The PA Environment Digest included 4,258 new stories in 2023 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.

Here are 35 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.

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

The PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference recognized Janie French, Executive Director of the Headwaters Charitable Trust based in Clearfield County and John Stefanko, DEP Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations were recognized with the 2023 Mayfly Award.

On December 27, 2023, The Daily Item reported on how Steve Motyka of the Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance is working to restore the watershed.  He is being recognized as one of The Daily Item’s People Who Made A Difference in 2023.

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on January 9 for an update on the PFOA/PFOS ‘Forever Chemical’ drinking water standard and hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania.

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a February 13 hearing and comment period on the proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act response plan for the Newberry Township PFAS ‘forever chemical’  contamination site in York County.  (PA Bulletin, Page 8131)

From December 23 to 29, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 443 inspection entries-- a holiday week.

The following DEP notices were published in the December 30 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 30 PA Bulletin inviting comment on a Chapter 105/Section 401 Water Quality Certification for a portion of the NFG Midstream Covington, LLC 16-inch natural gas pipeline in Tioga County.  (PA Bulletin, Page 8105)

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 30 PA Bulletin it has received the Final Report on remediation of soil and groundwater contamination for dozens of chemicals and contaminants at the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Potter and Center Townships, Beaver County.   (PA Bulletin, Page 8120)

A regional observance of Anthracite Mining Heritage Month will take place during January 2024.  A variety of programs will be featured in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazle Township, Ashley, Plymouth, Pittston, Nanticoke, Bethlehem, and Pottsville. 

The Department of Environmental Protection has published a Request for Information in the December 30 PA Bulletin to assist in the development of a grant program for Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA).

The Department of Environmental Protection will be accepting applications for Air Quality Small Business Technical Assistance Grants starting January 2.  The deadline to apply is March 1.  (formal notice)

The December 29 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

The Armstrong Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Agricultural Technician position.

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

The Southwest Pennsylvania Commission will host an in-person and virtual federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Workshop on January 8 at the SPC Offices, Strip District Terminal Building, 21st and Smallman Streets in Pittsburgh from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.

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

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

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

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

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the December 30 PA Bulletin--

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 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.