Scrapbook Photo 11/04/24 - 108 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/mtb6anth
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 9, 2023 - Issue #1,003
(10/9/2023)
* 104 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 104 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.

* Weekly List Of PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

PA Environment Digest Puts Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic--

* House Unanimously Passes Bill Against Lawsuits Aimed At Silencing Citizen Critics And Dampening Public Participation

On October 5, the House unanimously passed House Bill 1466 (Bizzarro-D-Erie) that would help prevent powerful interests from filing SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) lawsuits to silence citizen critics and chill free speech by a vote of 202 to 0.

* Dickinson College Environmental & Indigenous Rights Honoree Tara Houska: Don’t Disconnect Yourself From The Reality Of Nature; Endless Expansion Of Pipelines Have No Place In Reality; Find Powerful Moments Of Joy

On October 4, Dickinson College in Cumberland County hosted an evening with environmental and indigenous rights advocate Tara Houska to recognize her groundbreaking advocacy work with the Sam Rose and Julie Walters Prize for Global Environmental Activism.

* Stroud Water Research Center Honors Laura Turner Seydel Of Captain Planet Foundation With Freshwater Excellence Award

On October 3, Chester County-based  Stroud Water Research Center bestowed the 2023 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence to Laura Turner Seydel, a global champion of Earth stewardship at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Delaware.

* Joseph Minott, Long-Time Executive Director Of Clean Air Council, To Retire At End Of 2023

On October 4, the Philadelphia-based Clean Air Council announced the retirement of its longtime executive director, Joseph Otis Minott, Esq.

* Schuylkill Action Network Holds 20th SANniversary Celebration Nov. 2 At Elmwood Park Zoo, Montgomery County

The Schuylkill Action Network will hold its 20th SANniversary Celebration on November 2 at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Montgomery County from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

* DEP Updates Location Of Scranton Public Hearing On Interim Final Environmental Justice Permit Review Policy

On October 7, the Department of Environmental Protection published a notice in the PA Bulletin updating the location of the Scranton public hearing on the Interim Final Environmental Justice Permit Review Policy.  (formal notice)

* Gov. Shapiro, DCNR Announce Investment Of $52.5 Million In Local Recreation, Conservation, Watershed Projects Across PA; Next Grant Round Opens Jan. 16

On October 5, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced a $52.5 million investment for more than 225 recreation and conservation projects across Pennsylvania that will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize local communities.

* DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets Oct. 10 To Introduce New Executive Director Ian Irvin; Discuss DEP Issues Generally

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on October 10 to introduce its new Executive Director Ian Irvin and discuss “identifying DEP matters” with DEP Executive Deputy Secretary Jessica Shirley.

* Repsol Gas USA Issued Violation For Denying DEP Right To Document Damaged Shale Gas Well Casing During Investigation Of Uncontrolled Gas Venting In Bradford County

On September 21, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation to Repsol Oil and Gas USA, LLC for denying the agency’s right to document damaged shale gas well casing during its investigation of an incident of uncontrolled natural gas venting in Bradford County in August.

* DEP Issues Violation To CNX Gas Company For Unauthorized Water Withdrawals For 17 Days From Beaver Run Reservoir In Westmoreland County

On October 3, 2023, DEP issued a notice of violation to CNX Gas Company LLC for making unauthorized water withdrawals to support shale gas fracking operations for 17 days between May 6, 2023 and July 6, 2023 totaling 389,518 gallons.

* Petro Erie Inc. Again Claims It Lacks The Financial Ability To Comply With DEP’s 2nd Order To Cleanup Conventional Oil Well Wastewater Spill That Contaminated The Village Of Reno’s Water Supply In Venango County

On October 5, Petro Erie Inc. filed an expanded appeal with the Environmental Hearing Board of DEP’s August 16, 2023 order requiring the operator to restore the Village Of Reno’s water supply and clean up the spill of conventional oil well wastewater from wells the company operates in Venango County.  [EHB Docket No. 2023075]

* Environmental Hearing Board Will Hear Key Arguments On Appeal By A Washington County Family Alleging Shale Gas Drilling Contaminated Their Water Supply With PFAS And Other Chemicals

On October 6, the Environmental Hearing Board issued a decision saying it will hear key arguments on whether DEP should have considered soil contamination and air pollution resulting from drilling and operation of a shale gas well pad 500 feet away from a Washington County family's home that played a role in contaminating their water supply.

* Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Sept. 30 to Oct. 6 -- Company Tries To Limit DEP Investigation; Unauthorized Water Withdrawals; Can’t Pay For Reno Cleanup; Venting Gas Wells; More Abandoned Conventional Wells

From September 30 to October 6, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 464 inspection entries.

* DEP Invites Comments On PA General Energy Constructing 3 Shale Natural Gas, Water Pipelines Thru Exceptional Value, High Quality, Wild Trout Streams In Lycoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a proposed Chapter 105 permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification for three new PA General Energy shale natural gas and water pipelines in Cummings and McHenry Townships, Lycoming County.  (PA Bulletin, page 6237)

* DEP Now Accepting Comments On 2 Proposed Olympus Energy Water Withdrawal Structures At Beaver Run Reservoir To Support Shale Gas Development In Westmoreland County

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting public comments on a proposed Chapter 105 permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification for two proposed Olympus Energy, LLC water withdrawal structures in the Beaver Run Reservoir in Washington Township, Westmoreland County to be used to support shale natural gas development.  (PA Bulletin, page 6242https://tinyurl.com/2jrazswj

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - October 7

The following DEP notices were published in the October 7 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* Agencies Celebrate Eastern Hellbender License Plate Recognizing PA’s Clean Water Ambassador; Gas Development On DCNR Land Threatens Habitat

On October 2, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer celebrated the recently launched Eastern Hellbender license plate, which honors the state amphibian-- Pennsylvania’s clean water ambassador--  and supports the Wild Resource Conservation Fund.

* DCNR Announces Appointment Of Seth Cassell As Pennsylvania's 18th State Forester

On October 4, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced Seth Cassell has been appointed to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Forester and will lead the agency’s Bureau of Forestry.

* Center For Rural Pennsylvania: Rural Population To Shrink 5.8%; Fewer Young People, More Older People; Current Policies Failed To Sustain Communities, Ensure Long-Term Rural Resiliency

On October 4, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Data Center released population projections for rural Pennsylvania showing changes in Pennsylvania’s population will likely affect a wide range of policy issues, including workforce availability, housing, health care, education, and transportation.

* The Allegheny Front: Three Rivers Waterkeeper Citizen Monitoring Finds Plastics Maker Styrenics LLC Discharging Plastic Nurdles Into Ohio River, Threatens Lawsuit To Stop Them

By Reid Frazier

* PUC: Focus Of Natural Gas Explosion In Port Richmond Section Of Philadelphia Now Inside The Buildings

On October 2, the Public Utility Commission reported there is no evidence public utility natural gas equipment was the cause of the home explosions in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia on New Years Day 2023.

* House Committee Hears Benefits Of Forested Stream Buffers-- Increasing Property Values, Water Quality Improvements, Reduced Impacts From Flooding; Builders, Republican Chair Worried About A ‘Taking’ Of Property

On October 2, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1275 that would authorize municipalities, and if they fail to act, DEP to protect riparian stream buffers.

* Maryland's Conowingo Pay For Success Program Funding Now Available In PA’s Susquehanna River Watershed For Projects To Reduce Nutrient Pollution

DEP’s latest Health Waters Chesapeake Bay newsletter is packed with updates on the program, available grants, county implementation reports and upcoming events, accomplishments and much more--

* Apply Now For Climate-Smart Agriculture Grants From Penn State College Of Agricultural Sciences, Partners

Are you a Pennsylvania dairy producer interested in improving sustainability and profitability in your farm?

* Could Your Land Benefit From A Forested Riparian Stream Buffer? Contact The Western PA Conservancy

Trees and shrubs planted along streams create areas called riparian buffers, help restore water quality, prevent erosion, provide shade for wildlife and prevent pollution runoff.

* US Small Business Administration To Provide Low-Interest Disaster Loans To Businesses, Homeowners As A Result Of July Flooding In Northampton County

On October 6, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the U.S. Small Business Administration has granted an administrative declaration of a disaster, making loans available for businesses and homeowners impacted by July flooding in Northampton County.

* PA Clean Water Academy Releases 2 New Courses On Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, 2024 Integrated Water Quality Report Viewer

The Pennsylvania Clean Water Academy has released two new free educational courses on Principles Of Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration and using the new 2024 Integrated Water Quality Report viewer.

* Environmental Quality Board, DEP Invite Comments On Changes To Water Quality Standards & Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy; Hearing Nov. 14

The Environmental Quality Board invites comments on a proposed regulation adding 17 new or updated Water Quality Standards. (formal notice)  DEP is inviting comments on changes to the Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy related to cyanide. (formal notice)

* DEP Sets Nov. 13 Hearing On Water Permits For River Pointe Warehouse Project In Northampton County

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a hearing November 13 on NPDES Stormwater and Chapter 105 Encroachment permit applications for the River Pointe Logistics Center project in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County. (PA Bulletin, page 6267)

* Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed: 300+ Attend 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum Uniting Hundreds Of Conservation Advocates, Constituents And Organizations

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, supported by the National Wildlife Federation, held its 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum in Wilmington, DE September 28-29.

* PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Host Oct. 24 Webinar - Science Meets Community Engagement: The Delaware River Watershed Initiative

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will host an October 24 webinar on Science Meets Community Engagement: The Delaware River Watershed Initiative starting at Noon.

* Pike County Conservation District: What Is The Conservation Districts' Role?

By Emily Mansfield, PCCD Communications Coordinator

* Allegheny County Conservation District, Grow Pittsburgh Offer Gardeners Free Soil Lead Screening

The Allegheny County Conservation District is hosting its biannual free soil lead screening in partnership with Grow Pittsburgh from October 11 to 15. Soil samples will be accepted at five locations. 

* Pennsylvania Students Join Others At Chesapeake Bay Foundation Student Leadership Summit To Take Action On Climate Change

In Virginia Beach over the weekend, 40 high school students, including three from Pennsylvania, and others from Virginia, and Maryland worked to develop climate change solutions that can be implemented in their communities at the biannual Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Student Leadership Summit.

* PA Interfaith Power & Light 10th Annual Conference- No Faith In Fossil Fuels - Nov. 5: Virtual Keynote & Panel Discussion, 5 Regional Workshop Locations

PA Interfaith Power & Light will host its 10th Annual Conference November 5 in a hybrid format-- a virtual keynote and response panel session, along with in-person workshops at each of five locations: Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and State College.

* Washington & Jefferson College Hosts Oct. 17 In-Person Harnessing Hydrogen: Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities In Appalachia Program

The Washington & Jefferson College Center for Energy Policy & Management is presenting its second “Harnessing Hydrogen: Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities in Appalachia” seminar on October 17.

* PennDOT Announces Draft Priority Areas For Funding Electric Vehicle Charging Facilities

On October 5, the Department of Transportation announced draft priority areas for funding electric vehicle charging facilities under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

* EPA's GreenChill Program Recognizes Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant Management In Supermarket Industry, Including Weis Markets, The Giant Company, ALDI In PA

On October 4, in a ceremony at the Food Industry Association’s Energy and Store Development Conference, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Program recognized 12 food retail companies and one manufacturer of advanced refrigeration systems for their exceptional achievements to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances and/or climate-damaging refrigerants.

* DCNR: 2nd Fall Foliage Report Shows ‘Best Color’ Appearing In 6 Northern Tier Counties

On October 5, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its second Weekly Fall Foliage Report showing ‘Best Color’ will appear in six Northern Tier counties the week of October 5 to 11.

* WeConservePA: 633 Acres Of Drake's Creek Watershed In Carbon County Preserved By Lehigh Valley's Wildlands Conservancy

The Wildlands Conservancy recently announced the preservation of 633 acres of high-conservation value forest land in the Drake's Creek Watershed in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County.

* 414 Acres Of Forestland Added To Elk State Forest In Cameron County By Western PA Conservancy

There is now more land in Cameron County for hikers to explore and wildlife to thrive, thanks to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s permanent protection of 414 acres of forestland in Gibson Township.

* Western PA Conservancy Begins Accepting Canoe Access Development Grants Oct. 16

The Western PA Conservancy will begin accepting applications for Canoe Access Development Grants for Western Pennsylvania on October 16.  Deadline for applications November 20.

* DCNR Invites Letters Of Interest To Serve On PA Trails Advisory Committee

On October 4, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the agency is accepting letters of interest and resumes for two voluntary positions that will be opening on the 2024 Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee.

* Oct. 6 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The October 6 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* North Branch Land Trust Receives Grant From PPL Foundation To Survey Rare Plants In Butler Preserve, Luzerne County

On October 5, the North Branch Land Trust announced it has received a $4,000 grant from the PPL Foundation to support a survey of a rare plant community surrounding Butler Preserve in Luzerne County.

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In September Now Available

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

* Governor's Advisory Council For Hunting, Fishing & Conservation Seeks Candidates For Game Commission Board

On October 2, the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation announced it is seeking qualified candidates interested in serving the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 27, 2023.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

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

* Audubon Society Of Western PA, Buffalo Creek Coalition To Host Webinars On Spread Of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Oct. 17 And Aquatic Invasive Species Nov. 14

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and the Buffalo Creek Coalition invites you to attend two free upcoming webinars on the spread of hemlock woolly adelgids and aquatic invasive species in Pennsylvania

* PA Federation Of Sportsmen & Conservationists, PA Wildlife Federation Invite Students In Grades 4 to 12 To Enter Art Poster & Photo Contests

The Federation of Sportsmen & Conservationists and the Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation invite students in grades 4-12 to participate in its poster and photo contest to encourage creative expression and an appreciation and understanding of the outdoor world by the March 1 deadline.

* 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--

* Game Commission Works With Legislators, Stakeholders To Safeguard Federal Wildlife Funds; House Passes Budget Bill Without Game Fund Transfer

On October 5, the Game Commission posted a statement on its website saying it has worked with legislative leaders and stakeholders to safeguard federal wildlife funds coming to Pennsylvania under the Pittman-Robertson Act.

* 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 Public Notices

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the October 7 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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