Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014
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Transcript of Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014
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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa September 22, 2014
DEP Citizens Advisory Council Recognizes Pat Lupo, OSB Of Erie
Tuesday the Citizens Advisory Council to the Department of
Environmental Protection recognized Pat Lupo, OSB from Erie, for her
26 years of dedicated service on Council. Pat has served on Council
since her initial appointment by Gov. Robert P. Casey in 1988.“Pat’s longstanding commitment to the CAC and its mission is
unprecedented,” Terry Dayton, CAC Chairman, stated. “Pat’s
leadership on environmental education, stewardship and conservation,
based on her experience in Northwest Pennsylvania, were vital in guiding
Council’s priorities. Council will miss her enthusiasm and dedication
which influenced a number of important Council initiatives.”
Pat has been involved in environmental issues in Pennsylvania for over forty years. A member
of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, she received her M. Ed. in Science Education from Clarion University
and taught over 20 years at the elementary and high school levels before her involvement in a number of
non-profit environmental organizations, including Environment Erie, where she served as Education
Director.In addition to her service to the CAC, Pat has served and continues to serve on many boards of
environmentally oriented organizations and has been recognized at the local, state, national and
international levels for her work in environmental education and conservation.
“Council relies on the commitment of dedicated individuals to accomplish its mission and
objectives,” Dayton noted. “Council members willingly volunteer their time and service on the CAC to
help guide and shape environmental policy in Pennsylvania. Pat’s service of over 26 years to the CAC
is remarkable and exemplifies her passion to ensure our Commonwealth’s natural resources are
preserved for generations to come.”
The CAC was established by the same law that created DEP’s predecessor, the Department of
Environmental Resources, in 1971. Council plays an integral role in helping to shape environmental
policy in the Commonwealth by highlighting those issues that are most important to the state’s citizens.Its 18 appointed members review the agency’s work and make recommendations to the DEP
secretary, Governor and General Assembly. Appointments to serve on the CAC rest with the
Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The council’s office is located in the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg.
For more information, visit the Council’s website or call 717-787-4527.
Related Story
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DEP Citizens Advisory Council Receives Update On Oil And Gas Program
DEP Fines Range Resources $4.15 Million For Violating Environmental Regulations
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it has signed a wide-ranging consent
order and agreement with Range Resources for violations at six of its Washington Countyimpoundments.
The consent order requires the company to pay a $4.15 million fine, the largest against an oil
and gas operator in the state’s shale drilling era, close five impoundments and upgrade two other
impoundments to meet heightened “next generation” standards currently under development at DEP.
“This action reaffirms the administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s
soil and water resources,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “This landmark consent order
establishes a new, higher benchmark for companies to meet when designing future impoundments, which
is an environmental win for Pennsylvania.”
Violations at the impoundments include various releases of contaminants, such as leaking
flowback that affected soil and groundwater. To date there has been no impact on drinking water from
any of these impoundments.Under the consent order, Range Resources will immediately begin the closure of the Hopewell
Township 11 (Lowry), Cecil Township 23 (Worstell), and Kearns impoundments. Range Resources
will also continue the closure of the Yeager impoundment. The company must close the Hopewell
Township 12 (Bednarski) impoundment by April 1, 2015.
Additionally, the consent order also directs Range Resources to upgrade two other
impoundments. The liner systems at the Chartiers Township 16 (Carol Baker) and Amwell Township
15 (Jon Day) impoundments will be completely redesigned and rebuilt to meet “next generation”
standards currently under development at DEP.
When upgrading the two impoundments, Range Resources will install thicker liners than are
currently required, an electrically conductive geomembrane that will allow better identification of
potential leaks and a real-time leak detection system.
Range will also fully investigate and remediate any groundwater contamination caused by the
previous operation of the impoundments.
Another impoundment, Mount Pleasant Township 17 (Carter), will be limited to storing only
fresh water for as long as it remains in service. Range will also install a groundwater monitoring well
network at the impoundment now and will perform an environmental site assessment at this
impoundment once it is permanently closed.
The company will be required to report to DEP quarterly on the progress of the shutdown and
remediation of the sites.
The consent order also requires Range Resources to immediately begin soil and groundwater
investigations at each of the closed impoundments to determine what, if any, impact there was from theiroperation of the impoundments. If contamination is found, the company is required to remediate the
sites.
For more information, call 412-442-4000.
Range Resources Statement
Range Resources issued this statement in response to DEP’s enforcement action Thursday--
Appalachia, LLC pioneered large scale water recycling for shale gas development in
Pennsylvania in 2009. Pennsylvania now leads the nation in shale water recycling and reuse.
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Over the years several iterations of technologies and best practices have been developed and
employed as part of the Company’s water management plan, including the use of impoundments
specifically engineered to manage water.
Range discovered elevated levels of chlorides, or salt, at some older facilities in Washington
County, Pennsylvania. Further investigations found elevated chlorides in some groundwater monitoring
systems at the impoundments and in the soil beneath some impoundment liner systems, due to damageto the liner and some minor surface spills.
Both Range’s and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
monitoring and testing have reconfirmed that there have been no impacts on drinking water supplies.
Again, while there have been no impacts on drinking water supplies, the elevated salts in the
monitoring wells at the locations do not present a health or safety risk.
Testing has confirmed that no constituents were discovered in the monitoring wells at
concentrations exceeding health-based maximum concentration levels, as determined by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency.
Pennsylvania has a robust regulatory program and Range accepts the DEP's actions, which has
resulted in a signed Consent Order Agreement and an associated penalty settlement.
While the Company is deeply disappointed that these violations occurred, Range is excited toimplement newly established best practices and technologies that have been jointly developed with the
DEP over the last several months and years.
These new practices go above and beyond more comprehensive landfill regulations and newly
proposed oil and gas impoundment standards to prevent future issues and continue leading the nation in
water recycling.
All new facilities will incorporate best management practices and design standards to include
thicker and better engineered liners, newly designed leak detection systems with capabilities to allow for
precise and immediate leak detection, a system to allow real-time remote monitoring, leak prevention
redundancies including a layer of geosynthetic clay liner that acts as a sealant in the event of a leak,
on-site security, continual monitoring by trained experts, and enhanced location siting to alleviate
possible traffic issues.
The Company will continue to utilize temporary pipelines to transport water that greatly reduce
truck traffic, which is an important consideration for the communities in which Range works. The water
stored in reuse impoundments is currently a blend of treated or filtered flowback water, drilling and
produced water, as well as rain and freshwater.
Part of Range’s plan includes the following: closing five legacy impoundments by the end of the
year, with one being closed by April 2015, upgrading two impoundments with these newly established
best practices, converting one to a freshwater impoundment, and conducting additional monitoring and
testing of water and soil surrounding the locations.
Some of these underutilized locations have been out of service for several years and were in the
process of being reclaimed.In addition to implementing these new best practices for impoundments Range is taking
additional steps to better manage freshwater withdrawals. This includes reorganizing and refocusing
specific employees to provide greater coordination and oversight of water management and regulatory
compliance matters to provide more timely coordination with the DEP along with continued
development of improvements in this critical area of the Company’s operations.
Range is taking these steps after discovering that the Company did not properly administer
certain provisions of the Company’s water management plan related to withdrawals along certain
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waterways.
Range has reaffirmed that the withdrawals did not impact any ecosystems since all pass-by
flows were protected, but in some instances exceeded permitted daily and instantaneous withdrawals.
Impoundments and effective water management play a critical role in water recycling and reuse
and will continue to serve in this important capacity for responsible shale development.
Range remains fully committed to being good stewards of the environment and in thecommunities where the Company works in order to fully maximize the tremendous benefits that
responsible shale development can mean for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation.
DEP Updating Enforcement Policy
Scott Perry, DEP Deputy Secretary For Oil and Gas Management, told DEP’s Citizens
Advisory Council Tuesday the agency is nearly finished updating its enforcement policy for the Oil and
Gas Program and plans to release proposed revisions in October.
NewsClips:
Range Resources Fined $4.1M, Close Old Drilling Impoundments
DEP Orders Range Resources To Pay $4 Million Fine
Range Resources Hit With $4 Million Fine
Range Resources To Pay $4M For ViolationsChevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD
Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group
Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution
Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water
Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting Water
Fracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds
Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues
Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?
Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination
Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat
WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well
Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water
PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution
Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park
Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights
Center For Sustainable Shale Development Certifies Chevron Under New Standards
The Center for Sustainable Shale Development Thursday announced it has certified Chevron
Appalachia (Chevron) as the first company to successfully complete the Center's rigorous evaluation
and verification process.Chevron has earned full CSSD certification against all 15 of the Center's Performance
Standards that serve as the foundation for CSSD's recently-established independent third-party
evaluation and verification program. These standards center on operational performance as part of the
producer's environmental stewardship and continuous improvement processes.
"The awarding of certification recognizes hundreds of hours of diligent and careful work on the
part of many at Chevron, but also, countless others from environmental organizations, philanthropic
foundations and other energy companies who dedicated so much to define a process for setting and
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verifying voluntary and uncompromisingly high performance expectations in shale gas development," sa
Susan LeGros, CSSD President and Executive Director. "This achievement is a beginning, not only for
this company, but also in the larger effort to demonstrate that through collaboration, a strong
commitment to prudent and responsible practices, and a long-term view of environmental stewardship,
we can build on what we have begun with the inception of CSSD."
Like any company that earns CSSD certification, Chevron must continue to adhere to CSSD'sPerformance Standards in the Appalachian Basin, integrating CSSD's publicly available best practices
into the company's long-term continuous improvement process. CSSD will monitor adherence and
continue to build and expand on its initial 15 Performance Standards.
"While the Center's standards are not intended to replace existing regulation, our focus is to
identify environmental stewardship areas where we can define standards that meet or exceed regulation,
and to ensure that companies that qualify for certification continue to maintain these standards. We will
continue to collaborate with stakeholders with diverse perspectives to identify transparent, prudent and
responsible practices in shale gas development," added LeGros.
A Comprehensive Process
To earn its CSSD certification, Chevron conducted a two-year preparatory process based on
CSSD's initial 15 Performance Standards for air and water that were developed to reflect leadingindustry practices in the Appalachian Basin.
CSSD officially opened its certification process in January 2014, after which Chevron applied
for initial certification in April 2014.
The evaluation and verification process was commenced by auditor Bureau Veritas, a global
leader in testing, inspection and certification under contract to CSSD. The auditor conducted a
pre-audit to familiarize itself with Chevron's comprehensive management system and determine audit
readiness of Chevron's Appalachian Basin operations.
After that, the audit team conducted the full-scale certification audit in June 2014 that consisted
of in-depth documentation review, staff interviews at Chevron's offices and a field-based component
that verified that Chevron's operational practices were in conformance with applicable standards.
In keeping with CSSD's Performance Verification Protocol, which details the frequency and
intensity of the field and audit activities, the Bureau Veritas audit team visited 22 Chevron sites (16 in
southwestern Pennsylvania, four in West Virginia, and two in Ohio) that represented Chevron's
geographic and operational locations throughout the Appalachian Basin.
Once the audit was complete, Bureau Veritas submitted its findings in a report to CSSD.
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, which is valid for 24 months, after which companies can seek renewal, is based on
the Center's 15 initial Performance Standards for air and water. Companies can seek certifications in
Air & Climate, Water & Waste, or both, concurrently.
Auditors evaluate the applicant's operations to the standards that are specific to the certificationa company chooses. A summary of a completed audit report will be made accessible on CSSD's
website.
Third-Party Verification
The key components of the comprehensive verification and certification process include:
CSSD's 15 Initial Performance Standards focused on the protection of air and climate, water and
waste; and standards, guidance and protocols for both the auditor and the producers applying for
certification.
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This includes Auditor Qualifications, Standards and Accreditation that established requirements
for impartiality, knowledge, skill and resources to meet the scope, scale and geography of operations
being evaluated.
CSSD also provides Guidance for Third-Party Auditors, which details the kinds of data,
reporting and documentation producers must provide to demonstrate conformance to CSSD's
Performance Standards.CSSD's guidance to Chevron included its Producer Performance Verification Protocol, which
details the frequency and intensity of the field and office audit process, and it provides for extensive
document review, on-site visits and follow-up activities.
Verification of conformance to the standards will continue to be monitored through the life of the
two-year certification period.
All producers operating in the Appalachian region are eligible to apply for certification.
The Center is a collaborative between environmental organizations and energy companies to
encourage prudent and responsible development of shale gas resources in the Appalachian region.
For more information, visit the Center for Sustainable Shale Development website.
NewsClips:
Range Resources Fined $4.1M, Close Old Drilling ImpoundmentsDEP Orders Range Resources To Pay $4 Million Fine
Range Resources Hit With $4 Million Fine
Range Resources To Pay $4M For Violations
Chevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD
Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group
Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution
Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water
Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting Water
Fracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds
Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues
Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?
Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination
Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat
WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well
Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water
PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution
Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park
Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights
House Moves Bill To Roll Back Stream Buffer Protection, Final Vote Monday
This week the House moved House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton)
eliminating the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High
Quality and Exceptional Value streams which is positioned for a final
vote next week.
On Monday the House Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee voted 15 to 7 to report the bill out of Committee.
Before being reported out, the bill was amended to make
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stream buffers a preferred option to help control erosion and sedimentation, but the keeps the provision
eliminating the stream buffer requirement. The amendment was approved 17 to 5.
The full House Wednesday amended House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) that would
eliminate the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value
streams to make buffers a “preferred” option, but the bill still retains the language eliminating the buffer
requirement.Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) offered the amendment which was agreed to and passed by a
vote of 191 to 0.
Eight other amendments were offered to retain the current buffer requirement or make other
changes, but those were defeated largely along party lines.
The bill was referred to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration and will be put
in position for a final vote next week.
Click Here to add your voice in opposition to the bill.
Amendments to Chapter 102 of DEP’s regulations have required stream buffers in High Quality
and Exceptional Value watersheds since November of 2010.
Section 102.14 provides a long list of exceptions to the buffer requirement, including: a project
site located greater than 150 feet from a named waterbody; activities involving less than one acre ofearth disturbance; activities when a permit is not required under Chapter 102; activities where the permit
was acquired before November 19, 2010; road maintenance activities; repair and maintenance of
existing pipelines and utilities; oil, gas, timber harvesting or mining activities; single family homes not p
of a larger common plan or development; and activities authorized by a Department permit under
another Chapter or title.
Other bills reported out by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
included:
-- Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory Board within DEP- sponsor
summary; and
-- House Resolution 925 (Rapp-R-Forest) directing the Joint State Government Commission to study
the impact of wind turbines in Pennsylvania, in particular the impact on migratory birds and of forest
removal. The resolution was amended by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the
Committee, to include a similar analysis for coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power.
House Resolution 925 was adopted by the House. Senate Bill 1155 was referred to House
Appropriations.
Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves
as Minority Chair.
NewsClips:
House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement
Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity
The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers
Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills
DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant
Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam
Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
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CBF-PA: House Moves Anti-Buffer Bill In Major Clean Water SetBack
Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Monday issued a
statement in response to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee’s passage of
House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton).
The bill removes streamside forest buffer protections for Pennsylvania’s most pristine streams,and if passed, would open up waterways throughout the Commonwealth to increased pollution threats
from development.
The House is expected to take a final vote on the bill next week. CBF-PA is urging the public
to contact House members to oppose the legislation. Click Here to add your voice in opposing this
legislation.
The statement follows--
“CBF is disappointed that House Bill 1565 has passed out of committee, as amended, and will
now be before the full House for consideration. If passed, House Bill 1565 would open up
Pennsylvania’s most pristine waterways to increased pollution threats from development. Therefore, we
are urging the House to vote “No” when the bill comes to the floor of the House.
“This Bill is fundamentally flawed in that it attempts to correct a problem that has not beenshown to even exist. Under existing law, developers and builders can, and do, request waivers of the
150-foot buffer setback requirement. Yet, despite inquiries, no one has been able to provide an
example of a waiver that was not approved. Therefore, passing this bill on the basis that the regulation
holds back development seems to be unfounded.
“Nearly 20,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams are polluted, according to the
Department of Environmental Protection’s most recent statewide assessment of the health of surface
waters. For the majority of these streams forested riparian buffers are one of the most cost-effective,
common-sense solutions for pollution reductions. Yet, rather than proactively developing ways to
improve water quality, this Committee was steadfast in their efforts to pass legislation that can only
increase pollution.”
NewsClips:
House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement
Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity
The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna
Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers
Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills
DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant
Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam
Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
PEC, WPC, PA Nature Conservancy Oppose House Bill Eliminating Stream Buffers
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Western PA Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Chapter of
The Nature Conservancy joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, this week in opposing House Bill
1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) that would eliminate the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers
in High Quality and Exceptional Value streams.
The House is expected to take a final vote on the bill next week. CBF-PA is urging the public
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to contact House members to oppose the legislation. Click Here to add your voice in opposing this
legislation.
The text of a letter they sent to House members follows--
On behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (“CBF”), the Pennsylvania Environmental
Council (“PEC”), the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (“TNC”) and the Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy (“WPC”) we respectfully submit the following comments regarding HouseBill 1565 (P.N. 2114) and the proposed amendment (A09397) by Chairman Miller.
Collectively, our organizations understand the importance of the Chapter 102 forested riparian
buffer requirement in waterways designated as high quality (“HQ”) or exceptional value (“EV”) and
value its role in protecting many of Pennsylvania’s most treasured streams.
As such, we find House Bill 1565 (“H.B. 1565”) troubling in its present form and would like to
clarify with you the intent of the current law and identify our concerns with the proposed bill.
In addition, although we appreciate Chairman’s Miller’s intent to improve this legislation with th
proposed amendment, our organizations do not believe that A09397 adequately addresses our
concerns with regard to the protection of local water quality in the Commonwealth’s rivers and streams.
The Chapter 102 regulation helps to protect Pennsylvania’s most pristine and ecologically
sensitive streams. The Department of Environmental Protection (“the Department”) classifies thesestreams as high quality (“HQ”) and exceptional value (“EV”) based on specific water quality criteria.
A large and growing number of scientific studies have shown that buffers greater than 100 feet
or more prevent pollution from entering streams, reduce pollution already in streams, prevent flooding,
protect human health and welfare, and improve property values.
Thus, the 150-foot riparian buffer requirement is a vital mechanism in preventing stream
degradation, improving local economies, and improving the quality of life in the areas covered by this
provision.
Dealing with stormwater is a complicated and expensive issue for many urban communities.
Hundreds of towns across the Commonwealth deal with stormwater issues every time it rains.
According to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Susquehanna River Basin is one of
the most flood-prone watersheds in the nation with annual damages in excess of $150 million due to
flooding.
More than 80 percent of the basin’s 1,400 plus municipalities have areas that are flood prone.
Increasing development pressures and impermeable surfaces further exacerbate the issue. This is where
proactive planning and green infrastructure, like streamside buffers, can greatly assist communities in
dealing with stormwater problems.
A riparian buffer can help to prevent property damage and the expense of flooding; dramatically
reduce stormwater management costs; help keep pristine streams clean; reduce the cost of treating
water for potable uses; and in general, promote and sustain healthier communities.
The simple act of planting a new, or maintaining an existing, forested riparian buffer allows
stormwater runoff to soak into the ground when it rains, instead of rushing directly into our streams.Water is purified by plants, trees, and soil, and is released more slowly into the stream, thereby
preventing pollution, erosion, and flood damage.
There are many threats to HQ/EV streams, most of which deal with developmental pressures.
The riparian buffer requirement, found in Section 102.14 of Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, states
that when earth disturbance activities require a permit under Chapter 102, persons seeking a permit
“…may not conduct earth disturbance activities within 150 feet of a perennial or intermittent river steam
or creek, or lake, pond or reservoir when the project site is located in an exceptional value (EV) or high
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amendment, most notably, the manner in which net environmental effects would be assessed and
compared and the project-level impacts on the riparian buffer area, along with the continuity and
integrity in HQ/EV watersheds.
We also have questions regarding the potential scope of the broad abrogation language
contained in the amendment.
Given the innumerable societal and ecological benefits, along with the ability to obtain a waiver,our organizations respectfully request that you vote no on H.B. 1565 (P.N. 2114) and the proposed
amendment A09397.
CBF, PEC, TNC and WPC thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We would
appreciate an opportunity to further discuss with you the details of the forest riparian buffer requirement
and would be happy to explore a less intrusive solution to any concerns with the current Chapter 102
requirements.
Please feel free to consider our organizations as a valuable resource on this matter.
NewsClips:
House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement
Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity
The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers
Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills
DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant
Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam
Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
CBF-PA Urges Public To Contact House Members To Oppose HB 1565 Buffer Bill
Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Office Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, sent out a message
Thursday asking the public to oppose House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the nearly 4
year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value streams--
Right now our representatives are debating a dangerous bill—House Bill 1565—that, if passed,
would destroy irreplaceable safeguards for Pennsylvania's last remaining pristine streams. The house is
hearing from developers, who want these protections removed, so they need to hear from us, too!
Click Here to contact your representative today, and urge him/her to vote "NO" on HB 1565.
Clean, healthy streams, rivers, and communities across Pennsylvania depend on it.
Forested riparian buffers along streams and rivers are one of the most cost-effective,
common-sense solutions for preventing and reducing pollution in streams. These buffers also provide
critical habitat and food sources for aquatic species, like the brook trout, which draws fishermen from
all over the world to Pennsylvania. But House Bill 1565 threatens these important clean water tools.Please tell your representative to vote "NO" on HB 1565.
Your voice and your actions matter! Thank you for lending your voice to this important issue
and for your past clean water efforts. Together, we can, and will make a difference for clean streams,
healthy communities, and a lasting clean water legacy for future generations.
Thank you,
Harry Campbell, Executive Director Pennsylvania Office
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York, Westmoreland Counties Pass Clean Water Counts! Resolutions
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA this week applauded York and Westmoreland County
Commissioners for adopting a Clean Water Counts resolution, calling on state officials to make clean
water a top priority for the Keystone State.They join Wyoming County in supporting CBF’s Clean Water Counts! initiative.
CBF embarked on the Clean Water Counts campaign in response to the Department of
Environmental Protection’s most recent statewide assessment of the health of surface waters, which
reported that nearly 20,000 miles of rivers and streams that we rely on for drinking and household uses,
recreation, and to grow our food, are polluted.
Through public education and engagement, CBF is urging officials to make clean water a
priority and to commit the needed funding and programs to ensure that all 83,000 miles of waterways in
the state are clean.
York County
The resolution builds on York’s on-going clean water efforts. Earlier this year the Planning
Commission finalized a countywide watershed plan that analyzes strategies and targets the pollution-reducing practices most appropriately suited for York County.
The primary goal of the plan is to aid municipalities, citizens, and businesses in determining how
to most efficiently reduce pollution from urban and suburban runoff.
“We applaud the York County Commissioners and the Planning Commission for their
leadership and conviction about the importance of clean water, first with the county-wide plan and
today, by passing the resolution,” said Harry Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Director. “Healthy families
strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on it.”
Westmoreland County
“We applaud the Westmoreland County Commissioners for their leadership and conviction
about the importance of clean water, and for passing a Clean Water Counts resolution,” said Harry
Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Director. “Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving
Pennsylvania economy depend on it.”
DEP’s survey results conclude that agricultural activities pollute the greatest miles of waterways
followed by the legacy of coal mining and impacts from abandoned mine drainage, as well as polluted
urban/suburban runoff, or stormwater, from our urban and suburban communities, including roads.
Nearly 2,000 miles of creeks, streams, and the Susquehanna River flow through York County,
but unfortunately more than 360 miles are polluted and considered impaired by DEP. Countywide,
agricultural activities and urban/suburban runoff are the most significant pollution sources affecting the
health of local and downstream waters.
In addition to calling on local officials to pass resolutions, CBF is also asking something of
citizens.“We’re asking all Pennsylvania residents to show their support for clean water by signing the
Clean Water Counts online petition,” said Campbell. “It takes only a few minutes, but it goes a long way
toward demonstrating the importance of clean water to our elected officials.”
Online petition signatures will be accepted through October 18th, the anniversary of the Clean
Water Act. To learn more about the campaign go to CBF-PA Clean Water Counts! webpage.
Keep PA Beautiful Announces 2014 Great American Cleanup Of PA Results
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Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday announced 136,507 volunteers
collected 317,994 bags, or 6,359,872 pounds of trash, cleaned 13,603
miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and
9,113 acres of park and/or wetlands during the 2014 Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful Great American Cleanup of PA.Additionally, volunteers planted 31,406 trees, bulbs, and plants in an
effort to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.
This annual event is held in conjunction with Keep America Beautiful’s
Great American Cleanup and in partnership with support from the Department of Environmental
Protection, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association and the Pennsylvania Food
Merchants Association.
Additional sponsors include Waste Management, Republic Services, Steel Recycling Institute,
and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.
As in years past, all 67 counties participated in this annual community improvement event. In
total, there were 5,349 events with 136,507 volunteers.
Volunteers collected 317,994 bags, or 6,359,872 pounds of trash. They cleaned 13,603 milesof roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and 9,113 acres of park and/or wetlands.
Additionally, volunteers planted 31,406 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep Pennsylvania
beautiful.
“We are so grateful to our volunteers and sponsors who helped make the Great American
Cleanup of PA successful again this year.” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful. “Without volunteers on the ground coordinating and carrying out local events and sponsors
supporting that work, it would not be a reality.”
The 2015 Great American Cleanup of PA will begin on March 1st and end on May 31st.
During this period, events registered online will receive free bags, gloves, and vests from PennDOT
District offices, as supplies last. Events can include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification
projects, special collections, and educational events.
As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Waste
Industries Association will sponsor Let’s Pick It Up PA – Everyday from April 12th- May 5th. During
the Pick It Up PA Days, registered events will be able to take the trash collected during their cleanup to
participating landfills for free or reduced disposal.
Since the inception of this event in 2004, more than 1,565,967 volunteers removed 80,575,227
pounds of litter and planted 136,321 trees, bulbs, and flowers.
The Great American Cleanup of PA is sponsored by Keep America Beautiful. The 2014
national sponsors were The Dow Chemical Company; The Glad Products Company; Lowe’s; Phillips
66; Troy-Bilt® Lawn and Garden Equipment; and Waste Management.
Registration for the Great American Cleanup of 2015 will open in mid- January.A copy of the 2014 results report is available online.
Add Us To Your Google+ Circle
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.
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Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,
Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.
You’ll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips
and links to the weekly Digest and videos.
Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:
PAEnviroDigest.
PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and
announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as
they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email
alerting you to new items posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including
NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are postedupdates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to
new items posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed
to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
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 (September 22): House Bill 202 (Harper-R-Montgomery) prohibiting standby water service
charges for fire companies; House Bill 1684 (Everett-R-Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimum
royalty payment in state law; House Bill 1576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) would eliminate some protections for
endangered species and set additional requirements for adopting Wild Trout Streams; House Bill 2104
(Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for consumer protections in variable rate electric supplier
contracts; House Resolution 249 (Swanger-R- Lebanon) supporting increased development and
delivery of oil from North American oil reserves- sponsor summary; Senate Bill 771
(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the State Geospatial Coordinating Board. <> Click Here for fullHouse Bill Calendar.
Senate (September 22): Senate Bill 720 (Baker-R-Luzerne) creating an Individual and Public
Disaster Assistance Grant Program <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
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House: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R- Northampton)
eliminating the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value
streams, Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory Board within DEP-
sponsor summary; the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has a meeting scheduled
but no agenda has been announced; the Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill
2393 (Kampf-R-Chester) providing a program to extend natural gas delivery to unserved orunderserved areas- sponsor summary. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1672 (Miller-R-York)
providing for testing of energy efficiency technologies <> Click Here for full Senate Committee
Schedule.
Other: Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee, to hear a presentation on
Pennsylvania’s abandoned Turnpike, a 13-mile stretch of the original Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton
counties and plans to turn it into a scenic, recreational biking trail.
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
EducationJudiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
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The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Marcellus Shale Health Registry: House Bill 2474 (Boback-R-Columbia) establishing a Marcellus
Shale Health Registry- sponsor summary.
Ban Drilling On Other State Lands: House Bill 2494 (Santarsiero-D-Berks) prohibiting
unconventional gas well drilling on other state land and creating a State Land Drilling Impact Mitigation
Fund-- sponsor summary.
EPA Clean Power Climate Plan: Senate Resolution 438 (Solobay-D-Washington) urging EPA to
respect the primacy of Pennsylvania and other states in developing performance standards for reducing
carbon emissions- sponsor summary; Senate Resolution 439 (Solobay-D-Washington) urging EPA to
scheduled additional hearings on its proposed Clean Power Climate Plan and withdraw the proposed
rule to eliminate the “economic shocks” that would occur to critical coalfield communities- sponsor
summary. [Note: EPA this week did extend the comment period for the plan another 45 days to
December 1.]
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
House
September 22, 23, 24
October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15
November 12
Senate
September 22, 23, 24
October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15
November 12
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Local Recreation Fees: House Bill 1052 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) further authorizes uses for local
recreation fees was passed by the Senate and returns to the House for a concurrence vote. A summary
and Senate Fiscal Note are available.
Mass Transit Station Development: Senate Bill 1210 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) to encourage private
development at mass transit stations. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. the bill now
goes to the House for consideration.
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Disaster Assistance: Senate Bill 720 (Baker-R-Luzerne) creating an Individual and Public Disaster
Assistance Grant Program was amended and reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and
is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Testing Energy Technologies: House Bill 1672 (Miller-R-York) providing for testing of energyefficiency technologies was removed from the Table and was referred to the Senate Appropriations
Committee.
House
Eliminating Stream Buffers: House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the nearly 4 year
old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value streams was amended and
reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, amended on the House
Floor and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
NewsClip: House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement
Aggregate Advisory Board: Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory
Board within DEP- sponsor summary-- was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
Energy Development Impact On Environment: House Resolution 925 (Rapp-R-Forest) directing
the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of wind turbines, coal, natural gas, oil and
nuclear power in Pennsylvania, in particular the impact on migratory birds and of forest removal was
amended and reported from the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and adopted
by the House.
News From The Capitol
House Environmental Committee Hears Comments On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday held a hearing on EPA’s
proposed Clean Power Plan. Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
John Pippy, CEO, Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, addressed the obstacles facing the coal industry
and the impact the CPP could have in Pennsylvania.
He said the proposed EPA rule will dictate the makeup of Pennsylvania’s electric generation
mix, the amount of electricity available on a round-the-clock basis and the price in 2020 and beyond,
affecting not just the coal industry, but Pennsylvania’s residents statewide.An economic study by the Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh showed that the
state’s coal industry supports 36,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and adds more than $4.5 billion
annually to the state’s economy.
Although touted by proponents as a flexible and achievable way to curb carbon emissions, the
proposed federal power plant emission standards are merely a de facto attempt to transform America’s
energy usage away from coal.
According to Pennsylvania DEP, CO2 emissions from Pennsylvania’s electric generating fleet
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declined by 12 percent from 2005-2012 and are projected to decline by 22 percent from 2005 through
2020.
These reductions were accomplished while Pennsylvania maintained a stable and reliable supply
of electricity at competitively-priced rates, lower than the national average and lowest among its
northeastern states.
Coal accounts for 40 percent of the electric market in Pennsylvania providing a stable base loadsupply of electricity year round and especially during peak usage times as experienced this past winter.
“Given the affordability and reliability of coal as a source of electricity, this regulatory attempt to
displace coal will have profound and sweeping consequences, not just on the coal industry and its
workers, but also on those communities that host coal-fired power plants, those employed at these
facilities and every ratepayer who depends upon the reliable provisioning of electricity at competitive
rates,” Pippy said.
The proposed standards would have virtually no impact on global greenhouse gas emissions and
could even cause an increase because they would essentially kill any continued advancement in clean
coal technology.
U.S. power plants account for only 4 percent of global carbon emissions, while China and India
alone account for 20 percent. They, and other developing countries are increasing their reliance on coaland it is predicted that by 2017 coal will be the number one source of energy in the world.
In closing Pippy commended the Committee and the full House for its overwhelming support for
House Bill 2354 (Snyder-D-Fayette), which requires the state legislature to approve a state’s
compliance plan before it is submitted to the EPA.
House Bill 2354 is now in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Stu Bresler, VP Market Operations, PJM, said it will be conducting a study on the reliability of
the grid and other information pertinent to the CPP and will finish the study prior to the October. Bresler
said PJM is offering itself as a resource as the state begins to grapple the CPP but reiterated that the
implementing authority lies with the states.
Jake Smeltz, Electric Power Generation Association, walked the committee the committee
through an overview of the problems facing electrical generators as an entire entity.
Smeltz then said that 94 percent of the “anticipated new generation” would be derived from
natural gas, while zero percent of the anticipated new generation would be derived from coal.
Smeltz said it is difficult for electrical generators to do what the EPA expects of the “inside the
fence” because the technology to operate “inside the fence” is not currently available. Smeltz said the
main concern should be when the state passes legislation that “distorts” the wholesale market, because
abrupt changes are accompanied with unintended consequences and then flexibility can become
severely limited.
Christina Simeone, Director, PennFuture Energy Center, gave an overview of the CPP and
explained that the key to compliance was in the four “building blocks.” She said the EPA’s goals for
Pennsylvania are reasonable and are based on a “Best System of Emissions Reductions,” which wasdeveloped and based on commercially available technologies.
Simeone said using the 2012 baseline in the proposal, the state is already halfway to achieving
the set goals and opined they can be achieved by continuing the rules, regulations and existing policies
Pennsylvania has.
Kevin Sunday, Manager, Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry,
discussed how businesses, industries and economies will be unable to survive without affordable,
reliable, stable and diverse sources of energy. He said the Clean Energy Plan threatens the state’s
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biggest competitive advantage.
Phil Smith, Director of Governmental Affairs, United Mine Workers of America, AFL-CIO,
discussed the impact the CPP will have on Pennsylvania coal and jobs and the miners and their families.
Jeff McNelly, Executive Director, ARIPPA, discussed Pennsylvania’s legacy to the
environment, and the successes of ARIPPA over the past 25 years. McNelly discussed the impact of
emissions on energy, and highlighted the necessary steps to remain in operation and viable.Additional comments were submitted to the Committee by: Department of Environmental
Protection, American Lung Association and FTI Consulting, Inc.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves
as Minority Chair.
DEP Holds Listening Session Sept. 25
The Department of Environmental Protection is sponsoring a listening session September 25 on
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan regulations to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Sen. Solobay Introduces Resolutions
Sen. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) introduced two resolutions Thursday on EPA proposedClean Power Climate Plan: Senate Resolution 438 urging EPA to respect the primacy of Pennsylvania
and other states in developing performance standards for reducing carbon emissions- sponsor summary;
Senate Resolution 439 urging EPA to scheduled additional hearings on its proposed Clean Power
Climate Plan and withdraw the proposed rule to eliminate the “economic shocks” that would occur to
critical coalfield communities- sponsor summary.
EPA Extends Comment Period
EPA this week did extend the comment period for the plan to December 1.
NewsClips:
House Committee Holds Hearing On EPA Climate Plan
Corbett, Other Governors Oppose Greenhouse Gas Controls
EPA Extends Comment Period On Clean Power Climate Rule
Philly Group Recruting People For NY Climate March
Audubon Predicts Climate Change Will Shrink Bird Ranges
House Resolution Requires Study Of Wind, Natural Gas, Energy Impacts In PA
House Resolution 925 (Rapp-R-Forest) directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the
impact of wind turbines, as compared to coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power, in Pennsylvania, in
particular on migratory birds and of forest removal was adopted by the House 181 to 11 Wednesday.
The Resolution originally dealt only with wind power, but was amended in the House
Environmental Resources Committee Monday by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of theCommittee, to include a comparison between wind energy and other sources such as coal, natural gas
nuclear and oil.
“With the ever-growing number of reports confirming that on-shore wind energy facilities are
directly responsible for the clearing of large areas of forested land and the deaths of thousands of
migratory birds, endangered bats and even eagles, we can no longer just assume that wind turbines are
absolutely harmless to our environment or even a viable source of alternative energy,” said Rep. Kathy
Rapp. “The time has come for a comprehensive, reality-based study and report on the actual impact of
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wind turbines across the Commonwealth. Today’s final passage of House Resolution 925 will ensure
that the necessary research is conducted before these and other negative impacts on Pennsylvania’s
wildlife and natural resources become irreversible.”
The factors to be analyzed include—
-- Number of wind turbines operating in Pennsylvania and their owners;
-- Agencies that oversee the operation of wind turbines;-- Sources and amounts of subsidies for wind turbines;
-- Wind turbines’ imprint acreage and effects on wildlife; and
-- Wind turbines impact on the electric grid.
The Resolution does not require action by the Senate.
Senate Passes Bill To Encourage Private Development At Mass Transit Stations
The Senate Tuesday unanimously passed Senate Bill 1210 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) to encourage private
development at mass transit stations. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.
The legislation will reform and modernize Pennsylvania’s Transit Revitalization Investment
District (TRID) Act, originally enacted in December 2004.“Pennsylvania’s TRID law is 10 years old,” Sen. Pileggi said. “The goal is admirable:
encouraging private development at mass transit hubs. However, only one TRID has been created in the
past decade – making it clear that the law needs to be improved. Senate Bill 1210 will allow the TRID
program to begin fulfilling its promise.”
Senate Bill 1210 streamlines the TRID creation process, sets clear parameters for TRID funding
and the use of those funds, and authorizes a new “tax capture” funding mechanism.
The legislation is supported by a wide range of organizations across Pennsylvania, including the
County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs,
the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission,
the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of
Pittsburgh.
“CCAP believes that a TRID can be an important tool in revitalizing and strengthening our core
neighborhoods,” said Doug Hill, CCAP’s Executive Director. “The improvements being made in Senate
Bill 1210 will make it easier for counties to include TRIDs in our planning efforts.”
“The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs has been a supporter of innovative TRID
legislation since the original act was passed several years ago,” said Ed Troxell, PSAB’s Director of
Government Affairs. “We’re extremely pleased that Senator Pileggi’s amendments to the act will
provide expanded options for the use of TRIDs in our boroughs throughout the Commonwealth.”
“One of the reasons that the TRID program hasn’t taken off is that there have been limited
funding options,” said Elam Herr, Assistant Executive Director for PSATS. “Senate Bill 1210 helpsrectify that issue and will make the program much more effective.”
“After the passage of the historic, comprehensive transportation funding bill last fall, we are
seeing long-awaited and much-need investment into vital infrastructure across the state,” said Gene
Barr, President and CEO of the PA Chamber. “This legislation helps see to it that Transit Revitalization
Improvement Districts remain a useful tool in spurring local economic growth alongside these
investments.”
“I’m pleased that the Senate approved the proposed TRID amendments, as well as two
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demonstration programs,” said Richard Bickel, DVRPC’s Director of Planning. “TRID offers a
step-by-step process to accomplish transit-oriented development in Pennsylvania’s communities. The
Senate’s amendments enhance opportunities to achieve implementation of TRID plans.”
“Like public-private partnerships, Transit Revitalization Investment Districts represent another
valuable ‘tool in the toolbox’ to promote partnerships, foster innovation and create new options to
develop and fund transit-oriented development,” said Rob Wonderling, GPCC’s President and CEO.“We are very supportive of these necessary amendments to the TRID Law that will add
flexibility, remove bureaucratic burdens, and will prove how valuable this tool can be at leveraging
private sector investment to bring much needed funding to transit-related projects throughout the state,”
said Kevin Acklin, Mayor William Peduto’s Chief of Staff and Chairman of the URA Board. “As the
only project in the state that has been able to use TRID financing, our East Liberty Transit Center team
has demonstrated just how necessary these amendments are. We hope to prove with our private
development partners just how effective this funding tool can be at getting much needed public
infrastructure built with added flexibility and less red tape.”
A public hearing on Senate Bill 1210 was held in Upper Darby Township earlier this year, not
far from SEPTA’s 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, which serves the
Market-Frankford (Blue) Line, the Norristown High Speed Line, the Route 101 and Route 102Trolleys, and numerous bus routes.
The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
Senate Passes Bill Giving Municipalities More Flexibility To Maintain Local Parks
The Senate Tuesday passed House Bill 1052 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) giving municipalities greater flexibilit
in targeting recreation fees to benefit all residents of their communities is one step closer to becoming
law.
Under current law, recreation fees that municipalities receive from new development may only
be used for building a park in that new development. But that, Rep. Freeman said, usually results in an
underutilized pocket park.
His bill would permit municipalities to use the money to operate, maintain or expand any
recreational facilities within the municipality.
"Parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities are important to our quality of life," Rep.
Freeman said. "They promote green space in the community, safeguard the environment and give people
of all ages a place for exercise and recreation. My bill would ease the restrictions on the use of the
recreation fees municipalities receive from developers, so that funding can be more wisely used to
benefit the lives of all area residents."
The bill now returns to the House for a concurrence vote.
NewsClip: Senate Passes Bill Earmarking Fees For Local Parks
House Committees Hear From Fish & Boat Commission On Oil Franchise Tax Funding
The House Game and Fisheries and Transportation Committees Tuesday hear from Fish and Boat
Commission Executive Director John Arway on the Commission’s plans for using the additional funds it
received under Act 89 of last year amending the Oil Company Franchise Tax.
The additional funds are intended to be used for the improvement of hazardous dams associated
with lakes on which boating is permitted, including the development and construction of boating areas
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and the dredging and clearing of water areas where boats can be used.
“Based upon the recent figures of boaters consuming about 13.4 million gallon of fuel per year,
we project over $2.9 million through the taxes collected during the fiscal year 2013-14, with annual
revenues climbing to $4.5 million, $5.1 million, $5.8 million and $6.4 million through June 30, 2018,”
Arway told the Committees.
Arway provided an overview of three projects which he described as “the most immediate beneficiaries of Act 89,” including Colyer Lake in Centre County, Glade Run Lake in Butler County,
and Meadow Grounds Lake in Fulton County.
“At the same time we are moving forward on Colyer, Glade Run and Meadow Grounds, we
have generated additional funding sources to design and rehabilitate other high-hazard dams across the
Commonwealth,” said Arway. These include Speedwell Forge Lake in Lancaster County and Leaser
Lake in Lehigh County.
He pointed out, “At the time Act 89 passed, we needed over $44 million to address nine
high-hazard, unsafe dams.” Adding, “We now project needing $31.5 million to repair seven facilities,
and an additional $15-20 million for a replacement dam at the Hereford Manor Property in Beaver
County.”
Arway explained, “Estimates of our remaining dam repair needs are primarily composed ofdesign and construction costs.” He added, “Please note these projections do not include costs
associated with habitat improvement, fish stocking, or the development of additional recreational
amenities around the facilities.”
A copy of his testimony is available online.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron) serves as Majority Chair of the House Game and Fisheries
Committee and Rep. Gary Haluska (D-Cambria) serves as Minority Chair.
Rep. Nicholas Micozzie (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the House Transportation
Committee and Rep. Michael McGeehan (D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair.
Sen. Yaw TV Report: Exploring Impact Of Natural Gas In Susquehanna County
This month's district TV program with Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, focuses on the growth experienced in and around
Susquehanna County as the result of natural gas development.
“My recent visit to Susquehanna County showcases the impact of the natural gas industry - from
the schools, to the hospital, to the homeowners and the pipelines being constructed,” said Sen. Yaw.
“It’s a very interesting story of a small Pennsylvania community. I hope you will tune in to watch.”
Click Here to watch the video.
Joint Conservation Committee Environmental Issues Forum Sept. 22
The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will hold its first
Environmental Issues Forum of the fall legislative session on September 22 at 11 a.m. in Senate Hearing
Room 8E-A of the Capitol East Wing.
The topic of this month’s forum is Pennsylvania’s “Abandoned Turnpike,” a 13-mile stretch of
the original PA Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton counties that was bypassed in the 1960s.
Over the years, this one-of-a-kind roadside attraction has become a popular destination for
cyclists, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Abandoned Turnpike has been previously featured in
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Combined, the turbines can generate up to 40 kW of power. Expected power generation from the
grid-connected power system is 460,000 kilowatt hours per year.
The Antrim treatment plant will use a large portion of the power, saving up to $12,000 annually.
Any additional power generated by the Antrim Micro-Hydropower Project (AMHP) will help offset the
operational cost of the Antrim Treatment Plant.
The project was a collaborative effort of DEP’s Moshannon District Mining Office, BabbCreek Watershed Association, Antrim Treatment Trust, the Anthracite Region Independent Power
Producers Association, the Eastern Pa. Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Western Pa.
Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Tioga County Conservation District, and the project
design/build partner, BioMost Inc.
The project was financed by a 2009 Energy Harvest Grant to the Babb Creek Watershed
Association, Inc., for $428,710; however, the cost to obtain the FERC license, greater than $75,000,
was contributed by BioMost, Inc.
(Reprinted from September 18 issue of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own
copy of DEP News and back issues.)
Coldwater Heritage Partnership 2015 Grant Program Now Open
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership announces the opening of the 2015 Coldwater Conservation
Grants Program. Applications are due December 19.
The program provides two grant opportunities, which help to protect and conserve the health of
Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems--
— Planning Grant: To help develop a conservation plan that identifies the values and threats that
impact the health of our coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The collected
information can be used as a catalyst for more comprehensive planning or for development of watershed
improvements projects. Planning grants average around $5,000.
— Implementation Grant: To provide funding to projects recommended in a completed conservation
plan or report. Potential projects must enhance, conserve or protect the coldwater stream for which the
coldwater conservation plan or similar document was originally completed. Implementation grants
average around $7,000.
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed groups, conservation districts,
municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply.
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership provides technical assistance and funding support for the
evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. Grants will be awarded to
organizations to outline strategies and complete implementation projects that best conserve and protect
our coldwater fisheries.
Besides offering grants, CHP works to: foster greater public understanding of watershedcharacteristics and how they affect coldwater ecosystems; identify special areas of concern, such as
areas with exceptional water quality and high potential for impacts; and provide technical assistance and
financial opportunities to organizations dedicated to protecting our coldwater ecosystems.
The CHP is a cooperative effort of Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission and the Foundation for
Pennsylvania Watersheds.
Applications can be found on the Coldwater Conservation Grants webpage. For more
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information, contact Samantha Kutskel, Program Director, at 814-359-5233 or send email to:
Volunteers Needed For Tree Planting In Chester-Ridley-Crum Watershed Sept. 27
Volunteers are needed to assist with a tree planting at Lewis H. Fisher Memorial Park in Aston, Pa onSeptember 27 from 9 a.m. to Noon.
The Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association and Aston Township are organizing the
event to increase tree cover along the Chester Creek in Chester County.
Using funding from a TreeVitalize grant, this project will add nearly 80 native trees and shrubs
to this popular streamside park. Streamside forests protect water quality by stabilizing banks and
filtering pollutants before they reach the stream.
Pre-registration is requested for volunteers. You may also pre-register by calling CRC at
610-359-1440 or emailing [email protected].
Lake Erie Cleanup Seeks Volunteers For International Coastal Cleanup Sept. 20
The Department of Environmental Protection invites the public to improve the Lake Erie watershed on
September 20 by participating in the 12th annual Pennsylvania/Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup.
DEP is urging residents to help clean up trash around Erie County waterways from 9 a.m. until
noon.
“This county-wide effort is an important part of protecting and enhancing our water resources,”
DEP Northwest Regional Office Director John Guth said. “Engaging residents in this important cleanup
helps to connect them with their surrounding environment to build a sense of ownership for the natural
resources that we all use and enjoy.”
This year’s ICC will include 18 sites along the Lake Erie shoreline, from Raccoon Creek Park
in Springfield Township to North East Marina in North East Township and south to Edinboro Lake.
Two new sites were added this year at the newly established Bridger Park in Millcreek Township and
the East Avenue Boat Launch and beach area in Erie.
For the past 11 years, more than 12,000 local volunteers have walked 317 miles of shoreline
and picked up more than 100,000 pounds of trash during the ICC in Erie County. During this time,
more than 180,000 cigarette butts, 54,000 plastic food wrappers and 48,000 beverage containers have
been collected. Some of the most unusual items found include a litter of kittens, a car, a full set of
clothes and a mannequin.
Locally, the ICC began in 2003 at Presque Isle State Park. Since then, the Lake Erie ICC has
flourished into 18 sites across the county with five local universities involved and countless other
businesses, organizations and citizens coming out to clean up the Lake Erie shoreline.
New group participants for this year include Mercyhurst University, Allegheny College,Millcreek Township Recycling Department and Pittsburgh based non-profit, Paddle Without Pollution.
The ICC is the oldest and largest volunteer project of its kind, and this year is celebrating its
29th anniversary. Beginning in 1986 with 12 sites on the Texas coastline, the ICC has transformed to
more than 6,000 sites in 92 countries with more than 600,000 volunteers. It is the largest
volunteer-driven beach cleanup effort of its kind across the world.
Last year, 12.3 million pounds of trash were removed and 12,914 miles of waterways were
walked and boated during the global cleanup.
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DEP’s Coastal Resources Management program has been the main sponsor of the
Pennsylvania/Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup since 2003.
For more information or to get involved, visit PA Lake Erie Coastal Cleanup webpage or call
814-217-9634.
Penn State Extension: Sept. 18 Watershed Winds Newsletter
The September 18 edition of Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension is now available
featuring stories on--
-- Tree and Forest Effects on Air Quality and Human Health in the United States
-- Roadside Spring Legal Issues to Be Considered
-- Groundwater Basics
-- DEP Reminds Citizens of Important Autumn Advisories
-- Common Weed Killer is Widespread in the Environment
-- Penn State Extension gets behind Protect Your Groundwater Day Sept. 9
-- To receive your own copy, send an email to:
DEP Citizens Advisory Council Receives Update On Oil And Gas Program
Scott Perry, DEP Deputy Secretary For Oil and Gas Management, gave DEP’s Citizens Advisory
Council an update on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Program.
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale was scheduled to make a presentation to Council on his
agency’s audit of the Marcellus Shale Water Protection Programs, but canceled at the last minute.
Perry pointed to dramatic increases in field inspections made by DEP which since 2008
increased from 1,262 to nearly 13,400 in 2013. As a result, he said, the number of violations has
dropped significantly from 25 percent of operations to 4 percent as drilling operators became more
familiar with DEP oil and gas regulations.
Perry said the agency is nearly finished updating its enforcement policy for the Oil and Gas
Program and plans to release proposed revisions in October.
In response to questions, he said the mismatch between driller-reported waste shipments and
landfill records showing how much waste was received was “troubling.” Perry said DEP is conducting
an investigation into the issue and has already uncovered discrepancies on waste numbers reported by
landfill operators to DEP and drilling companies.
Council passed a resolution to recognize Pat Lupo, OSB from Erie, for her 26 years of
dedicated service on Council. Pat has served on Council since her initial appointment by Gov. Robert
P. Casey in 1988. ( See separate story )
Council also heard a presentation by Randy Pomponio, U.S. EPA Region III Director ofEnvironmental Assessment and Innovation on the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule proposed by EPA
and a very general overview of how the Department of Health handles complaints on health-related
issues from drilling operations from Dr. Ram Nambiar, Department of Health Bureau of Epidemiology.
The Public Participation Committee of Council reported on the status of its survey of DEP
advisory committees soliciting recommendations on how to improve DEP’s Advisory Committee
Technical Guidance.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s Monthly Report on Activities.
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Range Resources To Pay $4M For Violations
Chevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD
Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group
Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution
Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water
Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting WaterFracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds
Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues
Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?
Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination
Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat
WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well
Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water
PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution
Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park
Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights
Corbett Releases Funding To Convert Glatfelter Paper Mill To Natural Gas
Gov. Tom Corbett Wednesday announced the award of a $5-million Economic Growth Initiative Grant
and $3-million Alternative and Clean Energy Grant to Glatfelter to support the conversion of the
company’s Spring Grove, York County paper mill to use natural gas to fuel its boilers.
In addition to the grant, Glatfelter is investing more than $55 million of its own funds in the mill,
spending which will secure continued employment for its approximately 850 employees, reduce boiler
air emissions significantly, and eliminate more than 5,000 heavy truck trips annually through the Spring
Grove area.
Converting from coal to natural gas will make Glatfelter one of the largest industrial natural gas
users in the area, supporting Pennsylvania’s position as leader in natural gas exploration, generation and
distribution.
“The Spring Grove mill’s conversion to natural gas offers Pennsylvania three very important
benefits,” Gov. Corbett said. “It secures – for decades to come – good-paying jobs for the employees
of Glatfelter, a major economic contributor in York County for 150 years.
“The mill will be able to tap into the abundant supply of natural gas found right here in Pennsylvania and
is making our state one of the nation’s most important energy centers. And it will make a major
contribution to the prosperity and future economic development of York County.”
“The natural gas conversion project is important to our company, our people and our
community,” said Dante C. Parrini, Glatfelter chairman and chief executive officer. “In combination with
other investments, it will enable Glatfelter to sustain the mill’s operations into the future, protect jobs andfamilies, attain greater energy efficiency while reducing our carbon footprint, and ensure our full
compliance with current and anticipated air quality regulations. We appreciate the assistance this grant
provides and the opportunity to put these resources to work for Pennsylvania.”
The grant for the natural gas conversion project will be an important part of an anticipated
investment by Glatfelter’s of more than $100 million over the next several years to modernize the mill to
maintain its competitiveness and support its high-technology manufacturing process. The mill produces a
variety of specialty paper products that serve a broad range of customers and industries globally.
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“With this grant, the Commonwealth is again demonstrating its support for environmental
sustainability, employment security and economic development of York County.” Gov. Corbett said.
“Our investment and Glatfelter’s commitment will not only strengthen York County but will promote
additional local and regional economic development.”
The Spring Grove natural gas conversion project will generate an estimated $290 million in
annual economic impact for the Commonwealth, and more than $250 million in York County, whilesupporting 1,765 more jobs across the county.
The project will retain economic activity that might otherwise been lost, and add or retain more
than $52 million in state and local taxes over the next five years.
Glatfelter’s new boilers will use more than 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually, ranking th
mill as one of the region’s largest gas users. Its gas consumption will be greater than the amount needed
to supply the annual natural gas needs of the residents of Harrisburg or fuel every household in
Pennsylvania for two full days.
Use of such large volumes of gas will require the installation of a natural gas connector line from
a transmission source to the mill. Installation of the connector could create new opportunities for
industrial, commercial, nonprofit and governmental users to access natural gas along its route. Glatfelter
has begun a study of route options for the connector.
Penn State: Marcellus Boom May Have Led To Too Many Hotel Rooms
Drilling in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region led to a rapid increase in both the number of hotels and
hotel industry jobs, but Penn State researchers report that the faltering occupancy rate may signal that
there are now too many hotel rooms.
"Demand is still high in many of the counties in the Marcellus Shale region, but the occupancy
rate is starting to come down," said Daniel Mount, an associate professor in hospitality management.
"The case could be made that this is a sign that hotels were overbuilt."
Marcellus drilling operations generated approximately $685 million in hotel revenues and added
an extra 1,600 new hotel jobs since 2006, according to the researchers, who report their findings in the
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Penn State Research Reports.
However, the latest figures show that demand for rooms may be decreasing. For example, in
2012, demand was flat and occupancy was down 4.1 percent.
If demand continues to decrease, the older, non-franchised hotels may be the most vulnerable to
bankruptcy and closure, according to Mount. Of the 14 hotels that closed between 2006 and 2012,
nine did not have a national franchise. The average age of the 14 closed hotels was more than 38 years
old.
"The overall economic benefit of the drilling boom is still good for hoteliers, but it's just not the
bonanza that it used to be," said Mount. "It may be that the newer hotels and the hotel chains are in a
better position to withstand the lower demand, in which case, it will be the older, independent hotels thatgo out of business."
The flat rate contrasts with the explosive growth of hotel construction during the early stages of
the drilling boom. Hotel developers built 65 hotels in the drilling region, which is a far greater number
than national trends would suggest for hotel development, said Mount, who worked with Timothy
Kelsey, professor of agricultural economics and co-director of the Center for Economic and
Community Development and Kathryn Brasier, associate professor of rural sociology.
Alternative housing may explain some of the lower demand, as well, said Mount. Some
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companies that originally assigned workers to hotel rooms may now be housing them at alternative sites,
such as apartment complexes or mobile homes, further reducing demand for hotel space.
Other workforce patterns, such as hiring more local workers and gains in workforce
efficiencies, may also be contributing factors to the decreased demand in hotel rooms, said Brasier.
A drop in the price of natural gas and decrease in future drilling may also affect demand for
rooms, the researchers suggest. Recently, as natural gas prices fell, the total number of wells drilleddecreased from 1,968 in 2011 to 1,362 in 2012.
The researchers used the most recent data available from the Department of Environmental
Protection on hotel development and drilling activity in the five major drilling regions -- northeast, north
central, central, west central and southwest -- of Pennsylvania. They then compared data on hotel
performance -- total demand, average daily rate and total rooms revenue -- with national figures.
For more information, contact Matt Swayne 814-865-9481 or A'ndrea Elyse Messer
814-865-9481.
PA Environmental Council Policy Conference To Air On PCN Sept. 20
The PA Environmental Council Policy Conference will air on PCN September 20 at 2:00 p.m. The Conference featured a panel discussion with all four Chairs of the Senate and House
Environmental Resources and Energy Committees.
Majority Chair Senator Gene Yaw (R-Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Union
Counties); Minority Chair Senator John Yudichak (D-Carbon, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties);
Majority Chair Representative Ron Miller (R-York County), and Minority Chair Representative Greg
Vitali (D-Delaware County will be speaking on environmental legislative priorities for the remainder of
the current session, as well as forecasting key issues for 2015 and beyond.
The Conference also featured panels on Shale Gas Development in Pennsylvania; how
Pennsylvania will adapt to pending federal rules on greenhouse gas emissions; and a review of the
diverse water management issues facing our Commonwealth.
“This Conference will be a unique opportunity to hear from key environmental policy makers in
the General Assembly and other environmental leaders on some of the most pressing issues facing
Pennsylvania,” said Davitt Woodwell, President and CEO of PEC. “Pennsylvania is at a critical
crossroads in how we deal with future Marcellus Shale-related development, climate change and water
resource issues. We hope the Conference discussion will help identify some of the policy choices we
need to make to help ensure a more sustainable future in the Commonwealth.”
Each panel featured diverse interests and recognized experts in each area along with an
opportunity for attendees to ask questions to promote an open dialog on these issues.
For more information, visit the PA Environmental Council Policy Conference webpage and the
PCN website.
Sept. 18 DEP News Now Available From The Department Of Environmental Protection
The September 18 issue of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental
Protection featuring articles on--
-- DEP Fines Range Resources $4.15M For Violating Environmental Regulations
-- First-Of-Its-Kind Mine Drainage Project To Generate Electricity From Mine Flow
-- Rivers Of The Chesapeake Project Considered Top Priority LWCF Landscapes Program
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-- DEP Listening Session On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan Sept. 25
-- Corbett Opens New Natural Gas Fueling Station In Philadelphia
-- Sept. 25 Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board Meeting To Be Webcast
-- PA Mercury Regs Subject Of Visit By South Korean Envoy
-- Grant To Assist Montgomery County Residents With TCE Contamination
-- DEP Secretary Address Compliance Managers From Leading PA Companies-- DEP To Assist Communities In Luzerne Securing Safe Drinking Water Supply
-- Lake Erie Cleanup Seeks Volunteers For Sept. 20 Coastal Cleanup
-- Morewood Named Director Of DEP Environmental Advocate Office
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council Recognizes Long-Time Member Pat Lupo, OSB
-- DEP Employees Help Kick Off Annual SECA Giving Campaign
-- Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy of DEP News and back issues.
GreenSchools Teacher Development Workshop Oct. 17 At Grey Towers
Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County will host a Project Learning Tree
GreenSchools Teacher Education Workshop on October 17.This FREE one day teacher workshop will be very interactive. Participants will learn about PLT
background information and curricula, the path to becoming a certified PLT GreenSchool, monitoring
different environmental issues and parameters, discussing applications to their schools and communities
and developing an action plan to investigate their schools. Act 48 hours are available.
For more information and to register, visit the GreenSchools Teacher Workshop webpage.
iConservePA.org September Seeds Newsletter Now Available
The September issue of the Seeds Take Conservation Personally newsletter from iConservePA.org is
now available featuring articles on--
-- Video: Green Collar Jobs
-- Saving Pennsylvania’s Bats
-- Video: Race To Save Pennsylvania’s Bats
-- Find Your Tree Love
-- Celebrate YOUR Lands With Some Lovin’
-- Tips On Using Water Wisely
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy of Seeds
Air Products Again Recognized On Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
Allentown-based Air Products has again achieved a leadership position among the top 10 percent ofcompanies in its industry as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 2014/2015, a
gold standard benchmark for corporate sustainability performance.
Air Products also is a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, which
places it among the top 20 percent of companies in its industry in North America.
RobecoSAM and the S&P Dow Jones Indices evaluate the economic, environmental, social
and governance practices of the largest 2,500 publicly traded companies annually. Based on an
assessment of criteria that accounts for general as well as industry-specific sustainability trends,
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companies best equipped to manage sustainability opportunities and risks are then selected for inclusion.
"We are honored that Air Products has been recognized for sustainability leadership, an
important component in creating shareholder value," said Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief
executive officer of Air Products. "We are committed to improving our own operations, supporting our
communities, and enabling customers to produce more while using less."
In addition to the DJSI Indices, Air Products remains a component of other internationalsustainability indices and is recognized for its sustainability practices and achievements around the globe
For more information about sustainability, visit the Air Products Sustainability webpage.
PA Mercury Regulations Subject Of Visit By South Korean Envoy
Staff from DEP's Bureau of Waste Management recently met with Dr. Yongseok Hong, assistant
professor of Environmental Engineering from Daegu University, Jillyang, South Korea, to discuss
Pennsylvania’s regulations related to mercury.
The visit was prompted by the recent creation of the international agreement to reduce mercury
pollution, the Minamata Convention. The United States has already signed and ratified this agreement.
Dr. Hong is assisting the Republic of Korea with a research project on existing mercuryregulations in the United States with the goal of building a new regulatory framework for Korean
businesses and citizens. He was especially interested in how US businesses can recover more mercury
and the most profitable methods to help with the transition of stricter regulations.
Current practices in Korea recover very low amounts of mercury and it has become a
considerable public health concern and a worker safety problem.
The visit included a meeting with Deputy Secretary Vince Brisini, Waste Management Bureau
Director Ken Reisinger, External Affairs Director Katherine Hetherington Cunfer, Policy Specialist
Laura Henry, and staff from the Waste Management Program including Tom Mellott, Kevin Beer, and
Glenn Mitzel to review Pennsylvania’s statutes, regulations, and policies related to mercury, especially
the Hazardous Household Waste Program.
Dr. Hong and DEP staff had field visits to APR Supply in Harrisburg to exhibit the non-profit
Thermostat Recycling Corporations’ (TRC) drop off locations for mercury containing thermostats as
well as meeting the local representative from TRC.
The second tour location was Bethlehem Apparatus, a nationally recognized specialty mercury
recovering and recycling business, to tour their Bethlehem facility.
Dr. Hong was extremely impressed with the extensive regulatory framework for mercury that
exists in Pennsylvania as well as the buy in by citizens and businesses. He planned to encourage Korean
EPA officials to follow the regulatory framework of Pennsylvania.
He was most delighted with the site visits and expressed that he had contacted other states and
corporations that deal in mercury recovery to schedule a tour and was rebuffed.
“We were glad to host Dr. Hong and share the successes of Pennsylvania’s mercury regulationsand recycling programs,” Brisini said. “We look forward to continuing to assist the Korean government
develop responsible and effective policies to regulate this highly hazardous substance.”
(Reprinted from September 18 issue of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own
copy of DEP News and back issues.)
Rivers Of The Chesapeake A Priority For USDA Collaborative Landscapes Program
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For more information on the nomination process or on trails, visit the ExplorePaTrails website.
Featured on the site are 493 trails covering more than 11,000 miles in Pennsylvania.
Trails Advisory Committee
The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee includes 20 members representing different types
of trail users, builders and advocates, and people with disabilities.
DCNR is accepting applications through November 7 for eight open seats on the committee.Members will serve for three years starting Janiary 1, 2015.
Nominations are being accepted for positions representing the following user organizations:
ATV riders; member at large; trail walkers; mountain biking; snowmobiling; people with disabilities; tra
advocate; and trail trainers.
The committee’s responsibilities are to advise DCNR on the use of trail funding in Pennsylvania;
review and rank trail project applications; and present an annual report to the secretary on trail
activities.
Find an application on the DCNR website.
Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit Sept. 30-Oct. 1
The Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit will be held September 30 to October 1 at DeSales
University in Center Valley, Pa. Click Here for the complete agenda. Click Here to register.
Sept. 17 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The September 17 Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources featuring stories about--
-- PA Receiving Federal Funds To Plan Forest Management, Conservation For Bats
-- Nominations For 2015 Trail Of The Year, Trail Advisory Committee
-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Conservation Grants Now Open
-- Enhance Penn’s Woods Funds 2 State Park Roofing Projects
-- Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy (bottom of page)
Morewood Named Director Of DEP’s Environmental Justice Advocate Office
DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo this week announced the appointment
of Kimberly A. Morewood, as Director of the DEP’s Environmental Justice
Advocate Office. Morewood previously served as DEP's Environmental
Advocate in Western Pennsylvania.
"Kim’s experience and skills, including her strong background working with the
regulated community, coordinating with local governments and engagementwith advocacy groups, along with her previous service as the western
Pennsylvania environmental advocate, have prepared her well for her new role
as the Director of this Office," Abruzzo said.
Morewood began her career at DEP as the Local Government Liaison for the
South-Central Region from 2001-2004. She then worked for the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives as a Public Relations Coordinator, and later, as the Chief of Staff to a State
Representative. She returned to DEP in 2013 to serve in her current role as Environmental Justice
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Advocate for western Pennsylvania.
In this new role, Morewood will be responsible for providing support to the Secretary by
directing the identification of social and environmental justice issues within the Commonwealth, and by
formulating and developing commonwealth-wide policies, regulations and laws to support the fair,
ethical, and meaningful treatment of all its citizens.
(Reprinted from September 18 issue of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own
copy of DEP News and back issues.)
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming
advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released. It also gives you a heads-up on
House and Senate Committee meetings, conferences and other interesting events. Meetings are in
Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar
webpage for updates.
September 22-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1565
(Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality
and Exceptional Value streams, Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory
Board within DEP- sponsor summary Room 140. Off the Floor.
September 22-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1672
(Miller-R-York) providing for testing of energy efficiency technologies. Rules Room. Off the Floor.
September 22-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee. Pennsylvania’s
abandoned Turnpike, a 13-mile stretch of the original Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton counties and plans to turn it into a scenic, recreational biking trail. Room 8E-A East Wing. 11:00. ( Note time.)
September 22-- DEP webinar on 3rd Round of Natural Gas Vehicle Grants. 2:00.
September 22— DEP, DCNR Meeting, Hearing On Gun Club Shooting Range In Centre County.
Rush Township municipal building, 150 North Richard St. in Philipsburg. Meeting—6:30, Hearing –
7:30.
September 23-- NEW. House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets. No Agenda
Announced. Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:00.
September 23-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 2393
(Kampf-R-Chester) providing a program to extend natural gas delivery to unserved or underserved
areas- sponsor summary. Room B31 Main Capitol. 9:15.
September 23-- Agenda Released. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
-- Presentation: Level 1, 2 Water System Assessment Proposal & Discussion
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<> Click Here for available handouts.
September 24-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement
Operators meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
-- Certification of New SEOs
-- Revised Bylaws-- Exam and Meeting Dates for 2015
<> Click Here for available handouts.
September 24-- NEW. Task Force on Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Diseases, Department
of Health. Dixon University Center, 2986 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 10:00. ( formal notice )
September 25-- Agenda Released. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Click Here to watch the meeting by webinar.
-- Summary of Changes Splitting Chapter 78 Into Conventional, Unconventional Standards
-- Update on Chapter 78, Subchapter C, D Draft Final Rule
<> Click Here for available handouts
September 25-- Agenda Released. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office,
286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. ( formal notice )
-- Update on Draft Performance-based Cable Safety Regulations
-- Update on Standards for Surface Facilities Regulations
-- Emergency Medical Training
<> Click Here for available handouts
September 25-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting.
Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. 10:00. ( formal notice )
-- Presentation On Trails, Watershed, Land Protection, Riverfront Revitalization Partnerships in
Northcentral PA
<> Click Here for available handouts.
September. 25-- NEW. DEP Listening Session on EPA’s Proposed Clean Power Climate Plan.
Honors Suite, 333 Market St., Harrisburg. 9:00. ( formal notice )
September 25-- Penn State Extension Youth Water Educator’s Summit. The Central Hotel and
Conference Center, Harrisburg.
September 26-- Agenda Released. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. ( formal notice )
-- Update from DEP Office of Water Management
-- Role of Water Resources Advisory Committee
<> Click Here for available handouts
October 1-- NEW. Senate Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on tracking and reporting
public health complaints in PA. King’s College, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 11:00.
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October 2-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00.
October 6-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee. Keep PA Beautiful will
present its recommendations for significantly reducing illegal dumping in Pennsylvania. Room 8E-A EasWing. Noon. ( Note time.)
October 8-- CANCELED. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment for
deep mining. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. ( formal notice )
October 9-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:15.
October 15-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
October 15-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.
October 15-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment for deep mining.
DEP Office, 131 Broadview Rd, New Stanton. 10:00. ( formal notice )
October 16-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00.
October 16-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems
Operators meeting 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
October 21-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
October 21-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
October 22-- Location Change. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting.
Emerging Technology Applications Center, Northampton Community College, 511 East Third St.,
Bethlehem. 10:00. ( formal notice )
October 23-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel CarsonBuilding. 10:00.
October 27-- Senate Game and Fisheries Committee holds a public hearing on Lyme disease,
Geisinger Medication Take Back Program, Great Lakes Fishery microbead ban, round goby impact on
PA waterways. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Dr., Erie. 9:00.
October 27-- CANCELED. DEP hearing on Hilcorp Energy gas pooling requests in Lawrence,
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Mercer counties. Albert P. Gettings Government Center Annex of the Lawrence County Government
Center, Assembly Room, 349 Countyline St., New Castle. 10:00.
October 28-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
October 28-- CANCELED. DEP hearing on Hilcorp Energy gas pooling requests in Lawrence,
Mercer counties. Albert P. Gettings Government Center Annex of the Lawrence County Government
Center, Assembly Room, 349 Countyline St., New Castle. 9:00.
November 5-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor,
Rachel Carson Building. 8:30.
November 5-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30.
November 12-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30.
November 18-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
November 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
December 2-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00.
December 9-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
December 9-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park
Road, Ebensburg. 10:00.
December 10-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater
Systems Operators meeting 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
December 11-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:15.
December 17-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.
December 18-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
December 22-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Operators meeting. 11th
Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
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September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 3-- PECO Green Region Environmental Grants
October 8-- Fish Commission State Wildlife Grants Ohio River Basin
October 20-- DEP Coastal Resources Grants
October 23-- PEMA Fire Company & Ambulance Services Grants
October 31-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Digital Photo Contest October 31-- PRC Lens On Litter Photo Contest
November 7-- NEW. DCNR 2015 Trail of the Year Nominations
November 14-- DEP Natural Gas Vehicle Grants
December 19-- NEW. Coldwater Heritage Conservation Grants
December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until they last)
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance
for environmental projects.
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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 20, 2014
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of Nutrient Credit Trading Program
certification requests.
DEP also published a notice of availability for a draft fiscal year report on the Reclamation Fee O&M
Trust Account.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process
Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpageTechnical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review
Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
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Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get
Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.
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General Environmental/Budget NewsClips
Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--
September 17 Resource DCNR Newsletter
September 18 DEP News
Budget
Wolf Promises Fracking Tax, Revenue For Schools
PA Fiscal Officers Say Budget In Dire Situation
Other
Environmental Committee Chairs Discuss Which Bills Will Move
Corbett, Other Governors Oppose Greenhouse Gas Controls
House Committee Holds Hearing On EPA Climate Plan
EPA Extends Comment Period On Clean Power Climate Rule
Philly Group Recruting People For NY Climate March
Audubon Predicts Climate Change Will Shrink Bird Ranges
State, Corrections Union Investigate Health At Prisons By Coal Sites
PPL Ends Time-Of-Use Rates
Berwick Nuclear Plant Goes Back To Normal Federal Oversight
Chesco Solar Plan Pits Green Against Green
Fuel Cell Company Leavers NY For Mt. PleasantDEP Considers $300K Plan To Clean Up Oil-Transfer Station
Clairton Coke Works Still Lagging On Air Pollution
Mt. Washington Landslide Stable For Now
The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna
West Penn Power Continues Removing Trees Damaged By Ash Borer
Presque Isle Advisory Group Hears Beach House Plans
Senate Passes Bill Earmarking Fees For Local Parks
Op-Ed: Enough About The Bikes, Bikes, Bikes
Group Says Wehr’s Dam Should Come Down
Volunteers, Fish Commission Install Fish Habitat In Lake Wallenpaupack
Game Commission Offers Game Lands Tours Waggoner’s Gap To Improve Lookout Point Accessibility
-- DEP’s NewsClips webpage - Click Here
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8/11/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014
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Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Range Resources Fined $4.1M, Close Old Drilling Impoundments
DEP Orders Range Resources To Pay $4 Million FineRange Resources Hit With $4 Million Fine
Range Resources To Pay $4M For Violations
Chevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD
Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group
Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution
Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water
Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting Water
Fracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds
Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues
Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?
Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination
Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat
WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well
Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water
PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution
Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park
Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights
Penn State Marcellus Shale Documentary Project Opens Sept. 23
Learning From Marcellus Shale To Drill The Utica
Lebanon Pipeline Awareness Speakers Urge Action
Pipeline Forum Highlights Concerns About Damage, EnvironmentDrilling Awareness Coalition Primes Community On Pipelines
Beaver Farmer Challenges Compressor Station Permit
Sunoco Eyes CNG Pumps At Pittsburgh Airport
Consol Energy Moves Forward On Airport Drilling
Natural Gas, Coal Have Defined Pittsburgh’s History
Oil, Gas Jobs Outnumbered Steel Jobs In PA Last Year
BCCC Prepares Students For Energy Industry Jobs
Oil, Gas Companies Court Military Veterans
Drillers Still Ignoring Law To Include Women, Minorities
Marcellus Industry Conference Moves To Pittsburgh
Penn State To Come Out With App For Gas Well Royalties Op-Ed: Reform Tax Code To Spur Expanded Energy Industry
Financial/Other States
Companies Look Overseas To Find Customers For Ethane
Buckeye Partners Becoming Energy Powerhouse
Chemical Trade Group Tries To Shape Regs
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8/11/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014
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Watershed/Flooding NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
FloodingLuzerne Flood Authority Awaits Ruling On Levee Fee Legality
Editorial: Fund Flood Gauges, Save On Damages
Other Watershed NewsClips
House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement
Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity
The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna
Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers
Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills
DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant
Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam
Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
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