Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 10, 2022 Issue #951
(10/10/2022)
* 99 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 99 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* This Week’s Examples Of Going The WRONG WAY On Environmental, Energy Issues

While PA Environment Digest’s priority is to highlight positive examples of environmental and energy leadership, 2022 is an election year which demands accountability to voters.

* All Articles & NewsClips In This Week’s Digest By Topic

PA Environment Digest Is Putting The Best Links To Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips Here.   Are You Telling Your Story?

* DEP Issued NOVs To Conventional Oil & Gas Companies For Abandoning 55 Wells Without Plugging Them During September Alone, A Dramatic Increase In New Well Abandonments

The Department of Environmental Protection issued notices of violation to conventional oil and gas companies for abandoning 55 wells without plugging them during September alone, according to DEP’s Oil and Gas Program Compliance Database.

* Fall Visitors To Conventional Oil & Gas Drilling Areas Urged To Report Illegal Road Dumping Of Drilling Wastewater

Hunters, hikers, fall foliage visitors and anyone going out to enjoy Penn’s Woods this fall are urged by former Department Of Environmental Protection Secretary David Hess to report the illegal road dumping of conventional oil and gas wastewater on roads.

* DEP: PA Fracking Operations Sent Nearly 236,000 Cubic Feet Of Radioactive TENORM Waste To Low-Level Radioactive Waste Facilities For Disposal In 2021 - 811,070 Since 2016

On September 30, DEP told the Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee shale gas fracking operations in Pennsylvania sent nearly 236,000 cubic feet of radioactive TENORM waste to out-of-state low-level radioactive waste facilities for disposal, more volume than all the industries combined in the four-state Appalachian Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact.

* Environmental Groups Raise Serious Compliance Issues With Olympus Energy-- Over 600 Violations On 13 DEP Permits-- In Comments On Proposed Shale Gas Drilling Pad In Allegheny County

On October 3, the Environmental Integrity Project, Food & Water Watch, Mountain Watershed Association, the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper, and individual citizens raised serious environmental compliance concerns about Olympus Energy as part of their comments on an erosion and sedimentation control permit for a proposed Heracles shale gas drilling pad in Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County.

* DEP Collects $147,250 Penalty From Rice Drilling B LLC For Erosion & Sedimentation Violations In Greene County; DEP Found Rice Had Hundreds Of Other Violations, Including Abandoning Wells Without Plugging Them

On October 6, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has assessed and collected a $147,250 civil penalty from Rice Drilling B LLC for erosion and sedimentation violations that were documented in 2019 and 2020 at Rice’s Mac well site in Whitely Township, Greene County.

* DEP Public Notices -- Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities

The following DEP notices were published in the October 8 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industrial facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* Washington County Community Meeting Updates Residents On PA Health & Environment Studies, Discusses Health Impacts Of Shale Gas Development

An October 5 public meeting in Canonsburg, Washington County offered residents an opportunity to learn more about a set of research studies titled the PA Health and Environment Studies now being conducted by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health.

* DEP Adds Final-Omitted Reg. Limiting Methane Emissions From Conventional Oil & Gas Facilities To Oct. 12 EQB Agenda

Late Friday, the Department of Environmental Protection notified members of the Environmental Quality Board that Part II of the final regulation limiting volatile organic compounds and methane from conventional oil and gas facilities has been added to the agenda of the October 12 Board meeting as a final-omitted rulemaking.

* EPA: Most States, Including Pennsylvania, Did Not Meet 2-Year Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Milestones

On October 4, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its evaluations of how the seven jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed did in meeting the 2020-21 and 2022-2023 cleanup milestones.

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation 2022 State Of The Chesapeake Blueprint Report Finds Restoration Efforts Are Off Track

On October 5, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation released its 2022 State of the Blueprint report to assess whether Bay restoration efforts are on track to meet the 2025 deadline.

* Bay Journal: With 2025 Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goal Out Of Reach, Region Plans For What's Next At Oct. 11 Executive Council Meeting

By Karl Blankenship, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* DEP Provides PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Healthy Waters Partnership Update

On October 5, the Department of Environmental Protection provided an update on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan efforts in its latest Healthy Waters Partnership newsletter.  Articles include--

* Register Now For NFWF Virtual Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Networking Forum & Listening Sessions Starting Nov. 8

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation invites you to join us for the 2022-23 watershed-wide

* Bay Journal: Chesapeake Bay States To Get Millions For Climate-Smart Farm Practices

By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* DEP Awards $3 Million To Restore Watersheds Statewide By Reducing Water Pollution

On October 7, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of $3 million in grant funding to local governments and organizations to restore the health of local watersheds around the state by reducing water pollution.

* Lancaster County Community Foundation Announces More Than $100,000 In Lancaster Clean Water Fund Grants

On October 5, the Lancaster County Community Foundation announced more than $100,000 in Lancaster Clean Water Fund Grants to support nine water quality improvement projects.

* DEP Now Accepting Applications For Small Business Advantage Grants For Natural Resource Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Pollution Prevention Projects

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for up to $1 million in Small Business Advantage Grants to support natural resource conservation, energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects.  The deadline is March 24.  (formal notice)

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Newsletter Features Eels In Classroom; Fish Detectives; 2nd Round Consumptive Use Grants Coming; AMD Cleanup; More

The Fall 2022 Guardian newsletter from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission features articles on--

* Schuylkill River Greenways, Partners Award $362,756 In Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants

The Schuylkill River Greenways and their partners recently held a special event at Riverfront Park in Pottstown, Montgomery County to announce the award of $362,756 in Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants.

* Apply Now For Institute Of Conservation Leadership Delaware River Watershed Professionals Of Color 2022 Cohort

Conservation professionals of color in the Delaware River Watershed region can join a one-year cohort led by Institute for Conservation Leadership.  The deadline to apply is October 19.

* Rodale Institute: Celebrating 75 Years Of Organic Leadership

October 7 marks Rodale Institute's 75th Anniversary. First established in 1947 by J.I. Rodale and his wife as the Soil and Health Foundation near Emmaus in Berks County, Rodale Institute was created to resist the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture.

* Register Now For Ohio River Basin Alliance Summit Nov. 17-18 At Marshall University, WV

Registration is now open for the 2022 Ohio River Basin Alliance Summit to be held on November 17-18 at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

* Recycling Program, Managing Electronics Waste On DEP Citizens Advisory Council Agenda For Oct. 18

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on October 18 to take a deeper dive into Pennsylvania’s Municipal Recycling Program and talk about better ways to manage electronics waste.

* DEP, Partners Join In Luzerne County Litter Cleanup, Call On Pennsylvanians To Help Pick Up Pennsylvania This Fall

On October 7, the Department of Environmental Protection partnered with local leaders in Luzerne Borough in a litter cleanup on Toby Creek and called on all Pennsylvanians to join in the “Pick Up Pennsylvania” statewide fall campaign to clean up streams, rivers, and lakes in their community.

* DCNR Announces Guidance For Planners Seeking To Generate Clean Renewable Energy Through Grid-Scale Solar Installations

On October 3, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department has developed guidance for landowners, developers, planners and local officials who are considering building grid-scale solar installations.

* PA Solar Center: New Federal Climate, Energy Law Makes Flipping The Switch To Go Solar For Homeowners, Businesses Well Within Reach

By Sharon Pillar, Executive Director PA Solar Center

* UPMC Pledges To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions 50% By 2030, Announces New Sustainability Leadership

On October 4, Pittsburgh-based UPMC announced they intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% within the next eight years across its footprint.

* Land Trust Alliance Magazine Highlights Efforts Along PA's Kittatinny Ridge To Document The Economic Benefits Of Land Conservation

By Marina Shauffler

* DCNR Issues 2nd Weekly Fall Foliage Report - 4 Counties At Peak Of Color

On October 6, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its second Weekly Fall Foliage Report showing four counties are already at their peak of color-- McKean, Potter, Susquehanna and Wayne counties.

* Susquehanna Greenway Partnership: Your Guide To Fall Colors On The Susquehanna Greenway

By Andrew Bechdel, AmeriCorps Susquehanna Greenway & Trails Assistant

* Monterey Pass Civil War Battlefield Park Trail System Project In Franklin County Recognized With 2002 Spirit Of South Mountain Award

The South Mountain Partnership recognized the Monterey Pass Civil War Battlefield Park Trail System Improvements Project in Washington Township, Franklin County with the 2022 Spirit of the South Mountain Award.

* South Mountain Partnership Announces $50,000 In Mini-Grants To Support 8 Local Recreation, Restoration, Education Projects

The South Mountain Partnership recently announced the award of $50,000 in Mini-Grants to support eight local recreation, restoration and education projects.

* South Mountain Partnership Now Accepting Research Grant Proposals

The South Mountain Research Corps is seeking opportunities to support academic and student-focused research in environmental sciences, forestry, agriculture, cultural and historic resources, geology, geography, and land use planning.

* Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Announces A New Online Resource For Outdoor Recreation

On October 5, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership announced the release of their newly redesigned website. This long-awaited update comes 15 years after the inception of the organization as a nonprofit and enhances their original website.

* DCNR Ecological Restoration Efforts Aim To Preserve Historic CCC Camp In Michaux State Forest, Cumberland County

On October 5, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today visited historic Camp Michaux in Cumberland County to view ecological restoration efforts to mitigate damage caused by invasive, non-native plants.

* PA Parks & Forests Foundation Fall Penn's Stewards Newsletter Now Available

The Fall Penn's Stewards newsletter is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on-

* Oct. 7 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The October 7 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation--

* Fish & Boat Commission Now Accepting Applications For Boating Facility And Erie Access Improvement Grants

The Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications for the Boating Facility and Erie Access Improvement grant programs.  The deadline for applications is December 30.

* Natural Lands Joins Art-Reach’s ACCESS Program To Let More People Enjoy Popular Paid Events

Delaware County-based Natural Lands is the latest organization to partner with fellow nonprofit Art-Reach to make its programming accessible to more people. 

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In September

The PA Environmental Council’s In Case You Missed It In September is now available featuring articles on--

* Help Wanted: North Branch Land Trust Land Protection & Stewardship Coordinator

The Luzerne County-based North Branch Land Trust is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Land Protection and Stewardship Coordinator.

* Help Wanted: Berks Nature - VP For Land & Conservation Programs; Welcome Receptionist & Store Associate

Berks County-based Berks Nature is seeking qualified candidates to fill two positions--

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* DEP Environmental Ed Update: Grant Applications Due Soon; Student Radon Poster Contest; 60th Anniversary Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring

The latest Teaching Green environmental education newsletter from the Department of Environmental Protection features articles on--

* Registration Now Open For Partnership For The Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit Jan. 30-Feb. 1

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is now accepting registrations for the 2023 Science and Environmental Summit to be held January 30 - February 1 at the Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City.

* Registration Now Open For 2022 Watershed Congress In Montgomery County Oct. 22

Registration is now open for the 2022 Watershed Congress to be held in-person and online at the Montgomery County Community College campus in Pottstown on October 22.

* Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center Nov. 15 Webinar - Cost/Benefit Comparison Of Common MS4 Stormwater Management BMPs

The Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center will host a November 15 webinar on the Cost/Benefit Comparison Of Common MS4 Stormwater Management BMPs starting at 11:30 a.m.

* PA Sea Grant, DEP Host Oct. 25 PA Lake Erie Forum Webinar On Climate Hazard Mitigation & Climate Migration

The PA Sea Grant Program and the Department of Environmental Protection will host an October 25 Lake Erie Environmental Forum webinar on Climate Hazard Mitigation and Climate Migration online from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

* Penn State Oct. 10 EarthTalks Lecture To Discuss Solar And Agriculture Land Use Competition

By Dave Blehi, Penn State News

* Natural Areas Assn. To Host A Virtual Symposium Oct. 28 On The Role of Natural Areas in Climate Resilience in Central Appalachian Forests

The Pittsburgh-based Natural Areas Association, in partnership with Colcom Foundation, will host a virtual symposium, Nature's Front Line: The Role of Natural Areas in Climate Resilience in Central Appalachian Forests, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. EST on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.

* PA Interfaith Power & Light Hosts 9-Part Virtual Caring For Creation Environmental Education Program

PA Interfaith Power and Light, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, is hosting a nine-part Caring For Creation Environmental Education Program starting October 7.

* Annual Conference Of Interfaith Power & Light To Focus On Environmental Justice & Human Resilience On Nov. 13

PA Interfaith Power and Light will hold its annual conference on November 13 with a focus on Environmental Justice and Human Resilience at in-person workshops and virtually from 1:00 to 4:15 p.m..

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* Bills Establishing Incentives For Using Fossil-Fueled Vehicles Introduced In The House, Senate; Eliminates Support For Hybrid, Electric Vehicles

A two-bill package has been introduced in the House and Senate to establish new incentives for the use of fossil-fueled vehicles-- rebranded as “low emission transportation fuels”--  and eliminating rebates and grants for hybrid and electric vehicles.

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* PA Bulletin

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the October 8 PA Bulletin--

* 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.

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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