Pa Environment Digest May 23, 2016

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PA Envir onmen t Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators Business Partner Of The Year Award

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #621 Harrisburg, PA May 23, 2016

Gov. Wolf Accepts Resignation Of DEP Secretary John Quigley

Gov. Tom Wolf Friday accepted the resignation of John Quigley as

Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. PatrickMcDonnell will serve as the Acting Secretary of the department.“I thank John Quigley for his service to the Commonwealth, and I

look forward to working with Patrick McDonnell while he serves asActing Secretary,” said Gov. Wolf.

Gov. Wolf named Quigley Secretary of DEP as one of his firstappointments in January of 2015.

John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the SenateEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee, had this to say onQuigley’s resignation, “Gov. Wolf made a quick and appropriatedecision in accepting the resignation of D EP Secretary J ohn Quigley.

“Secretary Quigley demonstrated poor judgment and a clear inability to work withlegislators to adv ance the governor’s environmental agenda.

“I look forward to working with interim Secretary Patrick McDonnell and the Republicanand Democrat members of the General Assembly to put this matter behind us and move forwardon the important matters before the Environmental and Energy Resource Committee like theClean Energy Plan and Chapter 78 regulations governing the oil and gas industry.”

In other comments...“There is no doubt Secretary Quigley was a tireless advocate for the environment and for

the survival of DEP as an effective agency, something it is on the edge of losing these days,” saidformer DEP Secretary David Hess. “He raised uncomfortable questions many people did notwant to face about the kinds of environmental protection programs we want going forward as aCommonwealth.

“That job is tough, especially in this day and age,” added Hess. “Could he have madedifferent decisions here or there or approached some issues or legislators from a differentdirection, sure, but the key-- as Theodore Roosevelt said-- he was the man in the arena .”

As reported previously by PA Environment Digest , discussions are still reportedlyongoing between House and Senate Republicans and other legislators and the WolfAdministration on whether a deal could be reached to avoid a votes on legislation to undermine

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Republican and Democrat members of the General Assembly to put this matter behind us andmove forward on the important matters before the Environmental and Energy ResourceCommittee like the Clean Energy Plan and Chapter 78 regulations governing the oil and gasindustry.”

Patrick McDonnell was most recently the director of policy for the Department of

Environmental Protection, where he oversaw the agency’s regulation and policy development processes.

In addition, Mr. McDonnell ran the State Energy Office and was charged withcoordination of renewable energy and energy efficiency issues.

Prior to returning to DEP, Mr. McDonnell was executive policy manager for formerCommissioner Pamela A. Witmer of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, focusing onelectric, natural gas and water issues as well as cybersecurity and the impact of environmentalregulation on energy markets.

Previously, Mr. McDonnell spent 13 years with DEP in a variety of roles. As deputysecretary for administration, he managed the budget, human resources, information technologyand oversaw the facilities management functions of the agency.

He also previously served as policy director and as an assistant to the special deputysecretary. He began his career at DEP working in the State Energy Office on energy efficiency,renewable energy, and green building projects.

Mr. McDonnell received his Master’s degree in Political Science from Lehigh Universityand his Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from DeSales University.NewsClips:AP: Wolf Says Environmental Protection Secretary Has Resigned Thompson: DEP Secretary Quigley Resigns State Post In Wake Of Email Flap DEP Chief Resigns After Email Controversy Wolf Says Environmental Protection Secretary Resigns Pennsylvania Environmental Secretary Resigns Wolf’s Environmental Chief Out Following Email Controversy Did Email From DEP Chief Cross A Line? Thompson: Environmental Groups Ads Seen As Dem On Dem Crime Roddy: The Real Story Behind Quigley’s Mystery Mail?

Gov. Wolf Awards $25.1 Million In Grants To Protect, Improve PA’s Water Resources

Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the selection of 114 projects to receive $25,143,294 in funding from Departmentof Environmental Protection, for the protection of

Pennsylvania’s water resources.The selected projects enhance watersheds, mitigate acid minedrainage, and support water pollution cleanup programs.“The Growing Greener Program , and this year’s funding, isan investment in our future and proof that when stategovernment works collaboratively, we achieve long-lastingresults,” said Gov. Wolf. “The Environmental Stewardship

Fund has helped spark innovation and coordinate partnerships to tackle some of the most

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challenging environmental issues in our state.”The 114 selected projects range from a wetland basin restoration in Chester County to

sustainable outreach programs in Erie County.Projects focus on both statewide initiatives, like improving the health of the Susquehanna

River and the Chesapeake Bay, and local projects, such as riparian buffer enhancement and

erosion prevention in Four Mile Run, Westmoreland County.Every project supports DEP’s mission of protecting Pennsylvania’s waters.“DEP is proud to support local and regional water quality projects throughout the state,”

said Secretary John Quigley. “These investments are essential to protecting and conserving therivers, streams, and watersheds of Pennsylvania.”

The grant awards are made possible by the Growing Greener Grant Program, the largestsingle investment of state funds that address Pennsylvania’s environmental concerns.

Growing Greener encourages partnerships between counties, municipalities, countyconservation districts, watershed organizations, and other organizations to restore and protect theenvironment.

The Growing Greener program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship Fund,which receives $8.2 million in funds from the Act 13 drilling impact fee.

[ Note: The Governor's FY 2016-17 Executive Budget (page H23) says almost all of thelandfill fees that were used to support the Environmental Stewardship Fund originally now go to

pay the debt service on the 2003 Growing Greener II bond issue; about $40 million a year.]Twelve projects this year received their funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency’s 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program, created by the Clean Water Act to reduce water pollution.

Four projects received funding from the Acid Mine Drainage Set Aside Program, funded by the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act and designed to abate AMD pollution.

Of the 208 grant applications received for consideration this year, more than half of the proposed projects were awarded grant funding.

A list of grants awarded is available online .Some PerspectiveWhile any state environmental funding these days is much appreciated, this level of

funding needs to be put in perspective.In 2002, the last year of the original, bipartisan Growing Greener Watershed Restoration

Program under the Ridge and Schweiker Administrations and created with the leadership of Sen.Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne), DEP awarded more than $50million in watershed restoration and mine reclamation grants, matched by $66.5 million in fundsfrom local governments and watershed groups.

That one year of funding resulted in--

-- 810 acres of wetlands being restored;-- 299 miles of riparian buffer being planted;-- 82 miles of streams impacted by acid mine drainage being cleaned up;-- 257 acres of abandoned mine lands being reclaimed; and-- 19.5 miles of stream improvement structures being built.

For more information, visit DEP’s Growing Greener Grant Program webpage or sendemail to: [email protected] .

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF-PA webpage.

http://www.cbf.org/pamailto:[email protected]://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-Greener/Pages/default.aspx#.VzzIDFea10dhttps://www.governor.pa.gov/329101-2/http://www.budget.pa.gov/PublicationsAndReports/CommonwealthBudget/Documents/2016-17%20Proposed%20Budget/2016-17%20Budget%20Document%20Web.pdfhttp://www.budget.pa.gov/PublicationsAndReports/CommonwealthBudget/Documents/2016-17%20Proposed%20Budget/2016-17%20Budget%20Document%20Web.pdf


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to the governor’s desk by June 30, but significant five-party discussions have not occurred inseveral weeks.

Judgement Day No, Schwarzenegger’s “Terminator” was nowhere in sight, but Sen. Rob Teplitz

(D-Dauphin) announced he would introduce a package of bills he called “Judgement Day”

designed to avoid another lengthy budget impasse.Ultimately, the bills call for an automatic recall election for the Governor, Lt. Governor

and all members of the Senate and House, if a state budget was not completed by December 31.A Raise For Russell Crowe With Your Tax Dollars?The PLS Reporter this week reported there is a movement afoot to take tens of millions

more scarce state taxpayer dollars and give them to Russell Crowe and Sigourney Weaver tomake movies and TV shows in Pennsylvania. (Well, not just to Crowe and Weaver.)

While food banks beg for money, libraries cut hours, potholes go unfilled and 19,000miles of streams are polluted, Rep. Paul Costa (D-Allegheny)-- House Bill 1448 -- and Sen.Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny)-- Senate Bill 219 -- want to increase the Film Tax Credit from$60 million a year to $125 million a year, for the sake of economic development they say.

In the past, the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credits have been used to fund movie hits likeZack and Miri Make a Porno and to support the QVC Home Shopping Network.

Even though a 2009 Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report found “ there is anet fiscal loss ” when comparing the taxes generated by productions and the cost of the taxcredits, many starry-eyed legislators still want to promote these increases.

It’s interesting to note one of the biggest movies ever filmed in Pennsylvania-- Batman:The Dark Knight Rises -- didn’t use a penny of the state tax credits .

Hurry! Hurry! Just 39 more days to take advantage of this bargain!!NewsClips:Study: Pennsylvanians More Likely To Support Drilling If Fee Stays Local Editorial: Close Delaware Loophole, Enact Severance Tax AP: Legislature Resumes Session, Budget Decisions Loom Erie, Crawford Projects Receive Growing Greener Grants Wissahickon Headwaters Projects Gets $369K

House Could Vote On Resolution To Kill DEP’s Drilling Regulations At Any Time

House Concurrent Regulatory Review Resolution #1 to killDEP’s final conventional (Chapter 78) and unconventional(Chapter 78a) drilling regulations remains on the HouseCalendar and could be voted on at any time when the House

comes back to session on May 23.As reported by PA Environment Digest , discussionsare still reportedly ongoing between House and SenateRepublicans and other legislators and the WolfAdministration on whether a deal could be reached to avoida vote on the Resolution.

The price of avoiding a vote to kill the entire package, however, could be killing theregulations in Chapter 78 applying to conventional drilling and making DEP start over or making

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other changes to the regulation, already approved by the Environmental Quality Board and theIndependent Regulatory Review Commission.

Ultimately, if the House and Senate go ahead and pass the resolution killing the drillingregulations, Gov. Wolf will have to decide whether he will use his veto again and whether thatveto could be sustained in the Senate and House.

The House and Senate have 30 calendar days (June 2) or 10 legislative days (June 10)whichever is later to take final action on the resolution.

Interestingly, an electronic copy of HCR Resolution #1 is not available on the GeneralAssembly’s website.

Take Action NowClick Here to send a message to your legislation supporting DEP’s drilling regulations.

NewsClips:Study: Pennsylvanians More Likely To Support Drilling If Fee Stays Local Op-Ed: Why All Gas Drillers Need To Play By The Same Rules, Rep. Vitali Op-Ed: This Isn’t The Time To Hit Gas Industry With New Regs Op-Ed: Gas Industry Provides Good Jobs, Lower Energy Prices Op-Ed: Fracking In Lake Erie Watershed Too Risky, Sen. Wiley Related Stories:Op-Ed: Protect Public From Environmental Hazards Of Drilling, Adopt DEP Regulations Changing DEP’s Drilling Regs May Be at Heart Of Budget Compromises In Harrisburg Analysis: Will The Confrontation Over Drilling Regs Kill The Entire Package? PA Environmental Council Urges Committee Not To Oppose DEP Final Drilling Regs

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s 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--

Bill Calendars

House (May 23): House Concurrent Regulatory Review Resolution #1 to disapprove DEP’sfinal conventional (Chapter 78) and unconventional (Chapter 78a) drilling regulations; HouseResolution 60 (Emrick-R-Northampton) directing the Legislative Budget and FinanceCommittee to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s program to regulate the beneficialuse of sewage sludge; Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independentcounsel for the Environmental Quality Board; Senate Bill 1071 (Browne-R-Lehigh), the“agreed-to” pension reform bill; Senate Bill 1073 (Browne-R-Lehigh) “agreed-to” $30.8 billionGeneral Fund budget bill. Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (June 6): Senate Bill 289 (Fontana-D-Allegheny) funding to assist homeowners withdeteriorating private sewer laterals ( sponsor summary ); Senate Bill 1041 (Schwank-D-Berks)amending Act 101 to authorize all local governments to charge a recycling service fee ( sponsorsummary ); Senate Bill 1011 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) killing DEP’s final drilling regulations

covering conventional oil and gas wells and starting the rulemaking process over; Senate Bill1166 (Stefano-R-Fayette) authorizing the Game Commission to adopt fees charged by theagency rather than have them set by the General Assembly ( sponsor summary ); Senate Bill 1168 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and Boat Commission to adopt fees charged by theagency rather than have them set by the General Assembly ( sponsor summary ); Senate Bill 1195 (White-R-Indiana) to further delay a Pennsylvania plan for meeting EPA’s Clean Power ClimatePlan rule by changing the General Assembly’s review dates under Act 175 of 2014 ; House Bill1241 (R.Brown-R-Monroe) exempting resorts offering water and sewage services fromdefinition of public utility ( House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1325 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) allowing townships of the second class to charge stormwater managementfees; House Bill 1394 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing boroughs to charge stormwater

management fees; House Bill 1661 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing first class townships tocharge a stormwater management fee; House Bill 1712 (R.Brown-R-Monroe) establishing aPrivate Dam Financial Assurance Program ( House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1895 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) changing the membership of the Underground Storage TankIndemnification Board from appointments only by the Governor to appointments by both theGeneral Assembly and the Governor. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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House: the State Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 562 (Gordner-R-Columbia) amending the Regulatory Review Act to provide additional legislative oversight ofthe regulatory process. Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: 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 ineach--

HouseAppropriations EducationEnvironmental Resources and EnergyConsumer AffairsGaming OversightHuman ServicesJudiciaryLiquor ControlTransportationLinks for all other Standing House Committees

SenateAppropriationsEnvironmental Resources and EnergyConsumer Protection and Professional LicensureCommunity, Economic and Recreational DevelopmentEducationJudiciaryLaw and JusticePublic Health and WelfareTransportationLinks for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Electronic Waste Recycling: House Bill 2089 (Bloom-R-York) exempting certain areas fromthe electronic waste recycling requirements ( sponsor summary ).

Session Schedule

http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19622http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2089http://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.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0562


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

Senate June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

House May 23, 24, 25June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

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 PublicAppearances.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

House

Prescription Drug Destruction Bill: House Bill 1737 (Maher-R-Allegheny) further providingfor the collection of unused and unwanted prescription and over the counter drugs was reportedout of the House Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. The bill now goes tothe Senate for action. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.

Bike Month: House Resolution 881 (Dean-D-Montgomery) Designating May as Bike Month( sponsor summary ).

Senate

Storage Tank Board: House Bill 1895 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) changing the membership of theUnderground Storage Tank Indemnification Board from appointments only by the Governor toappointments by both the General Assembly and the Governor was reported from the SenateBanking and Insurance Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Definition Of Public Utility: House Bill 1241 (R.Brown-R-Monroe) exempting resorts offeringwater and sewage services from definition of public utility ( House Fiscal Note and summary)was reported from the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and isnow on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol

House OKs Bill To Protect Drinking Water From Improper Prescription Drug Disposal

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/HB1241P2013.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1241http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1895http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19902http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=R&bn=0881http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/HB1737P3285.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1737https://governor.pa.gov/schedule/


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The House Monday unanimously approved legislation-- House Bill 1737 -- which aims to reduce prescription drug abuse and ensure the safety of Pennsylvania’s drinking water by providing forthe proper disposal of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair of the HouseEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee.

“Unused prescription drugs that stack up in medicine cabinets are a dangerous nuisancethat can pave a path to drug abuse,” said Rep. Maher. “But, conveniently disposing of old

prescriptions safely has been a challenge. Currently, the law generally prohibits the commonsense approach of returning drugs where they came from.”

The bill is supported by a variety of groups, including DEP’s Environmental JusticeAdvisory Committee which highlighted the importance of providing safe disposal of unwantedor unneeded prescription and other drugs.

Covanta Energy, which supplies safe and secure disposal of prescription drugs through itsRx4 Safety Program , also supports the legislation. Covanta operates five energy-from-wastefacilities in Pennsylvania, including in Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Yorkcounties.

Under House Bill 1737, safe drug disposal will be as close as the local hospital, nursinghome or pharmacy.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2015, nearly 4 billion prescriptions werefilled in the United States. It is estimated that as much as one third of dispensed medication goesunused and is subsequently dumped in the trash or flushed down the toilet.

Drugs that are turned in will be destroyed in industrial furnaces instead of the frequenthousehold solution of flushing drugs down toilets. Water systems that provide drinking water arenot designed to detect or eliminate contamination from unwanted drugs.

A 2008 Associated Press investigation found that at least 46 million Americans consumewater contaminated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which the AP asserts is a grossundercount as most cities and water suppliers do not test for it.

Water sampling results from the Stroud Water Research Center in Chester Countycontributed to the AP report.

Trace amounts of these drugs threaten human health, aquatic life and animals in the wild.“With prescription drug abuse as the leading cause of accidental death in this country,

there is growing emphasis on eliminating unused or expired prescription and over-the-countermedications in our homes. However, it is important to dispose of these drugs properly,” saidRep. Maher.

A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.House Bill 1737 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

PEC Expresses Significant Concerns With Bill To Temporarily Suspend MiningOperations

The PA Environmental Council Friday sent a letterto all members of the House EnvironmentalResources and Energy Committee expressingsignificant concerns with House Bill 1967(Gabler-R-Clearfield) that would eliminate the

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1967http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://pecpa.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/HB1737P3285.pdfhttp://www.stroudcenter.org/http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/pharmawater_site/day1_01.htmlhttps://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1376523/rx4safety_promo_sheet_pdfhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalJustice/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalJustice/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1737


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current DEP limit on temporarily ceasing surface coal mining operations for 180 days andreplace it with the less stringent federal requirement that has no specific time frames.

PEC sent a letter to Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield), the bill’s prime sponsor, on April 20expressing these concerns and followed up with a phone call and another email, all without anyresponse from Rep. Gabler.

The text of the letter to Committee members follows--The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) would like to share our concerns with

House Bill 1967 (P.N. 3119), which may soon be considered by the Environmental Resources &Energy Committee.

We recognize the current market challenges faced by the coal industry, and understandthe limited purpose of this legislation.

At the same time, we are concerned about the risk of adding to Pennsylvania’s coalmining-related environmental liabilities if appropriate safeguards are not put in place duringcessation of operations.

Without safeguards, these liabilities could ultimately be borne by Commonwealthtaxpayers if an operator elects not to restart mining activity or declares bankruptcy.

We would like to offer the following suggestions for amending the legislation:1. Ongoing Site Maintenance And Safety: If operators are to be given additional latitude –

potentially several years – to leave sites inactive, the legislation should include a requirementthat a Temporary Cessation Site Stabilization and Safety Plan be submitted to and approved bythe Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). At a minimum, the Plan should address:a. Maintenance of erosion and sedimentation control and containment measures to ensure their

proper functioning; b. The maintenance of other required measures to monitor both surface and ground water toensure their proper functioning;c. The maintenance and continued operation of any required water treatment or other pollution

prevention measures;d. Temporary reclamation measures needed to stabilize the site for the estimated period ofcessation of operations to prevent pollution from going off-site;e. The submission of a final, detailed site reclamation design plan that could be immediately putout to bid by DEP in the event the operator chooses not to reactivate the site;f. Containment of any potentially environmentally harmful waste solids or liquids maintained onsite;g. Public safety safeguards to prevent public trespass and the creation of attractive nuisances,which could lead to bodily injury or contamination incidents on site or damage to pollutioncontrol measures, equipment or other features or buildings remaining on the site duringcessation;

h. Provisions for regular inspection and reporting to assure the terms of the Plan are being met,as well as immediate notification requirements if measures taken under the Plan are damaged ornot functioning, or other provisions of the Plan are not being met or will not be met by the mineoperator in the future; andi. The provision of financial assurance to cover the estimated ongoing costs to maintain theabove measures and controls in the event the operator is no longer able to perform them. (pleasesee below)2. Financial Assurance: The most recent downturn in the industry, resulting in numerous


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bankruptcies, underscores the stark reality that securing sufficient funding for maintaining andrestoring sites is critical.

While Pennsylvania law requires mine operators to post financial assurance for the finalreclamation of a mining site, the cost of fulfilling commitments under a Temporary CessationSite Stabilization and Safety Plan is not covered and would be left to taxpayers if the mine

operator cannot meet those commitments.Recognizing this, any operator who files a Temporary Cessation Site Stabilization and

Safety Plan should be required to submit financial assurance to DEP sufficient to cover theongoing costs of that Plan.

We would anticipate that financial mechanisms, similar to those now in place for finalsite restoration, could be adapted for this purpose.3. Inconsistency in Language: House Bill 1967 uses the phrases “operation” and “operations”(emphasis added), and “surface mining activities.” The terms “operation” and “surface miningactivities” are provided in existing law; however, there is not a definition provided for“operations.” The legislation should be amended for consistency.

If the legislation comes up for consideration, we urge you to amend this bill to protect thecitizens and environment of Pennsylvania. Without appropriate safeguards, this legislation couldlead to new and significant financial liabilities for the Commonwealth in the years to come.

Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,John WalliserSenior Vice President for Legal & Government AffairsA sponsor summary of this bill is available online.Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair of the House Environmental

Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: [email protected] . Rep. GregVitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:[email protected] .

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PAEnvironmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog , follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC onFacebook . Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.(Photo: From a presentation by Terry W. Schmidt , Skelly and Loy, Inc. at the 2013 PA

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference.)

News From Around The State

DCNR: PA Must Install 95K Acres Of Buffers In Chesapeake Bay Watershed In 9 Years

The Department of Conservation and NaturalResources told DEP’s Citizen Advisory Council Tuesday Pennsylvania must install 95,000 more acresof forested stream buffers in the next 9 years to meet itsChesapeake Bay Watershed restoration milestones .

Sara Nicholas, Policy Director for DCNR, andAssistant State Forester Matt Keefer said one of thekey concepts DCNR is exploring is turning stream

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35071http://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/CitizensAdvisoryCouncil/Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VzsxNWOa10chttp://www.slideshare.net/MichaelHewitt4/variability-of-coal-mine-drainage-in-pennsylvania-resulting-from-coal-mining-practices-and-geologyhttp://pecpa.org/email-signup/https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilhttps://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilhttps://twitter.com/pecpahttp://pecpa.org/pec-blog/http://pecpa.org/http://pecpa.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19880


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Lancaster’s Green Infrastructure Program designed to meet the MS4 Stormwater Water QualityManagement Program .

For more information, visit the DEP’s Citizen Advisory Council webpage or contactKatie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, by calling 717-705-2693 or send emailto: [email protected] .

NewsClips:DEP Secretary Lays Out Plan For Farm Inspections Crable: Not All Anglers Agree Susquehanna River Is Sick Study: Air Emissions From Farms Growing Source Of Water Pollution Related Stories:DEP Environmental Lab Nearly Shut Down During State Budget Impasse Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA: PA Update, Taking Pride In Planting Trees Chesapeake Bay Journal: Despite Progress, States To Fall Short Of Bay Cleanup Targets DEP, Conservation Districts Work On Farm Inspections In Chesapeake Bay Watershed DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Dams On Susquehanna Are Undoing Progress In Reducing Pollution To Chesapeake Bay Agencies Unveil New Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Strategy DCNR Leading Statewide Forest Buffer Effort To Improve Water Quality PA Coalition Emerges To Support Farmers In Effort To Clean Up Chesapeake Bay CBF-PA: Lack Of Funding For Farmers Defeats Effort To Meet Clean Water Commitment CBF Op-Ed: Farm Bureau Can Choose To Be A Sore Loser Or Part Of The Solution Rock Lititz Project Reduces Sediment, Nutrient Runoff Without Taxpayer Money

Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA: Pennsylvania Update

By Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director, CBF

Penn Manor High School junior RoseDrumm nestled an 18-inch red bud seedlinginto a small hole in the soil of an Amishfarm in Lancaster County. Its moist bareroots, when gently covered with dirt,anchored a single branch bearing smallgreen buds. It stood firm and hopeful in theApril afternoon sun as Pequea Creek rolled

by.The red bud seedling is among the

thousands of sycamores, oaks, maples andother trees making their way toPennsylvania stream sides and hillsides this spring. Some have come a long way to do animportant job.

Trees like those planted by Rose Drumm came from Michigan.We are proud of our tree-planting efforts in Pennsylvania. Trees play a significant role in

reducing water pollution, whether it be on a farm or in a city.Planting red buds and other trees as streamside buffers is one of the easiest and most

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequea_Creekhttp://www.pennmanor.net/http://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35737http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/cbf-op-ed-farm-bureau-can-choose-to-be.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35072http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35560http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35738http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34611http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35558http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35071http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/dep-conservation-districts-work-on-farm.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35883http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/chesapeake-bay-foundation-pa.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/dep-environmental-laboratory-nearly.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/blog/post/air_emissions_from_farms_a_growing_source_of_water_pollution_study_findshttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/not-all-anglers-agree-the-susquehanna-river-is-sick/article_fc7159f0-192d-11e6-8fa6-93b1d6d30b1a.htmlhttp://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/farm_policy/environment-secretary-lays-out-plan-for-inspections/article_60034a2c-8a2a-50d9-bdf6-effaa4c311ec.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/CitizensAdvisoryCouncil/Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VzsxNWOa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx#.Vzs4eGOa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx#.Vzs4eGOa10chttp://www.cityoflancasterpa.com/business/green-infrastructure


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cost-effective ways to reduce polluted runoff .Trees and their roots can filter as much as 60 percent of nitrogen, 40 percent of

phosphorus and nearly half of sediment in polluted runoff. A single mature oak tree can absorbmore than 40,000 gallons of water per year.

Trees also provide flood control, cool water for brook trout, wildlife habitat, and even

improve the air we breathe.With financial support from the Arbor Day Foundation, CBF purchased roughly 14,000

trees through local conservation district tree sales for planting this year.Last year, we gave away 12,280 trees to 148 landowners in 14 Pennsylvania counties

through the same partnership. These trees are used to repair existing streamside buffers and to plant new ones.

Though awards are not the true reward, we are pleased that our restoration efforts and providing trees through the Arbor Day Foundation were recognized at the state and nationallevels.

In April we received the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor's Award for EnvironmentalExcellence for helping landowners plant thousands of trees, reduce pollution of rivers andstreams, and improve water quality in the Commonwealth.

Later that month, we were in Nebraska to accept the Good Steward Award from theADF's 2016 National Awards Competition .

ADF said the award "recognizes landowners or organizations whose creativity, outlook,and accomplishments exemplify wise stewardship practices and sustainability on private landfrom which others can learn."

Our tree planting program in Pennsylvania also provides the perfect educationalopportunity for students who are considering careers in agriculture. While planting trees on thatAmish farm, Rose Drumm worked with CBF restoration specialist Ashley Spotts as part of ournew Mentors in Agricultural Conservation job-shadowing program.

About 25 students signed up for the mentoring program to participate in restoration workand learn first-hand about conservation projects on farms.

Restoration specialists Jennifer Johns, Kristen Hoke, Frank Rohrer, Steve Smith, andAshley Spotts help farmers install soil and water projects that ensure a healthy, profitable farmfor future generations.

We are proud of what they do. Our tree planting work and mentoring program influencesthe futures of farming and water quality. It's an effort rooted in the goal of leaving a clean waterlegacy for future generations.

Visit CBF’s Clean Water Counts webpage and find out how clean streams are near youand let others know that Clean Water Counts!

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF-PA webpage.

Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).(Photo: Sen. Richard Alloway (R-Adams) [black shirt] and tree planting team in Adamsand Franklin counties.)

(Reprinted from CBF-PA’s Spring 2016 BayBound quarterly newsletter.)NewsClips:DEP Secretary Lays Out Plan For Farm Inspections Crable: Not All Anglers Agree Susquehanna River Is Sick Study: Air Emissions From Farms Growing Source Of Water Pollution

http://www.bayjournal.com/blog/post/air_emissions_from_farms_a_growing_source_of_water_pollution_study_findshttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/not-all-anglers-agree-the-susquehanna-river-is-sick/article_fc7159f0-192d-11e6-8fa6-93b1d6d30b1a.htmlhttp://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/farm_policy/environment-secretary-lays-out-plan-for-inspections/article_60034a2c-8a2a-50d9-bdf6-effaa4c311ec.htmlhttps://www.cbf.org/emailviewonwebpage.aspx?erid=55063141&trid=56c14810-7c2e-405c-9f5e-99e9f5b38a50http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33763http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33763http://www.cbf.org/PAhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/offices-operations/harrisburg-pa/issues/urge-county-commissioners-to-pass-clean-water-resolutionshttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35841http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35635http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35635http://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/issues/polluted-runoff


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Related Stories:Chesapeake Bay Journal: Despite Progress, States To Fall Short Of Bay Cleanup Targets DEP, Conservation Districts Work On Farm Inspections In Chesapeake Bay Watershed DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Dams On Susquehanna Are Undoing Progress In Reducing Pollution To Chesapeake Bay

Agencies Unveil New Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Strategy DCNR Leading Statewide Forest Buffer Effort To Improve Water Quality PA Coalition Emerges To Support Farmers In Effort To Clean Up Chesapeake Bay CBF-PA: Lack Of Funding For Farmers Defeats Effort To Meet Clean Water Commitment CBF Op-Ed: Farm Bureau Can Choose To Be A Sore Loser Or Part Of The Solution Rock Lititz Project Reduces Sediment, Nutrient Runoff Without Taxpayer Money

May 16 Chesapeake Bay Journal News Now Available

The May 16 Chesapeake Bay Journal News is now available featuring stories on---- Chesapeake Bay Commission Quietly Pushed Environmental Agenda For 35 Years -- Despite Progress, States Likely to Fall Short Of Interim Bay Cleanup Targets -- Op-Ed: Farm Bureau Can Choose To Be A Sore Loser Or Part Of The Solution -- Discover Heirloom Plants, Practices At Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum -- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.NewsClips:DEP Secretary Lays Out Plan For Farm Inspections Crable: Not All Anglers Agree Susquehanna River Is Sick Study: Air Emissions From Farms Growing Source Of Water Pollution

CBF-PA Applauds Indiana County For Joining Clean Water Counts Campaign

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Tuesday applauded the Indiana County commissioners, foradopting a Clean Water Counts resolution , calling on state officials to make clean water a top

priority for the Commonwealth.CBF-PA and the PA Growing Greener Coalition launched the Clean Water Counts

campaign in 2014, urging local governments across the Commonwealth to pass resolutions and join in calling on legislators in Harrisburg to invest in local clean water programs and practices.

Indiana is the 17th county to adopt a Clean Water Counts resolution, meaning the effortnow represents more than one-third of Pennsylvania’s population.

The other 16 counties to sign on are Berks, Cumberland, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson,Luzerne, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Somerset, Venango, Washington,

Westmoreland, Wyoming, and York.Roughly 19,000 miles of Pennsylvania waters are impaired. Agriculture is the largestsource of pollution to the Commonwealth’s streams and rivers. That pollution occurs whennitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment run off farm fields into local waterways.

The second leading source of pollution in Pennsylvania is acid mine drainage from thelegacy of coal mining in parts of the state that include Indiana County.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection, there are about 600 miles ofimpaired waterways in Indiana County. About 300 of those miles are polluted by abandoned

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://pagrowinggreener.org/http://www.cbf.org/PAForCleanWaterhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.bayjournal.com/blog/post/air_emissions_from_farms_a_growing_source_of_water_pollution_study_findshttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/not-all-anglers-agree-the-susquehanna-river-is-sick/article_fc7159f0-192d-11e6-8fa6-93b1d6d30b1a.htmlhttp://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/farm_policy/environment-secretary-lays-out-plan-for-inspections/article_60034a2c-8a2a-50d9-bdf6-effaa4c311ec.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/discover_heirloom_plants_practices_at_landis_valley_village_farm_museum?utm_source=Bay+Journal+Weekly+News&utm_campaign=7ecbcce5ee-WklyNews_May_16_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bde9036159-7ecbcce5ee-111112961http://www.bayjournal.com/article/farm_bureau_can_choose_to_be_a_sore_loser_or_part_of_the_solution?utm_source=Bay+Journal+Weekly+News&utm_campaign=7ecbcce5ee-WklyNews_May_16_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bde9036159-7ecbcce5ee-111112961http://www.bayjournal.com/article/despite_progress_states_likely_to_fall_short_of_interim_cleanup_targetshttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/bay_commission_has_quietly_pushed_regions_environmental_agenda_for_35_yearshttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35737http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/cbf-op-ed-farm-bureau-can-choose-to-be.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35072http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35560http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35738http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34611http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35558http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35071http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/dep-conservation-districts-work-on-farm.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35883


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mine drainage. More than 180 additional miles of waterways in Indiana County are degraded byagriculture.

“Healthy families, strong communities and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend onclean water,” said Harry Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania executive director. “We applaud andthank the commissioners in Indiana and the other counties, for publicly voicing their support for

clean water in the Keystone State.”“We hope Clean Water Counts continues to build momentum,” Growing Greener

Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath added. “The central region is extremely important tomotivating greater leadership from Harrisburg on clean water issues and we look forward toworking with the other counties in adopting resolutions.”

By supporting the Clean Water Counts campaign, Indiana and other counties are tellinglawmakers in Harrisburg that clean water is integral to Pennsylvania’s economy, communities,and human health. It’s a legacy worth leaving future generations.

For more information and find out how clean streams are in your county, visit CBF-PA’sClean Water Counts In Pennsylvania webpage.

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF-PA webpage.Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).NewsClips:Crable: Not All Anglers Agree Susquehanna River Is Sick Alle-Kiski-Connie Rivers Sojourn Spotlights Waterways’ Rebirth RiverFest: Keeping Lackawanna River Shipshape DEP Secretary Lays Out Plan For Farm Inspections Erie, Crawford Projects Receive Growing Greener Grants Wissahickon Headwaters Projects Gets $369K Penn State Offers Students Rural Road Ecology Course Lost Plaque Honors Trout Unlimited Creek Project In Centre Why Fish Care About How Much Fertilizer You Use Delaware River Basin Conservation Act Advances In Congress Delaware RiverKeeper May 13 RiverWatch Video Report DEP To Spray For Black Flies In Luzerne County Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay JournalRelated Story:Growing Greener Coalition Thanks Senate/House For May Clean Water Counts Resolution

Philadelphia Water Seeking Green City, Clean Waters Outreach Ambassadors

Are you interested in helping communities learn moreabout protecting local watersheds through projects thatmake neighborhoods greener, more vibrant places tolive, learn, work and play?

You could be a Philadelphia Water DepartmentOutreach Ambassador ! Applications must be submitted

by May 27.Philadelphia Water is teaming up with the

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=66614&fromSearch=truehttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35880http://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://citizensvoice.com/news/dep-to-spray-for-black-flies-in-luzerne-county-1.2043619https://youtu.be/EdI2IhiGar0http://www.delriverwatershed.org/news/2016/5/16/delaware-river-basin-conservation-act-advances-in-congresshttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/new-jersey-more/item/93816-why-fish-care-about-how-much-fertilizer-you-use?utm_source=dlvr&utm_medium=twitterauto&utm_campaign=social-inboundhttp://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article77813927.htmlhttp://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/rural-road-ecology-course-to-offer-students-realworld-training,1467723/http://patch.com/pennsylvania/lansdale/upper-gwynedd-wissahickon-headwaters-project-gets-369k-state-fundinghttp://www.goerie.com/erie-crawford-projects-receive-growing-greener-grantshttp://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/farm_policy/environment-secretary-lays-out-plan-for-inspections/article_60034a2c-8a2a-50d9-bdf6-effaa4c311ec.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/keeping-lackawanna-river-shipshape-1.2042755http://triblive.com/news/valleynewsdispatch/10409943-74/kiski-rivers-sojournhttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/not-all-anglers-agree-the-susquehanna-river-is-sick/article_fc7159f0-192d-11e6-8fa6-93b1d6d30b1a.htmlhttp://www.cbf.org/PAhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/PAForCleanWater


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AmeriCorps VISTA program to offer a one-year position that focuses on expanded Green City,Clean Waters outreach in Philadelphia neighborhoods.

The ideal candidate has a passion for protecting the environment and improving thequality of life in our communities. Outreach Ambassadors should bring energy to a job thatrequires engaging people from a variety of backgrounds around complex issues like stormwater

runoff pollution and green infrastructure.You will generate public support for Philadelphia Water’s environmental investments by

empowering residents to become Green City, Clean Waters ambassadors.Green City, Clean Waters is Philadelphia's plan to reduce stormwater pollution currently

entering our Combined Sewer System through the use of green infrastructure. Now in its fifth year , this program is setting the national standard for environmentally

friendly stormwater management.The Outreach Ambassador will join the Public Engagement team as they work to inform,

involve and inspire community members and other stakeholders through residential, communityand watershed-wide opportunities.

The Outreach Ambassador will work with Philadelphia Water from July 18, 2016 to July21, 2017.

To apply or learn more about the program and the position, visit the AmeriCorps VISTA job listing here.NewsClip:Infrastructure Week Highlights Investments In Philly’s Water System

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Blog .)

DEP Provides Bottled Water To Residents Near Former Willow Grove Naval Air Station

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it will supply bottled drinkingwater on an interim basis to residents with confirmed levels of perfluorooctane sulphonate(PFOS) OR perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the area of the Naval Air Station Joint ReserveBase Willow Grove, former Naval Air Station Warminster and Air National Guard Horsham,Montgomery County.

“We are taking precautionary action to ensure all residents in the area are receiving wateruntil we receive further guidance from the EPA on this matter,” Gov. Tom Wolf said.

The drinking water for these residents is currently below the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency’s current provisional Health Advisory levels (PHALs). However, Gov. Wolf,after conversations with Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery), directed DEP to provide bottledwater on an interim basis in anticipation of possible revised guidance from the EPA in the near

future. “I appreciate the governor and DEP working with us to provide safe drinking water tolocal residents,” said Rep. Stephens said. “Until the EPA ensures the water coming from ourfaucets is safe for everyone to drink, the state must continue to protect its residents.”

Free bottled water was made available for pickup by residents of Horsham, Warringtonand Warminster at the Horsham Community Center, located at 1025 Horsham Road in Horsham.

Bottled water will be available Friday from 9:00-6:00 and DEP staff will be on hand bothdays to facilitate distribution. Residents will be provided with 2 cases of water per day.

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Bottled water is available to residents on public water systems and private wells that havetested below the PHAL levels for PFOS/PFOA but still detect the chemicals.

Residents whose private wells are contaminated above the PHALs (0.2 ppb for perfluorooctane sulphonate or PFOS and 0.4 ppb for perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA) arecurrently supplied with bottled water by the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard.

NewsClips:DEP Offers Bottled Water Near Former Military Base DEP Offers Bottled Water To Residents Near Tainted Air Stations Pittsburgh Authority Moving Proactively On Lead Water Lines Pittsburgh Water Authority: New Plan To Monitor Lead Exposure Senate Democrats Discuss Lead Problems 8 Water Wells Taken Offline In Bucks County Over Contamination Concerns Swift: House OKs Bill On Transparency In Sewer, Water Agreements

EPA Awards Brownfield Site Assessment, Cleanup Funding, 5 In PA Totaling $1.82Million

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy Friday announced theselection of 218 new Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund And Cleanup Grant investments totaling$55.2 million to 131 communities across the U.S.

The grants awarded in Pennsylvania include— — Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority, Assessment- $400,000; — Earth Conservancy, Espy Run Cleanup, Luzerne County- $200,000; — Johnstown, Cambria County, Assessment- $400,000; and — Philadelphia Authority For Industrial Development - Cleanup- $200,000, RLF- $820,000.

The Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup grants go to communities that areunderserved and economically disadvantaged, including neighborhoods where environmentalcleanup and new jobs are most needed.

“These grants will empower communities to transform idle, languishing lands intovibrant hubs for business, jobs, and recreation,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “It’s allabout providing that initial funding, and sparking that first conversation to set stalled sites on a

path toward smart, safe redevelopment that directly benefits communities.”A list of all grants awarded is available online .For more information, visit the EPA’s Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund And Cleanup

Grants webpage.NewsClip:Environmental Concerns Stall Pittsburgh Civic Arena Site Development

2016 Delaware Estuary Teacher Workshops July 18-21

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will hold its2016 Delaware Estuary Teacher Workshops July 18-21.Join workshop participants as they make their waydown the estuary from Schuylkill County toPhiladelphia to Central Delaware, exploring natural

http://www.delawareestuary.org/teacher-workshopshttp://www.delawareestuary.org/http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2016/05/17/Finance-gap-environment-concerns-stall-Civic-Arena-site-development/stories/201605170072https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-fundinghttps://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-fundinghttps://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-05/documents/fy16_arc_grants_selected_for_funding.pdfhttps://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-fundinghttp://citizensvoice.com/news/state-house-passes-legislation-on-transparency-process-for-sewer-water-agreements-1.2043135http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/nwtonight/item/93915-water20?utm_source=dlvr&utm_medium=twitterauto&utm_campaign=social-inboundhttp://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/05/19/lead-in-water-pennsylvania/http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2016/05/20/PWSA-announces-new-efforts-to-identify-limit-lead-exposure-in-water-lines-pittsburgh/stories/201605200193http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/10484052-74/pwsa-lead-donahoehttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160522_Free_water_offered_to_residents_near_tainted_air_stations.htmlhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/the-feed/item/93870-pa-offers-bottled-water-to-residents-near-former-military-bases-in-horsham-warminster-?linktype=hp_topstory


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resources, diverse communities and unique, hands-on ways to engage students!These workshops have practical applications and curriculum connections to benefit your

classroom and students.Click Here for workshop titles and all the details.For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary website. Click Here to sign up for regulator updates fromthe Partnership.NewsClips:Ridge Environmental Center Provides Decade Of Education, Research Award Winner: Ed Schroth, Quaker Valley, Duquesne University Students, Earth Conservancy, EPCAMR Team Up On Mine Treatment Philadelphia School District Unveils Sustainability Plan Philly School’s Green Initiatives In Need Of Some Greenbacks Delaware River Basin Conservation Act Advances In Congress Landowners Sue DRBC To Allow Gas Drilling Along Delaware Delaware River Dredging Project Nears Completion

Wildlife Leadership Academy, Fish Commission Partner On Youth Bass Field School

In partnership with the Fish and BoatCommission, the Wildlife Leadership Academy is offering a new, fifth field school this summercalled Pennsylvania Bass, focusing onsmallmouth bass and the Susquehanna River .

Twenty-four youth leaders and fouradults from 18 counties across the state willattend the program June 26-30 in southeasternPennsylvania.

The Wildlife Leadership Academy, which is coordinated and administered by thePennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education, is a year-round program that focuses onwildlife and fisheries conservation and leadership development.

The mission of the Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to becomeConservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacyfor future generations.

PFBC Executive Director John Arway championed the agency’s support anddevelopment of the Academy’s PA Bass field school for this summer.

“The smallmouth bass population in the Susquehanna River continues to be plagued by

disease and needs help,” he said. “We’ve explained the river's problems to conservation groups,to the media, to state and federal environmental regulators and to state and federal legislators.”“The Bass School is an opportunity to now share the river's story with students who have

a special appreciation of the river resources and a passion for learning how to protect andconserve our natural resources as our Commonwealth’s next generation of conservation leaders,”he added.

A unique program, the Academy brings the experts to the students. At the PA Bass fieldschool, students will gain considerable knowledge from these experts about bass, their habitat

http://fishandboat.com/susq-impairment.htmhttp://piceweb.org/https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/05/20/delaware-river-ports-fight-for-market-share-as-dredging-project-nears-completion/https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/05/18/wayne-county-landowners-sue-drbc-to-allow-gas-drilling-in-nepa/http://www.delriverwatershed.org/news/2016/5/16/delaware-river-basin-conservation-act-advances-in-congresshttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/93754-philly-school-districts-green-initiatives-in-need-of-some-greenbacks?utm_source=dlvr&utm_medium=twitterauto&utm_campaign=social-inboundhttp://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160517_Phila__school_district_unveils_sustainability_plan.htmlhttp://timesleader.com/news/local/543629/students-projects-on-askam-boreholes-move-forwardhttp://triblive.com/news/neighborhoods/sewickley/10465845-74/students-environmental-schrothhttp://www.goerie.com/ridge-center-provides-decade-of-information-education-researchhttp://www.delawareestuary.org/enewslettershttp://www.delawareestuary.org/http://www.delawareestuary.org/teacher-workshops


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students with the environment.A believer in providing students with access to field work that contributes to a better

neighborhood and enriches the world, Schroth has shared his passion for biology, water ecologyand environmental science with students first in the Quaker Valley School District and, since1999, at Duquesne.

His students have gained first-hand experience in data collection and measurements whileinvolved in civic work with the Allegheny Land Trust, Little Sewickley Creek Watershed, theBallpark Urban Farm and other groups.

His coordination of four Duquesne and three high school student trips to China as part ofDuquesne’s Exploring The Environments Of China program illustrates his global views andcommitment to causes that impact the entire planet.

Schroth has championed service-learning opportunities for biology students, guidingthem to put their training to work in coal mine drainage remediation at Wingfield Pines, a once

polluted, swampy area that now provides 80 acres of hiking opportunities and wetlands habitat inUpper St. Clair and South Fayette townships.

For more than 30 years, Schroth has collected data on Little Sewickley Creek , which hasremained a pristine environmental treasure in western Pennsylvania.

He also received a 2013 Carnegie Science Award Honorable Mention as one of theindividuals improving lives through their commitment and contributions in science andtechnology.

“Ed Schroth has done an amazing job at getting students excited about the environment,”said Dr. John Stolz, director of Duquesne’s Center for Environmental Research and Education.“He is the consummate teacher.”

But Schroth, a resident of Leetsdale, contends that his curious students have become histeachers.

“Teaching is actually learning to walk through life with people who are searching,discovering, exploring and have a deep desire to figure out how they’ve been created for thisworld,” he said. “Whether we are 18 or 80, we are, indeed, never too old to learn by working insynergy with others.”

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PAEnvironmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog , follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC onFacebook . Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.(Photo: Sewickley Patch 2013 .)Related Stories:Award Winner: Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance Award Winner: Crawford County Riparian Restoration Program Award Winner: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Immersing People In Outdoor Wonders

Award Winner: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Immersing People In Outdoor Wonders

The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is one of 5 winners ofthe 2016 Dominion , PA Environmental Council Western PA Environmental Awards .

Award winners will be honored at a specialawards ceremony on May 26 at the Westin Convention

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Center in downtown Pittsburgh.In 1988 a group of garden enthusiasts and community leaders began a grassroots,

volunteer-driven effort to build a botanic garden in the Pittsburgh area.Today, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is transforming 460 acres of abandoned mining

land just ten miles west of the city into a world-class botanic garden. Once completed, it will be

one of the largest botanic gardens in America.The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will be comprised of 18 distinct gardens, five diverse

woodland experiences, a visitor’s center, a celebration center to accommodate weddings andcorporate events, and a center for botanical research.

Like so much of Western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden sits atop acres ofabandoned coal mines and is a world class example of coal mine restoration and remediation.

The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will be the only botanic garden in the United States builton such reclaimed land.

Four streams on the site were seriously polluted with acid mine discharge from the mines.When Hurricane Ivan dumped six inches of rain on Pittsburgh in September 2004, the site wasoverwhelmed and the flow of acid mine drainage from the underground mines increasedsubstantially.

It became clear that major costly rehabilitation of the property was necessary before thevision of a botanic garden could be realized.

An innovative plan was developed to remove the mines and reclaim the site. Removingthe mines stabilized the land, protecting future buildings from mine subsidence. It also cleans thewater for irrigation and reduces pollution entering the streams.

Additionally, the project included building an intelligent rainwater system that will provide for future irrigation needs.

The Garden’s passive abandoned mine discharge treatment system removes 912 poundsof pollutants per year as it treats 4.2 million gallons annually. The pH of this treated water hasimproved from 3 to 7.

There are now 111 different species of birds that can be observed at the Garden as aresult of the remediation and restoration work.

In addition to creating a vibrant and thriving ecosystem on the Garden’s property, theseefforts have provided social benefits for local residents and other communities that must addresssimilar challenges, and has also enabled the Garden to become an economic engine for theregion.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PAEnvironmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog , follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC onFacebook . Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.Related Stories:

Award Winner: Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance Award Winner: Crawford County Riparian Restoration Program Award Winner: Ed Schroth, Duquesne University, Environmental Educator, Biologist

Keep PA Beautiful’s Electronic Waste Recycling Website Recognized With NationalAward

The designer of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s electronic

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waste recycling website-- www.eWastePA.org -- was recognized recently with a nationalAmerican Web Design Award.

PPO&S, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Harrisburg created thewebsite for Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

The American Web Design Awards is a national award of Graphic Design USA and

honors the power of well-designed websites and online communication to attract audiences,disseminate ideas and information, generate response, and promote products, services and ideas.

Launched in March of this year, www.eWastePA.org was designed to help ensurePennsylvania consumers have the information they need to properly manage their electronicwaste such as old televisions and computer monitors, commonly referred to as e-waste.

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is grateful for our partnership and congratulates PPO&Son this national recognition,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. “Themicrosite, eWastePA.org, demonstrates their ability to honor an existing brand while creating anew, well-designed website that successfully communicates complex issues to averageconsumers.”

Visit www.eWastePA.org for a list of recyclers in your area and easy to use tools toadvocate for access to convenient and affordable trash disposal.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the KeepPennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like themon Facebook , Follow on Twitter , Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel .

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean upcommunities and keep them clean.

Sign up now for the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanupand beautification event through May 31.NewsClips:Keystone Landfill Gives DEP New Information On Expansion Fight Over Keystone Landfill Exposes Generational Divide DEP IDs Parties Responsible For Mattresses At Erie Fire

DEP Environmental Laboratory Nearly Shut Down During State Budget Impasse

Dr. Martina McGarvey, Director of the Bureau of Laboratories, told DEP’s Citizen AdvisoryCouncil Tuesday the agency’s laboratory had its natural gas cut off briefly during the state

budget impasse because the lab’s landlord was not paid for six months.The laboratory, which analyses critical environmental enforcement and monitoring

samples, was not considered a critical service of the Commonwealth. Dr. McGarvey saidultimately the issue was worked out with the landlord.

Dr. McGarvey made the comments during presentation to the CAC on the impact of state budget cuts and staff on DEP’s laboratory.Since 2011 the lab staffing went from 76 to 56 people as a result of cuts.One of the biggest impacts of these cuts, Dr. McGarvey said, was the loss of lab

accreditation for 3 of DEP’s 4 mobile laboratories that conduct field investigations on the site ofenvironmental enforcement or emergency cases.

She noted a 2011 Association of Public Hill Laboratories evaluation of the lab rated itscapabilities as exceptional and excellent. A follow-up evaluation by APHL this year found that

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evaluation slipped to adequate, although the lab was still recognized for high quality work andthe integrity of its results.

The 2016 report made a number of recommendations, among them were---- Returning staffing to 2011 levels which would require an additional $2 million in GeneralFund money; and

-- Pursue designation by the Commonwealth as a critical asset that cannot be shut down in eventof budget impasse.

Dr. McGarvey said the lab is also cross-training its staff to do several different kinds oftesting since they do not have the staff to be specialized in one area.

In response to a question from Council, she said they have investigated the use ofcommercial labs to do some of their work, but that would also cost money.

Dr. McGarvey said she believes they are cost competitive with private labs and noted,“We are protecting the public from private interests and while private labs may have thecapabilities, they may not have the necessary accountability.”

Future CAC MeetingsCAC Chair Bill Fink outlined some topics to be covered in upcoming meetings of the

Council, including on June 21 a presentation by DEP on the latest Integrated Water QualityManagement Report ( the last report was in 2014 and the new report may include arecommendation on impairment of the lower Susquehanna River) and a report from the U.S.Geological Survey on water quality testing in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

For its July 19 meeting, the Council will hear a presentation on and tour the City ofLancaster’s Green Infrastructure Program designed to meet the MS4 Stormwater Water QualityManagement Program .

For more information, visit the DEP’s Citizen Advisory Council webpage or contactKatie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, by calling 717-705-2693 or send emailto: [email protected] .NewsClips:Study: Pennsylvanians More Likely To Support Drilling If Fee Stays Local Editorial: Close Delaware Loophole, Enact Severance Tax AP: Legislature Resumes Session, Budget Decisions Loom Related Story:DCNR: PA Must Install 95K Acres Of Stream Buffers In 9 Years To Meet Chesapeake BayCommitments

Philadelphia School District Releases First GreenFutures Sustainability Plan

Superintendent William R. Hite Monday announced the School District of Philadelphia’s

first-ever sustainability plan, GreenFutures. This five-year sustainability plan supports ActionPlan 3.0, the School District’s strategic vision, in better serving all students.GreenFutures provides a framework to reduce the District’s environmental footprint,

conserve resources, decrease consumption and waste, and create green school settings andhealthy indoor environments for every student.

The plan encourages District staff, students, families and school communities to participate in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives.

“GreenFutures was designed to answer the question, ‘What can we do today, as a school

http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/dcnr-pa-must-install-95000-acres-of.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/05/dcnr-pa-must-install-95000-acres-of.htmlhttp://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=Xkmg5rS7http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/close-delaware-loophole-and-enact-severance-tax-1.2044059http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/study-pennsylvanians-more-likely-to-support-drilling-fracking-if-impact/article_ce2f5902-1dfb-11e6-b977-db16e6665969.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/CitizensAdvisoryCouncil/Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VzsxNWOa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx#.Vzs4eGOa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/StormwaterMgmt/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx#.Vzs4eGOa10chttp://www.cityoflancasterpa.com/business/green-infrastructurehttp://www.cityoflancasterpa.com/business/green-infrastructurehttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35558http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=35558http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PointNonPointMgmt/WaterQuality/Pages/Integrated-Water-Quality-Report-2014.aspx#.Vzs4QWOa10d


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Students, Earth Conservancy, EPCA

Pa Environment Digest May 23, 2016

Documents

Transcript of Pa Environment Digest May 23, 2016