Pa Environment Digest March 23, 2015

8/9/2019 Pa Environment Digest March 23, 2015

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development to occur on approximately 700,000 acres of existing leases and areas where DCNR

does not own mineral rights.

“This approach allows the department to focus staff resources on managing existing and

future development; continue to monitor impacts of gas extraction; refine guidelines and

management practices; and fully engage stakeholders on impacts to a full suite of state forest

values.“The governor’s budget proposal maintains funding for the geologists and other scientists

who lead this work.”

Among the issues raised by questions from House members were--

-- Heritage Parks Money Missing: Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware), Majority Chair of the

Appropriations Committee, asked why $2.2 million in Heritage Parks funding was not include in

the budget proposal. Acting Secretary Dunn said DCNR’s budget is an “austere” budget and she

noted those eligible for Heritage Parks grants are eligible and are encouraged to apply for

Growing Greener Grants to preserve their funding.

-- Drilling On State Forest Land: Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair of the

House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, asked if DCNR does an audit of gas

well production on State Forest Land to determine if the state is getting all the royalties it isentitled to. Dunn said there is an audit process now for both well production and royalty

payments, including post production costs. She said DCNR is also looking to retain an

independent firm to perform price audits for production and royalties.

Rep. Maher followed up by asking if there are provisions for providing gathering lines

that connect wells to midstream pipelines leading to natural gas markets. Dunn said there are

now 600 wells on State Forest Land with the potential build out of 3,000 wells under existing

leases. That includes the infrastructure needed to bring the gas to market. Dan Devlin, Deputy

Secretary for Parks and Forests, added there is a bottleneck between gathering lines and

connecting them to the midstream and other pipelines needed to market the gas.

-- Point State Park, Pittsburgh: Rep. Maher asked about what the additional staff proposed in

the budget would do at Point State Park

in Pittsburgh and suggested the use of seasonal

employees. Dunn said the two additional positions are needed at the park year-round, although

she would provide more information on seasonal employees.

-- Closing State Parks In The Event Of A Budget Impasse: Rep. Maher said during the

Rendell Administration when there was a budget impasse action was taken to close State Parks

and State Forests, even though it cost more money to pay staff overtime to “chase people away.”

He asked if there are plans on how to deal with that issue. Dunn said she hopes it does not

happen and had not yet thought about what DCNR would do.

-- Drilling Moratorium/Use Of Oil & Gas Fund: Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority

Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, noted the Executive Order

re-instituting the moratorium on further drilling

in State Parks and State Forests was an importantsymbolic act. He also expressed concerns about the continued use of Oil and Gas Fund monies

for administrative costs. Dunn noted DCNR’s budget is taking the first step in weaning the

agency from Oil and Gas Fund revenues to pay administrative costs.

-- Loyalsock State Forest Drilling: Rep. Vitali said Gov. Wolf noted during the campaign he

would have the Commonwealth try to block drilling in Loyalsock State Forest . Dunn said she

would be meeting with environmental groups and the drilling companies who own the mineral

rights under the State Forest with the goal of trying to protect the uses and values of the State

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=29516http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31129http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/point/


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Forest.

-- New Recreation, Conservation Initiatives: Rep. Vitali asked if DCNR is looking at any new

recreation and conservation initiatives. Dunn said DCNR and its partners are looking to increase

State Park programming to teach people recreational skills like fishing, snowshoeing and other

activities through the GetOutdoorsPA program.

-- Enhanced Penns Woods:

Rep. Vitali asked for an update on the Enhanced Penns Woods Initiative started last year. Dunn said the $40 to $50 million spent in the initiative from several

sources has made a dent in the State Parks and Forests infrastructure.

-- Gypsy Moth Spraying: Rep. Vitali asked about the status of funding for gypsy moth

spraying . Dunn said DCNR does have the funding for the program, but there is an increase in

gypsy moth activity, particularly in the Northeast. Dan Devlin, Deputy Secretary for Parks and

Forests, said this year’s budget includes funding to spray about 30,000 acres.

-- Severance Tax Proposal Debt Service Funding: Rep. Duane Milne (R-Chester) asked if the

proposed severance tax is the source of the $50 to $55 million needed annually to finance the

$675 million energy and economic development bond issue proposed in the Governor’s budget.

Dunn said she would have to get back to the Committee on that issue, since it is not under

DCNR’s purview.In a follow-up question, Rep. Milne asked if there was any proposal to use the Oil and

Gas Fund to finance the debt service, if the severance tax was not passed with the budget. Dunn

said she had not been party to any discussion of using the Fund for that purpose.

-- Drilling, Mineral Development By Other Agencies: Rep. Milne asked if DCNR has

adequate funding under Act 147 authorizing drilling and mineral development on lands owned

by other state agencies. Dunn said there has not been much interest in natural gas development

on other state lands and as a result there has been little cost to DCNR. Dan Devlin added there is

no natural gas development on other state agency land because of low gas prices, but there has

been interest in a small PennDOT property with coal.

-- Expanding State Park Programs To Urban Areas: Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia)

asked what DCNR is doing to expand State Park activities into urban areas like Philadelphia.

Dunn said in her work for Audubon PA and previously with DCNR gave her experience in

promoting recreation and conservation in more urban areas, for example, by promoting the use

and development of facilities like the Schuylkill River Trail through grants and educational

programs. She added working closely with local partners is critical to expanding urban

recreation through programs like GetOutdoorsPA .

-- Update On State Forest Drilling Operations: In response to a question by Rep. Garth

Everett (R-Lycoming) asking for an update on State Forest drilling, Dan Devlin, Deputy

Secretary for Parks and Forests, said as of March 1 a total of 1,120 locations were approved for

drilling by DCNR, 1,004 wells have received permits from DEP and 608 wells have been drilled

on 232 well pads. 517 wells are now producing royalties. He added only one drill pad is beingdrilled now, which represents a considerable drop in activities.

In a follow-up, Rep. Everett asked about the build out of natural gas pipelines and

expressed concern about forest fragmentation. Dunn said DCNR cooperates with companies and

there are discussions with companies interested in pipeline rights-of-way. Rep. Everett

complemented DCNR’s local state foresters for their work in making sure drilling on State

Forest land is done properly and invited Committee members to tour the area.

-- Recruiting of DCNR Work Force: Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia) said a significant

http://getoutdoorspa.org/http://www.schuylkillrivertrail.com/http://pa.audubon.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=367http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31281http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/insectsdisease/gypsymoth/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/insectsdisease/gypsymoth/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/discoverdcnr/ataglance/enhancepennswoods/index.htmhttp://getoutdoorspa.org/


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Environmental protection on Wednesday at 9:30.

Written testimony and a video of each hearing will be posted on the Republican House

Appropriations Committee webpage. Information about Senate budget hearings are posted on

the Senate Republican Caucus website.

Testimony Available

Matthew Knittle, Director, Independent Fiscal Office Teresa Osborne, Acting Secretary of Aging

Russell Redding, Acting Secretary of Agriculture

Dennis Darvin, Acting Secretary of Community & Economic Development

Cindy Dunn, Acting Secretary of Conservation & Natural Resources

John Wetzel, Acting Secretary of Corrections

John Tuttle, Acting Chair of the Board of Probation & Parole

Gary Tennis, Acting Secretary of Drug & Alcohol

Pedro Rivera, Acting Secretary of Education

John Quigley, Acting Secretary of Environmental Protection

William Ryan, Chair, Gaming Control Board

Curtis Topper, Acting Secretary of General Services Dr. Karen Murphy, Acting Secretary of Health

Kathy Manderino, Acting Secretary of Labor & Industry

Tim Holden, Chair, Liquor Control Board ( Handout )

Major General James Joseph, Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs

Nathan Hench, PA Higher Education Assistance Agency

Eileen McNulty, Acting Secretary of Revenue

Colonel Marcus Brown, State Police/Office of Homeland Security

Leslie Richards, Acting Secretary of Transportation

Elizabeth Bolden, President & CEO, PA Commission for Community Colleges

Thomas Saylor, Chief Justice, PA Supreme Court

Eugene DePasquale, Auditor General

Christopher Craig, Acting State Treasurer

Kathleen Kane, Attorney General (Audio File)

NewsClips:

Wolf’s Severance Tax Would Set Minimum Value On Shale Gas

Drillers: Wolf Severance Tax Would Hurt While Prices Are Low

DCNR Examining Gas Royalty Payments Very Closely

DCNR Looking Outside For Audit On Shale Gas Royalties

DCNR Boosts Gas Drilling Monitoring

Editorial: Help Solar, Wind, Join Gas And Oil

Shuster: Congress Won't Embrace Increase In Gasoline Tax

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for [email protected] , the email for the Digest Editor

David Hess, and let us join your Circle.

Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest,

mailto:[email protected]://www.politicspa.com/pa-9-shuster-says-congress-wont-embrace-increase-in-gas-tax/64588/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/help-solar-wind-join-gas-and-oil-1.1849956http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dcnr-boosts-gas-drilling-monitoring-1.1849187http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/03/17/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Conservation-and-Natural-Resources-looking-outside-for-audit-on-shale-cash/stories/201503170063http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/03/16/dcnr-examining-gas-royalty-payments-very-closely/http://lancasteronline.com/news/pennsylvania/drillers-wolf-tax-plan-would-hurt-most-while-prices-are/article_88479b62-ae1d-5e59-9939-d4dec02415b5.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150317_Wolf_s_severance_tax_would_set_a_minimum_value_ongas_produced.htmlhttp://www.pasenategop.com/budget-hearings-summary#attorneyhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Treasury%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Auditor%20General%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Judiciary%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Community%20Colleges%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Transportation%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/State%20Police%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Revenue%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/PHEAA%20Testimony-Long.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/DMVA%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/LCB%20Handout.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/LCB%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/L%20and%20I%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Health%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/General%20Services%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Gaming%20Control%20Board%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/DEP%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Education%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Probation%20and%20Parole%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Corrections%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/DCNR%20Testimony.pdfhttp://wallaby.telicon.com/pa/library/2015/20150311tz.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/Agriculture%20Testimony.pdfhttp://wallaby.telicon.com/pa/library/2015/20150309TY.pdfhttp://www.pabudget.com/Display/SiteFiles/154/Documents/FY%202015-16%20GF%20Budget/Hearings/Written%20Submitted%20Testimony/IFO%20Testimony.pdfhttp://www.pasenategop.com/budget-hearings-summaryhttp://www.pabudget.com/15_16_Hearings.aspxhttp://www.pabudget.com/15_16_Hearings.aspx


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Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State

Capitol.

Governor’s Schedule

Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the daywill be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public

Appearances.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as

well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (March 30): Click Here

for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (April 13): Senate Bill 289 (Fontana-D-Allegheny) funding for sewage lateral line

improvements and repair ( sponsor summary ); Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing

for an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board ( sponsor summary ); Senate Bill

385 (Pileggi-R- Delaware) will modernize the Pennsylvania Transit Revitalization Investment

District (TRID) Act ( sponsor summary ). Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=15491http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0385http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0385http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=16407http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=15457http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0289http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBxhttp://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.crisciassociates.com/category/capitol-blog/http://www.crisciassociates.com/category/environment-blog/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/


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Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on: Emergency Management

Agency/Fire Commissioner; the Game and Fisheries Committee holds an informational

meeting to receive the Game Commission annual report. Click Here for full House

Committee Schedule.

Senate: the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on: Public Utility Commission,

Dept. of Environmental Protection. Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in

each--

House

Appropriations Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Session Schedule

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

Senate

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=33&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=29&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=39&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=23&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=31&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=7&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=38&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=28&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=56&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=54&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=10&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=12&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTM


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April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30

House

March 30, 31

April 1, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

News From The Capitol

Sen. Yaw Pleased With Kane’s Answers On Post-Production Royalty Investigation

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee, Tuesday expressed optimism following comments made by Attorney

General Kathleen Kane into her investigation of natural gas post-production cost deductions

from royalties by Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

During questioning before the state Senate Appropriations Committee, Kane revealed

that the Anti-Trust and Bureau of Consumer Protection Divisions of the Attorney General’s

Office have conducted hundreds of interviews with landowners, receiving land leases and

documents, since last year.

“I can’t comment on where it (investigation) is right now, but I can tell you that we’re

almost wrapping it up,” Attorney General Kane noted. “It was a very thorough investigation. I

really want to commend our office. That was a lot of interviews to do in parts of the state, it

takes a while to travel to, as well.”“I was very pleased to hear that the Attorney General’s investigation into this issue will

be wrapping up soon,” Sen. Yaw said. “My office has corresponded directly with General Kane

since last year and sent over 50 leases on behalf of my constituents to her office for her

consideration. This is a huge issue for people I represent.”

As early as 2013, Sen. Yaw convened a public hearing of the Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee to further examine this issue.

“During our hearing, the committee heard testimony that deductions by Chesapeake were

as high as 100 percent of some royalty checks,” Sen. Yaw said. “This raises a significant

consumer protection issue for hundreds of constituents in my Senate district.”

In light of the ongoing issues, Yaw also introduced a package of legislation, known as the

Oil and Gas Lease Protection Package, which would seek to improve and enhance transparencyin lease agreements.

An audio file of Attorney General Kane’s full testimony before the Senate Appropriations

Committee is available online .

NewsClips:

AG Nears End Of Drilling Royalty Investigation

AG Kane: Chesapeake Royalty Probe Wrapping Up

Kane: Gas Royalties Fraud Investigation Wrapping Up Soon

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/03/17/kane-gas-royalties-fraud-investigation-wrapping-up-soon/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/ag-kane-chesapeake-royalty-probe-wrapping-up-1.1849391http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/home-powersource/2015/03/17/Pennsylvania-nears-end-of-drilling-royalties-investigation/stories/201503170177http://www.pasenategop.com/budget-hearings-summary#attorney


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Deal On Drilling Royalties Lawsuit Won’t Halt Others

News From Around The State

DEP CAC: DEP To Have Lower Susquehanna Impairment Recommendation Late 2015

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council was told Tuesday the agency plans to have a recommendation

on whether the Lower Susquehanna River should be designated as impaired by the end of 2015.

Josh Lookenbill, DEP Bureau of Point and Non-Point Source Management, briefed

Council on the Lower Susquehanna River Study DEP and the Fish and Boat Commission started

in 2012 in an attempt to determine why smallmouth bass populations were declining and in some

cases developing lesions.

Lookenbill said the study is one of the first “big river” studies done by the agency based

on a comprehensive water sampling strategy that covers the large water body from bank to bank

and at various depths.

He said DEP has gathered three years worth of samples and will sample again in May and

August of this year. However, because of the techniques used by its partner the U.S. Geologic

Survey to analyze the samples, the results from all of those samples will not be known for some

time.

DEP hopes to have at least one year’s worth of complete sample results on which to

based its recommendation at the end of 2015 to include in the 2016 Integrated Water Quality

Report required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The last report was done in

2014 .

In addition to looking for a comprehensive list of pollutants, Lookenbill said DEP is also

sampling for pesticides, hormones, PCBs and other contaminants.

Asked if the preliminary results indicate any cause, Lookenbill said no cause has been yet

ruled out.Lookenbill noted DEP did a video of the sampling study to give the public a better idea

of how the study was being done.

The Fish and Boat Commission, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA and other groups have

been advocating strongly for designing the Lower Susquehanna River as impaired for several

years.

A copy of Lookenbill’s presentation will be posted on the Citizens Advisory Council

webpage.

Secretary’s Report

Acting DEP Secretary John Quigley briefed Council on several key issues, including

DEP’s proposed FY 2015-16 budget , the status of the Chapter 78 drilling regulations and the

latest steps the agency is taking to implement the Act 162 stream buffer legislation.As a follow-up, Hayley Book, Assistant Director of DEP’s Policy Office, gave Council a

more detailed briefing on the budget proposal.

DEP earlier provided Council with its regular monthly report .

Hearing On Act 54 Report

The Citizens Advisory Council also held the first of two public hearings on the

2008-2013 Underground Coal Mining Impact Report required by Act 54 to document the surface

impacts of longwall and traditional room and pillar underground bituminous mining in

http://goo.gl/nF54zBhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_03/FINAL_March%202015%20DEP%20Report%20to%20CAC_03032015.pdfhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31610http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31526http://goo.gl/aydPm0http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=25297http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=25297http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=27577http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30863http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30863http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/water_quality_standards/10556/Susquehanna_River_Study_Updates/1449797http://goo.gl/aydPm0http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/monday-update-proposed-deal-on-gas-drilling-suit-won-t-halt-others-lawyers-say-1.1848776


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Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Clearfield, Elk, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset and

Washington counties.

The Council heard comments from eight witnesses, including the PA Environmental

Council , PA Coal Alliance, Sierra Club, PA League of Women Voters, the Citizens Coal Council

and several private citizens living in mining areas.

There will be a second hearing March 27 in California, Washington County, to take moretestimony. Click Here for more details on this hearing.

Public Comments

During Council’s public comment portion of the agenda, the Sierra Club and several

individuals supporting the Sierra Club urged Council to delay its recommendation on a proposed

final version of DEP’s Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) regulation covering

major air pollution sources until DEP has the opportunity to review in more detail the Club’s

comments on the regulation submitted during the official comment period.

DEP reported to Council they were reviewing the Sierra Club’s comments and plan to

meet with them on the issue, but did not know if the comments will prompt them to make further

changes to the regulation.

In light of DEP’s review and the fact Council may or may not have the final version ofthe regulation in front of it to review, Council did act to delay its recommendation.

Under new business, Council member Dr. Joi C. Spraggins briefed Council on a new

project she was undertaken to identify strategies for encouraging more minority hiring by both

state and federal environmental agencies. She said she would be reaching out to Council

members to get their input on the project.

The next scheduled meeting of Council will be on April 21 in Room 105 of the Rachel

Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00 a.m.

For more information, and copies of available handouts and presentations, visit DEP’s

Citizens Advisory Council webpage.

CBF: New EPA Report Examines State Oversight Of Agriculture Programs In PA

New reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency examine state programs overseeing

animal agricultural facilities as well as actions undertaken by Virginia and Pennsylvania to

reduce pollution from agriculture.

The reports found that while both states have pieces in place to support pollution

reductions, both states have significant deficiencies that will have to be rectified if cleanup goals

are to be achieved.

The analysis and resulting reports were required as a result of the 2010 settlement of the

Chesapeake Bay Foundation's

Clean Water Act lawsuit against EPA.

Agriculture is the largest source of pollution damaging local rivers, streams, and theChesapeake Bay. And, reducing pollution from agriculture is the least expensive way to reduce

pollution. Pennsylvania and Virginia are both relying heavily on reducing agricultural pollution

to achieve their Clean Water Blueprint goals.

"The states have the primary responsibility to reduce pollution from agriculture and it is

up to the states to ensure they have appropriate regulations and that farmers have the tools and

resources to do what is necessary," said CBF Vice President Kim Coble. "We hope these reports

will encourage state officials to accelerate actions to reduce pollution from agriculture. If they

http://www.cbf.org/http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/pdf/pdf_chesbay/agriculture/PennsylvaniaAnimalAgricultureProgramAssessment.pdfhttp://goo.gl/aydPm0http://goo.gl/aydPm0http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Members/Joi_Spraggins.pdfhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31437http://pecpa.org/wp-content/uploads/Act-54-CAC-Testimony.pdfhttp://pecpa.org/wp-content/uploads/Act-54-CAC-Testimony.pdf


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don't, EPA must hold them accountable."

For years, Pennsylvania has required its smaller farms to have manure management and

sediment and erosion control plans to limit runoff of manure fertilizer and soils into rivers and

streams. A limited number of on-farm assessments, conducted by EPA and the Department of

Environmental Protection, found compliance to be shockingly low. Some estimates put

compliance rates at 30 percent or less.The report found that Pennsylvania:

— Did not meet its 2013 milestone targets, and did not meet agriculture implementation targets

for practices like animal waste management and enhanced nutrient application management.

— Relies on non-regulatory financial and technical assistance, and voluntary compliance.

— Does not have a consistent approach or sufficient resources to ensure farms are meeting the

regulatory requirements.

— Does not have a compliance assurance strategy and does not appear to be conducting

inspections unless a complaint is lodged.

"DEP should be commended for its recent efforts to accelerate farm compliance. But

Pennsylvania lacks an achievable strategy to ensure all farms are meeting our clean water laws,"

said CBF's Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell. "Changing the culture towardscompliance requires meaningful resources to support DEP and Conservation District staff, as

well as the technical design and implementation of the necessary conservation practices. Without

these changes, compliance rates will remain low and the Commonwealth will fail on its clean

water commitments at a huge cost to society.”

Reports, like these for Virginia and Pennsylvania, will also be conducted for the other

Bay states.

"These reports are an important step in identifying both successes and shortcomings,"

Coble said. "EPA took a thorough look at the states' programs, and we hope this will lay the

foundation for improvements that will help each state achieve the goals they have set."

A copy of the Pennsylvania report is available online .

For more information, visit EPA Chesapeake Bay Program

webpage and the Chesapeake

Bay Foundation-PA webpage.

NewsClips:

EPA: PA Coming Up Short In Addressing Farm Runoff

Additional PA Resources Need For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

High School Students Discuss Water Problems At Pitt

Sewer Bonds Divide Erie And Its Neighbors

Pittsburgh OKs Grants To Help Homeowners Repair Sewer Lines

Fluoridation Debate Reignites In Western PA

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

DEP, Agriculture Respond To EPA Report On PA’s Animal Agriculture Programs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assessment of Pennsylvania’s animal agriculture

program acknowledges the need for continued commitment from all the stakeholders involved in

conserving Pennsylvania’s resources, said the leaders of two Commonwealth agencies Tuesday.

Reacting to EPA’s assessment of Pennsylvania’s animal agriculture regulations and

programs, Acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Quigley and Acting Agriculture

http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/pdf/pdf_chesbay/agriculture/PennsylvaniaAnimalAgricultureProgramAssessment.pdfhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/7809962-74/fluoride-authority-municipalhttp://triblive.com/news/adminpage/7992785-74/homeowners-percent-programhttp://www.goerie.com/sewer-bonds-divide-erie-and-its-neighbors#http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/03/20/Challenge-brings-high-school-students-together-at-Pitt-to-discuss-water-problems/stories/201503200018http://feedstuffs.com/story-additional-resources-needed-chesapeake-bay-watershed-state-45-125323http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/epa-warns-pennsylvania-it-is-coming-up-short-in-making/article_2b345062-cc1d-11e4-ba9e-9b78d3ddaebf.htmlhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/tmdl/ChesapeakeBay/EnsuringResults.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/pdf/pdf_chesbay/agriculture/PennsylvaniaAnimalAgricultureProgramAssessment.pdf


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Secretary Russell Redding agree that the report shines a light on opportunities for improvement

and highlights the need for renewed focus on the Chesapeake Bay.

The assessment evaluated Pennsylvania’s implementation of programs to reduce

pollution going to waterways within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“The fundamental message of the report is a point we already believe and are committed

to,” said Quigley. “We need to re-engage with all stakeholders to identify the most effectiveapproaches that can be scaled up to achieve the goals set out in our Watershed Implementation

Plan (WIP). We’ve already begun a model watershed-based approach to assist farming

operations to achieve voluntary compliance and correct water quality impacts through effective

nutrient management plans.”

Quigley noted that EPA’s evaluation did not take into account revisions to its regulatory

program and said Pennsylvania prefers to use voluntary approaches, but that DEP has and will

continue to use enforcement as needed.

“This is an important conversation to have with the Chesapeake Bay milestone to be met

just two years away,” said Redding. “It’s time for us to reset the conversation. While this report

notes there is a need to do more, progress is being made and farmers are working to do the right

thing. Our departments share a vision for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. When we havehealthy, viable farms, we have a healthy, viable Bay Watershed. We can’t have one without the

other.”

Redding added, “Pennsylvania farmers have long recognized the important link between

healthy soils, sustainable farming practices, and the water quality of our waterways. Our nearly

40,000 farm families in the Bay watershed will continue to lead the way in implementing

cost-effective agricultural conservation best management practices to improve both financial and

environmental sustainability of our family farms and these waters.”

Pennsylvania is one of the first of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed states to undergo this

EPA evaluation. The assessment consisted of a questionnaire, file searches in two regional and

four conservation districts offices, staff interviews, and a review of the department’s website.

A copy of the EPA report is available online

.

For more information, visit EPA Chesapeake Bay Program webpage and the Chesapeake

Bay Foundation-PA webpage.

NewsClips:








EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Seeks Comments On Draft Management Strategies

Nine months after the signing of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement , the Chesapeake

Bay Program partners are seeking public input on a collection of plans for achieving the goals

and outcomes of the landmark accord.

These 25 draft management strategies address the thirty-one outcomes of the Watershed

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/managementstrategieshttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/http://www.chesapeakebay.net/http://www.chesapeakebay.net/chesapeakebaywatershedagreement/pagehttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/7809962-74/fluoride-authority-municipalhttp://triblive.com/news/adminpage/7992785-74/homeowners-percent-programhttp://www.goerie.com/sewer-bonds-divide-erie-and-its-neighbors#http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/03/20/Challenge-brings-high-school-students-together-at-Pitt-to-discuss-water-problems/stories/201503200018http://feedstuffs.com/story-additional-resources-needed-chesapeake-bay-watershed-state-45-125323http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/epa-warns-pennsylvania-it-is-coming-up-short-in-making/article_2b345062-cc1d-11e4-ba9e-9b78d3ddaebf.htmlhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/tmdl/ChesapeakeBay/EnsuringResults.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/pdf/pdf_chesbay/agriculture/PennsylvaniaAnimalAgricultureProgramAssessment.pdf


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Agreement and outline our plans for implementation, monitoring and assessing progress and

coordinating partners and stakeholders in our work toward restoring the Chesapeake Bay

watershed.

Individuals, communities and local governments across Delaware, Maryland, New York,

Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., will benefit from the achievement

of the Agreement’s ten goals and thirty-one outcomes and have critical roles in improving thehealth of local waters, sustaining abundant fish and wildlife populations, restoring critical

habitats, protecting farmland and forests and increasing the climate resiliency of the region.

Fostering a sense of engagement and connection between people and the environment by

connecting with diverse communities, increasing public access and establishing strong

environmental education programs is also vital to our collective success.

“These plans are the detailed outlines of what may be the most extensive collaboration in

the nation,” said Molly Ward, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources and Chair of CBP’s

Principals’ Staff Committee. “The management strategies work in concert, reaching across issues

and political boundaries within the 64,000 square mile watershed. Each one is connected to every

other, just like our lands, river, streams and the Bay. As we move forward, we welcome people’s

input so that we can strengthen those bonds, becoming even more focused, intentional andunified in our vision of a healthy Bay ecosystem.”

Our work to restore the Chesapeake Bay will benefit the entire watershed, generating

on-the-ground results throughout the region. Goals and outcomes of our work include:

-- Sustaining fish and wildlife and restoring habitats. Poor water quality, harvest pressure and

habitat loss challenge the health of species across the region. Maintaining sustainable fish and

shellfish populations and restoring habitats for native and migratory species will support a strong

economy and a balanced ecosystem.

-- Improving water quality. Excess nutrients, sediment and toxic contaminants harm the health

of fish and wildlife and limit the amount of seafood people can consume. Reducing the impacts

these pollutants have will create a safe environment for animals and people alike.

-- Fostering engaged communities.

The long-term success of the Chesapeake Bay restoration

effort depends on the work of individuals and communities throughout the watershed.

Connecting with environmental stewards, reaching out to diverse communities and encouraging

future local leaders helps build the network that will keep our work moving forward.

-- Conserving treasured landscapes. Changes in land use and development can impair water

quality, degrade habitats and alter culturally significant landscapes. Conserving lands with

ecological, historical and community value is integral to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and

vibrant culture.

-- Strengthening our resilience against climate change. Storms, floods and sea level rise will

have big impacts on coastal cities and towns. Monitoring, assessing and adapting to these

changing environmental conditions will help our living resources, habitats, public infrastructureand communities withstand the adverse effects of climate change.

Bay Program Director Nick DiPasquale says, “Resiliency in nature comes from diversity.

Like the natural ecosystem, our work draws strength from increasing the diversity of our

partnerships, increasing local actions for watershed-wide results. When people from distinct

communities across the region – from citizens to communities to local governments – join in the

overall effort, everyone benefits. Like the Bay watershed, we become more effective and more

resilient as a whole. While this scale of collaboration is challenging, it is the key to our success.


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And that success relies on us hearing from the people who live in the region and responding to

their interests.”

In June 2014, representatives from across the region signed the Chesapeake Bay

Watershed Agreement, with the vision of fostering an environmentally and economically

sustainable watershed with clean water, abundant life, restored habitat, conserved lands and

access to the water, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a diversity of engaged citizens andstakeholders.

Signatories include the governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania,

Virginia and West Virginia; the mayor of the District of Columbia; the chair of the Chesapeake

Bay Commission; and the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf

of the Federal Leadership Committee for the Chesapeake Bay.

This agreement marked the first time that the Bay’s headwater states participated as

signatories and full partners of the Bay Program.

The Chesapeake Bay Program values stakeholder input: individual citizens, private

businesses, watershed groups, civic organizations and local governments are key partners in the

attainment of our restoration goals.

Bay Program partners welcome comments on these draft strategies through April 30.Interested parties can offer input in two ways: online or by sending email to:

[email protected] .

Visit the Chesapeake Bay Management Strategies webpage for more information.

NewsClips:








DEP Publishes 2 More Proposed Policies To Implement Act 162 Stream Buffer Law

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice March 21 of two proposed

technical guidance documents implementing the Act 162 stream buffer requirements law--

-- Riparian Buffer or Riparian Forest Buffer Equivalency Demonstration : This interim final

technical guidance document outlines the equivalency demonstration criteria and process related

to the riparian buffer or riparian forest buffer equivalency demonstration required by

-- Riparian Buffer or Riparian Buffer Offsetting

: This interim final technical guidance document

outlines the offsetting criteria and process related to the riparian buffer or riparian forest bufferoffsetting required by Act 162.

Comments on both guidance documents are due May 20. Comments submitted by

facsimile will not be accepted. Comments, including comments submitted by e-mail, must

include the originator's name and address.

Written comments should be submitted to Jennifer Orr, Department of Environmental

Protection, Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Division of NPDES Construction

and Erosion Control, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 8460, Harrisburg, PA

http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-106612/310-2135-003.pdfhttp://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-106613/310-2135-002.pdfhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-12/514.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/7809962-74/fluoride-authority-municipalhttp://triblive.com/news/adminpage/7992785-74/homeowners-percent-programhttp://www.goerie.com/sewer-bonds-divide-erie-and-its-neighbors#http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/03/20/Challenge-brings-high-school-students-together-at-Pitt-to-discuss-water-problems/stories/201503200018http://feedstuffs.com/story-additional-resources-needed-chesapeake-bay-watershed-state-45-125323http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/epa-warns-pennsylvania-it-is-coming-up-short-in-making/article_2b345062-cc1d-11e4-ba9e-9b78d3ddaebf.htmlhttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/managementstrategieshttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/managementstrategiesmailto:[email protected]://www.chesapeakebay.net/managementstrategies


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17105-8460 or send email to: [email protected] .

DEP has posted the proposed guidance documents on the Act 162 webpage . For more

information, contact Jennifer Orr, 717-787-3411 or send email to: [email protected] .

General Permit For Hydrostatic Testing Of Tanks, Pipelines Proposed By DEP

DEP published a notice of availability of a draft NPDES General Permit for Discharges from

Hydrostatic Testing of Tanks and Pipelines (PAG-10). Comments are due April 20.

PAG-10 is intended to provide NPDES permit coverage to those who wish to conduct

hydrostatic testing and discharge the water used for this testing to waters of the Commonwealth

that are not considered high quality or exceptional value.

A copy of the draft General Permit is posted on DEP’s website . Questions should be

directed to Andrew Gaul, 717-787-0129 or send email to: [email protected] .

Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Hosts Earth Week Events April 11, 25

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy

invites the community to join in Earth Week events thisApril. Registration is open for volunteers and sponsors to participate in the largest clean-up in

the region – the Conservancy’s Stream Cleanup on April 11.

Then on April 25, the Conservancy hosts the Lenape Survival Challenge , an exhilarating

two-person team race.

Trash not only negatively impacts property values; it can have serious environmental

consequences degrading water quality and endangering wildlife. The Conservancy is organizing

hundreds of Stream Cleanup volunteers to help remove harmful litter, tires and debris from 45

sites near the Perkiomen Creek, its banks and tributaries.

Later in the month, the Conservancy presents the 23rd annual Lenape Survival Challenge,

a unique two-person team race and fundraiser. Part trail run, Spring Mt. climb and paddle, this

event connects land and water, testing racers’ speed, stamina and teamwork. Volunteers are

needed for many posts starting at 6:30 a.m.

Sponsorships of both the Stream Clean-up and Lenape Challenge start at just $125.

Sponsors are recognized at the event and beyond and support the Conservancy’s work to protect

and improve the local environment.

The Perkiomen Creek is a tributary of the Schuylkill River in Berks, Lehigh and

Montgomery counties.

For all the details, visit the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s

Stream Cleanup

and

Lenape Survival Challenge

webpages.

CBF-PA: Cumberland, Dauphin County Students Explore Local Waterways

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA opens its 2015 Susquehanna Watershed Education Program

on March 27 for local students, grades 6 through 12, for a day of watershed exploration.

SWEP, one of CBF’s 14 field education programs, has been providing hands-on

experiential learning programs in Pennsylvania for 25 years.

Our education team works with 85 regional groups in 20 different counties to get students

out on the water. You can find our team on a local river or stream doing what they do best –

http://www.cbf.org/join-us/education-programs/one-day-field-programs/susquehanna-watershed-education-programhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/lenape-survival-challengehttp://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/stream-clean-uphttp://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/lenape-survival-challengehttp://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/stream-clean-uphttp://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-12436http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-12/519.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/npdes_construction_erosion_control/21657/act_162/1950384mailto:[email protected]


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The March 16 Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring

articles on--

-- One-Stop Mapping Tool Helps Farmers Protect Water Quality

-- Green Infrastructure Supports Resilient Communities

-- Early Spring Pond Inspections -- Groundwater Awareness Week-- A Good Time To Look At Your Well

-- System Turns Wastewater Into Freshwater Developed

-- Cattle Damage To Streambanks Can Be Undone

-- Upcoming Events

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

Kiski Conemaugh Stream Team Issues Annual Report

The Kiski Conemaugh Stream Team , a project of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy , has

issued their 2014 Annual Report of its activities.

Its goals are to educate and engage citizen stewards in maintaining, enhancing andrestoring the natural resources of the Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin.

The Stream Team was formed in 1998 to address concerns brought to light in the

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin

Conservation Plan.

This Plan identified the needs for more environmental education and citizen engagement

in monitoring the hundreds of Abandoned Mine Discharges within the 1,887 square-mile

Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin, which encompasses portions of Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana,

Somerset and Westmoreland Counties.

Supported by strong partnerships with watershed organizations and citizen volunteers, the

Stream Team successfully manages over 180 sampling sites, monitors 35 a.m.D treatment

systems, provides technical assistance to partner organizations and works with schools on

connecting students to nature through Trout in the Classroom and Outdoor Discovery

Workshops.

A copy of the annual report is available online .

March Catalyst Newsletter Now Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

The March issue of The Catalyst

newsletter is now available

from the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

in Butler

County featuring articles on--

-- Visitors From South Korea-- Seeking Volunteers For Adopt-A-Passive Treatment

System

-- De Sale Phase 1 Treatment System Undergoes Successful

O&M

-- Kids Catalyst: It’s For The Birds Crossword Puzzle

-- Water Testing In Any Kind Of Weather

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

http://www.srwc.org/publications/catalyst-sign-up/http://www.srwc.org/http://www.srwc.org/download/2015/cat%2003-15.pdfhttp://goo.gl/zkBTThhttp://goo.gl/zkBTThhttp://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/http://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/conservation/kcst.htmlhttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/subscribehttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/eventshttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/cattle-damage-to-riverbanks-can-be-undonehttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/system-to-turn-wastewater-into-fresh-water-developedhttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/national-groundwater-awareness-week-a-great-time-to-look-at-your-wellhttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/early-spring-pond-inspectionshttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/green-infrastructure-supports-resilient-communitiehttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/one-stop-mapping-tool-helps-farmers-protect-waterhttp://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news?utm_campaign=Watershed+Winds+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter_view_online


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Community Leaders Honored By Sewickley Creek Watershed Association

Sewickley Creek Watershed Association recognized

several community leaders at its fundraiser banquet

March 7th at Giannilli’s II Restaurant in Greensburg,Westmoreland County. Over 170 guests attended the

event.

Awards this year were presented to Firestone

Building Products, University of Pittsburgh –

Greensburg Campus, Mark Jackson from the

Westmoreland Conservation District, Central

Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, and

Scout Troop 465.

(Photo - Award recipients L to R: Plant

Manager Michael McCrea, Firestone; Mark Jackson, WCD; Dr. Dean Nelson and Dr. Sharon P.

Smith, President, UPG; Tom Keller, Executive Director, SCWA; members of Scout Troop 465;County Commissioner Ted Kopas; and, Dr. Ellen Uschak, President, SCWA.)

Each year the Association recognizes local individuals, businesses, and organizations for

their leadership in conserving our natural resources and improving the quality of life in our

communities. Sewickley Creek partners with businesses, municipalities, schools, and other

organizations to help reduce pollutants entering our streams and to restore riparian buffers.

Westmoreland County Commissioner, Ted Kopas, presented award winners with

proclamations on behalf of the County for their accomplishments. Hempfield Township

Supervisor, Doug Weimer, presented a proclamation to the Association for their achievements

and partnership efforts.

Professors and students from the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg Campus served as

guest speakers and reported the results of their recent water quality studies. Their research

focused on the biological and chemical impacts of pollutants, primarily abandoned mine

discharges (AMD), on Sewickley Creek and its tributaries.

The Association has installed three large AMD treatment facilities reducing the iron

oxide into the stream by over 90 percent. But as the studies show, much work remains to be

done to further reduce the impairments from old coal mines.

The Association expresses its sincere appreciation to all who attended and supported their

2015 fundraiser banquet.

Event sponsors included: Firestone Building Products; University of Pittsburgh at

Greensburg; Hepler’s Hardware; The PT Group/Kraisinger Family Dentistry; Team Denny and

Jodi at Berkshire Hathaway; Rachel Hoza, CPA; Menasha Packaging Company, LLC;Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co.; Westmoreland Conservation District; West Newton

Sportsmen’s Association; Brett Dias; and, Adam Eidemiller, Inc.

Please see the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association’s website for a complete listing of

sponsors, prize donors and photographs from the event.

A copy of the SCWA January newsletter is also available.

Shippensburg Authority Latest To Join Partnership For Safe Water

http://www.sewickleycreek.com/body/Public/newsletter/WINTER2015/WINTER2015.pdfhttp://www.sewickleycreek.com/http://www.sewickleycreek.com/


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The Shippensburg Borough Authority’s Gunter Valley Water Treatment Plant, located in

Cumberland and Franklin counties, recently became the newest member of the Partnership for

Safe Water Treatment Program , a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water.

Presently, the water system provides drinking water service to approximately 14,004

people.The Partnership for Safe Water is made up of DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, the PA Section American Water Works Association and other drinking water

organizations. Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing

treatment plant performance.

Currently, 119 surface water treatment plants serving over 6.1 million people are now

involved in PA's Partnership for Safe Water Treatment Program .

(Reprinted from the March 19 DEP News . Click Here to sign up for your own copy and back

issues.)

Water System Conference, 20th Anniversary Of Safe Water Partnership Oct. 28-30

The PA Chapter of the American Water Works Association will hold its 2015 Water System

Optimization Conference October 28-30 in Hershey. This year’s Conference will also celebrate

the 20th anniversary of the Partnership for Safe Water Program . Click Here for all the details

and to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

There is still time to register for the April 21-23 PA Chapter American Water Works

Association annual conference in Hershey. Click Here for all the details.

Insurance Dept. Urges Property Owners To Consider Flood Insurance

Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller Wednesday reminded Pennsylvanians that spring

flooding is common throughout the state, and urged property owners to consider purchasing

flood insurance to protect their homes, businesses, and possessions.

The recommendation is part of the department’s recognition of National Flood

Awareness Week, March 15-21.

“Melting snow, combined with spring rains, inadequate drainage, excessive runoff, or

dam failure can cause major damage, so I recommend homeowners and business owners talk

about flood coverage with their insurance professional as soon as possible,” Miller said.

“Standard homeowner policies do not include coverage for flood damage, and there is a 30-day

waiting period before a policy becomes effective. The sooner you get coverage the better.”

Figures from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show Pennsylvania residentsfiled nearly 18,000 flood insurance claims in the nine years from 2006 through 2014, and

received more than $551 million in payments. Claims were filed from every county except

Fulton.

“These statistics show flooding is a serious problem throughout all of Pennsylvania,”

Miller said.

Information detailing coverage and how to obtain flood insurance can be found at the

National Flood Insurance Program website, a federally-funded resource for flood victims.

http://www.floodsmart.org/http://www.paawwa.org/pa-awwas-67th-annual-conference-april-21-23-2015-register-now/http://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/safe-water/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/partnership_for_safe_water/21166http://www.paawwa.org/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=21504&PageID=1714475&mode=2http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2015/2015031976.HTMhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/partnership_for_safe_water/21166http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/partnership_for_safe_water/21166http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/partnership_for_safe_water/21166http://www.borough.shippensburg.pa.us/boardscommissions/borough-authority/


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There are also certain precautions property owners can take to lower the chance of

suffering major flood damage. Among these are:

-- Install a sump pump and make sure it is working; install a battery-operated backup in case of a

power failure.

-- Install “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

-- Seal walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds.-- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

-- Anchor any fuel tanks.

-- Elevate your furnace, water heater, washer, dryer, and electric panel, if you live in a high flood

risk area.

“If you have taken these or other steps to lessen the potential for costly flood damage,

make sure you talk with your insurance professional about any premium reductions for which

you may be eligible under your policy,” Miller said.

The National Flood Insurance Program is continuing an update of maps which show

flooding risks for individual properties. If your property is mapped out of a high-risk area, your

flood insurance costs will likely decrease.

If you've been mapped into a high-risk area, you will be required to purchase floodinsurance if your mortgage is through a federally regulated or insured lender. But you can save

money with the Preferred Risk Policy (Eligibility Extension and through a process known as

"grandfathering" provided by the NFIP.

If your property was newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone after October 1, 2008, you

may qualify for a PRP flood insurance policy.

Property owners can also challenge a flood map they feel is inaccurate. Information on

how to challenge a flood map is available online .

More information on what property owners can do to lessen potential flood damage, and

possibly lower premiums, is available at the National Flood Insurance Program website.

Also, for insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., video or

photographic) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements,

attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances

and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised.

These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more

information, visit the Know Your Stuff Home Inventory website.

Additional information on preparing your family to meet an emergency is found at

www.ReadyPa.org .

NewsClips:

Ice Jam Frees, Headed Into Luzerne County

Susquehanna Ice Jam Grows To 11 Miles

Officials Continue To Monitor Susquehanna Ice Jams DEP: Susquehanna Ice Jam Could Cause Railroad Bridge To Collapse

Ice James Raise Fears Of Flooding Along Susquehanna

Ice Jam Near Tunkhannock Leads To Flood Warning

Wyoming EMA Warns People To Stay Off Ice Jam

South Whitehall Votes 4-1 To Save Wehr’s Dam

Warm Weather Sparks Flooding In Western PA

FEMA Updates Cranberry Floodplain Maps

http://triblive.com/news/butler/7892935-74/maps-county-femahttp://triblive.com/news/armstrong/7983448-74/ice-river-floodinghttp://www.mcall.com/news/local/parkland/mc-decision-made-to-save-wehrs-dam-is-south-whitehall-20150318-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/ema-warns-people-to-stay-off-ice-jam-1.1850263http://www.timesleader.com/news/home_top-local-news-news/152392735/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/ice-jams-raise-fears-of-flooding-1.1849172http://www.timesleader.com/news/home_top-local-news-news/152410680/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/officials-continue-to-monitor-ice-jams-1.1849172http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/susquehanna-ice-jam-grows-to-11-miles-1.1849795http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/ice-jam-frees-headed-into-luzerne-county-1.1850619http://www.readypa.org/http://www.knowyourstuff.org/http://www.floodsmart.org/http://msc.fema.gov/portal


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Keep PA Beautiful Affiliates Announce Clean Up Events In 5 Counties

Local affiliates of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are gearing up for 2015 spring clean up events in

Bedford, Cambria, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin counties.

“From cleanups to special collections, KPB Affiliates are actively building cleaner andmore beautiful communities all across the state, “ states Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA

Beautiful. “We encourage all Pennsylvanians to join them in that effort.”

Upcoming Affiliate events include:

— PA CleanWays of Mifflin County , Greenwood Furnace Cleanup on March 21 from 9 a.m. –

12 p.m.. Volunteers will meet at the site. For more information contact Pam Sechrist at

717-899-6701.

— Keep Bedford County Beautiful , Bobs Creek Annual Cleanup on April 4 from 8 a.m. – 12

p.m.. Volunteers will meet at the large pull-off along State Route 96 (Burnt House Road)

between villages of Pavia and Weyant. For more information contact Jim Davis at

814-276-3720.

— Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful

, Route 829 Cleanup in Union Township on April 14from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Volunteers will meet at the Union Township Building. For more

information contact Celina Seftas at 814-251-4542.

— Keep Juniata County Beautiful , Electronics and Appliance Collection at Walker Township

Park on April 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.. For more information contact Teddi Stark at

814-335-5665.

— Keep Cambria County Beautiful , Appliance and Tire Collections, April 25 at Croyle

Township, May 2 at Patton Borough and May 9 at Cambria Township, all from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m..

Check the Keep PA Beautiful Calendar of Events page often for more local events or

contact your local County affiliate for more information.

NewsClips:

Editorial: Use Surveillance Tools To Prosecute Illegal Dumpers

Registration Open For Great American Cleanup In PA

Casey Opposes Landfill Expansion Plan

Attorney General Promises Results In HBG Incinerator Investigation

PA Resources Council Hosts Collection Events In Western PA

Mark your 2015 calendar now for dates to drop off a wide variety of materials – ranging from

televisions and computers to household chemicals and usable building materials – at upcoming

collections

in Western Pennsylvania sponsored by the Pennsylvania Resources Council

and its

partners.“The Pennsylvania Resources Council provides residents of the commonwealth with

numerous options to conveniently and cost-effectively dispose of a wide variety of materials,”

according to PRC Regional Director Justin Stockdale. “Since details vary for each of these

opportunities, we encourage individuals to visit our website at www.prc.org or call PRC at

412-488-7452 for complete details.”

Hard To Recycle Collections

Launch: April 11, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills parking lot in Frazer

http://prc.org/http://prc.org/2015-collection-events/http://prc.org/2015-collection-events/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/03/attorney_general_kathleen_kane_34.html#incart_m-rpt-2http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/u-s-sen-bob-casey-opposes-landfill-expansion-plan-1.1850947http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_27711992/registration-open-great-american-cleanuphttp://www.timesleader.com/news/editorial-ouropinion/152286641/OUR-VIEW-Spy-on-sites-to-prosecute-trash-dumpershttp://www.keeppabeautiful.org/AboutUsAffiliates/AffiliateNetwork.aspxhttp://www.keeppabeautiful.org/CalendarOfEvents.aspxhttp://www.keeppabeautiful.org/


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Township, Allegheny County. (NOTE: a second collection will take place at this location on

April 25, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Individuals can drop off “e-waste” such as computers, cell phones, printer/toner

cartridges, CFLs and expandable polystyrene packaging material at no cost. For a nominal fee,

individuals can drop off alkaline batteries, fluorescent tubes, small Freon appliances and tires.

Additional upcoming hard to recycle collections: — April 25 (Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, Allegheny County)

— May 9 (Washington Mall, Washington County)

— August 22 (Allegheny County Airport, West Mifflin)

— August 29 (Heinz Field, Allegheny County)

— October 3 (The Mall at Robinson, Allegheny County)

Household Chemical Collections

Launch: May 2, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at North Park Swimming Pool parking lot, Allegheny

County. Individuals can drop off automotive fluids, household cleaners, pesticides, paints and

other household chemicals for a cost of $3/gallon.

Additional upcoming household chemical collections:

— May 16 (Concurrent Technologies Corporation ETF Facility, Cambria County) — July 18 (Washington Mall, Washington County)

— August 15 (Boyce Park, Allegheny County)

— September 12 (South Park, Allegheny County)

— October 10 (Bradys Run Park, Beaver County)

ReuseFest

This year’s ReuseFest will be held June 13, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in employee parking lot

of UPMC Passavant, Cumberland Rd. near Peebles Rd., McCandless, Allegheny County

Individuals can drop off items for reuse including medical equipment, usable building

materials, clothing, furniture and more. The 4th annual ReuseFest supports local non-profits.

For complete collection event information, visit Pennsylvania Resources Council or call

PRC at 412-488-7452.

DEP, Police Search For Testing Firm’s Missing Nuclear Gauge In Beaver County

The Department of Environmental Protection and Beaver County police Monday said they are

searching for a missing portable gauge containing sealed sources of radioactive material that

belongs to Solar Testing of Pennsylvania .

The company is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the recovery of the

gauge. It was reported missing on March 13 during a routine inventory check. DEP investigators

are inspecting the facility where it is usually stored and interviewing management and

employees.The company says it was last used at a job site on December 16, 2014. The site was on

Pulaski Drive in New Brighton, Beaver County.

The nuclear density gauge is a Troxler Model 3411B. The gauge is yellow in color and

about the size of a shoe box, with an electronic keypad and a metal rod extending from the top

surface. The Troxler gauge contains approximately 9 millicuries of cesium-137 and 44

millicuries of americium-241. The radioactive material is double encapsulated within the device.

Solar Testing is licensed by DEP to possess and use the gauge.

http://stpenn.com/http://prc.org/2015-collection-events/


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CSSD’s internal Certification Decision Committee, consisting of individuals not aligned with

any CSSD participant, then reviewed the audit report and determined eligibility for certification.

Certification is valid for 24 months, after which companies can seek renewal. During the

24-month period, there is at least one assurance audit to make sure conformance with the

standards is being maintained.

A summary of a completed audit report is available online

.Shell is the second company to complete the evaluation and certification process. In

September, 2015, Chevron was the first to be certified as meeting all 15 CSSD performance

standards.

For more information, visit the Center for Sustainable Shale Development website.

NewsClips:

Shell Certified As Environmentally Conscious Driller

Gas Industry Slams DEP Over New Drilling Rules

DEP Receives Applications For Transcontinental Pipeline In Lancaster County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice on March 21 it has received waterobstruction and encroachment applications for expanding a natural gas pipeline in Drumore and

Fulton Townships in Lancaster County to serve a natural gas power plant in Maryland ( PA

Bulletin, page 1418 ).

The project proposes to permanently impact 418.41 linear feet of stream channel, 1.26

acre of floodway, and 0.26 acre of wetlands.

For more information, contact DEP’s Southcentral Region, Waterways & Wetlands

Program, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110, Ed Muzic, Section Chief, 717-705-4802.

Casey: More Protections Needed For Communities With Natural Gas Drilling

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) Wednesday introduced the Fracturing Responsibility and

Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act, which would increase environmental protections for

communities where natural gas drilling takes place.

Specifically the bill would require drillers to disclose the chemicals that go into the

ground during the hydraulic fracturing process and close a 2005 loophole that prevents the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency from conducting rigorous oversight of hydraulic fracturing

which occurs during natural gas drilling.

“Communities can benefit from job creation and economic development that comes with

natural gas extraction, but we need to get this right. There is no reason that we should be forced

to choose among adequate environmental protection, energy security and economic gain,” Sen.

Casey said. “Pennsylvania has a long tradition of valuing the environment. OurCommonwealth’s commitment to environmental protection is ingrained in our state’s

constitution. This is a commonsense approach that will aid communities and allow our state to

continue to be a leader in energy sources.”

The FRAC Act will require that the natural gas industry provide complete disclosure of

the chemical composition of hydraulic fracturing materials prior to and after hydraulic fracturing.

This information will then be made public on a website. Disclosure will ensure that if drinking

water supplies, surface waters, or human health are compromised, the public and first responders

http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-12/45-12.pdfhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-12/45-12.pdfhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/03/20/gas-industry-slams-dep-over-new-drilling-rules/http://triblive.com/business/headlines/7992050-74/center-certification-shalehttps://www.sustainableshale.org/https://www.sustainableshale.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Chevron_Release.pdfhttps://www.sustainableshale.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Shell-CSSD-Audit-Report-Summary-2.24.15.pdf


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will be properly informed.

Further, the FRAC Act will require that hydraulic fracturing be once again included

under the Safe Drinking Water Act, simply ensuring that a consistent set of requirements will be

applied to the development of our resources.

At the time of introduction, co-sponsors included Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon

Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), DianneFeinstein (D-CA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Menendez

(D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

NewsClips:

Casey: More Oversight, Resources Needed For Oil Train Safety

Casey: PA Needs Train Derailment Task Force

Casey: Streamline Emergency Training For Oil Train Disasters

Railroad Chief Says Oil Companies Need To Do More


Casey Pushes Bill To Provide New Resources, Training For Oil Train Responders

As crude train derailments continue to threaten Southeastern Pennsylvania and communities

across the state, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) pushed for legislation that could provide new

resources and training to first responders.

As derailments continue at an alarming rate, Sen. Casey wants to ensure first responders

in communities near railroad tracks get proper resources. The legislation, the RESPONSE Act,

would convene a first ever special task force on derailments that would create a new set of

recommendations for training and resources.

“The increase in train derailments in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation is troubling

and requires action,” Sen. Casey said. “This legislation is a commonsense approach that could

give our first responders more training and the additional resources they need.”

The bill would establish a subcommittee under FEMA’s National Advisory Council to

address training of first responders, particularly in smaller communities.

The RESPONSE Subcommittee would be tasked with bringing together all the relevant

agencies, emergency responders, technical experts and the private sector for a review of training,

resources, best practices and unmet needs related to emergency responders to railroad hazmat

incidents.

All flammable hazmat response to railroad incidents would be within the scope of the

Subcommittee, but given the potential increased risk associated with a derailment involving

delivery of crude oil.

The Subcommittee would provide recommendations to Congress within 12 months on

emergency responder training and resource allocation.These will include addressing effectiveness of current funding levels related to training

local emergency responders; strategy for integration of commodity flow studies, mapping, and

access platforms for local emergency responders and how to increase the rate of access to the

individual responder in existing or emerging communications technology; the development of a

train incident database; and the need to increase access to relevant, useful, and timely

information for the local emergency responders among other things.

NewsClips:

http://www.casey.senate.gov/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/u-s-sen-bob-casey-opposes-landfill-expansion-plan-1.1850947http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/03/16/railroad-chief-says-oil-companies-need-to-do-more-for-rail-safety/http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/811741/Casey--Streamline-emergency-training-for-oil-train-disasters.html?isap=1&nav=5020http://marcellus.com/news/id/120497/p-a-needs-a-train-derailment-task-force-according-to-casey/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150317_Casey__more_oversight__resources_needed_for_railcar_safety.html


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Casey: More Oversight, Resources Needed For Oil Train Safety

Casey: PA Needs Train Derailment Task Force

Casey: Streamline Emergency Training For Oil Train Disasters

Railroad Chief Says Oil Companies Need To Do More


PA Environmental Council Calls For Overhaul Of Act 54 Longwall Mining Law

On Tuesday, PA Environmental Council President and CEO Davitt Woodwell delivered the

following comments to the DEP Citizens Advisory Council on the most recent five year report

on the effects of underground coal mining —

I want to thank the Citizens Advisory Council for the opportunity to provide comments

on the most recent five year report on the effects of underground coal mining. We believe that

the development of this most recent report is a marked improvement over the prior assessments,

and commend the Department and University of Pittsburgh on this effort.

While the report raises and defines a number of serious concerns around the efficacy of

data collection, storage, and dissemination related to underground mining in the Commonwealth,we defer comment on these aspects of the report other than to endorse the report’s

recommendations with respect to data collection, reporting and analysis.

We encourage the CAC to work with DEP on the agency’s continuing efforts to collect

and manage data not only with respect to underground mining, but within all of its programs.

In regards to the report, PECs focus today is on the fundamental effectiveness of Act 54

to protect our state’s aquatic resources. Based on the findings of the report, we have real

concerns about that effectiveness and the overall ability of Act 54 to offer real conservation,

protection, and stewardship of waters of the Commonwealth. Some of the findings that stand out

and provide the basis for concern are that:

-- Number Of Impacts Increase. Despite an 18 percent drop in the number of acres mined

during the 4th Assessment Period, the number of reported water supply effects increased by

approximately 25 percent. Furthermore, a significant number of those impacts – 25 percent --

occurred outside of DEP’s current Rebuttable Presumption Zone. Even if this were simply due to

increased reporting, the impacts are concerning.

-- 40 Percent Of Streams Damaged. Of 96 miles of stream identified as undermined during the

4th assessment period, 40 percent (39 miles) experienced mining-induced flow-loss, pooling, or

both. Even with this number, the report acknowledges that, due to lack of data and analysis, it

could very well have underestimated the actual miles of streams undermined. In addition,

existing protocols make it difficult to quantify the impacts and their ultimate resolution.

-- Half Of Stream Damage Not Resolved. Even though only nine stream investigations were

initiated during the 4th Assessment Period, almost half (four) of those investigations

Pa Environment Digest March 23, 2015

Documents

Transcript of Pa Environment Digest March 23, 2015