetransfer tax to recreation, conservation, and open space. Later that same year, 67 percent of thevoters of Pennsylvania resoundingly endorsed the action taken by the General Assembly andsupplemented the Keystone Fund with an additional $50 million in bond revenues.

Since its inception, these monies have been invested in Pennsylvania at the local, county

and state levels to improve outdoor recreation opportunities, enhance health, and stimulate localeconomies.

Take ActionOn May 22 the PA Recreation and Park Society and other parks, recreation and

conservation advocates will hold a Capital Day in Harrisburg to meet with legislators urgingthem to restore the Keystone Fund. Click Here for more background.

You can also sign at petition against the Keystone Fund cuts by Clicking Here .

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The PA Parks and Recreation Foundation and other groups recently created a KeystoneFund website to educate the public and members of the General Assembly on the value of theFund, the types of projects its supports and the need to restore this much-needed funding.

Click Here for a fact sheet on the Keystone Fund. Click Here to learn how you can helprestore the Keystone Fund.

NewsClips: Enviro Group Looks Beyond Impact Fee LawEditorial: Conservation Funding Can't Survive More Hits

Next Thursday, Friday Critical For Impact FeeWayne County Approves Gas Drilling Impact FeeEditorial: Drilling Fee Revenues Now In DoubtBudget Secretary: It's Up To Lawmakers To Offset CutsOp-Ed: Corbett Keeps His Promises On BudgetAmount Of Legislature's Cash Reserve A Mystery

Link: Checkout Earth Day Central 2012

March Revenue Collection $94.7 Million Over Estimates, Still $386.9 Million Deficit

Pennsylvania collected $4.1 billion in General Fund revenue in March, which was $94.7 million,or 2.4 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported Monday.Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $19.6 billion, which is $386.9 million, or 1.9

percent, below estimate.NewsClips: State Tax Collections Rise In March, But Still Down

PA Tax Collections Lag Projections By 2 Percent

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

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

Session Schedule

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

SenateApril 30May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

HouseApril 30May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23

June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Bill Calendars

House (April 30): House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establisha waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing theLegislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impactcounties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation onnatural gas competition. Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (April 30): Senate Bill 1136 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) requiring certain state buildings

to comply with green building standards; Senate Bill 477 (Browne-R-Lehigh) providing for compelled removal of noncomplying billboards; Senate Resolution 265 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster)urging Congress to support continued and increased importation of Canadian oil; House Bill807 (Sonny-R-Erie) further providing for standards for biodiesel fuel, enforcement and

penalties; House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for the snowmobile, ATVregistration. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees

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Note: The Senate and House are on break until April 30.

House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Subsurface Rights: House Bill 2308 (Everett-R-Lycoming) creating a rebuttable presumption of abandonment of subsurface mineral rights.

Keep PA Beautiful: House Resolution 669 (V.Brown-D-Philadelphia) recognizing volunteers participating in Keep PA Beautiful's Great American Cleanup of PA.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on theGovernor's desk for action--

Air Pollution Plans: Senate Bill 304 (MJ White-R-Venango) further providing for public reviewof State Air Quality Improvement Plans was removed from the Table and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal

Note are available. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

Professional Licensing: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing professional competency requirements under Engineer, Land Surveyor and GeologistRegistration Law was concurred in by the House and now goes to the Governor for his action. Asummary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

House

Professional Licensing: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing professional competency requirements under Engineer, Land Surveyor and GeologistRegistration Law was concurred in by the House and now goes to the Governor for his action. Asummary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

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Geospatial Council: House Bill 1701 (Cutler-R-Lancaster) establishing the State GeospatialCoordinating Council was passed by the House and now goes to the Senate for action. Asummary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Flood Recovery Project Funding: House Bill 2242 (Baker-R-Tioga) to provide $67.7 million

for the repair of Commonwealth highways damaged by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Leein 2011 was passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The billnow goes to the Senate for action.

Flood Recovery Railroad Project Listing: House Bill 2245 (Bobak-R-Columbia) establishingthe Flood Disaster Railroad Assistance Project List totaling $2.6 million was passed by theHouse. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Flood Recovery Project Listing: House Bill 1916 (Millard-R-Columbia) providing for anitemized list of public improvement projects for flood protection and flood damage repair wasreported from the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary andHouse Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Small Business Flood Recovery: House Bill 2077 (Masser-R-Columbia) establishing a $15million small business flood relief program was reported from the House AppropriationsCommittee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The billnow goes to the Senate for consideration.

Watershed Disaster Recovery Account: House Bill 2244 (Major-R-Susquehanna) establishingthe Watershed Disaster Reconstruction Account with $1.3 million for the payment of the state's

share to secure NRCS funding for stream restoration was removed from the Table and wasreferred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. Asummary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Public-Private Transportation Partnerships: House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public- private transportation partnerships was reported out of the House Transportation Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to theSenate for action.

Flood Recovery Project List: House Bill 1916 (Millard-R-Columbia) providing for an itemizedlist of public improvement projects for flood protection and flood damage repair is on the House

Calendar for action.

Arbor Day: House Resolution 611 (Marsico-R-Dauphin) recognizing April 27 as Arbor Daywas passed by the House.

Senate

Historic Preservation: Senate Bill 1150 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) establishing an historic

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preservation tax credit was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration. Asummary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Fuel Testing: Senate Bill 341 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing an Automotive FuelTesting and Disclosure Program was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for

consideration. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

State Budget: The Senate Appropriations Committee reported out the Senate versions of billsrelated to the FY 2012-13-- Senate Bill 1466 to Senate Bill 1480. state budget including theGeneral Fund-- Senate Bill 1466 . A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available on theGeneral Fund bill. The bills were recommitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Capital Budget: Senate Bill 1480 (Corman-R-Centre) providing for the capital budget for FY2012-13 was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and was referred back to theSenate Appropriations Committee. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Green Buildings: Senate Bill 1136 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) requiring certain state buildings tocomply with green building standards was amended and reported from the Senate EnvironmentalResources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Canadian Oil: Senate Resolution 265 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) urging Congress to supportcontinued and increased importation of Canadian oil was amended and reported from the SenateEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonny-R-Erie) further providing for standards for biodiesel fuel,enforcement and penalties was amended and reported from the Senate Environmental Resources

and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Snowmobile/ATV Registration: House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for the snowmobile, ATV registration was amended and reported from the Senate EnvironmentalResources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Emissions Inspection: Senate Resolution 246 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) memorializing Congress tore-evaluate the vehicle emission inspection program required by the federal Clean Air Act was

passed by the Senate."I realize that it's a tough task taking on the EPA, but these tests have become redundant

and ineffective," said Sen. John Wozniak. "The vast majority of cars on the road today have

sophisticated pollution-reduction technology and only a tiny fraction fail the test. Not counting broken or poorly installed gas caps, nearly 98 percent of cars pass the

emissions test, according to PennDOT."The test is an expensive and inconvenient way to tell motorists what they already

know," Sen. Wozniak said. "If their check-engine light isn't on, their car is working fine."Emission testing is required in the following counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Blair,

Bucks, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna,

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Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Montgomery, Northampton,Philadelphia, Washington, Westmoreland and York.

Drinking Water Week: Senate Resolution 280 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) designating May 6-12Drinking Water Week was adopted by the Senate.

Earth Day: Senate Resolution 287 (Costa-D-Allegheny) designating April 22 Earth Day wasadopted by the Senate.

News From The Capitol

House OKs Flood Recovery Package To Provide More Than $67.6 Million In Assistance

The House passed a package of five flood recovery bills to provide more than $67.6 million infunding for flood recovery projects for highways, bridges, railroads, small business and for stream clearance projects.

The Senate passed a package of eight flood recovery bills last November that are still pending in House committees.

The House bills include:-- House Bill 2242 (Baker-R-Tioga) to provide $67.7 million for the repair of Commonwealthhighways damaged by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. A summary and HouseFiscal Note are available.-- House Bill 2245 (Bobak-R-Columbia) establishing the Flood Disaster Railroad AssistanceProject List totaling $2.6 million. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.-- House Bill 1916 (Millard-R-Columbia) providing for an itemized list of public improvement

projects for flood protection and flood damage repair. A summary and House Fiscal Note are

available.-- House Bill 2077 (Masser-R-Columbia) establishing a $15 million small business flood relief

program. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.-- House Bill 2244 (Major-R-Susquehanna) establishing the Watershed Disaster ReconstructionAccount with $1.3 million for the payment of the state's share to secure NRCS funding for stream restoration. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Another bill-- House Bill 1913 (Culver-R-Northumberland) allowing local taxing bodiesto adjust real estate taxes for properties substantially affected by the flood-- was passed by theHouse last week.

"Although flooding took place back in the late summer and early fall of 2011, the cleanupfollowing the storms has been overwhelming and is still continuing in many areas throughout thenortheast region of the state," said Rep. Matt Baker. "My legislation will help provide thefunding needed to address many of the highways that were damaged during those historicstorms."

The damage to our streams and riverbanks from last years flooding event wassignificant. House Bill 2244 would provide funding for stream restoration and measures tomitigate small stream threats to both life and property, said Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna). With passage in the House, my legislation is now poised to be voted on in the

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state Senate along with a growing list of legislative measures designed to help heal thosecommunities that received the greatest amount of damage from the 2011 storms.

Columbia County was among the hardest hit in flood damages after Tropical Storm Leelast September. Our community pulled together to deal with the hardship, but there are actionsthat can be taken to help protect from future disasters, said Rep. David Millard (R-Columbia).

As much as the state is in the position to do so, I believe its the states duty to responsiblyallow for funding to help. This legislation allows for the most fiscally responsible action tomove forward on these needed projects.

House Finance, Environmental Committees Hold Hearing On Small Stream Flooding

The House Finance and Environmental Resources and Energy Committees held a hearingWednesday on small stream flooding in response to the flooding events in September 2011.

Kelly Heffner , DEP Deputy for Water Management, noted headwater streams are the primary sources of water in a drainage network and serve as a critical link to larger, downstreamsurface waters.

She outlined the permitting process for addressing stream maintenance and noted there isno dedicated funding for stream projects, though at times Clean Water and Growing Greener funds are used for those purposes.

A number of House members said they thought DEP was a hindrance not a help inissuing stream clearance permits and thought policy not funding was the issue.

She also noted DEP was working on a desk manual to help individual through the permitting process more quickly in addition to streamlining Chapter 105 relating to regulatingstream encroachments.

She acknowledged legislation proposed by Sen. Ted Erickson-- Senate Bill 452 -- wouldattempt to reverse stream degradation and frequent flooding through an integrated water resource

plan. David Sanko , PA State Association of Township Supervisors, said few issue are felt asstrongly statewide than the need to take preventative action to minimize flooding events withoutgoing through a complex permitting process.

He noted townships are hard-pressed to find staff and funds to deal with this problem,and in addition to streamlining the permit process, Sanko said there is not enough funding to

properly address needed maintenance.MaryAnn Warren , President of the PA Association of Conservation Districts, described

the role of districts related to flooding including flood mitigation and monitoring, prevention andservices to assist landowners and communities in flood recovery.

She made several recommendations to the Committees based on a survey on districts,

including: the authority to issue emergency permits, making farmland restoration a priority withemergency response coordinators and funding for environmentally managing streams throughGrowing Greener funding.

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Majority Chair of the HouseEnvironmental Committee and Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) serves as Minority Chair.

Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin) serves as Majority Chair of the House FinanceCommittee and Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair.

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House Approves Public-Private Transportation Partnership Legislation

The House Wednesday approved House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) to enable Pennsylvania to exploreand implement partnerships with the private sector to help rebuild the Commonwealthsdeteriorating transportation infrastructure.

Similar legislation-- Senate Bill 344 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery)-- passed the Senate inDecember and is now in the House Transportation Committee.

House Bill 3, which was approved by a vote of 128-66 with strong bipartisan support,establishes a broad-based framework authorizing transportation-specific public-private

partnerships as a tool to help the Commonwealth meet its growing transportation infrastructureneeds.

With House passage today, we took a tremendous step toward enacting legislation thatwill open the door to unprecedented investment in Pennsylvanias infrastructure at a time when itis desperately needed, said Rep. Rick Geist (R-Blair). While public-private partnerships alonecannot solve what has become an enormous transportation infrastructure funding problem, theycertainly are a critical tool for the Commonwealth to have at its disposal as it confronts this

problem.According to a 2010 study by the State Transportation Advisory Committee, an

additional $3.5 billion a year is needed to fully meet immediate needs. Pennsylvania has the moststructurally deficient bridges of any state in the nation-more than 5,000, or 26 percent of thestate-owned inventory and roughly 8,000 miles of roadway in very poor condition.

A problem of this magnitude and urgency requires us to explore innovative financingand project delivery alternatives, Rep. Geist said. We welcome the opportunity to team withthe private sector, engaging its financial resources and efficiencies, where feasible and where

beneficial to the Commonwealth. In every scenario, protecting the public interest is paramount.A public-private partnership, or P3, is a contractual arrangement between a public entity

and a private entity to deliver a public service. These partnerships, which have been successful inother states and around the world, provide an infusion of private-sector capital that acceleratesthe maintenance and improvement of roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Under a P3, the public entity maintains ownership of the asset, but contracts with a private entity to develop, construct, manage, operate and/or finance a given project.

My legislation mandates nothing, but it enables the Commonwealth to harness the power of P3s where it is advantageous to do so, Rep. Geist noted. Projects that have been onthe shelf will be undertaken, creating a multitude of jobs in the engineering and constructionindustries that are looking to get back to work.

Rep. Geist is recognized nationally as the Legislatures foremost proponent of public- private partnerships, having sponsored his signature piece of legislation and championed the

concept for the better part of a decade.Without a doubt, this is one of the most satisfying days of my tenure in the House, and it

is particularly satisfying to see that House Bill 3 passed with such broad bipartisan support, hesaid. I know that the Senate and the Corbett Administration are squarely behind my legislation,so I am confident we can soon get this bill to the governors desk.

Enacting public-private partnership legislation is one of the major recommendations of Gov. Tom Corbetts Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, which issued its report lastAugust.

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The governors commission recognizes, as did a previous commission convened duringthe Rendell Administration, that P3s are a key component of a comprehensive transportationfunding plan, Rep. Geist said.

Currently, 32 other states and Puerto Rico have enacted laws authorizing theimplementation of public-private partnerships. P3s also are endorsed by the United States

Department of Transportation.Providing a safe and reliable transportation system is one of the core functions of

government, Rep. Geist said. Pennsylvanians safety and mobility, as well as Pennsylvaniaseconomy, depend on it. I envision P3s playing a vital role as we tackle that challenge.

NewsClip: House Approves Public-Private Partnership Bill

House Passes Bill To Create Geospatial Coordinating Council

The House Monday passed House Bill 1701 (Cutler-R-Lancaster) to create a State GeospatialCoordinating Council to assist the governor in creating uniform data standards and efficientgeospatial policy and technology in Pennsylvania.

The net effect of this legislation is a safer Pennsylvania, said Rep. Bryan Cutler. Thislegislation is vital to Pennsylvanias emergency responders who rely on accurate mapping data tolocate accident victims, hazardous sites and disaster locations. If emergency service providershave incorrect maps, it could add costly minutes to their crisis response times and could lead tothe loss of life or the escalation of a catastrophe.

House Bill 1701 would create a State Geospatial Coordinating Council made up of 19members and would establish the PA Mapping and Geospatial Technologies Fund for theadministrative and personnel costs of the council.

Individuals use geospatial technology daily through their GPS devices, weather trackingwebsites and online mapping services. The technology is used by police, fire and emergency

service providers in responding to emergencies.Pennsylvania is one of four states that does not have a statewide geospatial coordinatingcouncil, and unfortunately, this has lead to fragmentation in our data and increased costs on localgovernments, said Rep. Cutler. There is a slight cost associated with the legislation; however,I believe the greater cost to Pennsylvania citizens would be to continue with the status quo.

Rep. Cutler noted the benefits of establishing the council include its low cost, data-sharing ability, and enhancement of public safety, economic development and environmental

protection efforts.House Bill 1701 will now go before the Senate for consideration. A summary and House

Fiscal Note are available.

News From Around The State

Pennsylvania Submits Revised Phase 2 Chesapeake Bay Implementation Plan

The Department of Environmental Protection submitted Pennsylvanias Final Phase 2Chesapeake Watershed Implementation Plan to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency onMarch 30.

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The final Phase 2 WIP was the subject of a public comment period extending fromDecember 17, 2011 to January 30, 2012.

The Plan describes the states plan to address EPAs expectations that the states develop aPhase 2 WIP so that local partners (1) are aware of the WIP strategies; (2) understand their contribution to meeting the TMDL allocations; and (3) have been provided with the opportunity

to suggest any refinements to the WIP strategies.The final Phase 2 WIP was developed to meet EPAs August 1, 2011 revised nutrient and

sediment planning targets for the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. The planning targets are the result of EPAs development of a revised watershed model.

In response to public comment, DEP will develop revised draft county planning targets based on reported year 2010 BMP implementation levels. These will be developed followingEPA acceptance of DEPs watershed model input deck for the year 2025 and posted online.

The draft county planning targets estimate the nutrient and sediment reductions that willhelp Pennsylvania meet its Chesapeake watershed planning targets. Should a county want toimprove upon the watershed model generated draft county planning targets, DEP will support thecounty in the use of the Chesapeake Assessment and Scenario Tool. CAST is a new web-basedtool designed by EPA to help states and counties assess the most effective ways to reduce

pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.DEP also provided to EPA, Pennsylvanias Programmatic Two-Year Milestones for the

year 2012 through 2013. The milestones identify on-going activities to implementPennsylvanias Phase 1 and 2 WIPs.

A copy of the Phase 2 Plan is available online .


DEP Publishes Draft Water Quality Report, 80 Percent Of State Streams Meet Standards

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice on April 7 the draft 2012Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report is available for public commentwhich found 80 percent of the 84,571 miles of streams and rivers assed for aquatic life uses meetclean water standards.

Of the 16,599 miles of impaired streams, 9,801 miles require the development of a TotalMaximum Daily Load Plan and 6,490 miles have an approved plan.

The primary source of impaired waterways remains Agriculture (5,705 miles),Abandoned Mine Drainage (5,596 miles), unknown (3,482 miles) and urban runoff and stormsewers (2,451 miles). Petroleum activities account for 60 miles of impaired streams, less thanhalf of natural sources (152 miles).

Of the 80,525 acres of lakes assessed in the state, 43,194-- nearly 54 percent-- areattaining clean water standards. 11,366 acres have an approved TMDL and 20,544 acres do notrequire a TMDL because they are not affected by pollution. 5,420 acres acres require a TMDL.

The Integrated Report includes both a narrative description of this Commonwealth'swater quality management programs (formerly the 305(b) Report) and various lists depicting thestatus of Commonwealth surface waters as required under section 303(d) of the Federal CleanWater Act (33 U.S.C.A. 1313).

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The Integrated Report is comprised of four parts and also includes a five-part list thatcollectively summarizes the designated use attainment status of Commonwealth surface waters.

The Department invites public comments on the draft Integrated Report. The Departmentmust receive comments on the draft Integrated Report by May 22.

A copy of the report is available on DEP's website .

Written comments should be submitted to Molly Pulket, Division of Water QualityStandards, Bureau of Point and Non-Point Source Management, P. O. Box 8774, Harrisburg, PA17105-8467 or send email to: [email protected] .


Wildlands Conservancy Now Accepting Nominations For Friend Of The Lehigh RiverAward

Wildlands Conservancy is now accepting nominations for its Friend of the Lehigh River Awardswhich annually recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, institutions, or government entities that deserve recognition for their commitment to preserving, protecting,restoring, and enhancing the Lehigh River and its watershed.

The deadline for nominations is May 18. Nominations can be submitted by a one-page summary of the nominees

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

This years award winners will be announced during Wildlands Conservancys LehighRiver Sojourn Closing Ceremony held at Wildlands Conservancys Pool Wildlife Sanctuary(Monday, June 25, 2012).

Last years Friend of the Lehigh River Award winners were: Tom Kerr, past president of

Wildlands Conservancy; Greg Weitzel, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Allentown; and the Bertsch-Hokendauqua-Catasauqua Watershed Association.Send information to: Friend of the Lehigh River Award Nomination Committee, c/o

Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, PA 18049 or email nominations [email protected] .

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Dugan, associate director of development,at 610-965-4397, ext. 126 or send email to: [email protected] .

NewsClip: Lehigh River Preservation Nominations Sought

Earth Day Programs: Join Wildlands Conservancy for a variety of Earth Day Programs .

Penn State: Building Your Relationship With Water

This spring, get a little closer to the water in your life by making a visit to a stream near you.When is the last time that you paid a visit to the water that supports your community? If

the winter has kept you indoors, you have been a little too busy to spend some time outside, or if you have never really considered a visit to your local stream, now is the time.

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On March 22, we celebrate World Water Day which is an international day of awarenessand advocacy for sustainable management of freshwater resources, conceived by the United

Nations in 1993.Exactly one month later, on April 22, we celebrate the 42nd Earth Day , now recognized

globally, but started in the United States in 1970 to increase the American consciousness of

environmental issues. Both of these events are great opportunities to reinvigorate your awarenessof the water that runs through your neighborhood.

So what do you do when you visit a stream? First and foremost, take your children,grandchildren, nieces, or nephews with you.

You might already enjoy recreational activities that take place in or around water. Spendthe day fishing, canoeing or kayaking, hiking a streamside trail, bird watching, wildflower viewing, or snapping some great outdoor photographs. Better yet, spend some time actuallyexploring the stream itself.

Does it appear healthy? Are there noticeable signs of trouble in the stream, like garbage,cloudy or muddy water, steep and eroding banks? Not all water quality issues are obvious just bylooking from the banks. If its safe and you wont cause environmental disturbance, take sometime exploring what types of living things you can find in the stream.

Flip over a few rocks and see if there are any aquatic macroinvertebrates clingingunderneath. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are water-dwelling (aquatic) animals that are largeenough to see with the naked eye (macro) and have no backbone (invertebrate).

These animals are great indicators of water quality because they are sensitive to changesin their ecosystem and the presence or absence of particular types of macroinvertebrates in your stream can help provide an overall picture of the water quality there.

The 4-H Water Project Unit 3 : Water Quality Matters! has a guide to help you identifywhat you find and relate it to the local water quality.

Here are just a few important reminders about being considerate and knowing local

regulations before visiting your stream. Make sure that you are accessing your local stream from public property or with landowner permission. If the stream runs through private property, it istrespassing to visit there under most circumstances.

If you dont have stream access on your own property, try visiting at a community park,state forest or park lands, or other location where public use is permitted. Also, dont climb downsteep banks to get into a stream, or trample sensitive areas to gain access. Look for existing pathsand shallow entrances to minimize your environmental disturbance.

Finally, make sure you know what the fishing regulations are for your stream. Even if you are not fishing, using small hand nets to catch macroinvertebrates is regulated by fishinglaws. Anyone 16 and older must have a fishing license.

Even just flipping over the rocks to find macros can be a disturbance during trout

stocking seasons. If your local stream is considered Approved Trout Waters in Pennsylvania, it isclosed to all fishing from March 1 to April 14, or March 31 if you are in one of the 18southeastern counties opening early.

No matter how you choose to experience your local stream, be certain to take a momentand reflect on how important water is to you. Think of all the ways you use water directly duringthe day (drinking, bathing, laundering, and more), but dont forget about the amount of freshwater that you use indirectly as well. It takes water to produce your food, grow fiber materials for fabric and wood, produce electricity, and so much more. Water is also an important

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part of our environment, supporting wildlife habitat and providing for the many recreationalopportunities you participate in. Be sure to share these important reflections with the children inyour lives so that they may one day be responsible stewards for the water too.

(Written By: Jennifer R. Fetter , Extension Educator Watershed/Youth Development,

Renewable Natural Resources Team, Penn State Extension, and reprinted from Watershed Windsonline newsletter.)

CREP Landowner Networking And Pollinator Habitat Field Days April 17, 19

The Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council collaboration with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is sponsoring two field days focused on networking with landowners,learning about beneficial pollinators, and noxious weed control in natural CREP ( ConservationReserve Enhancement Program ) areas.

The field days will be offered on April 17 in New Oxford , Pa and April 19 near Greencastle , Pa.

Landowners participating in or considering enrolling their land in CREP are encouragedto attend. These field days are designed to provide landowners with the opportunity to viewsuccessful CREP grassland projects.

Sharon Weigle, County Executive Director for FSA (Farm Service Agency) in Adams &Franklin counties will provide a CREP program update and address questions about program re-enrollment.

Jim Gillis, USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) DistrictConservationist in Adams County, and Lindsey Kammerer, USDA-NRCS Soil Conservationistin Franklin County will share details about the importance of pollinators and how to attract themto your property.

Both sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions of landmanagement experts and learn about noxious weed control techniques.The first field day will take place in New Oxford April 17 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

and the second will be held near Greencastle on April 19 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.Both events are free but registration is requested by April 16. Both sessions will be held

rain or shine. Directions to each site and agenda details will be provided in the registrationconfirmation.

For more information or to register, contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D at717-241-4361 or send email to: [email protected] . Online registration and a list of upcoming events are available online.

DEP Invites Comments On Wolf Run Watershed TMDL In Lycoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice inviting comments on a proposedTotal Maximum Daily Load for the Wolf Run Watershed in Lycoming County ( PA Bulletin page1927 ).

A copy of the TMDL is available on DEP's TMDL webpage or contact Sean Kilmartin,DEP, 717-783-2958 or send email to: [email protected] .

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Black Fly Aerial Spray Program Begins On April 9

The Department of Environmental Protection will begin its annual black fly control aerial spray program on April 9, starting with nearly 220 stream miles in several mid-state counties.

The spraying will take place on the Juniata River in Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin and Perry

counties; Conewago Creek in York County; Conodoguinet Creek in Cumberland County; andPenns Creek in Snyder and Union counties.

DEP uses BTI, a naturally occurring bacterium, to target the larval stage of four specifichuman pest black fly species. This bacterium degrades quickly in the environment and does notharm the aquatic ecosystem, fish, birds or other insects.

This effort greatly reduces the black fly population, making it easier for Pennsylvaniansand visitors to enjoy outdoor activities during warmer months.

Through August, 44 rivers and streams spanning more than 1,500 miles in 33 countieswill be monitored and treated as needed. Spraying activities will be performed by helicopter andthe frequency will depend upon black fly surveillance results and weather conditions.

Treatments cannot occur during periods of heavy rain or when water levels are high.Fast-moving water can carry away the spray product too quickly, making the treatmentineffective.

DEP will notify county and local emergency management officials prior to any sprayingactivity to make them aware that helicopters seen flying over creeks, streams and rivers areworking on behalf of the states black fly program.

Anyone with concerns over the sight of a helicopter is encouraged to call their countyemergency management office to verify that a black fly treatment is taking place in their area onthat day.

A list of counties and waterways to be sprayed is available online .For more information, visit DEP's Black Fly Suppression Program webpage or call

717-346-8238.

NiSource Midstream Services Provides Update On 70 Miles Of Gas Gathering Pipelines

NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage's Midstream Services Thursday confirmed additionaldetails on its Western Pennsylvania natural gas pipeline project newly named the Big PineGathering System .

The project includes the installation, refurbishment and operation of approximately 70miles of pipeline facilities in the hydrocarbon-rich Western Pennsylvania shale productionregion, including Allegheny, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.

Anchored by a long-term gathering agreement with producer XTO Energy Inc., a

subsidiary of ExxonMobil, the Big Pine Gathering System is expected to provide an initialcapacity of approximately 425 million cubic feet per day with interconnects to NGT&S' ownColumbia Gas Transmission pipeline system, as well as Texas Eastern Transmission andDominion Transmission. The NiSource Midstream team also is in discussions with additional

producers in the area looking to secure long-term commitments on the project."The Big Pine Gathering System supports the critical needs of Pennsylvania's Marcellus

producers to safely, efficiently and reliably get their natural gas to a choice of markets," saidJimmy D. Staton, executive vice president and NGT&S group CEO. "We're pleased to have this

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initial agreement with XTO Energy. They, along with other producers in the area, will now havethe capacity and access to markets needed in this burgeoning shale gas development play inwestern Pennsylvania by the end of this year."

"This investment underscores NiSource's commitment to being the premier provider of midstream services to producers, including gathering, treating, conditioning, processing,

compression and liquids handling in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays," said Joseph A. BlountJr., president and chief operating officer of the NiSource Midstream and Minerals Group.

The Big Pine Gathering System involves an approximately $150 million investment in pipeline facilities. Stakeholder outreach has begun, as well as preliminary preparation and right-of-way clearing. Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer, with an expected in-servicedate of December 2012.

NewsClip: $150 Million Gas Line To Cross Western PA

Zero Waste Pittsburgh Holds Paper Recycling, Hard To Recycle Earth Day Events

Zero Waste Pittsburgh , the PA Resources Council and its partners will host a Paper RecyclingShred Event on April 27 in downtown Pittsburgh. Click Here for details.

They will also sponsor a Hard to Recycle collection event in Bethel Park on April 21.Click Here for details.

Reviewers Needed For Environmental Education Videos, Lesson Plans

Natural Biodiversity is seeking formal and nonformal educators to review a fun environmentaleducation resource.

Cosmo's World II is a 4-part engaging video series for 6th through 8th graders withaccompanying lesson plans in the topics of biodiversity, water resources, energy conservation

and sustainable agriculture.Review will take approximately 2 hours to watch four 5-minute videos, read four corresponding lesson plans, and complete a feedback survey.

This project was produced by Natural Biodiversity, DCNRs Wild ResourcesConservation Program and eMediaWorks, and was funded by DCNRs WRCP.

Interested reviewers please contact Kristina Strosnider by sending email to:[email protected] .

Online Video: Cosmos World 2 Video Series Educates Youth About Biodiversity AndMore

Cosmo the flying squirrel and Terra the river otter are back with some new and old friends tolearn more about Pennsylvanias biodiversity.

In these four short videos geared toward middle school students, viewers will learn allabout energy, water, sustainable agriculture and of course, biodiversity. Woven throughout thevideos are ways that young people can help be good stewards of the environment.

Teacher lesson plans and fun activities will accompany each video. All eight CosmosWorld videos can be viewed online .

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Game Commission Accepting DMAP Deer Hunting Applications Until June 1

Landowners have until June 1 to enroll or renew their applications in the Game CommissionsDeer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which is an antlerless deer hunting program tohelp landowners manage deer on their properties through hunting.

Eligible lands for DMAP are: public lands; private lands where no fee is charged for hunting; and hunting club lands owned in fee title, so long as the club was established prior toJan. 1, 2000, and it provides a club charter and list of current members to the agency.

Applications will be accepted only by U.S. mail, must be postmarked by June 1, and must be mailed to the Game Commission Region Office serving the county in which the applicants property is situated.

Landowners may obtain DMAP applications and instructions from the GameCommissions website from any Game Commission Region Office or the Harrisburgheadquarters.

Click Here for the full announcement.

2012 Youghiogheny River Sojourn Set For June 9

On June 9, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will host their annual River Sojourn on asection of the Northern end of the Youghiogheny River.

Participants will paddle 14 miles of this historic stretch of river from Yough River Park in Connellsville to Layton ending at Hazelbakers Bottom Yough Outfitters, Inc. The tripincludes activities and presentations centered on the theme Rock the Yough, which focuses onthe geology, ecology and cultural history of the river.

Participants are welcome to register for the event at the cost of $65 per person. A $65registration fee includes meals, canoe rental, shuttling for the event, educational programs, a

2012 sojourn t-shirt and more.Sponsors for the sojourn are the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers,Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania AmericanWater, Sheetz, WYEP radio, Immersion Research and REI.

The Yough was named River of the Year in 1998 for its famous winding route, in fact;the term Youghiogheny is an Algonquian word meaning contrary or in a roundabout course.

The headwaters of this great river begin in Western Maryland where it flows north andwest through West Virginia into the Laurel Highlands. It ends 132 miles later as a major tributary to the Monongahela River in McKeesport, Pa. The Yough is the only river in WesternMaryland that does not flow south into the Potomac drainage.

Click Here for more information and to register for the sojourn. Click Here for a list of

other sojourns around the state by the PA Organization of Watersheds and Rivers.

Vote For Presque Isle State Park As Americas Best Restored Beach

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Wednesdayencouraged Pennsylvanians to vote for Presque Isle State Park in a national contest to honor Americas Best Restored Beach.

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Votes at the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association contest webpage . Anew vote can be cast every day from now through April 27. Winners will be announced in mid-May.

It is unique for Pennsylvania to be part of this contest, given that most of the beachesincluded in it are coastal, Allan said. This is a good way to remind people that the beaches on

Lake Erie at Presque Isle are Pennsylvanias seashore and are among the many special featuresthat make our 120-state park system so diverse.

The association, or ASBPA, created the Best Restored Beach award a decade ago as away of highlighting the value of restored beaches. Beach restoration is the process of placing

beach-quality sand on dwindling beaches to reverse or offset the effects of erosion.Presque Isle is a candidate in the Park/Habitat Beaches category that includes areas that

undertake beach nourishment solely for habitat restoration and park projects.The Presque Isle Peninsula is a 6.7-mile long, 3,200-acre spit forming one of the finest

natural Great Lakes harbors. To protect the peninsula, Congress authorized in 1986 theconstruction of 58 offshore rubble-mound breakwaters and initial beach restoration that act as a

barrier reef.In 1989, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (working with DCNR as the local sponsor)

entered into a partnership to restore the fragile ecosystem and maintain the park.The restoration project placed a total of 584,713 cubic yards of sand on the beach

between 1993 and 2010, and has reinvigorated the fragile ecosystem that supports manyendangered species.The peninsula is a National Natural Landmark which presents five different series of primary

plant successions from beach to forest.It also contains a greater number of endangered, threatened and rare species than any

other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania. It is a favorite stop for migrating birds.Presque Isle State Park also attracts more than 4 million visitors annually, a higher

number of visitors than many national parks receive.The gateway to Presque Isle is the Tom Ridge Environmental Center , dedicated toteaching visitors about Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit this unique

peninsula. There is free admission to the interactive exhibits and the 75-foot observation tower.

DCNR To Designate Lehigh County School Tract As Wild Plant Sanctuary

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will designate property within theWhitehall-Coplay School District campus, Lehigh County, as a Pennsylvania Wild PlantSanctuary , Secretary Richard Allan announced Thursday.

The ceremony will be held during an upcoming school board meeting at 7 p.m. April 10,

at the Whitehall-Coplay School District Administration Building, 2940 MacArthur Road,Whitehall. The public is invited.

"The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program promotes conservation of natural areas and native plants, while recognizing private landowners who serve as models of good conservation andstewardship of these special resources," Allan said. "These properties serve as models for other landowners, offering strategies to conserve rare plants as part of their management plans."

The school district sanctuary consists of a small woodlot within the Whitehall-Coplaycampus. Comprised of mixed-hardwood species, the site contains habitat that has become

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increasingly uncommon in the region. Currently, the sanctuary is open to the public only duringdistrict-sanctioned visits and events.

Whitehall High School student Chad Schwartz recognized the educational potential of thesite and led an effort to designate it as a sanctuary. The school district intends to continue usingthis area as an educational resource, and to provide ongoing stewardship for the sanctuary.

The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program, now including 12 sites across the state, wasestablished through the Wild Resource Conservation Act of 1982 to establish a voluntarystatewide network of native plant sanctuaries.

Landowners agree to protect the area and educate others about the importance of nativeand wild plants and habitats. In return, they receive any needed assistance with developing amanagement plan and have access to technical assistance and ecological checkups.

For more information, visit DCNR's Wild Plant Sanctuary Program webpage or contactDCNR's Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-3444, or send email to: [email protected] .

Fish & Boat Commission Says Bass With Black Spots Safe To Eat

Following recent reports from anglers that some smallmouth bass caught in the SusquehannaRiver have had irregular black blotches, the Fish and Boat Commission Wednesday confirmedthat similar spots have been previously observed on fish from other waters in the state and thatthe spots do not appear to harm the fish.

The PFBC added that because the spots are limited to skin discoloration, the fish are safeto consume under the states general fish consumption guidelines.

The condition is commonly known as blotchy bass or black spot and has beendocumented occasionally in various Pennsylvania waters since as early as 1980, said AndyShiels, PFBC deputy director of operations. In fact, in 1986, a nationwide survey found that the

condition was present in 11 other states, including N.Y., Delaware and Maryland.The PFBC started hearing from anglers late last year concerning the black spots, whichare most often found on the head, lips, tail or fins. Melanin is a black pigment in the skin cells of fish and this condition is often referred to by fisheries scientists as melanosis.

Its not precisely known what causes the condition, but the bass that our biologistsexamined in previous years were generally healthy and in good condition, said Shiels. Whilethe appearance of these spots may be alarming, there is no harm to human health fromconsuming these fish.

He added that the condition has not been linked to specific pollution events, nor is thereany evidence to suggest that blotchy bass condition is related to the young-of-year smallmouthdisease issues in the Susquehanna River and some of its tributaries that the PFBC and other

agencies have been studying since 2005.PFBC biologists have documented the blotchy bass condition previously in Pennsylvania

in the Susquehanna River (2011, 2006); Cowanesque Lake, Tioga County (2003); the AlleghenyRiver (1999); and in the 1980s in Conneaut Lake (Crawford County), Presque Isle Bay (ErieCounty), Raystown Lake and several other waters. It also was observed in New Yorks HudsonRiver during the 1980s, which resulted in a N.Y. fisheries biologist surveying other states aboutthe condition. The survey showed that the condition was present in largemouth and smallmouth

bass in 12 states in the East, South and along the Gulf Coast.

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PFBC biologists who have previously observed this condition indicate that it often occursduring the cold-water period of fall, winter and early spring, and it appears to affect only fishlarger than 12 inches. It typically occurs in a localized area and not uniformly in a lake or throughout a river system. Some bass have had one or two spots while others have had a dozenor more.

Because of the previous disease issue with juvenile smallmouth bass resulting in multiple poor year classes, the PFBC has placed catch and release regulations on all smallmouth andlargemouth bass on portions of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers and on their tributaries to a

point one-half mile upstream, with a closed season from May 1 through June 15.The regulations apply to approximately 32 miles of the Juniata River, from the State

Route 75 Bridge at Port Royal in Juniata County downstream to the mouth of the river atDuncannon, Perry County. On the Susquehanna, the regulations cover 98 miles, from theinflatable dam near Sunbury in Northumberland County downstream to the Holtwood Dam inYork County.

Anglers who observe sick fish or other unusual conditions can report it to the PFBCthrough the website .

DEP Awards Small Business Advantage Grants To Nine Small Businesses

The Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $57,905 in grants to helpnine small businesses across Pennsylvania invest in energy efficiency or pollution prevention

projects under the Small Business Advantage Grant Program .This program empowers small-business owners to invest in important upgrades that

make the most sense for their business, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. It gives them theopportunity to lower the costs of production, which makes them better environmental stewardsand more competitive.

One of the nine businesses received funding from the Storm Relief Grant program, whichoffers a maximum 50 percent reimbursement, up to $9,500, for small businesses that sustainedstorm damage in counties that were declared eligible for federal disaster relief following lastyears floods.

The Small Business Advantage Grant Program, funded through the Hazardous SitesCleanup Act, assists small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. It provides 50-percentmatching reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to implement projects that will save $1,000, inaddition to 25 percent annually in pollution prevention or energy-related costs. Since 2004, the

program has invested $6.1 million in 1,571 small businesses statewide.Of the $1 million in grants budgeted for the current fiscal year, 129 grants totaling

$780,994 have been awarded to date. The nine new grants will create $231,001 of private-sector

investment in small businesses.Examples of eligible projects include High Efficiency HVAC and insulation upgrades for

new businesses, high-efficiency lighting to save energy, installation of energy-efficient heat pumps and new auxiliary power units that help large trucks reduce time spent with idlingengines.

A list of grants awarded is available online.

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For more information, visit the Small Business Advantage Grant Program webpage or contact DEPs Small Business Ombudsmans Office at 717-772-8909 or send email to:[email protected] .

PPL Urges Customers To Share, Compare Energy Use On Facebook

PPL Electric Utilities customers now have another way to understand their energy use, as well asthe ability to share and compare their energy usage with friends using a new social energy app onFacebook.

The app is designed to provide people with a better sense of their energy use whilefostering friendly competition and providing new ways for people to discover savingsopportunities. People will now have a place to connect and converse around energy use andexperiences theyve had saving energy and money.

Getting started is easy. PPL Electric Utilities customers should visit social.opower.com ,or search for the Opower app on Facebook, and connect their utility account.

Those who sign up will immediately start to see how their energy use compares withothers, providing context for how efficient their home is versus similar homes. As friends areinvited and join in, people will then be able to compete against each other in savingscompetitions.

The new social energy app is the result of a collaboration among Opower, Facebook andthe Natural R

Pa Environment Digest April 9, 2012

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Transcript of Pa Environment Digest April 9, 2012