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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa November 25, 2013
Drilling Fees Fund More Than $28.5 Million Environmental, Recreation Projects
Gov. Tom Corbett Friday announced the Commonwealth Financing Authorityapproved more than
$28.5 million in funding to support mine drainage treatment, watershed restoration, recreation,
abandoned well plugging and flood mitigation projects from the Marcellus Legacy Fund.
Act 13 drilling fees have funded a total of $28,854,560 in projects under these programs---- Abandoned Mine Drainage, Abatement & Treatment-- $5,272,694
-- Watershed Restoration and Protection-- $5,686,048
-- Water Quality Data-- $500,000
-- Greenways, Trails and Recreation-- $16,460,533
-- Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging-- $225,000
-- Flood Mitigation-- $710,285
Click Herefor a listof Act 13-funded projects under these programs.
We established these programs to ensure a portion of the funds collected goes back to local
communities to support environmental enhancement and conservation programs, said Corbett.
Abandoned Mine Drainage
The Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Programprovides grants forprojects which involve the reclamation of abandoned mine lands to treat AMD, new AMD site
remediation and the repair of existing AMD project sites.
The program also supports the operation and maintenance of current AMD remediation sites
through the establishment of a trust fund to ensure ongoing maintenance and monitoring of water quality
is achieved.
The 12 approved AMD abatement and treatment projects are located in Allegheny, Bedford,
Blair, Butler, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Indiana, Northumberland, Schuylkill,
Somerset, Venango, Tioga and Westmoreland counties totaling $5,272,694.
Watershed Restoration & Protection
The Watershed Restoration and Protectionprogram funds projects, which restore and maintain
restored stream reaches impaired by the uncontrolled discharge of nonpoint source polluted runoff.Projects will be funded with the goal of removing the streams from the Department of Environmental
Protections Impaired Waters list.
The 32 approved watershed restoration and protection projects are located in Bedford, Centre,
Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Greene, Lancaster, Lehigh, Philadelphia, Potter,
McKean, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, Union and Westmoreland counties totaling
$5,686,048.
Abandoned Well Plugging
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Fwatershed-restoration-and-protection-program-wrpp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFypKNtNSQOQ_Pzz8djyRpg25-kwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fuploads%2FApproved_Projects-Act-13%2520Programs.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFCDG5TlrXdZMy0pjLqBuu-6eagswhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Fcommonwealth-financing-authority&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGMZ8oACrP8t2F9f5UFU0ORcMRa8ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Fwatershed-restoration-and-protection-program-wrpp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFypKNtNSQOQ_Pzz8djyRpg25-kwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Fabandoned-mine-drainage-abatement-and-treatment-program-amdatp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUje3sjKumQrehrrKQWhuk0-OFWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fuploads%2FApproved_Projects-Act-13%2520Programs.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFCDG5TlrXdZMy0pjLqBuu-6eagswhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Fcommonwealth-financing-authority&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGMZ8oACrP8t2F9f5UFU0ORcMRa8ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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The Orphan or Abandoned Well Pluggingprogram funds projects to plug abandoned and
orphaned wells with the potential to cause health, safety or environmental concerns. Two projects were
approved in Allegheny and Washington counties totaling $225,000.
Baseline Water Quality Data
The Baseline Water Quality Dataprogram funds statewide projects that involve water sample
collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water suppliesnear natural gas extraction. The two approved Baseline Water Quality Data projects are located in
Bradford and Lycoming counties totaling $500,000.
Flood Mitigation
The Flood Mitigationprogram funds statewide projects authorized by a flood protection
authority, the Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service or identified by a local
government for flood mitigation.
The four approved flood mitigation projects are located in Blair, Bucks, Lackawanna and
Northumberland counties totaling $710,285.
Greenways, Trails and Recreation
The 116 approved greenways, trails and recreation projects were approved under theGreenways, Trails and Recreationprogram totaling $16,460,533.
The project are located in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Cambria,
Carbon, Chester, Clarion, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Greene,
Huntingdon, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Mifflin, Montgomery, Monroe,
Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Susquehanna, Washington, Wayne,
Westmoreland, Wyoming and York counties.
Act 13, which Corbett signed into law in 2012, authorized counties to impose an impact fee on
unconventional natural gas wells.
To date, the fee has generated more than $400 million that is benefitting every Pennsylvanian.
The majority of the revenues are distributed to local governments where drilling is taking place, with the
remainder of the money used for statewide initiatives.
The programs are administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic
Development, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Department of
Environmental Protection, under the direction of the CFA.
Related Stories
$8.7 Million In Alternative And Renewable Energy Projects Funded By Drilling Fees
Luzerne County Mine Drainage Treatment Project Receives $1 Million From Drilling Fees
DEP Now Accepting Nominations For 2014 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards
The Department of Environmental Protection isencouraging environmental stewards to apply for the
2014 Governors Environmental Excellence Awards.
The deadline for nominations is January 14.
Organizations that have developed innovative projects
to improve the environment in Pennsylvania deserve recognition, Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo
said. Governor Corbett and I are proud to continue this tradition of recognizing the organizations and
individuals that show Pennsylvanias economic development does not come at the expense of the
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FGovernor%27s_Award_for_Environmental_Excellence%2F21540&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEHp_XnSL1NM2T9MRtYTg7tZW96owhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27118&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFNcCNppaZb06-NqTvwD7lKHJoZnwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27126&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcjM9maZw3sKYWnkvuUsuYG3aDbQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Fgreenways-trails-and-recreation-program-gtrp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjB2Bp3WAy28wUk2IBVNbq8CPEcwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Fflood-mitigation-program-fmp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFl3tCk--DndUe0_tLCYmf4qnrKMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Fbaseline-water-quality-data-program&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHBQTjIC9B2mwIxUPP2NLJJcCarRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newpa.com%2Ffind-and-apply-for-funding%2Ffunding-and-program-finder%2Forphan-or-abandoned-well-plugging-program-oawp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbxCRHR9vJ06yipo2v_q5IBy7vZw8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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environment.
The awards are open to all Pennsylvania businesses, farms, government agencies, educational
institutions, non-profit organizations and individuals that have developed innovative environmental
programs or have implemented projects that balance environmental stewardship and economic
development.
Examples of eligible projects include wastewater recycling technology innovation, resourcedevelopment, renewable and alternative energy innovation, watershed restoration strategies and
environmental education outreach, among others.
Projects will be evaluated based on seven criteria detailed within the guidelines, including
environmental benefits and use of innovative technology. The project must have been completed
between August 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013. While each candidate may submit only one application for
a particular project, companies with multiple facilities may submit an application for each facility.
Projects that have previously received a Governors Award for Environmental Excellence are
not eligible. Past winners may submit applications for new projects.
Recipients of the awards will be honored during an evening reception on April 22, 2014, and
the winning projects will also be listed on DEPs website.
Projects should be submitted via email to: [email protected]. Faxed or mailedsubmissions will not be considered.
For more information, visit the Governors Awards for Environmental Excellencewebpage.
For assistance with completing the application, call 717-783-8727.
Senate, House Send $2.3 Billion Transportation Funding Plan To Governor
The House and Senate this week gave final approval to House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong) that
would raise $2.3 billion in transportation funding by FY 2017-18-- $1.3 billion for highways and
bridges, at least $480 million for mass transit and $144 million for a new Multimodal Transportation
Fund.
The bill is now on the Governors desk and he announced plans to sign the bill next week.
The plan uncaps the Oil Company Franchise Tax in steps over five years which is estimated at
current prices to increase gasoline prices by 25 to 28 cents per gallon. Vehicle registration fees and
drivers license fees are increased. A surcharge is imposed on traffic tickets and certain fines are
increased.
The new Intermodal Fund will provide $2 million annually for bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
among other purposes. The bill includes a provision consolidating PennDOT deputates and creates a
Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation.
The plan includes a $30 million increase to the Dirt and Gravel Road Program bringing the total
funding to $35 million annually-- $28 million to the State Conservation Commission and $7 million to th
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.The Fish and Boat Commission will receive funds from the Oil Company Franchise Tax based
on the amount of fuel used by power motorboats.
The plan also establishes a new $2/sticker fee for vehicles exempt from the vehicle emissions
testing program which drive fewer than 5,000 miles a year.
The amendment also included a limited reform of the prevailing wage increasing the threshold fo
projects it applies to $100,000 from $25,000.
A House Fiscal Note(better one) and Senate Fiscal Notesummary of the bill are available.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FSFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGY_cP3QUYaW80JbEv7UG39LZDiAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELW581B8YnTHLjjcdHW_funzAfghttp://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%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FGovernor%27s_Award_for_Environmental_Excellence%2F21540&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEHp_XnSL1NM2T9MRtYTg7tZW96owmailto:[email protected]8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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NewsClips:
Tea Party Vows To Torpedo Transportation Funding Bill
Transportation Funding Action Prompted By Congressional Inaction
Transportation Funding Gets Final OK, Heads To Corbett
House Passes $2.4 Billion Transportation Funding Bill
House Sends Transportation Funding Plan To CorbettCorbett Lauds Democratic Help In $2.5B Transportation Funding Bill
House Sends $2.3 Billion Transit Bill To Governor
Foes Claim Corbett Highway Funding Requires Tax Increase
What Transportation Funding Bill Will Cost You
Transportation Funding Passes Senate, 1 More House Vote
Senate Passes Transportation Funding Plan 47-7
Major Roads Measure Passes Senate By Wide Margin
Consumers Would Pay More At Pump To Fund Transportation
Transportation Bill Tradeoff: Safer Journeys For Higher Pump Prices
House Reverses Course, OKs Transportation Funding Amendment
In Reversal, House Passes Transportation Funding AmendmentHouse Regroups, OKs $2.3B Transportation Funding
House Approves $23B Transportation Package Amendment
House Passes Transportation Funding Amending
One Day Later, Transit Funding Amendment Passes
House Approves $2.3 Billion Transportation Plan
Agency Casts Gloomy Financial Forecast For State
House Defeats Major Corbett-Backed Transportation Funding Bill
House Rejects $2.3 Billion Transportation Bill
House Shoots Down Funding For Transportation
House Rejects New Transportation Proposal
House Votes Down Transportation Spending Bill
Corbett Calls On Lawmakers To Vote On Transportation Funding
Transportation Funding Bill Shows Theres No Free Pothole Patch
Corbett, Rendell, Schweiker, Ridge Call For Highway Funding
Corbett, Predecessors Plea For Transportation Funding
Prevailing Wage Has Been A Roadblock In Legislature
Editorial: Most Lawmakers Voted In Favor Of PA Transportation
Editorial: Highway Bill For Long Haul
Editorial: Transportation Bill, Redefining Prosperity
Editorial: Pass A Transportation Funding Bill Now
Editorial: Legislature Unsafe At Any Speed
Citizens Advisory Council: DEP Adds Hearing To Review Period For Drilling Regs
Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo Tuesday told DEPs Citizens Advisory Councilthe agency was
adding another set of meetings and hearings, now totalling seven, during the upcoming comment period
on the proposed Chapter 78 drilling regulationto provide more opportunities for public comment.
He said hearings will be held in or near Harrisburg, Indiana, Meadville, Tunkhannock,
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpublic_resources%2F20303%2Fsurface_regulations%2F1587188&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGfyIpbOtfdSOAF-lp0rCmS98x8SAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Flegislature-unsafe-at-any-speed-1.1588323&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGG99RNPoiIKRR-g4h1LZvo40pmYwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F2013%2F11%2F17%2FDo-the-right-thing-1%2Fstories%2F201311150217&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_i6mMCd1mwEPJyBDmMJOwLla92ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F5108010-74%2Ftax-prosperity-cents&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEiFuC2GMERRREmkVOXgy997zy3rghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fhighway-bill-for-long-haul-1.1589007&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE6U4TErySSx55JUwtV97ESAtCYdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F2013%2F11%2F22%2FRoad-crew%2Fstories%2F201311220042&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyNyBQgNYn0nNhhHF5J-UPqyWPtghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2013%2F11%2F20%2FPrevailing-wage-has-been-a-roadblock%2Fstories%2F201311200125&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHCHoksSLnJ7raUhEaEUoPjg-iwEwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20131117_Corbett_and_predecessors_in_plea_for_transportation_funding.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfW4RvrfAug0vkYuvHsMEN2tbF0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-state%2F2013%2F11%2F16%2FCorbett-Rendell-Schweiker-and-Ridge-call-for-passage-of-transportation-funding-bill%2Fstories%2F201311160166&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi3pelL9aveb6SfvJ2oXKcVRNPvQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fwant_transportation_funding_it.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEc2hphW34mXCjdY5e7-71dK6-ixQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-corbett-transportation-118-20131118%2C0%2C5899421.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFZVZDMsHca3PxmQUw2I29HCu2AFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F232451171.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqsIDfbCw_9Uj7YL9NeyYiNx3h2whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse-rejects-new-transportation-proposal-1.1587869&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFsuoIC81xBnaBUkTrutd6IycVVzQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-corbett-transportation-118-20131118%2C0%2C5899421.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFZVZDMsHca3PxmQUw2I29HCu2AFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5093867-74%2Ftax-plan-transit&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRgH9IbssYZnKfojcU5LStmvtUeghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fpennsylvania_house_defeats_maj.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGV7IvRNOMc_eKBxY8uKDFJ9qnemghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2013%2F11%2F19%2FAgency-casts-gloomy-financial-forecast%2Fstories%2F201311190102&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEjHtfgpOBUZIRD1xfjPFggXW1Srghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F921192_State-House-approves--2-3-billion-transportation-plan.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG24Q5RTYnklDj0Gt_hzl9wCvzh1Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20131120_House_OKs_transit-funding_bill_it_rejected_a_day_ago.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHA2fOBRQLUT9VOXiUVXhuFljpyCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Flocal%2F2013%2F11%2F19%2FState-House-leaders-try-to-rebuild-support-for-transportation-bill%2Fstories%2F201311190149&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFgOvHA_Y3nNRwkeHRqvaAfx3TJyQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5100872-74%2Fcounty-transportation-senate&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH5_GoIKE33Odu9w82qVYCVXGJ2EAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fpa-house-regroups-oks-2-3b-transportation-bill-1.1588356&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnOhsW01gofG2V9VyovDwv3Y0eaQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-corbett-transportation-1119-20131119%2C0%2C7105386.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBUM--XPInR4BFs21vZEQwVmUD9ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Ftransportation_funding_gets_ki.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHDQ4fivNrlNC4HUgwWqkpjSPrxBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Ftransportation-bill-tradeoff-smoother-safer-journeys-for-higher-prices-at-the-pump-1.1589255&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEP14aPT5MHqtcTStleLr5gF11nighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fmc-pa-corbett-transportation-consumer-20131120%2C0%2C3348190.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9LLcCwdWcxsLxk6eIHakH51FIWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2013%2F11%2F21%2FState-Senate-passes-transportation-bill-Major-roads-measure-passes-state-Senate-by-wide-margin%2Fstories%2F201311210246&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfeddhuUHmKtTq4M6d3wnL5Pq4dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fpennsylvania_senate_passes_tra.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr73zdTQfsEYzYMnfppSfVfD9ofwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5110671-74%2Fbill-county-senate&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_M_0osRaVrXt1jaBdE_-sT3ak4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F232958181.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMUonQfYTx5N98GP8mm0Y4tUpzDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F5108867-74%2Fcorbett-tax-bill&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBcOrf6OAEgJAyBD1h8NZgdErdighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fnation_world%2F20131122_House_sends__2_3B_transit_bill_to_Corbett.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETWPiZ6KGnqTXg1GUbb8EDFOtgiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fgov_corbett_lauds_democrats_wh.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWQe1zt0OAHkX_mKkIVjvDmdl0gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fpa_house_sends_major_transport.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHekB3VOJYcPyY0ZuCW39jSnRzOEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-corbett-transportation-house-final-20131121%2C0%2C3909160.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjjXGj52QooZcDi7DPmKhlxpoDewhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2013%2F11%2F22%2FTransportation-bill-gets-final-OK-heads-to-Corbett%2Fstories%2F201311220120&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSoscdfRvNEissPob4CpP1PVjugQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2013%2F11%2Fwant_to_get_pa_lawmakers_to_ac.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHETsKv_10Sf2L81-cOm2f7pg6BAghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2FTea_Party_politicians_vow_to_torpedo_taxes_that_would_fund_PA_transportation.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHRAyEp63bV_FR-aPZOjcglXr9YQg8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Washington, West Chester and Williamsport. The meetings should be in similar locations around the
state.
At public meetings DEP does a presentation on the regulation changes and answers questions,
but does not take public comments. Public hearings are for receiving public comments in addition to
commenters submitting them by mail or email to DEP. Click Herefor a DEP Citizens Guide To DEPs
Regulatory Process.Abruzzo said the drilling regulations, adopted by the Environmental Quality Board in July, have
been delayed in the review process prior to publication for comment as a result, in part, of what he said
were some routine questions from the Office of Attorney General. DEP sent answers to those questions
on November 1 and they expected to hear back from the Attorney General shortly.
Abruzzo said work is continues with the Fish and Boat Commission on finding the cause of the
smallmouth bassdie off in the lower Susquehanna River. He noted DEP staff have been on the river
taking samples for 188 days over the last year analyzing water for everything from pharmaceuticals and
pesticides to more routine pollutants.
He noted the bass population did see some improvement this year.
Abruzzo also reported an electronic system for accepting and reviewing oil and gas well permit
applications started testing on November 1 and he said he expects it to be available generally toapplicants in January.
He said the new system will be a pilot for other permit types in the agency making it easier to
store permit information and make it available through DEPs eFACTS permit information system.
He noted DEP is expected to finalize its public participation policy on permit reviews by the end
of the year and a proposed revision to the environmental justice permit review policy should be available
the first quarter of 2014.
DEP provided Council with its regular monthly reportfor November.
National Rivers Assessment
Council also heard a presentation on theNational Rivers and Streams Assessmentby the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and how the results are causing confusion about the condition of
Pennsylvania streams.
Representatives from EPA assessment program said the results are intended to show the water
quality condition over broad ecological regions covering several state each based on taking samples at
1,942 locations in the 1,194,000 miles of rivers and streams in the United States.
The results show 55 percent of the nations river and stream miles are in poor biological
condition and there are 7 percent fewer stream miles in good condition comparing 2004 and 2008
results.
These results are in contrast to the detailed assessments and monitoring done by states under
Section 305(d) of the federal Clean Water Act to determine whether bodies of water meet federal
water quality standards.
The most recent 305(d) reportcompleted by the Department of Environmental Protectionshows about 77 percent of Pennsylvania streams meet federal water quality standards, but about 23
percent do not-- nearly 20,000 miles.
Pennsylvanias most significant causes of water quality impairment are drainage from abandoned
mines, which the EPA assessment does not specifically address, agricultural runoff and urban
runoff/stormwater.
EPA staff complimented Pennsylvania on having a very good stream assessment and monitoring
program.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26668&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEI4qG--O9FuZCaSVDUZM-ImpokcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwater.epa.gov%2Ftype%2Frsl%2Fmonitoring%2Friverssurvey%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE97seTaWOfmN8dVMWFudpDZw-Tewhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2013_11%2FNovember_2013_CAC_report.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG1oilkf8_pZZO2v7mrR8kUTl_zzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwater_quality_standards%2F10556%2FSusquehanna_River_Study_Updates%2F1449797&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNET8TTp-iyFdzpGiqbPhbBSLXu7TAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-97341%2FCitizens%2520Guide%2520combined.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF8DtDMT0HswkPEZkYUBa-DjnvyMQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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The CAC also heard presentations on these topics--
-- DEP Right-To-Know Requests:DEP receives about 99 requests for information under the state
Right-To-Know law each month requiring a response by agency staff. Generally any document in the
agency is consider a public record, unless it is specifically excluded from requests under the law. Trisha
Salvia, from DEPs Bureau of Regulatory Counsel, said generally once the agency releases a document
to the public at an advisory committee meeting, for example, it is public regardless of whether it wasoriginally protected under the Right-To-Know law.
-- Community Environmental Projects Policy:The policy provides guidance to DEP staff in
determining when it would be appropriate for the agency to accept local environmental projects in lieu
of paying penalties to the state when environmental violations occur. Council heard a presentation on a
response to comments the Council provided. The comment period on the policy closes November 25.
Public Comments
During the Councils open public comment period, several individuals appeared--
-- Roberta Winters, PA League of Women Voters, commended Marjorie Hughes, CAC Executive
Director, for her work with Council on the occasion of her retirement, noted the Right-To-Know law
provides an important tool for citizens to obtain information from public agencies, presented a series of
questions about the proposed Community Environmental Project Policy including what determines anappropriate situation for their use, is it based on the ability to pay and others, and said the League
supports strong water resource programs and policies, in connection with the presentation on the
National Rivers and Streams Assessment.
-- Stephen Kunz, Schmid & Company, Inc.,provided Council with his detailed comments on
proposed changes to the GP-8 General Permitcovering temporary crossings and environmental testing
or monitoring activities saying the revisions dramatically expand the scope of activities covered by the
permit without the detailed agency review required by individual permits. He noted public comments
are due January 10. In response, Council Chair Terry Dayton asked the Councils Policy and
Regulatory Oversight Committee to review the issue and report back to Council.
-- Jeff Schmidt, Joanne Kilgour, PA Sierra Club, also commended Marjorie Hughes for her work
with Council. Schmidt noted he is retiring from his position with the Sierra Club and introduced the new
Director Joanne Kilgour.
Council Member Leaving, New Executive Director
The Council adopted a resolution recognizing Richard Manfredifor his 11 years of service to
the CAC as a Council member, noting he served on the Public Participation and Outreach, Air and
Water Committees of Council.
The resolution noted Manfredis local government experience was very valuable in helping
Council be more effective in addressing environmental issues facing the Commonwealth.
Michelle Tatewas named the new Executive Director of Council, replacing the retiring
Marjorie Hughes. She will take over the position on January 3.
Tate has worked in DEP for 17 years and most recently served as DEPs RegulatoryCoordinator since 2003 and was responsible for moving regulations through the development and
adoption process internally with the Environmental Quality Board and the external review process
involving the General Assembly and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.
Previously she served in positions with the Bureau of Land Recycling and Waste Management
and the former Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance.
In 1997 Tate was part of a group of DEP employees who were recognized with a Secretarys
Award for Excellence for their efforts in the Strategic Environmental Management Team.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennsylvania.sierraclub.org%2FPA_Chapter_2008%2FNotices%2F20131009NEW%2520DIRECTOR.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEI_oPKbfY4jZayea1hDbyxa2_PtAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-44%2F2059.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKK4vBQZf6MZJ2rVKBYoB1DUWZNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26880%26SubjectID%3D67&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIYqa1luVP7MDpKklv2nupEtd1cw8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Tate has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a
Bachelors Degree from Gannon University in Erie. She is also a certified ISO 14001 Environmental
Standards Auditor.
Marjorie Hugheswas presented with a letter of congratulations from Gov. Corbett for her
service to the Commonwealth by Secretary Abruzzo at the Council meeting.
Future Meeting DatesThere is no meeting of the Council in December. Meeting dates for 2014 are: January 21,
February 18, March 18, April 15, May 21, June 17, July 15, September 16, October 21 and
November 18.
For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Councilwebpage.
No Action From Senate Yet On Governors Nominees For DEP, DCNR
The Senate has yet to schedule any consideration of the Gov.
Corbetts nominees for the Secretaries of Environmental
Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources since
their nominations were announced September 20.Chris Abruzzo was nominated to be DEP Secretary
and Ellen Ferretti was selected for DCNR. Both nominations
are in the Senate Rules Committee and have not yet been
referred to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee for consideration.
The Senate has 25 legislative days, the days the Senate is in voting session, to consider
nominations. In this case the clock started officially on October 20 with both nominations because
thats when the paperwork got to the Senate.
Both nominations are now on day 16.
The Senate is scheduled to return to voting session December 3 and will be in session a total of
five days in December.
If the nominations are not acted on in December, the Governor will have to re-submit the
nomination paperwork in January, including new financial disclosure statements, and the Senate will
have 10 additional legislative days to consider the nominations.
Tests Find Asian Carp eDNA In PA, WV Sections Of Ohio River
State officials from the Fish and Boat Commission and the West Virginia
Division of Natural Resources have confirmed Wednesday environmental
DNA (eDNA) from the invasive Asian silver carphas been found in two
water samples collected from the Ohio River.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tested 200 water samples
collected from the upper Ohio River between Wheeling, W.V., and
Pittsburgh on October 21-22. The tests found eDNA in one Pennsylvania sample taken from the Ohio
River in Aliquippa, Beaver County, about six miles upstream of the confluence with the Beaver River.
A second positive eDNA result was found in a West Virginia sample near Chester in Hancock
County. None of the samples tested positive for bighead carp.
Researchers use eDNA analysis as a tool for the early detection of Asian carp, which include
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fais.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYd1E6-oWgSLkSslWQsxZwM4rryAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26525&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF3Yf3SqfTvCaS2pPl8VxjokNEFLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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silver and bighead carp. The findings indicate the presence of genetic material left behind by the species,
such as scales, excrement or mucous. But eDNA does not provide physical proof of the presence of
live or dead Asian carp.
Unfortunately, the test results provide some evidence that this invasive species could be in the
upper Ohio River in Pennsylvania, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. This is an early
warning sign, since we dont know for certain the origin of the genetic material. We dont know if theeDNA came from live or dead fish or if it was transported from other sources, like bilge water or storm
sewers, or even waterfowl visiting the basin.
The states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia have been cooperatively
working over the last two years to address Asian carp upstream migrations in the Ohio River, added
Curtis Taylor, Chief of the West Virginia Wildlife Resources Section. These efforts have focused on
fishing down these species at the populations leading edge by using contracted commercial fishermen.
The main reach of this effort has centered in the Meldahl and Greenup navigation pools that span the
river between Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. This cooperative effort will continue in 2014.
Asian carp are a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems because of their voracious appetite and
ability to quickly reproduce. Once in a waterway, they devour much of the microscopic algae and
animals that other species rely on for food, effectively decimating other species. This, in turn, can harmlocal economies which rely on the revenue generated from sport fishing and boating.
Because of the destructive nature of the Asian carp species, officials urge anglers and boaters to
help slow the spread. Anglers and boaters should thoroughly clean gear and boats before entering new
waters and learn how to identify Asian carp.
A video teaching people how to identify bighead and silver carp is available from the USFWS
on YouTube.
Anglers and boaters are urged to contact the PFBC or WVDNR if they suspect the presence of
Asian carp. Both agencies maintain a website for easy communication: PFBC AsianCarp and
WVDNR Asian Carp.
Additional information is available on the national Asian carp website. More information about
the Clean Your Gear educational campaign is available online.
NewsClip:Asian Carp DNA Discovered In PA Waterways
EQB Accepts Petition From 19-Year Old On Setting Greenhouse Gas Reductions In PA
On November 19 the Environmental Quality Boardvoted to accept for study a rulemaking petition
submitted by 19-year old Ashley Funkfrom Mount Pleasant, Pa asking the Board to adopted a state
regulation requiring a 6 percent reduction in baseline carbon dioxide emissions in Pennsylvania by 2050
Click Herefor a copy of the petition. Click Herefor DEPs presentation on the petition.
DEP must now report back to the Board within 60 days with its recommendation on whether or
not to adopt the regulation asked for by the petitioner, a different version of the rule or not to moveahead with any regulation.
If there is no meeting of the EQBwithin the 60 days or the agency cannot evaluate the petition
within that timeframe, DEP is required to report to the Board on how much time it will take.
The Board also approved proposed regulations setting RACT limits on major sources of
nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds and a final regulation on the measurement and reporting
of condensable particulate emissions.
The rulemaking petition on climate change was submitted to the Board in September by Ashley
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FPublic%2520Participation%2520Center%2FPubPartCenterPortalFiles%2FEnvironmental%2520Quality%2520Board%2F2013%2FNovember%252019%2520EQB%2FAshley%2520Funk%2520Petition%2FPetition.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHRDSZi1ctUXOF0vEeScepueF5WZQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacode.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2F025%2Fchapter23%2Fchap23toc.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDujfYAM7HwyL5cN3SOm7sxcp8pAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FPublic%2520Participation%2520Center%2FPubPartCenterPortalFiles%2FEnvironmental%2520Quality%2520Board%2F2013%2FNovember%252019%2520EQB%2FFunk%2520Petition%2520Nov%25202013%2520EQB%2520rev%2520111813.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEmU7xcLNk025mbw-qGLtTk3GKWbAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FPublic%2520Participation%2520Center%2FPubPartCenterPortalFiles%2FEnvironmental%2520Quality%2520Board%2F2013%2FNovember%252019%2520EQB%2FAshley%2520Funk%2520Petition%2FPetition.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHRDSZi1ctUXOF0vEeScepueF5WZQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imatteryouth.org%2F%23!ashley-pa%2Fcum5&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSmDyflcKVvzKdWCqVDMeetKVO0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEnvironmental_Quality_Board%2F21511%2FEQB_Meeting_Schedule_2013%2F1615627&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfQsGz8Uuxm_Vv2pwQGWUP4Eo3dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fpa-sportsman%2F2013%2F11%2Fasian_carp_dna_discovered_in_major_pennsylvania_waterway.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGIF7QPXFOB9RkqvOoNwBd1m42wNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishandboat.com%2Fcleanyourgear.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE3-w-AC9aXAQGZpfkorrOevJyuMAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fasiancarp.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGn0klr4Z95bXOHre0bmVdbQABY-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvdnr.gov%2Ffishing%2Fasian_carp.shtm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqkAnmWw18SOaBmzUc3QZNSw7Yughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fais.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYd1E6-oWgSLkSslWQsxZwM4rryAhttp://youtu.be/B49OWrCRs38http://youtu.be/B49OWrCRs388/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Funk and Kids vs. Global Warming.
Funk submitted earlier rulemaking petitions to the EQB in May 2012, July 2012and October
2012which were returned to the petitioner inNovember 2012as not meeting the guidelines for
rulemaking petitions to be brought before the Board.
In December 2012, Funk and the petitioners appealed the return of the petition to
Commonwealth Courtand the Environmental Hearing Board. (PA Environment Digest 12/24/13)In July 2013 Commonwealth Courtsided with DEP and the EQB and rejected Funks appeal
without prejudice saying it did not have jurisdiction in the issue because the Environmental Hearing
Board had not acted.
On October 24, 2013 the Environmental Hearing Board approved a motion by Funkto dismiss
the appeal as a result of an action by DEP determining Funks October petition to be complete and
would be submitted to the Environmental Quality Board for consideration at the November meeting.
Ashley Funk was also the 2012 winnerof the Sue Wiseman Scholarship from Keep PA
Beautifulfor her efforts to clean up litter and illegal dumps in and around Mount Pleasant Borough,
Westmoreland County.
Click Hereto learn more about the EQB rulemaking petition process.
The 20 members of the Boardinclude eleven state agencies: Department of EnvironmentalProtection (Chair), Agriculture, Health, Community and Economic Development, the Public Utility
Commission, the Fish and Boat Commission, the Game Commission, Labor and Industry, the
Governor's Office of Policy, the Historical and Museum Commission, Transportation five members of
the Citizens Advisory Council and four members of the Senate and House.
For more information and available handouts, visit the Environmental Quality Boardwebpage.
Crisci Associates: PA Environment Digest Tops 5,000 Online Subscribers
The PA Environment Digest, the weekly online
newsletter of record covering environmental issues in
Pennsylvania, reached a major milestone of over 5,000
email subscribers this week, according to David E.
Hess, editor of the Digest and former Secretary of the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
We are very pleased the online community we created with the Digest has expanded steadily
to now include so many members, said Hess. Our weekly Digest, and associated blog and Twitter
feed, help keep those interested in environmental issues in Pennsylvania informed about legislation,
regulations and issues the public should have a role in shaping.
One of the strengths of the Digest is the information we receive and share from groups and
companies all over the state showcasing their successes in restoring their watersheds, preventing
pollution and reducing energy costs as well as promoting the events they hold, Hess explained.Educating the public about the positive things going on to protect and restore the environment Ive
found prompts others to do the same.
We started publishing the Digest in May of 2004 and our past issues are a great way to do
research and get background on environmental issues in Pennsylvania over the last nine years, said
Hess. Weve posted over 27,000 articles over the last nine years you can search by topics, counties
or keyword to get the information you need.
The Digest includes information on legislation moving through the General Assembly, when DEP
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEOY03uMx9BTVnxcikpBJFFIUbQ-Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEnvironmental_Quality_Board%2F21511%2FEQB_Meeting_Schedule_2013%2F1615627&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfQsGz8Uuxm_Vv2pwQGWUP4Eo3dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEnvironmental_Quality_Board%2F21511%2FEQB_Membership_List%2F1615644&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUVZ3TXhQCKFoo9d9CaaBKkk_8UAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Feqb_rulemaking_petitions%2F21512&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFuOWgivEAjhrse941qgLeCL8pQpghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keeppabeautiful.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnAJ8HoIN9W5G3EykJCU7tXW5k8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keeppabeautiful.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnAJ8HoIN9W5G3EykJCU7tXW5k8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D22873&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-T9f6X5x_tTnkL-vOoTaUUn6mAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fehb.courtapps.com%2Fefile%2FdocumentViewer.php%3FdocumentID%3D19311&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjxlEgAwChOZi6ufkQq2e5izE8-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacourts.us%2Fassets%2Fopinions%2FCommonwealth%2Fout%2F713MD12_7-3-13.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMiqFeiFXi9fSmbMnIP7KiiPy_LAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24190&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcQIsf5c3iK-tRlWDunN1kdgXr4whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fourchildrenstrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FEHBNoticeofAppeal_Redacted.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGejrVu1ajN-fP4D5wuPBwnGzNXdAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fourchildrenstrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FPA.Petition.CommonwealthCourt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGwDniAUXJmr511CuFHt34vl30q_whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fourchildrenstrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FPetition%2520Denial.12.11.16_Redacted.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFoInGLNRlI-ErAXrfNZgCnpvOwxAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fourchildrenstrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FPA.Petition.10.2.12.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5Ygz8tJy0JtdFZhfWARa47wVAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fourchildrenstrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FPA.Petition.10.2.12.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5Ygz8tJy0JtdFZhfWARa47wVAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fourchildrenstrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FPA.Petition.10.2.12.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5Ygz8tJy0JtdFZhfWARa47wVAqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FPublic%2520Participation%2520Center%2FPubPartCenterPortalFiles%2FEnvironmental%2520Quality%2520Board%2F2013%2FNovember%252019%2520EQB%2FAshley%2520Funk%2520Petition%2FPetition.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHRDSZi1ctUXOF0vEeScepueF5WZQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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advisory committees are meeting and on what issues so groups and individuals can have an impact on
policy and regulatory development, when grant and award applications are due, links to news stories
from around the state and much more.
The Digest was the winner of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators 2009
Business Partner of the Year Award which recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals,
programs and businesses to the field of environmental education.We have no doubt the Digest community will continue to grow and share information about
environmental issues that affect us all, said Hess.
The PA Environment Digest is a free service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based
government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit
organizations.
For more information, visit www.PaEnvironmentDigest.comor www.CrisciAssociates.com.
Add Us To Your Google+ Circle
PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your
Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor DavidHess, and let us join your Circle.
Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,
Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.
Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips
and links to the weekly Digest and videos.
Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:
PAEnviroDigest.
PA Environment Daily Blog:provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and
announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as
they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email
alerting you to new items posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blogto get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including
NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to
new items posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitterfeed
to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a
list of new environmental bills introduced--
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGKsZd2Szw3owj2WYrQpBQzlA3Yawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGsCO6tTRa3hbh2VQdt7xqNM5rGbg8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
HouseDecember 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 (Non-Voting)
2014
January 7 (Non-Voting), 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29
February 3, 4, 5
March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31
April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30
May 5, 6, 7
June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Senate
December 3, 4, 9, 10, 112014
January 7, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29
February 3, 4, 5
March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31
April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30
May 5, 6, 7
June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Bill Calendars
House (December 9): House Bill 302(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $5 million to DEP for a
competitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas House Bill 303
(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $7.5 million to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert large
mass transit fleets to natural gas House Bill 304(Marshall-R-Beaver) funding conversions of transit
buses to natural gas House Bill 306(Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting $5.3 million from the Alternative
Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to
natural gas and provide a 10 cent per gallon biofuels production subsidy House Bill 308
(Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions
to natural gas. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (December 3): Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) providing for the reuse of water in
abandoned mines for Marcellus Shale drilling Senate Bill 1037(Vogel-R-Beaver) to repeal summer
RVP gasoline requirements Senate Bill 1077(Argall-R-Schuylkill) railroad material theft prevention
House Bill 920(Sonney-R-Erie) amending the Agricultural Area Security Law to define wind power
generation system and clarifying an agricultural conservation easement shall not prevent granting an
easement for a wind power system-- summary House Bill 1285(Cutler-R- Lancaster) establishing the
State Geospatial Coordination Board. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.
http://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%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%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1285&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2dhgi6-7yc7TPrV3p1m-D4k_Bxwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D11897&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8PlYGiD80CKT2JWPxihAAy40gSwhttp://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%3D0920&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_azcRi93aiIorefqsKKu1UlXOyghttp://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%3D1077&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNELPXlNWO_w3_k28Z_gq8i6LoivPghttp://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%3D1037&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGCCT-s0dehCfIqle1e32AQQ7FT-whttp://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=AFQjCNHIutFRwH_rgkR-XJXWBzEWomdWewhttp://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%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%3D308&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHGqOXrNceNDDAtp961TjKqcKUjaghttp://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%3D306&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEQ5XpIBNrlB1W6z90SCPXEL1US7Qhttp://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%3D306&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEQ5XpIBNrlB1W6z90SCPXEL1US7Qhttp://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%3D304&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz6nfUxMvHGMUHQFcVTeU0z2eMvghttp://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%3D304&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz6nfUxMvHGMUHQFcVTeU0z2eMvghttp://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%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://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%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://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%3D302&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHudtyRQc1qIXWr2XYhEEE94ODKlg8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: Click Herefor 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 OversightHuman Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
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--
Transportation Funding:House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong) establishes a $2.3 billion
transportation funding plan for highways, bridges and mass transit. A summary and House Fiscal Note
are available.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELW581B8YnTHLjjcdHW_funzAfghttp://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%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://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=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://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-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Transportation Funding:House Bill 106(Carroll-D-Monroe) providing for $2.3 billion in funding for
highway, bridge and mass transit systems was amended on the Floor Tuesday (after two tries) and
referred to the House Rules Committee. Taking its cue from the House, the Senate amended identical
language into House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong) that was waiting on the Senate Calendar and then
passed the bill and sent it back to the House for concurrence. The House concurred and sent the bill to
the Governor for his action. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.
Recycle Mine Water: Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) providing for the reuse of water in
abandoned mines for Marcellus Shale drilling was removed from the Table, amended on the Senate
Floor and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Geospatial Council:House Bill 1285(Cutler-R-Lancaster) establishing the State Geospatial
Coordination Board was reported from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness
Committee and is on the Senate Calendar for action. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.
Summer RVP Gasoline:Senate Bill 1037(Vogel-R-Beaver) to repeal summer RVP gasoline
requirements was amended and reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Theft Of Material:Senate Bill 1077(Argall-R-Schuylkill) railroad material theft prevention was
amended and reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is nowon the Senate Calendar for action.
Disaster Assistance: Senate Bill 720(Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing the PA Disaster emergency
Assistance Program-- summary-- was reported from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency
Preparedness Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
House
Transportation Funding:House Bill 106(Carroll-D-Monroe) providing for $2.3 billion in funding for
highway, bridge and mass transit systems was amended on the Floor Tuesday (after two tries) and
referred to the House Rules Committee. Taking its cue from the House, the Senate amended identicallanguage into House Bill 1060(Pyle-R-Armstrong) that was waiting on the Senate Calendar and then
passed the bill and sent it back to the House for concurrence. The House concurred and sent the bill to
the Governor for his action. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. Senate Bill 1
(Rafferty-R-Montgomery), the Senate transportation funding proposal was referred to the House Rules
Committee.
News From The Capitol
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%3D0001&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHCI4RVVygBf038iPdFhwfK3ZjXZQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELW581B8YnTHLjjcdHW_funzAfghttp://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%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://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%3D0106&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_AuQ7no7_NdgjHlWZGXXs2hdmpAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D11896&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGU2DRk_jxJPYZBz0A0UIuemlgdlAhttp://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%3D720&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGTfeVXrlsfwFJl6u_9WEqdsoA2dQhttp://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%3D1077&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNELPXlNWO_w3_k28Z_gq8i6LoivPghttp://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%3D1037&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGCCT-s0dehCfIqle1e32AQQ7FT-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1285P2429.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHRbQYFR81s4lxUZAJWsG8WRRVIkghttp://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%3D1285&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2dhgi6-7yc7TPrV3p1m-D4k_Bxwhttp://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=AFQjCNHIutFRwH_rgkR-XJXWBzEWomdWewhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1060P2697.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELW581B8YnTHLjjcdHW_funzAfghttp://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%3D1060&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGi9ZHDSeoxQELsYJs3FP9tIUZ2Ughttp://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%3D0106&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_AuQ7no7_NdgjHlWZGXXs2hdmpA8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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November Environmental Synopsis Available From Joint Conservation Committee
TheNovember issueof the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available from the Joint Air and
Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.
Topics covered in the newsletter include: list of programs at high risk of fraud, air quality tradingprogram, tapping California shale oil and renewal of wind tax credits.
Committee Chair Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) also summarized some recent hearings
held by the Joint Conservation Committee on topics as varied as cutting edge drinking water treatment
systems and water quality planning data.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committeewebsite.
News From Around The State
Luzerne County Mine Drainage Treatment Project Receives $1 Million From Drilling Fees
Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna), Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne) and Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich
(D-Lackawanna) Thursday announced a $1 million investment by the Commonwealth to begin the
cleanup of the Lackawanna River.
The outlay, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under Act 13 of 2012, means
Susquehanna Mining Solutions LLC will be able to secure land in Duryea Borough near the Old Forge
borehole
"The Old Forge borehole in the Lackawanna River continues to be the most toxic and damaging
source of pollution in the watersheds of the Lackawanna and Susquehanna rivers," Sen. Blake said in
announcing CFA's approval of the project. "Several past attempts to mobilize the necessary resources
and the commitment to correct this environmental calamity have fallen short.
"Current efforts, however, supported by an impressive partnership of for-profit, non-profit andscientific stakeholders holds promise to finally solve this problem. It is proper and necessary for the
state to advance this effort. I am glad to join my colleagues in announcing this state support for
Susquehanna Mining Solutions," Sen. Blake said.
Iron oxide from the Old Forge borehole, which was drilled in 1962 to release water that had
pooled in underground mines, has turned the Lackawanna River orange. Because of the pollution, the
river is the largest polluter of the Chesapeake Bay.
The $1 million CFA investment will advance a plan that will lead to the construction of a facility
to treat the acid mine water.
"It is past time that the commonwealth and our community leaders strategize a solution to clean
the Lackawanna River. This effort will result in a significant improvement to the water quality of the
Susquehanna River through the Wyoming Valley, continuing to the Chesapeake Bay," said Rep. MikeCarroll.
"Too often we take clean water for granted, but with cooperation like this we can truly
guarantee clean water not only here but for those downstream today and for generations to come. This
is a perfect example of how business and government can partner to build a better Pennsylvania," said
Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich.
The mine pool reportedly can hold as much water as Lake Wallenpaupack, which is 13 miles
long and, on average, 30-feet deep.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Findex.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqbSPEelu-fOoGTKta0VZ0AaOE-Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF1_eCDfu6UweCMMuSMtduq2hvD_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF1_eCDfu6UweCMMuSMtduq2hvD_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Fresources%2Fftp%2Fdocuments%2Fnewsletters%2FEnvironmental%2520Synopsis%2520-%2520November%25202013.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEap-gP6hWnnjYHEQW9y73Yl4WbMQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
15/34
Blake, Carroll and Kavulich, along with stakeholders, intend to highlight the specifics of the plan
to improve the Lackawanna River in the near future.
NewsClip:Drilling Fee Fund Old Forge Borehole Mine Water Treatment
Sinnemahoning Watershed Grants Available For Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter Counties
The Fish and Boat Commission Friday invited project applications for the Sinnemahoning Creek
Watershed Restoration Grant Program. Applications are due January 25.
The PFBCs primary emphasis will be on projects in the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed
upstream of the confluence with the First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek. Projects that will be
considered for funding include, for example, acid mine drainage abatement habitat protection,
enhancement and restoration and the acquisition of properties for public fishing and access.
The PFBC will consider individual grant awards in the range of $10,000 to $200,000.
Applicants must secure matching funds equal to at least 25 percent of the total project costs.
This funding is available through a 2007 settlement agreement with Norfolk Southern as
restitution for environmental damages from a June 30, 2006, train derailment in rural Norwich
Township, McKean County. The accident spilled sodium hydroxide into Big Fill Run,Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Under
the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for
environmental damages.
The PFBC received $3.675 million of the settlement and must use the funds to develop and
implement projects that benefit fishing, boating and aquatic resources in Cameron, Elk, McKean or
Potter counties.
Awarding of funds for any selected projects will be contingent upon availability of funds.
Currently, the balance of funds remaining in the program account is approximately $2 million.
The Commission anticipates final selection and public announcement of grant awards by
mid-May 2014.
For more information about applying for this grant program, visit the Sinnemahoning Creek
Watershed Restoration Grant Programwebpage or contact Fisheries Biologist Jeff Schmid at
814-359-5242 or send email to:[email protected].
Volunteers Repair Flood Damage At Lynch Field In Westmoreland County
Volunteers from Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
and members of Sewickley Creek Watershed Association
planted trees and shrubs to help stabilize the banks and
prevent erosion along Jacks Run this past weekend.
The effort is part of a three-phase, three-year projectto repair damage from previous floods and to prevent future
damage at Lynch Field Recreation Complex in Greensburg,
Pa.
Sewickley Creek is partnering with the City of
Greensburgs Department of Parks and Recreation and
Firestone Building Products Company, LLC on the project.
(Photo: Volunteers include (foreground) Firestone Warehouse Manager Tom Molina and
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sewickleycreek.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYvWzfBVEjZn21O29JIHoUAoe0WAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffirestonebpco.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaPiURAd80u6i2WFeuGP-Cg14NHAmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fpromo%2Fgrants%2Fsinn%2F00sinn.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEXVBb0EggHCTg6NRmQYVm9u1Xywhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fpromo%2Fgrants%2Fsinn%2F00sinn.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEXVBb0EggHCTg6NRmQYVm9u1Xywhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fpromo%2Fgrants%2Fsinn%2F00sinn.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEXVBb0EggHCTg6NRmQYVm9u1Xywhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fpromo%2Fgrants%2Fsinn%2F00sinn.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEXVBb0EggHCTg6NRmQYVm9u1Xywhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fact-13-impact-fees-to-fund-old-forge-borehole-treatment-1.1589579&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIINjBqYS-YfjDv42XlrXzP6Wmzw8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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grandson Taylor Hall and (background) SCWA Board Member Dean Nelson and Firestone Plant
Manager Michael McCrea plant trees along Jacks Run.)
Last fall the group re-graded the stream banks, placed riprap to stabilize the banks, and planted
trees, shrubs and grass to help prevent erosion.
The project benefits the park by minimizing damage from flood waters and makes the park even
more aesthetically pleasing. But, it also serves as a model for other communities and homeowners onhow to deal with similar flood-prone areas.
The group also repaired a jack dam that had been
installed on the stream several years ago. The dam helps
channel the water away from the eroding banks and adds
oxygen to the stream to support aquatic life.
Phase III of the project will include an education
kiosk between the walking trail and the stream, along with
interpretive signs, to explain the function of the project
components and how they can be replicated at relatively low
cost elsewhere.
As visitors walk along the trail, they can read thesigns and see first-hand how each component, including the
riparian buffer, serves to protect the area surrounding the stream.
With two grants from The Bridgestone Trust Fund for materials, and matching donations in
terms of manpower and heavy equipment from the City, two heavily damaged sections of stream bank
have already been remediated.
We are happy to work with local groups on projects such as this as a way to express our
Companys support for the community, said Michael A. McCrea, Plant Manager for Firestones
Youngwood facility. Jacks Run is one of the tributaries to Sewickley Creek which flows directly past
their plant.
Larry D. Myers from Sewickley Creeks Board of Directors noted, The Watershed
Association is very appreciative of the partnership efforts and the volunteers provided to help with the
restoration efforts. We hope visitors to the park will take the time to inspect the project and be inspired
to try similar riparian buffer activities in their backyards.
For more information, visit the Sewickley Creek Watershed Associationwebsite.
Clean Creek Products Holiday Sale! Support Mine Reclamation Projects
Looking for a holiday gift that will please the most discriminating
taste and help the environment? Consider pottery products from
Clean Creek.
Clean Creek Products, a division of Stream RestorationInc., a nonprofit watershed restoration organization, was formed
to market the metals recovered in treating abandoned mine
drainage. One of the uses for these metals is in ceramic pottery
glazing.
Every product you purchase from Clean Creek will not
only support the artists that create them, but also helps support watershed groups doing local projects
to help restore Pennsylvania's over 16,500 miles of polluted waterways.
http://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.streamrestorationinc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGA2NcfsrWmoyExu37iVHqm5l5dsQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cleancreek.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFaFGYy5Y-zv-7EI724bCCT6JF2RAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sewickleycreek.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYvWzfBVEjZn21O29JIHoUAoe0WA8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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Click hereto see a new video on Clean Creek pottery.
Armstrong Conservation District Hosts Jan. 25 Volunteer Workshop
The Armstrong County Conservation Districtand the Appalachian Coal Country Teamwill be providing
a volunteer workshop to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations in Armstrong County to encourageand better management volunteers on January 25.
The workshop will be held at 124 Armsdale Administrative Building, Kittanning starting at
10:00 a.m.
Participants will learn now to foster sustainable volunteer management programs, strengthen
partnerships, build coalitions, and increase volunteer recruitment and retention. You will also receive six
months of provided support, were ACCT will assist each organization throughout the implementation of
their volunteer management plans.
Support includes a tool kit of 25 different volunteer practices that work, with a dozen
worksheets, templates and checklists that any small community will find useful as they begin a project or
as they carry that project out to success. Direct contact to assist your organizations including phone
calls, email communications, and visits if necessary.Space is limited. No more than 2 people per organization should attend. Please RSVP to
Chelsea Walker at 724-545-3658 or send email to: [email protected].
PA Farmers Union: SB 994 Diverts Attention From Needed Conservation Practices
The Pennsylvania Farmers Unionrecently sent a letter to Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), Majority Chair
of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and prime sponsor of Senate Bill 994, saying
they were concerned the bill may divert attention and resources away from helping farms across the
state to establish necessary conservation practices.
They went on to say, The technologies supported through Senate Bill 994 are far more
expensive than other nutrient reduction practices, practices that also control sediment - the biggest
contributor to pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
The PA Farmers Unionjoins many others, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the PA
Municipal Authorities Association and PennFuture, in opposing this legislation.
The text of the letter follows--
The Pennsylvania Farmers Union, a membership organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of
life of family farmers throughout our Commonwealth. Our 600 members include farmers, foresters,
horticulturalists, consumers, farm organizations and cooperatives.
In regard to SB 994 (TMDL parameter credits bill), we are concerned the bill may divert
attention and resources away from helping farms across the state to establish necessary conservation
practices. The technologies supported through SB 994 are far more expensive than other nutrientreduction practices, practices that also control sediment - the biggest contributor to pollution in the
Chesapeake Bay.
There is substantial scientific research demonstrating the source and impacts of sediment,
phosphorus and nitrogen loading in the Bay watershed. After sediment, phosphorous from chemical
fertilizers on agricultural and other heavy use land is what is most greatly impacting our watersheds,
much more so than nitrogen from manure which appears to be the sole emphasis of the practice
promoted by this bill.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26852&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbV-6gIfl848paVMrUAtP-rSARrAhttp://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%3D0994&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHeXs0Ori_MGGOE43uW0-2-6ypgXghttp://goo.gl/oBjlWShttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pafarmersunion.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE2O6iKpH9VdroulrYmzppzGQCipAmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coalcountryteam.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG0ju_0dGLHo80ptEVlaYTSbN4YzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armstrongcd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGyXV-JCPS1QvINmXyESZ98j_rUzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fholiday-gifts-clean-creek-pottery.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0MJLQHl4RACk73mIHpBGEBimifQ8/13/2019 PA Environment Digest Nov. 25, 2013
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We all know there is no easy answer to improving our watersheds. But, as a farmer member
organization committed to sustainable practices, we do know it will take all of us, working together, to
have the greatest impact. SB 994 and its emphasis on a practice that does not support a
comprehensive, diverse and holistic approach to improving water quality seems counterproductive when
so many important strides are being made by farms across the Commonwealth to steward our
watersheds.We strongly believe that funding streams must remain at 100% for current and future programs
that will help all farmers we want smaller farms to have the same access to money for best
management practices and not all the funds to be directed to one type of technology. While we
understand the current draft of the legislation says that the program's funds cant be taken from
conservation programs or funds already appropriated, it doesnt prevent funds from being moved to this
pr
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