PA Environment Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In PA Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Issue #592 Harrisburg, Pa November 2, 2015 Marcellus Drilling Advisory Committee Does NOT Block Drilling Regs Going To EQB On Tuesday the five voting members of DEP’s Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board adopted a motion to move DEP’s Chapter 78 (Conventional) and 78A (Unconventional) drilling regulations to the Environmental Quality Board for final consideration, with industry comments.

The motion said that comments on the regulations by the voting members of the Board and any comments that DEP’s Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee had on the regulations would be forwarded to the EQB.

The voting members of the Board include four representatives of companies involved with the drilling industry and a representative from the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research.

John Walliser, from the PA Environmental Council and a non­voting member of the TAB, asked Board chairman Bryan McConnell, Tenaska, Inc., whether he would accept a minority report responding to the comments offered by industry since they were incorporating the comments of COGA who was also appointed by DEP.

McConnell refused. Other non­voting members of the Board added by DEP this year include Dr. Michael

Griffin, Carnegie Mellon University, Emily Krafjack, Connection for Oil, Gas & Environment in the Northern Tier and Barbara Kutchko, National Energy Technology Laboratory.

TAB’s role is to advise DEP on rulemakings, and is not required to approve a regulatory proposal before it goes to the EQB.

PennLive.com reported late Thursday the Chapter 78 regulations will go to the Environmental Quality Board for action at its November 17 meeting. During the Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee meeting, DEP staff said they may go to the EQB in January or February.

For more information, visit DEP’s Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board and Chapter 78 (Conventional) and 78A (Unconventional) drilling regulations webpage. NewsClips: DEP Committee Advances New Drilling Regulations Oil & Gas Advisory Board Does Not Endorse Drilling Rules Related Stories: Conventional Advisory Committee Votes To Block Drilling Regs Going To EQB Draft Report Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force To Be Available Nov. 6

Conventional Drilling Advisory Committee Votes To Block Drilling Regs Going To EQB

The voting members of DEP’s Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee Thursday adopted a resolution urging DEP to restart the rulemaking process for the Chapter 78 and 78a drilling regulations that have been under development since the Act 13 drilling law was adopted in 2012.

The voting members said if the process is not restarted, DEP should not forward the regulations to the Environmental Quality Board for final action and Committee should be given an additional nine months of review.

[Note: The additional review time would also require a restart of the Chapter 78 development process because it puts them beyond the two­year deadline in the Regulatory Review Act to adopt rulemakings.]

The voting members said to review the regulations effectively during the additional review time they would need to be provided much more information about the proposed changes, among the information they said the needed was­­ ­­ A statement of the need for the regulations and the changes being proposed as required by the Regulatory Review Act; ­­ Provide the acceptable data (required by Act 60) on which the proposed changes and new requirements in the regulations were made; ­­ An analysis of the impact the regulation on small business and a discussion of alternative methods of achieving the goals for small business as required by the Regulatory Review Act; and ­­ Copies of all forms needed to implement the new regulations.

The Committee brought up similar points in a letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission in July. The Commission itself, in 19 pages of comments they sent to DEP in April of last year, raised some of the same issues.

As part of the resolution, the voting members itemized the information they thought they needed to effectively review the regulation, but were not given by DEP. The list was the same as the list above.

The action taken by the Committee was after a five and a half hour review of the changes DEP made to the regulation in response to industry, public and other comments.

There was no comment from DEP staff at the Committee meeting on the motion. The Committee’s role is to advise DEP on rulemakings, and is not required to approve a

regulatory proposal before it goes to the EQB. The Committee was created in March by DEP specifically to advise DEP on regulations covering the conventional oil and gas industry.

DEP noted that since passage of the Act 13 drilling law in 2012 that these drilling regulations implement, Chapter 78 changes have been considered by three Secretaries of DEP, at more than a dozen public meetings of the TAB and COGA, 12 public hearings and two public comment periods.

This rulemaking has undergone more public review than any other environmental regulation in the 45­year history of modern environmental programs.

PennLive.com reported late Thursday the Chapter 78 regulations will go to the Environmental Quality Board for action at its November 17 meeting. During the Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee meeting, DEP staff said they may go to the EQB in January or February. NewsClips: DEP Committee Advances New Drilling Regulations Oil & Gas Advisory Board Does Not Endorse Drilling Rules

Related Stories: Marcellus Advisory Committee Does NOT Block Regs Going To EQB Draft Report Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force To Be Available Nov. 6 Draft Report Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force To Be Available Nov. 6 More than two dozen commenters participated in the fourth meeting of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force Wednesday held at DEP's Southcentral Regional Office in Harrisburg.

The meeting, chaired by DEP Secretary John Quigley, was the most well attended meeting of the task force to date.

In addition to hearing comments from the public, members heard presentations from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Boat Commission, and the Game Commission.

Recommendations by members of the 11 workgroups are due November 2. A draft report will be available for public comment on November 6. The group’s final report is due to Gov. Wolf by February 2016.

Video of the meeting will be available on the Task Force meeting webpage. The next meeting of the Task Force is November 18. For more information, visit DEP’s

Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force webpage. NewsClips: Protesters Call On Wolf To Shutdown Pipeline Task Force Protesters Target Wolf’s Gas Pipeline Task Force Williams Cited For 10 Violations For Gas Pipeline Work Report: Pipeline Task Force Is Stacked In Favor Of Industry Luzerne Twp Residents Form Group To Protest Pipeline Plan UGI Completes Auburn Natural Gas Pipeline Noise Muffling Looks Like Common Buildings At Compressor Stations Related Stories: Conventional Advisory Committee Votes To Block Drilling Regs Going To EQB Marcellus Advisory Committee Does NOT Block Regs Going To EQB (Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Day 125 Without A State Budget, But The State Still Spent $27 Billion Since July 1 The State Treasurer confirmed Monday state government has spent about $27 billion since July 1, even without an official state budget. That number is almost equal to the entire General Fund budget in an average year.

The $27 billion includes payroll, certain welfare expenses, special fund expenditures like the state lottery, property tax relief from casino taxes and some federal funds.

Senate Republicans Fail In Veto Override Responding to growing pleas from schools and community groups to release overdue

state funding, Senate Republicans Wednesday led an effort to override Gov. Wolf’s veto of an emergency budget passed last month by the General Assembly, but fell 3 votes short.

“Gov. Wolf’s veto of our Emergency Funding Budget last month showed his refusal to put the needs of our schools and social service organizations first,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R­Jefferson). “Our schools and human service organizations are in critical need of funding to keep their doors open and should not be held hostage during this budget impasse. As legislators, we have a duty to help our communities and today’s veto override vote of the Emergency Funding legislation took a necessary step to provide vital support while a final budget is negotiated. As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that the final 2015­16 budget respects taxpayers and hardworking families across Pennsylvania.”

Hours before the vote, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale told members of the Senate Democrat Policy Committee that the lack of state funding is having a devastating financial impact on schools throughout Pennsylvania.

School districts have already borrowed nearly a half­billion dollars – plus interest payments of $15 million – because of the budget impasse, and that number may double by Thanksgiving.

“This hardship is completely unnecessary – the money is there and the state hasn’t stopped collecting taxes,” said Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R­Centre). “Gov. Wolf is holding schools, food banks, rape crisis centers and other social service agencies hostage to his plan for huge tax increases that simply have no support. We are all frustrated. The reality is that budget issues are going to take additional time to resolve. This is about getting money to the schools and those in our communities who need it. ”

“Pennsylvania cannot afford the Governor’s massive tax hikes and record high spending levels,” Senate Appropriations Committee Majority Chair Pat Browne (R­Lehigh) said. “However, school districts, nonprofits and agencies should not be punished while a final budget agreement continues to be negotiated. We have a responsibility to fund these vital services and this vote today on an emergency budget would have ensured that we meet those obligations to provide for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

The vote marks the fifth time since June 30th Republican legislators have attempted to have a fiscally responsible budget enacted and keep money flowing to schools and organizations.

House D Tries Tabling All Bills But Budget Meanwhile in the House Rep. Brian Sims (D­Philadelphia) made a motion to table all

non­budget related legislation until a state budget is put before the House. It failed. Gov. Wolf On a Pittsburgh radio program Thursday, Gov. Wolf said, It’s not time for partisanship.

We really need to recognize the things we have in common­­ which is a good Pennsylvania­­ and come to some agreement on what we need to do to move Pennsylvania forward.”

Wolf said he was waiting for the General Assembly to come forward with another budget plan.

Next Steps Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R­Centre) said Wednesday following the failure of

the veto override, he and other Republicans are working on a two­year budget plan.

Republicans said they are putting together another FY 2015­16 budget they intend to vote on when both the Senate and House return to session during the week of November 16.

The package is likely to include a budget with some limited “revenue enhancements,” along with another pension and liquor privatization proposal.

The intent is to put the package again on the Governor’s desk to see what he will do. Who’s To Blame? A Franklin & Marshall poll released Thursday had voters putting the blame for the

budget impasse on the Legislature­­ 51 percent­­ and Gov. Wolf­­ 32 percent. Fully 62 percent of those survey said Pennsylvania was heading in the wrong direction.

Session Schedule Both the Senate and House do not have voting session next week due to the November 3

election. The Senate recessed until November 16. It now has only six more voting days scheduled

for this calendar year, although more can be added if needed­­ November 16, 17, 18 and December 7, 8, 9.

The House is scheduled to come back to voting session on November 9 and 10. It is scheduled to be in voting session November 17, 18, 23, 24 and December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16. (Budget Pumpkin: Eric Heisler, WHTM­TV photojournalist.) NewsClips: DEP: We Have A Lot Of Rebuilding To Do Environmental Agencies Feel Pinch Of Budget Impasse Budget Impasse Enters 5th Month, But Signs Of Progress GOP Budget Discussions Remain In A Preliminary Phase Increase In Sales, Income Tax See As Unlikely In Budget Deal State Budget Woes Deepen PA Spends $27 Billion During Budget Impasse State Hires State Meteorologist And Pays For Forecasting Hiring Of State Meteorologist Draws Stormy Response Senate Rs, Ds Take Out $9M Loan To Pay Their Employees Legislature, With No Budget, Prepares For Vacation No State Budget, But Lawmakers Continue To Raise Cash PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Let us join your Circle.

Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

You’ll receive as­it­happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates­­ PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. NEW! Add your constructive comment to any blog posting. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated] /Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced­­ Bill Calendars House (November 9): House Bill 48 (Godshall­R­Montgomery) setting standards for drinking water well construction; Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi­R­Delaware) updating and improving the Transit Revitalization investment District; Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak­D­Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (November 16): Senate Bill 201 (Schwank­D­Berks) authorizing the leasing of property in the Clean and Green Program to a rural enterprise (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 805 (Boscola­D­Lehigh) allowing an Act 129 opt­out for large electric users (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committee Meeting Agendas This Week House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Pending In Key Committees Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each­­

House Appropriations Education Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Affairs Gaming Oversight Human Services Judiciary Liquor Control Transportation Links for all other Standing House Committees Senate Appropriations Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Community, Economic and Recreational Development Education Judiciary Law and Justice Public Health and Welfare Transportation Links for all other Standing Senate Committees Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week­­ DEP Permit Tracking System: House Bill 1666 (Zimmerman­R­Lancaster) require DEP to develop an online permit status application (perhaps like the existing eFACTS system?) (sponsor summary). No funding was included in the proposal. Well Production Reporting: House Bill 1674 (Sonney­R­Erie) further providing for oil and gas well reporting (sponsor summary). Regulating Pipelines: Senate Bill 1044 (Baker­R­Luzerne) extending the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission to Class 1 unconventional natural gas gathering pipelines (sponsor summary). Session Schedule (Change) Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House­­ Senate

November 16, 17, 18 December 7, 8, 9 House (Change) November 4 & 5 (non­voting), 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 (Non­Voting) December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 Governor’s Schedule Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public Appearances. Senate/House Bills Moving The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate­­ House Transit Revitalization District: Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi­R­Delaware) updating and improving the Transit Revitalization investment District was amended and reported from the House Transportation Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action. Senate Act 129 Opt­Out: Senate Bill 805 (Boscola­D­Lehigh) allowing an Act 129 opt­out for large electric users (sponsor summary) was reported from the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Farmland Preservation: Senate Bill 201 (Schwank­D­Berks) authorizing the leasing of property in the Clean and Green Program to a rural enterprise (sponsor summary) was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. News From The Capitol Nov. 16 Joint Conservation Committee Environmental Forum On Sustainable Forestry The next Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee Environmental Forum will be held on November 16 and will feature a presentation by Chuck Coup, Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Currently celebrating their 20th anniversary, the PA SFI is an organization committed to promoting sustainable forest management and responsible forestry practices throughout the Commonwealth.

One of their most acclaimed initiatives is the Professional Timber Harvester Training Program which to date has trained over 7,000 loggers in sustainable tree harvesting techniques.

The organization also conducts extensive work with private landowners who comprise over 70 percent of the state’s total forest ownership base.

The Forum will be held in Hearing Room 8E­A of the East Wing Capitol Building starting at noon.

Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R­Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Committee. NewsClips: American Chestnuts Rise Where Other Trees Fail On PA Mining Sites Fall Foliage: Your Last Best Chance Of 2015 Fall Colors Brighten Erie Region Keystone College Workshop To Discuss Hemlock News From Around The State PEC Expresses Opposition In Senate To Bill Making It Easier To Block Regulations Last Monday, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council wrote to all members of the Pennsylvania Senate expressing its objections to House Bill 965 (Godshall­R­Montgomery) that would make it much easier for the General Assembly to block state agency regulations and statements of policy.

Here is the text of the letter to all state Senators by John Walliser, PEC Vice President for Legal & Government Affairs­­ Dear Senators:

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, I am writing to express our opposition to House Bill 965 (P.N. 1885), which may come up for a vote soon in the Senate. This legislation fundamentally alters established procedure for publication and review of proposed rulemaking that fall under the purview of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

Our objections to the legislation are as follows: First, this legislation would block publication of agency Statements of Purpose in the

Pennsylvania Bulletin. There is no rationale for this revision to existing practice – in fact, it decreases transparency by limiting information provided to the public.

Second, this legislation enables standing committees of the General Assembly to unilaterally postpone Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) consideration of rulemaking proposals without any predictable or certain timeframe for resolution.

Currently, the Regulatory Review Act gives standing committees the power to further review or disapprove a regulatory proposal after the IRRC – which consists of four legislative appointees and one appointee of the Governor – has voted on it.

Moreover, the IRRC does not vote until after a proposal has been vetted by legal and scientific experts, subjected to review by the general public (including the General Assembly and Attorney General), and, in some cases, considered by other governmental agencies like the Environmental Quality Board (which includes representation from the standing committees).

Under existing law, when a standing committee invokes its power to review or disapprove, a regulatory proposal is stayed for a definite period of time, and can eventually be brought to a vote before the full legislature. In short, the General Assembly’s current oversight power is both substantial and well defined.

By contrast, House Bill 965 would enable standing committees to invoke the power to

“further review” proposed regulations before the IRRC votes, and provides an uncertain timeframe for such review by allowing for the greater of a set number of calendar or joint session days.

As we know, there are prolonged periods where the General Assembly is out of session, meaning that such review could extend over several months. This is unreasonable and could have the affect of invalidating rulemaking proposals merely by lack of review within a definite timeframe.

While we understand the importance of ensuring that standing committees receive all necessary and supporting information for review of regulatory proposals, House Bill 965 prevents some of that same information from being provided to the public at large, and creates greater uncertainty for review and finalization of proposals.

We believe this legislation is against the public interest and should be opposed by members of the Senate. Thank you for your consideration. John Walliser Vice President, Legal and Government Affairs Pennsylvania Environmental Council

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website. Click Here to sign up for free updates on PEC activities and how you can become involved. DEP Invites Comments On New Policy For Assessing, Reporting Stream Quality The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 31 PA Bulletin announcing the availability of draft technical guidance on Documenting and Reporting Measurable, Incremental Improvements in Water Quality of Streams, Rivers and Lakes.

The purpose of these guidelines is to explain the process for the Department staff, and others involved in water quality monitoring, in documenting and reporting measurable, incremental improvements for water quality in streams, rivers and lakes towards an impairment free condition.

The information collected through the guidelines will be used to develop the Department's biennial Pennsylvania Improving Waters Report, which is not meant to replace the biennial Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment (Sections 305(b) and 303(d)) Report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Instead, the Pennsylvania Improving Waters Report will illustrate water quality attainment successes described in the Integrated Report and share information about surface waters that show incremental improvement.

Comments on the technical guidance are due November 30. A copy of the draft technical guidance will be available on DEP’s eComment webpage

and comments may be submitted via that same page. For more information, contact Diane Wilson by calling 717­787­3730 or send email:

diawilson@pa.gov. DEP Testifies At Congressional Hearing On Good Samaritan Mine Reclamation DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation Director Eric

Cavazza testified before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee on October 21 about opportunities for and impediments for good Samaritan mine reclamation.

Cavazza testified on behalf of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission and the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs. He told members of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment that the enactment of Good Samaritan legislation would be immensely helpful to the States’ and Tribes’ ongoing efforts to remediate the vast quantities of AML sites remaining, and those continuing to manifest.

"We have seen the results from this type of approach in states such as Pennsylvania, which enacted its own Good Samaritan law to provide protections and immunities related to state clean water requirements for those groups and individuals who were not legally responsible but who voluntarily undertook the reclamation of abandoned mine lands or abatement of mine drainage," Cavazza said. "However, under the Pennsylvania Good Samaritan program, these groups are still exposed to potential liability under the federal Clean Water Act for their good deeds, which is having a chilling effect on watershed cleanup efforts."

Click Here for a copy of Cavazza’s testimony. Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan law has resulted in the reclamation of over 250 mining

sites throughout the Commonwealth. Trout Unlimited CEO and President Chris Wood testified at the same hearing and

described the success Pennsylvania has had with its own good Samaritan reclamation provision. Click Here to watch a video of the hearing and for other written testimony.

NewsClip: American Chestnuts Rise Where Other Trees Fail On PA Mining Sites (Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) John Stefanko Makes Presentation To Brazil On DEP’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation DEP Executive Deputy Secretary John Stefanko gave a presentation via the web October 12 to the annual IV Regional Seminary on Coal Mining Reclamation in Criciúma, Brazil.

Stefanko discussed the coal mining industry in Pennsylvania, its historic impact on the state’s air, land and water, and projects that have successfully remediated damage done by past mining.

There are nearly 250,000 acres of land and more than 5,500 stream miles negatively impacted by pre­1977 mining in Pennsylvania.

Fortunately, DEP has a robust abandoned mine reclamation program staffed with about 150 geologists, engineers, biologists, and others who work tirelessly to clean up degraded mine sites.

Click Here to view Stefanko’s presentation and to learn more about abandoned mine reclamation in Pennsylvania. NewsClip: American Chestnuts Rise Where Other Trees Fail On PA Mining Sites

(Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Lackawanna County Streambank Fencing Installation Promotes Water Quality

DEP's Northeast Regional Waterways and Wetlands Program staff recently installed approximately 200 feet of stream bank fencing at the Hull Farm in Covington Township, Lackawanna County near Scranton. The fourth generation farm provides shelter for horses, and at one time raised livestock for agricultural purposes. Stream bank fencing involves installing fencing around a body of water (pond, lake or stream) to prevent livestock from entering and depositing contaminants such as fertilizer or fluids.

The practice not only protects local waterways, but water that ultimately feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. Stream bank fencing also provides credits to the state for its Nutrient Credit Program.

Within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, stream bank fencing is funded through the Chesapeake Agricultural Abatement Grant. NewsClips: Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Clean Water Counts In York County Rain Garden Improves Environment, Playground At Erie School Pittsburgh Stormwater Dispute Gets 2nd Round Of Scrutiny Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch Origin Of The Name Susquehanna Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal (Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Save The Date: 2016 West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium April 14­15 The 2016 West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium will be held on April 14­15 at the Toftrees Resort and Conference Center in State College.

The West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition and Trout Unlimited have sponsored this two­day get together for organizations and individuals working to restore the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to exchange information and celebrate successes.

Each Symposium features student posters, exhibition space for nonprofits and companies, as well as the famous orange rock awards. The WBSRC and Trout Unlimited work to also provide a workshop or hands on field experience that will benefit the member groups.

Throughout the two days participants also have time to network with other organizations working with in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

Watch the West Branch Restoration Symposium webpage for more information.

NewsClips: Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Clean Water Counts In York County Rain Garden Improves Environment, Playground At Erie School Pittsburgh Stormwater Dispute Gets 2nd Round Of Scrutiny Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch Origin Of The Name Susquehanna Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal Master Well Owner Network Educates Thousands Of Water Well Owners The Penn State Master Well Owner Network had another successful year of education for private water system owners across Pennsylvania.

MWON is a volunteer program dedicated to providing unbiased, research­based education for the millions of private water well owners in Pennsylvania.

Funding is provided by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Ground Water Association.

MWON trained 38 new volunteers this year who join 232 active MWON volunteers in 57 counties. Active MWON volunteers reported spending 1,307 hours educating 3,260 private water supply owners in Pennsylvania.

Seventy­eight percent of volunteers educated water supply owners through one­on­one conversations while 22 percent utilized the table­top display at events and 25 percent gave presentations to small groups.

Since its inception, 684 MWON volunteers from 66 counties have dedicated 10,432 hours of their time to directly educate 39,872 private water supply owners.

Additional indirect education through newsletters, newspapers and publications has been provided to over 100,000 private water supply owners throughout the state.

MWON partnered with various agencies this year to provide 25 Safe Drinking Water Clinics or other educational workshops to 743 private water supply owners and free water testing to 211 households.

A new youth drinking water program was also presented by MWON state and regional coordinators and other Penn State Extension Educators to 200 youth in schools and 4­H clubs.

In May 2015 MWON partnered with numerous agencies to present the 2015 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium in State College for 251 groundwater professionals. Planning is already underway for the 2016 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium on May 4 at the Ramada Inn in State College, PA.

For more information, visit the Penn State Master Well Owner Network webpage or contact Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, 814­863­0194 or send email to: brs@psu.edu. NewsClip: Billing Problem Blamed On New Water Meters In Pittsburgh

(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and reprinted from the October 26 Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA Quarterly Update Now Available The Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA quarterly update is now available featuring stories on­­ ­­ Reboot Of Pennsylvania’s Clean Water Efforts Needed ­­ Farm Bureau To Ask U.S. Supreme Court To Throw Out Bay Clean Water Blueprint ­­ Click Here to sign up for your own copy (bottom of left panel). NewsClips: Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Clean Water Counts In York County Rain Garden Improves Environment, Playground At Erie School Pittsburgh Stormwater Dispute Gets 2nd Round Of Scrutiny Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch Origin Of The Name Susquehanna Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal Alliance For Chesapeake Bay: How To Build A Rain Garden And Reduce Stormwater The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay has a guide on how homeowners can reduce stormwater runoff by constructing a rain garden.

Rain gardens are an easy and effective tool that we can use to help reduce stormwater runoff from residential properties. These gardens are strategically placed to intercept pollutant laden stormwater runoff until it can be fully absorbed into the ground.

Their design allows the rain garden to serve almost as a bowl that collects water from downspouts or overland flow across a property. The water is then able to slowly infiltrate into the underlying soil.

Rain gardens can come in all different shapes and sizes but are best when planted with native plants that are indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These plants require little maintenance once established, have deep roots that soak up lots of water, provide food and habitat to wildlife, and are beautiful.

Click Here to watch a video on how to install a rain garden. Click Here to learn more. NewsClips: Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Clean Water Counts In York County Rain Garden Improves Environment, Playground At Erie School Pittsburgh Stormwater Dispute Gets 2nd Round Of Scrutiny

Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch Origin Of The Name Susquehanna Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA: Native Plants A Cool Choice For Fall Planting By Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA Office Director As you find time to put away deck furniture, winterize gardens, and give the lawn its last good mowing, consider adding native plants to the landscaping. They can pay dividends for years to come.

According to our Chesapeake Bay Foundation restoration specialists, who know a thing or two about plants, now through Thanksgiving can be the best time to put beneficial native plants into the ground.

Native Pennsylvania plants are commonly defined as those that grew in the Commonwealth before European settlers arrived.

Whether it be flowers, trees, shrubs, or grasses, there is a native plant for every purpose and desire. (Photo by Clair Ryan/Chesapeake Bay Foundation.)

“Plants planted in the fall, especially trees and shrubs, tend to put their energy into root growth, instead of leaf growth,” says Clair Ryan, our watershed restoration program manager in Harrisburg. “This gives them a strong foundation for rapid growth in the spring.”

Many plants also go dormant in the fall and winter and don’t require much moisture to survive until the spring. With plants already in the ground, they are ready to take advantage of spring rains.

Native flowers and herbaceous plants often need less water, fertilizer and other maintenance. Native plants absorb and filter water, a significant factor in reducing the amount of harmful nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment runoff that pollutes Pennsylvania waterways.

Food and habitat are among other benefits native plants provide. “Native plants offer our native wildlife a food source that they are used to and need,”

says Ashley Spotts, who works in York, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester counties. “It’s the beginning of the food chain.”

“Natives can usually tolerate extreme heat, cold, drought, and flooding better than non­natives, because they are adapted to the area,” Frank Rohrer adds. “This means less replacement of dead and injured plants for homeowners.”

Frank works in Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, Snyder, Juniata and Mifflin counties. Native warm­season grasses provide nesting and winter cover for many types of wildlife.

Their sturdy, thick stems provide a shield from snow, weather, and predators better than short­growing, non­native grasses.

Planting in wet areas in the fall should be avoided at all costs. Steve Smith says, “depending on the severity of the winter, plants installed in the fall tend to heave out of the

ground, sometimes completely, resulting in high mortality.” Steve is in Potter, Tioga and Bradford counties. Kristen Kitchen works in Cumberland,

Dauphin, and Franklin counties. Jennifer Johns works in Bradford, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties.

Fall is the best time for planting containerized seedlings, while bare root seedlings do best in the spring. Clair Ryan adds that for trees and shrubs, using stakes and shelters can provide support and protection from wildlife damage. These practices are often used in establishing buffers.

Steve Smith suggests considering several factors when selecting native plants. “What are your priorities for the planting area,” he asks. “Are you trying to enhance an area near a stream? Do you prefer certain species such as pollinators, songbirds, in­stream critters, fish species, or wildlife in general? Are fruit and nut products important?”

Think about the soil and the planting area itself. Do not plant a tree that needs upland type soil in a wetland. Be careful to choose shade tolerant species for shady areas and those that like full sun in sunny areas.

Select plants that will survive in your cold hardiness zone, Frank Rohrer suggests. Consider the size of the plants at maturity and be sure to choose species that will not get in the way of driveways, fences, paths, or roadsides.

From the myriad flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, and ferns, there is a native plant to serve every purpose and desire.

A terrific resource for selecting and installing native plants can be found at the Native Plant Center website. There you can find the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Guide, “Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”

Take it from the pros who know. Getting back to basics with native plants can make our waters cleaner, and life easier for the gardener. Related Links: BayScaping: Landscaping To Benefit People, Wildlife, Chesapeake Bay BayScaping: Going The Whole Yard To Help The Chesapeake Bay BayScaping For The Long Term: A Homeowner’s Guide DCNR: Landscaping With Native Plants NewsClips: Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Clean Water Counts In York County Rain Garden Improves Environment, Playground At Erie School Pittsburgh Stormwater Dispute Gets 2nd Round Of Scrutiny Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch Origin Of The Name Susquehanna Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal DEP: Final Coastal Resources Management Strategy Now Available The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 31 PA Bulletin announcing the availability of the final Coastal Resources Management Assessment and Strategy

for the Commonwealth required by the Federal Coastal Zone Management Program. This assessment is part of a voluntary coastal zone enhancement grants program that

encourages states and territories to develop program changes in one or more of the following nine coastal enhancement areas: coastal wetlands; coastal hazards; public access; marine debris; cumulative and secondary impacts; special area management planning; ocean/Great Lakes resources; energy and government facility siting and activities; and aquaculture.

The notice said a copy of the Strategy will be available on DEP’s Coastal Resources Management webpage. Save The Date: 2016 PA Groundwater Symposium May 4, Call For Abstracts In November Penn State Extension and its partners will hold the 2016 PA Groundwater Symposium on May 4 at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in State College.

The Symposium will provide a forum for researchers, students, professionals and educators working in the groundwater field to exchange information and promote protection of groundwater resources throughout the state.

The daylong symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks and a plenary session of presentations on emerging groundwater topics. Morning and afternoon concurrent sessions will also be provided along with two panel discussions on Karst Groundwater topics and Shale Gas Issues.

A buffet lunch will be provided for all attendees and the symposium will close with another plenary session of speakers.

Call For Abstracts A call for abstracts will be distributed in mid­November for presentations at the

symposium. Stay tuned to the Symposium webpage for the call for abstracts and registration information in the coming months.

The full agenda and online registration will be released in mid­February 2016 and will be limited to the first 250 registrants. Attendees can also register to receive CEU credits for attending the symposium.

A nominal registration fee of just $40 is made possible through the generous support of the symposium sponsors including Penn State Extension, the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pennsylvania Ground Water Association.

For more information, visit the 2016 PA Groundwater Symposium webpage. (Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and reprinted from the October 26 Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Oct. 26 Watersheds Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension The October 26 issue of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring articles on­­ ­­ Strategies To Keep Pollutants Out Of Stormwater Ponds

­­ Drug Residues In Wastewater, Households Mainly Responsible ­­ Save The Date: 2016 PA Groundwater Symposium May 4 ­­ Penn State Lab Releases Updated Water Quality Summaries ­­ Master Well Owner Network Educations Thousands Of Water Well Owners ­­ Click Here to sign up for your own copy. October UpStream Newsletter Now Available From Stroud Water Research Center

The October issue of UpStream, the monthly newsletter from the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, Chester County is now available featuring stories on­­ ­­ Stroud Connects International Leaders With Freshwater Solutions

­­ Stroud Scientist Takes Rotator Post At National Science Foundation ­­ Pouring Water Quality Into Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index ­­ Upcoming Events ­­ Click Here to sign up for your own copy. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board Meeting Location Moved For Nov. 5 The November 5 meeting of DEP’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board will now be held at DEP’s Southeast Regional Office, Delaware Room, 2 East Main Street in Norristown starting at 9:00.

DEP will now also webcast this meeting. Click Here to register. The agenda for the meeting includes introducing the new Environmental Justice Director

Carl E. Jones, Jr., discussion of EJAB comments on the EPA Clean Power Climate Plan, Legislative and Policy updates and other items.

Click Here for available handouts. Green Schools­Blue Waters PA Farms To Schools Program Webinar Nov. 17 The Green Schools­Blue Waters Initiative will host a PA Farms To Schools Program webinar on November 17 starting at 3:00.

Join Elaine McDonnell, Coordinator of Project PA at Penn State University, as she presents a webinar on the PA Farm to School Initiative. Learn about the initiative, school districts that have implemented successful Farm To School programs, and tips to developing a Farm to School program at your school. Ms. McDonnell is a Registered Dietitian and has her master’s degree from Penn State University.

The program is produced by the Center for Schools and Communities through the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit­ funded by NOAA/Chesapeake Bay Fund.

Click Here to register for this program. For more information on resources and programs, visit the Green Schools­Blue Waters

Initiative website.

PA Environmental Educators Extend Deadline For Submitting Proposals For Conference

The PA Association of Environmental Educators have extend the deadline for submitting proposals for presentations at the 2016 annual conference on March 14­16 in Pocono Manor, Monroe County. The new deadline is November 16.

Areas of focus include: Best practices in EE programs, e.g. Nature journaling; water sampling; Natural history & ecology, e.g. The story of the American Chestnut; and Organizational management, e.g. Social media & fundraising.

At the 2015 conference, over 150 educators, naturalists, school teachers, principals, early childhood educators, and students from across Pennsylvania attended the conference that focused on building connections between students, educators and nature.

Click Here to download the Conference Presenters form. Please submit completed forms by email to: info@eeresources.net with the subject line “workshop proposal.”

For more information on programs and activities, visit the PA Association of Environmental Educators website.

DCNR, DEP Held High School Career Expo In Harrisburg

High school students from the Harrisburg area visited the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg on October 28 to take part in DEP’s and DCNR’s High School Career Expo. The students heard from professionals in both agencies about the numerous career opportunities – from air quality inspectors to foresters to water specialists – that they could pursue after graduation from college.

“We need smart, talented young people like you to continue the good work of the agency,” Secretary Quigley told the nearly 50 students in attendance.

For college students, Click Here to learn how you can apply for internships at DEP. (Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) DEP Offers Summer Internships For College Students The Department of Environmental Protection offers summer internships in a variety of areas, including engineering, scientific and technical and government service. The deadline for applications is March 1. Visit DEP’s Internships webpage for all the details on how to apply. Keep PA Beautiful Reports 50% Reduction In Cigarette Litter At Erie Port Facilities Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday announced there was a 50 percent reduction in cigarette litter at the facilities of the Erie­Western Pennsylvania Port Authority in Erie County as a result of implementing a Cigarette Litter Prevention Program.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful partnered with Keep America Beautiful to award a $5,000 grant to the Port of Erie to install 37 ash receptacles at seven prominent locations including

Liberty Park, a venue that attracts crowds throughout the summer months for free concerts and Dobbins Landing, a popular tourist area located along Presque Isle Bay.

An initial scan of cigarette litter was conducted before installing cigarette litter trash receptacles. A follow up scan of the program areas was conducted after the receptacles were in place for two months. The results reported a 50 percent overall reduction in cigarette butts.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring these valuable anti­litter resources to Pennsylvania. With support from Keep America Beautiful, we demonstrated that with the appropriate tools and resources, we really can change people’s behavior when it comes to cigarette litter,” explained Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “Through public education and access to receptacles, we are lessening the effect that cigarette litter has on our lands and waterways.”

The "Guide to Cigarette Litter Prevention" provides information about starting and maintaining a Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in your community and can be found online.

For more information on other programs and initiatives, visit the Keep PA Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for a copy of KPB’s Beautiful newsletter. NewsClips: DEP Tells Keystone Landfill Which Benefits It Will Consider Friends Of Lackawanna Appeals Keystone Landfill Zoning Keystone Landfill Leachate Not Likely Source Of Stench Landfill Spent $95K On Lower Saucon Twp. Council Election Environmental Group Appeals FirstEnergy Coal Ash Permit PROP Recycling Education And Social Media Workshop Nov. 4 In Bellefonte The Professional Recyclers of PA are hosting a Recycling Education and Social Media Workshop on November 4 at the Centre County Refuse and Recycling Authority Office, 253 Transfer Road in Bellefonte, PA.

Participants will receive .5 CEUs toward Recycling Professional Certification for participating in this workshop.

Click Here for a Workshop brochure. Click Here for registration information. For more information on other training opportunities, programs and initiatives, visit the

Professional Recyclers of PA webpage. Click Here to signup to receive PROP’s monthly e­newsletter and periodic alerts. NewsClips: DEP Tells Keystone Landfill Which Benefits It Will Consider Friends Of Lackawanna Appeals Keystone Landfill Zoning Keystone Landfill Leachate Not Likely Source Of Stench Landfill Spent $95K On Lower Saucon Twp. Council Election Environmental Group Appeals FirstEnergy Coal Ash Permit PA Recycling Industries Congress Nov. 17 In Harrisburg The PA Waste Industries Association and the PA Recycling Markets Center will host the 2015 PA Recycling Industries Congress in the Capitol Building Harrisburg on November 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Exhibitors will be in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol to showcase innovative Pennsylvania products made from recyclable materials.

There will be a breakout session from Noon until 1:00 p.m. on Electronics Recycling: Realities of the Pennsylvania Marketplace in Room 14 East Wing of the Capitol.

For more information, contact the PA Recycling Markets Center by calling 717­948­6660 or contact Robert Bylone, Executive Director of the PRMC, by sending email to: rjb128@psu.edu. Related Stories: Analysis: Electronics Recycling Effort Shrinking In PA, The Law Needs To Be Fixed NewsClips: DEP Tells Keystone Landfill Which Benefits It Will Consider Friends Of Lackawanna Appeals Keystone Landfill Zoning Keystone Landfill Leachate Not Likely Source Of Stench Landfill Spent $95K On Lower Saucon Twp. Council Election Environmental Group Appeals FirstEnergy Coal Ash Permit Update On DEP Investigation Into Scranton Sewer Malodor Event The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday said it has identified the chemicals within the malodorous substance discovered in the Scranton sewer system in the vicinity of the Greenridge section of the city on the night of September 24. DEP is continuing to investigate the source of the substance.

After analysis, DEP has determined that the malodorous substance is a chemical mixture of a petroleum product, similar to diesel fuel or home heating oil and a number of other chemicals, such as, terpenes and methylated cyclosiloxanes, which are not typically associated with petroleum products.

Terpenes are a class of organic compounds often found in citrus­based cleaning products and aromatherapy oils. Methylated cyclosiloxanes may be used in the production of silicone rubbers, as an alternative dry­cleaning solvent, and/or as an ingredient in cosmetic applications like skin creams and deodorants.

Five samples of the substance found in the sewer system and another sample of the substance floating on the surface of the Scranton Sewer Authority treatment plant have been collected and analyzed by DEP’s Bureau of Laboratories in Harrisburg.

In addition, four samples of raw and treated leachate from Keystone Landfill were collected and analyzed as part of DEP’s investigation.

Based on the analysis, a number of the chemicals identified are known to have strong odors. However, DEP has not been able to determine which specific chemical or combination of chemicals caused the malodor.

DEP has also determined, through the lab analysis, that the materials present in the samples of the malodorous substance are not the same as materials present in the leachate samples.

The Scranton Sewer Authority has determined that the substance has not compromised the operations of the sewage treatment plant or the sewer line.

DEP will continue to work closely with the Scranton Sewer Authority and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine how the substance was introduced into the sewer

line. NewsClip: Keystone Landfill Leachate Not Likely Source Of Stench StateImpact: PA Supreme Court To Hear More Arguments On Act 13 Drilling Law StateImpact PA reported Friday the PA Supreme Court Tuesday issued an order saying it will hear challenges to the Act 13 drilling law related to doctor access to fracking chemical information, eminent domain for natural gas storage facilities and certain exclusions from notification of spills for owners and residents relying on private water sources.

These three issues were remanded by the Supreme Court back to Commonwealth Court for rehearing after the December 2013 decision which invalidated limits on local regulation of drilling through zoning.

At the rehearing, Commonwealth Court decided against environmental interests on all three issues and they appealed the decision.

The Supreme Court also agreed to hear arguments related to an appeal by the Public Utility Commission on its role in denying drilling impact fee payments to municipalities that enact local ordinances restricting drilling.

StateImpact said the Supreme Court will not revisit its 2013 interpretation of the state’s Environmental Rights Amendment as invalidating Act 13’s limits on regulating oil and gas activities through local zoning. NewsClip: PA Supreme Court To Hear More Arguments On Act 13 Drilling Law Op­Ed: Despite PennLive.com Shale Series, PA Is Protecting Your Air And Water By John Quigley, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection The following is an op­ed by DEP Secretary John Quigley in response to a series published last week in by PennLive/The Patriot News regarding the regulation of natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.

When Patriot­News reporters started asking for data sets and requesting interviews with staff of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), we were proud to provide information about the work of our agency. Governor Wolf prioritized transparency and integrity in my January interview for the cabinet post, and it remains a hallmark of his administration.

Unconventional natural gas development presents both challenges and opportunities for Pennsylvania. It’s our challenge to ensure that industry accesses this resource in ways that protect our citizens and our environment while feeding the energy needs of citizens and business in the Commonwealth and beyond. And it’s our opportunity to take full economic advantage of this immense energy resource while ensuring that the extraction and transmission of it is done responsibly.

This past week, The Patriot­News/PennLive.com published a series of stories on the issues surrounding the development of Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale deposits. It’s an important

subject for every Pennsylvanian to understand because the technology only came of age a decade ago and has taken off.

Since 2008, Pennsylvania's natural gas production has increased dramatically, and Pennsylvania has become the second­largest supplier of natural gas in the nation.

Every Pennsylvanian should have access to accurate information about the industry, and about the agencies that regulate that industry.

But we do not feel that this recent series accurately reflected the full picture of tremendous work and effort of DEP over the past year and beyond to improve our efforts to protect the environment.

We welcome the scrutiny of this agency, but the hard­working women and men of DEP deserve to have the whole story be told.

In this administration, we strive to continually improve our performance in protecting Pennsylvania's air, land, water, and public health.

I not only agree with feedback aimed to ensure that we uphold our mission daily, and through the work of each agency employee, I encourage it.

Beyond the list of inaccuracies in this series of stories, though, there's something important missing.

For instance, we have been working hard since December 2013 to modernize the regulations under which this industry operates, and implement Act 13 of 2012.

Since the initial release of a draft rulemaking to amend The Pennsylvania Code (specifically, Chapter 78: Oil and Gas Wells under Title 25: Environmental Protection) in December 2013, we've taken in almost 30,000 public comments. Many came during the 12 public hearings we held on this subject, or were delivered to us online or by mail.

This was an unprecedented expression of the public's interest in this matter, and we've considered every one of those comments.

We've used the public comments, as well as our years of experience with the industry, to propose changes that will have a lasting impact on Pennsylvania's people, environment, and energy economy, and that I believe are balanced, incremental and appropriate for activities we oversee within the Oil and Gas Program.

In another example of how far DEP is going to ensure the public is heard, we are in the midst of a 14­stop listening tour to get input on a Clean Power Plan that fits Pennsylvania.

Tracking the thousands of wells that have been drilled during the shale boom is a daunting task.

Add in the other information that the public needs ­­ like the chemicals used, the source of the water for the hydraulic fracturing, and information about any violations or accidents that have occurred at a well site ­­ and the result is a literal mountain of paper.

One of the key goals of DEP under my leadership is to make that information more transparent and accessible.

This is not a quickly accomplished task, nor is it an easy one. DEP is an agency still transitioning from paper records and 1990s technology at best to fully digital and searchable archives.

When the transition is complete, Pennsylvanians will have easy access to everything about the wells in the state, from the day they are started to the day they are plugged.

That modernization takes funding. The series didn't note that Governor Wolf inherited a decimated DEP budget. DEP lost 14 percent of its staff complement over the last 10 years, well

over twice the state government average. Another sign that this administration is committed to improving protection is that the

Governor proposed a budget that provides a more than 5 percent increase over DEP's current budget to improve enforcement of Pennsylvania's environmental laws.

I fundamentally disagree most with the Patriot­News' characterization that the industry "has largely skated through the halls of power for a decade with no one there to say 'No.'" This agency, and in particular, this administration, knows full well its responsibility to protect Pennsylvania's air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. And we work hard to fulfill that responsibility every day. NewsClips: DEP Secretary Responds To Patriot­News Marcellus Shale Series Marcellus Shale Coalition Responds To Patriot Marcellus Shale Series Marcellus Shale Coalition: Fact Checking Patriot­News Series Editorial: 5 Things Will Make Shale Drilling Better For PA DEP: We Have A Lot Of Rebuilding To Do (Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) FracTracker, ForestEthics Host Oil Train Response Conference Nov. 13 FracTracker and ForestEthics will host an Oil Train Response 2015 Conference on November 13 at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center in Pittsburgh.

The one­day conference presented by The Heinz Endowments invites all interest groups to hear from experts about the scale and scope of this challenge, as well as updates on the current regulatory and legal frameworks; consider case studies about the actions/measures taken by various communities in response; and, participate in discussion sessions to explore solutions to better safeguard communities.

Elected officials, regulators, and emergency response professionals from Pennsylvania and beyond are especially encouraged to attend to take advantage of this important learning and networking opportunity.

These same groups will also host a two­day training workshop for grassroots and nonprofit organization leaders to provide them with skills for dealing with this critical issue.

The program is funded by The Heinz Endowments and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.

Click Here to register. For more information, visit the Oil Train Response 2015 webpage. PUC Urges Utilities To Help Consumers Prepare Now For Winter, Higher Heating Bills As part of its 13th year of “Prepare Now” education efforts, the Public Utility Commission Thursday urged utilities to take extra steps to help consumers – especially those on limited and fixed incomes – to prepare for winter heating costs.

A letter signed by the five PUC Commissioners has been sent to all of Pennsylvania’s electric and natural gas utility companies under the PUC’s jurisdiction, asking them to join the Commission in educating consumers about the many winter assistance programs and services

that are available. The letter also includes specific suggestions for utility companies and emphasizes that

they have more flexibility to make allowances for payment­troubled customers than the PUC does, under the law.

The PUC’s Prepare Now campaign provides consumers with simple tips to lower their energy bills, including shopping for electricity and natural gas, as well as ways to conserve energy around the house.

It also offers information about low­income programs that help consumers restore and maintain service.

“Many utility consumers who need assistance are still unaware of the programs available to help them restore or maintain utility service. Just as the Commission will be reminding consumers who call us about the availability of such programs, we urge all utilities to increase their outreach efforts to make sure that consumers receive information about any program for which they may be eligible,” the Commissioners wrote.

The Prepare Now campaign encourages consumers on limited or fixed incomes to call their utility about programs to help heat their homes or pay their energy bills such as Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) and Low Income Usage Reduction Programs (LIURP).

It also appeals to the companies to increase efforts to educate consumers about other programs, such as grants under the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Department of Human Services.

LIHEAP applications will be accepted starting November 2. At the same time, the Commission is reminding all parties – consumers and utilities alike

– that Chapter 56 of the Public Utility Code imposes an obligation of good faith, honesty and fair dealing.

The PUC’s message is simple – Prepare Now for winter energy costs: ­­ Learn more about conservation; ­­ Check your electric and natural gas bills and supplier contracts; ­­ Use PAPowerSwitch.com (electric) and PAGasSwitch.com to shop for services; ­­ Look into programs that help low­income customers maintain service; and ­­ Explore other steps to reduce long­term heating and energy consumption – such as weatherization programs, the addition of insulation and/or the installation of energy efficient appliances and lighting, which many consumers can do themselves.

Consumers interested in more information about these important programs can visit the PUC’s "Prepare Now" webpage; follow social media messages that contain the #PrepareNow tag; or call the PUC at 1­800­692­7380.

Consumer outreach specialists from the PUC are active across the state, conducting or participating in workshop events, free seminars, roundtable discussions and community fairs.

During those events, plain language materials and literature designed to educate consumers about assistance programs and their rights are handed out.

Materials include information on consumer rights in dealing with terminations and reconnections, available low­income programs and tips on how to “Prepare Now” for winter.

For more information on hosting a PUC consumer outreach specialist at a community event, please call 717­787­5722. NewsClips: How To Help NE PA People Struggling With Energy Bills

Company Takes Client­Centered Approach To Energy Efficiency Officials Push FirstEnergy’s LED Street Lighting Program Vampire Power: Sucking The Life Out Of Electronic Devices Start Applying For Low­Income Home Energy Assistance Nov. 2 Families struggling to pay heating bills or waking up to a broken furnace or a service shutdown can start applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) November 2.

If you're living in a family of four and have a household income less than $36,375, you qualify for LIHEAP. Click Here to find out if your household is eligible.

Visit the Compass website to apply for LIHEAP or contact your county assistance office or the LIHEAP hotline at 1­866­857­7095, Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1­800­451­5886). NewsClips: How To Help NE PA People Struggling With Energy Bills Company Takes Client­Centered Approach To Energy Efficiency Officials Push FirstEnergy’s LED Street Lighting Program Vampire Power: Sucking The Life Out Of Electronic Devices PEC Expresses Opposition To Bill Allowing Opt­Out Of Energy Efficiency Program The PA Environmental Council Monday expressed its opposition to Senate Bill 805 (Boscola­D­Lehigh) which would allow large commercial and industrial electric customers to opt out of the Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program.

The text of the letter to members of the Senate Consumer Protection and Licensure Committee from John Walliser, PEC’s Vice President For Legal and Government Affairs follows— Dear Members of the Committee:

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) I am writing to express our concerns with Senate Bill 805 (P.N. 922), which will be considered by the Committee tomorrow. This legislation allows large commercial and industrial customers to opt­out of the Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program.

Senate Bill 805 threatens the effectiveness of Act 129, which requires the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) to invest in energy efficiency measures across all sectors to meet specific electricity savings targets by year.

The program has been very successful in lowering electricity rates for all Pennsylvanians. In fact, total avoided costs in Phase I of the program were $4.2 billion, while implementation costs totaled $1.75 billion.

These figures do not account for associated water and natural gas savings, nor do they include environmental and public health benefits.

The proposed opt­out provision in Senate Bill 805 has the potential to radically alter the effectiveness of the program. We believe this legislation is not in the public interest for the following reasons: — Energy efficiency improvements under Act 129 benefit all users across the system through

lower electricity costs. The Sponsor Memorandum states that large customers are more likely to be able to make efficiency improvements independent of the Act 129 program and therefore should not have to participate.

However, by allowing this, Senate Bill 805 permits these users to continue to benefit financially from the program without contributing to it. This means less assistance is available for customers who need the financial support of the Act 129 program to make efficiency improvements. These smaller customers include homes, churches, small businesses, and schools. — According to PJM, demand response reduced consumer electricity costs by $11.8 billion in the 2013­2014 residual auction. Large industrial and commercial users are those most likely to participate in the Demand Response portion of Act 129. Allowing large customers to opt­out of the program reduces the potential for these benefits to all Pennsylvania ratepayers. — Allowing large customers to opt­out of participation will decrease benefits available to other participants, including small businesses, schools, and families. This is because energy efficiency improvements at large commercial and industrial sites typically cost less per kilowatt hour saved than those at smaller customer sites.

By allowing EDCs to bundle large and smaller customer projects, they are currently able to reap greater energy savings while staying under the spending cap. S.B. 805 would end these efficiencies. — EDCs are not currently mandated to meet a separate target for large industrial customers. Therefore, if an EDC’s approved plan includes a significant portion of energy savings resulting from this sector, an opt­out by those customers would drastically reduce the total amount of energy savings, defeating the original intent of the program. — Finally, the proposed legislation would change the length of Act 129 Phase III implementation from five years to three years. This change means that more resources are used on plan development and review, rather than on program implementation that results in actual energy savings.

In short, taking large customers out of the mix negatively impacts the overall program. We believe this legislation, as currently written, will only benefit a small number of customers and is not in the best interest of Pennsylvania. We urge you to oppose it. Thank you for your consideration. John Walliser Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs Pennsylvania Environmental Council

Click Here for a sponsor summary of the bill. The bill was reported out of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Committee Tuesday and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA

Environmental Council website. Click Here to sign up for free updates on PEC activities and how you can become involved. Sunbury Coal Power Plant To Be Replaced With 1,124 MW Natural Gas Plant Panda Power Funds announced Wednesday it has financed the 1,124 megawatt Panda “Hummel Station” power plant — one of the largest coal­to­natural gas power conversion projects in the United States.

The plant will be located at the site of the retired Sunbury coal­fired power plant near Shamokin Dam in Snyder County, Pennsylvania.

The 400 MW, 65­year­old plant was shuttered in 2014 in response to low natural gas prices and the onset of strict environmental regulations promulgated by the Obama Administration.

The Panda Hummel generating station will be fueled with Marcellus Shale gas, which is expected to provide the project with a significant operating cost advantage. The plant is expected to supply large power markets, including Philadelphia and the New York metropolitan area, when it enters commercial operations in the first quarter of 2018.

“The natural gas revolution has arrived in the heart of coal country,” said Todd W. Carter, president and senior partner of Panda Power Funds. “I’m proud Panda is leading the way toward clean natural gas­fueled generation. We’re ready to take what we’ve learned in Pennsylvania and apply it to other coal­fired projects across the nation.”

Panda’s Hummel generating station is expected to bring significant benefits to the region during construction and the life of the facility. Approximately 900 jobs will be created to construct the power plant over a two­and­a­half­year period.

The generating station will create approximately 35 direct, long­term jobs to run the facility and an estimated 52 indirect jobs within the community to support the plant.

By serving as the anchor tenant in the 192­acre Sunbury Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone, Hummel Station should also support additional investment at the site of the retired coal plant.

The power facility will also help support a long­term market for Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale gas producers and royalty owners.

The state­of­the­art Hummel Station generating facility will utilize the latest, most advanced emissions­control technology — making it one of the cleanest natural gas­fueled power plants in the nation.

While the new power station will supply 180 percent more power than the coal plant it replaces, SO2 and NOX emissions will be reduced by more than 90 percent.

The Panda Hummel generating station will also help preserve Pennsylvania’s fresh water resources by using 97 percent less water for cooling purposes than the retired coal­fired Sunbury plant.

Panda Power Funds selected a construction consortium of Siemens Energy Inc. and Bechtel Power Corp. to build the Hummel facility on a turn­key basis. Siemens will provide the power island package including the natural gas turbines, steam turbine, generators, heat recovery steam generators, and instrumentation and controls systems.

The turbines for the Hummel generating station will be manufactured at Siemens’ manufacturing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bechtel will be responsible for the engineering and procurement for the balance of the plant, and the installation, construction and commissioning of the facility.

The Panda Hummel Station power plant will access natural gas through the MARC 1 and Transcontinental regional gas pipelines.

Hummel Station will benefit from its close proximity to the Susquehanna­Roseland Electric Reliability Transmission Project, a recently completed 146­mile, 500 kV electric transmission line that was one of seven nationwide projects fast­tracked by the Obama Administration’s Rapid Response Team for Transmission.

The generating station will be located on the west bank of the Susquehanna River in Shamokin Dam Borough on the site of, and immediately adjacent to, the retired Sunbury coal plant. The Panda Hummel power plant will utilize existing infrastructure at the site for the electrical interconnection, water intake and storm water runoff systems.

Construction will take approximately 30 months. Panda Power Funds has two generating stations currently under construction in Bradford

and Lycoming counties. The 829 megawatt “Liberty” power plant, located in Towanda, Pennsylvania, is expected

to enter commercial operations in the first quarter of 2016. The 829 megawatt “Patriot” power plant, located near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is expected to enter commercial operations in the second quarter of 2016.

The Panda Liberty and Panda Patriot power plants were the first two power projects specifically developed to take advantage of their proximity to the Marcellus Shale gas formation.

For more information, visit the Panda Power Funds website. NewsClips: Natural Gas Power Plant To Replace Shuttered Coal Plant Invenergy Emergency Plan Details Worst­Case Scenario Penn State Natural Gas Utilization Conference Explored Infrastructure, Demand, Tech Nearly 250 national leaders in energy, business, academia and government gathered in Southpointe, Washington County Thursday for the fifth annual Penn State Natural Gas Utilization Conference.

This one­of­a­kind, two­day summit on natural gas use is being presented by America’s Natural Gas Alliance, Penn State Extension, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, and Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation & Commercialization Center.

“America’s natural gas supply offers countless economic opportunities for the country, especially in the mid­Atlantic and northeast,” explains ANGA Regional Director Paul Hartman. “However, we need the energy infrastructure in place to take full advantage of low, local natural gas prices.”

Hartman continues, “Despite its proximity to Appalachian shale gas, a recent study concluded that New England’s natural gas and electricity prices are among the highest in the U.S. In fact, failing to expand the region’s infrastructure will cost the region $5.4 billion in higher energy costs. Focusing on regions – such as New England ­­ and local industries where abundant natural gas supplies can meet growing demand is what makes this annual conference so important.”

The Natural Gas Utilization Conference is addressing a wide range of natural gas topics. Experts will discuss the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas use, as well as opportunities to deliver natural gas to more communities — both domestically and abroad.

Dominating this year’s discussion are issues affecting the transportation of natural gas and the impact infrastructure development is having on expanded natural gas use.

Attendees heard overviews of existing and proposed pipeline projects, natural gas export analyses, updates on policies surrounding the role of natural gas in power generation and natural gas adoption trends.

“Recent exchanges with Argentina, Canada and Europe have given me a clear view of the

huge amount of attention the world is paying to the Marcellus, Utica, Devonian and other northeast shale formations,” says Tom Murphy, director of MCOR. “We’re pleased to have a large, diverse audience at this conference to build new relationships and foster new ideas on how tomorrow’s economy can be fueled in part by Appalachian and American natural gas.”

“America has a once­in­a­lifetime opportunity to become the world’s strongest economy, thanks to robust shale reserves,” adds Bill Hall, director of SGICC. “New pipelines can be built safely, and if we do so in timely fashion, countless industries, government facilities, schools and nonprofits will benefit from low cost natural gas. Gas will fuel their energy needs and ease the burden on their operating costs.”

For more information, visit the 2015 Penn State Natural Gas Utilization website. NewsClips: Market For Natural Gas Includes Local, Global Reach Philadelphia Reaping Benefits Of Natural Gas Boom U.S. Natural Gas Stockpiles Near Record, Price Drops Natural Gas Needs Bone­Chilling Winter For Prices To Rebound Cove Point Terminal Set To Relieve Natural Gas Glut Almost A Billion Cubic Feet Of Gas Shut Down By Low Prices PPL Proposes New 475 Mile PA­NY Transmission Line Starting In Lackawanna County PPL Electric Utilities Corporation has begun the application and approval process for the first segment of Project Compass – a major new transmission line proposed by PPL Electric Utilities to provide significant benefits for consumers.

The first segment is a 95­mile, $500­million to $600­million line between Blakely, Lackawanna County, and Ramapo, N.Y.

The proposed 345­kilovolt link between the PJM Interconnection and the New York Independent System Operator is intended to make the electric grid more reliable and secure for people throughout the region, and to provide an estimated savings of at least $200 million per year for New York consumers by reducing transmission congestion.

PPL Electric Utilities filed an interconnection application with NYISO October 27. Additional approvals are needed from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the New York Public Service Commission, PJM and other agencies.

"This line would provide an important addition to the nation's transmission infrastructure," said Gregory N. Dudkin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. He noted that the company has extensive experience planning, obtaining approval for and building major regional transmission lines, including the recently energized Susquehanna­Roseland line and the nearly complete Northeast­Pocono Reliability Project.

Among the benefits of the first segment of Project Compass are: — Lower electric bills: PPL Electric Utilities estimates that electric customers in New York could save at least $200 million per year because the power line will reduce transmission congestion and lower the wholesale price for electricity. — Better electric service: The line is designed to make the electric grid more reliable and more secure for people throughout the region. — New jobs and economic development: A multi­year construction period for the power line, if approved, would create jobs and provide benefits for service businesses and the regional

economy. The exact route of the first segment of Project Compass has not yet been determined, and

must be approved by regulators in both states. PPL Electric Utilities will consider public input and work carefully with all appropriate regulators and environmental permitting agencies to find the best route.

The current schedule calls for the first segment to be in service by 2023. While the first segment can stand alone as a valuable grid improvement, PPL Electric

Utilities continues to refine the overall plan for the rest of Project Compass. As currently envisioned, the full project would run about 475 miles from western

Pennsylvania into southeastern New York. The cost of Project Compass is estimated at $3 billion to $4 billion. Capital expenditures

for Project Compass are not included in PPL Corporation's most recent capital expenditure projections. NewsClip: PPL Seeks To Start Massive Transmission Line Project

9 PA Schools Leading In EPA Athletic Conference Green Power Challenge Nine Pennsylvania schools are leading so far this season in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s College and University Green Power Conference Challenge.

Throughout the 2015­2016 academic year, EPA's Green Power Partnership will track the collegiate athletic conferences with the highest combined green power usage in the nation.

So far this year here are the standings­­ ­­ Ivy League: University of Pennsylvania (54% green power); ­­ University Athletic Association: Carnegie Mellon University (101% green power); ­­ Colonial Athletic Association: Drexel University (100% green power); ­­ Centennial Conference: Dickinson College (90% green power); ­­ Atlantic 10: Duquesne University (36% green power); ­­ North Coast Athletic Conference: Allegheny College (100% green power); ­­ Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference: Philadelphia University (100% green power); ­­ Middle Atlantic Conference: Lebanon Valley College (100% green power); and ­­ PA Athletic Conference: Mercyhurst University (105% green power).

Check EPA’s College and University Green Power Conference Challenge webpage for the latest rankings. NewsClip: Chesco Solar Project Talks May Restart DEP’s Last Listening Session On EPA’s Clean Power Climate Plan Nov. 4 In Williamsport The last in the series of 14 listening sessions DEP is holding on the federal Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon emissions from power plants will be held on November 4 in Williamsport, Lycoming County, at Penn College, Mountain Laurel Room, One College Avenue from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

DEP is soliciting comments on the Clean Energy Incentive Program component of the CPP and on the EPA­proposed federal plan that serves as a model rule for states developing their

state plans. Here are just a few of the comments submitted so far­­

­­ Pennsylvania Environmental Council ­­ Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance ­­ Energy Coordinating Agency in Philadelphia (Nonprofit) ­­ Bernard McGurl, Northeast PA ­­ Robert B. McKinstry, Jr., Esq. ­­ Waste­To­Energy Recovery Council ­­ Exelon Corporation ­­ American Lung Association­PA ­­ Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce ­­ PA Coal Alliance ­­ United Mine Workers Union ­­ PA Manufacturers’ Association ­­ Consumer Energy Alliance ­­ Michael Hanlon, Americans For Prosperity

The deadline for all comments is November 12. Comments on the Clean Power Plan can be submitted online. Click Here to see comments submitted by others so far.

For more background, visit DEP’s Climate Change webpage. NewsClip: $2.4M Grant To Be Used To Study Climate Change Oct. 29 DEP News Now Available The October 29 issue of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental Protection featuring stories on­­ ­­ Op­Ed: Despite The PennLive.com Shale Series, DEP Is Protection Air, Land, Water ­­ DEP Secretary Convenes 4th Meeting Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force ­­ Update On DEP Investigation Into Scranton Sewer Malodor Event ­­ DEP: Keystone Landfill To Answer Unresolved Issues In Expansion Application ­­ Good Samaritan Abandoned Mine Reclamation Focus Of Congressional Hearing ­­ John Stefanko Makes Presentation To Brazil On DEP’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation ­­ DEP To Host Nov. 5 Meeting On Jeanesville Mine Fire In Lackawanna County ­­ Lackawanna Streambank Fencing Installation Promotes Water Quality ­­ DEP’s Heidi Kunka Honored With Greenest Apple Award By Green Building Council ­­ DEP, DCNR Hold High School Career Expo In Harrisburg ­­ Click Here to sign up for your own copy. U.S. Army Announces Claims Process For Damages Sustained In Runaway Blimp Incident The PA Emergency Management Agency announced Friday the U.S. Army has established a process for filing claims by citizens who sustained damages or losses related to the runaway JLENS blimp incident over Eastern Pennsylvania on October 28.

Inquiries regarding the claims process can be directed by email to: usarmy.apg.usag.mbx.legal­assistance@mail.mil, or call 410­278­9849 or write: Commander,

US Army Garrison Aberdeen Proving Ground, ATTN: AMCLC­APG­JAL, 4305 Susquehanna Avenue, 3rd Floor, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005.

Instructions for filing a claim can be found on the U.S. Army’s Potential JLENS/Blimp Claims webpage. NewsClips: 27,000 Left Without Power By Runaway Military Blimp Army Starts To Take Damage Claims Over Wayward Blimp PEC’s First PA Environmentalist Looks At Conservation Through Cooperation

The inaugural issue of The Pennsylvania Environmentalist from the PA Environmental Council examines PEC’s brand of advocacy embodied in the simple phrase, “Conservation Through Cooperation.”

For 45 years, Conservation Through Cooperation has been the guiding principle behind PEC’s mission and has distinguished it from virtually every other environmental advocacy organization, not only in Pennsylvania, but

nationally. It has earned PEC a reputation as an honest broker of ideas and opened doors to dialogue

between disparate parties in a wide range of environmental debates between deeply­entrenched opponents.

To casual observers and the uninitiated, PEC’s mantra has sometimes been conveniently misinterpreted as a pseudonym for “pro­industry,” or worse. But there’s no denying its influence in successfully finding solutions to otherwise unsolvable environmental problems.

To be sure, PEC’s track record in getting opposing points of view to cooperate for the common good on such intractable issues as hazardous waste, brownfield development, unconventional natural gas drilling, water quality, and a host of others is both long and undeniable.

It’s an uncommon, if not extraordinary strategy for bringing about environmental change, and one that other environmental nonprofit organizations have set as the standard.

In this issue of The PA Environmentalist, we hear from a variety of voices reflecting on PEC’s approach to protecting and restoring the environment.

Click Here to read the entire issue. For more information on programs, events and initiatives, visit the PA Environmental

Council website. Click Here to sign up for monthly updates from PEC. Also visit the PEC Blog for regular updates between the monthly updates published by PEC. PA Wilds Program Awards Mini­Grants To Promote Tourism In The 13­County Region The PA Wilds Program Team Friday announced the award of grants under its 2015 Mini­Grant Program.

The PA Wilds Team had $25,000 total to award, and awarded all of that across five projects, leveraging a total of $45,500 in match contributions – more than the required dollar­for­dollar match. More than $130,000 in funding requests were received.

Grants were given to: ­­ PA Route 6 – For development of Dark Sky orientation kits with information on the dark skies, maps to the park, sky maps for home viewing, red filters for flashlights and a sticker identifying “star gazers.” The kits will be distributed to Galeton school children, made available at local businesses and at festivals free of charge. ­­ Oh My Stars, Endless Mountains Music Fest – Supports arts and music programming in conjunction with state park programming and events at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, a major attraction in the Pennsylvania Wilds. ­­ Cameron County Industrial Development Authority –This project will cover expenses to professionally landscape the Northern Tier Community Action Corp. building, a historic landmark in the town that is important to community revitalization efforts. ­­ Elk County Striders – To support the continued growth of the Bolder Dash, a 20­mile trail run that highlights some of the most dramatic woods in Elk County drawing runners, walkers and hikers from local areas and outside the region. ­­ PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship ­ For development of an external branding and marketing strategy for the PA Wilds Artisan Trail.

Community Project Teams that participated in two past workshops offered by the PA Wilds Team, in 2007 and 2012, were invited to apply to the mini­grant program.

The 2007 workshop entitled “Balancing Commerce and Nature for Sustainable Community Development” included seven teams of community leaders to address issues of specific concern to their areas and to create “vision to action” plans to guide collaboration among diverse interests in their communities.

The 2012 workshop entitled “Connecting Nature, Economy, and Community Character,” included nine teams from several different counties looking to advance sustainable tourism projects important to their areas and that revolve around the region’s natural and cultural assets.

Funding for the Planning Team’s 2015 Mini­Grant Program was provided through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation and Partnerships Grant Program and therefore must adhere to all statewide rules and regulations.

Awardees have one year to complete their project. The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk, Potter,

McKean, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield, Jefferson, Cameron and Clarion, Northern Centre.

For more information programs, initiatives and events, visit the PA Wilds Team. Click Here to sign up for monthly updates from PA Wilds. NewsClips: Fall Foliage: Your Last Best Chance Of 2015 Fall Foliage: Some Spots Of Brilliant Color Remain In PA Fall Colors Brighten Erie Region 7 Reasons To Visit The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Nescopeck State Park Opens Nature Play Area A Serene Canal Path Where Washington Crossed The Delaware Parts Of 3 Rivers Heritage Trail Open In The Pittsburgh Hundreds Fill Lackawanna Trail With S’Mores, Scarecrows Trail Pittsburgh Volunteers Devote Hours to Maintenance Op­Ed: Learning The Outdoors Is Still A Must

Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch East Street Project Will Make Room For Bike Lanes Philly Bike Share Aims To Serve Lower­Income Neighborhoods Cycling Group Pleads For Safety Measures In Oakland McCandless Wetland Park Idea Debated Brodhead Watershed Assn. Autumn Wander Nov. 15 In Monroe County Brodhead Watershed Association and Pocono Heritage Land Trust naturalists will lead and Autumn Wander on November 15 through the nature­decorated 777­acre Paradise Price Preserve, a gem in the Monroe County Open Space Program that features natural history and abundant beauty.

In addition to protecting significant headwater lands, small tributary streams,forested wetlands and numerous coldwater springs, this natural area includes the beautiful Targa Falls on Brodhead Creek, and connects open space lands across Price, Paradise and Barrett townships, forming nearly 1,600 contiguous acres.

Hike leaders Don Miller and Bill Sweeney will introduce participants to several trails and natural features on this and other protected properties in the Cranberry Creek watershed. Hikers can also visit nearby Targa Falls.

The walk will be on level to slightly uphill terrain, both on and off trail. Participants should be comfortable in an outdoor setting for several hours, and dress comfortably to be outdoors with footwear appropriate for walking in the woods.

Meet: From Routes 940 and 191 in Paradise Valley (near Crescent Lodge), take Cranberry Road to Henry’s Crossing Road. The trailhead parking area is off Henry’s Crossing Road, just after crossing the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad.

Cost: Suggested donations are $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers; children 12 and under walk for free.

Registration: Contact PHLT at 570­424­1514 or send email to: info@phlt.org. For more information on programs, events and initiatives, visit the Brodhead Watershed

Association website. Click Here to sign up for the Association’s quarterly newsletter. Western PA Society For Conservation Biology Annual Conference Nov. 7 In Clarion The Western PA Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology will hold its annual conference at Clarion University in Clarion on November 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The conference theme, "Crossing Borders: Conservation through Interdisciplinary Science," will focus on white­tailed deer.

Thomas Simmons, professor of biology at Indiana State University, will present his research on ticks and Lyme disease as the keynote speaker.

In its third year, the event brings together conservationists from the region and challenge them to think more broadly about the difficulties faced in modern conservation efforts.

Click Here for more information. Manada Conservancy Hosts Forest Insect Pests Of PA Workshop Nov. 10

The Manada Conservancy will host a public workshop on Forest Insect Pests of PA on November 10 at the Perking Point in the Giant Shopping Center on Rt. 39 at 257 Hershey Road in Hummelstown in Dauphin County.

Forest insect pests adversely affect forest and landscape settings. When forest trees are impacted, it can change an entire ecosystem and also result in significant economic losses.

Join the Conservancy to learn and ask your questions about current pest infestations happening around Pennsylvania right now including the Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Gypsy moth, a handful of native caterpillars, and the Spotted Lanternfly with Tim Marasco of the DCNR Bureau of Forestry.

Please register by sending email to: office@manada.org or call 717­566­4122. For more information on other programs and initiatives, visit the Manada Conservancy

website. Click Here to subscribe to the Conservancy’s mailing list (left panel). Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Training Day Dec. 5 In Pike County The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce an Eagle Watch Volunteer Training Day on December 5, from 9:00 a.m. ­1 p.m. in Lackawaxen, Pike County.

New volunteers will meet at the Upper Delaware Visitor Center (176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen) at 9 a.m. Then, new and existing volunteers will gather next door at the Inn at Lackawaxen at from 10 a.m.­12 p.m. From 12 p.m.­1 p.m., attendees will visit the eagle observation areas.

Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our magnificent national bird, to help protect eagles in their habitat, and to assist in educating the public about sharing our region with eagles.

Volunteers are trained to monitor and collect data about the large population of eagles that migrate to this region every winter. Volunteers also learn how to help the thousands of people who want to view the eagles in the safest and least intrusive manner, and share “Eagle Etiquette” tips.

Volunteers are also needed to help staff the Visitor Center on weekends. Interact with like­minded eagle enthusiasts, without needing to be out in the cold!

Binoculars, spotting scopes, training manuals, data forms, and hand warmers are provided by the Conservancy. The winter Eagle Watch program runs through January and February, weekends only. Volunteers may cover morning or afternoon shifts.

The main monitoring areas are the Mongaup Reservoir and the Delaware River at Minisink Falls and the Zane Grey boat launch at Lackawaxen.

Trained eagle volunteers are also needed throughout the year to help staff booths, participate in workshops, and be a part of other eagle­related Conservancy events.

It is highly recommended that all new volunteers attend the training day. Please dress warmly – waterproof boots, hats and gloves. If you cannot attend, please contact us to make alternate arrangements. Volunteers should be able to withstand cold temperatures and enjoy interacting with the public.

The Conservancy’s Eagle Watch program is supported in part by grant funding from the American Eagle Foundation; the Land Trust Alliance; Orange and Rockland; Sullivan County; and The Philadelphia Foundation.

Advance registration for the Training Day is required. Send an email to

volunteer@delawarehighlands.org, or call 570­226­3164 or 845­583­1010. For more information, visit the Eagle Watch Volunteer Training Day webpage. For

more information on programs, events and activities, visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for the Conservancy’s email list.

American Kestrels Return To Stroud Preserve In Chester County By offering protected nesting space at Stroud Preserve, Natural Lands Trust has given American Kestrels a reason to return to West Chester in Chester County.

This past spring, Stroud Preserve Manager Mike Coll made the decision to close the walking trail through Bobolink Meadow during bird breeding season (April – August).

This meant that the Bobolink Meadow was reserved for the breeding of sensitive bird species, including the Bobolinks, which are ground­nesting birds that can be easily disturbed by humans or dogs.

Closing this trail also gave the American Kestrel an opportunity to reproduce in a nesting box installed on the preserve.

Counts of migrant American Kestrels suggest declining numbers in the northeast, making conservation efforts in this region critical.

American Kestrels generally nest in open areas, and as development moves in, the Kestrel moves out. Permanently protected land like Stroud Preserve—one of 42 nature preserves owned and managed by Natural Lands Trust—provide an essential habitat for Kestrels and help stabilize their population.

Preserve Manager Mike Coll said “Kestrels are easily disturbed by humans and, although a box had been present at Stroud for a number of years, I had never observed Kestrels nesting there until this year. The trail previously came almost directly beneath the box and it’s likely that this was the reason they hadn’t used it.”

You can view a Natural Lands Trust video of the birds in the nest online. For more information on events, programs and initiatives, visit the Natural Lands Trust

website. Click Here to sign up for NLT activities.

Game Commission: High­Tech Cameras Scary­Effective In Protecting Bats An alert sounds through a smartphone speaker. A real­time trail­camera photo has just been sent by text message to a Game Commission wildlife conservation officer. People are trespassing again at an abandoned mine site, perhaps not even realizing any breach into the mine poses a serious and potentially lethal threat to already­beleaguered cave­bat populations there. With the alert sent, the officer makes it to the mine in time to head off the trespassers. Soon word spreads that officers seem to making

appearances at the mine just about every time someone shows up there. People stop going there. And, in what are dark days for bats in Pennsylvania and throughout the eastern United

States, every bat in the mine has a better chance of surviving because of it. This is a scenario that has played out – time and again – in Pennsylvania in the past year.

And thanks to generous donations from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, even more of the state’s important bat sites can be given round­the­clock protection through the watchful eyes of these high­tech cameras.

The Trouble with Trespassers Since 2009, Pennsylvania’s bat populations have been decimated by white­nose

syndrome, a condition that causes bats to rouse during hibernation, burning the fat reserves they depend on to make it through winter and, ultimately, killing them.

Some bat species have experienced a 99­percent population decline, said Greg Turner, a bat biologist with the Game Commission who is among those leading research into the disease.

White­nose syndrome is caused by a cold­loving fungus that contaminates the caves and abandoned mines where many bats hibernate and reproduce. At present, all of Pennsylvania’s bat­hibernation sites are presumed to be contaminated with the fungus, Turner said.

Although the disease has had devastating impacts, survivors remain, and continue to hibernate at these infected sites year after year.

Eliminating the chance these survivors are disturbed by people entering caves and mines for recreation could be the difference between life and death for bats, Turner said. Any disturbance that causes bats to rouse decreases their chances of surviving through the winter, he said.

“It doesn’t matter who the person is, or what their motivation is for going into a cave or mine,” Turner said. “All anybody would have to do is walk into one of these caves and talk, or walk into one and shine a light around, and while that type disturbance might seem small, it almost certainly would rouse bats and it might well push them beyond any chance of surviving through the winter.”

Helping Us Help Bats The Game Commission for years has gone to lengths to keep people out of caves and

mines that are important to hibernating bats. Gates that are friendly to bats but restrict people from entering have been placed at cave

entrances. Areas leading to caves have been posted “No Trespassing.” And law­enforcement patrols near cave sites have been stepped up in an effort to catch trespassers.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent. Yet, intrusions continued, and in some areas, they still do.

More recently, however, a new tool became available to the Game Commission in addressing these continuing problems: Cameras, that not only can capture visual evidence of trespassing crimes at sensitive bat caves, but that send text messages to alert on­duty officers and radio dispatchers an intrusion is taking place.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lent the Game Commission two such cameras and, since January, the cameras resulted in more than 50 contacts between officers and suspected trespassers, and more than 20 citations were issued as a result.

And they also proved helpful in monitoring other illegal activity on state game lands. Still, more cameras were needed to monitor more protected areas where breaches too

frequently occur. There was one problem – at about $1,200 each, the cameras aren’t cheap; and

the Game Commission already is operating on a tight budget that would make the purchase of additional cameras impossible.

That’s where the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation stepped in, combining to purchase 12 cameras for the Game Commission, with two cameras going to each of the agency’s six regions.

Lora Zimmerman, who supervises the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Pennsylvania Field Office, said the agency was proud to partner in the initiative.

“As we continue to look for solutions to white­nose syndrome, it is essential that we minimize other threats – especially protecting hibernacula, where bats congregate in large numbers,” Zimmerman said. “The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is grateful for the Game Commission's initiative and commitment to protecting these important species and their habitat.”

Vern Ross, the executive director of the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, said stepping in to help purchase the cameras fits with the nonprofit’s mission to preserve all wildlife for all Pennsylvanians.

“Wildlife For Everyone proudly supports the Pennsylvania Game Commission and this particular endeavor without any hesitation,” Ross said. “Whenever a species is threatened, it is our responsibility as an organization and wildlife enthusiasts to protect those valuable creatures and their habitats.”

David J. Putnam, president of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners, said people have gone to extraordinary lengths to breach sites that have been fortified to protect bats. They have broken through locked gates, tunneled around them, cut through fences and ignored numerous signs instructing them to keep out of caves and mines.

The cameras work to address all of these problems, Putnam said, and increase the chances of survival for hibernating bats and their young. Most white­nose syndrome mortality occurs during hibernation, and disturbances can lead to higher mortality.

“We have had reports for years of people trespassing at these sites, even ones with federally listed endangered bats in them, but those people have been difficult to catch,” Putnam said. “Now we have the advantage.

“This aggressive, statewide law­enforcement effort is the first of its kind, and will protect bats where they are most vulnerable,” Putnam said. “And by doing everything we can to protect bats at all times of year, we maximize their chances for recovery.”

Word About Pictures Spreads In northeastern Pennsylvania, through an opening in a rocky slope that leads into an old

coal mine, is one of Pennsylvania’s most important sites for hibernating bats. Just seven years ago, upward of 75,000 bats would winter there. Six different species,

including the federally endangered Indiana bat and the federally threatened northern long­eared bat were documented there.

Since the onset of white­nose syndrome, however, winter totals at the site have dropped to about 1,500.

Turner said it’s important to note, though, while fewer bats are hibernating at the site, survivors do continue to return there year after year.

“And we must do whatever we can to protect them, and their young,” he said. At this mine alone, officers issued 24 citations for trespassing and other illegal activity,

said Mark Rutkowski, law­enforcement supervisor for the Game Commission’s Northeast Region. And if the trespassing took place during the months bats were hibernating there,

citations were issued not only for ignoring no­entry signs, but for disturbance of wildlife. In more than a few cases, the judge enacted a maximum fine of $1,500 against those who

were charged, Rutkowski said. And as more arrests were made, activity near the mine site began to drop sharply, he said.

In recent months there’s been nary a text. People took notice. “With texts being sent from the cameras, we were getting there quickly, and even those

few times we weren’t there quite quick enough to catch trespassers in the act, we had enough evidence to launch investigations into the incidents,” Rutkowski said. “We’ve seen a dramatic reduction in the number of incidents since we began our camera­aided enforcement.

“In fact, it’s been awhile since any of our officers in the region have gotten one of those texts from the cameras,” Rutkowski said. “But the next time they do, they’ll certainly be ready to respond.”

Enforcing Broadly With the eight cameras donated by the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation,

and the additional four donated by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, important bat sites statewide can be monitored in the same manner, and trespassing problems erased, said R. Matthew Hough, executive director for the Game Commission.

The biggest benefit will be experienced by the state’s bats, and the millions of Pennsylvanians, some of whom might not even realize all of what bats provide in controlling mosquitoes and other insects.

“We truly are grateful to the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for their generous donations,” Hough said. “Without their help, we couldn’t afford such a purchase during paper­thin budget years like this one. So to each of you, thank you.

“These cameras have proven effective in stopping intrusions at important bat sites at a time when our bats need all the help they can get,” Hough said. “And I am proud we have partners not only who recognize that fact, but who step up to do something about it and make a tangible difference. You exemplify what conservation partnerships are all about.”

For more information, visit the Game Commission’s Pennsylvania Bats and White­Nose Syndrome webpages. DEP Launching New Website On November 6 The Department of Environmental Protection will be launching a new website on November 6. Users of the existing website may see an interruption of service at the old site.

The existing site will also be updated so the search engines point to webpage on the new site. If you have any trouble locating content on the new website, send email to: RA­epcontactus@pa.gov. DEP’s Heidi Kunka Honored With Greenest Apple Award By Green Building Council The Central PA Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council honored DEP Energy Program Specialist Heidi Kunka with its “Greenest Apple” award at it's October 22 Forever Green Awards.

The award honors a volunteer who has helped make great strides in

promoting greener schools in the region. Kunka has played an active role in promoting environmentally friendly, energy efficient

practices in schools across the state. She is on the advisory council for the PA Green and Healthy Schools Partnership, where she is also chairperson for the School Engagement Task Force.

Earlier this year, she led efforts to host Pennsylvania’s first­ever statewide recognition ceremony for U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School honorees. She has also served as a reviewer for Green Ribbon Schools and Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance’s Moving to the Head of the Class Award.

As an Energy Program Specialist in DEP’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance, Kunka has played a key role in creating and implementing various workshops for educators and building managers to learn how to implement energy efficient practices in their buildings.

Kunka has also helped organize and present green education sessions at the PA Association of School Business Officials conferences.

Kunka is a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Accredited Professional and devotes much of her free time volunteering for green initiatives. She helped organize the October 3 Green Apple Day of Service at Infinity Charter School. She is also on the USGBC Central PA Board of Directors. (Reprinted from the Oct. 29 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates. November 2­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program Workshop. Camp Hill Borough Building, Prosser Hall, 2145 Walnut St., Camp Hill. 9:30 to 12:30. November 3­­ Environmental Quality Board hearing on proposed changes to the Chapter 109 Total Coliform Rule. DEP’s New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Rd., New Stanton. 1:00. (formal notice) November 3­­ Webcast Meeting. Agenda Posted. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 10:00. This meeting will now be webcast. Click Here to register for the 10:00 morning session. Click Here to register for the 1:00 afternoon session. Contact: Mark Brojakowski, DEP, 717­772­3429 or mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice) ­­ Overview Discussion Of EPA Clean Power Climate Plan ­­ Review Of 2015 Climate Change Action Plan Update ­­ Macroeconomic Analysis Presentation And Discussion ­­ Work Plan Voting Record Review ­­ Click Here for available handouts.

November 3­­ DCNR public meeting to review draft State Forest Management Plan. State College, Ramada Inn­Nittany Room. 6:30. November 3­­ Election Day. November 4­­ DEP Listening Session On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan. Lycoming County, Penn College – Williamsport, Mountain Laurel Room, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. November 4­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program Workshop. Pine Community Center, 100 Pine Park Drive, Wexford. 9:30 to 12:30. November 4­­ PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop in Allegheny County. Churchill Borough Office. 7:00 p.m. November 4­­ NEW. PROP Recycling Education and Social Media Workshop. Bellefonte, Centre County. November 5­­ CANCELED. House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on PJM’s role in the regional electrical grid. Room 60 East Wing. 10:00. November 5­­ Environmental Quality Board hearing on proposed changes to the Chapter 109 Total Coliform Rule. DEP’s Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 1:00. (formal notice) November 5­­ Location/Time Change. Agenda Posted. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southeast Regional Office, Delaware Room, 2 East Main Street Norristown. 9:00. New: DEP will now webcast this meeting. Click Here to register. ­­ Introduce of the New Environmental Justice Director, Executive Staff ­­ Agency Update By DEP Secretary John Quigley ­­ EJAB Communications Team Update ­­ Policy Update ­­ EJAB Comments on EPA Clean Power Climate Plan ­­ Legislative Update ­­ Keystone Landfill Expansion Public Engagement ­­ Urban Stormwater Management ­­ Click Here for available handouts. November 5­­ Agenda Posted. DEP Drinking Water Plant Operator Certification Program Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Cheri Sansoni­717­772­5158. (formal notice) ­­ 2015 Operator Certification External Survey Results ­­ Committee Action on External Review Report ­­ Click Here for available handouts

November 5­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program Workshop. Quality Inn Event & Banquet Center, 1411 Liberty St., Franklin. 9:30 to 12:30. November 5­­ DEP public meeting on Jeansville Mine Fire, Luzerne County. Tresckow Volunteer Fire Company, 26 East Oak St., Tresckow, PA 18254. 6:00. November 7­­ PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop in Allegheny County. Mt. Lebanon Library. 11:00 a.m. November 7­­ Tree Pittsburgh 1st Pittsburgh Ginkgo Fest. Highland Park, Allegheny County. 1:00. November 7­­ Keystone College Environmental Education Institute Protecting and Restoring Forests and Waterways Impacted by Hemlock Trees. Lackawanna Hall at Keystone College in LaPlume, Lackawanna County. 9:30 to 12:30. November 7­­ NEW. Western PA Chapter Society For Conservation Biology Annual Conference. Clarion University, Clarion. November 9­­ FirstEnergy, DEP LED Street Lights Workshop. Cabela's Conference Center, 100 Cabela Drive, Hamburg. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. November 9­­ Trail Town Program Trip Planning and Marketing Workshop in Emlenton, Venango County. 1:00 to 4:30. November 10­­ [Agenda Not Posted] DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Daniel Snowden, DEP, 717­783­8846 or dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice) November 10­­ DCNR public meeting to review draft State Forest Management Plan. Carlisle, Comfort Suites. 6:30. November 10­­ Commonwealth Financing Authority. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. 10:30. November 10­­ Delaware River Basin Commission holds a hearing on proposed water withdrawal and discharges requests. [Additional details will be posted on this webpage.] Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 1:30. (formal notice & agenda) November 10­­ NEW. Manada Conservancy Forest Insect Pests Of PA Workshop. Hummelstown, Dauphin County. November 12­­ PA Resources Council Annual Awards Dinner. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

November 12­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program Workshop. Luzerne County Community College, Building 10, Educational Conference Center, 1333 South Prospect St., Nanticoke. 9:30 to 12:30. November 12­­ DCNR public meeting to review draft State Forest Management Plan. Williamsport, Genetti Hotel­Terrace Room. 6:30. November 12­­ Recycling Markets Development Center Electronics Waste Summit. Hilton Garden Inn, Harrisburg. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November 13­14­­ 10th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium. Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Union County. November 15­­ NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association Autumn Wander, Paradise Price Preserve. Monroe County. November 16­­ CANCELED. House Labor and Industry Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 635 (Evankovich­R­Allegheny) changing the procedures for adoption of the Uniform Construction Code (sponsor summary). Room G­50 Irvis Building. 10:00. November 16­­ NEW. Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee. Presentation by PA Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Room 8E­A of the East Wing Capitol Building. Noon. November 16­­ Trail Town Program Bikes, Kayaks and More and Running A Sustainable Business Workshop. Ohiopyle, Fayette County. 10:30 to 3:30. November 16­20­­ U.S. Forest Service Stream Simulation Design Approach for Providing Aquatic Organism Passage at Road­Stream Crossings Workshop. State College. November 17­­ Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. November 17­­ DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. November 17­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program Workshop. The Historic Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown. 9:30 to 12:30. November 17­­ PA Resources Council Backyard Composting Workshop. National Aviary, Allegheny County. 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. November 17­­ NEW. PA Waste Industries Assn. & Recycling Markets Development Center PA Recycling Industries Congress. East Wing Rotunda, Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 8:00 a.m.

to 3:00 p.m. November 17­­ Recycling Markets Development Center Social Media and Environmental Sustainability Webinar. 1:30 to 2:45. November 18­­ NEW. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Conference Room, Susquehanna River Basin Commission offices, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 9:30. Contact: Sean Gimbel, 717­783­4693 or send email to: sgimbel@pa.gov. (formal notice) November 18­­ DCNR public meeting to review draft State Forest Management Plan. Harrisburg, Rachel Carson Building. 1:30. November 18­­ DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Susquehanna Conference Rooms, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 1:00. (formal notice) November 18­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program Workshop. The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College. 9:30 to 12:30. November 18­­ Fish & Boat Commission meeting on Kettle Creek Watershed regulation changes, Potter, Tioga counties. The Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park, located at 4843 Park Road, Austin, PA. 6:30 p.m. November 19­­ NEW. Senate Democratic Policy Committee meets on Senate Bill 282 (Vulakovich­R­Allegheny) establishing a waterfront development tax credit (sponsor summary). Holy Family University, Philadelphia. 11:00. November 20­­ Wildlands Conservancy's Annual Green Gala. DeSales University campus in Center Valley, Lehigh County. November 30­­ PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop in Allegheny County. Castle Shannon Library. 7:00 p.m. December 4­­ DEP hearing on the Matt Canestrale Contracting, Inc. NPDES for 9 outfalls located in Luzerne Township, Fayette County and Bethlehem Township, Washington County. LaBelle Volunteer Fire Department, 1101 LaBelle Road, LaBelle, Fayette County. 1:00 ­ 3:00 p.m. Contact: Bonnie Herbert, DEP, 724­769­1100. (PA Bulletin, page 6331). December 5­­ NEW. Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Training Day. Lackawaxen, Pike County. December 8­­ NEW. House Labor and Industry Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 635 (Evankovich­R­Allegheny) changing the process for adopting the Uniform Construction Code updates (sponsor summary). Room 205 Ryan Building. 8:30.

December 8­­ DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. December 8­­ DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00. December 9­­ Delaware River Basin Commission holds a business meeting on proposed water withdrawal and discharges requests. [Additional details will be posted on this webpage.] Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. (formal notice & agenda) December 10­­ DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. December 10­­ DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. December 15­­ Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. December 16­­ DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice) December 16­­ DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting. Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. December 17­­ DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. January 12­­ Southwest PA Planning Commission MS4 Stormwater Workshop ­ Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control, Post­Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment. Blairsville Community Center, 101 East North Lane, Blairsville, PA, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. January 13­­ DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Dixon University Center, 2986 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 1:00. (formal notice) Contact: RA­EPPITF@pa.gov. January 13­­ Southwest PA Planning Commission MS4 Stormwater Workshop ­ Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control, Post­Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment. Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA. 9:00 a.m. to Noon. February 26­27— 2016 Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. March 10­­ Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Land Ethics Symposium. Delaware Valley

University, Doylestown. March 14­16­­ PA Association of Environmental Educators Annual Conference. The Inn at Pocono Manor, Pocono Manor, Monroe County. April 14­15­­ NEW. West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium. Toftrees Resort and Conference Center, State College. May 4­­ NEW. PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference Center, State College. May 11­13­­ PA Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference. State College. Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Comment System Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage Recently Finalized Regulations ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update ­ DEP webpage DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Comment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Comment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals ­ DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011­12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to

the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Grants & Awards This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. November 3­­ Prudential Spirit Of Community Student Awards November 6­­ DCNR 2016 Trail Of The Year November 20­­ DEP Section 902 Recycling Implementation Grants December 1­­ Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence December 1­­ Youth Garden Grants December 18­­ Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants December 18­­ DEP Environmental Education Grants December 31­­ DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Vehicle Rebates January 1­­ DEP Small Business Advantage Grants (first­come, first­served) January 15­ DCNR/PRPS Green Parks Awards January 15­­ Bowman’s Hill Preserve Land Ethics Awards March 1­­ Southwest Clear The Air Student Poster Challenge April 13­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program ­­ Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Environmental NewsClips ­ All Topics Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more­­ A new Franklin & Marshall Poll released Thursday found 62 percent of voters believe the state is on the wrong track, an 8 point increase from 2 months ago. Only 36 percent said Gov. Wolf was doing a good or excellent job, but 51 percent blamed state legislators for the ongoing budget impasse. 67 percent favored a tax on natural gas. Alternative Energy Chesco Solar Project Talks May Restart

Awards & Recognition Philadelphia Makes 15 Greenest Cities List Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Biodiversity Carlisle Gets New Native Plant Garden Budget DEP: We Have A Lot Of Rebuilding To Do Environmental Agencies Feel Pinch Of Budget Impasse Budget Impasse Enters 5th Month, But Signs Of Progress GOP Budget Discussions Remain In A Preliminary Phase Increase In Sales, Income Tax See As Unlikely In Budget Deal State Budget Woes Deepen PA Spends $27 Billion During Budget Impasse State Hires State Meteorologist And Pays For Forecasting Hiring Of State Meteorologist Draws Stormy Response Senate Rs, Ds Take Out $9M Loan To Pay Their Employees Legislature, With No Budget, Prepares For Vacation No State Budget, But Lawmakers Continue To Raise Cash Climate $2.4M Grant To Be Used To Study Climate Change Delaware River Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Drinking Water Billing Problem Blamed On New Water Meters In Pittsburgh Emergency Response Train Cars Hauling Coal Derailed In Fayette County Coal Train Cars Derail In Brownsville 27,000 Left Without Power By Runaway Military Blimp Army Starts To Take Damage Claims Over Wayward Blimp Energy Natural Gas Power Plant To Replace Shuttered Coal Plant Invenergy Emergency Plan Details Worst­Case Scenario TMI Reactor Shuts Down For Maintenance The Economist: The Future Of Nuclear Energy How To Help NE PA People Struggling With Energy Bills Company Takes Client­Centered Approach To Energy Efficiency Officials Push FirstEnergy’s LED Street Lighting Program Vampire Power: Sucking The Life Out Of Electronic Devices 27,000 Left Without Power By Runaway Military Blimp PPL Seeks To Start Massive Transmission Line Project Environmental Group Appeals FirstEnergy Coal Ash Permit Treats At The Gasoline Pump Should Continue Into November Falling Fuel Prices Could Result In Added Service Consol Energy Spinoff Reports Rise In Profits Westinghouse Deal May Open Path To More Nuclear Projects

Environmental Education Op­Ed: Learning The Outdoors Is Still A Must Farming Activities Dickinson Uses Restaurant To Educate Community About Farming Forests American Chestnuts Rise Where Other Trees Fail On PA Mining Sites Fall Foliage: Your Last Best Chance Of 2015 Fall Colors Brighten Erie Region Keystone College Workshop To Discuss Hemlock Mine Reclamation American Chestnuts Rise Where Other Trees Fail On PA Mining Sites Oil & Gas DEP Committee Advances New Drilling Regulations Oil & Gas Advisory Board Does Not Endorse Drilling Rules PA Supreme Court To Hear Arguments On Act 13 Drilling Law DEP Secretary Responds To Patriot­News Marcellus Shale Series Marcellus Shale Coalition Responds To Patriot Marcellus Shale Series Marcellus Shale Coalition: Fact Checking Patriot­News Series Editorial: 5 Things Will Make Shale Drilling Better For PA Protesters Call On Wolf To Shutdown Pipeline Task Force Protesters Target Wolf’s Gas Pipeline Task Force Williams Cited For 10 Violations For Gas Pipeline Work Report: Pipeline Task Force Is Stacked In Favor Of Industry Luzerne Twp Residents Form Group To Protest Pipeline Plan UGI Completes Auburn Natural Gas Pipeline Noise Muffling Looks Like Common Buildings At Compressor Stations PA Drillers Adjust To Life Under A Governor They Oppose Op­Ed: Pittsburgh, Home Of The Natural Gas App Natural Gas Power Plant To Replace Shuttered Coal Plant Philly Council Member Sponsors Marcellus Shale Tour Marcellus Shale Housing Assistance Program Expanded Statewide EPA Proposes To Expand Toxic Reporting To Oil & Gas Facilities New EPA Rule Requires Natural Gas Plants To Report Toxic Emissions Why Does Firewood Cost So Much? Fracking’s Part Of It Firewood Going Fast In Midstate, Not Because Of Fracking Market For Natural Gas Includes Local, Global Reach Philadelphia Reaping Benefits Of Natural Gas Boom U.S. Natural Gas Stockpiles Near Record, Price Drops Natural Gas Needs Bone­Chilling Winter For Prices To Rebound Cove Point Terminal Set To Relieve Natural Gas Glut Almost A Billion Cubic Feet Of Gas Shut Down By Low Prices Range Resources Looking To Sell Non­Natural Gas Assets Range Swings To Loss In Third Quarter Crowdfunding Oil And Gas Development Experts: Restructuring Of Energy Loans Likely

Recreation Fall Foliage: Your Last Best Chance Of 2015 Fall Foliage: Some Spots Of Brilliant Color Remain In PA Fall Colors Brighten Erie Region 7 Reasons To Visit The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Nescopeck State Park Opens Nature Play Area A Serene Canal Path Where Washington Crossed The Delaware Parts Of 3 Rivers Heritage Trail Open In The Pittsburgh Hundreds Fill Lackawanna Trail With S’Mores, Scarecrows Trail Pittsburgh Volunteers Devote Hours to Maintenance Op­Ed: Learning The Outdoors Is Still A Must Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch East Street Project Will Make Room For Bike Lanes Philly Bike Share Aims To Serve Lower­Income Neighborhoods Cycling Group Pleads For Safety Measures In Oakland McCandless Wetland Park Idea Debated Recycling/Waste DEP Tells Keystone Landfill Which Benefits It Will Consider Friends Of Lackawanna Appeals Keystone Landfill Zoning Keystone Landfill Leachate Not Likely Source Of Stench Landfill Spent $95K On Lower Saucon Twp. Council Election Environmental Group Appeals FirstEnergy Coal Ash Permit Watershed Protection Bethlehem Authority Honored For Watershed Project Clean Water Counts In York County Rain Garden Improves Environment, Playground At Erie School Pittsburgh Stormwater Dispute Gets 2nd Round Of Scrutiny Sewickley Creek Boat Access Ready For Launch Origin Of The Name Susquehanna Video: Oct. 30 Edition Of Delaware RiverWatch Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal Wildlife National Aviary Praised For Transformational Changes How State Money Impacts Steelhead Fishing In Erie Elk Cam Down After End Of Bugling Season Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program DEP’s NewsClips webpage ­ Click Here The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle. Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin ­ October 31, 2015 DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Comment System Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage Recently Finalized Regulations ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance & Permits The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 31 PA Bulletin announcing the availability of draft technical guidance on Documenting and Reporting Measurable, Incremental Improvements in Water Quality of Streams, Rivers and Lakes. Comments are due November 30. Contact: Diane Wilson, 717­787­3730, diawilson@pa.gov. DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Comment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Comment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals ­ DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.

Stories Invited 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 edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg­based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited. Sponsor: 2016 Keystone Coldwater Conference, State College, Feb. 26­27.