Pa Environment Digest Nov. 23, 2015

8/20/2019 Pa Environment Digest Nov. 23, 2015

1/41

PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Issue #595 Harrisburg, Pa November 23, 2015

Environmental Quality Board Meeting Now Feb. 3 To Consider Final Drilling Regulations

The Environmental Quality Board meeting to consider the final Chapter 78 (conventional) and

78A (Marcellus) drilling regulations will now be February 3 so it does not conflict with the

Governor’s budget address on February 2. The EQB will not have a January meeting.

Scott Perry, DEP Deputy Secretary for Oil and Gas Management, told the CitizensAdvisory Council, the EQB members will be sent materials for the February 3 meeting on or

about January 6, which would have been the normal time for a January meeting.

For more information, visit DEP’s Oil and Gas Regulation webpage.

NewsClips:

Study Indicates Gas Drilling Can Impact Rivers, Streams

Copy Of Drilling/Stream Study Paper

Drilling Company Shuts Down Wells As Cr ews Fight Brush Fires

Judge Lets Middlesex Drilling Ordinance Stand

Penn Twp Receives More Well Drilling Applications

Blaze At Plant That Blends Chemicals For Shale Drilling Industry

DEP Pipeline Task Force To Schedule Extra Meeting To Consider Recommendations

DEP’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force met for 3 hours

Wednesday to start its review of 184 recommendations in the

draft Task Force report released by DEP on November 9.

One conclusion the members came to was they needed

more time to discuss recommendations that were not agreed to

by work group members.

DEP Secretary John Quigley agreed to look for a date in

December for the Task Force to continue its review.

On Tuesday, DEP surveyed the members of the TaskForce on the issues they agreed with, opposed or needed to discuss more. Quigley said the

results showed there was agreement on many of the recommendations. He used the survey

results to guide which recommendations the Task Force discussed Wednesday.

Task Force members recommended and Quigley agreed to look at re-surveying the

members on the recommendations so they could get a clearer picture of what should be discussed

at the next meeting.

Quigley said DEP would be developing a list of which agencies were responsible for

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9460275-74/chemical-gas-lubrizol#axzz3rpVwTqkrhttp://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9460275-74/chemical-gas-lubrizol#axzz3rpVwTqkrhttp://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9460275-74/chemical-gas-lubrizol#axzz3rpVwTqkrhttp://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9460275-74/chemical-gas-lubrizol#axzz3rpVwTqkrhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/20/Penn-Township-receives-more-well-drilling-applications/stories/201511200086http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/20/Penn-Township-receives-more-well-drilling-applications/stories/201511200086http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/20/Penn-Township-receives-more-well-drilling-applications/stories/201511200086http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/9459715-74/fire-firefighters-fayettehttp://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0137416&representation=PDFhttp://citizensvoice.com/news/study-indicates-gas-drilling-can-impact-rivers-streams-1.1971950http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/Pages/default.aspx#.VktSA9-rTjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PITF/Meetings/11-18-15/Governor%27s%20Pipeline%20Infrastructure%20Task%20Force%20DRAFT%20Report.pdfhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/PipelineTaskForce/Pages/Meeting-Agendas.aspx#.Vkzs6N-rRBxhttp://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9460275-74/chemical-gas-lubrizol#axzz3rpVwTqkrhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/20/Penn-Township-receives-more-well-drilling-applications/stories/201511200086http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/9482022-74/middlesex-zoning-drillinghttp://triblive.com/news/adminpage/9459715-74/fire-firefighters-fayettehttp://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0137416&representation=PDFhttp://citizensvoice.com/news/study-indicates-gas-drilling-can-impact-rivers-streams-1.1971950http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/Public-Resources/Pages/Oil-and-Gas-Surface-Regulations.aspx#.VktH1IRiDjAhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/Pages/default.aspx#.VktSA9-rTjAhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953


2/41

which recommendations and a draft implementation plan.

Quigley also said DEP was drafting, and would share with the Task Force, a preamble to

the report and a cover letter from the Task Force that members would be asked to sign.

DEP is now accepting public comments on the report until December 14 through DEP’s

eComment webpage.

The draft report can be found here.For more information, visit DEP’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force webpage. A video

of Wednesday’s meeting will be posted on the Task Force webpage.

NewsClips:

Pipeline Task Force Debates Pipeline Recommendations

Calls For Greater Pipeline Safety In Rural Areas

Gas Companies Extend Pipelines, Gain Customers

UGI Seeks To Expedite Pipeline Serving New Power Plant

Lancaster Group Nixes $10K Grant From Pipeline Builder

Gas Processing Plants Reach Settlement With EPA Over Violations

Beaver County Couple Continues Fight Against Compressor Station

Related Story:50 Groups Call For Hearings On DEP Draft Pipeline Task Force Recommendations

PA League Of Women Voters Pitt Host Shale And Public Health Conference

WPCAMR: Fill Out DEP’s Growing Greener Stakeholder Survey

The Department of Environmental Protection is asking for

stakeholders of the Growing Greener Program to complete a survey .

Data will be used in the possible development of a Growing Greener

III Program.

The feedback you provide could help to secure future funding of

existing Growing Greener-funded programs. This is a great

opportunity to highlight the success and needs of the Conservation

District Watershed Specialists.

The survey also provides you an opportunity to highlight issues and concerns you have

faced in previous rounds of Growing Greener, where you think funding for future rounds could

come from, and what environmental priorities Growing Greener III should focus on.

DEP is interested in getting as much feedback as possible from a broad stakeholder set.

Please forward the link above to fellow watershed group boards and volunteers to encourage our

communities participation.

Click Here

to take the survey.

NewsClips:Lancaster County Still Under Microscope On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

DEP Stormwater Permits Coming To Hanover Area

Virtual Tour Of Susquehanna River May Boost Tourism

Voting Open For PA River Of The Year

Lehigh River Up For 2016 PA River Of The Year

Editorial: Susquehanna’s North Branch Belongs In River Of The Year

Alcosan Plans Miles Of Tunnels to Transport Wastewater

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/11/19/Alcosan-plans-miles-of-tunnels-to-transport-wastewater/stories/201511190171http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/494355/our-opinion-susquehannas-north-branch-belongs-in-river-of-the-year-contentionhttp://www.mcall.com/sports/outdoors/mc-outdoor-ramblings-11162015-20151116-column.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/voting-open-for-pennsylvania-river-of-the-year-1.1971801http://www.dailyitem.com/news/virtual-tour-of-entire-susquehanna-river-may-boost-tourism/article_c8fbe6d0-8b34-11e5-8c48-67683f8c2193.html?utm_source=Chesapeake+Bay+News&utm_campaign=a98c845067-Chesapeake_Bay_News6_4_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71ced15df1-a98c845067-65242413http://lancasteronline.com/news/health/dep-stormwater-permits-coming-to-hanover-area/article_c74f0123-fba9-5e9b-ae6a-35e159cc7f07.htmlhttp://lancasteronline.com/lancaster-county-still-under-the-microscope-when-it-comes-to/article_11c965c8-84c2-11e5-b3fe-cf5444146f65.htmlhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GrowingGreenerhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GrowingGreenerhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/11/pa-league-of-women-voters-pitt-host.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/11/50-groups-call-for-hearings-on-dep.htmlhttp://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/couple-continues-legal-fight-against-new-sewickley-twp-gas-compressor/article_1d1192e4-8a39-11e5-b0e7-97daf4c59261.htmlhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/19/gas-processing-plants-reach-settlement-with-epa-over-alleged-violations/http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/conestoga-history-group-nixes-grant-from-pipeline-builder/article_421a3020-8b9a-11e5-869a-374712509fdc.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/news/2015/11/ugi_seeks_expedited_approval_o.html#incart_river_homehttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/9426999-74/gas-customers-servicehttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/17/Calls-for-greater-natural-gas-pipeline-safety-in-rural-areas-Marcellus-Shale-pennsylvania/stories/201511170005https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/19/task-force-debates-pipeline-recommendations/http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/PipelineTaskForce/Pages/Meeting-Agendas.aspx#.Vkzs6N-rRBxhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PITF/Meetings/11-18-15/Governor%27s%20Pipeline%20Infrastructure%20Task%20Force%20DRAFT%20Report.pdfhttp://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/


3/41

Pittsburgh Officials Point To Feds For Sewage Storage Plans



(Written by: Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine

Reclamation

and reprinted from Abandoned Mine Posts. Click Here

to sign up for your owncopy.)

Senate, House Rearranged Budget Vehicles, But Will Budget Framework Float?

Senate and House Republicans were busy this week moving budget, pension reform, liquor

privatization, Fiscal Code and other bills that may be used once the details of a budget agreement

are worked out.

The very real question this week was: will the very broad agreement on a budget

framework survive under the microscope of drafting the language for the 30 to 40 bills needed to

implement the agreement?

There is growing opposition to the proposed increase in the Personal and Sales taxes froman unusual alliance of conservative Senate and House members who think relief is not enough

and many Democrats who feel it will hit their constituencies hard without any benefit.

One test of this opposition will be an anticipated vote next week in the Senate on Senate

Bill 76 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) that would totally eliminate school property taxes. Sen. David

Argall, prime sponsor of the bill, has said you don’t reform property taxes , the only solution is to

eliminate them.

If the Senate passes the bill, it will be an indication the partial property tax relief in the

agreed-to budget framework may not have enough support.

The House has never passed legislation to totally eliminate school property taxes, despite

several attempts over the years. The best they have ever done was when it passed House Bill

504

(Gabler-R-Clearfield) which increased the Personal Income and Sales taxes enough to

provide $5 billion worth of relief.

As these things go, the longer the final budget isn’t put before members, the more

opportunity opponents have to pick it apart and pick off member support.

Think about the budget process in what was a typical year. Tough negotiations lead to a

final agreement and it was usually just days or maybe a week or so later until the final bills were

passed and on the Governor’s desk.

This year the tentative agreement was announced November 10 and we’ve seen no action

on any agreed-to language 14 days later.

Clearly there is lots and lots of work to be done and at this point, the Senate and House

have only scheduled 6 more overlapping voting days to do it.The Senate is scheduled to be in voting session next week-- November 23, 24, 25 and

December 7, 8, 9 and the House November 23, 24; 25 (Non-Voting) and December 7, 8, 9, 14,

15, 16.

Of course that could all change, but clearly no budget by Thanksgiving and the prospects

for an early Christmas present are a little fuzzy.

What it means for nonprofit groups, local governments and state vendors still going

without funding is another month, at least, without state money.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0504http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0504http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news/politics&id=351546341http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0076http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0076http://www.wpcamr.org/organization/newsletter.htmlhttp://www.wpcamr.org/http://www.wpcamr.org/http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0137416&representation=PDFhttp://citizensvoice.com/news/study-indicates-gas-drilling-can-impact-rivers-streams-1.1971950http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/11/19/City-officials-reiterate-concerns-over-sewage-storage-plans-pittsburgh-alcosan-sewage/stories/201511190194


4/41

Interestingly, in just 71 days-- February 2-- Gov. Wolf is required to present his FY

2016-17 budget proposal to the General Assembly.

Oddly enough, February 2 is Groundhog Day. Are we going to see same process all over

again next year?

We are now at day 146 without a state budget.

NewsClips:Wolf: December Budget More Realistic

Midstate Lawmakers: Should Gas Drillers Pay More?

Nonprofits, Schools Pinch Pennies, Lawmakers Spend $243K

Early Budget Returns: Who’s Looking Good, Not Good

Winners, Losers In Proposed Budget Framework

Property Tax Relief At Center Stage Of State Budget

John Baer: Budget Framework, Who’s Happy Now?

Op-Ed: Natural Landscapes Need To Be Preserved, Land & Water Conservation Fund

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 as-it-happens 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 dailyemail 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

http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.crisciassociates.com/category/capitol-blog/http://www.crisciassociates.com/category/environment-blog/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/https://plus.google.com/+DavidHessGreenWorksInPA/postshttp://www.centredaily.com/opinion/article45447837.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20151116_Pa__budget__framework___Who_s_happy_now_.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/property-tax-relief-at-center-stage-of-state-budget-1.1972052http://www.goerie.com/winners-losers-in-pa-s-proposed-budget-frameworkhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/11/early_returns_whos_trending_up.html#incart_river_homehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-nonprofits-schools-pinch-pennies-in-impasse-lawmakers-spend-243g-on-hotel-stays-meals-1.1971665http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/11/should_pennsylvanias_gas_drill.html#incart_river_homehttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20151117_Wolf__December_budget__more_realistic_.html


5/41


6/41

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

JudiciaryLaw 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--

Uniform Construction Code: House Bill 1645 (Harper-R-Montgomery) further providing for

the adoption of updates to the Uniform Construction Code, including energy conservation provisions (sponsor summary ).

Session Schedule ( Updated)

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

Senate ( Updated )

November 23, 24, 25

House

November 23, 24; 25 (Non-Voting)

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

Rural Recycling Mandate: House Bill 1533 (Rader-R- Monroe) exempting certain more rural

communities from mandatory recycling ( sponsor summary ) was amended and reported from the

House Local Government Committee and Tabled.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18833http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1533http://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBxhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18996http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1645http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=33&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=29&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=39&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=23&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=31&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=7&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=S


7/41

Local Stormwater Fees: House Bill 1325 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing 2nd class

townships to assess stormwater management fees without forming an authority (sponsor

summary ), House Bill 1394 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing boroughs to assess stormwater

management fees without forming an authority (sponsor summary) and House Bill 1661

(Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing 1st class townships to assess stormwater management feeswithout forming an authority (sponsor summary) were amended and reported from the House

Local Government Committee and Tabled.

News From The Capitol

Senate, House Coal Caucus Hearing Examines Impacts Of EPA Clean Power Climate Plan

At a House and Senate Coal Caucus hearing Tuesday, PA Coal Alliance CEO, John Pippy

cautioned legislators on early compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s most

recent high impact regulation, the Clean Power Plan.

Within the last 15 years, the EPA has introduced 19 high impact rules with costs over $90

billion dollars.

By the EPA’s own modest estimate, compliance with the CPP will cost $8.4 billion

annually, making it the most costly power plant regulation to date impacting the coal industry,

state economy and the cost and reliability of electricity.

Under the CPP, EPA exercises primacy over a sector that has historically been regulated

by states. This conflicts with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s responsibility under

the Federal Power Act to regulate wholesale electricity markets that meet the unique needs and

utilize the unique resources within each state.

The EPA faces serious legal opposition from 27 states who have filed lawsuits to block

implementation of the CPP.These states represent over 60 percent of the nation’s energy supply. In addition, 24

national trade associations — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National

Association of Manufacturers and National Federation of Independent Businesses — are suing

EPA.

The members of these associations represent more than 80 percent of the U.S. economy.

Another 37 rural electric cooperatives, 10 major companies and three labor unions representing

over 878,000 members have also joined suit.

Many power plants are still in the process of completing compliance with the Mercury

Air Toxics Standard which forced the closure of more than 400 coal units in 36 states. In June

2015, the United States Supreme Court remanded MATS back to the D.C. Courts citing that the

EPA should have taken into account the cost to utilities and others in the power sector.Unfortunately, the ruling came too late and citing the cost of compliance, several of

Pennsylvania’s power plants were closed and hundreds of jobs shuttered.

The CPP will face similar legal scrutiny, and the cost of developing a compliance plan to

meet the carbon emissions standard will be much higher, as this is not just retrofitting existing

plants with available technologies, but taking offline existing power-producing plants, replacing

them with less reliable and more costly new sources and building out the transmission

infrastructure statewide.

http://www.betterwithcoal.com/http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19130http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1661http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18599http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1394http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18450http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18450http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1325


8/41

“The magnitude of layered regulations coming from this Administration, each with a

higher price tag than the last is careless,” said John Pippy. “This is an environmental regulation,

and as such, should not be used as a template for developing our nation’s energy policy as there

are zero considerations given to the cost of implementation on the ratepayer, taxes, economy or

jobs.”

As one of the nation’s top energy-producing states with the most to lose by rushingcompliance, Pennsylvania should prudently apply for and take advantage of the two-year

extension.

If the CPP is found to be unlawful, Pennsylvania will be left with strict, federally

enforceable guidelines for its energy policy, crippling the economy beyond competitive repair

and disadvantaging it to other states that waited and weighed the cost of compliance.

Click Here to watch a video of the Coal Caucus hearing on Sen. Gene Yaw’s website.

For more information, visit the PA Coal Alliance website.

NewsClips:

Coal Pleads Its Case On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan

Op-Ed: PA Coal Alliance: Tread Carefully With Clean Power Plan

DEP Readies First Draft Of Clean Power Climate Plan 5 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint from Scranton Products

Symbolic Votes To Block EPA Clean Power Plan In U.S. Senate

Editorial: Another Snub On Climate Policy

House Committee OKs Bills Allowing Municipalities To Set Stormwater Fees

The House Local Government Committee Wednesday amended and reported out three bills

authorizing local government to assess stormwater management fees. The bills include--

-- House Bill 1325 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing 2nd class townships to assess stormwater

management fees without forming an authority (sponsor summary);

-- House Bill 1394

(Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing boroughs to assess stormwater

management fees without forming an authority (sponsor summary) and

-- House Bill 1661 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) authorizing 1st class townships to assess stormwater

management fees without forming an authority (sponsor summary).

The Committee amended each of the bills to require the use of any fees for stormwater

management purposes along with other administrative changes.

The bills were then Tabled in preparation for a vote by the full House.

Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Robert Freeman

(D-Lehigh) serves as Minority Chair.

NewsClips:

Lancaster County Still Under Microscope On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup DEP Stormwater Permits Coming To Hanover Area

Virtual Tour Of Susquehanna River May Boost Tourism

Voting Open For PA River Of The Year





http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/11/19/City-officials-reiterate-concerns-over-sewage-storage-plans-pittsburgh-alcosan-sewage/stories/201511190194http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/11/19/Alcosan-plans-miles-of-tunnels-to-transport-wastewater/stories/201511190171http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/494355/our-opinion-susquehannas-north-branch-belongs-in-river-of-the-year-contentionhttp://www.mcall.com/sports/outdoors/mc-outdoor-ramblings-11162015-20151116-column.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/voting-open-for-pennsylvania-river-of-the-year-1.1971801http://www.dailyitem.com/news/virtual-tour-of-entire-susquehanna-river-may-boost-tourism/article_c8fbe6d0-8b34-11e5-8c48-67683f8c2193.html?utm_source=Chesapeake+Bay+News&utm_campaign=a98c845067-Chesapeake_Bay_News6_4_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71ced15df1-a98c845067-65242413http://lancasteronline.com/news/health/dep-stormwater-permits-coming-to-hanover-area/article_c74f0123-fba9-5e9b-ae6a-35e159cc7f07.htmlhttp://lancasteronline.com/lancaster-county-still-under-the-microscope-when-it-comes-to/article_11c965c8-84c2-11e5-b3fe-cf5444146f65.htmlhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=19130http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1661http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18599http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1394http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=18450http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1325http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?Code=30&CteeBody=Hhttp://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/9433284-74/climate-senate-obamahttp://wapo.st/1S2oZMFhttp://goo.gl/wG0do6https://goo.gl/XreaGqhttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/9426993-74/plan-power-pennsylvania#axzz3rXxm7mQ7http://timesleader.com/news/business/494068/john-pippy-state-should-tread-carefully-with-clean-power-planhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/17/coal-pleads-its-case-against-the-clean-power-plan-to-state-lawmakers/http://www.betterwithcoal.com/http://www.senatorgeneyaw.com/2015/11/17/111715/


9/41



House Bill Exempting Certain Communities From Leaf Collection OK’d By Committee

The House Local Government Committee Wednesday reported out House Bill 1533

(Rader-R-Monroe) which would amend the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction

Act (Act 101) to exempt certain rural local governments from having mandatory leaf collection

programs.

“In many rural areas, residents dispose of their leaves by moving them into a wooded

area. Therefore, it is expensive and unnecessary for those townships to be required to fund and

operate leaf collection programs,” said Rep. Jack Rader. “My bill would allow municipalities

with over 5,000 people and a population density of under 500 people per square mile to end their

leaf recycling programs if they choose. This is a cost-saving piece of legislation that would help

our rural townships by providing them with options for the manner in which they handle leaf

collection.”

Also included in this bill is a leaf-burning ban that is required for those municipalitiesthat opt out of municipal leaf collection.

The bill moved to the House Floor for a vote.

NewsClips:

DEP Accepts Chrin Landfill Application For Review

West Side Landfill Authority No Longer Recognized

Ex-Chester County Twp Official Charged With Dumping Chemicals

DEP Still Reviewing Cause, Impact Of Recycling Plant Fire

Joint Conservation Committee Hears Presentation From PA Sustainable Forest Initiative

The PA Sustainable Forestry Initiative

provided an overview of its education and training

programs to the Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee on

Monday.

Chuck Coup, Program Manager for the PA SFI, said his group “promotes sustainable

forest management and provides consumer confidence in the marketplace.”

Five companies in Pennsylvania hold Forest Management Certificates covering 130,562

acres forest land in the Commonwealth, Coup said. He also reported there are 26 companies in

Pennsylvania holding Certified Sourcing Certificates and 51 companies holding chain of

custody certificates.

The Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee was established in 1995 and is housed

as an independent subcommittee of the PA Forest Products Association

.Coup said, “The Pennsylvania SIC works to strengthen sustainability in the forest

products supply chain,” and accomplished its mission through—

— Helping the forest products industry support sustainable forestry by promoting the SFI

standard in Pennsylvania and supporting the certified SFI program participants operating in the

Commonwealth.

— Providing forest landowners the information they need to enhance their ability to make good

management decisions and engage the public with the message of sustainable forestry.

http://paforestproducts.org/http://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/http://www.sfiofpa.org/http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=n5bivXwchttp://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=352354651http://timesleader.com/news/local/494531/west-side-landfill-authority-no-longer-recognizedhttp://www.mcall.com/business/mc-chrin-landfill-application-20151116-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1533http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?Code=30&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0137416&representation=PDFhttp://citizensvoice.com/news/study-indicates-gas-drilling-can-impact-rivers-streams-1.1971950


10/41

— Educating loggers about safe and productive practices as well as being good forest stewards

through training programs.

The PA SIC also has close ties with the Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources and the Game Commission which both have active logging operations.

He noted, “onsite crew leaders for all logging crews working on DCNR Bureau of

Forestry sites must be trained under the PA Sustainable Forestry initiative.“The Pennsylvania Game Commission recommends that logging crews working on State

Game Lands be trained in safe logging techniques and sound environmental practices through a

formal training program such as the one provided by the Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry

Initiative or other similar course,” Coup explained.

“Representing a region whose economy is reliant on the forest products industry, I can

personally attest to the important work done by SFI here in our Commonwealth,” said Sen. Scott

Hutchinson (R-Venango), Chair of the Committee. “From training and certifying loggers to

educating landowners on the latest forest management techniques, Pennsylvania SFI has been

integral to the continued health and productivity of our state’s valuable forest lands.”

A copy of Coup’s presentation is available online .

For more information, visit the PA Sustainable Forestry Initiative

website.NewsClips:

Lackawanna College: Become A Natural Resource Ranger

Moon Lake Park Becomes Part Of Pinchot State Forest

Related Stories:

PA Sustainable Forestry Initiative Takes Youth Logger Training To New Heights

Sustainable Forestry Initiative Sets World’s Record For Planting Trees: 7,248 In PA

Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Wild Turkey Federation Form Partnership

Sustainable Forestry Initiative Community, Conservation Partnership Grants Due

News From Around The State

Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Earns 2 Awards For Stream Buffers, Reducing Pollution

Restoration efforts by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA to

plant forested and streamside buffers in Pennsylvania have

earned it accolades from two conservation groups.

CBF Pennsylvania’s Buffer Bonus Program was awarded the

PA Resources Council’s “2015 Leadership in Conservation

Award.” The program encourages and accelerates the planting

of streamside buffers, while helping to fund additional

on-farm conservation work.The PRC saluted CBF “for its leadership in demonstrating

that streamside buffers are essential tools in reducing water

pollution from runoff of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in Pennsylvania.”

“Our 2015 awardees have advanced PRC’s mission through their innovative and creative

programs and leadership,” PRC Executive Director Bob Jondreau said. The award was presented

at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia on Thursday.

“Restoring streamside forests is the key to clean and healthy rivers and streams,” said

http://www.ansp.org/http://prc.org/http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/programs-initiatives/pennsylvania/susquehanna-watershed-restoration/buffer-bonus-program-helps-farmers-improve-water-qualityhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33033http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33306http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33443http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=33614http://timesleader.com/news/local/494229/moon-lake-park-2-other-tracts-becomes-part-of-pinchot-state-foresthttp://www.pikecountycourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20151118/NEWS01/151119963/Become-a-natural-resource-ranger#.Vk3WYL2LKbA.twitterhttp://www.sfiofpa.org/http://wallaby.telicon.com/pa/library/2015/20151116TQ.pdf


11/41

Harry Campbell, CBF Pennsylvania executive director. “We’re honored to receive this award

recognizing the successful efforts of our restoration specialists and the thousands of landowners

we’ve worked with.”

In northern Pennsylvania, CBF and key partners in Bradford County received the Forest

Champion Award from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in September, for having the “most

on-the-ground impact,” and working with farmers on planting forested buffers.Pennsylvania is significantly behind in its commitments to reduce pollution and improve

water quality in local rivers and streams, particularly by stemming the amount of harmful runoff

from agriculture.

Accelerating the number of buffers planted across the Commonwealth could help the

Keystone State get back on track. Trees trap and filter nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment, the

Keystone State’s most problematic pollutants, before they can run off into rivers and streams.

Clair Ryan, CBF watershed restoration program manager in Pennsylvania, said that

buffers provide a myriad environmental benefits.

“The roots of the trees prevent soil erosion and soak up nitrogen and phosphorus from

fertilizer and manure that runoff from fields and pastures before they can reach the streams,”

Ryan said. “Reforestation also enhances wildlife habitat for a number of important speciesincluding our native coldwater fish.”

The ability of buffers to keep cattle out of streams also pays dividends.

“This is good for the stream because it reduces pollution and erosion and good for the

cows too,” Ryan said. “Keeping cows out of water decreases the incidence of hoof-related

diseases and injuries. It’s a win-win.”

In Bradford County, the partners planted over 3,000 acres of trees under the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) , making the

county a conservation leader in the Commonwealth.

In two years, at least 36 farmers participated in the Buffer Bonus Program in Bradford

County, implementing nearly 200 conservation practices.

The Buffer Bonus Program has also been successful in Lancaster County, where Amish

and Mennonite farmers are reducing pollution by installing conservation projects and planting

streamside forested buffers.

In just two years, nearly 300 conservation practices were installed, bringing 41 farms into

full compliance with state required conservation and manure management plans.

CBF’s Buffer Bonus Program encourages farmers to couple CREP forest buffers with

on-farm improvements. For each acre of forest buffer planted, CBF offers participating farmers a

“best management practice voucher” to help with the costs of additional on-farm conservation

work.

Improvements that qualify under the Buffer Bonus Program include rotational grazing

practices, streambank fencing, and alternative watering systems. Other options include theinstallation of waste transfer lines for milk-house waste and silage leachate, stabilization of

access roads, and the installation of roof gutters, all of which benefit water quality.

The Buffer Bonus Program also provides a new or updated Conservation and Nutrient

Management Plan, at no cost to the farmer. Combining this plan with an engineer’s evaluation of

the farm (also provided) gives farmers the opportunity to apply for federal funding to assist with

larger on-farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Chesapeake

http://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.creppa.org/https://allianceforthebay.org/https://allianceforthebay.org/2015/10/2015-chesapeake-forest-champions-honored/https://allianceforthebay.org/2015/10/2015-chesapeake-forest-champions-honored/


12/41

Bay Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from CBF-PA (bottom

of left panel).

NewsClips:

Lancaster County Still Under Microscope On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

DEP Stormwater Permits Coming To Hanover Area

Virtual Tour Of Susquehanna River May Boost Tourism Voting Open For PA River Of The Year







Nov. 17 Chesapeake Bay Journal Now Available

The November 17 summary of articles

from the Chesapeake Bay Journal Blog

is now availablefeaturing articles on--

-- Chesapeake Bay Program OKs Nutrient Reduction Credits For Farms

-- Nutrient Management Changes May Overstate Phosphorus Benefit

-- Buffers, Livestock Exclusion Cost-Effective Ways To Clean Up Local Streams

-- Calendar of Events

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

Nov. 20 Newsletter From Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center Now Available

The November 20 issue of the newsletter from Penn State’s Agriculture and Environment Center

is now available featuring stories on--

-- AEC Awarded NFWF Grant For Chiques Creek Reenvisioned

-- AEC, State College Continue To Grow Stormwater Partnership

-- Developing A Green Masterplan For Stormwater In Swatara Twp

-- AEC Hosts Right Of Way Workshop In Lancaster

-- Attend A Penn State Extension End Of Year Workshop On Conservation In Agriculture

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

50 Groups Call For Hearings On DEP Draft Pipeline Task Force Recommendations

A 30-day public comment period that falls during the holiday season and the lack of publichearings are among the concerns raised by 50 organizations fighting pipeline and infrastructure

projects in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in a November 13 letter to DEP Secretary John

Quigley

The letter notes that the task force fails to achieve its own stated goal to “amplify and

engage in meaningful public participation” by providing so little opportunity for public

engagement, especially when the task force’s only working meeting to finalize the report occurs

only four days after the comment period begins.

https://goo.gl/pGT5kAhttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news/subscribehttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news/2015/attend-one-of-penn-state-extensions-end-of-year-workshopshttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news/2015/aec-hosts-right-of-way-workshop-in-lancasterhttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news/2015/swatera-township-unveils-plan-to-green-communityhttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news/2015/aec-and-state-college-borough-partner-to-reduce-stormwater-downtownhttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news/2015/aec-awarded-national-fish-and-wildlife-foundation-grant-for-chiques-creek-reenvisionedhttp://agsci.psu.edu/aechttp://agsci.psu.edu/aec/news?utm_campaign=Agriculture+and+Environment+Center+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter_view_onlinehttp://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/calendarhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/14547http://www.bayjournal.com/article/14544http://www.bayjournal.com/article/bay_program_oks_controversial_nutrient_reduction_credits_for_farmshttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=b17f916d2763f0738a1910143&id=a075dcbe17&e=49bc155bbdhttp://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0137416&representation=PDFhttp://citizensvoice.com/news/study-indicates-gas-drilling-can-impact-rivers-streams-1.1971950http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/11/19/City-officials-reiterate-concerns-over-sewage-storage-plans-pittsburgh-alcosan-sewage/stories/201511190194http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/11/19/Alcosan-plans-miles-of-tunnels-to-transport-wastewater/stories/201511190171http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/494355/our-opinion-susquehannas-north-branch-belongs-in-river-of-the-year-contentionhttp://www.mcall.com/sports/outdoors/mc-outdoor-ramblings-11162015-20151116-column.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/voting-open-for-pennsylvania-river-of-the-year-1.1971801http://www.dailyitem.com/news/virtual-tour-of-entire-susquehanna-river-may-boost-tourism/article_c8fbe6d0-8b34-11e5-8c48-67683f8c2193.html?utm_source=Chesapeake+Bay+News&utm_campaign=a98c845067-Chesapeake_Bay_News6_4_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71ced15df1-a98c845067-65242413http://lancasteronline.com/news/health/dep-stormwater-permits-coming-to-hanover-area/article_c74f0123-fba9-5e9b-ae6a-35e159cc7f07.htmlhttp://lancasteronline.com/lancaster-county-still-under-the-microscope-when-it-comes-to/article_11c965c8-84c2-11e5-b3fe-cf5444146f65.htmlhttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/pa


13/41

“Last Friday November the 13th, I faxed and e-mailed a letter signed by fifty area groups

opposed to the proposed build-out of natural gas pipelines in Pennsylvania,” said Tim Spiese,

Board Chairman, Lancaster Against Pipelines . “We contest the assumption that this build-out

and the associated build-out of fracked wells and fracked gas extraction could somehow be made

"acceptable" to the people of Pennsylvania and surrounding states impacted by this

environmentally, fiscally and socially unjust proposal.“Thirty days is not enough time to allow for public comment. The assertion that there

was ample time for people to make comments at the end of the PITF meetings in Harrisburg

assumes that most people could take time off from work and travel to the DEP office in

Harrisburg to do so,” added Spiese. “Unfortunately this 30 day period starts prior to a very busy

holiday season for many people. I repeat our request that ninety days be allowed for public

comment as so much is at stake,”

"The PITF draft report contains over 50 references of the need to encourage public

participation, communicate with the public, and engage the public effectively, etc. PITF even

has a Public Participation workgroup, so it is a mystery why PITF won't hold public meetings,”

said Dory Hippauf, Research Committee Chair for the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition . “Then

again, the PITF task force and its work groups do have 74 members with connections andinterests to the natural gas industry.

“The lack of public notice is addressed more than once in the report’s recommendations.

In one instance, the industry is encouraged to publish notices as a ‘good neighbor’ practice,” said

Karen Feridun, Founder, Berks Gas Truth . “In another, the report recommends that DEP require

of companies that they publish notices in sources other than the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

“My own search of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association’s public notice website

shows that the DEP itself did not publish notices of the comment period in any newspapers. It’s

rather telling,”

"It has been asserted that the public had full and fair access to the Task Force and yet

when the public turned out to speak they were told they had a mere 2 minutes to comment

because the committee wanted to end its meeting by 4,” explained Maya van Rossum, the

Delaware Riverkeeper . “We were also told that there were limited seats in the meeting room and

so once the room was full the public would be kept out. When some members of the public

showed up after the meeting had started it required a special negotiation to get them into the

room.

“The public is most decidedly not welcome in this process. But we need to be heard and

we will be heard because it is our taxpayer dollars being used to fund this process and it is our

lives and environment that are being devastated by these pipelines."

"The Pipeline Task Force is yet another fossil in the bureaucracy of Pennsylvania's

government," said Tara Zrinski, local coordinator for Food and Water Watch, Lehigh Valley.

"The sign-on of these 50 groups represents the demands of taxpayers who are frustrated that theirtax dollars pay to sustain the damaging infrastructure of Natural Gas and its subsequent

extraction. We need a Clean Energy Task Force to guide Pennsylvania into a fossil free future!"

A copy of the letter is available online .

NewsClips:

Pipeline Task Force Debates Pipeline Recommendations

Calls For Greater Pipeline Safety In Rural Areas

Gas Companies Extend Pipelines, Gain Customers

http://triblive.com/business/headlines/9426999-74/gas-customers-servicehttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/17/Calls-for-greater-natural-gas-pipeline-safety-in-rural-areas-Marcellus-Shale-pennsylvania/stories/201511170005https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/19/task-force-debates-pipeline-recommendations/https://goo.gl/pGT5kAhttp://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/http://www.gastruth.org/http://www.gdacoalition.org/http://www.wearelancastercounty.com/


14/41

UGI Seeks To Expedite Pipeline Serving New Power Plant

Lancaster Group Nixes $10K Grant From Pipeline Builder


Beaver County Couple Continues Fight Against Compressor Station

Related Stories:

DEP Pipeline Task Force To Schedule Extra Meeting To Consider Recommendations PA League Of Women Voters Pitt Host Shale And Public Health Conference

PA League Of Women Voters, Pitt Were Host To Shale And Public Health Conference

Some of the first research using the Geisinger Health System data to explore the health impacts

of shale gas development was presented at the Shale and Public Health Conference on November

18 at the University of Pittsburgh University Club, 123 University Place in Pittsburgh from 8:30

a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The conference is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and will

be hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

In addition to investigating impacts of the drilling, fracking and extraction of shale gas onour health, the conference examined related processes such as the disposal of wastes from shale

gas development, and health concerns about ethane crackers.

Nationally known experts such as MacArthur Fellow Wilma Subra of Louisiana spoke on

ethane crackers, shale gas development and public health.

Brian Schwartz MD of Johns Hopkins, a Senior Investigator for the Geisinger Center for

Health Research, presented newly published research.

Local speakers include Dr. Cynthia Richburg of IUP who is studying the impacts of noise

from shale gas development, and Bruce Pitt PhD of the Pitt Graduate School of Public Health

presenting a recently published study on birth impacts.

A new addition to this year’s conference was a round table brainstorming session where

the public can interact with experts and civic leaders. There was also a special break-out session

for health professionals, led by a pediatrician and a family nurse practitioner, on addressing shale

health issues in one’s practice.

All attendees received an updated copy of the League's “ Shale Gas Extraction and Public

Health: A Resource Guide .”

This event is part of “The Straight Scoop on Shale” initiative funded by a Colcom

Foundation grant to League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania’s Citizen Education Fund.

Click Here

for a copy of the agenda.

For more information, visit the Shale and Public Health Conference

webpage or call

1-800-61-SHALE (1-800-617-4253).

NewsClips:Study Indicates Gas Drilling Can Impact Rivers, Streams


Drilling Company Shuts Down Wells As Crews Fight Brush Fires

Judge Lets Middlesex Drilling Ordinance Stand

Penn Twp Receives More Well Drilling Applications

Blaze At Plant That Blends Chemicals For Shale Drilling Industry

Related Stories:

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9460275-74/chemical-gas-lubrizol#axzz3rpVwTqkrhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/20/Penn-Township-receives-more-well-drilling-applications/stories/201511200086http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/9482022-74/middlesex-zoning-drillinghttp://triblive.com/news/adminpage/9459715-74/fire-firefighters-fayettehttp://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0137416&representation=PDFhttp://citizensvoice.com/news/study-indicates-gas-drilling-can-impact-rivers-streams-1.1971950http://shale.palwv.org/https://goo.gl/5W8bCphttp://www.achd.net/shale/pubs/846114-League-of-Women-Voters-Shale-Resource-Guide.pdfhttp://www.achd.net/shale/pubs/846114-League-of-Women-Voters-Shale-Resource-Guide.pdfhttp://shale.palwv.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/11/pa-league-of-women-voters-pitt-host.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/11/dep-pipeline-task-force-to-schedule.htmlhttp://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/couple-continues-legal-fight-against-new-sewickley-twp-gas-compressor/article_1d1192e4-8a39-11e5-b0e7-97daf4c59261.htmlhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/19/gas-processing-plants-reach-settlement-with-epa-over-alleged-violations/http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/conestoga-history-group-nixes-grant-from-pipeline-builder/article_421a3020-8b9a-11e5-869a-374712509fdc.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/news/2015/11/ugi_seeks_expedited_approval_o.html#incart_river_home


15/41

DEP Pipeline Task Force To Schedule Extra Meeting To Consider Recommendations

50 Groups Call For Hearings On DEP Draft Pipeline Task Force Recommendations

EPA Settles Safety Violations With Gas Processing Facilities In McKean, Warren Counties

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday announced a settlement for allegedenvironmental violations by the owner and operator of five natural gas processing plants in

McKean and Warren Counties, Pa. and one in Putnam County, W.Va.

All six of the natural gas operations have come into compliance with risk management

and chemical safety requirements that will better protect the health and safety of employees,

local residents, and the environment.

Under this agreement, Elkhorn Investments, LLC, and Elkhorn Gas Processing, LLC will

pay a $50,221 penalty.

The alleged violations are under two separate sections of the Clean Air Act -- one

requiring effective risk management planning and the other, known as the General Duty Clause,

making owners and operators of facilities with regulated hazardous substances responsible for

managing chemicals safely.Specific compliance measures now completed under a September 2014 EPA order

include:

— Constructing drainage and spill containment areas;

— Ensuring proper venting on waste oil tanks;

— Installing vehicular protection for bullet tanks;

— Installing warning systems in two facilities to notify employees of gas releases or fires; and

— Revising emergency response plans.

The natural gas processing plants receive raw natural gas from well sites, remove the

impurities, and route the processed natural gas into an interstate gas pipeline system.

NewsClip:


DEP: Jan. 4 Hearing On Jessup Power Plant Wastewater Discharge Lackawanna County

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a meeting and hearing on a proposed

NPDES wastewater discharge permit for the 1,500 MW natural gas power plant in Jessup,

Lackawanna County. ( Nov. 21 PA Bulletin, page 6752 )

The hearing will be held at the Valley View High School, 1 Columbus Dr., in Archbald

from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 570-826-2511.

NewsClip:Jessup Power Plant Proposal Headed To Council

Keep PA Beautiful, Washington County Court Cleanup 100th Illegal Dump

Through a partnership initiated in 2011, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and the Washington

County Court System Furlough Into Service Program celebrated their 100th illegal dump cleanup

in Washington County this fall.

http://www.washingtoncourts.us/pages/psCommunityService.aspxhttp://www.washingtoncourts.us/pages/psCommunityService.aspxhttp://www.keeppabeautiful.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-power-plant-proposal-headed-to-borough-council-with-caveat-1.1973310http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-47/45-47.pdfhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/19/gas-processing-plants-reach-settlement-with-epa-over-alleged-violations/http://www2.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-fact-sheethttp://www2.epa.gov/rmphttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/11/50-groups-call-for-hearings-on-dep.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/11/dep-pipeline-task-force-to-schedule.html


16/41

The work completed by this partnership is funded through the Department of Community

and Economic Development, Washington County Commissioners – Local Share Account Fund.

Illegal dumpsites have existed throughout Washington County for decades, plaguing

roadways, hillsides, and streams. In 2005, Keep PA Beautiful’s Illegal Dump Survey identified

126 sites, containing an estimated 317 tons of trash.

Negative environmental and economic impacts from illegal dumping affect citizens,wildlife, and the natural landscape. Chemicals, asbestos, and drug-related waste could impose

more elevated risks.

To date, the partnership has removed 314,449 pounds of trash and 4,190 tires. A special

thanks goes to Waste Management, Inc., and Bridgestone/Firestone who provided free or at

reduced rate for the cost of the disposal of the trash and tires.

As a means of deterring subsequent dumping, surveillance signs and high-tech

surveillance cameras have been erected at previously cleaned sites as well as random sites

throughout the County.

The high-tech cameras are capable of capturing license plate numbers and vehicle

descriptions in day or night. All evidence gathered from these cameras has been used to

prosecute individuals to the fullest extent of the law.The cameras have proved successful, as was the case earlier this year when Stephen

Edward Garrity (6/27/1993) and Dylan James Huseman (11/28/1991) were captured by

surveillance cameras illegally dumping furniture and other refuse from the back of a pick-up

truck. The offenders were fined and charged with cleaning up the site.

In 2014, Robert Semulka (9/9/1967) from Washington, PA plead guilty and was fined

$3172 for illegally dumping trash at three locations in Canton Township.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Washington County Court System and this

valuable program. Illegal dumping in not only detrimental to the environment but also incurs

costs for local municipalities for time and resources to clean these sites up, said Shannon Reiter,

President of Keep PA Beautiful. “Our collective goal is a clean and beautiful Washington

County.”

Visit www.illegaldumpfreepa.org for community resources to fight illegal dumping.

Questions regarding proper disposal of waste and recycling in Washington County can be

answered by Jason Theakston, Recycling Coordinator, Washington County Planning

Commission, at 724-228-6811, or by sending email to: [email protected] .

NewsClips:





PA Professional Recyclers Call For Presentation Proposals For 2016 Conference

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania Monday issued a call for presentation proposals for

its 2016 Recycling and Organics Conference to be held in July.

Do you have an enlightening story, effective technique, cool tool or special method you'd

like to share with your recycling industry colleagues to help us take a step closer to our zero

waste goal? If so, we're looking for you!

https://phoustle.wufoo.com/forms/prop-2016-conference-call-for-presentations/http://www.proprecycles.org/http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=n5bivXwchttp://timesleader.com/news/local/494531/west-side-landfill-authority-no-longer-recognizedhttp://www.mcall.com/business/mc-chrin-landfill-application-20151116-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=352354651mailto:[email protected]://www.illegaldumpfreepa.org/http://illegaldumpfreepa.org/%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BCsurveillance-camera-loan-program-grant-online-application/http://illegaldumpfreepa.org/%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BCsurveillance-camera-loan-program-grant-online-application/http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/Portals/0/PDFs/IDS/MASTER_washingtonIDS.pdf


17/41

You can help build a great 2016 conference by sharing your experience. Your

contribution can be as little as 5-10 minutes or as much as 60-75 minutes. The 2016 conference

planning team will review all submissions and let you know if yours fits the program.

And even if it's not selected for the conference program, your idea may be perfect for one

of our upcoming webinars or workshops.

Don't be bashful...The more we share the more we learn!If interested, please Click Here to open a brief form you can fill in and share with PROP.

NewsClips:





CHEMSWEEP Program To Provide Safe Pesticide Disposal Sites In 17 Counties In 2016

Agricultural businesses and pesticide applicators in 17 counties can dispose of unwanted

pesticides safely and easily in 2016 through the Department of Agriculture’s CHEMSWEEP program.

The program is offered in different counties each year. In 2016 it will be available in

Armstrong, Blair, Cambria, Chester, Clarion, Delaware, Forest, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster,

Lebanon, Luzerne, Snyder, Somerset, Union, Venango, and Wyoming counties.

“Pesticides can be a problem when they outlive their usefulness, sitting in barns and

sheds and becoming hazardous to the environment and to your safety,” said Agriculture

Secretary Russell Redding. “Thanks to CHEMSWEEP, it’s easier for our agriculture industry to

safeguard our environment and properly dispose of pesticides.”

More than 2.3 million pounds of unwanted or unusable pesticides have been properly

destroyed through the program since it was established in 1993.

Every year, many pesticide products are discontinued, phased out or become unusable,

leaving growers, commercial establishments and applicators with potentially dangerous and toxic

materials that cannot be placed in landfills.

The unwanted pesticides often become a safety hazard and an environmental concern

through long-term storage in garages, barns or other areas.

Licensed pesticide applicators, pesticide dealers and commercial pesticide application

businesses from the designated counties are eligible to participate by completing the

CHEMSWEEP registration/inventory form that will be direct-mailed.

The registration period ends February 28.

An independent contractor hired by the state agriculture department collects and

packages all waste pesticides at each participating location, primarily for incineration at facilitiesapproved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

CHEMSWEEP covers the disposal cost for the first 2,000 pounds per participant. Above

that level, participants are billed at the agriculture department’s contracted price.

The program is funded through annual registration fees paid by pesticide manufacturers

and applicators.

For more information, visit the CHEMSWEEP website.

http://www.chemsweep.pa.gov/http://www.chemsweep.pa.gov/http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=n5bivXwchttp://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=352354651http://timesleader.com/news/local/494531/west-side-landfill-authority-no-longer-recognizedhttp://www.mcall.com/business/mc-chrin-landfill-application-20151116-story.html#navtype=outfithttps://phoustle.wufoo.com/forms/prop-2016-conference-call-for-presentations/


18/41

PEC Outlines Initiatives To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Combat Climate Change

Lindsay Baxter , the PA Environmental Council’s Program Manager for Energy and Climate,

recently outlines PEC’s work in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate

change.

PEC's work in the energy and climate sector has become particularly relevant in 2015.With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releasing the final rules for the Clean Power

Climate Plan this summer , Pennsylvania is now responsible for crafting an implementation plan

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As Pennsylvania also recently released its Climate Impact Assessment, there is no time

like the present to combat climate change.

"I think PEC is uniquely situated to be a leader on this issue in Pennsylvania because of

our long history of conservation through cooperation, and working with diverse parties to come

up with innovative solutions to environmental challenges,” said Baxter.

Click Here to watch the video.

NewsClips:

DEP Readies First Draft Of Clean Power Climate Plan Coal Pleads Its Case On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan

Op-Ed: PA Coal Alliance: Tread Carefully With Clean Power Plan

5 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint from Scranton Products

Symbolic Votes To Block EPA Clean Power Plan In U.S. Senate

Editorial: Another Snub On Climate Policy

Related Story:

Lindsay Baxter Concludes Energy Studies In Germany

New Federal Ozone Standard Causes Violations In 6 Counties In PA

In a presentation

to the Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday, DEP said the new 70 ppm federal

ozone pollution standard will cause violations at 8 air monitors in 6 counties: Allegheny,

Armstrong, Bucks, Lebanon, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, based on 2015 monitoring

data.

Based on this and other information, DEP must submit its recommendations on

nonattainment area designations to EPA by October 2016 and the final designations will take

effect in December 2017.

DEP is then required to develop a plan to make further cuts in volatile organic compound

and nitrogen oxide emissions needed to achieve the new ozone standard.

Nonattainment designations are required to be made by metropolitan standard statistical

areas, so the areas affected by any new controls is expected to be larger than the countiesshowing monitoring results not meeting the standard.

Pennsylvania has made steady progress in reducing ozone-causing pollution over the last

15 years to the point where in 2015 ozone season the state was in compliance with the old ozone

standard-- 75 ppm.

Click Here to view the presentation made by Sean Nolan, of DEP’s Air Quality

Monitoring Division. Questions should be direct to Nolan by calling 717-772-3377 or send

email to: [email protected] .

mailto:[email protected]://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_11/CAC%20Meeting%2011-17-2015%20-%20Ozone%20Standards%20Update%20%20SNolan%2011-13-2015%20no%20notes.pdfhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/CitizensAdvisoryCouncil/Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.Vk0Q24Sa10chttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_11/CAC%20Meeting%2011-17-2015%20-%20Ozone%20Standards%20Update%20%20SNolan%2011-13-2015%20no%20notes.pdfhttp://pecpa.org/pec-blog/lindsay-baxter-concludes-energy-studies-in-germany/http://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/9433284-74/climate-senate-obamahttp://wapo.st/1S2oZMFhttp://goo.gl/wG0do6https://goo.gl/XreaGqhttp://timesleader.com/news/business/494068/john-pippy-state-should-tread-carefully-with-clean-power-planhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/11/17/coal-pleads-its-case-against-the-clean-power-plan-to-state-lawmakers/http://triblive.com/business/headlines/9426993-74/plan-power-pennsylvania#axzz3rXxm7mQ7https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H4ol9ifq3Ahttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/ClimateChange/Pages/default.aspx#.VkoSFISa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/ClimateChange/Pages/default.aspx#.VkoSFISa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/ClimateChange/Pages/default.aspx#.VkoSFISa10chttp://pecpa.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H4ol9ifq3A


19/41

Other Presentations

The CAC heard presentations on other timely topics Tuesday, including--

-- EPA Clean Power Climate Plan, Mike Gordon, EPA Region 3

-- DEP Approach To EPA Clean Power Climate Plan , Jessica Shirley, DEP Policy Specialist

-- EPA’s Proposed Methane Emission Limits For Oil & Gas Operations, Krishnan Ramamurthy,

Bureau of Air Quality-- Final Chapter 78 & 78A Drilling Regulations , Scott Perry, DEP Deputy for Oil and Gas

Management.

For more information, visit DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council webpage or contact Katie

Hetherington Cunfer, Acting CAC Executive Director and Director of External Affairs at DEP,

by calling 717-705-2693 or send email to: [email protected].

NewsClips:

EPA: Tougher Downwind Ozone Pollution Rule In PA, 22 States

Hellam Group Pushes Perdue For Emissions Cuts

Neville Island Coal Coke Plant Lost All Power Before Fire

Regulators Reviewing Shenango Coal Coking Plant

No Dangerous Levels Of Dust Near Luzerne County Mining Operation DEP Says

The Department of Environmental Protection said Tuesday it has determined, through a two-year

long air monitoring program, that dust from the Blaschak Coal Mine operations in the boroughs

of Lattimer and Pardeesville, Luzerne County is not a danger to residents in the immediate area

and the company will not be subjected to additional environmental controls.

However, Blaschak has agreed to continue with dust control practices recommended by

the department and already in place.

The department’s monitoring began in July of 2012 after complaints from residents that

dust from the mining and quarry operations was coating their homes and other parts of their

properties.

Dust jars were set up a four locations in the area near Blaschak to collect samples from

October of 2012 through December of 2014.

After a review by the department’s Air Quality staff in 2015, the sample results indicated

that the typical components of the material collected in the jars included: organic material, soil

dust, and coal dust.

The monthly levels of dust in the air at all four locations were estimated to be between

3.54 tons/per square mile to 5.05 tons/per square mile, which are well below levels that would be

considered a threat to the public.

Air quality standards recommend that dust levels at or above 43 tons/per square mile

require air quality controls set by the department.“When residents asked for the department to take a look at this issue, we immediately

responded with air monitoring because people were concerned about the air they were

breathing”, said Mike Bedrin, Director of DEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre.

“The monitoring showed no danger, but the company is still working to minimize dust from their

property.”

The department has recommended that Blaschak continue with best management

practices to control the dust, such as: slowing down trucks on nearby roads, watering roads,

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/11/19/Regulators-reviewing-Shenango-Coke-Works-compliance-with-2012-consent-decree/stories/201511190230http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/9466845-74/plant-shenango-powerhttp://www.witf.org/news/2015/11/hellam-group-pushes-perdue-for-emissions-cuts.phphttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/11/18/EPA-intends-tougher-downwind-air-pollution-rule-in-23-states-3/stories/201511180184mailto:[email protected]://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/CitizensAdvisoryCouncil/Meetings/Pages/default.aspx#.Vk0Q24Sa10chttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_11/CAC%20November%2017%20OOGM%20Chpt%2078%20S%20Perry%20no%20notes.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_11/CAC%20-%2011-17-15%20Proposed%20EPA%20Rules%20for%20Oil%20and%20Natural%20Gas%20Industry%20-%20final.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_11/151116%20FINAL%20Clean%20Power%20Plan%20Presentation%20(Advisory%20Boards%20-%20no%20notes)%20-%20CP%20Closed.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_11/PADEP%20CAC%20M%20Gordon%20EPA%20Clean%20Power%2011-17-2015%20No%20notes.pdf


20/41

paved areas and blasting areas as necessary, using approved dust suppressants as necessary,

sweep any blasting and paved areas as necessary, refrain from blasting on windy days and

insuring all dust suppression systems at the crushing facility and breaker are operating and

functional at all times.

If residents should have a complaint about air quality, they can call the Northeast

Regional Office complaint line at: 1-866-255-5158 ext.2.

DEP: $1.7 Million Penalty On PQ Corp. For Air Quality Violations In Delaware County

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has assessed a civil penalty

against PQ Corporation in the amount of $1.7M for air quality violations in the City of Chester,

Delaware County.

Quarterly emissions reports submitted to the Department by PQ showed that the company

exceeded several permitted emission limits for pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen

oxides, and failed to satisfy the data availability requirements for their systems. The assessment

covers the period between August 2011 and June 2013.

“This penalty reinforces how important it is for companies to accurately control, track,and report their emissions. Failure to comply with environmental regulations is not acceptable to

the department,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley. “We take these issues very seriously, and it

is our duty to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth and the

environment.”

In a 2009 agreement with the DEP, PQ equipped its sodium silicate furnace with

Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems to monitor nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and

opacity to demonstrate compliance with its air quality permit limits.

This installation came after several source tests were performed in which the company

failed to show its ability to meet permit limits. Violations included standards carbon monoxide,

nitrogen oxide, opacity (darkness) of smoke.

A Continuous Emission Monitoring System is a combination of the hardware and

software used for the continuous determination and recording of a value for compliance with an

emissions standard, i.e. carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide), operational

criterion, i.e. temperature or throughput, or informational reporting requirement, i.e. data

availability.

It includes the measurement interface, all necessary measurement devices and associated

calibration and data handling apparatus and procedures.

EPA Accepting Applications For 2016 Safer Choice Partner Of The Year Awards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday announced it is now accepting applicationsthrough January 29, for its second annual Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards.

“Safer Choice partners and award winners have shown that safer products are good for

the health of our families, the environment, and business,” said EPA assistant administrator Jim

Jones. “We look forward to recognizing the next group of award winners who have innovated

and promoted the use of Safer Choice products.”

Award winners will be recognized for advancing the goal of chemical safety through

exemplary participation in or promotion of the Safer Choice Program at a ceremony in late

http://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-choice-partner-year-awardshttp://www.pqcorp.com/


21/41

spring of 2016 in Washington, D.C.

EPA will present at least one award in each of these five categories: Product and

Chemical Manufacturers; Purchasers and Distributors; Retailers; Supporters; and Innovators.

To qualify for the Safer Choice label, a product must meet EPA’s Safer Choice Standard,

of stringent human and environmental health criteria.

Currently, the Safer Choice Program has nearly 500 formulator-manufacturer partnerswho make more than 2,000 products for retail and institutional customers.

For more information, visit EPA’s Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards webpage.

DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee Meets Dec. 2

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a Laboratory Accreditation

Advisory Committee meeting for December 2 at the DEP Bureau of Laboratories Building, 2575

Interstate Dr. in Harrisburg starting at 9:00.

Although no agenda or handouts have been posted, a note on DEP’s Calendar of Events

says the Committee will take up draft changes to Chapter 252 Environmental Laboratory

Accreditation regulations.For more information, check DEP’s Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee

webpage to see if the agenda and handouts are posted. Contact: Aaren Alger, DEP,

717-346-8212 or send email to: [email protected] .

PUC Approves Lower Electric Rate Increase For PPL

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a settlement that reduces a distribution rate

increase request filed by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (PPL) on March 31, 2015.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement, which reduces PPL’s rate increase

request by 26 percent and resolves all other issues related to the company’s request. PPL

provides service to more than 1.4 million Pennsylvania consumers in 29 counties – a region

spanning approximately 10,000 square miles.

PPL’s initial request called for a $167.5 million increase in annual distribution rate

revenues. The action by the Commission approved a revenue increase of $124 million.

Additionally, the settlement includes the elimination of a proposed daily customer

charge, withdrawal of a PPL proposal to increase its Distribution System Improvement Charge

from five percent to 7.5 percent, increases in PPL’s Customer Assistance Program and Low

Income Usage Reduction Program and enhanced efforts to educate more consumers about these

services.

Under the settlement, a typical bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month

will increase by $7.53 per month, or 5.11 percent. This is as opposed to the company’s original proposal, which would have increased the typical customer’s bill by $10.19 per month, or 6.9

percent.

A joint petition to approve the settlement was supported by numerous parties, including

PPL, the Commission’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the Office of Consumer

Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate, the Commission for Economic Opportunity,

the Coalition for Affordable Utility Services and Energy Efficiency in Pennsylvania, the Clean

Air Council, Sustainable Energy Fund, The Alliance for Solar Choice, Keystone Energy

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/mailto:[email protected]://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/AdvisoryCommittees/Pages/Lab-Accreditation-Advisory-Committee.aspx#.Vk2yG4Sa10chttp://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/CalendarOfEvents/EventCalendar.aspxhttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/AdvisoryCommittees/Pages/Lab-Accreditation-Advisory-Committee.aspx#.Vk2yG4Sa10chttp://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/AdvisoryCommittees/Pages/Lab-Accreditation-Advisory-Committee.aspx#.Vk2yG4Sa10chttp://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-choice-partner-year-awards


22/41

Efficiency Alliance Energy Education Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council and the

Environmental Defense Fund.

The PPL request was the subject of extensive Commission efforts to enhance public input

in rate cases, including a pilot “Smart Hearing” project intended to make it easier for utility

customers to comment on proposed rate increase requests.

These hearings were live-streamed on the PUC website and allowed consumers across thestate to submit their testimony remotely or in-person. These hearings nearly doubled the number

of witnesses compared to hearing for a similar PPL rate increase request in 2012.

NewsClips:

PPL Rate Increase To Help Fund Distribution System Upgrades

PPL Rate Increase Gets PUC Approval

PUC Looks To Update Safety Rules For Electric Utilities

PUC Judge Recommends IDT Energy Refund $2.4M

PUC Recognizes National Critical Infrastructure Security & Resilience Month

Public Utility Commission Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer Thursday recognized NationalCritical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, emphasizing the PUC’s role in helping to

protect the state’s physical and digital infrastructure.

“Critical infrastructure plays an integral role in our daily lives. Water, electricity, natural

gas, transportation and communications – are all interconnected and our livelihood depends on

all of these,” said Commissioner Witmer at today’s PUC Public Meeting. “It’s crucial that we

work together to not only protect our infrastructure, but to position ourselves for swift recovery

in the event of an emergency. We urge all utilities to review their all-hazards – including cyber

and physical – security plans, exercise those plans and continue to keep Pennsylvanians working,

safe and connected.”

President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2015 National Critical Infrastructure

Security and Resilience Month.

"The recent terror attacks in Paris highlight how important it is for the state to continue to

work with our federal, local and private sector partners on our efforts to improve the security of

our critical infrastructure," said Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security Director Marcus

Brown.

The PUC works continuously with federal, state and local government agencies on

cybersecurity efforts, collaborating to ensure that critical infrastructure is protected from

cyber-attacks, in addition to sensitive business and consumer information.

On October 1, Commissioner Witmer announced the release of the PUC’s second edition

of its Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium Pennsylvania Utilities.

The updated guide outlines for utilities ways to prevent identity or property theft; how tomanage vendors and contractors who may have access to a company’s data; what to know about

anti-virus software, firewalls and network infrastructure; how to protect physical

Date post:	07-Aug-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	wwwpaenvironmentdigestcom
View:	213 times
Download:	0 times

Pa Environment Digest Nov. 23, 2015

Documents