Pa Environment Digest April 4, 2011

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa April 4, 2011

Senators Yudichak, Erickson Introduce Bipartisan Marcellus Shale Severance Tax

Sen. John T. Yudichak (D-Luzerne) this week announced legislation--

Senate Bill 905-- that would implement a severance tax on the extraction

of natural gas in Pennsylvania saying it is time for a fair and responsible

severance tax on natural gas.Joining Sen. Yudichak at the news conference were Sen. Ted

Erickson (R-Delaware) and Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna), co-sponsors

of the bill, Larry Williamson, Renew Growing Greener Coalition, and

Chris Carsia, Executive Director Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority.

Video Blog: Sen. John YudichakOpening Comments

Sen. Ted Erickson

Sen. John Blake

Larry Williamson

My goal is to initiate a fair and responsible severance tax in Pennsylvania. This proposal

will generate significant revenue for local governments, our clean water infrastructure, and the

Growing Greener program, Sen. Yudichak said. At the same time, such a moderate tax would

allow the industry to continue expanding and creating jobs, as well as generate the economic

development activity that Pennsylvania so desperately needs.

I am pleased to stand with my colleague, Sen. Yudichak, to support this much needed

legislation, Sen. Erickson said. The fact that this bill has bipartisan support shows the need for

this tax goes beyond partisan politics. I believe this bill invests the tax revenues in a responsible

way for the protection of our environment and the communities directly affected by the

expanding natural gas industry.

Under Sen. Yudichaks proposal, the severance tax would be gradually implemented

based on the gas production of each well:

-- A severance tax of 2 percent of the gross value of the natural gas severed at the wellhead; thistax rate would be in place for the first three years of well production;

-- When the well has been in production for more than three years, the tax rate would increase to

5 percent;

-- The tax rate would readjust back to 2 percent if a wells rate of production fell below 150

MCF of natural gas per day and above 60 MCF per day; and

-- Wells that produce less than 60 MCF of natural gas per day are exempt from the tax.

If implemented, the severance tax would go into effect on July 1, 2011.
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According to Sen. Yudichak, revenue from the severance tax would be distributed to

three program areas:

-- 33 percent of the revenue generated to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for water

supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater and flood control projects;

-- 33 percent to the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener); and

-- 34 percent to local governments in those areas of Pennsylvania that are experiencing the directeffects of natural gas drilling.

I think it is important to note that investments in our clean water infrastructure also

create jobs, Sen. Yudichak said. Also, in areas where there is drilling activity, local

governments are faced with a number of difficult issues. Revenue from a severance tax will

benefit those communities.

It is estimated the tax could generate more than $126 million in the first year and more

than $406 million by 2016. These estimates are based on current prices, the number of wells,

additional wells expected to be permitted in 2011 and expected production levels.

Also co-sponsoring the bill are Senators Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Charles McIlhinney

(R-Bucks), Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny), Stuart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) and Anthony

Williams (D-Philadelphia).NewsClips: Yudichak Proposes New Gas Severance Tax

Erickson Proposes Tax On Natural Gas Drilling

Yudichak Has High Hopes For Tax On Gas Extraction

Senate Dem, Republican Push Severance Tax Bill

Pocono Senator Pushes Natural Gas Tax

Montgomery Legislators Air Views On Marcellus Tax

Corbett: PA Gets Millions In Taxes From Marcellus Without New Tax

Corbett Resolute In Gas Tax Opposition

Corbett Maintains Hard Line On No Marcellus Shale Tax

Corbett: We've Got To Find A Balance On Impact FeesGovernor Stands By Stance Against Drilling Tax

PA Could Allow Gas Drilling On Prisons' Properties

Counties Weigh Drilling Impact Fee

Marcellus Impact Fee Proposal In The Works

State: Local Drilling Impacts Could Bring Aid

Reviewing The Marcellus Shale Tax, Fee Issue

Students Pitch Their Agenda In Harrisburg

Column: Corbett Plays Semantic Shell Game On Marcellus

Op-Ed: Making The Case For A Drilling Tax, John Quigley

Op-Ed: Case Of Addition By Extraction? Not For Corbett

Op-Ed: The Impact Of Marcellus Shale Impact FeesEditorial: Patriot Opposes Gas Severance Tax (April Fool)

Editorial: Three Letter Words, Marcellus Tax, Fee

Editorial: Time To Listen To Reason On Marcellus Fee

Search Nearly 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic
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Venango) further providing for reports under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act; Senate Bill

304 (MJ White-R-Venango) requiring further public review of state Air Quality Implementation

Plans; Senate Bill 325 (Baker-R-Luzerne) giving the Public Utility Commission further authority

to regulate pipeline safety. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees

House: the Urban Affairs Committee holds an informational meeting on legislation regarding

land banks and real estate tax reform.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Clean And Green Conservation Verification: House Bill 1213 (Sturla-D-Lancaster) requiring

applicants for farmland preferential assessments under the Clean and Green Program to verify

the farmer is in compliance with existing farm conservation requirements.

Adopt-A-River Program: House Bill 1214 (Sturla-D-Lancaster) establishing the Adopt-A-

River Program at DCNR.

Regulating Forestry Profession: House Bill 1235 (Payne-R-Dauphin) providing for the

regulation of professional forestry.

Drilling On Other State Lands: House Bill 1238 (Baker-R-Tioga) authorizing drilling leases

and royalities on State System of Higher Education lands.

State Park Lifeguards: House Bill 1250 (Stern-R-Blair) requiring lifeguards in State Parks.

Conservation District Well Permits: House Bill 1263 (Boback-R-Columbia) re-involving

county conservation districts in oil and gas well permitting process.

Zero Waste Initiatives: House Resolution 159 (Davis-D-Bucks) urging communities,

businesses and residents to adopt zero waste initiatives.

Gas Well Locations Restrictions: Senate Bill 680 (Ferlo-D-Allegheny) further providing for

gas well location restrictions.

AEPS Impact Study: Senate Bill 849 (Solobay-D-Washington) requiring DEP to conduct an

environmental and economic impact study of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards.

Severance Tax: Senate Bill 905 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for a natural gas production

severance tax establishing the Natural Gas Severance Tax Fund and the Local Government

Services Account.
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News From The Capitol

Budget: Farm Conservation Programs Topic Of Agriculture Hearing

Acting Department of Agriculture Secretary George Greig was questioned by several members

of the Senate Appropriations Committee this week on farm conservation issues.

Nutrient Management Program: Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, expressed concern about the flat funding of

the Nutrient Management Program at a time when the state is dealing with new requirements

relating to the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. She asked Greig to consider accelerating the program.

Uncounted Conservation Measures: In response to a question from Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-

Lancaster), Greig said one issue he is dealing with is the under reporting of farm conservation

practices now on the ground but never reported to the Chesapeake Bay Program. He said the

Farm Bureau, conservation districts and DEP have been working together for years to cleanup

the Bay.

REAP: Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) expressed his thanks for the increase in the Resource

Enhancement and Protection farm conservation tax credit program from $4.5 million to $10

million noting it is a popular and needed program.

News From Around The State

Farm Bureau Clears Air Over Misinformation About Environmental Stewardship

While hundreds of farmers from across Pennsylvania were meeting with members of the GeneralAssembly inside the State Capital to discuss priority issues affecting agriculture, PA Farm

Bureau hosted a news conference this week to address the significant role farmers are playing to

maintain and improve land and water resources.

It should come as no surprise that farmers are proactively caring for our land and water

resources, because the farm is not only a place of work, it is the home of the farm family.

Farmers drink the water and breathe the air on their farms and are committed to being good

stewards of the land for their community and future generations on the farm, said PFB President

Carl T. Shaffer.

Farm Bureau is concerned that some people may have the wrong impression of

agriculture due to inaccurate claims and misinformation about environmental practices and how

farms are regulated. The reality is that farms are heavily regulated and farmers are committed to

conservation improvements.

In fact, a recent report from the Natural Resource Conservation Service revealed that 96

percent of farmers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed have implemented erosion control practices

on cropland acres in production. The report also found that sediment contributions from

cultivated cropland to the Bay's rivers and streams have been reduced by 64 percent, while

phosphorus was reduced by 43 percent and nitrogen reduced by 36 percent.
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Pennsylvania farmers have been able to better prevent soil erosion, preserve and restore

wetlands, and clean the air and water by implementing various conservation projects. Those

projects are costly and farmers often pay for the projects themselves or participate in cost-share

and other conservation funding programs, added Shaffer.

Farm Bureau noted that advances in research and technology have also sparked

productivity and efficiency on the farm.With global positioning systems, we have reduced the use of chemical compounds in

our fields and orchards, while improvements in technology have allowed us to use fewer

pesticides on weeds and pest-resistant crops. Agricultural research is generating even more

remarkable practices that will enable the production of more food on less land with even fewer

impacts on soil and water resources, said Shaffer.

PFB added that Pennsylvania farmers have helped pioneer conservation programs by

embracing practices that benefit the environment. For example, Pennsylvania introduced the

first and largest farmland preservation program in the nation, Pennsylvania enacted the first

Nutrient Management Program in the country and Pennsylvania farmers lead the nation in the

use of no-till cultivation, a cropland system that reduces land erosion and water runoff.

Farmers realize that more work needs to be done to meet environmental goals, but theyalso believe their efforts to improve water quality, decrease land erosion and maintain strong

rural communities should be recognized, concluded Shaffer.

Also participating in the news conference were Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) Majojrity

Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny),

Majority Chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Lebanon County farmer

Bonnie Wenger and Lancaster County Conservation District Administrator Don McNutt.

A copy of the Farm Bureau presentation is available online.

NewsClip: State Farmers Tout Industry's Environmental Protection Record

Marcellus Shale Commission Sets April 27 As Next Meeting, Working Groups Named

The Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission will meet as a group next on April 27 in

addition to the May 20, June 17 and July 15 meeting dates announced last week.

The members of the work groups for the Commission were announced this week

Public Health, Safety & Environmental Protection: Chair: Michael Krancer, Acting Secretary

of DEP, Vice-Chair: Cynthia Carrow, Western PA Conservancy, Rick Allan, Acting Secretary

DCNR, Nick Haden, Reserved Environmental SerVices, Ron Ramsey, The Nature Conservancy,

Tony Bartolomeo, PA Environmental Council, Jeff Kupfer, Chevron.

Economic & Workforce Development: Chair: Alan Walker, Acting Secretary DCED, Vice-Chair: Gene Barr, PA Camber of Business & Industry, Vince Matteo, Williamsport-Lycoming

Chamber of Commerce, Terry Engelder, Professor of Geosciences, Penn State University, Dave

Porges, CEO, EQT, Jim Felmlee, PA State Association of Boroughs, Terry Pegula, Former

President/CEO, East Resources.

Infrastructure: Chair: Barry Schoch, Acting Secretary of Transportation, Vice-Chair: Chris

Masciantonio, U.S. Steel, Rob Powelson, Chair, Public Utility Commission, Gary Slagel, PA
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Independent Oil & Gas Association, Christopher Helms, NiSource Gas Transmission and

Storage, Matt Ehrhart, PA Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Randy Smith, U.S.

Government Affairs Manager.

Local Impact & Emergency Response: Chair: Glenn Cannon, Director, PA Emergency

Management Agency, Vice-Chair: Jeff Wheeland, Lycoming County Commissioner, TerryBossert, Chief Oil & Gas, Ray Walker, Marcellus Shale Coalition, Kip Allen, PA League of

Cities and Municipalities, Dave Sanko, PA State Association of Township Supervisors, George

Greig, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.

For more information, visit the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory

Commission webpage. The Governor's Executive Order formally creating the Commission was

published this week.

NewsClip: Meet The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission

DEP Centralizes Review Of Marcellus Shale Enforcement Actions

The Post-Gazette and other news outlets this week reported the Department of Environmental

Protection has centralized the issuance of any Marcellus Shale-related enforcement and permit

approvals, including notices of violations, with senior DEP management.

Internal emails to senior staff said those clearances would come from the Deputy for

Field Operations, Executive Deputy for Programs and final clearance from the Secretary of DEP.

There has been a long-standing policy in DEP to provide senior managers notice of

major, precedent setting and important actions related to permits and enforcement actions.

Katy Gresh, a DEP spokesperson, said the change in procedure was designed to help the

agency bring consistency to its enforcement actions. She told the Post-Gazette, "During

Secretary Krancer's meetings with legislators and his confirmation and budget hearings, onemessage he heard loud and clear is that constituents perceive there is in consistency at DEP.

"We want to ensure that as we regulate this industry, we are protecting the environment

in every corner of the Commonwealth, and we believe this procedures for violation notifications

will achieve that."

Gresh concluded by saying the directive will last for only three months.

In response to the new policy, several groups and legislators expressed concern about the

change.

"This 'signoff policy' as it has been reported, is impratical and unacceptable," said Sen.

Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne). "In my district, drilling is taking place in areas that are environmentally

sensitive and in places close to critical watersheds. As more inspectors are deployed to monitor

more drilling sites, I want to ensure there is comparable thoroughness to the inspections andconsistent application of penalties for violations. Nothing in that suggests the need for any sort

of upper-level clearance process."

"What we're seeing here is yet another step by the administration toward less

accountability, less transparency, and a total lack of responsibility for ensuring that Marcellus

shale gas drilling is properly regulated and public safety remains the priority," said Rep. Camille

George (D-Clearfield), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee. "This is going to backfire on the gas industry. I think we can have a vibrant
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Marcellus shale gas industry in Pennsylvania with one big caveat it has to be done correctly

with regulations and safeguards that are continually updated. We come across new challenges

almost weekly."

"Even if one were to assume that Secretary Krancer has the best of intentions, this order

will bring about an administrative traffic jam," said Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny). "Harrisburg

staff will be inundated with permit requests and violation notices for sites that they have notvisited or even seen."

In a letterto President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Senate Majority

Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), Sen. Ferlo asked the Senate leaders to convene formal

Senate hearings on the issue "since the change was not publicly vetted or discussed."

NewsClips: Harrisburg Takes Reins For Marcellus Enforcement

Gas Driller Citations To Be Reviewed

DEP Secretary To OK Drilling Enforcement Actions

No Violations Against Drillers Without OK From Top

Punishments Of Shale Drillers Now Need OK From Top

DEP Boss Demands Approval Of Shale Citations

Sen. Ferlo Seeks Review Of New Marcellus Shale Enforcement RulesTop-Level DEP Approval Of Drilling Actions Under Fire

DEP Top Down Directive Draws Criticism

Marcellus Shale Inspectors' Authority Restricted

Column: It's Tough Drilling For Trust In Harrisburg

Editorial: DEP Boss Bows To Gas Drillers

Editorial: Now DEP Enforcement Will Be In Political Hands

DEP Issues Corrected Well Drilling Permits To Lake Erie Energy Partners

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued three corrected well drilling permits toLake Erie Energy Partners LLC after the company provided complete information to remedy the

original application defects.

The corrected permits are for the wells identified as Dohler 1, Dohler 3 and Rahal 3, all

located in North East Township, Erie County. Township residents contacted the department after

observing water supply notification shortcomings in the permit applications.

Lake Erie Energy Partners corrected those application defects, leading to todays action.

The original permits for the wells were revoked simultaneously with the issuance of the new

permits.

DEP also revoked the permit for the well known as Rahal 4, also in North East Township.

The application for this well failed to meet the setback provisions of the Oil and Gas Act, which

prohibits the siting of wells less than the required 200-feet from an occupied structure.If the company intends to construct Rahal 4, it will need to submit a new well drilling

application that addresses the setback issue.

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued three corrected well drilling

permits to Lake Erie Energy Partners LLC after the company provided complete information to

remedy the original application defects.
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The corrected permits are for the wells identified as Dohler 1, Dohler 3 and Rahal 3, all

located in North East Township, Erie County. Township residents contacted the department after

observing water supply notification shortcomings in the permit applications.

Lake Erie Energy Partners corrected those application defects, leading to todays action.

The original permits for the wells were revoked simultaneously with the issuance of the new

permits.DEP also revoked the permit for the well known as Rahal 4, also in North East Township.

The application for this well failed to meet the setback provisions of the Oil and Gas Act, which

prohibits the siting of wells less than the required 200-feet from an occupied structure.

If the company intends to construct Rahal 4, it will need to submit a new well drilling

application that addresses the setback issue.

Bucknell University Opens Marcellus Shale Initiative Publications Database

The Bucknell University Marcellus Shale Initiative announces a new educational resource: the

MSI Publications Database, a web-based clearinghouse that references and summarizes primarily

print-based publications on the Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction and related topics.The Marcellus Shale, a geologic formation containing natural gas spanning NY, PA, WV,

OH, and VA, is undergoing rapid development as a major US energy source. The use of

horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to release the gas qualifies the extraction to be termed

unconventional.

The Bucknell University MSI, directed by Carl S. Kirby, Professor of Geology, was

created in 2010 to support Marcellus Shale-related research in the physical sciences, social

sciences and humanities at Bucknell.

The MSI Publications Database covers primarily print-based publications as these are the

most reputable sources of information to date. The database contains links to publications as well

as short summaries of each publication. The database also explains the differences amongpublication types and how to access and retrieve copyrighted publications.

As the database grows, it will also include more references to publications that are not

directly related to the Marcellus Shale; such publications might feature other unconventional gas

extraction such as the Barnett Shale, hydraulic fracturing, potential health issues, or address

socioeconomic changes in energy boom towns.

The MSI Publications Database is intended to serve the public as well as regulators,

industry, citizens groups and academics who want to know more about the background and

potential impact of the development of this resource. The Initiative is dedicated to updating the

database as rapidly as resources allow.

This database does not provide coverage of websites, blogs, news articles, newsletters, or

other media. Partners in this effort include the Forum for Pennsylvanias Heartland, theDegenstein Foundation, and Geisinger Center for Health Research.

The MSI is the fourth and newest initiative of the Bucknell University Environmental

Center. The MSI will also facilitate teaching and additional public outreach efforts. Because an

avalanche of information is reaching the public through the web and other media, the MSI also

has a long-term plan to critically evaluate this information. This effort is currently in

development.

For more information, visit the Bucknell University Marcellus Shale Initiative webpage.
http://www.bucknell.edu/MarcellusShaleDatabasehttp://www.bucknell.edu/x2250.xmlhttp://www.bucknell.edu/x2250.xmlhttp://www.bucknell.edu/MarcellusShaleDatabasehttp://www.bucknell.edu/MarcellusShaleDatabasehttp://www.bucknell.edu/x2250.xmlhttp://www.bucknell.edu/x2250.xmlhttp://www.bucknell.edu/MarcellusShaleDatabase


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Next Week: Chesapeake Bay Foundation Announcement On Marcellus Shale Impact

Analysis

Watch for an announcement on April 4 from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation related to

requesting the federal government to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cumulativeimpacts of Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania and other Marcellus states.

In each of the six states in the region people are concerned about the many unknown

consequences and cumulative impacts of natural gas drilling on the environment, drinking water,

and human health. There currently exists a large knowledge gap that science must fill.

While the natural gas industry is largely exempted from federal jurisdiction, under the

National Environmental Policy Act, the federal government still has the obligation to ensure that

the cumulative effects of Marcellus shale drilling will not adversely affect human health or the

quality of the environment.

In addition, the Presidents Executive Order (on Chesapeake Bay restoration) says,

Restoration of the health of the Chesapeake Bay will require a renewed commitment to

controlling pollution from all sources as well as protecting and restoring habitat and livingresources, conserving lands, and improving management of natural resources, all of which

contribute to improved water quality and ecosystem health. The Federal Government should

lead this effort.

And though there are several risk assessments underway, none is comprehensive or

complete. The cumulative effects of pollution from Marcellus shale drilling activities currently

underway or proposed in the future have not been assessed or factored in to any of the state plans

to reduce pollution.

CBFs partners include the National Parks Conservation Association, the Appalachian

Center for the Economy and the Environment, the Shenandoah Valley Network, the Chesapeake

Climate Action Network, Audubon Pennsylvania, Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, the Mid-Atlantic Council Trout Unlimited, and The Garden Club of America.

A copy of a background letter from CBF is available online.

Governor Says Public Water Supply Testing Finds No Risk From Japanese Fallout

Gov. Tom Corbett this week said testing last weekend of public drinking water found no elevated

levels of radioactivity.

On Friday, concentrations of Iodine-131, likely originating from the events at Japan's

damaged nuclear plants, were found in rainwater samples collected from Pennsylvania's nuclear

power plant facilities.

The numbers reported in the rainwater samples in Pennsylvania range from 40-100picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Although these are levels above the background levels historically

reported in these areas, they are still about 25 times below the level that would be of concern.

The federal drinking water standard for Iodine-131 is three pCi/L.

As a result of the findings, Corbett immediately ordered the Department of

Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Quality, Radiation Protection and Laboratories to

test the drinking water from six regions in the state.
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"Ironically, today marks the 32nd anniversary of the accident at Three Mile Island

nuclear power plant,'' Corbett said. "The lessons we learned from that incident and the safeguards

that were installed, including constant monitoring, have made us better prepared for situations

like this.''

For more information, visit DEP's Nuclear Safety Division and the Radiation

Protection webpages. Fact sheet on Radiation Emergency Preparedness.NewsClips: Radiation Checks Determine PA's Water Is Safe

Japan Fallout In PA Rainwater, Corbett Says

Governor Says The State's Water Is Safe From Japan Fallout

PA Drinking Water Shows Normal Levels Of Radioactivity

Lancaster City To Test Susquehanna Water For Radioactivity

32nd Anniversary Of TMI Disaster Marked

Discovery Watersheds: What Youth Can Do For Water And Themselves

There are many projects that youth can become involved in to help protect and conserve local

water resources. Service-learning helps youth gain a better understanding of their communitiesand how their actions can make a difference.

Hands-on community service projects are an important addition to youth water education.

Learning about the science of water will help youth to make responsible decisions in the future,

but its not likely to generate significant excitement about water science or water-related careers.

Service-learning helps youth gain a better understanding of their communities and how

their actions can make a difference.

It is also a perfect opportunity to provide youth with experiential learning opportunities

(enhanced learning through thoughtful reflection during and after experiences) and even more

importantly, inquiry-based learning opportunities, where youth can use their own life

experiences to develop experiments to test in the natural world. Inquiry-based learning has beenshown to lead to increased conceptual understanding and the greatest positive difference in

science learning (Carmichael, 2010).

There are many projects that youth can become involved in to help protect and conserve

local water resources. Projects might be completed on school grounds, at home, in a community

park, on a farm or wherever help may be needed. Consider some of these ideas:

-- Create a school natural area around an existing water resource (pond, stream, etc) to use as a

future learning laboratory;

-- Find an alternative to bare soil areas on school grounds or in a community park;

-- Hold a water conservation campaign or contest school-wide;

-- Conduct a thorough leak assessment of home, school or community buildings and work to

remedy any discovered problems;-- Choose a local stream or pond to conduct regular water quality testing;

-- Try using alternatives to hazardous cleaners and other household substances and hold an

awareness event to teach others the same;

-- Be part of a streamside (riparian) tree planting effort or help with the maintenance of a

recently planted riparian area; and

-- Help install rain barrels or a rain garden where stormwater runs off of a school, home or

community building roof.
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/Nuclear_Safety_Division/Nuclear_Safety_Section/Nuclear_Safety_Section_Homepage.htmhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/default.htmhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/default.htmhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/the_update/14289http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_729666.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/japan-fallout-in-pennsylvania-rainwater-corbett-says-1.1124842http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/pennsylvanias_governor_says_th.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110329_Pennsylvania__Drinking_water_shows_normal_levels_of_radioactivity.html?cmpid=41144277http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/367567http://www.timesleader.com/news/32nd_anniversary_of_TMI_disaster_marked_03-29-2011.htmlhttp://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watersheds/newsletter/news/2011/what-youth-can-do-for-water-and-themselves?http://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watersheds/newsletter/news/2011/what-youth-can-do-for-water-and-themselves?http://www.timesleader.com/news/32nd_anniversary_of_TMI_disaster_marked_03-29-2011.htmlhttp://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/367567http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110329_Pennsylvania__Drinking_water_shows_normal_levels_of_radioactivity.html?cmpid=41144277http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/pennsylvanias_governor_says_th.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/japan-fallout-in-pennsylvania-rainwater-corbett-says-1.1124842http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_729666.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/the_update/14289http://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/default.htmhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/default.htmhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/brp/Nuclear_Safety_Division/Nuclear_Safety_Section/Nuclear_Safety_Section_Homepage.htm


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When choosing a project, the most important thing is to make sure that the youth are the

ones who make the decision. A great resource for guiding the decision making process so that

the project is one that will serve a true need in the community is Give Water a Hand (University

of Wisconsin, 1996.)

This leader guide and youth activity book series walks you through the process of

understanding the importance of water, identifying needs in various parts of the community anddesigning a successful service project.

Penn State Cooperative Extension can provide you with additional information about

water quality issues that can also help choose a worthwhile service project.

Visit Penn State Cooperative Extension Water Resources online webpage.

Spotlight

Penn State Extension: Your Watershed And Your Drinking Water

Most people don't make the connection between what is happening around them and their

drinking water.

Did you know

More than 3 million Pennsylvania residents rely on drilled wells, hand-dug wells, cisterns

and even roadside springs for drinking water?

Water pollutants in water that can affect health often show no signs (taste, color, odor)?

Private water systems should be tested annually for total coliform bacteria?

Independent water testing by a certified laboratory can help homeowners avoid

purchasing unnecessary water treatment equipment?

Your Drinking Water

Your drinking water begins as rain or snow and ends at the tap in your home. An average

of 40 inches of rain falls annually in Pennsylvania. Of this, roughly seven inches becomessurface runoff. Thirteen inches percolate down to the groundwater, which slowly returns to the

surface and emerges as stream or spring flow.

The other 20 inches are used by plants and is returned to the air as water vapor.

Groundwater provides water for wells. Reservoirs, lakes, rivers and wells can all be water

sources for public water supply systems.

Many homeowners that have private water systems such as wells, cisterns or springs are

unaware of the need to test their own water.

All contaminant limits are set at the national level by the Environmental Protection

Agency, but enforcement is at the state level. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental

Protection is responsible for monitoring and enforcement for public water systems.

Those residents with private water systems, however, are their own water authorities andneed to test regularly and maintain records of all system maintenance and testing.

Contamination of a water supply can come from the surface or the ground water. Some of

the activities that can result in contamination of surface and groundwater are: oil and gas

extraction, mining, agriculture, roads, housing development, industry / landfills, and improper

use of pesticides and fertilizers or improper disposal of pharmaceuticals.
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Penn State Cooperative Extension conducts water education for well owners and

recommends that private wells be tested every 12-14 months for bacteriological safety, and every

third year, add pH, total dissolved solids and one analysis that reflects land use in your area.

It is also recommended that any homeowner considering a water treatment system for

their home have their water tested by a certified, independent laboratory before purchasing any

equipment to be sure they are treating the real problem.Water quality and quantity all depend heavily on activity within the watershed. Proper

agricultural practices, storm water management, maintenance of on-lot septic systems,

preservation of forested land and stream protection through the establishment of forested riparian

buffers are among the most useful actions to preserve and improve water quality and quantity.

If you have a well that is no longer in use, it should be properly decommissioned to avoid

contamination of the groundwater.

To learn more, please visit: The Penn State Water Resources website - Drinking Water

section, The Master Well Owner Networkwebsite and visit the Penn State Extension Discovery

Watersheds webpage.

Link: Penn State Watershed Winds Newsletter

PA Senior Environment Corps Water Quality Monitoring Training Schedule

Nature Abounds and the Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps

have set some dates for water quality monitoring for current and

new volunteers.

Dates have been set as follows: April 5 - Elk County; April

7 - McKean County; April 11 - Lancaster County; April 12 -

Adams County; April 13 - Indiana County; April 18 - Philadelphia

(Center in the Park on Germantown Rd.); and May 2 - ClearfieldCounty.

PaSEC trainings are also being planned (dates still yet to be determined) for the following

locations: Crawford County, Blair County, Centre County, Harrisburg area, Montgomery County

(PEAK Center in Lansdale). A training was held in Schuylkill County in late March.

To become a volunteer with the PaSEC, a person needs to be aged 55+, live in the county

where the training will occur, and have an interest in the outdoors. Besides water quality

monitoring, volunteers may assist with wildlife observing and reporting, assessing stream habitat

and/or riparian buffers, trail restoration, or general office support.

The PaSEC has been active since 1997, monitoring the 86,000 miles of streams across the

Commonwealth, marking abandoned wells, restoring trails, and providing environmental

education to the public.The PaSEC program is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys 319

Non-point Source Program as well as matching funds from the Foundation for Pennsylvania

Watersheds, and is under the guidance of the Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information about any of the trainings or about becoming a PaSEC volunteer or

sponsor for a new PaSEC group, please contact Melinda Hughes-Wert at Nature Abounds. She

can be reached by sending email to: [email protected] or call 814-765-1453.
http://water.cas.psu.edu/drinking_water.htmhttp://extension.psu.edu/water/mwonhttp://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watershedshttp://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watershedshttp://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watersheds/newsletter/news/2011/your-watershed-and-your-drinking-water?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+agsci-water-watershedwinds+%28Penn+State+Watershed+Winds+Newsletter%29http://www.natureabounds.org/http://www.natureabounds.org/PaSEC.htmlhttp://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/http://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/http://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/http://www.natureabounds.org/PaSEC.htmlhttp://www.natureabounds.org/http://www.natureabounds.org/http://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watersheds/newsletter/news/2011/your-watershed-and-your-drinking-water?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+agsci-water-watershedwinds+%28Penn+State+Watershed+Winds+Newsletter%29http://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watershedshttp://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watershedshttp://extension.psu.edu/water/mwonhttp://water.cas.psu.edu/drinking_water.htm


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Nature Abounds, the coordinating organization of the PaSEC, is a national non-profit,

bringing people together for a healthy planet.

Brandywine Christina Clean Water Partnership Announces Award Winners

The Brandywine Christina Clean Water Partnership recognizedseveral award winners, including Whitford Country Club and

Stephen R. DePaoli Mushrooms at its Legislative Ceremony

recently at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square, Pa.

(Photo: Charlotte Chotty Sprenkle, Watershed Coordinator

, Chester County Conservation District, Ron Rottmann, Whitford

Board General Manager , Greg Lewis, Whitford Board of

Directors, Rep. Chris Ross.)

The Watershed Conservation Award was presented to the Whitford Country Club for its

efforts to improve water quality and minimize flooding on Colebrook Creek, which bisects the

Whitford Country Club and Golf Course, West Whiteland Township, Exton, PA which drains to

Little Valley Creek.The Club recently completed a stream restoration project which incorporated the

following best management practices included relocating and restoring 3500 feet of stream

channel and creating 21 riffle/pool structures for fish habitat; creating eight acres of floodplain

by removing 20,000 cubic yards of sediment deposited after heavy rain storms: planted 566

native trees and plants, and created two acres of wetlands.

Whitford Country Club management also conducted tours for conservation groups and

golf course managers for a transfer of technology to other courses and stream sites.

The Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener II funded the

improvements, with a match from the Whitford County Club membership.

Stephen R. DePaoli Mushrooms was recognized for its efforts to improve water qualityentering the Red Clay Creek, Kennett Square, PA.

The mushroom growing operation recently constructed several best management

practices which included interior wastewater collection, wharf runoff collection, a waste transfer

system, a waste storage facility, and a wastewater treatment system.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funded the improvements

through the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

For additional information, please contact Charlotte Sprenkle, Chester County

Conservation District.

Watershed Student Education Program April 15 At PPL Susquehanna Riverlands

We all live in a watershed, but do you know your watershed address? Join us to find out how our

actions on land affect the quality and quantity of water in our local streams from 5:30-7 p.m.

April 15, at PPLs Susquehanna Riverlands near Berwick in Luzerne County.

Alana Roberts, PPL community affairs specialist, leads this informative program that

includes a demonstration of an Enviroscape. Then grab some nets and search for aquatic animals

including frogs, tadpoles, newts, aquatic insects and fish. Animals will be held temporarily so
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participants get a close-up look at their unique features and adaptations as well as learn about

their place in the food web.

The Susquehanna Riverlands preserve encompasses 1,200 acres on both the east and west

banks of the Susquehanna River, and has been providing the residents of northcentral

Pennsylvania with quality recreation, fishing and environmental education since 1980.

This program is most appropriate for children ages 5-12. Preregistration is requested. Formore information and to register, call 1-866-832-3312 or send email to:

[email protected].

Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team Publishes 2010 Annual Report

The Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team initiative by the Conemaugh

Valley Conservancy published its 2010 annual report this week

outlining its accomplishments for the year.

During the year 43 volunteer Stream Stewards and staff, the

Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team collected 667 water samples from

Abandoned Mine Discharges, AMD treatment systems, and riversimpacted by AMD.

These samples came from over 150 sites throughout the Kiski-

Conemaugh River Basin where samples were collected yearly, semi-

annually, quarterly, or monthly, based on need. Many of these sites were located at the 26 AMD

treatment systems that the Stream Team regularly monitored; however, some were sites chosen

in preparation for treatment.

The Stream Team also helped the Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association secure a

$306,000 Growing Greener grant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Among the awards received by the Stream Team in 2010 were--

-- 1st Place-Most Innovative at the Ohio River Watershed Celebration;-- PA Association of Environmental Educator's Outstanding Educator Award;

-- PA Association of Environmental Educator's Outstanding Education Program Award; and

-- PA Association of Environmental Educator's Endorsement for Trout In The Classroom.

For more more on the Stream Team's accomplishments and to support their programs,

visit the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team webpage.

Friends Of The Wissahickon Hold Helping Hands Week At Trolley Car Diner & Deli

The Friends of the Wissahickon are holding an important fundraising event at Mt. Airys Trolley

Car Diner & Deli, 7619 Germantown Avenue, from April 18 to 24.

The Diner will donate 15 percent of the revenue from supporters towards FOWsprograms and projects in Wissahickon Valley Park as part of its Helping Hands Week

fundraising program.

The Friends of the Wissahickon, founded in 1924, is a non-profit organization dedicated

to maintaining the Wissahickon Valley. FOW works in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and

Recreation to restore historical structures throughout the park, eliminate invasive plant species,

monitor watershed management issues, and restore trails throughout the park system with its

Sustainable Trails Initiative.
mailto:[email protected]://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/http://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/http://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/conservation/kcst.htmlhttp://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/conservation/kcst.htmlhttp://www.fow.org/http://www.trolleycardiner.com/http://www.trolleycardiner.com/http://www.trolleycardiner.com/http://www.trolleycardiner.com/http://www.fow.org/http://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/conservation/kcst.htmlhttp://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/conservation/kcst.htmlhttp://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/http://www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org/mailto:[email protected]


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Show your support for the Friends of the Wissahickon by bringing your friends and

family for a delicious and fun dining experience at Trolley Car Diner & Deli (215-753-1500).

Bring a Helping Hands Coupon to the Diner, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and

Saturday and Sunday, 3 to 9 p.m.

To receive a Helping Hands Coupon, visit FOWs website or contact FOW by sending

email to: [email protected] or call 215-247-0417.

National Fish And Wildlife Foundation Names LandStudies As Approved Provider

LandStudies, a company based in Lititz, Pa., recently has been named to

the provider network for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundations

Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund Technical Assistance Program.

As a recommended provider, LandStudies is approved to offer

technical assistance to clients of the Chesapeake Network for Education of

Municipal Officials (NEMO) and recipients of Chesapeake Bay

Stewardship Fund grants.

We have a long history of collaborating with municipalities,companies and community organizations on restoration, protection and conservation projects that

improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, said Kelly Gutshall, president,

LandStudies. We look forward to providing technical assistance for National Fish and Wildlife

Foundation partners, whose projects are making such a difference for the Chesapeake Bay and

the region.

Founded in 1989 by Kelly and Mark Gutshall, LandStudies provides clients with

innovative solutions on a wide variety of environmental challenges.

In Lancaster County, LandStudies played an instrumental role in the restoration of Lititz

Run, which has been cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the 12 best

watershed restoration projects in the nation. The company also received praise from the U.S.National Park Service for its stream restoration project in Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Today, the award-winning company is front and center in discussions on how Lancaster

County can best meet new state and federal regulations to clean up county waterways that feed

into the Chesapeake Bay.

For example, Mark Gutshall, LandStudies business manager, will serve as a panelist and

presenter on topics related to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup at the American Society of Landscape

Architects, Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter, annual meeting in early April.

At LandStudies, weve been focused on environmental sustainability since long before it

was in vogue, he said. Its exciting to see so many people taking it seriously today, and were

proud to have been named to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundations provider list.

According to the foundations website, the goal of the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fundis to accelerate local implementation of the most innovative, sustainable and cost-effective

strategies to restore and protect water quality and vital habitats within the Chesapeake Bay

watershed. The technical assistance program empowers those acting on a local level in the

Chesapeake Bay watershed by providing free access to technical assistance throughout the

course of their projects.

LandStudies is a small, woman-owned business. The 15-employee company

specializes in green masterplans, watershed planning, floodplain restoration, stormwater
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management, conservation plans and environmental construction. LandStudies services

municipalities, companies large and small, and locations such as U.S. national parks and PGA

golf courses.

The company plans to use the services of consultants Dennis Auker, environmental

planner, and Dr. Angela Sowers, integrated water resource management specialist, on

Chesapeake Bay projects as needed.For more information, visit the LandStudies website or contact Mark Gutshall at

717-627-4440 or send email to: [email protected].

April Issue Of Environmental Ed Connections Newsletter From PCEE, Help Needed!

The April EE Connections newsletter is now available from the PA Center for Environmental

Education. Here are just some of topics covered in this month's newsletter--

PCEE Funding Eliminated: Help Needed To Restore Line Item

Kathleen Paul leaving PCEE: Five-Year Legacy

General News: Pennsylvania DCED Releases 2010 Land Use Report, Wildlife Conservation

Officer Training Accepting Applications, April Brings Earth Day and Earth Week Events,

President Obama Promotes Outdoors Initiative

K-12 News: Otter Creek Offers Programs, Schoolyard Habitat Development, Paid Internships

for Pittsburgh High School Students, Call for Nominations: Barron Prize Honoring Young

Leaders, EPA Releases 'Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit'

Higher Education News: Saint Francis U. Provides Wind Evaluations for Landowners,Dickinson College Farm Earns Organic Certification, Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society

Offers Scholarship, Students Gain 'Green Building Skills' Over Spring Break

Professional Development for Educators: Carlisle Hosts PA DCNR Macroinvertebrate

Workshop, PRCST Sponsors Three Educator Workshops, Cash Prize for Leadership in Science

Education

Other Professional Development: 'Greening the Urban Environment' Comes to Philadelphia,

PennFuture to Sponsor Global Warming Conference, Chamber Sponsors Conference for

Environmental Professionals

Grants and Awards: Community Conservation Partnership Grants Available, Up to $25,000

Available for Sustainable Forest Management, Dominion Foundation Sponsors Science

Education Grants, Innovation Grants and Leadership Program Now Available

Contributions welcome! The Center receives news and information from a variety of

sources across Pennsylvania and beyond. We appreciate all of the organizations, agencies and

individuals who provide EE services and share their relevant information.
http://www.landstudies.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.pcee.org/static/current-newsletterhttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1104_PCEE_News.pdfhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1104_PCEE_News.pdfhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1104_PCEE_News.pdfhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1104_PCEE_News.pdfhttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/static/current-newslettermailto:[email protected]://www.landstudies.com/


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If you would like to contribute to future issues of EE Connections, please submit your

article before the 15th of the month. Articles should be of statewide interest and are subject to

space availability.

Share EE Connections! If you know of others who would appreciate receiving EE

Connections, please complete the online form or call 724-738-9020. To see all of the resources

available on the PCEE website.

April 12: Student Symposium Leadership Of Maurice Goddard, Documentary Airs

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation and other partners are

sponsoring a student symposium on April 12 entitled, "Getting

Something DoneThe Invisible Leadership of Maurice Goddard" at

the Grace Pollock Performing Arts Center, Camp Hill, Pa.

The Camp Hill School District, The Lion Foundation, and the

PA Parks & Forests Foundation have joined in creating the annual

Maurice Goddard symposium series for K-12 students and the Camp

Hill community.Honoring the longtime Camp Hill resident and patriarch of

Pennsylvania State Parks, the symposium uses Goddard as a role

model to explore science, public policy, history, citizenship, environment, and communications.

This years inaugural discussion will be entitled, Getting Something Done, the Invisible

Leadership of Maurice Goddard. Moderating the panel discussion will be the President of the

PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Marci Mowery.

Goddards leadership traits of vision, tenacity, and problem solving while working with

diverse groups will be explored as a potential model for 21st Century leadership.

Featured participants in the symposium:

-- Charles Kupfer, Ph.D.: Professor of American Studies at Penn State Harrisburg;-- Cindy Dunn: Deputy Secretary, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources;

-- Tim Weston: Attorney and former Goddard colleague;

-- Chris Doran: Government / Economics Teacher, Camp Hill High School; and

-- Eleanor Davis: Camp Hill Student (junior), President of the Environmental Club.

For more information, visit the Maurice K. Goddard Legacy Project webpage or contact

Mark Ziegler by sending email to: [email protected] or call 717-901-2500 ext.

2492.

Goddard Documentary

The documentary "Life of Maurice Goddard" will air on several public television stations

in April: April 2- WYBE Philadelphia at 8 p.m.; April 3- WHYY Philadelphia 3:00 p.m.; April

14- WQED Pittsburgh 8 p.m.

Chester County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event April 9

Seventy-one Chester County municipalities are hosting a Household Hazardous Waste and

Computer Collection Event for Chester County residents on April 9 at the CAT Pickering,

Center for Arts and Technology Campus, 1580 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, Pa.

The collection site will be open at 9:00 a.m. and will close at 3:00 p.m. sharp.
https://mail.crisciassociates.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://pcee.org/static/newsletterSubscribehttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.paparksandforests.org/http://www.paparksandforests.org/goddard.htmlmailto:[email protected]://video.witf.org/video/1640758793/http://video.witf.org/video/1640758793/mailto:[email protected]://www.paparksandforests.org/goddard.htmlhttp://www.paparksandforests.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://mail.crisciassociates.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://pcee.org/static/newsletterSubscribe


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Residents may bring as many as three old computers and peripherals and no more than

220 pounds or 25 gallons of Hazardous Products per household. Hazardous cleaning and

maintenance products will have the following cautionary words on the label: poisonous, caustic,

toxic, flammable, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, caution, warning, danger or hazardous.

The following items will not be accepted: latex paint, used motor oil, tires, asbestos,

explosives, gas cylinders greater than 20 lbs, household alkaline batteries, PCBs, medical waste,unidentified waste, commercial and industrial waste, explosives, ammunition and appliances

containing Freon.

Latex paint is not hazardous waste! Residents should not bring latex paint to Household

Hazardous Waste Collection Events. Solidify latex paint by either air drying small quantities or

pouring the paint into a plastic trash bag with sawdust, clay-based kitty litter or rags and placing

the bag and the opened can in the trash after the paint is solidified. Oil-based paint should be

brought to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.

Interested residents can visit Chester County Solid Waste Authority website and call their

municipality or the Chester County Solid Waste Authority at 610-273-3771 ext. 228 for

information on how to properly handle unacceptable materials and for the other regional

collection events scheduled throughout the year.

Clinton County CleanScapes Fishing Creek Cleanup April 9

The Clinton County CleanScapes Program is sponsoring a cleanup along Fishing Creek in the

Borough of Mill Hall starting at 9:30. Click here for a schedule of 2011 cleanup events.

PEC: Community Cleanup In Dupont Picks Up 7.3 Tons Of Trash, 11.8 Tons Of Tires

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council reported the completion of the 2010 Community

Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program. This program resulted in the cleanup of several Illegaldumpsites through volunteer and contractor efforts.

On April 24 PEC in partnership with Dupont Borough held a cleanup that took place on

Wyoming Avenue between Oak & Commerce Streets in Dupont Borough, Luzerne County. This

cleanup was sponsored in part by the Pennsylvania American Water Company.

Students from Pittston High School, Lackawanna Trail High School and Wilkes

University along with numerous community volunteers turned out for the cleanup.

A total of 7.3 tons of trash and 11.8 tons of tires were removed from this site.

The Pennsylvania American Water Company has generously made a donation to the 2011

Community Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program and presented a check in the amount of

$4,000.00 to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council on March 28

The funding received from the Pennsylvania American Water Company will be used tohelp offset the costs of future community illegal dumpsite cleanups which will be held in

Luzerne County in 2011.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 2009-10 Annual Report Available
http://www.chestercountyswa.org/http://www.clintoncountypa.com/PA%20Cleanways%20Banner.htmhttp://www.clintoncountypa.com/PA%20Cleanways%20Banner.htmhttp://www.pecpa.org/http://www.pecpa.org/release/pecs-community-illegal-dumpsite-cleanup-programhttp://www.pecpa.org/release/pecs-community-illegal-dumpsite-cleanup-programhttp://www.pecpa.org/http://www.clintoncountypa.com/PA%20Cleanways%20Banner.htmhttp://www.clintoncountypa.com/PA%20Cleanways%20Banner.htmhttp://www.chestercountyswa.org/


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The 2009-10 Annual Report ofKeep Pennsylvania

Beautiful covering the merger of KPB and PA CleanWays

and detailing the accomplishments of local county chapters

and thousands of volunteers all across the state.

The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful grassroots

network made this effort possible as 191,727 volunteers donated 766,908 hours of work. Thedollar value of this time is $15,990,031. Support also came from local businesses, landfills,

municipalities, partners, and many more as KPB received $145,259 in in-kind donations.

There were a total of 5,038 litter and illegal dumpsite cleanups done last year. As a result

of those cleanups, 14,266,620 pounds of trash were removed from our communities, roadsides,

parks, and natural landscapes. That is over 7,000 tons of trash.

A total of 18,780 miles of road and 5,010 acres of parks were cleaned. In addition, the

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network planted 21,605 trees, flowers, and bulbs. KPB also

reached 23,179 youth and adults educating them on being environmentally responsible through

presentations and displays.

A copy of the report is now available online.

Next South Mountain Lecture April 7 On American Chestnut Restoration

The decline and restoration of the American chestnut tree will be the topic of the next lecture in

the South Mountain Speakers Series on April 7 at the Penn National Community in Fayetteville,

Franklin County.

Dave Armstrong of the American Chestnut Foundation will offer a free lecture,

Restoring the Chestnut, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Trellis Terrace, 3720 Clubhouse Drive.

Armstrong will discuss the history of the American chestnut; the early 20th century blight

that led to its demise; and restoration efforts with an emphasis on the Michaux State Forest and

South Mountain area.This topic is certainly timely so close to Arbor Day, and in light of the many challenges

now facing our forests from a warming climate and invasive pests, Department of Conservation

and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Cindy Dunn said. This series is designed to look at the

past to see if any lessons learned can apply to our modern-day environmental challenges.

American chestnut trees were once an important part of Pennsylvanias forests. In the

early 1900s, a foreign fungus called chestnut blight swept through eastern forests, and by the

1950s, more than four billion American chestnut trees were gone.

Because the blight does not kill the roots, some trees survive long enough to produce nuts

or pollen. Some of these remaining American chestnut trees have been crossed with blight-

resistant Chinese chestnut trees as part of restoration efforts.

Over the years, foresters at Michaux State Forest have assisted the American ChestnutFoundation in locating bearing trees and harvesting thousands of seeds from remaining chestnuts

on South Mountain. These nuts have contributed to chestnut research and plantings throughout

the region.

Recently, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, along with

students and faculty from Penn State Mont Alto, established an orchard near South Mountain.

The Mont Alto Campus also hosts a chestnut demonstration planting where visitors can view a

number of different chestnut species and crosses.
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After the lecture, a panel including Armstrong; Tracey Coulter, forest program specialist,

DCNR Bureau of Forestry; and Beth Brantley, instructor of Forest Technology, Penn State Mont

Alto, will discuss contemporary forestry issues and respond to questions from the audience.

This is the second year for the South Mountain Speakers Series, envisioned as a revival

of the talks given by Joseph Rothrock in the late 19th century as part of his work to preserve and

restore Pennsylvanias forests and natural landscape. Rothrock, a Pennsylvania native, was apioneer in forest management in the United States and is often referred to as the states Father

of Forestry.

This event is sponsored by Penn State Mont Alto, Penn National Community,

Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the South Mountain Partnership. The South Mountain

Partnership is a group of private citizens, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and

government representatives in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties, working

together to protect and enhance the landscape.

The South Mountain Partnership was sparked by DCNRs Conservation

Landscape Initiativean effort to engage communities, local partners, state agencies and

funding opportunities to conserve the high-quality natural and cultural resources while enhancing

the regions economic viability.May 12 Lecture

The series will continue with Conserving Treasured Landscapes in the Chesapeake Bay

Watershed, to be held May 12 starting at 6 p.m. at the Adams County Agricultural and Natural

Resources Center in Gettysburg.

For more information, visit the South Mountain Partnership or call the Appalachian Trail

Conservancy at 717-258-5771.

Earth Day: Wildlands Conservancy Hosts Spring Birding Programs, Celebrate Earth Day

The Wildlands Conservancy has scheduled a series of birding programs in April and Mayranging from a beginning birding course, to building birdhouses and a 24-hour birding odyssey.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Maureen Ruhe, Director of Environmental Education

at 610.965.4397, ext. 136 or send email to: [email protected] to register or for more

information. Click here for more information.

The Conservancy also has special Earth Day programs scheduled in April for students of

all ages and adults. Click here for more information.

Earth Day: PA Resources Council Host Variety Of Events For Earth Day

The PA Resources Council is celebrating Earth Day 2011 with a Green

Lifestyles Expo in Pittsburgh, having the Litterbug join the PhiladelphiaEarth Day parade, sponsoring cleanup events around the state and

partnering with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield drug take back day.

Also checkout their upcoming spring and summer environmental

workshops, their schedule of hard to recycle and household chemical

collection events and much more.

Click Here for all the details.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cli/index.htmhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cli/index.htmhttp://southmountaincli.blogspot.com/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805859/k.BFA3/Home.htmhttp://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805859/k.BFA3/Home.htmhttp://www.wildlandspa.org/mailto:[email protected]://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=q6hz5tcab&v=001iPF_ovG5vap_2ioXEemJP-7u53_cOTRg3v1QXWwYfhcCCxRslaJ37Y1XhODvnHPtDD5bgQmzDoNEORoK38ei8hmzHeKx7zmJjliYHv1iB1P9DJ-A1P1RH9xJ5gv6CGnGuiaJmpsmbSw%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=q6hz5tcab&v=001o1NWE3yaJ-pp_Hc8w6aTvGctV3m3KnU1NTe6jYukdUqFzNh6t5xYlxLMn52SoeCi1qAbMrL2a-2tvM4ihGu5rDeCtnh1iLgTRL_-CeQ92wwgrqLKZgLjHHglXp1OoZ0hfuiuMjmdTdQ%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001bjW2zZbXAkvzUuPhfk5ucdrYBWfHqEPfaJH-zbagr7BuciaP6g-U6pQOJPSru4Is7Umv-vZq8nZgI_nfm4vbHIoUrrTKmxuob5oapZnnlZg%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001bjW2zZbXAkvzUuPhfk5ucdrYBWfHqEPfaJH-zbagr7BuciaP6g-U6pQOJPSru4Is7Umv-vZq8nZgI_nfm4vbHIoUrrTKmxuob5oapZnnlZg%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=q6hz5tcab&v=001o1NWE3yaJ-pp_Hc8w6aTvGctV3m3KnU1NTe6jYukdUqFzNh6t5xYlxLMn52SoeCi1qAbMrL2a-2tvM4ihGu5rDeCtnh1iLgTRL_-CeQ92wwgrqLKZgLjHHglXp1OoZ0hfuiuMjmdTdQ%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=q6hz5tcab&v=001iPF_ovG5vap_2ioXEemJP-7u53_cOTRg3v1QXWwYfhcCCxRslaJ37Y1XhODvnHPtDD5bgQmzDoNEORoK38ei8hmzHeKx7zmJjliYHv1iB1P9DJ-A1P1RH9xJ5gv6CGnGuiaJmpsmbSw%3Dmailto:[email protected]://www.wildlandspa.org/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805859/k.BFA3/Home.htmhttp://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805859/k.BFA3/Home.htmhttp://southmountaincli.blogspot.com/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cli/index.htmhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cli/index.htm


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Earth Day: A Billion Acts Of Green

The Earth Day Network is organizing Earth Day 2011 around A Billion Acts of Greenthe

largest environmental service campaign in the world. With over 72 million actions to date, the

campaign inspires and rewards simple, measurable acts that support sustainability.

The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the Earth Summit in Rio in 2012.A special website quantifies acts of green through an easy-to-use online registration tool.

For more information, visit A Billion Acts of Green webpage.

Earth Day: TreeVitalize Coupons Available For Trees In Midstate

Looking to plant a tree this Spring? The DCNRTreeVitalize Program in Central PA has

available coupons good for $15 off the purchase of a tree you can plant at participating nurseries

in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry and York counties. Click Here for details and to find

a participating nursery.

Success Stories Offered On 1-Year Anniversary Of State Outdoor Recreation Plan

The state outdoor recreation plan Pennsylvania Outdoors: The Keystone for Healthy Living

inspired a number of projects and initiatives in the first year since its release. A newly posted

14-page report outlines a number of success stories related to the four goals of the plan.

Successes include DCNR worked collaboratively with PennDOT in advancing projects

that were of interest to both agencies through the PA Community Transportation Initiative,

which set aside $60 million for 2009-2012.

Goals of the selected projects include supporting local economic development;

encouraging walk-able, multi-modal, mixed use corridors; enhancing the existing transportation

network; and improving connectivity.These cooperative funded projects included: the Brandywine Creek Trail Feasibility

Study in Chester County; the Lehigh Riverfront Development Plan in the Lehigh Valley; the

Pine Creek Rail Trail/Jersey Shore Trail Connector Project in Lycoming County and the

Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority (LARA) Rail Trail Project in Union County.

A partnership of DCNR, the Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Environmental

Counciland others made great strides in advancing the plans recommendations for improving

and expanding water trails in the state including updated maps, proposing House Resolution 884

(Levdansky-D-Allegheny) to conduct an economic impacts study of the benefits of water trails to

communities and technical assistance workshops.

A new report by the Green Space Alliance published in November 2010, Return on

Investment, makes the economic case for protecting open space in southeastern Pennsylvania.DCNR led by example with an overhaul of its own Community Conservation and Partnerships

Program grants by promoting green practices and prioritizing them for funding.

The departments outreach to communities about its Community Conservation

Partnership grant program included webinars for potential grantees this year and workshops

across the state, as well as numerous exhibits at conferences, publications and speaking

engagements.
http://act.earthday.org/http://act.earthday.org/http://www.treevitalize.net/index.aspxhttp://www.treevitalize.net/TreeCoupon2.aspxhttp://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/downloads/one_year_report.pdfhttp://www.smart-transportation.com/pcti.htmlhttp://www.pecpa.org/http://www.pecpa.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0884http://www.greenspacealliance.org/home/http://www.greenspacealliance.org/home/whatsnew.asphttp://www.greenspacealliance.org/home/whatsnew.asphttp://www.greenspacealliance.org/home/whatsnew.asphttp://www.greenspacealliance.org/home/whatsnew.asphttp://www.greenspacealliance.org/home/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0884http://www.pecpa.org/http://www.pecpa.org/http://www.smart-transportation.com/pcti.htmlhttp://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/downloads/one_year_report.pdfhttp://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/http://www.treevitalize.net/TreeCoupon2.aspxhttp://www.treevitalize.net/index.aspxhttp://act.earthday.org/http://act.earthday.org/


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The plan also reviews the goals and recommendations and outlines a call to action for the

next several years. Readers are encouraged to post updates and success stories at the PA Outdoor

Recreation Plan webpage.

Ground Broken For Model Sustainable Park In Philadelphia

Philadelphia officials recently held the groundbreaking for Philadelphias newest open

spaceHawthorne Park-- as a model for the sustainable greenscapes initiative.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided some assistance for

Hawthorne Park to be selected as one of 150 national pilot projects to test out a new program for

greening landscapesthe Sustainable SITES Initiative.

SITES is a national collaboration that has produced the first voluntary set of performance

benchmarks to encourage the sustainable design, construction and m

Documents

Pa Environment Digest April 4, 2011