Instead of cutting funding to support local environmental improvement projects, not doing anything to address stormwater pollution and flooding and nothing for Pennsylvania’s water pollution reduction obligations, Harrisburg Politicians should have remembered this environmental proverb--

Pennsylvania's Envirothon winner-- the Carmichaels Area High School Team from Greene County-- is headed to the 2019 NCF Envirothon held at North Carolina State University. 

On July 22, the Fish and Boat Commission announced the PFBC Swiftwater Rescue Team (SWERT) and PFBC, PA National Guard/PEMA Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) are recipients of prestigious national Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards.

The PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc., in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, presented the operators of five farms with the Clean Water Farm Award during its annual conference on July 17 in Williamsport, PA.

This year DCNR employees once again have gone above and beyond to further the goals of the agency. They were rewarded by being recognized by their peers and supervisors for efforts, including:

Pennsylvania’s 12 Heritage Areas, spanning 57 of the Commonwealth’s counties, are celebrating their 30th anniversary this summer, offering a wide range of enjoyable activities and adventures through the state’s rich history. 

Tyler Fairchild is the Director of the Shippensburg Community Parks and Recreation Department. A Shippensburg native, he has continually worked to support local parks and recreation throughout his life.

On July 24, representatives of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources told DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council they would be unveiling a draft strategic plan for Pennsylvania State Parks and an updated PA Outdoor Recreation Plan this Fall for public review.

On July 25, the Water Resources Advisory Committee overwhelmingly urged DEP to move forward with a proposal to set a new toxic substances health water discharge limit for manganese of 0.3 mg/L, rather than 1 mg/L, because existing literature shows the 1 mg/L standard is not protective of human health due to its neurotoxic impacts.

The next meeting of the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan Steering Committee will be held on August 16 to review the final draft of the Watershed Implementation Plan to meet the 2025 pollution reduction obligations.

On July 24, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell joined community leaders at Lurgan Lions Club Park in Roxbury to discuss how the proposed Restore Pennsylvania Infrastructure Plan could support stream restoration projects to prevent erosion and protect communities across the Commonwealth.

Many, many people in Pennsylvania agree with the central point of this editorial that appeared in the July 24 Daily Press in Virginia which follows a similar piece in the July 15 Baltimore Sun--  Pennsylvania politicians aren’t pulling their weight when it comes to cleaning up our rivers and streams--

The Center for Land Use and Sustainability at Shippensburg University is helping the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association celebrate 30 years as a leader on matters that affect the health and welfare of the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed by creating a new interactive map and video project called, A Long Way with Many Bends.

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Small Business Advantage Energy Efficiency and Pollution Reduction Grants. Applications will be considered until April 12, 2020 or until funds are exhausted. (formal notice)

The State Conservation Commission is tentatively scheduled to begin accepting applications for FY 2019 Resource Enhancement and Protection Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program on September 3.

The Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the new Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants Program.  Agriculture will accept applications from August 1 to September 6. (formal notice)

Terrie Morgan-Besecker of The Citizens’ Voice/Scranton Times-Tribune reported on July 22 Senators Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) have appealed a May 14, 2019 federal court decision denying them intervenor status in a Wayne County landowners challenge to the Delaware River Basin Commission 2010 shale gas drilling moratorium.

On July 22, Commonwealth Court issued an opinion on several Marcellus Shale Coalition challenges to DEP’s regulations covering unconventional oil and gas drilling operations. 

On July 27, the Department of Environmental Protection is showing mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in 14 counties this season so far.

Every year, dozens of people are injured or killed at active and abandoned mine sites in Pennsylvania and the United States.

The Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation held the annual celebration of the 2002 Quecreek Mine Rescue on July 27 at the rescue site on the Arnold Farm, 151 Haupt Road in Somerset County.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-- 

On July 24, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a hearing in Philadelphia to hear comments on the environmental issues associated with the June 21 explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex and with cleaning up the site for reuse.

By Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams)

The Joint Senate/House Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee’s July newsletter announced the Committee will be welcoming a new chair in the Fall.

On July 24, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request to declare a disaster in Berks County due to significant flood damage to homes and businesses sustained from severe storms June 19-20, 2019.

In two separate requests, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)  is calling on relevant Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to help fund vital grant programs that help improve quality of life for residents in Southcentral Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be holding a one-day training sessions and 2 webinars to provide water and wastewater utilities with detailed information on America's Water Infrastructure Act: Section 2013 and 2018 related to Risk Assessment and Emergency Response Plan Training.

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, doubled its tree plantings from last spring and has taken big steps toward its ambitious goal of adding 10 million new trees by the end of 2025.

On July 23, the Montour Run Watershed Association announced the Milk Run passive abandoned mine drainage treatment system began treating polluted water on July 11.

On July 25, Westmoreland County Commissioners approved an Integrated Water Resources Plan for the County that will serve as a blueprint for managing the county’s streams, rivers, drinking water, stormwater, and other water resources.

By Danielle Rhea, Penn State Extension Educator

By Susan Boser, Extension Renewable Natural Resources Educator

On July 26, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority announced the addition of orthophosphate to its water supply in April has been effective at reducing lead levels in the water system, based on sample results taken in the first six months of this year.

Capital Region Water invites the Harrisburg community to three events to learn more about and provide comment on a proposed Stormwater Fee Proposal and Implementation Plan.

By Scott A. Sjolander, Penn State Extension Renewable Natural Resources Educator

The Manada Conservancy will host a Watershed Health Program featuring Scott Ensign of the Stroud Water Research Center on October 10 at the South Hanover Township Building, 161 Patriot Way in Hershey, Dauphin County from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

By Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will receive public comment at a hearing on August 1 in Harrisburg on applications for several water withdrawals, consumptive uses and a diversion project.

On July 25, the Delaware River Basin Commission released its 2019 State of the Basin Report, which provides an overview of the health of the water resources and key species of the Delaware River Basin, along with the factors that impact the Basin, primarily: pollution, climate change, and development.

On July 23, the Delaware RiverKeeper announced the videos of presentations and panel discussions from the 2019 Schuylkill Watershed Congress are now available.  They include--

The Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley will host the 8th Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference on October 15 at Lehigh University, STEPS Building, 1 West Packer Avenue in Bethlehem from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The theme is Navigating Clean Water Science.

Penn State Extension is holding a Workshop On Building Trust-Based Communications With Staff, Stakeholders for natural resource and environmental professions in State College on July 26, August 16 and August 30.

On July 23, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced eight community projects were recipients of 2019 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Program grants supported by a partnership with Behr Paint and The Home Depot Foundation.

The PA Resources Council urges residents in Allegheny and Beaver counties to take advantage of the last scheduled Hard-To-Recycle and Household Chemical Collection Events this year.

By Matt Swayne, Penn State News

By Gabrielle Stewart, Penn State News

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Commonwealth Awards by 10,000 Friends Of Pennsylvania.  The deadline for nominations is September 20.

The 10th Anniversary National EcoDistricts Summit will be held November 4 - 5 at the August Wilson Center African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the July 27 PA Bulletin announcing public hearings [if needed] on RACT II Air Quality Plans for facilities in Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

On July 22, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will conduct air quality sampling near the Erie Coke plant and throughout the Erie community to collect data to assess health risks to the general population.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 27 PA Bulletin of an informal conference on August 6 on the Hanson Aggregates mining permit for a location in North Beaver Township in Lawrence County. (PA Bulletin, page 3974)

On July 23, the Public Utility Commission announced its Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement has filed a formal complaint seeking $4.533 million in civil penalties from Metropolitan Edison Company, along with numerous changes in utility procedures and standards, following a lengthy investigation into an incident that claimed the life of a Northampton County man.

On July 22, the PJM Interconnect, the 13-state regional electricity grid operator, said record heat on July 19 caused electricity demand to soar over 152,000 MW, the high so far this year for electricity use.

The Department of Environmental Protection published several notices in the July 27 PA Bulletin related to the National Fuel Gas FM100 Pipeline Project in Elk and Jefferson counties.

Register now to take advantage of discounts for the PA Greenways and Trails Summit presented by the PA Land Trust Association and its partners on September 22-24 at the Shippensburg University Conference Center.

The PA Association of Environmental Educators and the PA Recreation and Parks Society will hold a joint PAEE/PRPS Conference and Expo on March 17 to 20 at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County.

The Brandywine Conservancy’s annual Bike the Brandywine event returns for its fourth year on September 28 with four bike routes-- including a new metric century option (100 kilometers/62 miles)-- that explore the beautiful Brandywine Creek Greenway and surrounding countryside.

Brodhead Watershed Association's Get Outdoors Poconos will host a Discover Rattlesnake Falls Hike on August 4 starting at Noon in Barrett Township, Monroe County.

The Wildlands Conservancy highlighted educational programs and activities coming up in August for kids and adults, including--

Are you interested in pollinator conservation, while visually, ecologically, and environmentally enhancing your private landscape?

Scientists estimate there are as many as 500,000 moth species. This week is National Moth Week, intended to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths.

In recognition of his historic and continued impact on forest fire prevention, please join DCNR staff, and other state officials in wishing Smokey Bear a happy 75th birthday on Thursday, August 8 at 1:00 p.m., at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Adams County.

The July 24 issue of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--

Take an educational walk in Penn’s Woods and learn about Pennsylvania’s nation-leading hardwoods industry through the new Pennsylvania Wood Mobile, one of the many free exhibits at the 15th Annual Festival of Woodhosted by Gov. Pinchot’s Grey Towersin Milford, Pike County August 3-4.

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.

Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire 128 page PA Environment Digest.

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com. 

PA Environment Digestis proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and National Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conferenceto be held in Pittsburgh on September 8-11.

PA Environment Digestis a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimitedand the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.