Pa Environment Digest Nov. 22, 2010

8/8/2019 Pa Environment Digest Nov. 22, 2010

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In

PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa November 22, 2010

Nature Conservancy Study Reveals Marcellus Shale, Wind Energy Impacts In PA

Energy development in Pennsylvania over the next 20

years could transform the Commonwealths iconic forests

and impact several hundred thousand acres of key habitat

for songbirds, salamanders and trout, according to a new

study released this week by The Nature Conservancy.

The Nature Conservancy study reveals some of

Pennsylvania's most valuable ecological resources lie

squarely in the path of this development. (Photo: map of

existing and projected gas wells and wind turbines)

We can no longer protect nature without thinking about energy development, said Nels

Johnson, Deputy Director for The Nature Conservancys Pennsylvania Chapter and lead author

of the energy analysis.

With this report, energy developers, government agencies, and conservation groups will

now have information about where development is most likely to pose risks to Pennsylvaniasmost important natural areas and be able to take steps to avoid them.

About 3,500 acres of forest have been cleared and an estimated 8,500 additional acres of

habitat degraded because of the energy development that has spread through Pennsylvanias

forests in recent years, according to a Conservancy analysis of aerial photographs. Without

action to improve planning for energy development, many times that amount could be lost,

Johnson said.

If energy companies, regulators, and the conservation community dont take this

information into account, some of the special places that were working so hard to protect may

not long exist, Johnson said. Pennsylvanians have the tools to make a difference, but if we

dont act soon, there are going to be serious conflicts between energy and habitat conservation,

and conservation is likely to lose.The study considers the types of energy development most likely to alter Pennsylvanias

landscape natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation, wind energy, energy from wood

biomass and electric and gas transmission and uses innovative GIS mapping techniques to

analyze the impacts of existing development and to model the likely location and intensity of

future development. The report then documents the possible impacts on areas of high

conservation value.
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The Conservancy released findings focused on Marcellus gas and wind energy:

-- About 1,800 Marcellus natural gas wells have already been drilled in Pennsylvania, and as

many as 60,000 more could be developed by 2030 if development trends continue.

-- By the end of this year, 500 wind turbines will be generating energy on Pennsylvanias

Allegheny Front and Appalachian ridges, and between 750 and 2,900 more could be built by

2030, depending on the states renewable energy goals.-- The cumulative impacts of both natural gas and wind could result in development in the

majority of Pennsylvania breeding habitat for the vulnerable black-throated blue warbler and in

most of the watersheds of the states remaining healthy brook trout streams.

-- About 40 percent of the most ecologically valuable large forest blocks in Pennsylvania as

identified by a recent study conducted by Conservancy scientists and partners could see

impacts from energy development.

In early 2011, The Nature Conservancy will release additional findings focused on wood

biomass and electric and gas transmission, but already, the cumulative impacts of new energy

development in Pennsylvania are alarmingly clear:

Because of the scale of Marcellus development, about 40 percent of the states largest

and most ecologically valuable forest areas in Pennsylvania could see serious impacts fromenergy development.

These impacts could include degradation of Pennsylvania breeding habitat for vulnerable species

such as northern goshawk, wood thrush and Northern flying squirrel, as well as development

within most of the watersheds of the states remaining healthy brook trout streams.

Wind energy development will not have the extensive footprint associated with the

Marcellus fields, but in certain local situations, wind development may impact critical habitats.

For every acre of development in Pennsylvanias forests, several additional acres of

habitat for plants and animals are lost to the noise, light, invasive species and other ecological

changes that can accompany remote developments. Forests can be fragmented by roads, gas well

pads and turbines, creating more of the forest edges where these impacts occur.That potential risk to habitat led Audubon Pennsylvania to provide data and staff time to

help The Nature Conservancy produce this report, said Audubon Executive Director Phil Wallis.

Pennsylvanias deep forests provide breeding habitat for many songbirds that depend

upon the health of Penns Woods, including the scarlet tanager, wood thrush and black-throated

blue warbler, Wallis said. This analysis gives us a glimpse of how substantial the loss of our

forests may be as a result of new energy development activities. We need to actively work to

maintain the resilience and health of our wild forests at the same time that we find new energy

solutions for our nation.

The states multi-million-dollar outdoor recreation and timber industries are also

dependent on the health of these forests, while impacts to headwater streams as a result of

development could extend many miles downstream. Healthy forests provide invaluableprotection for drinking water and keep our rivers safe for fishing, boating and swimming.

Every type of energy development has an impact on the land, said Bill Kunze,

Executive Director for The Nature Conservancys Pennsylvania Chapter. But with the new data

about cumulative impacts on nature that this analysis provides, energy companies will be able to

minimize impacts to important habitats as energy development advances.
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In the coming months, Nature Conservancy staff members will be sharing their findings

with industry leaders, policymakers, community organizations, and landowners with the intent of

collaborating to green Pennsylvanias energy future.

Its not too late, Kunze said. But we have to act now.

For more information, visit the TNC Pennsylvania Energy Equation webpage.

NewsClips: Study: Gas Drillers To Damage State's Iconic ForestsStudy: Energy Push Has Cost To Nature

PA Energy Development Could Alter Forest Blocks

Nature Conservancy Frets Over Energy Development In PA

Nature Conservancy Aims To Change Drilling Permit Process

DEP Chief: Support For Well Controls Doubted

Hanger Challenges Corbett On Natural Gas Drilling

Related Stories

Senate Panel Hears Testimony On Economic Impact Of Marcellus Shale

Penn State: Hunters May Be Surprised By Level Of Marcellus Shale Gas Activities

DEP: IRRC Unanimously OKs Tougher Drilling StandardsPA Chamber: DEP Secretary's Comments Exemplify Agency's Approach To Marcellus Shale

Corbett Agenda: Regulating The Natural Gas Industry

EQB Approves $7.8 Million More In Air Permit Fees, New DEP Fees Total $27.7 Million

The Environmental Quality Board this week approved a $7.8 million increase in Air Quality

permit fees and approved for public comment $8.1 million in Drinking Water permit fee

increases.

DEP finalized $27.7 million in fee increases over the last year to make up for dramatic

cuts to the agency's staff and General Fund budget over the last 8 years. Over $11 million in feeincreases have been proposed, but not finalized.

The fees finalized include:

-- Marcellus Shale Drilling Permits: $7,465,000 (from $935,000 to $8.4 million annually);

-- NPDES Water Quality Permits: $4,250,000 (from $750,000 to $5 million annually);

-- Chapter 102 Regulations: $6,665,000 (from $635,000 to $7.3 million annually);

-- Laboratory Certification: $1,550,000 (from $500,000 to $1.6 million annually);

-- Beneficial Use of Coal Ash: $75,000 annually;

-- Uniform Environmental Covenants: $82,250 annually; and

-- Air Quality Permits: $7.8 million (from $19,570,000 to $27,408,000 annually) - pending final

publication.

Among the proposed fees are:-- Drinking Water Permits: $8.1 million (from $250,000 to $8,385,000 annually);

-- Non-Coal Mining Permits: $2,475,000 (from $25,000 to $2,500,000 annually); and

-- Coal Surface Mining Permits: $350,000 (from $50,000 to $400,000 annually).

Spotlight
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Federal Court Ruling Threatens PA Watershed-Based Abandoned Mine Land Cleanup

By Amy G. Wolfe

Director, Eastern Abandoned Mine Program

Trout Unlimited

On November 8, 2010 the U.S. Court of Appeals forthe 4th Circuitupheld the decision by a lower court in WV Highlands

Conservancy and WV Rivers Coalition v. Randy C. Huffman,

Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

that ruled NPDES* permits are required, under the federal Clean

Water Act, for remediation projects at abandoned coal mine sites.

While the original suit was brought against the West

Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to force compliance with the Clean Water Act

for its bond forfeiture cleanup projects, the courts rulings have made no distinction between

abandoned mine drainage (AMD) that resulted from mining prior to the federal 1977 Surface

Mining Control and Reclamation Act (true abandoned mine sites where there is no legally

responsible party and where most of us focus our cleanup efforts) and AMD that resulted frommining after 1977 (usually referred to as bond forfeiture sites for which the state legally

assumes responsibility for cleanup using forfeited bond monies posted by the mining

companies).

Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, and Paul

Ziemkiewicz, West Virginia Water Research Institute, drafted a nice summary for the Eastern

Coal Regional Roundtable of the original lower courts decision released in January 2009,

commonly referred to as the Keeley Decision.

The Clean Water Act requires NPDES permits for all dischargers of point sources of

pollution, meaning that the discharger or operator of a passive or active treatment system (i.e.

entity responsible for the operation of a system) would be required to treat the water to certainwater quality standards as specified by the states designated use of the receiving water body or

stream.

To date, the PA Department of Environmental Protection has not required NPDES

permits for AMD treatment to address mine drainage from sites abandoned prior to 1977 because

it considers AMD as non-point sources of pollution and maintains that the entities implementing

the cleanup are Good Samaritans that are voluntarily cleaning up AMD they were not

responsible for creating in the first place.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit stated that the text of the

CWA (Clean Water Act), as well as the corresponding regulations issued by the Environmental

Protection Agency, confirm that the permit requirements apply to anyone who discharges

pollutants into the waters of the United States."Under the CWA, it does not matter that a mining company may have created the

conditions that call for reclamation. What matters is that an entity, private or public, is currently

discharging pollutants into the waters of the United States.

Exactly how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the PA DEP will respond to

this, as it affects AMD remediation by volunteer groups, remains to be seen.

Two potential solutions that Trout Unlimited and its partners will be pursuing include

federal Good Samaritan legislation to limit the liability (under the CWA) for volunteer groups
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engaged in AMD remediation and a possible general NPDES permit specifically for AMD

remediation projects.

Amy Wolfe is Director of Trout Unlimiteds Eastern Abandoned Mine Program and she can be

contacted at 570-748-4901 or by sending email to: [email protected].

Video Blog: Amy Wolfe On How Watershed Groups Improve Water Quality

*The NPDES permits discussed here should not be confused with NPDES permits for

stormwater discharges associated with construction activities, which are required for earth

disturbance activities that affect one or more acres.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

The Senate and House will not consider any more legislation this year. All legislation must be

reintroduced and start over in January.

Session Schedule

Here is the schedule of session days for 2011 as we have them so far--

Senate

January 4, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26

February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 28

March 1, 2 (Budget presentation first full week in March)

House

January 4

Governor

New Governor takes office on January 18.

Calendars

The Senate and House will not consider any more legislation this year. All legislation must bereintroduced and start over in January.

Committees

There are no Committee meetings scheduled this week.
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Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bill was given final action by the General Assembly and is now on the Governor's

Desk for action--

Neighborhoods: House Bill 1609 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) amending the Municipalities PlanningCode further defining traditional neighborhood development.

Electronics Recycling: House Bill 708 (Ross-R-Chester) requiring recycling of certain

electronic products funded by industry fees - House concurs in Senate amendments and sends

bill to Governor 170-26. NewsClip: Bill To Mandate E-Waste Recycling Could Soon Be Law

Alternative Energy: House Bill 1394 (Houghton-D-Chester) relating to splitting off farm and

forest land under preferential assessment for alternative energy production - House concurs in

Senate amendments and sends bill to Governor 196-0.

"My proposal will help strengthen Pennsylvania's homegrown energy production by

providing a major boost to the wind and solar industries and thereby propelling us closer to

energy independence," Rep. Houghton said. "Like my bill to make Pennsylvania the 21st 'solar

access' state in the country, which currently awaits Senate action, this bill will help create green

jobs. Further, it will provide an additional revenue source to help farmers to continue to farm on

their land."

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

House

Electronics Recycling: House Bill 708 (Ross-R-Chester) requiring recycling of certain

electronic products funded by industry fees - House concurs in Senate amendments and sends

bill to Governor 170-26. NewsClip: Bill To Mandate E-Waste Recycling Could Soon Be Law

Alternative Energy: House Bill 1394 (Houghton-D-Chester) relating to splitting off farm and

forest land under preferential assessment for alternative energy production - House concurs in

Senate amendments and sends bill to Governor 196-0.

"My proposal will help strengthen Pennsylvania's homegrown energy production by

providing a major boost to the wind and solar industries and thereby propelling us closer to

energy independence," Rep. Houghton said. "Like my bill to make Pennsylvania the 21st 'solar

access' state in the country, which currently awaits Senate action, this bill will help create green

jobs. Further, it will provide an additional revenue source to help farmers to continue to farm on

their land."

News From The Capitol
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Power Shifts To West In General Assembly, Governor's Office

That earthquake you felt this week was the power shifting from East to West in the House and

Senate Caucus elections for Leadership. This on top of the election of a new Governor from

Pittsburgh.House Democrats

Rand-and-file House Democratspulled off the biggest change by unseating 20-year

Democratic Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) and replacing him with Rep.

Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny). Evans lost decisively on the second round of voting 50 to 39.

While Philadelphians held just two of the House Democratic Leadership spots this year--

Appropriations Chair and Caucus Chair-- and lost those spots for next year, Philadelphia

Democrats and Rep. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery), who chaired the Caucus Campaign

Committee, ran for four of the other top Leadership posts and lost.

Former Rep. Rick Taylor (D-Montgomery) said of the anti-Philadelphia vote, "West

Virginia is flexing its muscles."

The full House Democratic Leadership includes:-- Minority Leader: Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) elected unanimously;

-- Minority Whip: Mike Hanna (D-Clinton), was Frank Dermody;

-- Appropriations Chair: Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), was Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia);

-- Caucus Chair: Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), was Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia);

-- Caucus Secretary: Jennifer Mann (D-Lehigh) re-elected;

-- Caucus Administrator: Ron Buxton (D-Dauphin) elected unanimously; and

-- Policy Committee Chair: Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) re-elected.

Senate Democrats

Less dramatic, but more exciting than any race the Republicans had, was the face-off for

Senate Democratic Leader. Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) beat Sen. Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia) replacing former Senate Democratic Leader Bob Mellow (D-Lackawanna).

But unlike House Democrats, Senate Democrats elected Philadelphians at three of the six

Leadership positions-- Appropriations Chair, Caucus Chair and Caucus Secretary positions.

The full Senate Democratic Leadership team includes:

-- Minority Whip: Sen. Michael O'Pake (D-Berks) - re-elected;

-- Appropriations Chair: Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), succeeding Jay Costa;

-- Caucus Chair: Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia), succeeding Vincent Hughes;

-- Caucus Secretary: Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia);

-- Caucus Administrator: Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), succeeding Christine Tartaglione; and

-- Policy Committee Chair: Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Somerset) - re-elected.

Senate RepublicansSenate Republicans had their own Leadership elections, but returned much of the same

team with the exception of Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) at the Majority Whip spot, taking the

place of indicted Republican Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny).

Senate Republicans left two of their Leadership positions open-- Caucus Administrator,

formerly held by Sen. Browne, and Policy Committee Chair held now by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-

Delaware). They did not announce a timeline for filing those positions.

The Senate Republican Leadership roster includes:
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-- Majority Leader: Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) re-elected;

-- Majority Whip: Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), was Sen. Janie Orie (R-Allegheny);

-- Appropriations Chair: Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) re-elected;

-- Caucus Chair: Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) re-elected;

-- Caucus Secretary: Sen. Bob Robbins (R-Mercer) re-elected;

-- Caucus Administrator: will be elected later; and-- Policy Committee Chair: will be elected later.

The full Senate unanimously elected Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) interim President

Pro Tempore of the Senate, its chief presiding officer.

House Republicans

And just to round out the discussion of East versus West, the House Republican

Leadership is also westward leaning--

-- House Speaker: Sam Smith (R-Jefferson);

-- Majority Leader: Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny);

-- Majority Whip: Stan Saylor (R-York);

-- Appropriations Chair: William Adolph (R-Delaware) - unopposed

-- Caucus Administrator: Richard Stevenson (R-Butler);-- Caucus Chair: Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna);

-- Caucus Secretary: Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery); and

-- Policy Committee Chair: David Reed (R-Indiana).

Click here for more on House Republicans.

Session Schedule/New Governor

The Senate and House return to session on January 4 to formally organize the new

2011-12 legislative session.

The new Governor takes the oath of office on January 18.

NewsClips: State Political Power Shifts West

Shift In House Leadership OutlookIn Harrisburg, Western PA May Be Gaining Power

Editorial: Harrisburg's Political Landscape Tilts West

Editorial: NE PA Has Less Political Clout

Editorial: Harrisburg's Political Landscape Tilts West

Dems Pick House Leaders

Shift In House Leadership Outlook

Rivals Strip Evans Of Leadership Post

Markosek Will Continue To Focus On Transportation Issues

Costa Elected Senate Minority Leader

Browne Gets Senate Post

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9/39

The emergence of the gas drilling industry in Northeast Pennsylvania has

brought a huge magnitude of economic and workforce opportunities to the

area, according to those testifying at a public hearing held this week at

Penn College by the Senate Republican Policy Committee.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) hosted the hearing on the impact of

Marcellus Shale drilling on employment opportunities. Other legislatorspresent at the hearing were Senators Committee Chairman Ted Erikson (R-

Delaware), John Gordner (R-Columbia), John Pippy (R-Allegheny) and

Representatives Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) and Matt Baker (R-Tioga).

It included panel discussions from individuals representing local businesses and

organizations, industry representatives and workforce development agencies.

"One thing is very clear this emerging industry has the potential to transform this region

and greatly enhance economic and job creation opportunities throughout Pennsylvania," Sen.

Yaw said. "One of the challenges we face is providing a consistent flow of skilled workers to

serve the needs of the industry. And this is something that government, educational institutions,

the industry and local organizations need to work together to accomplish."

Sen. Yaw said that in the past three years, approximately 65 to 85 new companies havelocated in Lycoming County as a direct result of the Marcellus Shale Play. It is estimated that

somewhere between 3,500 and 4,000 jobs have been created and many of those jobs are being

filled by Pennsylvanians. In addition, unemployment rates in the area have fallen at a time when

other areas are seeing unemployment grow.

Sen. Yaw added that the Pennsylvania Economy League recently estimated that each

direct job in the Pennsylvania oil and gas industry creates an additional 1.52 indirect and induced

jobs throughout the economy. The effect is what's being called the "Marcellus Multiplier," where

every dollar invested by gas production companies is creating nearly double the economic

output.

"Jobs are here and more are coming and so it is vital for state and local government toembrace the opportunity, work cooperatively with drillers and then watch our unemployment

rate drop even more," Sen. Yaw said. "We heard today that this is happening right now, thanks to

a high level of cooperation and commitment to this area and its people. We've gotten off to a

strong start thanks to strong coordination and the help of organizations like Penn College and our

work force development groups."

Representatives from the gas industry told the Senate panel that they have been well

received by the local community and are very pleased with the assistance they have received

from local governments and the various Chambers of Commerce.

While there has been an influx of workers, local hires are being made, and local

workforce training specific to natural gas has prepared people for jobs.

"This hearing was a great opportunity to hear more about how the gas industry isimpacting this area positively and look at how we can harness that potential," Sen. Yaw said.

"This will not just help in this area but throughout the state as drilling begins in other areas."

A video of the hearing and copies of testimony are available on the Senate Republican

Policy Committee webpage.

NewsClips: Panel OKs New Gas Drilling Safeguards

Gas Well Regulation Clears Final Hurdle

New State Drilling Regulations On The Way
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Tougher Gas Drilling Rules OK'd

Gas Drilling Did Not Impact Water Well Official Said



Related StoriesNature Conservancy Study Reveals Marcellus Shale, Wind Energy Impacts In PA


DEP: IRRC Unanimously OKs Tougher Drilling Standards

PA Chamber: DEP Secretary's Comments Exemplify Agency's Approach To Marcellus Shale


News From Around The State


Pennsylvania hunters venturing out this fall may be

surprised by the level of disturbance and activity on public

lands in the northcentral, northeastern and southwestern

regions of the state, according to a wildlife expert in Penn

State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Natural-gas exploration and development associated

with the Marcellus Shale formation have increased

exponentially over the past year.

"As a hunter, you may be shocked by the level of natural-gas drilling and production

activity associated with Marcellus Shale on public lands in Pennsylvania," said Margaret

Brittingham, professor of wildlife resources and extension wildlife specialist."As of October 1, there were 4,510 active Marcellus permits. Compare this with October

1, 2009, when there were 1,970 permits."

Accompanying the drilling activity, hunters will find new or modified roads in many

areas and may encounter large volumes of truck traffic in areas where active drilling is occurring.

To accommodate hunters and reduce conflicts, Brittingham noted, the state Department

of Conservation and Natural Resources has vowed to limit heavy-truck traffic associated with

Marcellus activities in many areas on the three days of bear season (November 20, 22 and 23),

the opening two days of the statewide firearms deer-hunting season (November 29 and 30) and

the two Saturdays of deer season (December 4 and 11).

"Hunters also may come upon large open areas that are cleared or being cleared as well-

pad sites," she said. "The well pad is considered to be a restricted area that is not open to thepublic. The dividing line between the public forest and the restricted area is the native vegetation

line."

Brittingham recommends that hunters avoid these sites. "Individuals standing in the

native vegetation are considered to be on public ground; those standing on the well pad are in

restricted areas and fall under the rules and regulations of the company doing the drilling and

completion activities," she said.
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Brittingham pointed out that most active drilling locations have a security-guard shack

that houses individuals who greet, identify and limit people accessing the pad. This is mainly a

safety feature, she explained, because in the case of a major accident or event on the pad, the gas

companies want to keep members of the public from being injured.

"Individuals hunting within the pad boundaries may be asked for their names and purpose

for being there," she said. "And the well-pad locations where drilling and hydraulic-fracturingactivities are occurring will be posted with Safety Zone signs 150 yards from the edge of the pad.

"No hunting will be allowed within the safety zone. Where these activities are taking

place, there are workers temporarily living on the site 24 hours a day. Pads not subject to drilling

or production activities will not be posted."

Hunters should check out their favorite hunting sites ahead of time as access may be

restricted in areas surrounding active drilling operations, Brittingham advised. An updated list of

what roads are open for hunting season on state forest land can be found online.

A number of websites have information on where drilling is occurring. A map of current

Marcellus permits is available online. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, contact

the appropriate DCNRdistrict forest office.

NewsClips: Hunters Find Hotel Rooms Scarce Thanks To DrillingGas Driller Builds Dorms For Workers In Northern PA

DCNR Opening State Forest Roads For Game Hunting Seasons

Panel OKs New Gas Drilling Safeguards







Photo: Chesapeake Bay Foundation,R.A.V.E. Project. Photo is of a Marcellus Shale natural

gas drilling site in Susquehanna County taken by Garth Lenz.

Related Stories







A set of new standards that will make natural gas wells safer were approved unanimously this

week by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Hanger praised the IRRC vote, saying

the new regulations will, among other things, impose more stringent construction standards on

gas wells, making them less likely to allow natural gas to escape and contaminate water supplies

or cause safety concerns.
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The final-form regulations now go to the state Office of Attorney General for final review

and approval. The regulations were deemed approved by the House and Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy committees.

"When gas migrates from a poorly constructed gas well through the ground, it can

contaminate water supplies or build up to explosive levels in water wells or even homes," said

Secretary Hanger. "These strong rules will eliminate or significantly reduce the problem of gasmigration from poorly designed or constructed gas wells, as long as the rules are followed or

enforced."

Secretary Hanger added that the new rules also will require drillers to report production

and waste volumes electronically and to submit a detailed report of the chemicals they use in the

hydraulic fracturing or fracking process. In addition to these important provisions, operators

will be required to keep a list of emergency contact phone numbers at the well site and follow a

new set of instructions on what steps to take in the event of a gas migration incident.

"Pennsylvania can have economic progress without sacrificing environmental protection.

People should not be forced to choose between good-paying jobs or clean drinking water. That's

a false choice. Our community deserves and can have both," said Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-

Centre). "I think between the extreme positions of 'no drilling' and 'no regulation,' we can find acommonsense compromise that promotes job creation and protects our environment.

"These new rules are a step in the direction of increased protection for Pennsylvania

families. As more and more natural gas is harvested in Pennsylvania, we will have to continue to

balance our economic needs with our environmental responsibilities.

"We have an amazing opportunity to move toward energy independence and promote job

growth while ensuring local families have safe water supplies. We can and we need to do all

three."

The regulations also include provisions clarifying how and when blow-out prevention

equipment is to be installed and operated.

The Environmental Quality Board approved the regulations on a final vote of 15-1 inOctober, after receiving nearly 2,000 public comments during the comment period and a series of

five public hearings. A majority of the comments supported the new regulations.

In drafting the regulations, DEP also met with numerous oil and gas operators, industry

groups and environmental groups to discuss the regulations in detail.

The department used the public's input to make several important changes to the

regulations, which further improved the well-design requirements to prevent gas migration

incidents, including:

-- A provision that requires operators to have a pressure barrier plan to minimize well control

events;

-- A provision that requires operators to condition the wellbore to ensure an adequate bond

between the cement, casing and the formation;-- Provisions that require the use of centralizers to ensure casings are properly positioned in the

wellbore; and

-- A provision that improves the quality of the cement placed in the casing that protects fresh

groundwater.

Once all reviews and approvals are obtained, the regulations will go into effect upon

publication in the PA Bulletin.

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Related Stories






PA Chamber: DEP Secretary's Comments Exemplify Agency's Approach To Marcellus

Shale

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry this week called

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hangers

recent comments on how Gov.-elect Tom Corbett will handle

regulation of the Marcellus Shale industry unfair and unnecessary.

In a Capitolwire (and a Tribune Review) article, Secretary

Hanger questioned when Corbett would annoy the industry or do

something to upset the industry.

The Tribune Review article quoted Secretary Hanger as saying,

"(The new regulations) must be enforced to do any good. There is a

concern about whetherGov.-elect Corbett will be a professionalwatchdog or, in his own words, a partner of the (drilling) industry. It's

important DEP be neither friend nor foe of this industry."

The Secretarys comments are all too typical of his often antagonistic approach to an

industry that holds tremendous economic potential for the Commonwealth, PA Chamber Vice

President Gene Barr said. DEPs role should never be to annoy job creators, but rather work

with them to develop commonsense regulations that balance environmental protection with

economic growth. The business community welcomes an administration that actually

understands the benefits to all parties of this thoughtful, cooperative approach to governing.

Kein Harley, a spokesperson for Gov.-elect Corbett told the Tribune Review, "It is rather

unbecoming of an outgoing Cabinet Secretary to appear like a sore loser. Gov.-elect Corbett has

called for some of the strictest environmental regulations on gas drilling of any state in thenation. It's unfortunate Secretary Hanger apparently never bothered to review those and instead

is still engaged in political rhetoric."

Barr said while Secretary Hanger claims in state and national interviews to welcome the

jobs the Marcellus Shale industry is generating, his rhetoric suggests otherwise.

Additionally, Barr said Secretary Hangers criticism of Corbetts opposition to a natural

gas severance tax the proposal that had been under consideration would have made

Pennsylvania among the highest, if not the highest, taxed Marcellus Shale state shows his
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inability to differentiate between revenue issues and environmental issues, and demonstrates the

secretarys misguided view that Pennsylvania can tax, litigate, mandate and regulate itself to

prosperity.

The business community is confident that Governor-elect Corbett will ensure

appropriate, commonsense regulation of the natural gas industry a goal the industry itself

supports as well as ensure its full growth potential, which will benefit Pennsylvanias localcommunities, individuals and families.








Related Stories

Nature Conservancy Study Reveals Marcellus Shale, Wind Energy Impacts In PASenate Panel Hears Testimony On Economic Impact Of Marcellus Shale




Corbett Agenda

Regulating The Natural Gas Industry

As part of his campaign platform, Gov.-elect Tom Corbett laid out a seriesof commitments on protecting the environment, developing Pennsylvania's

energy resources, enhancing agriculture and promoting sportsmen's issues.

PA Environment Digestis taking a look at the commitments he

made on regulating the natural gas industry--

As part of his commitment to developing Pennsylvanias natural

gas fields responsibly and in an environmentally sound manner, Tom

Corbett supports strengthening existing regulations for drilling and

enacting new ones that will protect the commonwealths water and land. Most immediately, Tom

Corbett believes that we need to accomplish the following environmental goals:

-- Mandate Frac Chemical Disclosure. As Governor, Tom Corbett will call for mandatorydisclosure of ALL additives used in the hydraulic fracking process for each well site. This

mandate would include volumes, dilution factors and chemical characteristics.

-- Expand pre-drill water testing. Tom Corbett will mandate expanding the radius for pre-drill

water testing.

-- Increase the mandatory protections for water supplies. Tom Corbett supports legislation

that would require notification of potential drilling for all surface water owners and water
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purveyors that have water sources to be expanded from the current 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet. He

also would support legislation that would increase the current prohibition of drilling within 200

feet of an existing drinking water supply to 500 feet.

-- Support DEP regulatory changes to protect water supplies. Tom Corbett supports the

proposed DEP regulatory changes to Chapter 78 that would enhance the standards for

construction of natural gas wells and bring them in line with 21st century standards. Theseproposed regulations include changes such as: requiring the use of blow-out preventers at all

Marcellus wells; checking flow valves to ensure that gas is not escaping through the casing;

requiring casing and cementing plans to be submitted and approved by DEP; and supporting calls

for double walled cement casing through the deepest fresh water zone to help prevent gas

migration.

-- Institute well cap inspections. Tom Corbett will direct DEP to implement regulations

requiring daily inspection of well caps throughout Pennsylvania.

-- Increase bonding amounts. Tom Corbett will ensure that companies have adequate and

appropriate financial and insurance resources to protect Pennsylvanias environment. He

supports legislation to increase the mandatory amounts required to protect communities in the

event that a company walks away from its obligation to properly remediate a catastrophicsituation or goes bankrupt. Specifically, he would support increasing the bond amounts per well

and for blanket bonds that would be above the national averages.

-- Tougher penalties for violations. Tom Corbett will ensure that DEP properly trains

inspectors to ensure that inspections are conducted thoughtfully and thoroughly. In addition, he

will direct DEP to increase fines and penalties for any companies that violate drilling regulations.

-- Address issues related to gas migration. Gas migration is not a new issue with the collection

of natural gas. Gas migration has been a concern since the beginning of drilling more than 100

years ago. Tom Corbett will direct DEP to institute new and tougher regulations and laws that

will help to prevent the issues related to gas migration.

Direct interagency coordination of the Marcellus Shale. As highlighted in his energyplan, Tom Corbett will appoint and direct a new Energy Executive to ensure that energy policy is

coordinated among all state agencies that have a role and expertise within this broad issue.

-- Protect the groundwater, encourage recycling and coordinate permitting. As highlighted

in his energy plan, Tom Corbett will work with the General Assembly to enhance the

Commonwealths water protection regulations and create a Marcellus Shale Science Advisory

Board within DEP to help identify the best available and practical water recycling and treatment

technologies to protect ground and surface waters. He also will work with the General Assembly

to set aside a portion of the already existing permit fees and royalties paid by the natural gas

industry to the Commonwealth to support the development of new and improved wastewater

recycling technologies for use in the state.

To ensure that all issues related to the environmentally responsible and economicallysuccessful development of Pennsylvanias natural gas industry are coordinated, Tom Corbett will

create the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Commission. The bipartisan Commission will be

tasked with identifying specific legislative, regulatory and other initiatives to address

environmental concerns and resource development measures. Tom Corbett also will direct the

commission to propose community outreach, education programs and technical assistance

measures.


16/39

The commission will be co-chaired by the Governor's Energy Executive and the

Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and be comprised of key stakeholders

from Pennsylvania academia (specializing in mineral resources and environmental protection),

Marcellus Shale producers and gathering line companies, county and township governments,

environmental groups, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chair and representatives of the

General Assembly (4 legislative caucuses). The commission will be directed to finalize itslegislative, regulatory, community and business recommendations within 180 days of its

creation.

The complete Environmental Policy statement from Gov.-elect Corbett is available

online.






DEP Chief: Support For Well Controls DoubtedHanger Challenges Corbett On Natural Gas Drilling

Related Stories






50,000 Acres Of Marcellus Shale Lands Sold For Over $400 Million In Bradford

Newfield Exploration Company this week announced the signing of a purchase and sale

agreement with EOG Resources, Inc., for approximately 50,000 net acres in the Marcellus Shale.

Substantially all the acreage is located in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, in the Susquehanna

River Basin.

This transaction, valued at $405 million, will more than double Newfield's current

acreage position in the Marcellus Shale and will provide a deep inventory of future development

drilling locations. The closing is expected before year-end 2010.

NewsClips: Marcellus Driller Selling 50,000 Acres

Newfield Exploration Sells Gas Holdings In Bradford For $405 Million

Encana Backs Away From Gas Drilling In LuzerneEncana Pulls Operations Out Of Luzerne County

Williams Partners To Buy Some Cabot Marcellus Assets For $150 M

Williams Partners To Expand MidStream Presence In Marcellus Shale

DCNR Approves Four Watershed Conservation Plans, Adds To Rivers Registry
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Dr. Kreeger and others are in the process of expanding a fledgling mussel-restoration

effort with support from a number of funders. These include ConocoPhillips, the National Fish

and Wildlife Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Coastal Resources Management Program. She

believes it is now possible to increase mussel populations throughout the Delaware River Basin

by either breeding them in a hatchery or relocating adults during breeding season by releasing

them in targeted streams.She and her colleagues at The Academy of Natural Sciences have been working with

Cheyney University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey to

experiment with different methods since 2007. They call their effort the Freshwater Mussel

Recovery Program.

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is restoring mussels for many reasons, not just the fact

that these animals are rare and endangered.

Dense beds of mussels filter pollutants and make conditions better for fish and other

aquatic life, improving water quality downstream in the estuary, said Jennifer Adkins, executive

director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. We may have these beds of mussels to

thank for keeping certain types of pollution, like nutrients, low in this part of the river. This

helps make our waters more inviting for everyone.Restoring freshwater mussels wont be easy or fast, however. Although freshwater

mussels can help to boost water quality, they are also some of the most sensitive animals to

polluted water. Therefore, some area streams may not be able to sustain mussels until water

quality is further improved or riverside woodlands are replanted.

Also, freshwater mussels live to be up to 100 years old and are slow growing. But this

does not concern Dr. Kreeger, who said, Weve made tremendous strides in improving some

environmental conditions needed to support healthy ecosystems. That said, we know our job

wont be complete until we see the return of these long-lived sentinels of healthy waterways.

Of the seven species of native freshwater mussels discovered this past summer--

-- Two species were thought to be extinct in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: the alewife floater, orAnodonta implicata, and the tidewater mucket, or Leptodea ochracea;

-- Two species are considered critically-imperiled: the pond mussel, or Ligumia nasuta, and

yellow lampmussel, or Lampsilis cariosa;

-- Two species are considered vulnerable: the creeper, or Strophitus undulates, and the eastern

floater, or Pyganodon cataracta; and

-- One species is listed as common: the eastern elliptio, or Elliptio complanata.

Spotlight

Investor-Owned Water Utilities Lead The Way In Infrastructure Investments


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Aqua America, Inc. Chairman Nicholas DeBenedictis said this week

investor-owned water and wastewater companies like Aqua America are

leading the way in solving Americas water and wastewater utility

infrastructure needs.

Speaking before the National Association of Regulatory Utility

Commissioners at their annual conference in Atlanta, DeBenedictisreferred to the more than $300 million Aqua America is investing in

infrastructure this year and its plans to invest $1.5 billion over the next five

years.

Recent headlines in major national newspapers, supported by data

from the U.S. EPA and the American Society of Civil engineers, have provided great detail on

the gravity of the problem

God continues to give us the water for free, but hes left the cost of laying the pipe and building

the treatment facilities to us, said DeBenedictis. Unfortunately, in too many cases many of the

treatment facilities and much of the pipe are reaching or have passed the end of their useful life

and now is the time to invest in America. Water utilities are the most capital intensive of all the

utilities, having to invest more capital per-dollar of revenue earned than any of the utilitiesincluding electric, gas, telephone and cable.

Recent headlines in major national newspapers, supported by data from the U.S. EPA

and the American Society of Civil engineers, have provided great detail on the gravity of the

problem, said DeBenedictis.

DeBenedictis said that although the state of our nations drinking water and wastewater

systems is grim, its not all bad news. We have a great chance to make lemonade out of lemons

and thats what were doing at Aqua America.

When you look at what types of companies are actually putting their dollars and cents

into the U.S. economy, the large regulated utilities are right there leading the way. And if you

look further at how were investing those dollarsreplacing aged water mains and treatmentplants for more safe and reliable service to our customersyou will see why utilities like Aqua

America have played and will continue to play a key role in the solution to the restoration of our

nations water and wastewater infrastructure.

At Aqua America, we have used our strong balance sheet and credit ratings, which have

afforded us record low borrowing rates, to access the capital markets so we can rebuild our

nations water and wastewater systems. With the help of our shareholdersmany of whom are

attracted to our stock because of the dividendwe have virtually created our own economic

stimulus plan, which has had a positive impact on the economies of the areas we serve by

creating jobs and a sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure to support business.

DeBenedictis said that even after undertaking its major capital investment program, water

is still among the cheapest of the utilities at a cost of about a dollar per day. This cost efficiencyis important because pricing to pay for all this capital investment is permitted by various state

regulatory bodies, which understand the need for consistent investment in the nations water

infrastructure.

ClearWater Conservancy Offers Delicious Holiday Fundraising Idea
https://www.aquaamerica.com/Pages/Home.aspxhttps://www.aquaamerica.com/Pages/Home.aspxhttps://www.aquaamerica.com/Pages/Home.aspx


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ClearWater Conservancy, along with their friends at Tait Farm Foods, is pleased to offer the

community a wonderful gift giving opportunity this holiday season.

Tait Farm Foods has put together several delicious and affordable gift collections that

people can purchase for clients, colleagues, family, and friends that will directly benefit

ClearWater Conservancy.

Tait Farm products are made right on their farm, are all-natural, and are absolutelydelicious. This is a wonderful way to support natural resource conservation while also

supporting local agriculture and a local business.

Approximately 40 percent of each purchase will directly benefit ClearWater

Conservancy. Order forms can be found online. Orders are due by November 29.

Orders will be available for pick-up on Monday, December 13 at the ClearWater office at

2555 North Atherton Street. Shipping is also available through Tait Farm Foods at their regular

UPS Ground shipping rates.

Payment is due at the time of pick-up or may be arranged in advance by calling the

ClearWater office at 814-237-0400.

Holiday Gifts: New Fishing Licenses Go On Sale December 1

The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and that means its time for anglers to get a

jump on the 2011 sporting season. Anglers can purchase a 2011 license beginning December 1,

which gives them a bonus month for free.

Fishing license vouchers also make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Purchasing

vouchers for family members and friends is easy and convenient. Vouchers and licenses - can

be purchased online through the Fish and Boat Commissions Outdoor Shop.

A voucher may be redeemed at any of more than 900 issuing agents across the state.

We sell about 4,000 vouchers each year, said Bernie Matscavage, director of the

PFBCs Bureau of Administration, which oversees sales. They are easy to purchase and requireonly a method of payment. Its just like a gift certificate. The recipient then redeems the voucher

for a fishing license.

A resident annual fishing license can be purchased for $22.70, said Matscavage. Add in a

typical trout-salmon permit for $9.70 and an angler can enjoy more than a year of fishing for

$32.40 less than a typical dinner for two and about the price for two people to see one movie.

The PFBC also sells a number of angling and boating-related products through the

Outdoor Shop, including caps, books, posters and the flagship publication Angler & Boater

magazine. Customers can also renew boat registrations and purchase launch permits for un-

powered boats online.

Visit the Fish and Boat Commission's Outdoor Shop online.

Be A Friends Of The Wissahickon Trail Ambassador
http://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/http://www.taitfarmfoods.com/http://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/CWC%20files/TaitFarmFoodsFundraiser.pdfhttps://www.theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us//FBG/fish_secured/FishOutdoorShop.asp?ShopperID=58C79D3FE35940519738388F834553AChttps://www.theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us//FBG/fish_secured/FishOutdoorShop.asp?ShopperID=58C79D3FE35940519738388F834553AChttps://www.theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us//FBG/fish_secured/FishOutdoorShop.asp?ShopperID=58C79D3FE35940519738388F834553AChttps://www.theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us//FBG/fish_secured/FishOutdoorShop.asp?ShopperID=58C79D3FE35940519738388F834553AChttp://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/CWC%20files/TaitFarmFoodsFundraiser.pdfhttp://www.taitfarmfoods.com/http://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/


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The Friends of the Wissahickon are looking for volunteers to work

as Trail Ambassadors in Wissahickon Valley Park. The application

deadline is January 7.

Trail Ambassadors are park volunteers who assist and

educate people in the park with anything from directions to safety

needs to park history, flora and fauna. (Photo: Ambassadors BruceWagner & Lynn Mather)

Ambassadors perform their service in the park and

participate in ongoing education. They become experts in the Wissahickon and provide a

valuable public service.

Trail Ambassadors share their knowledge by: interacting with and providing assistance to

park users while walking the trails; staffing information tables at FOW volunteer days and

events; leading walks in the Wissahickon Valley; and conducting surveys of park users and

wildlife.

Training sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. from February 2

thru March 16. First Aid/CPR session will be held the morning of March 12. Applicants accepted

into the program are required to pay a $100 registration fee, sign a one-time volunteer releaseform, and obtain their criminal background check and child-abuse clearance.

Ambassadors must be FOW members or willing to join the organization. The number of

open positions is limited.

For more information, program requirements, and an online application form. Contact

FOW Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Groves with questions by sending email to: [email protected]

or call 215-247-0417 ext 105.

Corbett Agenda

Back To Basics At DEP, Incentives For Brownfields, Grayfields Redevelopment

As part of his campaign platform, Gov.-elect Tom Corbett laid out a series

of commitments on protecting the environment, developing Pennsylvania's

energy resources, enhancing agriculture and promoting sportsmen's issues.

PA Environment Digestis taking a look at the commitments he

made on returning the Department of Environmental Protection back to

basics and incentives for brownfields and grayfields development--

Pennsylvanias environment is one of our most precious resources,

and Tom Corbett is committed to protecting it with strong stewardship,

direction and leadership. From helping to attract new businesses and jobs to Pennsylvania toproviding countless outdoor activities for citizens, our environment plays an integral part in

forging a new direction and a new era in Pennsylvania.

Throughout his career, Tom Corbett has worked aggressively to protect Pennsylvanias

environment. As a United States Attorney, he prosecuted the first municipality in the nation for

violations of the federal Clean Water Act for diverting raw sewage from its treatment plant and

discharging excessive levels of pollutants into our waterways. The municipalitys conviction
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resulted in a $50 million consent decree requiring an upgrade of treatment operations and nearly

a quarter of a million dollars being deposited into the Pennsylvania Clean Water Fund.

As Attorney General, Tom Corbett has prosecuted dozens of environmental offenses

which have resulted in significant penalties for individual and corporate polluters as well as

financial investments in environmental improvement projects. In 2006, he accomplished one of

his major campaign priorities from his initial run for the Office of Attorney General in 2004 hesuccessfully worked with the General Assembly to design tougher penalties for violations of

Pennsylvanias Clean Streams Law. The act brought Pennsylvanias law in line with federal law,

created a more significant deterrent to polluters and put a stop to the mentality of considering our

states environmental fines as a cost of doing business.

As Governor, Tom Corbett will continue his commitment to the environment by working

to protect our air, land and water and will enact policies that balance economic growth with

strong environmental stewardship. He will direct the Department of Environmental Protection to

serve as a partner with Pennsylvania businesses, communities and local governments through a

sound environmental protection program.

In his energy plan, Tom Corbett details how he will refocus the Department of

Environmental Protection back to its core mission of protecting the environment based on soundscience. At the heart of DEPs mission to protect Pennsylvanias air, water and land is an

obligation to assist Pennsylvanias regulated community our citizens, local governments and

job creators in complying with laws that protect our environment. Over the past few years,

DEP was directed to change its focus and move away from its core mission. Consequently, the

citizens and employers of Pennsylvania have been left underserved.

As Governor, Tom Corbett will direct DEP to return to its core mission of helping people

comply with Pennsylvania laws and regulations. He will achieve this goal through strong

leadership and management and a focus on six actions within the department to set the tone of

getting back to basics. The following is a highlight of the ideas from his energy plan.

-- Eliminate the permit backlog. Tom Corbett will eliminate the permit backlog and direct theSecretary of DEP to review each of the permits on file to determine if they are still active and

part of a job-creating economic development project.

-- Create the Permit Decision Guarantee Program. Tom Corbett will create a Permit

Decision Guarantee Program to ensure timely permit decisions based on clear deadlines for

each permit issued by the agency.

-- Establish a DEP Legacy Corps. Tom Corbett will establish a program to enlist retired DEP

senior managers, who have vast experience and knowledge in implementing DEPs programs, to

voluntarily mentor future DEP managers through a management trainee program.

-- Review DEP programs, regulations and guidance documents. Tom Corbett will direct the

DEP Secretary to initiate a review of all DEP programs and offices within the first three months

and issue a report outlining necessary legislative or regulatory changes as well as current staffingcapabilities.

-- Administer DEP programs with uniformity. Tom Corbett will direct the Secretary of DEP

to develop an initiative to ensure uniform administration of programs within the agency and

create a right of referral for applicants to the central office if they believe the field office is

administering a requirement inconsistently.

-- Create a PA Environmental Expert Loan Program. Tom Corbett will create the PA

Environmental Expert Loan Program, similar to the program created in the U.S. Environmental


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Protection Agency. Under the Program, DEP will create relationships with academic and other

institutions to allow individuals with expertise in pre-identified specialties to lend their skills to

DEP for a specified period of time.

-- Direct interagency coordination & public participation. Tom Corbett will make it a priority

to create pathways and break down barriers for more effective interagency communication to

learn how programs in multiple agencies impact the regulated community and how thoseprograms can be implemented more effectively.

-- Promote environmental education as a key to the future. Tom Corbett will work with DEP

to develop an education program to help businesses and local governments improve their

compliance rates, conservation efforts and energy efficiency opportunities.

Revitalizing Brownfield & Grayfield Properties

It is estimated that our vast industrial and mining heritage has left Pennsylvania with

some 100,000 to 120,000 acres of potentially prime real estate sitting vacant due to the potential

of environmental impacts that have been left unaddressed. Brownfields (former commercial and

industrial sites) and Grayfields (mine-scarred lands) are located in Pennsylvanias smallest towns

and most rural areas as well as our cities and urban areas.

Tom Corbett believes that revitalization of brownfield and grayfield properties is awinning proposition for both the environment and the economy. In addition to removing

environmental threats, a redeveloped brownfield or grayfield property often serves as the

keystone of a community's successful economic revitalization. As Governor, Tom Corbett will

work to harness these resources and grow economic development opportunities across the state.

-- Refocus and consolidate site remediation programs. Pennsylvania's ap

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