Pa Environment Digest Feb. 11, 2013

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa February 11, 2013

Corbett Proposes $10 Million Increase In Farmland Preservation, More DEP Staff Cuts

Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday proposed an FY 2013-14 budget which increases farmland preservation

by $10 million to $35 million, but would eliminate an additional 40 positions from the Department of

Environmental Protection.

The General Fund appropriations for DEP would increase $639,000 and there is a $37,000increase in the proposed Department of Conservation and Natural Resources budget.

The Governors budget would decrease the Department of Agricultures budget by $11.6

million, a 9 percent cut as a result of transfers to other special funds and programs and a reduction of an

additional 11 staff positions.

Funding Not Missed?

Recall what Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said last week, Inheriting a mess, Gov. Corbett

got to work getting our states fiscal house in order. We clearly have today a state budget this is leaner,

more agile than when we found it a couple of years ago. Theres a lot of things that have gone away in

terms of funding that, frankly, I dont think the world has missed too much. The sun still rises in the

morning, it sets in the evening and we go about our business.Here are some details--

Environmental Protection

Overall the General Fund budget for DEP was increased slightly to $127.6 million from $126.8 last

year, about $639,000.

-- 40 additional positions are proposed to be eliminated

-- Environmental Stewardship Fund Watershed Restoration- $3.8 million increase

-- Environmental Hearing Board increase of $165,000 for new regional office.

-- Sewage Facilities Planning Grants zeroed out for 2nd year- $436,000 cut.

-- Sewage Facilities Enforcement Grants zeroed out for 2nd year- $620,000 cut.-- Conservation Districts zeroed out- $2.8 million (although made up in Act 13 drilling fees*).

-- $35 million in federal funds for a State Energy Program was not reflected in the budget.

Context: DEP General Fund budget in FY 2002-03 was $728.2 million, now reduced to $127.8

million, and its full-time salaried staff complement was 3,211, now reduced to 2,556 over the last 10

years.

Conservation & Natural Resources
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Overall the General Fund budget for DCNR was increased very slightly to $52.760 million from

$52.723 million, about $37,000. Again this year monies from the Oil and Gas Fund, which includes

revenue from drilling on State Forest lands, was used to cover DCNR personnel and other costs.

-- 1 position is proposed to be eliminated

-- Environmental Stewardship Funds increase of $2.5 million in grants for Community Conservation,

Parks and Forest Facility Rehabilitation and Natural Diversity Conservation Grants-- Oil and Gas Fund revenues for FY 2013-14 projected to be $85 million

-- Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund monies were kept within DCNR

Context: DCNR General Fund budget in FY 2002-03 was $322.9 million, now reduced to $52.76

million

Statement: DCNR Secretary Richard Allan released this information on DCNRs proposed budget:

DCNRs proposed General Fund budget allocation for fiscal year 2013-14 is just slightly

above the current fiscal year at $52.76 million. Similar to this fiscal year, DCNR will use dollars from

the Oil and Gas Lease Fund generated by rents and royalties to offset General Fund allocations for our

state park, forest and other government operations.We have been able through good management, and the support of the General assembly, over

the past several years to offset General Fund reductions by using the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to

support DCNR conservation and recreation efforts, Secretary Allan said. During this time DCNRs

budget has remained intact at a time of significant reductions in other areas.

By constantly looking for new efficiencies and sources of revenue, DCNR will continue to

maintain its unique balance of conservation practices and economic development, Allan said.

The Governors 2013-14 budget proposes $20.1 million from the Keystone Fund for state

park and forest infrastructure and $43.7 million for grants for recreation and conservation.

AgricultureOverall the General Fund budget for Agriculture was reduced to $117.8 million from $129.5 million, a

cut of about $11.6 million, , a 9 percent cut as a result of transfers to other special funds and programs,

including an additional $3.4 million in the General Operations personnel line item. -- Eleven additional

positions are proposed to be eliminated.

-- Farmland Preservation Funding increased by $10 million to $35 million

-- Resource Enhancement and Protection (Farm) Tax Credit funding retained at $10 million.

-- Conservation Districts zeroed out- $1 million cut (although made up in Act 13 drilling fees*).

-- PA Race Horse Development Fund withdrawal of $5.3 million

Context: Agricultures General Fund budget in FY 2002-03 was 274.3 million, now reduced to

$117.8 million.

State System Of Higher Education

-- PA Center for Environmental Education - zeroed out for 3rd year a $368,000 cut

-- McKeever Environmental Center - zeroed out for 4th year a $213,000 cut

Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund

The proposed budget would make these amounts available to various programs from the Act 13 drilling


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fees in FY 2013-14--

-- County Grants - $11.2 million

-- Commonwealth Financing Authority - $15 million

-- Commonwealth Financing Authority H2O Program - $9.4 million

-- Community & Economic Development - $3.7 million

-- Environmental Protection - $7.5 million-- PennVEST - $9.4 million

-- Highway Bridge Improvement - $18.8 million

-- Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund - $27.5 million

Commonwealth Financing Authority

-- CFA will have $14.5 million from the Act 13 drilling fees to fund grants for abandoned mine drainage

abatement, watershed restoration, water quality monitoring, greenways, trails and recreation, well

plugging, flood hazard mitigation and sewage facilities funding in 2013.

Film Production Tax Credit-- $60 million in tax credits for film and television production proposed (really?)

* Corrected: Act 13 Marcellus Shale drilling impact fees provide conservation districts about $5 million

in 2013-- $2.5 million distributed to counties for districts from the PUC, $2.5 million to the State

Conservation Commission for distribution to districts. While cut of $3.8 million to the line items in

Agriculture and DEP is less than the $5 million in Act 13 fees districts are proposed to get, the impact

on individual county districts will vary. Some may get less, some may get more that if the line items

were made whole.

Click Here for the full budget document, proposed line-by-line appropriations and theGovernors Budget PowerPoint summary. Click Here for the text of the Governors budget speech.

House Democrats have also produced a line-by-line appropriations list which goes into more detail than

the one produced by the Governors Office. Senate Republicans also put out their own line-by-line

appropriations spreadsheet.

Link: Growing Leaner: Shrinking Commitment To The Environment Over Last 10 Years

Governors Budget Press Releases:

Corbett Releases Pension Reform Plan

Corbett Unveils Transportation Funding Plan

Corbett Calls For 4-Year, $1 Billion Investment In Schools

Corbett Budget Seeks To Help Pennsylvanians In Need

Corbett Budget Focuses On Healthcare, Increased Access

Corbett Invests In Agriculture

Corbett Budget Makes Changes In Jobs Programs

Corbett Asks Federal Government For Medicaid Reform

Text Of The Governors Budget Address
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2013%2F02%2Fgov_tom_corbetts_budget_speech.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG8uHYCzqEJiVXFbB2gev8_3UqI9Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fpennsylvania-governor-corbett-asks-federal-government-for-medicaid-reform-189851781.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcFLg0gLdqY2XpojqVZIhgkj-7hAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbett-introduces-jobs-focused-budget-positions-pa-for-continued-economic-success-189851441.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHY0tXqN8_3ZoKOXtlqn47ToffS5whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbetts-budget-proposal-invests-in-agriculture-189851201.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNER3oj-3MkbGzIlCx7AXOwRNQkb6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbetts-2013-14-budget-focused-on-healthcare-improvements-and-increased-access-to-care-189850851.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHCeoEZXwhoEgsYl5hCBmjI6_NXmghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbetts-2013-14-budget--helping-pennsylvanians-in-need-189850611.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFRFtFuIDLArvY4fA30azNfBWfAyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbett-calls-for-four-year-1-billion-investment-in-schools-189850111.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpaswBsKJ9AGUjO6p9dGguE0e9Xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbett-announces-plan-to-address-decades-of-underfunding-for-pennsylvanias-transportation-infrastructure-189844221.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGKpTebXW1iO7obzmUIOI6nY3ZV1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prnewswire.com%2Fnews-releases%2Fgovernor-corbett-releases-pension-reform-plan-189843791.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEI_V_PcUD-lbVbma5d1WH54kL6rAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24446&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEjvRCjYyKD0HHKhqwdBzaP0C-ZrQhttp://goo.gl/6Ep3hhttp://goo.gl/aEOqMhttp://goo.gl/aEOqMhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2013%2F02%2Fgov_tom_corbetts_budget_speech.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG8uHYCzqEJiVXFbB2gev8_3UqI9Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fcurrent_and_proposed_commonwealth_budgets%2F4566&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLpgLf7GhO8qwBUb9otHv1y8pAowhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpacd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGayAKCRYvxOW3fw9ebHJ_i8kcmuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24530&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHPYxueAE6jIKhZgoquFkUA2r-chA


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NewsClips:

Governor: Budget Getting Rave Reviews

Corbetts Budget Gamble

Governor Loosening Purse Strings

Corbett Touts Energy Jobs In Budget AddressGovernor: Budget Getting Rave Reviews

DEP, DCNR Secretaries Responds To Budget Cut Concerns

Gas Tax Would Rise 5 Cents A Year Under Corbett

Transportation Plan Includes Removing Gasoline Tax Cap

Transportation Plan Funded By Uncapping Gasoline Tax

Winners, Losers In Corbett Proposed Budget

Corbett Sees Reason For Optimism

Bumsted: PAs Opaque State Of Transparency

Drilling Impact Fee Revenue Headed To Programs

DEP Wants To Boost Fees On Major Polluters

$1.8 Billion Cut/Diverted From Environmental Programs Over Last 10 Years

With the proposed FY 2013-14 General Fund budget announced Tuesday, we now know $1.8 billion

has been cut or diverted from environmental programs over the last 10 years, starting with the record

budget and staff cuts by Gov. Rendell in each year of his administration.

Gov. Rendell's share of these cuts/diversions is $1.4 billion. Gov. Corbett's share is $427

million, so far.

Funding Not Missed?

Recall what Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said last week, Inheriting a mess, Gov. Corbettgot to work getting our states fiscal house in order. We clearly have today a state budget this is leaner,

more agile than when we found it a couple of years ago. Theres a lot of things that have gone away in

terms of funding that, frankly, I dont think the world has missed too much. The sun still rises in the

morning, it sets in the evening and we go about our business.

Here's an itemized list of the cuts and diversions--

-- $583 million in Act 339 grants intended to support wastewater plant operations over the last nine

years were eliminated to balance the budget ($52 million or so each year)

-- $143 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to balance the FY 2008-09 budget

-- $79 million cut from the DEP and DCNR General Fund budget during FY2009-10

-- $60 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to balance the FY 2009-10 budget

-- $100 million in 2002 from the Underground Storage Tank cleanup insurance fund to balance the

budget (although this is slowly being repaid over 10 years)

-- $52.7 million one-time diversion from the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund in

2006 to balance the budget

-- $50 million in 2007 and 2008 from the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which supports mine

reclamation and watershed restoration, to fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program because there

was no agreement on how to fund that program
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F3422590-74%2Fcounty-state-fee%23axzz2K17NTa4T&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi3YDNkff4zE7tFdZdzutPcX7UzQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fimpact-fee-revenue-headed-to-programs-1.1438858&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnh41cFobqgFflyG57U8pQR_kF_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Fbradbumsted%2F3400435-74%2Fstate-law-legal&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFHlv-HwI652ac9vKN_H2JOf801aAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fstories%2Flocal%2Fstate%2Fgov-corbett-sees-reason-for-optimism-673205%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5iOn0TPjzjwAZEZVNg92N4hjTgghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F02%2Fgov_tom_corbetts_budget_who_wi.html%23incart_m-rpt-2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG0aaWZ4o7JGuEILEYFU5pAlgAQrghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F3429805-74%2Fcorbett-million-tax&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGwK7uNrsK3H61BwF3p8gU-KzvthAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fstories%2Fnews%2Ftransportation%2Fcorbett-plan-secures-long-term-transportation-funding-673538%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFm-Vn-pCecrPiR-AOzBD2Dyb3ylAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fstate%2F20130205_Pa__gas_taxes_would_rise_5_cents_a_year_under_Corbett_budget.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPblg7mcxf3oXGDFG8EeNQGqipowhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdep-dcnr-secretary-respond-to-concerns.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGsiMcmdkW06p0TMcpMK6YG6RW_ZQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2013%2F2013020756.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1hi1BDRbap1z477PpmqObV1e1VQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F02%2F06%2Fcorbett-touts-energy-jobs-in-budget-address%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRpAT5kBkWfHNpeUddEC6AiJlSEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fstories%2Flocal%2Fstate%2Fgovernor-loosening-purse-strings-673599%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGv_jNqCxnyrHHdJP0i9bgQBxwJhAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2013%2F02%2Fpennsylvania_budget_analysis_t.html%23incart_m-rpt-2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHQGwRodRgf7wgFYI5IoA_ZbKm_eAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2013%2F2013020756.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1hi1BDRbap1z477PpmqObV1e1VQ


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-- $241.9 million in FY 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 from the

Environmental Stewardship Fund to pay debt service on the Growing Greener II bond issue and taking

funding away from restoration projects each year for the next 25 years reflecting a pattern of only

environmental programs being required to address their own bond debt service

-- $15 million from the Recycling Fund in to balance the FY 2008-09 budget

-- $18.4 million put into budgetary reserve in 2008-09 from the Department of EnvironmentalProtection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

-- $5 million reduction in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credit

program in FY 2009-10

-- $102.8 million cut from the DEP and DCNR General Fund budget in FY 2010-11 budget

-- $180 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to General Fund in proposed FY 2010-11

budget

-- $5.5 million reduction in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax

credits in FY 2010-11

-- $5 million in additional cuts to the agencies to balance the FY 2010-11 budget

-- $3.9 million in across-the-board cuts to help fill gaps caused by reduced federal Medicaidappropriations-- $2.4 million from DEP, $1.5 million from DCNR

-- $669,000 from the Safe Water line item in DEP's budget

-- $102.8 million cut continued from the FY 2010-11 DEP and DCNR General Fund budget in FY

2011-12 budget

-- $8.3 million Mid-year budget freeze cuts additional resources for environmental programs:

Agriculture: $2.6 million DCNR: $1.5 million and DEP: $4.2 million.

-- FY 2012-13 budget eliminates $11.8 million in General Fund monies from DEP, and $2.5 million

from DCNR.

-- FY 2012-13 budget continues the $102.8 million cut made by Gov. Rendell beginning in FY

2010-11.-- FY 2012-13 budget for the State System of Higher Education zeroes out funding again for the PA

Center for Environmental Education ($368,000) and McKeever Environmental Center ($213,000).

-- FY 2013-14 budget continues the $102.8 million cut made by Gov. Rendell beginning in FY

2010-11.

-- FY 2013-14 budget for the State System of Higher Education zeroes out funding again for the PA

Center for Environmental Education ($368,000) and McKeever Environmental Center ($213,000).

Conservation Districts Ask For Funds To Be Restored

Gov. Tom Corbett announced his proposed FY 2013-14 state budget to members of the legislature.

Part of his budget includes a 100 percent decrease in line item funding to the states 66 conservation

districts through the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection.

The conservation districts are extremely grateful for the state funding we have received to date,

but we need to maintain our funding across the state, to meet the constantly increasing demands for our

services, noted PA Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Robert Maiden. Declines

for districts equates to less staff, less education and outreach, and minimal projects being put into

practice.
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Conservation district staffs throughout Pennsylvania work to aid all sectors of the economy but

most notably, they work to maintain the states number one industry: agriculture.

In 2008, the districts state line items funding level was at $5.4 million dollars. After that year,

districts experienced a decline of 23 percent in state funding allotments. Last fiscal year, the districts

received $4.2 million dollars in state funds through the Departmental line items.

Agriculture is not only the number one economic driver in Pennsylvania, but it also feedsfamilies, putting food on the table for residents across this Commonwealth, Maiden added. In order

for conservation districts to continue supporting that effort, they need funding. PACD respectfully

requests that the legislature reinstate the conservation districts line item funding in the FY 2013-14

budget.

For more information, visit the PACD website.

Editors Note: Act 13 Marcellus Shale drilling impact fees provide conservation districts about $5

million in 2013-- $2.5 million distributed to counties for districts from the PUC, $2.5 million to the State

Conservation Commission for distribution to districts. While cut of $3.8 million to the line items in

Agriculture and DEP is less than the $5 million in Act 13 fees districts are proposed to get, the impacton individual county districts will vary. Some may get less, some may get more that if the line items

were made whole.

DEP, DCNR Secretary Respond To Concerns About Budget Cuts

On Tuesday DEP Secretary Michael Krancer and DCNR Secretary Richard Allan sent a letterto PA

Environment Digest responding to an article entitled, Growing Leaner: Shrinking Commitment to the

Environment Over Last 10 Years.

The response seeks to put 10 years of cuts to staff and funding for environmental programs in

the context of recent Corbett Administration actions.Heres their letter--

We read with interest your recent blog entitled, Growing Leaner: Shrinking Commitment to the

Environment Over the Last 10 Years. There are a few things which you have overlooked that need to

be brought to your attention.

We disagree with your assertion that Gov. Tom Corbetts administration lacks commitment and

fiscal support for the Departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural

Resources. Gov. Corbett has now proposed three budgets in a row that call for no furloughs at either

DEP or DCNR. That itself is a telling departure from his predecessor. Your assertion that both

agencies are not doing everything they are required to do by law is irresponsible and does little to

advance an honest and fact-based dialogue about the best use of public dollars to protect and preserve

our environment.

First of all, as an overarching matter, your analysis is anachronistic. The analysis ignores the

fact that reporting criteria have changed and are much different now than a decade ago. It also ignores

the fact that today there are much more detailed performance measures we now track.

We disagree, as do the vast majority of taxpayers, with the assertion that merely spending more

money automatically equates to increased environmental protection. A Quinnipiac public opinion poll
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quinnipiac.edu%2Finstitutes-centers%2Fpolling-institute%2Fpennsylvania%2Frelease-detail%2F%3FReleaseID%3D1836&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFc_gH_5vv3An1Wg996wO_rk2q_hAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24446&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEjvRCjYyKD0HHKhqwdBzaP0C-ZrQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24446&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEjvRCjYyKD0HHKhqwdBzaP0C-ZrQhttp://goo.gl/FRPAShttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpacd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGayAKCRYvxOW3fw9ebHJ_i8kcmuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacd.org%2FCD&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZ_dU_ZIKWXjPs-YS7MW6ggdt_8g


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released just last week reflects that taxpayers fully understand the difficult financial situation facing the

nation and the states, and the importance of prioritizing the use of state financial resources and tax

dollars. The public also understands and demands that government bring innovative solutions beyond

just spending more money.

This is also reflected by the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), the national

non-profit, non-partisan association of state and territorial environmental agencies. An August 2012resolution passed by ECOS says, among other things, that State recognize that innovative approaches

hold great promise for building upon environmental successes and that the federal government and the

States need to work together to encourage the development of more efficient, cost-effective and

common sense strategies, especially in light of severe budget constraints and that state continue to

demonstrate leadership in promoting such new, efficient, and effective ways of achieving desired

environmental objectives, which ensuring that any new approaches do not weaken environmental and

public health protection.

During the past two plus years under Gov. Corbetts leadership, both agencies have adopted

more modern business practices and enhanced performanced-base budgeting. That has resulted in our

organizations working more efficiently and effectively. These measures have been demanded by citizenand employers of Pennsylvania and reflect current and appropriate views on how government is

supposed to operate. A more streamlined organization was the cornerstone of DEPs reorganization in

2011, a plan you publicly applauded in your blog and during several interviews with Pennsylvania media

outlets which we appreciate.

At DEP, our commitment to and focus on smart management and a back-to-basics approach

resulted in the recently announced Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee Policy.

Through the development of the new policy, it became obvious that past metrics and criteria that DEP

was tracking and using to measure performance were no longer meaningful or relevant as they may have

been in the past. DEPs newly revised criteria represent how we can best measure our performance,

success and overall impact today on environmental protection and restoration across theCommonwealth.

The numbers tell the story. Since September, the backlog of permit applications you cited

which was left by the last administration has been reduced by 37 percent in just five months. Many of

those permits in the backlog were inactive, sometimes for years, for a variety of reasons and applicants

simply chose to withdraw them.

Your analysis of the recently released 2011-12 Report on State Performance also misses the

mark. Your headline erroneously concludes there has been a 12 percent decrease in environmental

compliance since 2001. While the headline is sensational and attention grabbing, which is the purpose

of a headline, it bears no relationship to the actual facts and data. Our calculations and data analysis

show the 2012 compliance rate was actually 77.76 compared to 2001 compliance rate of 73.04

percent, a 4.63 increase in compliance.

Additionally, DEP inspected more than 38,500 distinct facilities in 2012 compared to the

32,400 facility inspections reported in 2001. Moreover, DEP completed the additional 6,000 facility

inspections with 13.6 fewer staff. This demonstrates that DEP is operating on better, more accurate

and efficient metrics and is delivering more efficient government service. DEP has achieved these

increased efficiencies through better training, better time management and technology upgrades for our

inspectors.


8/45

Your derisive reference to DEP having not issued an annual report on its accomplishments is

ironic in light of your own citation to and reliance on statistics from the most recent Report on State

Performance. That report is a comprehensive listing of the activities, challenges and accomplishments o

30 Commonwealth agencies to which DEP contributes. In addition, DEP is legislatively mandated to

produce dozens of reports to the legislature for particular programs. Frankly, adding yet another report

to our plate would only be window-dressing and take away time from staff whose efforts are betterspent reviewing permits or inspecting facilities.

Your comments about DCNR are likewise unfair and off the mark. Pennsylvanias state forest

was just independently certified for the 15 year in a row. This confirms that DCNR is effectively

managing and stewarding the forest in a way that protects its long-term health. This is so even with an

increase in responsible energy extraction activity related to the Marcellus Shale. In addition, our system

of 120 state parks, which DCNR manages, are recognized as one of the best in the country and we

continue our commitment to operating efficiently and are delivering a quality visitor experience.

DCNRs statewide outdoor recreation plan is nationally recognized. DCNR continues to support

community revitalization through out landscape approach and a robust grant program that invests in

recreation and conservation at the local level.We (DCNR) have been able through good management, and the support of the General

Assembly, over the past two years to offset General Fund reductions by using the Oil and Gas Lease

Fund to support DCNR conservation and recreation efforts. At the same time, DCNRs budget has

remained intact during a time of significant reductions in other areas. By constantly looking for new

efficiencies and sources of revenue, DCNR will continue to maintain its unique balance of conservation

practices and economic development.

Today, we are all, both in the public and private sectors, required to be more judicious than

perhaps ever before with our use of resources. This is not an era, either nationally or in any state in the

Union, of $1 billion state budget surpluses and big check presentations made from those surpluses.

Rather, we, like every other state has been called on to do, have refocused on our agencies coremissions as we continue to emerge from the biggest economic recession since the Great Depression,

while restoring Pennsylvanias resources impact by legacy environmental issues.

We can assure you and all Pennsylvanians that our two agencies strive every day to improve our

performance and efficiency while working in partnership with the regulated community and all other

stakeholders to achieve the highest in environmental compliance and resource protection.

If you have any questions please contact Tom Santanna, DEPs Director of Legislative Affairs,

by email to [email protected] or by telephone at 717-783-8303 or Nathan Flood, DCNRs Director

of Legislation and Advisory Councils, by email at [email protected] or telephone at 717-772-9084.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Krancer, Secretary Department of Environmental Protection

Richard J. Allan, Secretary Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

A copy of the letteris available online.

Link:Corbett Proposes $10 Million Increase In Farmland Preservation, DEP Staff Cuts
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fcorbett-proposes-10-million-increase-in.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF98XWjAR4mg-SbM2DfZQuP5Dh9jwhttp://goo.gl/FRPASmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


9/45

Editors Note: This letter contains some new information on how DEP and DCNR have dealt with

significant budget constraints during the Corbett Administration, but it does not dispute any of the

fundamental facts about what has happened to environmental funding over the last decade.

It would be great to know more about how DEP and DCNR are coping with these cuts and

the measures they are using to chart their success. The information available now is very limited.

Past Republican Administrations have thoroughly documented their efficiency efforts, forexample, the Regulatory Basics Initiative, started in 1995, eliminated 4,500 pages of outdated,

confusing or unnecessary guidance documents and saved the regulated community an estimated $672

million in compliance costs and DEP $5 million in staff time.

And the RBI program was undertaken with the help of DEPs advisory committees and an

extensive public participation process.

I hoped the original article would generate a debate on the state of environmental funding, and

it seemed to, but I stand by the facts and conclusions in the article.

-- David E. Hess, former Secretary Department of Environmental Protection

Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of

topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

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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.
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10/45

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--

Session Schedule

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

Senate

February 11, 12, 13

March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20

April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30

May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

House

February 11, 12, 13

March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20

April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Bill Calendars

House (February 11): House Bill 34 (Harper-R-Montgomery) setting green building standards for

state-owned or state-leased buildings Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (February 11): Senate Bill 164 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) appointing independent counsel for the

Environmental Quality Board Senate Bill 196 (D.White-R-Indiana) further authorizing PennVEST

funding for stormwater management and non-point sources projects. Click Here for full Senate Bill

Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: the Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on natural gas distribution services .

Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to considerSenate Bill 258

(Yaw-R-Bradford) relating to the abandonment of mineral rights, Senate Bill 411 (Kasunic-D-

Somerset) providing for the reuse of mine drainage as drilling fluids, Senate Resolution 29

(Yaw-R-Bradford) directing the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to study the potential for increased
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D411&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJ_Ezd-jsznxl4gVNvQRCbuQOpLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D258&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXW3t7A35KR_lsIGFRII-KA2xVnghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0196&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHc18eSsYG0nUv696st1ej4FZggiAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0196&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHc18eSsYG0nUv696st1ej4FZggiAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0164&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHaFp3peenHVX3vlRhFRbnb82us5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0164&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHaFp3peenHVX3vlRhFRbnb82us5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0034&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEklOValEwQoftJ0o_JId-T21MRdA


11/45

extension of natural gas distribution infrastructure by natural gas utilities to un-served and under-served

areas the Transportation Committee holds a hearing on Governors Transportation Funding Plan.

Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Other: Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and

Conservation Committee.

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 AffairsGaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and EnergyConsumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Conservation District:House Bill 495 (Boback-R-Columbia) amends the Conservation District Law

to require DEP to develop a cooperative process for reviewing erosion and sedimentation permit

application, like those for Marcellus Shale drilling operations.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0495&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlbWonlwdW8UiQBkN0_jDlnXijVwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D29%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEFRblqtaEenQ0VT95qBN99spSVughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D39%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGen44rvRCPWPNWdkE78IRMtdYD8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D23%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX6wadL86stvoAjqp_6XVmIr3CPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D31%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWo5gPwUqwjzbCCyXJsXuHG9LBQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D7%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgl8oWuYIE7IS-GPdHIkQnMbzMTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D9%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Oe-V64S3ruX2jiyUpOyg7imNJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D38%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG766DjTIHBb4RERLenJpHLZjl_zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D28%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D24%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEj0T4DMvS-Do_PTGnG1M1IMJZd7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D56%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtzO07uQSwtQoHuuk14hWq3d60gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D54%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETvX_kv57bKi9X1aUnj7T000SRiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D10%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTt-ARiXW9soyui0IvrazqU61quAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D8%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxUAkR70KgxtgUTF3f8bVMWtCySghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D12%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHChd4URUtlhk9tHinZDzI9l2PFSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D4%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2A


12/45

Mine Drainage Reuse:Senate Bill 411 (Kasunic-D-Somerset) authorizing the reuse of mine drainage

for Marcellus Shale drilling use.

Emergency Water Supplies:Senate Bill 459 (Costa-D-Allegheny) establishing the Emergency

Drinking Water Support Fund to provide for well water testing and replacement water in areas affected

by Marcellus Shale drilling.

County Recycling Fees:Senate Bill 460 (Costa-D-Allegheny) authorized the adoption of county

recycling fees.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

House

Green Buildings:House Bill 34 (Harper-R-Montgomery) setting green building standards for

state-owned or state-leased buildings was amended and reported out of the House Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Agency Performance: House Bill 35 (Saylor-R-York) establishing an agency program performance e

program was amended and reported out of the House State Government Committee and Tabled.

Capital Budget Reform: House Bill 493 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) Capital Budget/Project reform was

reported out of the House Finance Committee and Tabled.

Senate

Oil & Gas: Senate Bill 259 (Yaw-R-Bradford) further providing for the reporting of royalties from oil

and gas wells was amended on the Senate Floor and passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the

House for consideration.

Agricultural Easement: House Bill 84 (Miller-R-York) providing for annual compliance inspections of

farm conservation easements was reported out of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

and is on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol

House Committee Moves Bill Setting Green Standards For State Buildings

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday amended and reported out

House Bill 34 (Harper-R-Montgomery) requiring the design, construction and renovation of certain
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0034&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEklOValEwQoftJ0o_JId-T21MRdAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0084&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaa_PFmM7UxGcF-EP25oM-horGkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0259&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHWpbwKh6l4daOjyYbsqCvfAQtPjQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D493&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFYV0fW8GMmWCduM91GNN9tIRRdMQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0035&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFVu8th8L4WEGpb_GRxlRbxhtTDwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0034&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEklOValEwQoftJ0o_JId-T21MRdAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0460&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYviHNg5Sat6mx6GgltqR_lPZQIwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0459&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4jWnNW5bw5HBe2sOVrUE6wzl-HQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26BN%3D0411&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEjPD9dE3wMU0Qs3QoMD46OXXoAFg


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state-owned or state-leased buildings comply with energy and high-performance building standards.

"This bill is a simple matter of responsible government and following the lead of our

constituents," said Rep. Ron Miller, Majority Chair. "Many of them are upgrading their homes to

increase energy efficiency, which results in their saving money on heating and cooling costs."

"Investing in high-performance construction now will save the taxpayers money in the long run,"

Rep. Harper said. "The government facilities we build today will be here for decades to come, and wehave a responsibility to design them for long-term efficiency and performance."

House Bill 34 would require--

-- A state owned building project larger than 20,000 gross square feet

-- A new building project larger than 20,000 gross square feet in which a Commonwealth agency has

agreed to lease no fewer than 90 percent of the gross square feet.

-- A renovation of a state-owned or leased building that is larger than 20,000 gross square feet and at

least 90 percent of the total square footage of the building.

"We currently have nothing in statute requiring environmental and energy efficiency standards in

the design, construction, and renovation of state buildings, a policy which must change," added Rep.

Miller.Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.

Bill Would Add Funding To Solar Grant Program

Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee, Friday introduced House Bill 200 (not yet online) which he said would save the PA

Sunshine Solar Program, which has helped homeowners and small businesses install solar systems.

The Department of Environmental Protection announced January 26 an additional $7.5 million in

funding for the PA Sunshine Solar Program is now available thanks to funding from the Commonwealth

Financing Authority."Solar power has many benefits and the commonwealth should do all it can to encourage its

use," said Rep. Vitali. "Although the price of solar power is coming down, this legislation is needed to

keep solar power competitive with other forms of energy."

Rep. Vitali said solar energy creates good-paying jobs in the Delaware Valley and the rest of

the commonwealth, helps fight climate change and reduces America's dependence on foreign oil.

Rep. Vitali's bill, which has 20 co-sponsors and bipartisan support, would provide $25 million

per year to the PA Sunshine Solar Program. Funding would come from the Marcellus Shale impact fee,

which was enacted last year.

The popular program, which was created by the legislature in 2008, recently received the final

$7.25 million of its initial $100 million appropriation. That's enough money to provide rebates for all

projects currently on the waiting list and help fund an estimated 400 additional solar system installations

this year. The Corbett administration has announced it will stop taking applications at the end of this

year.

As a result of the program, Pennsylvania went from 13th to 6th in solar energy development,

according to a former state Department of Environmental Protection official. But many of Pennsylvania's

800 certified solar installers face an uncertain future as the program winds down.
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Senate Environmental Committee To Consider Mine Water Reuse, Mineral Rights Bills

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets February 12 to consider legislation

to encourage the reuse of mine drainage water as drilling fluids, providing for abandoned mineral rights

and natural gas infrastructure expansion. The bills include--

-- Senate Bill 258 (Yaw-R-Bradford) relating to the abandonment of mineral rights-- Senate Bill 411 (Kasunic-D-Somerset) providing for the reuse of mine drainage as drilling fluids and

-- Senate Resolution 29 (Yaw-R-Bradford) directing the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to study the

potential for increased extension of natural gas distribution infrastructure by natural gas utilities to

un-served and under-served areas.

The meeting will be held in Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol starting at 11:00.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne)

serves as Minority Chair.

News From Around The State

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets Feb. 19 On Public Participation Policy, More

The Citizens Advisory Council to the Department of Environmental Protection will meet on February 19

starting at 11:00 to hear what DEP has planned for updating its permit review public participation policy

and a presentation on water testing.

Also on the agenda are updates on DEPs Permit Decision Guarantee Process and an air

pollution monitoring study conducted by DEP in addition to DEPs regular department update.

The Council is also set to act on a Workplan to focus its activities during 2013 in light of cuts to

the Councils budget. The priorities include--

-- The Departments performance in advancing transparency and public participation in policydevelopment, program implementation, public service, enforcement actions and permitting decisions.

-- Ongoing review and analysis of Department activities as mandated by state statutes (for example, the

Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act and the Air Pollution Control Act).

-- Providing a forum for issues brought by the public to the CAC, as appropriate. Council will review

pending issues quarterly.

-- Consult with, and bring issues to the attention of, the legislature.

-- The Departments ability to fulfill its statutorily mandated responsibilities and mission in light of

continued budget cuts at the state and federal level.

In addition to these priorities, these policies will guide Council activities--

-- The CAC will no longer provide general letters of support to the Department on finalized policyproposals, unless the CAC was actively engaged and involved in the development of those proposals.

General letters of support should be left to the DEP program advisory committee/boards.

-- The CAC will not seek to debate the technical merits of individual permitting decisions unless there

are overall policy/guidance/regulatory implications. The Council will, however, remain focused on publi

involvement and opportunities for public input in the decision making process, and will continue to bring

public concerns on particular issues or activities to light. When no specific program advisory committee

exists or is not active or an issue impacts multiple programs, Council will have the option to fill that role
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-- The CAC will work as a public forum for monthly summaries and updates from the Department on

significant Department activities. This may include asking for further information or clarification on

Department statements or positions.

A copy of the agenda is available online. The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building, Harrisburg.

For more information, visit the Citizens Advisory Council webpage.

Spotlight: Citizen Petitions To Change Or Adopt New Environmental Regulations

Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not have a way for citizens to petition the government to change

state laws through referendums. But anyone, a citizen, business or group, can petition the states

Environmental Quality Board to change or adopt new environmental regulations.

The 20 members of the Environmental Quality Board adopt regulations for the Department of

Environmental Protection, so any law or regulation administered by the agency is open to the petition

process.

The specific provision in Section 1920-A of the Administrative Code says: Any person maypetition the Environmental Quality Board to initiate a rulemaking proceeding for the issuance,

amendment or repeal of a regulation administered and enforced by the department.

Petitioning regulations adopted by the Board outline the procedures for submitting spspecific

requests for new or amended regulations. The requests must be made on the petition form posted on

DEPs website.

In addition to petitions to change regulations for air, waste, water quality and other DEP

programs, there are specific procedures for citizens to request the redesignation of streams to and from

High Quality and Exceptional Value watershed designations.

Citizens can also designate watersheds or portions of watersheds unsuitable for surface coal

mining under Chapter 86 of the departments regulations.Under the general EQB petitioning procedures, requests are submitted to DEP who, within 30

days, must determine whether the petition is complete or not appropriate for submittal to the Board.

If DEP determines the petition does not meet the basic petition requirements, petitioners have

30 days to submit a corrected or amended petition.

If a petition is determined to meet the requirements of the petition regulations, the individual or

group submitting the petition is given the opportunity to make a presentation on the proposed change or

changes to the full Board.

The Board then determines by vote whether to accept the petition. The Board can reject a

petition for several reasons outlined in the policy: if the matter is under litigation, if the request is not

appropriate for rulemaking due to policy or regulatory considerations, if the petition involves an issue

previously considered by the Board or if the Board considered the same issue within the last two years.

If accepted, the petition is then evaluated and DEP staff has 60 days to return to the Board with

a recommendation to draft a regulation making the changes suggested by the petition or recommend

against the change.

DEPs recommendations are also sent to the petitioner to review and the petitioner has the right

to respond to the recommendations before the Board considers DEPs report.

The Board then has the opportunity to accept or reject DEPs recommendations.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacode.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2F025%2Fchapter86%2FsubchapDtoc.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGg_0-FzuZie-8yfzCIgAnHn_3XxQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdep%2Fsubject%2Finvolved%2Frule_petition.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHrFzNgpIPiCZIHBa-4nYQmNASX6Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdep%2Fsubject%2Finvolved%2Fpetpolfinal.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEQukg5TSN_T2udSLv8fRiaFhN2hghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fcitizens_advisory_council%2F14019&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF9oYZJjwH_HdKdy-xvEEOmDb5Dnghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2013_02%2FFebruary_2013_Agenda.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_Pxy36rV4zMVAYihE1IhMGI3i1A


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The process for considering stream redesignations and unsuitable for surface coal mining are

handled slightly different, but generally the process is the same.

According to the Environmental Quality Board webpage, there are four petition requests under

active consideration, but the page has not been updated for some time.

Public Urged To Contact Congress And EPA Over Susquehanna River Impairment

The Fish and Boat Commission is urging anglers and boaters throughout the Susquehanna River

watershed to contact their members of Congress to demand action to fix the Susquehanna River.

Congress needs to join the growing chorus of concerned citizens and businesses calling on the

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) to declare the river impaired and start a timeline for developing a restoration plan, said

PFBC Executive Director John Arway. If officials do not act to address the water quality issues on the

Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania risks losing what is left of what was once considered a world-class

smallmouth bass fishery.

Mounting evidence presented by the PFBC demonstrates that the river is sick and needs help,including:

-- Data reveal that both the minimum daily dissolved oxygen concentration and pH fail to meet the

federal and state established criteria for the protected use of warm water fishes. The failure to meet

these criteria stresses young-of-year smallmouth bass and causes them to get sick and die.

-- Dissolved phosphorus levels are increasing at exponential rates, resulting in large and unprecedented

harmful blooms of nuisance algae which deplete oxygen from the rivers water.

-- Scientific studies have documented that smallmouth bass populations have been steadily declining

since the early 2000s. These data are supported by countless angler claims of a diminishing population.

Many guides who once made their living guiding for smallmouth can no longer book trips due to the

decreased quality of the fishery.-- Gross lesions and disease are decimating the young-of-the-year smallmouth bass resulting in

extremely poor survival from one year to the next. The river has not experienced a successful year class

of smallmouth bass since 2005.

-- The Susquehanna River has a high incidence of intersex condition male fish having female cells or

the precursors to female cells.

The Susquehanna River is sick and official action needs to be taken to address the poor water

quality which impacts the fishery and the citizens, businesses, and visitors of the Commonwealth, said

Arway. We urge you to contact your elected officials today with two simple messages. Tell them what

the Susquehanna River means to you, and ask them to tell EPA to put a plan in place to fix the

Susquehanna River before it is too late.

Refer to the PFBC website for a map showing individual members of Congress serving the

Susquehanna River watershed. Members may be contacted by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard at

202-224-3121 or by visiting www.house.gov orwww.senate.gov.

Individuals are also urged to share a copy of all Congressional correspondence with Larry

Merrill from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by sending email to: [email protected].

SRBC: March 1 Stream Gages Shutdown Will Risk Lives From Flooding
mailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.senate.gov&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXnwjNLQEmzf78Dcrt9rfvMVmE7ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.house.gov&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGMUJP-0VysxJ8f9FX-KSWPtczuOAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishandboat.com%2Fsusq-impairment.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOxyITZfCh_VeWvtNb3VYDZGPUsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishandboat.com%2Fsusq-impairment.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOxyITZfCh_VeWvtNb3VYDZGPUsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Feqb_rulemaking_petitions%2F20414%2F2011_petitions%2F995346&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH00kkr71bRh5qmC0TOim3mF2QLUg


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The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is urging New Yorks U.S. senators and congressmen to

help secure federal funds to avert the March 1 shut-down of 18 stream gages and 16 rain gages in the

southern tier. The gages generate data used by NOAAs National Weather Service to predict when

flooding will occur.

$215,000 is all that is needed to keep the stream and rain gages going this year, said SRBCExecutive Director Paul Swartz. To allow these very gages that help save lives and reduce millions in

property damages to be shut down will undoubtedly increase risks to public health and safety.

It was less than two years ago when Tropical Storm Lee devastated southern tier communities,

including record flood levels in Binghamton, Owego, Vestal, Waverly, Rockdale and Sherburne.

Throughout the NWS Binghamton forecast region that covers portions of New York and northern

Pennsylvania, 25,000 homes were flooded and 120,000 residents were evacuated.

Certainly the citizens and businesses who suffered so tremendously in September 2011 and in

June 2006 must find it unthinkable that timely flood warnings could become a thing of the past.

The stream and rain gages, which are maintained and operated by the U.S. Geological Survey,

generate the real-time data needed by the NWS to forecast river levels and to issue more timely andaccurate early flood warnings. That information is then used by emergency managers, local officials and

citizens to make critical decisions to protect life and property.

With early flood warnings, businesses and residents living in flood-prone areas have time to

secure their properties and get themselves to safer locations before flooding begins.

The current funding shortfall for gages first occurred in fiscal year 2011 with the loss of line-item

funding in the federal budget for the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System, which covered

the cost of the gages. Since then, funding for the gages has been uncertain from year to year, resulting in

various state and federal agencies having to cover the shortfalls on an ad hoc basis.

A more viable, sustainable way of funding the USGS gages for the long term is absolutely

critical. Without the real-time information from the stream and rain gages, communities includingBinghamton, Oneonta, Corning, Elmira, Waverly and many more will be affected by the loss of

advanced and timely flood warnings.

The Susquehanna River Basin, overall, is one of the most flood-prone areas in the country.

More than 80 percent of the 1,400 plus municipalities in the Susquehanna basin include areas that are

flood-prone.

Swartz said, It is not a question of whether flooding will occur in the Susquehanna River Basin,

but rather when it will occur and how severe it will be.

DRBC Announces New 2-Day Format For March 5-6 Meeting

The Delaware River Basin Commission Tuesday announced it will use a new, two-day format for its

next business meeting and public hearing on March 5 and 6.

The March 5 public hearing will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. The March 6 business

meeting will begin at 12:15 p.m. Both the hearing and business meeting are open to the public and will

be held at the DRBC office building, located at 25 State Police Drive in West Trenton, N.J.

In the past, the public hearing on proposed projects to be considered for approval by the

commissioners was held immediately prior to a vote as part of the afternoon business meeting. Under
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the new format to be used on a pilot basis in March, a public hearing on the proposed permits (referred

to as "dockets" by DRBC) and resolutions relating to projects will take place on March 5, the day prior

to the business meeting where they may be considered for commission action.

Written comments on the projects also will be accepted through the close of the March 5

hearing. There will be no opportunity for additional public comments at the March 6 business meeting

on those items for which a hearing was completed on March 5 or a previous date."The commissioners believe this new format will provide them with some additional time to

review any public input they may receive on a proposed project before taking action," DRBC Executive

Director Carol R. Collier said. "We'll see how the new format works and make adjustments as

necessary for future hearings and meetings."

The March 5 hearing will afford an opportunity for public comment on the proposed projects

listed in the public hearing and meeting notice posted on the commission's website. This list is current as

of February 5 however, the public is advised to check the commission's website periodically prior to

the hearing date since projects may be dropped if additional time is deemed necessary to complete the

commission's review. Draft dockets and resolutions relating to these projects will be posted

approximately 10 days prior to the hearing date.The March 6 business meeting will include the adoption of past meeting minutes,

announcements, a report on hydrologic conditions, reports by the executive director and general

counsel, consideration of items subject to a hearing that was previously completed, and a public

dialogue session. The commissioners also may consider action on any matters not subject to a public

hearing.

Commission consideration on March 6 of items for which the public hearing is closed may result

in either approval of the docket or resolution as proposed, approval with changes, denial, or deferral.

When the commissioners defer an action, they may announce an additional period for written comment

on the item, with or without an additional hearing date, or they may take additional time to consider the

input they have already received without requesting further public input. Any deferred items will beconsidered for action at a public meeting of the commission on a future date.

For more information on upcoming meetings/hearings, visit the DRBC website.

REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Demand Still Strong After 6 Years

The Resources Enhancement and Protection Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program is still attracting

strong use by farmers interested in funding nutrient and sediment reduction best management practices

on their farms.

As a result of the program, the state encouraged the installation of $74,017,726 in best

management practices for an investment of $28,423,495 in tax credits awarded, just under a four fold

return on the publics investment in the REAP Program.

REAP provides tax credits of between 50 and 75 percent to farmers installing certain best

management practices up to $150,000 per agricultural operation administered by the State

Conservation Commission and the Department of Revenue.

Tax credits and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The FY 2013-14 budget proposed by Gov. Corbett this week again funded REAP at its full

$10 Million level like he has every year since he took office. Gov. Rendell had cut the program in half
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fgateway%2FPTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43%2FAgWebsite%2FProgramDetail.aspx%3Fname%3DResource-Enhancement-and-Protection-(REAP)%26navid%3D12%26parentnavid%3D0%26palid%3D22%26&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcPqW2Xvzl443h4Q2x2Jkl4N8-MAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nj.gov%2Fdrbc%2Fmeetings%2Fupcoming%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDVmRyDgVZ2SV6RmgzdwlNJ2m2fghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nj.gov%2Fdrbc%2Fmeetings%2Fupcoming%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDVmRyDgVZ2SV6RmgzdwlNJ2m2fg


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during his tenure.

For more information on the program, visit the Department of Agricultures REAP webpage. A

copy of the REAP annual report is available online.

PA Borough News Features Article On Tioga Source Water Protection Coalition

The January/February issssue of the PA Borough News features an article on the Tioga Source Water

Protection Coalition helped by a grant from the PA League of Women Voters Water Resources

Education Network.

Learn from the example of these communities in Tioga County how you can be a positive force

in protecting your local drinking water supplies.

A copy of the article is available online. The PA Borough News is published by the PA State

Association of Boroughs.

Free Datashed Training Workshops Available To Watershed Groups

Stream Restoration, Inc. and its many partners are hosting a series of free workings on Datashed, the

watershed information tool designed to give provide a space for posting and analyzing water quality data

from a variety of mine drainage and watershed restoration projects.

The workshops will be held--

-- March 9:St. Francis University, DiSepio Institute and Wellness Center, Room 213/214, Loretto,

Cambria County

-- April 12:Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Office, Ashley, Luzerne County and

-- April 19: Westminster College Field Station, Lawrence County.

Initially designed to support and highlight the efforts of students and volunteers, Datashed has

grown to become a valuable tool for watershed groups, conservation districts, researchers, non-profits,government agencies, and anyone involved/interested in treating abandoned mine drainage and restoring

acid mine drainage-impacted watersheds.

In addition to storing and managing water monitoring data, the website can be used to store

electronic copies of documents, such as, construction drawings and photographs, in order to further

provide a resource for education and outreach efforts.

Due to the ongoing commitment of project partners, access for uploading information is

password protected and is provided at no charge.

Datashed is used to store, organize, and display: Project information to provide a historical

record of site activities, Water monitoring data for treatment systems and streams, Restoration plans,

reports, and other important documents, Design Engineering Drawings, As-Built Drawings, and

Schematics, Maps, Photos ... and more.

The workshops will cover: Finding, viewing, and using stored information, Creating webpages

for projects not on Datashed (Passive and Active Systems, Streams, Restoration Plans, etc.), Creating

sample points in the database and uploading water monitoring data, Uploading documents, photos, etc.,

Using the site to record site inspections, maintenance events, and field data, Using the help section... and

more. All training sessions start at 10 a.m. and are planned to end by 4 p.m. with an hour break for
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.westminster.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNERHXreNJHKBLNY2wAja0EmkwEbjwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fepcamr.org%2Fhome%2Fcontact-us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFZ57id52T1XUWT3kT7q0hvXQuyeAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffrancis.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDnhoNNf8Uc66hcsRM_gJd7BQGhQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.datashed.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG4NT4R4bq8RqkuOF7ttsXRRzLhIwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.streamrestorationinc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGA2NcfsrWmoyExu37iVHqm5l5dsQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boroughs.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE3b199wDTGfTbIMN--4cscHhMLRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boroughs.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE3b199wDTGfTbIMN--4cscHhMLRAhttp://goo.gl/X4sK5http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwren.palwv.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHix3MBee6BOtPLN58ApwBhi8uAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwren.palwv.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHix3MBee6BOtPLN58ApwBhi8uAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwren.palwv.org%2Ffeatures%2FWRENJune2012Feature-TiogaCountySWPCoalitionProfile-jk.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsxdXWXbbaoEfv1292xh68xoBEighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwren.palwv.org%2Ffeatures%2FWRENJune2012Feature-TiogaCountySWPCoalitionProfile-jk.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsxdXWXbbaoEfv1292xh68xoBEighttp://goo.gl/x3tSohttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fgateway%2FPTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43%2FAgWebsite%2FProgramDetail.aspx%3Fname%3DResource-Enhancement-and-Protection-(REAP)%26navid%3D12%26parentnavid%3D0%26palid%3D22%26&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcPqW2Xvzl443h4Q2x2Jkl4N8-MA


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lunch. Lunch is on your own and options will vary depending upon location. Additional time will be

available to address specific questions of participants.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop, if they have one. As most locations have

a limited number of laptops or desktops for use, when registering, please let us know if you will or

wont be able to bring a laptop.

While walk-ins may attend if there is room, space is limited and participants are stronglyencouraged to register. Additional specific information will be provided to participants prior to the

events.

To register, please contact Cliff Denholm, Stream Restoration Inc. at 724-776-0161 or send

email to: [email protected].

We greatly appreciate the cooperation and support from our generous hosts who are providing

the use of their facilities free-of-charge! We also wish to thank the Department of Environmental

Protection, EPCAMR, Foundation for PA Watersheds, WPCAMR, 241 Computer Services, and

BioMost, Inc.

Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Hosts Stream Cleanup Event April 20

Join the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy on April 20 from 9 a.m. to Noon for a stream cleanup

event at several sites in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties.

Last year, hundreds of volunteers came out to remove three dumpsters of trash, two tons of

scrap metal and many loads of tires from our streams. Tons of new garbage accumulate in our

waterways each year, though, endangering wildlife and releasing harmful chemicals into our streams.

Join this community effort to fight pollution in our watershed! To sign up or to sponsor the

Stream Clean-up, please visit our website or contact Krista Scheirer, Conservation Coordinator, with

any questions by sending email to: [email protected].

Penn State: Registration Open For PA Groundwater Symposium In May

In celebration of National Drinking Water Week, Penn State Extension and the Department of

Environmental Protection along with numerous other sponsors invite you to attend the 2013

Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium at Penn State University in University Park on May 8.

Registration is now open for this event and is limited to the first 150 registrants.

The Symposium theme: Emerging Issues in a Changing Landscape will provide a forum for

researchers, students, professionals and educators working in the groundwater field to exchange

information and promote protection of groundwater resources throughout the state. Morning and

afternoon keynote speakers will address important water issues in Pennsylvania including emerging

contaminants and Marcellus Shale exploration.

The symposium will also feature several concurrent sessions with contributed presentations on

groundwater budgets, tools for describing groundwater during natural gas exploration, and broader

studies characterizing groundwater and water wells.

A lengthy afternoon break and poster session will allow attendees to network while viewing

numerous contributed poster presentations. Abstracts for additional poster presentations will be

accepted through April 3 on the registration website.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fagsci.psu.edu%2Fpa-water-symposium&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSMf-TbI2ZbbkCGqCfN33sUXjZawmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fperkiomenwatershed.org%2FConservation%2Fannual_perkiomen_watershed_stream_clean_up.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWyvgz0Sml3wNRfNw4e11a1xE97Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fperkiomenwatershed.org%2FConservation%2Fannual_perkiomen_watershed_stream_clean_up.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWyvgz0Sml3wNRfNw4e11a1xE97Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biomost.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFo95jC3Mms4fhKDRwEjNa2jMP4Oghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.241computers.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG9hDvGCgXMRcQNRYC8oM2h14V5Hwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amrclearinghouse.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHP8WG22UnxEy3D_etSZx6wfwSazAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wpawp.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqahqwblgKnDUCPFLjYyv5j99JiAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fepcamr.org%2Fhome%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFhsm0dBycQFf8a5UZOF6N21hpWEgmailto:[email protected]


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A nominal registration fee of $30 for the symposium is made possible thanks to generous

funding support from Penn State Extension, the Master Well Owner Network, the Department of

Environmental Protection, the Mid-Atlantic Water Program, the Pennsylvania Ground Water

Association and the Penn State Water Resources Research Center.

Additional partnering agencies include the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Susquehanna River

Basin Commission.For more information, visit the PA Groundwater Symposium webpage or contact Bryan

Swistock at 814-863-0194 or send email to:[email protected].

(Reprinted from the Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)

Register Now For Trout Unlimited River Researchers Teen Camp August 4-8

Trout Unlimiteds Eastern Abandoned Mine Program would like to share with you an exciting new

opportunity for students ages 14-17.

On August 4-8, we will be hosting the first everRiver Researchers Teen Camp at MahaffeyCamp & Conference Center along the banks of the West Branch Susquehanna River in Clearfield

County, Pa.

During the five-day camp, students will learn first-hand about coldwater conservation,

environmental stewardship, and brook trout through a series of hands-on lessons. The camp will focus

on abandoned mine drainage pollution, river restoration efforts, water sampling, aquatic insect collecting

and identification, fisheries biology techniques, and environmental career and volunteer opportunities,

along with fun activities to encourage team work, leadership, and community involvement. There will

also be plenty of time for fly tying and fishing, a field trip, and a fish fry!

We are currently seeking twenty students to take part in this exciting event, along with four adult

team leaders who will help guide students through the weeks activities. Please help us to spread theword!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit the River Researchers

Teen Camp website or contact the Eastern Abandoned Mine Program at 570- 748-4901.

DCNR Invites Students To Apply For Summer Environmental Careers Camp

Young Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing environmental careers are invited to apply by April 15 for

the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources summer residential camp in July.

The Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp, or ECO Camp, will introduce 20 to 25 students in

grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental careers.

ECO Camp has become one of DCNRs strongest success stories since its beginning 11 years

ago, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said. Weve successfully worked with hundreds of young

people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.

This years camp will begin July 7, at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Mountain Top,

Luzerne County. The camp is near Nescopeck State Park and about 10 miles sout

Documents

Pa Environment Digest Feb. 11, 2013