Pa Environment Digest Feb. 2, 2016

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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

Issue #605 Harrisburg, Pa February 1, 2016

EQB Will Vote Feb. 3 On Whether To Update DEP’s Drilling Regulations

The PA Environmental Council has been active over the

last 6 years seeking to toughen Pennsylvania’s laws and

regulations on the oil and natural gas drilling industry.

With DEP’s Chapter 78 (conventional) and 78A(unconventional) regulations coming up for a critical

vote February 3, PEC posted this statement on its blog

marking this important milestone--

In one week the Environmental Quality Board

will be voting on Final Rulemaking from the Department

of Environmental Protection to implement a series of

critical improvements to Pennsylvania’s oil and gas regulations.

This rulemaking, which has been in development for over four years, is in the final stages

of the approval process. But first it must be approved by the EQB.

Interests opposed to the rulemaking have characterized it as unnecessary, or developed

through a process that failed to properly account for industry perspective. Neither of these accusations are even remotely true.

With respect to the process, the final rulemaking stands on the most extensive and

inclusive public process in modern environmental history. The outreach and consideration

performed by DEP is outlined in great detail in its Executive Summary to final rulemaking.

It is clear, by the timeline and actions described, that there has been unprecedented

inclusion of perspectives in this process.

The characterization of the rulemaking as unnecessary ignores a range of critical

improvements this proposal will make to state regulation. Some of these improvements include:

1. Establishing Stronger Protections for Landowners Whose Drinking Water or Property is

Impacted by Oil and Gas Activities.

2. Requiring Greater Preventive Controls on Well Sites to Avoid Migration of HazardousMaterials.

3. Having Well Operators Perform More Robust Pre-Drilling Analysis to Ensure that Drilling

Does Not Pose a Risk to Neighboring Landowners or the Environment.

4. Providing More Information to the Public about the Materials Used in Drilling Operations, and

Where - and How Much - Waste is Being Disposed of On Site or at a Disposal Facility.

5. Greater Protection of Water Resources Used by Operators to Perform Hydraulic Fracturing.

These are only a few of the many vital protections added to the state’s oversight

http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/2016/February%203/Final%20Exec%20Summary.pdfhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://pecpa.org/policy/pec-urges-environmental-quality-board-to-approve-oil-and-gas-regulations/http://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://pecpa.org/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/2016/February%203/Final%20Exec%20Summary.pdfhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://pecpa.org/policy/pec-urges-environmental-quality-board-to-approve-oil-and-gas-regulations/http://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://pecpa.org/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953


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responsibilities. Any objective observer would consider these protections essential

to the “social license to operate” high volume resource extraction.

While we have, and will continue to advocate for, stronger protections, we believe the

citizens of the Commonwealth are far better served having this rulemaking in place and enforced

as soon as possible.

While continuous improvement should always be the goal, that goal is predicated onactual implementation of those improvements.

PEC strongly supports the Final Rulemaking. Click Here for a copy of PEC’s letter to the

EQB.

The meeting will be held on February 3 in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in

Harrisburg starting at 9:00 a.m. Click Here to watch the meeting online.

Copies of the regulation changes and other related documents are available at the

Environmental Quality Board meeting webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA

Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on

Facebook . Click Here to receive regular updates on PEC programs, activities and special

events.)Related Story:

Analysis: Myth-- Conventional Oil And Gas Drilling Is Benign

Gov. Wolf: $28M DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants For 176 Projects

Standing near the site of a future trail linking the nationally

acclaimed Great Allegheny Passage with the Borough of

Homestead, Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Thursday

announced an investment of $28 million for 176 projects

across Pennsylvania that will create new recreational

opportunities, conserve natural resources and help revitalize

local communities.

“Our communities thrive economically when people

want to stay and businesses want to grow and these

beautiful public spaces and new recreational areas help improve the quality of life across our

commonwealth,” Gov. Tom Wolf said.

“Just as Gov. Wolf supports sound investments that translate into revitalized communities

and job growth, Homestead has rallied around three projects that will benefit from DCNR grants

being announced today,” Dunn said. “Its efforts exemplify the driving force behind DCNR’s

grants program — that the health and vitality of a community is reflected in the quality of its parks and trails, access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Noting these grants throughout the state “help communities protect and enhance their

natural amenities,” the DCNR secretary told a gathering of borough residents and federal, state

and borough lawmakers that Homestead is receiving two $100,000 grants: one providing a direct

connection from the Great Allegheny Passage Trail to The Avenues Business District; and the

other providing funding for renovation of McLean Playground and Frick Park.

“Whether in Allegheny or Montgomery County, local parks are as diverse as the

http://www.atatrail.org/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20031593.pdfhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31809http://pecpa.org/email-signup/https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilhttps://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilhttps://twitter.com/pecpahttp://pecpa.org/pec-blog/http://pecpa.org/http://pecpa.org/http://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/2016%20Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.VqabdMea10chttp://pacast.com/players/live_dep.asp?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fpacast.com%2fplayers%2flive_dep.asp&utm_campaign=DEP+News+for+January+21%2c+2016http://pecpa.org/wp-content/uploads/PEC-Letter-to-EQB-and-IRRC.pdf


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populations they serve,” Dunn said, “but they face similar challenges — limited funding, aging

infrastructure, maintenance needs and reduced capacity to carry out programs and services.

These funds offer a helping hand to achieve projects countless studies show community residents

want.”

Homestead is overseeing three of 176 projects in the state that are being aided by 2015

grants awarded and administered by DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.“We are extremely pleased by DCNR’s investment in our community, enabling us to

serve our residents better by rehabbing the parks and playgrounds, and offering green spaces that

will collect and retain stormwater,” Homestead Borough Council President Lloyd Cunningham

told listeners gathered along Waterfont Drive. “The Avenues Trail Connector will be an

excellent supplement to the Great Allegheny Passage trail, providing a direct connection from

the trail to The Avenues Business District and offering cyclists easier access to local businesses

in our Historic Business District.”

The council president hailed the borough projects as “an excellent example of regional

collaboration” involving the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority , Western Pennsylvania

Conservancy , Steel Valley School District and William V. Campbell Educational and

Community Foundation.“These grants are vital to the future growth and development of our communities and

breathe life into projects that will reinvest in families and their children,” said Sen. Jay Costa

(D-Allegheny). “For the Allegheny Passage, this is an incredible project that ties communities

together through recreation. This project alone will be an attraction that will drive people into

our communities to take advantage of recreation facilities, spurring the local economy in the

process.”

Stretching 150 miles from Pittsburgh to its junction with the C&O Canal Towpath at

Cumberland, Md., the Great Allegheny Passage offers afford hikers and bicycling enthusiasts the

opportunity to travel a more than 330-mile route between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., that

is free from traffic and motorized vehicles.

Funding for grants overseen by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation includes

the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the

Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for

licenses; and federal monies.

In its Grant Round 21, DCNR received 430 grant applications in 2015 that accounted for

funding requests totaling more than $92 million. Grants were awarded in categories that included

municipal and regional community recreation and park projects; land acquisition; rivers

conservation efforts; and planning.

A list of grants approved is available online

.

NewsClips:

State Doles Out $28M For Outdoor Recreation State Gives Philly $2.7M For Parks, Recreation Projects StateImpact: Gas Royalties From State Forest Land Drop Sharply

Laurel Mountain Ski Resort Readies For Another Run

Troubled Ski Resort Begins Upgrades, To Open In Nov.

Cool New Rail Trail Project Proposed In Bucks County

Grant Cycle Begins For Lackawanna Heritage Valley

5 Things To Know About Codorus Corridor Plans In York

http://www.witf.org/news/2016/01/5-things-to-know-on-codorus-corridor-plans-in-york.phphttp://timesleader.com/news/local/507386/spring-grant-funding-cycle-has-begun-for-entities-in-lackawanna-heritage-valleyhttp://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/local/newtown-rail-trail-proposed-for-old-rail-line/article_6ea7f66c-c471-11e5-9197-df1fb2ca9703.htmlhttp://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=tpGoOrTLhttp://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/9840237-74/ski-laurel-resorthttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/01/28/gas-royalties-from-state-forest-land-drop-sharply/http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/the-feed/item/90544-state-grants-27-million-for-parks-and-recreation-projects-in-philly?linktype=hp_topstoryhttp://www.post-gazette.com/local/2016/01/29/State-doles-out-28-million-for-outdoor-recreation/stories/201601290152http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20031593.pdfhttp://campbellecf.com/http://campbellecf.com/http://www.svsd.k12.pa.us/http://waterlandlife.org/http://waterlandlife.org/http://www.alcosan.org/


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Schneck: Are You Among 305 Million National Park Visitors?

Op-Ed: Our National Parks Are Under Attack

Editorial: In 100th Year, Boost National Park Service

New Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition ED Sarah Clark Stuart

DEP Releases Climate Change Action Plan Update For Public Comment

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 30 PA Bulletin

saying the next update to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan is now available for

public review. Comments are due March 30.

The Plan is required to:

— Identify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and sequestration trends and baselines in this

Commonwealth;

— Evaluate cost-effective strategies for reducing or offsetting GHG emissions from various

sectors in this Commonwealth;

— Identify costs, benefits and co-benefits of GHG reduction strategies recommended by the

Plan, including the impact on the capability of meeting future energy demand within thisCommonwealth;

— Identify areas of agreement and disagreement among committee members about the Plan; and

— Recommend to the General Assembly legislative changes necessary to implement the Plan.

DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee considered a draft Climate Plan Update at

its last meeting in November. Click Here to read a copy of the draft.

Climate Plan Update Sections

Part of the Plan Update will include 13 work group reports making recommendations

covering: Combined Heat and Power , Manure Digesters, GeoExchange Systems , Heating Oil

Conservation and Fuel Switching, Re-Lighting Pennsylvania , Semi-Truck Freight

Transportation , Building Energy Codes , High Performance Buildings , Coal Mine Methane

Recovery

, Urban and Community Forestry Role in Climate Change Mitigation

, Act 129 Phase

IV & V , Manufacturing Energy Technical Assistance and Energy Efficiency Finance .

Key Facts From Update

Here are some key facts from the Climate Plan Update--

-- Overall, Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 are expected to be lower than in

2000.

-- Between 2000 and 2012 total statewide greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania declined by

35.58 million ton carbon dioxide equivalents or by 11.02 percent-- from 322.96 MMTCO2e to

287.38 MMTCO2e.

-- The 13 specific Work Plans included in the Update are expected to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions by 337.69 million ton carbon dioxide equivalents.-- The Work Plans with the most cost-effective recommendations, according to the analysis done

in the Update are: Energy Efficiency Finance, Semi-Truck Freight Transportation , GeoExchange

Systems , Heating Oil Conservation and Fuel Switching and High Performance Buildings (see

page 6).

-- The Work Plans with the highest potential reductions are: Energy Efficiency Finance , High

Performance Buildings , Re-Lighting Pennsylvania , Heating Oil Conservation and Fuel

Switching , and GeoExchange Systems (see page 6). [Note: 4 of 5 overlap.]

http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/GeoExchange_Heating_and_Cooling_final_version.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/HeatingOilConservationandFuelSwitching_final_version_(3-18-15)_Purtell_(DG).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/HeatingOilConservationandFuelSwitching_final_version_(3-18-15)_Purtell_(DG).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Re-Light_PA_(final%20version)_FJP_2-23-15.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/High_Performance_Bldgs_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/High_Performance_Bldgs_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Energy_Efficiency_Finance_Work_Plan_08-04_DA_(R1).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/High_Performance_Bldgs_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/HeatingOilConservationandFuelSwitching_final_version_(3-18-15)_Purtell_(DG).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/GeoExchange_Heating_and_Cooling_final_version.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/GeoExchange_Heating_and_Cooling_final_version.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Freight_Transportation_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Energy_Efficiency_Finance_Work_Plan_08-04_DA_(R1).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Energy_Efficiency_Finance_Work_Plan_08-04_DA_(R1).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/META_(7-7-15)_final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Act%20129_Phase_IV_V_6-16-15_final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Act%20129_Phase_IV_V_6-16-15_final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/UCF_Role_in_Climate_Change_Mitigation_6-10-15_(FINAL).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Coal_Mine_Methane_Recovery_6-10-15_(FINAL).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Coal_Mine_Methane_Recovery_6-10-15_(FINAL).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/High_Performance_Bldgs_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Energy_Codes_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Freight_Transportation_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Freight_Transportation_Final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Re-Light_PA_(final%20version)_FJP_2-23-15.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/HeatingOilConservationandFuelSwitching_final_version_(3-18-15)_Purtell_(DG).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/HeatingOilConservationandFuelSwitching_final_version_(3-18-15)_Purtell_(DG).pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/GeoExchange_Heating_and_Cooling_final_version.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/Digester_workplan_final_version.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/CCAC/Docs/CHP_Workplan(12)_final_version.pdfhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/AdvisoryGroups/CCAC/Pages/Archive.aspx#.VqtmAMea10chttp://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-110839/DRAFT%202015%20Climate%20Change%20Action%20Plan%20Update.pdfhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol46/46-5/160.htmlhttp://planphilly.com/articles/2016/01/26/bicycle-coalition-of-greater-philadelphia-names-sarah-clark-stuart-its-new-executive-directorhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/in-100th-year-boost-nps-1.2000352http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2016/01/27/Our-national-parks-are-under-attack/stories/201601270008http://blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2016/01/were_you_among_the_305_million.html#incart_river_home


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A copy of the Climate Plan Update for comment is now available online.

DEP Secretary John Quigley has said the Climate Change Action Plan and its updates are

broader in scope than the specific requirement to meet EPA’s Clean Power Climate Rule

requirements. DEP is just now putting together Pennsylvania’s plan to meet the Clean Power

Rule.

Comments can be submit through DEP’s eComment

webpage or by sending email to:[email protected] or in writing to the Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office,

Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063.

A copy of the Plan update is posted on DEP’s eComment webpage. Questions about the

Plan update should be directed to Mark Brojakowski, Bureau of Air Quality, 400 Market Street,

Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3429, [email protected] .

More background on the Climate Change Plan and other reports is available on DEP’s

Climate Change Advisory Committee webpage. The next meeting of the Committee is set for

March 8.

For more information on PA climate-related issues, visit DEP’s Climate Change

webpage.

NewsClips:States Seek Court Delay Of EPA Clean Power Plan

Editorial: Get To Work On Clean Power Plan PA

How New Environmental Rules Affect Brunner Island Plant

Op-Ed: PA’s Environmental Strategy Should Include Ethanol

Drilling Impact Fees Drop By $5,000 Per Well In 2015, Revenue Loss Could Be $34 Million

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the January 30 PA Bulletin that 2015 Act 13

drilling impact fees will drop by $5,000 per horizontal well, except for wells 3 years old.

The 2015 impact fee will be--

Horizontal Vertical

1st Year $45,300 $9,100

2nd Year $35,200 $7,000

3rd Year $30,200 $6,000

4th Year $15,100 $3,000

5th Year $15,100 $3,000

The 2014 impact was --

1st Year $50,300 $10,100

2nd Year $40,200 $

8,000

3rd Year $30,200 $

6,000

4th Year $20,100 $

4,000The PUC will get reports from well producers in April that will be used to calculate the

final revenue for calendar year 2015 based in part on this fee reduction.

Last June the Independent Fiscal Office projected a decline in Act 13 impact fee revenues

by $33.9 million for the 2015 Calendar year totalling $189.6 million. In 2014 fee collections

totaled $223.5 million. Their assumptions were based in part on a reduction of the per well fee

by $5,000 and declines in the price of natural gas.

For more information, visit the PUC’s Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee webpage.

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/filing_resources/issues_laws_regulations/act_13_impact_fee_.aspxhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32599http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-6/251.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol46/46-5/175.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/pa_environmental_strategy_shou.html#incart_river_homehttp://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/money/business/2016/01/27/brunner-island-environmental-regulations/79417568/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/get-to-work-on-clean-power-plan-pennsylvania-in-solid-position-to-comply-with-regulations-1.1999047http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2016/01/26/States-seek-court-delay-in-enforcement-of-Clean-Power-Plan/stories/201601260187http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/ClimateChange/Pages/default.aspx#.VqtkJcea10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/AdvisoryGroups/CCAC/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqtk88ea10cmailto:[email protected]://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/mailto:[email protected]://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/ClimateChange/Pages/default.aspx#.VqttAsea10chttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34250http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34250http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-110839/DRAFT%202015%20Climate%20Change%20Action%20Plan%20Update.pdf


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NewsClips:

PUC Announces Lower Drilling Impact Fee As Gas Price Drops

Does Wolf Still Want A Severance Tax On Natural Gas? StateImpact: Gas Royalties From State Forest Land Drop Sharply

PLS: 5-Party Budget Talks Resume, But Leaves Little Insight On Way Forward

Wolf, Legislative Leaders Meet On Budget With New Focus Analysis: Wolf Is Readying Choose Your Own Adventure Budget

IFO: DCNR Oil & Gas Lease Fund Revenues To Drop Nearly 40%

Legislature Trapped In Budgetary Twilight Zone

Op-Ed: Wolf’s Next Budget, Nothing But Reboot Will Do

Op-Ed: Will Wolf’s 1st Budget Be Done Before 2nd?

Editorial: Legislative Cowardice In Harrisburg

Related Stories:

Short Week In Harrisburg, But Still Long-Running Issues Dominated-- Budget, Kane

Independent Fiscal Office: Oil & Gas Lease Fund Revenues To Drop Nearly 40 Percent


The Independent Fiscal Office released its economic outlook and state revenue forecast on

Wednesday adding more bad news to the state’s budget situation. State revenues under the

current structure will increase only 3.3 percent a year from FY 2015-16 to FY 2020-21, while

expenditures will increase by 4.5 percent annually.

The main cost drivers everyone knows-- pension contributions and healthcare will drive

costs as well as a 31.5 percent increase in the number of residents 65 and over in Pennsylvania.

At the same time, the number of residents age 20 to 64, the main labor force, will contract by 2.9

percent.

Pension costs alone are expected to increase $1.2 billion above current levels.

The IFO concluded, “The structural imbalance grows each year as tax base expansion is

insufficient to maintain the level of real services provided in the current fiscal year.”

General Fund revenue forecasts by the IFO show FY 2015-16 revenues of $30.9 billion,

$31.5 billion in FY 2016-17, $32.7 billion in FY 2017-18 to $36.3 billion in FY 2020-21.

Specifically on the FY 2015-16 General Fund budget based on House Bill 1460, the IFO

said $318 million would be needed this year to balance that budget and $600 million more for

the “agreed-to” $30.2 billion budget.

Assuming the budget in House Bill 1460 is final, the IFO says the state is facing a

structural deficit of $1.3 billion in the next budget in FY 2016-17 without any changes to taxes or

adoption of cost reduction measures.

Going forward, the IFO said the cost of Gov. Wolf’s expansion of the Medicaid programwill begin to hit the budget in FY 2017-18 on top of everything else.

The IFO highlighted projected revenue declines from DCNR’s Oil and Gas Lease Fund

in its report since DCNR is so dependent on those revenues for operating expenses in the face of

a significant decline in General Fund support (page 46).

Oil and Gas Lease Fund revenues are expected to drop 38 percent in the current FY

2015-16 to $71 million from $115 million last fiscal year. Revenues will increase slowly in the

coming years and not recover to $118 million until FY 2018-19 (page 73).

http://www.ifo.state.pa.us/resources/PDF/Five_Year_Outlook_2015.pdfhttp://www.ifo.state.pa.us/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/short-week-in-harrisburg-but-still-long.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20160125_Legislative_cowardice.html?betaPreview=redesignhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/will_gov_tom_wolfs_first_budge.html#incart_2box_opinionhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_wolfs_next_budget_nothin.html#incart_river_indexhttp://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2016/01/25/Pennsylvania-Legislature-trapped-in-budgetary-twilight-zone/stories/201601210188http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_act_2_gov_wolf_is_readying.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/gov_tom_wolf_legislative_leade.html#incart_river_homehttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/1124/Resumption-of-five-party-budget-negotiations-leaves-little-insight-as-to-way-forward.aspx#.Vqkx8q_9nso.twitterhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/01/28/gas-royalties-from-state-forest-land-drop-sharply/http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/other_states_with_severance_ta.htmlhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2016/01/29/Shale-drillers-impact-fee-will-drop-on-natural-gas-low-prices-Pennsylvania-Marcellus-fracking/stories/201601290228


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In FY 2014-15 the Oil and Gas Lease Fund supported $122.6 million in operating costs

and the General Fund only $14.5 million. In FY 2008-09 the General Fund support for DCNR

was $113 million and Oil and Gas Lease Fund revenue $11.8 million, nearly the reverse.

Click Here for a copy of the full report. Click Here for a copy of the IFO presentation.

NewsClips:

PUC Announces Lower Drilling Impact Fee As Gas Price Drops Does Wolf Still Want A Severance Tax On Natural Gas? StateImpact: Gas Royalties From State Forest Land Drop Sharply


Wolf, Legislative Leaders Meet On Budget With New Focus

Analysis: Wolf Is Readying Choose Your Own Adventure Budget






Related Stories:Short Week In Harrisburg, But Still Long-Running Issues Dominated-- Budget, Kane


Short Week In Harrisburg, But Still Long-Running Issues Dominated-- Budget, Kane

The snow might have shorted the legislative week in Harrisburg, but the state’s longest running

dramas-- the budget impasse and what to do with indicted Attorney General Kathleen Kane-- still

generated lots of heat.

First, the Independent Fiscal Office delivered the bad news everyone already knew: state

revenues are forecast to grow at 3.3 percent annually, while expenditures will increase by 4.5

percent a year.

In other words, state government continues to dig itself deeper into a fiscal hole with no

agreement on relief-- either cutting long-term costs like pensions or raising taxes-- in sight.

The IFO said just to balance the budget passed by the Republicans in House Bill 1460 ,

and line-item vetoed by the Governor, would cost another $318 million and next year the deficit

is expected to be $1.3 billion, if nothing changes.

The IFO also highlighted the loss of revenue from DCNR natural gas leases on state

forest land dropping revenues for this fiscal year by 40 percent. Most of DCNR’s personnel and

administrative costs are funded by these revenues and not the General Fund.

On Saturday, the Public Utility Commission published a formal notice in the PA Bulletin

reducing the Act 13 drilling impact fee by $5,000 per well

reducing grants to local governmentsand state agencies for environmental projects by as much as $34 million.

The four legislative caucuses and Gov. Wolf did meet once on the budget Wednesday,

but did not discuss any specific proposals that would move the process forward. Here’s a recap

of comments and actions on the budget this week--

-- Senate Republicans: Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) and only the

Republicans were working to finalize a supplemental funding bill (Senate Bill 1106

(Browne-R-Lehigh)) to fill the holes in the $30.2 billion budget bill created by the Governor’s

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1106http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/puc-act-13-drilling-impact-fees-drop-by.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34423http://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/puc-act-13-drilling-impact-fees-drop-by.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/short-week-in-harrisburg-but-still-long.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20160125_Legislative_cowardice.html?betaPreview=redesignhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/will_gov_tom_wolfs_first_budge.html#incart_2box_opinionhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_wolfs_next_budget_nothin.html#incart_river_indexhttp://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2016/01/25/Pennsylvania-Legislature-trapped-in-budgetary-twilight-zone/stories/201601210188http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_act_2_gov_wolf_is_readying.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/gov_tom_wolf_legislative_leade.html#incart_river_homehttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/1124/Resumption-of-five-party-budget-negotiations-leaves-little-insight-as-to-way-forward.aspx#.Vqkx8q_9nso.twitterhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/01/28/gas-royalties-from-state-forest-land-drop-sharply/http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/other_states_with_severance_ta.htmlhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2016/01/29/Shale-drillers-impact-fee-will-drop-on-natural-gas-low-prices-Pennsylvania-Marcellus-fracking/stories/201601290228http://www.ifo.state.pa.us/Resources/PDF/Five_Year_Outlook_2015_Presentation_Jan16.pdfhttp://www.ifo.state.pa.us/resources/PDF/Five_Year_Outlook_2015.pdf


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veto. The supplemental would cover the Department of Corrections, Agriculture and other

programs, but they didn’t quite get done putting it together. Republican members kept adding in

their favorite programs.

-- House Republicans: House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) said let’s get the last 10

percent of the budget done around the $30.2 billion spend number the Governor vetoed and

move on to the other issues of liquor privatization and pension reform later. The House alsoremoved several supplemental funding bills from the Table in preparation for a House vote:

House Bill 1801- Dept. of corrections, House Bill 1802- Child advocacy centers, House Bill

1803- Dept. of Human Services medical assistance payments;

-- Senate Democrats: Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said his Caucus is still

fighting for its priorities of education , human services, economic development, recreation and

other funding, but somehow more revenue has to be part of the equation. He cited the IFO

figures saying either we can’t fund state-related universities or there has to be more revenue, it’s

that simple;

-- House Democrats: House Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) said the $30.8

billion “agreed-to” budget framework spend number (rather than the $30.2 billion budget

Republicans passed) is the right number they should be working toward. He also said liquor and pensions can wait; and

-- Gov. Wolf: The Governor’s Office did not have a reaction to the meeting, but a spokesperson

said the Senate and House must “move forward and fix the (structural) deficit and fund schools.”

Talking about the Governor’s budget address February 9, the spokesperson added, “We’re not

going to make a huge splash with aspirational messages.” [We do know of at least one splash

the Governor intends to make-- a new Growing Greener funding proposal for environmental

programs and projects-- from a DEP announcement last week.]

The public has finally said it does not like the continuing budget impasse. A new

Franklin & Marshall Poll released Thursday found Gov. Wolf is just as popular as Gov. Corbett

was-- 33 percent to 31 percent.

52 percent blame the Legislature for the impasse and 32 percent the Governor. Only 15

percent think the General Assembly is doing a good job.

The more surprising result is those polled said state government and politicians were the

No. 1 problem facing Pennsylvania, twice as many as education at 18 percent.

What’s Next

The Senate and House will return to Harrisburg the week of February 8 to hear the

Governor’s second budget address on February 9. Hearings on Wolf’s second budget proposal

begin on February 22.

NewsClips:

PUC Announces Lower Drilling Impact Fee As Gas Price Drops

Does Wolf Still Want A Severance Tax On Natural Gas? StateImpact: Gas Royalties From State Forest Land Drop Sharply


Wolf, Legislative Leaders Meet On Budget With New Focus

Analysis: Wolf Is Readying Choose Your Own Adventure Budget




http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_wolfs_next_budget_nothin.html#incart_river_indexhttp://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2016/01/25/Pennsylvania-Legislature-trapped-in-budgetary-twilight-zone/stories/201601210188http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_act_2_gov_wolf_is_readying.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/gov_tom_wolf_legislative_leade.html#incart_river_homehttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/1124/Resumption-of-five-party-budget-negotiations-leaves-little-insight-as-to-way-forward.aspx#.Vqkx8q_9nso.twitterhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/01/28/gas-royalties-from-state-forest-land-drop-sharply/http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/other_states_with_severance_ta.htmlhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2016/01/29/Shale-drillers-impact-fee-will-drop-on-natural-gas-low-prices-Pennsylvania-Marcellus-fracking/stories/201601290228http://www.fandm.edu/uploads/files/401064709520750892-january-2016-franklin-marshall-college-poll.pdfhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_act_2_gov_wolf_is_readying.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/for_act_2_gov_wolf_is_readying.htmlhttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/1127/VIDEO-Dermody-Lets-get-a-budget-this-year-and-one-next-year-.aspxhttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/1127/VIDEO-Dermody-Lets-get-a-budget-this-year-and-one-next-year-.aspxhttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/1125/VIDEO-Costa-gives-budget-discussion-update-.aspxhttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/1125/VIDEO-Costa-gives-budget-discussion-update-.aspxhttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/1124/Resumption-of-five-party-budget-negotiations-leaves-little-insight-as-to-way-forward.aspxhttp://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/1124/Resumption-of-five-party-budget-negotiations-leaves-little-insight-as-to-way-forward.aspx


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

Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

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

Bill Calendars

House (Feb. 8): House Bill 48 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) setting standards for drinking water

well construction; House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing for liability protection for

landowners who open their land for recreation ( sponsor summary); House Resolution 60

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=R&bn=0060http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=16928http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0544http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0048http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.crisciassociates.com/category/capitol-blog/http://www.crisciassociates.com/category/environment-blog/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/https://plus.google.com/+DavidHessGreenWorksInPA/postshttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/puc-act-13-drilling-impact-fees-drop-by.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/independent-fiscal-office-state-income.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20160125_Legislative_cowardice.html?betaPreview=redesignhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/01/will_gov_tom_wolfs_first_budge.html#incart_2box_opinion


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(Emrick-R-Northampton) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a

comprehensive review of the state’s program to regulate the beneficial use of sewage sludge;

Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) updating and improving the Transit Revitalization

investment District; Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel

for the Environmental Quality Board; Senate Bill 811 (Hughes-D- Philadelphia) FY 2015-16

Capital Budget bill; Senate Bill 1071 (Browne-R-Lehigh), the “agreed-to” pension reform bill;Senate Bill 1073 (Browne-R-Lehigh) “agreed-to” $30.8 billion General Fund budget bill.

Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (Feb. 8): Senate Bill 805 (Boscola-D- Lehigh) allowing an Act 129 opt-out for large

electric users ( sponsor summary ); House Bill 57 (Payne-R-Dauphin) further providing for

natural gas competition (sponsor summar y). Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

AppropriationsEnvironmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=33&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=29&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=39&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=23&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=31&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=7&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=38&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=28&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=56&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=54&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=10&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=12&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=15697http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0057http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18088http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0805http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1073http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1071http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0811http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0385


11/52

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Waterfront Development Grants: House Bill 1810 (Driscoll-D-Philadelphia) creating a

waterfront development grant program (sponsor summary ).

Funding Energy-Efficiency Projects: Senate Bill 1069 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) authorizing

municipalities to establish authorities to make loans to commercial and industrial real estate

owners to retrofit their properties with energy-efficient technology (sponsor summary ).

Session Schedule

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

Senate

February 8, 9, 10

Budget Hearings: Feb. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, March 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (no session during

hearings)

March 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18

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

House

February 8, 9, 10

March 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

May 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25

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

Governor’s Schedule

Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day

will be posted each morning. Click Here

to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and PublicAppearances.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the

Governor's desk for action--

http://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBxhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18749http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1069http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19535http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1810http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=S


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Flood Insurance Report: Senate Bill 494 (Ward-R-Westmoreland) eliminating the requirement

for the Flood Insurance Report to the General Assembly. A House Fiscal Note and summary is

available.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

House

Flood Insurance Report: Senate Bill 494 (Ward-R-Westmoreland) eliminating the requirement

for the Flood Insurance Report to the General Assembly was passed by the House without

changes and now goes to the Governor for his action. A House Fiscal Note and summary is

available.

Stormwater: House Bill 1661 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing First Class Townships to adopt

stormwater management fees was removed from the Table, amended on the House Floor,

referred to and from the House Appropriations Committee and the House passed the bill. A

House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Private Dam Financial Assurance: House Bill 1712 (R.Brown-R-Monroe) establishing the

Private Dame Financial Assurance program to offer financial assurance to private dam owners

required to post a bond under the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, however, no funding was

provided for the program (sponsor summary

) was amended on the House Floor and referred to

the House Appropriations Committee.

Senate

Crude Oil Shipments: Senate Resolution 247 (Rafferty-R- Montgomery) urging U.S. DOT to

work with tank car manufacturers, crude oil shippers and the rail industry to adopt higher pool

fire survivability standards and to train emergency first responders ( sponsor summary ) was

adopted by the Senate.

Leasing Clean And Green Land: Senate Bill 201 (Schwank-D-Berks) authorizing the leasing

of property in the Clean and Green Program to a rural enterprise ( sponsor summary) was Tabled.

News From The Capitol

New Polls: Wolf Just As Popular As Corbett; Kane, Sestak, Clinton, Trump Leading

A new Franklin & Marshall Poll released Thursday found Gov. Wolf is just as popular as Gov.

Corbett was-- 33 percent to 31 percent; Kane is leading the Democratic contest for Attorney

General; Joe Sestak is leading the Democratic race for the state’s U.S. Senate seat; and Hillary

Clinton and Donald Trump are leading in the presidential race.

The more surprising result is those polled said state government and politicians were the

http://www.fandm.edu/uploads/files/401064709520750892-january-2016-franklin-marshall-college-poll.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=15642http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=201http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=19239http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=0247http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19217http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1712http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/HB1661P2765.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1661http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0494P0442.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0494http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0494P0442.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0494


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No. 1 problem facing Pennsylvania, twice as high as education at 18 percent. Overall, 67 percent

of those polled think the state is on the wrong track (up 5 percent from October). 52 percent

blame the Legislature and 32 percent the Governor (36 percent in October). Only 15 percent

think the General Assembly is doing a good job.

In the Democratic race for Attorney General, Kane is leading in a Harper Poll released

this week with 31 percent followed by Zappala at 18 percent and Shapiro at 13 percent.In the U.S. Senate Democratic race, Sestak has 17 percent, McGinty at 13 percent and

Fetterman at 6 percent. The Harper Poll found Sestak at 33 percent, McGinty 28 percent and

Fetterman at 11 percent.

The F&M Presidential Poll found Clinton leading Sanders 46 to 29 percent. The Harper

Poll found Clinton at 55 percent and Sanders 28 percent.

On the Republican side of the “Presidential” race in Pennsylvania, the F&M Poll found

Trump at 24 percent, Cruz 14 percent, Rubio 11 percent and Pennsylvania’s own Rick Santorum

at 1 percent.

A copy of the F&M Poll is available online .

NewsClips:

PA Voters Register Discussed With Harrisburg Antics In Poll F&M Poll: Voters Disgusted

Poll: Worst Performance Review Ever For Gov. Wolf

Harper AG Race Poll: Kane 31%, Zappala 18%, Shapiro 13%

Harper U.S. Senate Race Poll: Sestak 33%, McGinty 28%, Fetterman 11%

F&M U.S. Senate Race Poll: Sestak 17%, McGinty 13%, Fetterman 6%

Harper PA Presidential Poll: Clinton 55%, Sanders 28%

F&M Presidential Poll: Clinton 46%, Sanders 29%

F&M Presidential Poll: Trump 24%, Cruz 14%, Rubio 11%

News From Around The State

PA Farm Bureau Urges Farmers To Fill Out Chesapeake Bay Conservation Survey

The PA Farm Bureau is urging farmers in the Chesapeake

Bay Watershed to fill out a new survey that measures

conservation practices implemented by farmers to improve

water quality.

The survey asks farmers to provide information on

all of the best management practices (BMPs) on their

farms, including practices they have paid for without

cost-share assistance from the federal government.“Farmers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed have

doled out a lot of their own hard-earned money to pay for a

wide variety of environmentally-friendly practices that improve water quality, but those efforts

have not been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its calculations

measuring nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment reductions in the watershed,” said PFB President

Rick Ebert. “The goal of this survey is to document on-the-ground activities implemented by

farmers so Pennsylvania agriculture gets the credit it deserves for reducing nutrients in the

https://www.pfb.com/http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=366788031http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=366788031http://www.politicspa.com/harper-poll-clinton-55-sanders-28/72263/http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9859443-74/percent-poll-votershttp://www.politicspa.com/pa-sen-harper-poll-sestak-33-mcginty-28-fetterman-11/72267/http://www.politicspa.com/harper-poll-kane-31-zappala-18-shapiro-13/72259/http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/01/bad_budget_times_equal_bad_per.html#incart_river_homehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/poll-voters-disgusted-1.2000648http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9859443-74/percent-poll-votershttp://www.fandm.edu/uploads/files/401064709520750892-january-2016-franklin-marshall-college-poll.pdfhttp://www.politicspa.com/harper-poll-kane-31-zappala-18-shapiro-13/72259/


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watershed.”

The Department of Environmental Protection has engaged Penn State University’s

Survey Research Center to administer the survey, which was developed collaboratively with

various state agencies, Penn State, Farm Bureau and others in the agricultural community.

The SRC will begin sending out an initial pre-notification letter to farmers during the

week of January 25-29. The letter will include a unique code for each farm and a link to a securewebsite where farmers can fill out the survey.

Farmers, who have not filled out a survey online by the middle of February, will be

mailed a paper copy of the survey.

The deadline to complete and submit the survey is April 30.

“We know that a significant number of farmers in the watershed have voluntarily

installed riparian buffers, stream bank fencing, barnyard runoff controls and other measures to

reduce runoff into waterways. Many farmers also utilize conservation-friendly practices such as

no-till and cover crops, which substantially reduce soil erosion and runoff into streams,” added

Ebert. “We’re hopeful that the information collected from the survey will provide DEP, and

ultimately EPA, a more accurate assessment of what farmers are doing to reduce nitrogen,

phosphorus and sediment into the watershed.”According to Penn State, ten percent of the survey participants will be selected randomly

for farm visits by Penn State Extension for verification purposes. PFB notes that responses will

be kept confidential and individual farm-specific information will not be shared with federal or

state regulatory agencies.

NewsClips:

York County Works To Help Save Chesapeake Bay

Op-Ed: Cheers For York County Regional Stormwater Plan

Op-Ed: Working Together, Let’s Restore The Wissahickon

Chesco Dam Dry And In Limbo

Editorial: RiverQuest Will Keep Its Classroom On The Rivers

Delaware Riverkeeper Riverwatch Video Report Jan. 22

Op-Ed: EPA’s Rule Muddies Water For Farmers, Builders

Op-Ed: Column On Waters Of US Impact In PA Misportrayed

Officials Assessing Oil Spill In Schuylkill River

Fuel Oil Spills Into Schuylkill River

Coast Guard: Most Of Diesel Went Into Schuylkill River

Alternatives To Rock Salt Keep Trees, Pavements, Pets Safer

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

Click Here

to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal

Related Stories:

Agencies Unveil New Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Strategy, New Growing Greener Ahead CBF-PA: PA Releases New Strategy For Meeting Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Commitments

Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Partners Argue Bay Restoration Rulings Should Stand

DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Discuss Longwall Mining, Chesapeake Bay Feb. 4

Coordinated State Effort Essential For Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup

Penn State To Survey Farm Conservation Practices In Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Op-Ed: York County Has Taken The Initiative To Address Clean Water Issues

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34523http://www.pennfuture.org/media_pr_detail.aspx?MediaID=2653&Archive=http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/dep-citizens-advisory-council-to.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/chesapeake-bay-foundation-partners.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/cbf-pa-pa-releases-new-strategy-for.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34611http://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/lifestyles/dougoster/9866231-74/salt-trees-rockhttp://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=366996331https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/01/25/fuel-oil-spills-into-schuylkill-river/http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news/breaking&id=366462681http://timesleader.com/opinion/columns/506517/ed-perry-column-on-clean-water-act-misportrayed-its-impact-on-pennsylvania-streamshttp://timesleader.com/opinion/columns/506065/u-s-rep-lou-barletta-epas-rule-muddies-water-for-farmers-and-home-buildershttps://youtu.be/E-3SEBA7smEhttp://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2016/01/27/Still-rollin-RiverQuest-will-keep-its-classroom-on-the-rivers/stories/201601310209http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160125_Picturesque_Chesco_dam_dry_and_in_limbo.html?betaPreview=redesignhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/20160125_Working_together__let_s_restore_the_Wissahickon.html?betaPreview=redesignhttp://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/readers/2016/01/29/cheers-regional-stormwater-plan/79531254/http://www.witf.org/news/2016/01/york-county-works-to-help-save-the-bay.phphttp://src.survey.psu.edu/farmbmp/http://src.survey.psu.edu/farmbmp/


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By Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

York County has again taken the initiative to address clean water

issues. Based on support from residents, the county commissioners

approved moving forward with a study of how to establish astormwater authority.

York County would join about 1,500 communities in the

United States that are taking more cost-effective steps to better fund

and manage polluted runoff and nuisance flooding. This often occurs

in developed areas such as malls, housing developments, roads and

parking lots.

In doing so, the county will help itself and the rest of

Pennsylvania get back on track toward meeting clean water

commitments.

In 2010, the Bay states and the federal Environmental Protection Agency set pollution

limits that would restore water quality in local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay, and eachstate developed its own plan to meet those limits.

The goal is to implement 60 percent of pollution reduction practices to restore local water

quality in the Commonwealth by 2017, and 100 percent implementation by 2025. Unfortunately,

Pennsylvania will not meet its 2017 goal.

Statewide, efforts to reduce nitrogen and sediment pollution from agriculture and urban

polluted runoff are off track by millions of pounds.

About 350 miles of the nearly 2,000 miles of creeks, streams and the Susquehanna River

that flow through York County are polluted. Agriculture is the source of pollution to 160 miles

of waterways, and urban and suburban runoff is responsible for pollution in 130 miles of York

County waters.

The Commonwealth recently released its plan to “reboot” efforts to get Pennsylvania

back on track, including addressing stormwater pollution.

Comprehensive stormwater management of the scale York County is considering offers

three major advantages.

First, it allows communities to “start at the source” of the pollution problem, not just

where it is showing its greatest impacts.

Second, by working collaboratively communities can leverage expertise, equipment and

other resources to get the best results at the least cost.

Third, pollution reduction practices that preserve and restore nature’s ability to capture,

filter and infiltrate rain and snowmelt into the ground, are often more effective and cost less than

traditional practices. They also clean the air, reduce heating and cooling costs and beautifycommunities.

With a countywide stormwater authority that addresses regular flooding from

uncontrolled runoff that inflicts human, economic and property damage, York County is again at

the forefront of clean water efforts.

York County was the first county in the Commonwealth to adopt the Chesapeake Bay

Foundation’s “ Clean Water Counts ” resolution, calling on state officials to make clean water a

top priority for the Keystone State.

http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/offices-operations/harrisburg-pa/issues/urge-county-commissioners-to-pass-clean-water-resolutionshttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34611http://www.cbf.org/pa


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York County residents are also participating in the CBF’s “Clean Water Counts – York”

effort, raising their voices through phone calls and signing a petition, asking Gov. Tom Wolf and

legislators to support the Commonwealth’s new plan to reduce water pollution.

In the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation, the York County Regional Chesapeake

Bay Pollutant Reduction Plan involves 43 municipalities to better reduce pollution at lower cost.

Earlier this year, the Planning Commission finalized a countywide watershed plan thatanalyzes 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.

By taking the lead in collaborative stormwater management, York County continues to

demonstrate that clean water counts. It is a legacy worth leaving future generations of York

countians.

For more information, visit CBF’s Clean Water Blueprint webpage. For more on

Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF-PA webpage. Click Here to sign

up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).

Harry Campbell is Pennsylvania executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation . He can

be contacted by calling 717-234-5550 or send email to: [email protected].

NewsClips:

Op-Ed: Cheers For York County Regional Stormwater Plan

York County Works To Help Save Chesapeake Bay

Related Stories:

Agencies Unveil New Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Strategy, New Growing Greener Ahead

CBF-PA: PA Releases New Strategy For Meeting Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Commitments

Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Partners Argue Bay Restoration Rulings Should Stand

DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Discuss Longwall Mining, Chesapeake Bay Feb. 4

Coordinated State Effort Essential For Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup

DEP: Pennsylvania Not Meeting Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Commitments

CBF-PA Urges Impairment Listing For Lower Susquehanna In Wake Of River Study

CBF-PA: It’s Time For PA To Reboot Its Commitments To Chesapeake Bay Agreement

CBF-PA: Milestone Assessment Finds PA Falling Short Of Its Water Cleanup Commitments

Rep. Everett: If We Don’t Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Milestones, It Isn’t Pretty

Analysis: PA Isn’t Cleaning Up Our Rivers, Streams Quickly Enough To Meet Commitments

Jan. 26 Chesapeake Bay Journal News Now Available

The January 26 edition of Chesapeake Bay Journal News is now available featuring articles on--

-- CBF, U.S. Justice Ask Supreme Court To Rebuff Challenge To Chesapeake Bay Program

-- Maryland Nutrient Credit Trading Program

-- Calendar of Events In Bay Watershed

-- Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal

Capital RC&D Video Series Life In The Soil On Farm Conservation Now Available

http://www.bayjournal.com/http://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/calendarhttp://www.bayjournal.com/blog/post/trading_ideas_on_how_to_trade_pollutionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/cbf_u.s._justice_ask_supreme_court_to_rebuff_challenge_to_chesapeake_polluthttp://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=b17f916d2763f0738a1910143&id=39ee6bec99&e=49bc155bbdhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32776http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33664http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=34282http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/03/dep-pennsylvania-not-meeting-chesapeake.htmlhttp://www.pennfuture.org/media_pr_detail.aspx?MediaID=2653&Archive=http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/dep-citizens-advisory-council-to.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/chesapeake-bay-foundation-partners.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/cbf-pa-pa-releases-new-strategy-for.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/agencies-unveil-new-chesapeake-bay.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/news/2016/01/york-county-works-to-help-save-the-bay.phphttp://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/readers/2016/01/29/cheers-regional-stormwater-plan/79531254/http://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/PAhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint/what-is-the-chesapeake-clean-water-blueprinthttp://yorkcity.org/user-files/file/City%20Council/BillsResolutions/2015Bills/Chesapeake-Bay-Pollutant-Reduction-Plan.pdfhttp://yorkcity.org/user-files/file/City%20Council/BillsResolutions/2015Bills/Chesapeake-Bay-Pollutant-Reduction-Plan.pdf


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Agricultural producers have access to many on-farm and laboratory tests to understand the

fertility, condition and even biological activity rates within their soil. Yet it is still difficult to

envision the microscopic life that makes agricultural production possible.

The Capital RC&D “ Life in the Soil” video series helps bridge the gap between test

results and images seen in books and on the web with the soils found and production practicesused on farms throughout Pennsylvania.

With support from USDA-NRCS, Capital RC&D staff collaborated with NRCS field

staff, advisors and landowners to identify sites representing a range of agricultural practices and

used soil samples from these sites to produce video images of the microscopic life present.

The practices include no-till and conventional tillage crop fields, grazing lands, and other

conservation plantings.

Each of the 9 videos feature images taken of the activity above ground as well as images

of the microscopic soil particles, debris, and life present in soil at each site. This series provides a

tool that allows producers to visualize the microscopic activity in their own and neighboring

fields.

NRCS, conservation district or agency staff are welcome to incorporate any segment ofthe video series into presentations or demonstrations as desired. Videos may be included as

embedded objects or shared through a variety of offline formats.

The video titles include--

-- No-Till Corn, Native Grass Buffers In York County;

-- Grazing In Forest and Washington Counties;

-- No-Till Corn In Columbia County;

-- Organic Pasture For Franklin County Dairy;

-- No-Till Soybeans, Sorghum Sudangrass In Centre County;

-- First Year Corn Production After Cool Season Grass Buffer In Columbia County;

-- Cover Crops, No-Till Corn Production In Clinton County;

-- Pasture In Lebanon County; and

-- Woodland Soil In Cumberland County.

The “ Life in the Soil ” video series and additional soil health links are available online.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Capital

RC&D website or contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or send email to:

[email protected] .

Open Space Institute Now Accepting Applications For Delaware Watershed Capital Grants

The Open Space Institute

is now accepting applications for Capital Grants from the Delaware

River Watershed Protection Fund. Applications are due March 18.The Fund supports capital projects that permanently protect lands that conserve water

quality and quantity in the Delaware River watershed and invests in land conservation projects

that--

-- Are located in watersheds that have the ability to produce high quality ground and/or surface

water;

-- contribute to water quality through protection of streams, headwaters and other important

recharge areas; and

http://www.osiny.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Issues_Watershed_Fund_2http://www.osiny.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Issues_Watershed_Fund_2http://www.osiny.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.capitalrcd.org/http://www.capitalrcd.org/http://www.capitalrcd.org/viewproject/LITShttp://www.capitalrcd.org/viewproject/LITShttp://www.capitalrcd.org/


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-- protect sites that are vulnerable to erosion and groundwater pollution.

The grants are targeted to several cluster areas within the Delaware Watershed, including

the Pocono and Kittatinny, Upper Lehigh and Schuylkill Highlands in Pennsylvania.

For all the details on how to apply, visit the Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund’s

Capital Grants webpage.

Partnership For Delaware Estuary Looking For Mussel Volunteers

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary needs your help locating

streams with mussels , as well as those with no mussels at all.

Working with local watershed organizations, volunteer partners

play an important role in helping scientists monitor the health and

locations of these extremely threatened animals, and identifying streams

in need of mussel restoration.

Freshwater mussels are facing an uncertain future in our local

waterways. Once abundant in both numbers and varieties, many

freshwater mussel species in the Delaware Estuary are now in danger ofextinction.

Streams without mussels are at a serious disadvantage. Mussels

provide valuable natural benefits, such as fortifying streambeds against

erosion, and removing particles and nutrients that benefit other plants and animals.

Additionally, a single mussel can filter up to 10 gallons of water per day. Imagine a

healthy population of these filter-feeding powerhouses doing the work of a man made water

treatment plant!

For information on training, a guidebook, data sheets and more, visit the Partnership’s

Mussel Survey webpage.

NewsClips:

Panel Asks Obama For Long-Term Asian Carp Control Study

Will Snow From Winter Storm Impact Eagle Egg Laying?

Elk Creek Public Access Expands In Erie

Coyote Hunt In NE PA To Attract 700 People

4,200 Gallons Of Heating Oil Released To Land, Schuylkill River In Philadelphia

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday responded to the release of an estimated

4,200 gallons of heating oil located at 2400 Market Street in Philadelphia. DEP Emergency

Response is on location to assess the situation and assist in mitigation of impact.

Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, the City ofPhiladelphia, Century Link (Operator) and Miller Environmental (Contractor).

Clean-up efforts began early Tuesday morning and will continue throughout the day.

The contractor has been successful in using vacuum trucks to get much of the oil out of

the river and will continue working throughout the day. They will also begin working to identify

the path of oil from the tank to the river; this will involve digging up snow and soil to try and

determine where the oil traveled. CSX Rail will be re-routing their rail traffic from this area to

accommodate cleanup efforts.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/coyote-hunt-to-attract-700-people-1.2001097http://www.goerie.com/field-notes-elk-creek-public-access-expandshttp://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2016/01/bald_eagle_nest_cam_update_wil.htmlhttp://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=1ChMAljxhttp://delawareestuary.org/mussel-survey-programhttp://delawareestuary.org/mussel-survey-programhttp://delawareestuary.org/mussel-survey-programhttp://www.delawareestuary.org/http://www.osiny.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Issues_Watershed_Fund_2http://www.osiny.org/site/DocServer/OSI_DelawareWatershed_Map_Clusters2015_.pdf?docID=14801


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While the path remains unconfirmed at this time, a sewer manhole was discovered along

the Schuylkill Trail. The cover was not able to be lifted due to weather conditions, but readings

have shown high levels of contaminants and a piece of absorbent material stuck into the manhole

came out red in color.

A search conducted on the building side of the CSX tracks located a manhole cover as

well, although responders were unable to monitor the air or probe the manhole.DEP will be working with the U.S. Coast Guard on a Shoreline Cleanup Assessment

Technique (SCAT), which is used to determine the extent and impact of the oil spill.

Based on current assessment, the water portion of the cleanup is expected to be

completed by the end of the week, while the land clean up timeline is indeterminate at this time.

At this time, there have been no fish kills associated with the spill reported.

Public safety inquiries should be directed to the Philadelphia Water Department. All

downstream users and industrial intakes have been notified and are taking the necessary

precautions.

NewsClips:

Officials Assessing Oil Spill In Schuylkill River

Fuel Oil Spills Into Schuylkill River Coast Guard: Most Of Diesel Went Into Schuylkill River

DEP Awards Contract To Wayne County Company For Flood Control Project In Duryea

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday awarded Leeward Construction, Inc. of

Honesdale a $1.5-million contract for a flood control project along a portion of the Lackawanna

River in the borough of Duryea, Luzerne County.

The borough was hit hard during heavy flooding in September of 2011 as a result of

Tropical Storms Lee and Irene, destroying dozens of homes and businesses.

The work involves the installation of approximately 1-thousand feet of sheet pile, which

are vertical steel structures, designed to act as a flood wall and close a gap in an existing flood

wall currently running along the river bank. Associated work will also include a small section of

levee excavation and installation of two drainage structures with gates.

This project will improve upon the original levee constructed in 1967 and provide a

consistent level of flood protection throughout the borough.

“The awarding of this contract is a monumental step in getting flood protection for the

citizens and business owners of Duryea,” said Mike Bedrin, Director of DEP Northeast Regional

Office in Wilkes-Barre. “Many will never forget the water and debris the Lackawanna unleashed

on the borough, with many generational homes and family businesses wiped out, some never to

return. This will provide an appropriate level of protection.”

Work to construct the actual flood wall is set to begin in early February with ananticipated completion date for June, barring weather-related events, such as heavy snow or rain.

Pre-construction work on construction entrances and a silt fence to filter and control erosion and

sediment during digging has already begun.

The money to pay for the project which is entirely state-funded, has already been

allocated, established in ACT 131-the Commonwealth Budget Project- of 2002. No federal

monies will be used.

NewsClips:

http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=366996331https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2016/01/25/fuel-oil-spills-into-schuylkill-river/http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news/breaking&id=366462681http://www.phila.gov/water/


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State-Funded Duryea Flood Control Project To Begin Next Month

The Great Melt Is Here… Are Your Storm Drains Clear?

Delaware River Basin Commission Holds Feb. 10 Hearing, March 16 Business Meeting

The Delaware River Basin Commission

will hold a hearing on February 10 and a businessmeeting on March 16 at Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road,

Washington Crossing, PA. ( formal notice & agenda )

The agenda for both includes water withdrawal requests; authorizing the Executive

Director to enter into a contract with the lowest qualified bidder for the analysis of periphyton

samples from the non-tidal Delaware River (pdf 78 KB); authorizing the Executive Director to

enter into an administrative agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation for the review of water withdrawal and wastewater discharge projects in the New

York portion of the Basin; adopting the Water Resources Program 2016-2018 and other issues.

The hearing will begin at 1:30 and the meeting at 10:30.

Click Here for the hearing and meeting agenda, available handouts and other details.

For more information on programs and initiatives, visit the Delaware River BasinCommission website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from DRBC.

Keep PA Beautiful: 590,500 Volunteers Removed 7.5 Million Pounds Of Trash In 2015

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, its local affiliates and

partners, held cleanup events in 2015 resulting in removing

over 7.5 million pounds of trash, 1.9 million pounds of

electronics waste, over 53,000 tires and involved over

590,500 volunteers.

The mission of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, which

celebrated 25 years of community stewardship in 2015, is to

empower Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean

and beautiful.

The organization has 29 county and

municipality-based affiliates across the state that work closely with program partners, local

governments, like minded organizations and volunteers to coordinate initiatives in their three

program areas of Prevent It, Clean It and Keep It.

The diverse project initiatives they and KPB undertake include illegal dump and river

cleanups, litter pickups, recycling and special collections, tree and flower plantings, rain garden

and outdoor classroom construction and educational events just to name a few.

The results for 2015 speak for themselves— — 7,596,740 pounds of trash removed from Pennsylvania’s landscape;

— 1,944,850 pounds of electronics collected and properly recycled or disposed;

— 53,102 tires properly disposed;

— 590,526 volunteers; and

— $483,721 in-kind donations

“Since our inception in 1990, over 121 million pounds of trash has been removed from

our landscape and over 3 million pounds of electronics have been collected and recycled! We

http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/http://www.nj.gov/drbc/contact/interest/index.htmlhttp://www.nj.gov/drbc/http://www.nj.gov/drbc/http://www.nj.gov/drbc/meetings/upcoming/index.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol46/46-5/157.htmlhttp://www.nj.gov/drbc/http://www.phillywatersheds.org/great-melt-here-are-your-storm-drains-clearhttp://timesleader.com/news/506610/state-funded-duryea-flood-control-project-to-begin-next-month


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are proud of the efforts of such a diverse group of environmental and community stewards and

thank them and all Pennsylvanians for 25 years of dedicated service to help make their

communities clean and beautiful,” Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

To get involved in 2016, Click Here to find a local affiliate near you, Click Here to

volunteer, and sign up to organize a local clean up event as part of the 2016 Great American

Cleanup of PA

or contact Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator,at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to: [email protected]

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful and Illegal Dump Free PA websites. Click Here to sign up for regular

updates from KPB.

NewsClips:

Sign Up Starts For Great American Cleanup Of PA

York Waste Authority Unwanted Prescription Drug Collection

Allegheny Front: No, Your Recycling’s Not Going To The Landfill

Pittsburgh Bridge To Be Recycled

Here’s Where You Can Recycle Electronics In Midstate

Keystone Landfill: It Was Mistaken About Leachate Discharge DEP Fines Vogel Waste Hauling $682,500

DEP Fines Vogel Waste Hauling $682,500

2016 Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest Now Accepting Entries

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the PA Waste

Industries Association , and the Department of

Environmental Protection are again sponsoring the

2016 Great American Cleanup of PA Video Contes

Documents

Pa Environment Digest Feb. 2, 2016