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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
January 6, 2020 Issue #810
(1/6/2020)
* DEP Issues $30.6 Million Penalty Over ETC Revolution Pipeline Explosion Violations; Lifts Permit Bar

On January 3, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has issued a $30.6 million civil penalty to ETC Northeast Pipeline (ETC) for violations related to the 2018 Revolution Pipeline explosion and fire in Beaver County.

* Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Legislation Highlighted By PUC Administrative Law Judge Decision In Mariner East I Pipeline Leak

In an initial decision regarding a leak from the Mariner East I pipeline in Berks County, a Public Utility Commission Administrative Law Judge cited bipartisan legislation-- Senate Bill 284-- sponsored by Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware) and Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) as a potential remedy to the question of what confidential security information pipeline operators are required to share with county emergency planning officials.

* PEMA Encourages Pennsylvanians To Resolve To Be Ready For Emergencies In New Year

As the decade draws to a close and millions of Pennsylvanians’ thoughts turn toward the positive changes they want to see in their lives, PA Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield is encouraging citizens to “Resolve to be Ready” in 2020 by creating family emergency plans and emergency kits.

* CBF: EPA Statement On Enforceability Of Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Targets Should Put Fear In The Hearts Of All Who Care About Clean Water

On January 3, at the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission meeting, EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Director Dana Aunkst addressed the 2025 deadline states have to meet water pollution reduction goals.

* Agenda Added: Senate Environmental Committee Sets Jan. 8 Briefing On PA’s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Obligations

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a January 8 briefing on Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay cleanup obligations.  The meeting coincides with the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

* DEP Begins State Water Plan Update With Regional Water Advisory Committee Meetings; Members Needed

DEP’s Office of Water Resources Planning is beginning the process of updating the State Water Plan with a series of regional water resources committee meetings in January and February.

* DEP Coastal Zone Committee Jan. 15: $430 Million In Property Value At Risk On Southeast PA Coast Due To Climate Change, Regardless Of Greenhouse Gas Emission Limits

The DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on January 15 and on the agenda is a presentation by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission on projected impacts of climate change and resulting sea level rise in Southeast coastal areas.

* Jan. 12 Presentation On New Report Detailing $500 Million In Annual Economic Benefits From Services Provided By The Environment In Lebanon County

On January 12, the Governor Dick Environmental Center will host a presentation on a new Return On Environment Report for Audubon Pennsylvania and the Kittatinny Ridge Project on the economic value of services and attributes provided by the environment and natural resources in Lebanon County.

* Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2020 Western PA Environmental Awards

The PA Environmental Council and Dominion Energy are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards.  Nominations are due February 7.

* Month-Long Anthracite Mining Heritage Month Observances Thru Jan. 31 In Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties

A regional observance of Anthracite Mining Heritage Month will take place through January 31 with a wide variety of programs will be featured in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pittston, Plymouth, Nanticoke, Bethlehem, and Port Griffith.

* Fish & Boat Commission Accepting Applications For State Wildlife Grants

The Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications for State Wildlife Grants.  The deadline for submissions is February 19.

* The Lure Of Being A Youth Mentor - Fish & Boat Commission P.L.A.Y. Newsletter

The Winter 2020 issue of the P.L.A.Y. -- PA League of Angling Youth newsletter from the Fish and Boat Commission highlights the impact and benefit of being a youth mentor for fishing, boating and conservation.

* Game Commission Set To Begin Howard Nursery Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale January 6; Seedlings For Schools Program Feb. 3

The Game Commission’s Howard Nursery will begin accepting orders for tree and shrub seedlings in their Annual Seedling Sale on January 6.  The deadline for orders is April 24.

* 1,000 Pound PA Farm Show Butter Sculpture To Be Converted Into Renewable Energy In Farm Digester

On January 2, the Department of Agriculture unveiled the 1,000 pound butter sculpture that serves as a centerpiece for the annual PA Farm Show in Harrisburg.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

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--

* PA Capitol Report: Senate Republicans List 2019 Accomplishments, House Republicans Set Budget Priorities

From Harrisburg Last Week: Topping the list of 2019 accomplishments released last week by Senate Republicans was another no tax increase, limited spending state budget for FY 2019-20.

* PA Township News: Unique Army Corps Programs Help Communities Become More Resilient

By Sarah Lazo, U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, Baltimore District

* Reminder: EPA Accepting Nominations For Environmental Educator Awards Until Jan. 15

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators until January 15.

* Kettle Creek Watershed Assn. Shares Year End Status Of Restoration Projects; Overview Of Eastern Hellbender Research

The latest newsletter from the Kettle Creek Watershed Association includes a status report on a variety of watershed restoration projects and provides an overview of Eastern Hellbender research in the watershed.

* Feature: Hellbent For Hellbenders In The Kettle Creek Watershed

By Dr. Peter Petokas, Lycoming College Clean Water Institute

* Jan. 16 EPCAMR Public Meeting On Final Draft Upper Toby Creek Coldwater Conservation Plan In Luzerne County

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation will host a public meeting on January 16 on the final Upper Toby Creek Coldwater Conservation Plan from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the EPCAMR Office, 101 S. Main Street in Ashley, Luzerne County.

* Pike Conservation District Accepting Applications For Environmental Ed Grant; Listen To District's First Podcast

The Pike County Conservation District is now accepting applications for a $500 Environmental Education Grant for teacher/classrooms or youth organizations to fund project that complement the mission of the District.

* Dept. Of Agriculture Accepting Applications For Farm Vitality Planning Grants

The Department of Agriculture will start accepting applications for new Farm Vitality Planning Grants on January 4.  The deadline for applications is April 3. (formal notice)

* Registration Open: PA Lake Management Society Conference March 4-5; Accepting Nominations For Lake Awards, Entries To Photo Contest

Registration is now open for the PA Lake Management Society's 30th Annual Conference March 4-5 at the Wyndham Garden Conference Center, 310 Elks Club Road in Boalsburg, Centre County. 

* DEP Seeking Information On Proper Water Quality Designations For 60 Class A Wild Trout Streams In 22 Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection has invited groups and individuals to submit water quality data on 60 Class A Wild Trout Streams in 22 counties as part of its evaluation of whether the streams have the correct water quality designation or whether a High Quality or Exceptional Value designation is warranted. (Jan. 4 PA Bulletin)

* EQB Submits Final Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards, Federal Mining Consistency Rule To IRRC, Committees For Review

On December 30, the Environmental Quality Board submitted the Final Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards (7-534) and federal surface mining consistency(7-532)  regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the House and Senate Environmental Committees for review.

* New Roots Recovery Center, SCI Retreat Jan. 4 Roadside Cleanup In Newport Twp., Nanticoke Area, Luzerne County A Success!

The New Roots Recovery Center litter crew, Nanticoke Conservation Club and staff from the SCI Retreat held a cleanup at 119 E. Kirmar Street in Nanticoke, Luzerne County on January 4 and it was a great success!

* DEP Now Accepting Applications For Host Municipality Waste Inspection Reimbursement Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for 2019 Host Municipality Inspector Program reimbursement.  The deadline for applications is March 31.  (Jan. 4 PA Bulletin)

* DEP Hosts Hearings [If Needed] On RACT II Air Quality Plans For Facilities In Erie, Venango, Warren, York Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection will host hearings [if needed] on RACT II Air Quality Plans for Molded Fiber Glass Company in Erie County, Sasol Chemicals in Venango County, United Refining Company in Warren County and Pixelle Speciality Solutions in York County in February.

* Penn State: Research Suggests Today's Air Quality That Meets Current Standards Increases Mortality, Just Like Smoking

By Kevin Sliman, Penn State News

* DEP Invites Comments On Leidy South Natural Gas Pipeline Project E&S Permit In Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Luzerne, Schuylkill Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on the Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation Control General Permit for the Leidy South Natural Gas Pipeline Project route through Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties.  (Jan. 4 PA Bulletin page 105)

* PUC PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee Imposes $124,725 In Penalties

On December 30, the PUC's PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee announced it has imposed a total of 214 disciplinary actions, including $124,725 in administrative penalties, against 93 underground facility owners, excavators and project owners in the latest enforcement actions.

* Pennsylvania Solar Congress Set For Feb. 15 In Indiana County

The 2020 Pennsylvania Solar Congress will be held on February 15 at the Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center, 132 Pine Ridge Road in Blairsville, Indiana County from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

* Sustainable Pittsburgh: Energy Smart Operations: From Fleets To Facilities Jan. 30

Sustainable Pittsburgh will host an Energy Smart Operations: From Fleets to Facilities Workshop on January 30 for businesses, nonprofits, universities, and municipal/community professionals who are seeking funding, financing, and procurement options for their audiences.

* Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program: Upcoming Energy Webinars, Educational Opportunities

The Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program-- PennTAP-- has a series of webinars and educational opportunities scheduled on  energy topics during 2020 that small business could very much benefit from. 

* DCNR Signs Submerged Land Lease Under Allegheny River For Gas Development For $1,162,800 In Armstrong County

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources executed an addition to a 2016 lease agreement in May with Snyder Brothers, Inc. for 290.7 acres of submerged lands under the Allegheny River in East Franklin, Rayburn and Kittanning Townships, Armstrong County .(Jan. 4 PA Bulletin)

* River Mountain Wellness Retreat Disconnects Kids From Devices And Reconnects Them To The Outdoors In Bedford County

In the heart of the Allegheny Mountains along the banks of Sweet Root Creek lies the River Mountain campus of the Youth Digital Wellness Retreat in Everett, Bedford County

* WalkWorks Program Improves Health Through Physical Activity, Expands Access Throughout State

On January 3, the WalkWorks program, a collaboration between the Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, announced it is continuing to grow, adding four new partners and locations.

* Fallingwater 2020 Student Gnome House Design Challenge

Attention homeschoolers, classroom teachers or any students who are interested in design! Western PA Conservancy’s Fallingwater invites you to participate in its annual Gnome House Design Challenge, an educational program for students who are eight to 13 years old.  The deadline to enroll is March 15.

* PA/NJ Chapter - American Chestnut Foundation Highlights Upcoming Spring Growers Meeting, Greenhouse Planting Days, PA Farm Show

The PA/NJ Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation recently highlighted several important upcoming events, including the March 21 Growers Meeting, Penn State Greenhouse Planting Days and the Pennsylvania Farm Show display.

* Western PA Conservancy’s Conserve Magazine Dedicated To Planting, Protecting, Caring For Region’s Trees & Forests

The Winter issue of the Conserve magazine from the Western PA Conservancy is dedicated entirely to initiatives on planting, protecting and caring for the region’s trees and forests.

* Heritage Conservancy Helps Preserve 55-Acre Clymer Farm In Bucks County

Working in partnership with Richland Township in Bucks County, Heritage Conservancy facilitated the preservation of 55 acres of land in the Quakertown area owned by Kathy and Lee Clymer.

* Farmer Wanted: Western PA Conservancy Looking To Lease Mercer County Land To Farmer

The Western PA Conservancy is now accepting proposals to lease farmland in Mercer County to a farmer, complete with barn and tractor.

* Jan. 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation; Earth Day 50 PA Opening Soon

The January 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Interns Wanted: Western PA Conservancy Summer Intern Positions Available

The Western PA Conservancy is seeking college students who want an exciting, educational summer internship at the Conservancy or Fallingwater.

* Intern Wanted: Cumberland County 4-H Educators Assistant/Intern

Cumberland County Penn State Extension seeks to hire a Summer 4-H Assistant/Intern who will work directly with the 4-H Educators to provide support in the general 4-H youth development program.

* Help Wanted: EPCAMR GIS Watershed Outreach Specialist Positions

The Luzerne County-based Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is seeking qualified individuals to fill two GIS Watershed Outreach Specialist positions.

* Help Wanted: Wayne County Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support Executive Director

SEEDS-- Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support-- in Wayne County is seeking candidates to fill the position of Executive Director.  Applications are due January 17.

* Environment & Energy NewsClips

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

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

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

* 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.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

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

* CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest

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* Stories Invited - About 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.

* Sponsor Keystone Coldwater Conference Feb. 28-29 In State College

The PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2020 Keystone Coldwater Conference February 28-29 in State College.  Click Here if you are interested in being a sponsor too.  Registration opening soon.

* 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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