The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice in the September 1 PA  Bulletin inviting comments on a draft policies related to Permit Review Process and Decision Guarantee and Permit Coordination covering over 244 mining (coal and noncoal), oil and gas, air quality, waste, storage tank, drinking water, water quality, dam safety, erosion and sedimentation control and water obstruction and encroachment permits and approvals.

Each month the Department of Environmental Protection provides a report policy initiatives and the status of program and regulation changes to the DEP Citizens Advisory Council for its information.  In the past this more than 20 page report has not been routinely made available to the public.

Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose.  Just click on the search page.

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 Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday it has lifted a drought watch declaration for 15 counties in western Pennsylvania, based on recommendations from the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force.

Pennsylvania farmers can take advantage of nearly $7 million in tax credits to purchase on-farm conservation equipment or install facilities meeting best management practice standards through the Resource Enhancement and Protection Farm Conservation Tax Credit, or the REAP program.

The Chesapeake Bay Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Tuesday announced the recipients of $9.2 million in grants for restoration and outreach initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed's six states and the District of Columbia, nearly $2.5 million in Pennsylvania.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Pennsylvania Executive Director, Matthew J. Ehrhart Tuesday issued this statement following the National Fish and Wildlife Federation’s public announcement of grant awards through the “2012 Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday announced $26 million in Conservation Innovation Grants awarded by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service to entities across the nation for projects that test and prove innovative approaches to conserving America's private lands.

The Department of Environmental Protection invited comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load Plan for Wolf Run in Lycoming County (PA Bulletin page 5699).  For a copy of the proposed TMDL, visit DEP’s TMDL webpage.

Philadelphia-based choreographer Jenny Sawyer will present a truly unique, evocative and strikingly beautiful site-specific dance duet IN the Wissahickon Creek September 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2:00 p.m. entitled UPSTREAM.

Restoration and remediation of land and water is a worldwide concern that has brought many scientists together to create solutions and share ideas.

With the opening of a valve, a new page in history was written in the book of acid mine drainage treatment in Pennsylvania.  DEP Secretary Michael Krancer opened the valve as part of the July 18 site dedication, marking the beginning of a unique renewable energy generator in Tioga County.

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has awarded the Susquehanna River Basin Commission a $125,000 grant to guide small public water supply systems through the commission’s water withdrawal approval process.

Delaware Valley Grantmakers and The College of Physicians of Pennsylvania are pleased to present a Symposium on the Health Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing September 21 at 8;30 a.m. at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia 19 South 22nd St., Philadelphia.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is pleased to have announced the 8 grant winners of their 2012 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Program. 

State Treasurer Rob McCord Thursday marked a major milestone in Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized Keystone Home Energy Loan Program, which recently issued its 10,000th loan to make homes more energy efficient.

PECO customers can now report an outage, check their service status, and pay their bill with PECO Smart Mobile On-the-Go, a new mobile optimized version of the PECO website. To take advantage of this service, first visit the PECO website and sign up for PECO’s on line convenience center.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is pleased to offer a new 2012-2013 16-month special edition calendar commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps. 

A wide array of free events will take place Labor Day weekend at more than 30 participating sites in the South Mountain region of southcentral Pennsylvania, showcasing the area’s best outdoor recreational opportunities.

PA Wilds will host its third annual Trails Conference on October 4 at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford Campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The theme this year is Advancing Trails into PA Wilds.

Each year, Game Commission officials, in September, participate in and host three outdoors events promoting wildlife, hunting and trapping.

Hawk Mountain will join conservationists worldwide to celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day on September 1 in Kempton, Berks County.

Fall is a great time for planting! Cooler temperatures allow plants to get established and grow new roots without the stress of summer heat.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will host a 10th anniversary open house at its Acopian Center for Conservation Learning on September 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.

A joint effort between federal and state agencies, including the Fish and Boat Commission, has resulted in the successful collection and relocation of approximately 4,000 state and federal endangered northern riffleshell mussels from a site on the Allegheny River along the border of Forest and Venango counties.

The Fish & Boat Commission annually holds a photo contest for a number of fishing and boating related categories. The deadline to submit photos is December 31.  Click Here for details and the entry form.

Anglers and boaters have named Presque Isle State Park in Erie County among the nation’s best state parks for fishing and boating in a national competition sponsored by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is seeking candidates to fill a full-time Environmental Planner position.  The deadline for applying is September 10.  Click Here for details.

Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Outreach Coordinator in Central Pennsylvania to coordinate the Choose Clean Water Campaign.  Click Here for details.

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

Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

No new regulations were published this week.  Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 1, 2012

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 links to 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.