The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Projects designed to reduce pollution in watersheds impaired by nonpoint source pollution. Applications are due September 17.  (formal notice)

Untrained personnel and the failure to use proper well control procedures were the principal causes of a June 3 natural gas well blowout in Clearfield County, according to an independent investigation was released this week by the Department of Environmental Protection.

We are pleased to let you know Ernst Seeds in Meadville has joined the PA Environment Digest Professional Services Directory.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

The USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center this week reported 14 more counties are now in drought watch condition using the Palmer Drought Severity Index bringing the total to 33 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties.

The Stonycreek Conemaugh River Improvement Project held the Fifth Annual Quemahoning Classic Fishing Tournament on July 10 at the Quemahoning Reservoir in northern Somerset County.

Forty-four farms in Pennsylvania are benefitting from federal stimulus funds made available through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, helping farmers install conservation measures that will aid their farms' sustainability and profitability, while improving local water quality.

Pottstown Borough Water Plant, MontgomeryCounty, recently became reinstated into the Partnership for Safe Water Program, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water.  

The Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council will sponsor its 2010 Biosolutions for Biopollutions on August 19 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pa.

The Department of Health reminds Pennsylvanians to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes as the season arrives for West Nile virus, or WNV, infections.

PA Cleanways - Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful reported a record 186,487 volunteers in the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania in April and May collected over 12 million pounds of trash in cleanup events.

The Southwestern PA Household Hazardous Waste Task Force will sponsor a household chemicals collection event on July 31 at the Cranberry Mall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Click here for details on what can be accepted at the event.

The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, Inc. is proud to announce its role in supporting the Home Builders Association of Berks County and the Emmy winning show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

The Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad this week held a commissioning ceremony for a new, ultra-low-emission, "GenSet" locomotive at locomotive shop in Butler this week.

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the retrofitting of diesel-powered transit buses in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties under the PA Clean Diesel Grant Program.  (formal notice)

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice soliciting proposals for Geotechnical Engineering Services (PA Bulletin page 4017).

On July 24 the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation will host the 8th Anniversary of the Quecreek Mine Rescue at the rescue site on the Arnold Farm in Somerset County.

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

The Environmental Quality Board this week approved a proposed regulation change this week which would save Pennsylvania heating oil users $86 million a year (14 cents a gallon) by lowering the sulfur content of heating oil.  

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week.  Go to the online Calendar webpage.

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

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.