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William Penn Foundation To Fund Creation Of A New Vision For Delaware Watershed
In a major development for the Delaware River Watershed, Laura Sparks, chief financial officer of the William Penn Foundation, announced Tuesday the Foundation is directing significant funding toward impacting the entire watershed and is interested in creating a "Vision for the Watershed."
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Commitment To Restoring PA Watersheds Changed Fundamentally Before, After 2003
By David E. Hess, Former Secretary Of DEP
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Lamonte Garber Offers Chesapeake Bay Farm Restoration Lessons Learned Presentation
Lamonte Garber, Agriculture Program Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Pennsylvania, offered a Lessons Learned In Chesapeake Bay Farm Restoration presentation at the October 29 session of the William Penn Foundation’s two-day Accelerating Action: The Delaware River Watershed Forum.
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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 DHess@CrisciAssociates.com, the email for the Digest Editor David Hess, and let us join your Circle.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
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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--
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October Revenue Collections $29 Million Over Estimates, $48.8M Ahead For Year
Pennsylvania collected $2.1 billion in General Fund revenue in October, which was $29 million, or 1.4 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported Friday.
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PA Resources Council Presents Leadership Awards To 4 Companies Nov. 14
The PA Resources Council will present its 2013 Environmental Leadership Awards to four outstanding companies and organizations during the Annual Wine Tasting & Awards Dinner November 14, at the Radisson Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, Pa.
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$9.2 Million In Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Grants Awarded, $1.6 Million In PA
The Chesapeake Bay Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Wednesday announced the recipients of $9.2 million in grants for restoration and outreach initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed’s six states and the District of Columbia, including $1.6 million in Pennsylvania.
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October 28 Chesapeake Bay Journal Now Available
The October 28 issue of the now weekly Chesapeake Bay Journal is available featuring articles on keeping pharmaceuticals out of water, striped bass reproduction and much more.
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AFT: Federal Shutdown Has Not Ended For Many Farm Bill Conservation Programs
Congressional Conferees began work Wednesday on resolving differences between the Senate and House provisions in the Farm Bill, but Andrew McElwaine, President and CEO American Farmland Trust, noted the federal shutdown has not ended for many farm programs because the existing Farm Bill expired on September 30.
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Western PA Conservancy, Dominion Seeking Proposals For Watershed Mini Grants
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Dominion are accepting proposals for the 2013-14 Watershed Mini Grant Program, which provides assistance to the region’s grassroots watershed groups. Proposals are due December 20.
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DEP Awards Mine Reclamation Contracts For 2 Projects In Luzerne County
The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday awarded Minichi, Inc. of Dupont, Luzerne County, two contracts totaling more than $3 million for work on abandoned mine reclamation projects in Hanover Township and the city of Pittston.
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Inaugural Issue Of DEP’s Online Newsletter Published October 31
The first issue of DEP News was published by the Department of Environmental Protection October 31 and featured stories on an innovative mine drainage treatment project in Cambria County, the PA Brownfields Conference in December and a new video on DEP’s laboratory services. Click Here to read this edition. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
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Delaware River Basin Commission Publishes Interactive Maps
The Delaware River Basin Commission Thursday announced the release of two new interactive maps on its website to allow the public to access select commission docket and permit holder information, as well as certain data from non-tidal Delaware River Basin water quality monitoring locations.
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Fall Issue Of Delaware Estuary News Now Available
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary this week published the Fall issue of Estuary News providing the latest updates of estuary activities and initiatives.
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Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available In Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne Counties
Most private, non-profit organizations and small aquaculture businesses in Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties are eligible for federal economic injury disaster loans as a result of excessive rain, related flooding, winds and hail last May.
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Non-Profit Groups Have Until Dec. 2 To Apply For Federal Disaster Aid
The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible private non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania of the December 2 deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damages caused by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding between June 26 and July 11, 2013.
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95 Percent Of Permits Reviewed On Time By DEP Under Decision Guarantee Program
The Department of Environmental Protection Friday issued the fourth update on the Permit Decision Guarantee Program which reported 95 percent of the permits covered by the program were decided within the required decision schedule.
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DEP Opens Second Comment Period For Final Permit Decision Guarantee Policy
The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced the opening of a supplemental 30-day public comment period on the Permit Decision Guarantee Policy as part of its annual review. (formal notice)
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Philadelphia Brownfields Project Receives $200,000 EPA Grant
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin Tuesday joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Sen. Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia), Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia), City Councilman Bobby Henon and Philadelphia Park & Recreation Commissioner Michael DeBerardinis at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Port Richmond Trail, a riverfront greenway, in Pulaski Park at Delaware and Allegheny Avenues.
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DEP Now Accepting Environmental Education Grant Applications
The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for its 2014 Environmental Education Grants Program. The deadline for applications is January 6. (formal notice)
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PA Environmental Educators 2014 Conference March 14-15
The PA Association of Environmental Educators will hold its 2014 Annual Conference on March 14-15 with a theme of “Spheres of Influence: Shaping The Curve of Environmental Education” at the Antiochian Village, near Ligonier, Pa.
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Water Works Association Student Scholarship Opportunity For PA Colleges
The PA Section-American Water Works Association announced this week college students can apply for a Charles Roberts Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 for those pursuing undergraduate degree programs in the water science field. The deadline for applications is January 6. Click Here for the application and details on the scholarship.
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October Newsletter From PA Environmental Educators Now Available
The October newsletter of the PA Association of Environmental Educators features information on their 2014 conference, the Crayola ColorCycle Program and the November 9 PA Wild Resources Symposium.
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Cigarette Litter Reduced In Erie, Pittsburgh Neighborhoods By KPB Program
Cigarette Litter Prevention Programs by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful have reduced cigarette litter by 57 percent at 25 locations in downtown Erie, five locations at Erie State Parks, and 20 locations covering the entire coastal zone from the New York border to the Ohio border.
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Don’t Trash That Campaign Sign, Think Recycling!
Don’t trash that campaign sign! Bring it to the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority and have it recycled.
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Pittsburgh Litterbugs Beware! Litter Hotline Established
The PA Resources Council has partnered with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to pilot a new Don't Trash My Turf! Litter Hotline that will enable citizens to report incidences of trash being tossed from vehicles onto the streets of Pittsburgh.
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PROP Introduction To Zero Waste Workshop Nov. 18 Philadelphia
The Professional Recyclers of PA are sponsoring an Introduction to Zero Waste workshop on November 18 in Philadelphia for those organizations working towards a zero waste goal.
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PRC Collects Over 400,000 Pounds Of Electronics For Recycling
The PA Resources Council, ECOvanta and other partners completed another year of successful electronic waste recycling collections and is excited to report the total pounds processed this year are 50 percent more than last year!
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PA Resources Council November eNewsletter Is Now Available
The November edition of the PA Resources Council online newsletter is now available featuring stories on the 2013 Leadership Awards dinner, a new Pittsburgh Litter Hotline, southwest PA school recycling challenge, PRC East electronics waste recycling and much more.
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UGI, PPL Electric Utilities Help State Reach 200,000 Appliance Recycling Mark
PPL Electric Utilities customers were instrumental in helping Pennsylvania recently reach a milestone of recycling 200,000 outdated refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners by recycling more than 63,000 appliances. UGI said its customers recycled 600 appliances have been recycled to date through the Appliance Recycling program, representing over 600,000 annual kilowatt hours of electricity savings.
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DEP Fines Northampton County Company $192,85.78 For Air Quality Violations
The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced has signed a consent order and agreement with Ecopax, LLC of Forks Township, Northampton County which requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $192,085.78 for violations of the Air Pollution Control Act.
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Corbett: $1 Million In Solar Rebates Still Available For Homeowners, Small Businesses
Gov. Tom Corbett and the Department of Environmental Protection Thursday urged residents and small businesses to act now to take advantage of the remaining $1 million in rebates available through the agency's Sunshine Solar Program, ending December 31 or when funds are exhausted.
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PA Coal Alliance Tells Congress To Enact Sensible Energy, Emissions Policies
Coal's affordability and reliability as an energy source, coupled with American emission reduction technology, could give the U.S. a significant competitive edge over other countries, the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance told a Congressional Committee Tuesday.
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DPW Now Accepting Applications For LIHEAP Home Heating Assistance
The Department of Public Welfare will be accepting applications for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance starting November 4. Click Here for details.
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Fort Indiantown Gap Begins Fall Prescribed Burns For Wildfire Prevention
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Forestry Department has begun its fall prescribed burns to reduce the risk of wildfire at Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County.
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North America's Largest Predatory Bird Visits Hawk Mountain Nov. 9
Visitors to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, Berks County will have a guaranteed chance to see North America’s largest predatory bird on “Golden Eagle Saturday,” November 9 with one-day-only eagle programs presented at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
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Drivers Use Caution: Whitetails On Blacktop
With deer becoming increasingly active, and daylight saving time about to put more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, the Game Commission is advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.
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Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement Started November 1
When sunny days and fall foliage tempt the boater in you, don’t forget about your life jacket, especially if you are planning to use a canoe, kayak or similar small boat.
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FOW Hosts Nov. 25 Meeting On Sustainable Trails Initiative, Other Park Projects
The Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County will host a public meeting to discuss progress to date on the Sustainable Trails Initiative and upcoming projects for 2014 on November 25 at 6:00 p.m. at Cathedral Village. A representative from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is expected.
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PPL Holtwood Transfers About 300 Acres To Lancaster County Conservancy
PPL’s Holtwood hydroelectric plant recently transferred nearly 300 acres of land to the Lancaster County Conservancy for long-term preservation.
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DCNR To Hold Recreation Funding, Management Web Seminars Nov. 14, Dec. 18
With a chance to reach people at their computers without making them travel, DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation will be hosting two web seminars within the next two months.
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Applications Being Accepted For Canoe, Kayak Access Projects In Western PA
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is now seeking grant applications for new projects to improve canoe and kayak access to the region’s waterways. The deadline for applications is November 15.
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PA Parks & Forests Foundation Fall Penn’s Stewards Newsletter Now Available
The Fall issue of Penn’s Stewards from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation is now available featuring articles on pets and the outdoors, the 5th annual Great PA Outdoor Challenge, the winners of the Parks and Forests through the Seasons Photo Contest and much more.
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Dan Devlin Appointed Acting DCNR Deputy For Parks And Forestry
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday announced Dan Devlin has been named acting Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry effective November 4.
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Help Wanted: Berks County Agriculture Resource Conservationist
The Berks County Conservation District is looking for a person who is motivated, enthusiastic and a team player to fill an Agriculture Resource conservationist position. The deadline for applications is November 27.
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Opportunity To Bid On DCNR State Parks Projects, DEP Mine Reclamation Projects
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice of an opportunity to bid on State Park projects in Crawford, Cumberland and Luzerne counties.
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Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas
This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released
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Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
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Budget/Quick NewsClips
Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--
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Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
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Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking public comment on proposed fine particulate nonattainment area designations including areas the Greater Philadelphia Area (which includes Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties), Northampton County Area, Lancaster County Area, Cambria County Area, the Greater Pittsburgh Area (which includes Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties) and the Liberty/Clairton Area. The proposed designations will be available through DEP’s Air Quality webpage.
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Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage.
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Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
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Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.
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