8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
1/42
PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In
PA
Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa February 7, 2011
Corbett Names George Greig Secretary Of Agriculture
Gov. Tom Corbett this week announced he intends to nominate George
Greig, a farmer and agriculture leader from Linesville, Crawford County,
as Secretary of Agriculture.
George Greig is an experienced farmer, businessman and leader,
Gov. Corbett said. His record of success and service makes him an ideal
choice to lead this important state agency.
Greig, 59, has held many positions within the Pennsylvania Farm
Bureau, where he has served as the State Board Director for the past six
years. Before that, he served as Crawford County Farm Bureau President
for eight years, Crawford County board member for 12 years and has been local affairs chairman
and served on the legislative committee.
Greig also owns and operates a 650-acre dairy farm in partnership with his brother in
Crawford County. The Greig brothers also produce soybeans and hay.Greig currently serves as township supervisor in Conneaut Township. Corbett said that
Greig has also served on the USDA Farm Service Agency PA State Committee, the Crawford
County Conservation District, and the Great Lakes Regional Water Board.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau applauds Governor Tom Corbetts appointment of George
Greig to serve as Secretary of Agriculture," said PA Farm Bureau President Carl T. Shaffer. "As
a lifelong farmer, George will understand the complex matters of agriculture his first day on the
job. As an experienced leader, he will build strong and productive working relationships among
all segments of our farm and food industry that will benefit every Pennsylvanian.
The Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related
industries throughout the state while providing consumer protection through inspection services
that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.Greig and his wife, Christine, have been married for 15 years and have six children.
Gov. Corbett has four remaining major cabinet posts to fill: the departments of
Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Labor & Industry and the Adjutant General of
Military & Veterans Affairs.
NewsClips: Corbett Nominates George Greig As Ag Secretary
Farm Bureau Official Eyed For Agriculture Post
http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/02/gov_tom_corbett_to_nominate_ge.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_720912.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_720912.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/02/gov_tom_corbett_to_nominate_ge.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=119538/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
2/42
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the Senate and House schedule--
Senate
February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 28
March 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 (Budget Hearings Weeks of 14th, 21th & 28th)
April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27
May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24
June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 28
March 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, (Budget Hearings Weeks of 14th, 21th & 28th)
April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, (25 NV), 26, and 27
May 2, 3, 4, 9. 10, 11, 23, 24, and 25
June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, and 30
Bill Calendars
House (February 7): Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (February 7): Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committees
House: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds an informational meeting
on the Forest Products industry; the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to
considerHouse Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) adding provisions in Act 319 farmland
preferential assessment allowing the split off of land for wireless services and mineral rights
development; the Consumer Affairs Committee holds an informational meeting on electric
industry; the Game and Fisheries Committee holds an informational meeting to receive GameCommission annual report. Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTM8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
3/42
House
Farmland Assessment Wireless, Mineral Extraction: House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna)
correcting provisions in Act 319 farmland preferential assessment allowing the split off of land
for wireless services and mineral rights development.
Household Hazardous Waste: House Bill 326 (Harper-R-Montgomery) providing $150,000
for local household hazardous waste collection events.
Pipeline Safety: House Bill 344 (M.Baker-R-Tioga) further providing for the Public Utility
Commission regulation of pipeline safety.
Dormant Gas Rights: House Bill 375 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) providing for the preservation
of interests in the case of abandoned oil and gas rights.
Gas Distribution Line Charges: House Bill 376 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providingfor a sliding scale of rates and adjustments for distribution line maintenance.
Municipal Aggregation: House Bill 411 (Preston-D-Allegheny) providing for municipal
aggregation of electric generation supply.
Solar Clothes-Drying: House Bill 417 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) prohibiting governing bodies
from restricting solar clothes-drying devices.
Green Roof Credit: House Bill 490 (M.Smith-D-Allegheny) providing a tax credit for
installation of green roofs.
Green Building Credit: House Bill 491 (M.Smith-D-Allegheny) providing a tax credit for high-
performance green buildings.
Senate
Home Energy Payments: Senate Bill 333 (Tomlinson-R-Bucks) establishing the Home Energy
Efficiency Act to provide assistance to ratepayers delinquent in energy payments.
Farmland Assessment Noncoal Mines: Senate Bill 301 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amending Act 319
farmland preferential assessment law to allow for splitting off of land for purposes of developinga noncoal mine.
Waste Facilities/Schools: Senate Bill 347 (Browne-R-Lehigh) prohibiting waste facilities within
1,000 feet of a school.
Natural Gas Severance Tax: Senate Bill 352 (Dinniman-D-Chester) enacting a natural gas
production severance tax and using the revenue to establish the Natural Gas Conservation and
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0326http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0344http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=375http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=376http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0411http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0417http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=490http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=491http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0333http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=301http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=347http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=352http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=352http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=347http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=301http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0333http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=491http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=490http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0417http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0411http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=376http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=375http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0344http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0326http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1438/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
4/42
Community Investment Fund to allocate money to the General Fund, Environmental Stewardship
Fund and other programs.
Green Work Force Training: Senate Bill 364 (Kitchen-D-Philadelphia) establishing the Green
Work Force Training Program.
Mineral Rights Development: Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) providing for the
development of mineral rights under state land owned by agencies other than the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, Fish & Boat and Game Commissions.
News From The Capitol
Rep. Mundy Reintroduces Bills To Protect PA Waters From Gas Drilling
Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-Luzerne) has reintroduced a package of bills to
ensure Pennsylvania's environment, particularly its drinking water supply,is protected from the natural gas drilling industry.
"With thousands of gas wells expected to be drilled in the next
decade, we have to make sure appropriate law and regulations are in
place," Rep. Mundy said. "We must ensure that drillers do the job right;
prevent problems to the extent possible and, when problems do occur, that
they are dealt with effectively."
House Bill 233 would put a one-year moratorium on the issuance
of new natural gas drilling permits in the Marcellus Shale deposit. The bill, Mundy said, would
give the legislature time to enact necessary protections in law and regulations.
House Bill 230 would create a buffer around drinking water supplies. It would prohibit
companies that use fracking or horizontal drilling from drilling wells underneath or within 2,500feet of a primary source for a community water system, such as a lake or reservoir. The current
restriction is only 100 feet.
"The Huntsville and Ceasetown reservoirs supply drinking water to thousands of my
constituents," Rep. Mundy said. "This bill would help protect those reservoirs and drinking water
supplies across the state."
House Bill 234 would create an online tracking and reporting system for Marcellus Shale
waste, such as drilling mud and chemically treated water used to fracture shale to release gas. It
would require drillers to report the amount of waste generated by their wells and the facilities
that accepted the waste for disposal, treatment, or reuse. The information would be posted on the
state Department of Environmental Protection's website. House Bill 234 builds on Act 15 of
2010, which requires Marcellus Shale well operators to report well production data on a semi-
annual basis to DEP.
House Bill 232 would restrict drilling and site preparation in floodplains, improve the
disposal of waste water and better control erosion and sedimentation where gas is drilled in these
areas. This bill is of particular importance as it would help protect my legislative district, which
by and large lies within a floodplain.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=364http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=367http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0233http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=230http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0234http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0232http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0232http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0234http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=230http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0233http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=367http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=3648/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
5/42
Additionally, the bill would impose a three-year moratorium on new permits to discharge
drilling wastewater into surface waters. It would require DEP to evaluate alternatives for
wastewater disposal and enforce those alternatives if they are environmentally sound.
Within the first six months of the moratorium, DEP would be required to establish an
online tracking system to monitor the storage, transportation and disposal of oil and gas drilling
wastewater.Mundy said that the legislation would require DEP, the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the Game Commission to do a joint study on the
cumulative impact of gas and oil drilling in Pennsylvania.
The bill also would compel DEP to require an erosion and sedimentation control permit
for all earth moving done for oil and gas drilling. DEP would be required to conduct site visits
before issuing erosion and sediment control permits because of the damage drilling can cause.
Permits would only be issued to applicants that develop appropriate erosion and sediment
control, as well as storm water management plans that are compliant with the Clean Streams law
and other environmental regulations.
NewsClips: Rep. Mundy Heralds Gas Drilling Bills, DEP: No Air Emission Threat
Rep. Mundy Introduces To Bills To Toughen Drill Rules Relaunched
Sen. Yaw's Legislative Priorities Center On Marcellus Shale Issues
As the Senate begins a new legislative session, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-
Lycoming) has introduced a number of bills that address issues relating to
the growing Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania, closing loopholes
in Megan's Law and further reforming practices in state government.
Sen. Yaw said much of the new legislation he is sponsoring has
been prompted by the booming natural gas drilling industry in his district,
which is bringing both economic development and new challenges toPennsylvania's landowners and municipal officials.
"Our area is at the epicenter for Marcellus Shale-related activity,
and as a result we are seeing some of the issues that come along with it here first. Because of
this, I feel it is necessary for me to come out and craft legislation to protect communities and
encourage well-regulated growth," Sen. Yaw said. "And frankly, the majority of these bills are
directed toward benefitting the landowners."
Among those bills are the following:
-- Pugh Clause In Developing Tracts: Legislation which would stop the practice of tying up
large tracts of land by including only a few acres in a production unit. According to Yaw, under
today's laws, utilizing as little as two or three acres in a production unit could hold 200 or 300
acres with no obligation to develop the gas under that land.Sen. Yaw proposes what is known as a Pugh Clause in his legislation. This would apply
to all production units formed after adoption of the legislation. This provision would provide the
landowners and gas companies the option to develop the acreage not included in a production
unit, allow the lease to expire with respect to the unused portion, renegotiate the lease as to the
unused land or include the unused land in another production unit.
"I see no harm whatsoever to gas companies but I see a great benefit to landowners," said
the Senator.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mundy-heralds-gas-protection-bills-dep-finds-no-health-threat-from-marcellus-air-emissions-1.1098111http://www.timesleader.com/news/Mundy_bills_to_toughen_drill_rules_relaunched_01-31-2011.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Mundy_bills_to_toughen_drill_rules_relaunched_01-31-2011.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mundy-heralds-gas-protection-bills-dep-finds-no-health-threat-from-marcellus-air-emissions-1.10981118/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
6/42
-- Company to company pooling is another proposal Sen. Yaw will be introducing.
Encouraging development of the Marcellus Shale with a minimum number of well sites provides
well-known environmental benefits. What has been discovered is that the majority of pooling
issues involve inter-company dealings with leased land.
For example, one company declines to cooperate in developing a leased area for its own
competitive advantage to the detriment of the environment and stranded landowners whose gasdevelopment may be blocked by the uncooperative company.
Unlike earlier pooling suggestions, this type of pooling would affect only leasehold
interests and would have no impact on private landowners who decline to lease their land. Yaw
said, "I am told that this type of pooling will solve about 90 percent of the pooling issues. If I can
solve 90 percent of any issue, I will be extremely satisfied with the result."
-- Certified Metering Devices: Another proposal affecting the natural gas industry would
include a requirement to have state certification of all metering devices on Marcellus Shale
wells.
Sen. Yaw related, "Pennsylvania requires state certification on scales to buy meat and on
pumps to dispense gasoline, but meters used to measure production data on which royalty
payments to landowners are based are exempt. It seems as though we have a huge void in thisarea which needs to be addressed."
-- Beneficiaries of royalty payments felt it was very difficult to understand just what charges
were being made on their net earnings. Therefore, a detailed listing of all deductions on royalty
payment check stubs would be required under another proposal sponsored by Sen. Yaw. "What
we intend here is to standardize the information so that all royalty recipients are dealing with the
same, easy to understand information."
-- Abandoned Mineral Rights: Due to the thorough manner in which the gas companies search
real estate titles, a significant problem with abandoned rights has surfaced. It is not unusual to
find situations where as long as 100 years ago, gas and mineral rights were reserved by a prior
landowner. In some instances, these individuals may have died without exercising the rights andwithout paying any of the real estate taxes. Therefore, the reservation continues in perpetuity,
creating a cloud on the title of the current landowner.
In many cases, it is impossible to track down an owner and a lengthy court process
known as an "Action to Quiet Title" is required. Under Sen. Yaw's proposed legislation, nonuse
of gas or mineral rights for a period of 21 years would be considered an abandonment of those
rights, thus vesting them in the owner of the surface rights. This is consistent with the 21 year
time period in Pennsylvania's adverse possession law.
Many municipalities and school districts have brought forth the need to have some
method by which they can be compensated for the direct impacts created by the growing gas
industry.
"Virtually every state agency expects a share of this tax, whether they need it or not.Several state agencies already benefit from natural gas development, either directly through
bonus payments and royalties received on gas wells on their property or indirectly by servicing
the needs of the industry. Why shouldn't those agencies use the income derived from the gas
industry for their purposes instead of taking more tax money?" stated Sen. Yaw.
-- Taxing Royalty Interests: Proposed legislation would grant authority to counties to assess
royalty interests as real estate. This would apply only to producing wells. Until 2002, gas wells
were subject to the assessment laws in Pennsylvania, but the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled
8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
7/42
that gas wells were not to be included in the law. This legislation would fill the hole noted by the
Supreme Court.
"It appears that some sort of tax or fee is inevitable. Under this legislation, the taxing
authority would be local and all of the funds derived from an assessment would stay within our
local governments where impacts are tangible. I believe this is the best option rather than sending
our money to Harrisburg and standing in line with our hand out, hoping to get a little back,"according to Sen. Yaw.
A proposal to correct a problem with the Hotel Occupancy Tax related to Marcellus Shale
workers is also a part of Sen. Yaw's legislative initiatives.
-- Senate Bill 300 -- Currently, counties are authorized to levy a 3 percenttax on room rentals of
30 days or less. Many companies book rooms for 60 days to 6 months for employees thus
making the transaction exempt from the taxing authority. Money collected from this tax is used
by counties to promote tourism. Under the Senator's bill, long term rentals by companies would
be subject to the tax.
Sen. Yaw also proposes to further amend the Clean and Green Law.
-- Senate Bill 301 -- This bill aims to further clarify how counties apply roll-back taxes on
mineral rights, specifically to include Non-coal Surface Mining such as Pennsylvania Bluestone.
News From Around The State
SRBC Releases Findings From Water Quality Monitoring In 4 Watersheds
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission this week announced findings from four separate
river monitoring programs providing biological and water quality data used to assess streams and
rivers and identify changes in stream health over time.
The technical reports focus on: the Susquehanna River and other large rivers, West
Branch Susquehanna Subbasin, the Lackawanna River, and streams that cross the NewYorkPennsylvania and PennsylvaniaMaryland state lines.
Each of the Commissions monitoring programs is unique and generates data that are
very valuable to water managers, said Paul Swartz, SRBC Executive Director. The data can be
used to assess compliance with state and federal water quality standards, characterize stream
quality and identify areas for restoration and protection.
The four technical reports, which are available on SRBCs website or by hard copy, are
as follows:
-- Susquehanna Large River Assessment Project (Publication #271) continued SRBC's
biological assessment of the basin's large rivers, which include the mainstem Susquehanna,
Chemung, West Branch Susquehanna, and Juniata Rivers.
During 2009, the assessment stretched from Sidney, N.Y., to Towanda, Pa., andencompassed a total of eight stations: six in the Upper Susquehanna Subbasin; one in the Middle
Susquehanna Subbasin, and one on the Chemung River.
Four of the sites were designated as non-impaired, three sites were slightly impaired, and
one site was moderately impaired. Only 4.5 percent (9 of 200) of the water quality values
exceeded their respective limits, indicating fairly good water quality in the Susquehanna River.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0300http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0301http://www.srbc.net/http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/techdocs/Publications/techreports.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/techdocs/Publications/techreports.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0301http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=03008/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
8/42
Data collected during 2009 completed sampling conducted during 2008 at 17 additional
sampling stations.
-- Middle Susquehanna Subbasin Year-2 Survey: Small Watershed Study Lackawanna
River, April 2009 April 2010 (Publication #269) is a second-year, water quality study in the
Middle Susquehanna Subbasin focused on the Lackawanna River Watershed. In particular,
SRBC examined the impacts of stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) on thewater quality in the Lackawanna River and its tributaries.
SRBC staff collected base flow and stormflow water quality samples at 15 locations
within the Lackawanna River Watershed. During base flow, total phosphorus and total nitrogen
were the two parameters that most consistently were above levels of concern for aquatic life. For
storm samples, iron, aluminum, nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids (TSS) often
exceeded water quality standards or levels of concern.
During storms, nitrogen and TSS increases were likely due to the introduction of human
sewage from CSOs. More than 130 CSOs are still active within the watershed and can discharge
into the Lackawanna River and its tributaries between Carbondale and Old Forge, Pa., during
rain events.
-- West Branch Susquehanna Subbasin Year1 Survey: A Water Quality and BiologicalAssessment, March July 2009 (Publication #268) is a stream quality assessment based on one-
time sampling of water chemistry, biological, and habitat conditions throughout the West Branch
Subbasin during 2009. Samples were collected at 141 tributary and mainstem river sites.
Pollution concerns in this subbasin are largely due to resource extraction activities as land use is
mostly forested.
Abandoned mine drainageways the most prevalent pollution issue, with additional
impacts from atmospheric deposition. Historical data from previous subbasin surveys at these
sites in the West Branch Subbasin were compared to current conditions. Despite improvements
in mayfly populations (mayflies are sensitive to AMD conditions), the percentage of impaired
streams in the West Branch Subbasin continue to be higher than other subbasins throughout theSusquehanna River Basin.
-- Assessment of Interstate Streams in the Susquehanna River Basin, January 1 December
31, 2009 (Publication #270) is a summary report of water quality and biological data on streams
that cross state lines. This interstate stream monitoring began in 1986 to collect data that were
not available from monitoring programs in New York, Pennsylvania or Maryland.
In New YorkPennsylvania streams, the parameter that most frequently exceeded water
quality standards was total aluminum, followed by total iron. The PennsylvaniaMaryland
border streams are located in a heavily agricultural region, and nutrient concentrations were high
at many of these sites. Fish sampling at 18 sites began in 2009. Index of biotic integrity
analyses showed that fish communities at 9 sites were good, 8 sites were fair and 1 site was rated
poor.SRBCs monitoring programs and their associated annual reports are funded largely by
grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Copies of the reports are available online.
NewsClip: Report Details Storms' Impact On Lackawanna River
DEP Issues Report On Air Quality Impacts From NE Marcellus Shale Development
http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/techdocs/Publications/techreports.htmhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/report-details-storms-impact-on-lackawanna-river-1.1099351http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/report-details-storms-impact-on-lackawanna-river-1.1099351http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/techdocs/Publications/techreports.htm8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
9/42
The Department of Environmental Protection released a report this week on a four-week air
quality study conducted near Marcellus Shale natural gas operations in Susquehanna and
Sullivan counties.
This short-term study of the air emissions at surveyed sites shows no emission levels
that would constitute a concern to the health of residents living near these operations, DEP
Director of the Bureau of Air Quality Joyce Epps said. This study provides us with goodinformation as part of our ongoing effort to gauge the impact these operations have on our air
quality, public health and the environment.
The report notes that the sampling effort was not meant to address potential cumulative
impacts.
DEPs assessment focused on concentrations of volatile organic compounds, including
benzene, toluene and xylene, which are typically found in petroleum products. The department
also sampled for other pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide near natural gas
extraction and processing sites.
The sampling was conducted the weeks of August 9, September 13, October 14 and
October 25. An evening sampling event was held October 6. DEPs mobile laboratories were
used and the equipment was set up downwind of the target sources during early morning and lateevening hours, which is when the department received the most complaints from residents.
The agency collected background samples at Sones Pond in the Loyalsock State Forest in
Sullivan County.
The air monitoring surveys near natural gas operations in Susquehanna County were
conducted at a completed and operating gas well (Cabots Gesford 2V/7H) on Carter Road in
Dimock Township; two compressor stations (Cabots Lathrop and Teel stations near
Springville); and at a well site being fracked (Stone Energys Loomis well site) near Lawton.
Those surveys detected the main constituents of natural gas including methane, ethane,
propane and butane as well as low levels of associated compounds such as MTBE, carbon
monoxide and methyl mercaptan, the odor-producing compound.In addition, DEP used a specialized infrared camera that can detect emissions of certain
pollutants from a source that otherwise may be invisible to the naked eye. That equipment did
detect fugitive and direct emissions from the well equipment at the Carter Road site.
Overall, DEPs air sampling did not find concentrations of any compound that would
likely trigger air-related health issues associated with Marcellus Shale drilling activities in the
northeast region.
DEP also conducted similar air-monitoring studies near Marcellus gas facilities in north-
central Pennsylvania. Those results are currently being evaluated. Results from a study in
southwestern Pennsylvania were announced in November 2010.
A copy of the report is available online.
NewsClips: DEP Says Air Near Marcellus Drilling Sites Is SafeAir Quality At Marcellus Sites Acceptable, DEP Study Finds
DEP Finds No Danger In Drilling Emissions
Shale Work Not Risk To Air Quality, Study Says
Rep. Mundy Heralds Gas Drilling Bills, DEP: No Air Emission Threat
DEP Fines General Energy Company For Drilling Airfoam Discharge In Lycoming
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/NERO/NEROPortalFiles/Marcellus_NE_01-12-11.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/NERO/NEROPortalFiles/Marcellus_NE_01-12-11.pdfhttp://www.wbng.com/news/local/DEP-Says-Air-Near-Marcellus-Drilling-Sites-Is-Safe-114951289.htmlhttp://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1398621856/Air-quality-at-Marcellus-sites-acceptable-DEP-study-findshttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_720866.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Shale_work_not_risk_to__air_quality__says_study_02-02-2011.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mundy-heralds-gas-protection-bills-dep-finds-no-health-threat-from-marcellus-air-emissions-1.1098111http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mundy-heralds-gas-protection-bills-dep-finds-no-health-threat-from-marcellus-air-emissions-1.1098111http://www.timesleader.com/news/Shale_work_not_risk_to__air_quality__says_study_02-02-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_720866.htmlhttp://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1398621856/Air-quality-at-Marcellus-sites-acceptable-DEP-study-findshttp://www.wbng.com/news/local/DEP-Says-Air-Near-Marcellus-Drilling-Sites-Is-Safe-114951289.htmlhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/NERO/NEROPortalFiles/Marcellus_NE_01-12-11.pdfhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/NERO/NEROPortalFiles/Marcellus_NE_01-12-11.pdf8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
10/42
The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced it has fined Pennsylvania
General Energy Co. LLC of Warren $28,960 for the illegal discharge of Airfoam HD, a
surfactant, into Pine Creek in Lycoming County last March.
Surfactants are used by natural gas drillers to create a foam that will lift water and drill
cuttings to the surface. Airfoam HD is approved by DEP for use by the industry.
PGE responded immediately to this incident and fully cooperated with the department,said DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber.
During the weekend of March 13 and 14, 2010, there was significant rainfall and snow
melt that caused residual Airfoam in a Marcellus well bore to migrate to a spring on the hillside
creating a white, foamy substance. The spring was not used as a source of drinking water.
A DEP investigation on March 15 verified that the material was flowing from the spring,
down the hillside, under Pa. Route 44 via a storm drain, and into Pine Creek. At the time, the
spring was flowing at an estimated 180 gallons per minute.
PGE began diverting foam from the storm drain in the road berm and later placed an
absorbent boom across the spring run on the hillside, which prevented further discharges to Pine
Creek.
No constituents of Airfoam HD were detected in Pine Creek.The discharge was a violation of the Clean Streams Law, Solid Waste Management Act,
and DEPs oil and gas regulations.
The fine was deposited into the fund that supports DEPs oil and gas permitting and
enforcement programs.
NewsClips: DEP Fines Drilling Company For Surfactant Spill
Driller Fined For Spill
Heinz Endowments Awards Marcellus Shale Research Grant To Penn State
The Heinz Endowments recently awarded a team of Penn State researchers a $412,000, three-year, grant to identify and mitigate the effects of Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration and
development on the forest ecosystem.
The interdisciplinary research team, led by Margaret Brittingham, professor of wildlife
resources, and Patrick Drohan, assistant professor of pedology, both faculty members in the
College of Agricultural Sciences, also will develop land management practices and a monitoring
program to reduce the Marcellus disturbance footprint.
Focusing on the north-central region of Pennsylvania, the research incorporates four
broad components. First, researchers will use a database to evaluate landscape change as a result
of gas exploration disturbances.
Second, they will assess local and landscape-scale changes to the forest ecosystem
utilizing birds, invasive plant species, and soils as indicators of broader environmental effects.The team will also develop an electronic field guide for on-site remediation and wildlife
habitat enhancement at Marcellus drilling sites and pilot a long-term citizen-science based
monitoring program to track changes to the physical landscape and biotic communities across the
Marcellus shale formation in Pennsylvania.
Exploration and development of natural gas within the Marcellus Shale formation is
occurring at an accelerating rate across much of Pennsylvania and has the potential for large-
scale ecological change, said Brittingham. There is a critical need among public and private
http://www.penngeneralenergy.com/http://www.penngeneralenergy.com/http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/559751/DEP-fines-company-for-substance-spill.html?nav=5011http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/driller-fined-for-spill-1.1099217http://www.heinz.org/http://agsci.psu.edu/http://agsci.psu.edu/http://www.heinz.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/driller-fined-for-spill-1.1099217http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/559751/DEP-fines-company-for-substance-spill.html?nav=5011http://www.penngeneralenergy.com/http://www.penngeneralenergy.com/8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
11/42
landowners for information on how to develop drilling sites, and their associate infrastructure, in
a way that minimizes ecological damage and that can restore sites to pre-drilling conditions.
The project addresses a central goal of the endowments Environment Program, to
support sustainable communities within a sustainable region by promoting environmentally
responsible land use and by protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.
We are grateful to The Heinz Endowments for funding this research, which was initiatedwith a seed grant from the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, said
Brittingham. The funds from Heinz will enable us to begin to document and monitor how
Marcellus-related exploration and development is changing the landscape of Pennsylvania and to
develop mitigation and remediation strategies to minimize negative environmental impacts.
The University has been at the forefront of research and outreach efforts since advances
in horizontal drilling technology sparked interest in unconventional gas shales.
Through MCOR, Penn State scholars and researchers are working on many of the most
critical technical aspects of Marcellus Shale development, providing science-based programming
on the Marcellus and other unconventional gas shales, and protecting the Commonwealths water
and forest resources.
Penn State researchers also are exploring community, family, health and populationimpacts of Marcellus development; effects on the transportation infrastructure; and labor issues
such as the housing, job creation and training needed to develop and sustain a local workforce.
Opinion
Penn State Prof: Philadelphia City Council Misses Mark On Marcellus Shale Gas
In the midst of political debate over natural gas development in
Philadelphia, Penn State Geosciences Professor Michael Arthurhighlights
the incongruities in local anti-fracking movements:"Practically all U.S. natural gas development involves hydraulic
fracturing, so it would be very difficult for consumers to discriminate
specific natural gas sources because many are melded into gas storage
fields or in transmission pipelines immediately following production.
"Natural gas has been developed in Pennsylvania for more than 100
years, and there have been more than 350,000 oil and gas wells drilled
herebut Philadelphia has never previously considered a ban.
"People need to know that natural gas is a critical resource in a greener energy portfolio
that reduces our carbon footprint and promotes energy independence. The hundreds of trillion
cubic feet of extractable natural gas in our state alone are sufficient to provide more than 20
years supply at the United States' current rate of consumption. Moreover, recent advances intechnology enable us to reach these deep shale gas resources with a smaller environmental
footprint.
"However, many residents know little about the importance of the industry and how it
fuels our economy and way of life. This is why Penn State is engaged in helping stakeholders
better understand and evaluate both the benefits and challenges in natural gas development.
http://www.marcellus.psu.edu/http://www.marcellus.psu.edu/about/directors.phphttp://www.marcellus.psu.edu/about/directors.phphttp://www.marcellus.psu.edu/8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
12/42
"The Philadelphia City Council needs to understand how integral natural gas is to the
Commonwealth and how a significant portion of the city's homes, businesses and industries are
powered by natural gas. Given the importance of natural gas, I hope the city council will
reconsider and support the further development of this important domestic resource."
Professor Arthur teaches in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Link: Penn State Earth-Mineral Sciences Profs Benefit From New Product To Frack Gas Wells
Laser Northeast Gathering Co. Breaks Ground For New Natural Gas Pipeline
Laser Northeast Gathering Company, LLC officials, joined by landowners and local officials,
held a ground breaking ceremony this week in New Milford, Pa to mark the start of construction
in Pennsylvania for their Susquehanna Gathering System.
"As a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania, this is a very exciting day," said Laser
Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Karam. "We are proud to stand here and announce that we are
starting construction of a project that is bringing substantial investment and additional jobs to
Northeastern Pennsylvania. This project will play a vital role in helping the area realize the fulleconomic potential of the natural gas resources that are here."
The Susquehanna Gathering System will gather natural gas from wells tapping the
Marcellus Shale formation and transport it up to 30 miles from Susquehanna County into the
Millennium interstate pipeline located in Broome County, NY. Construction of the pipeline
begins this week and is expected to be complete this summer.
"The real heroes here are all the landowners and public officials who have worked
diligently to help us create a great project," said Laser Northeast Gathering President Chip
Berthelot. "The collaborative effort between Laser, landowner groups, individual landowners,
and municipal officials has contributed to making this the best project possible."
The project has already begun to stimulate the local economy through payments to locallandowners and the use of local firms and services. To date, Laser had already added more than
$20 million to the local economy. The company is committed to maximize the use of local
products and services.
Laser has opened a regional office at 3008 State Rd. 92 in Montrose, where it currently
employs 20 full-time staff people. During the construction phase of the project in Pennsylvania,
the company expects to employ approximately 350 construction professionals, as well as,
employ several local contractors to do work. The company has already committed to buy over $6
million worth of pipe for the project from a Pennsylvania steel company.
Laser's focus is on developing, constructing and operating "midstream" natural gas
pipeline. Laser's management team has over 150 years of pipeline operating experience in
Pennsylvania.For more information, visit the Laser website.
PA Lake Management Society Accepting Applications For Restoration Grants
The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society, with funding from the Department of
Environmental Protection, is now accepting applications for lake restoration grants until
February 23.
http://www.ems.psu.edu/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=17896http://www.lasernortheast.com/http://www.lasernortheast.com/http://palakes.org/http://palakes.org/http://www.lasernortheast.com/http://www.lasernortheast.com/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=17896http://www.ems.psu.edu/8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
13/42
The grants are intended to offer assistance to landowners, non-profits, and municipalities
to address lake-related issues of critically eroded shorelines, excess nutrient loading, and aquatic
invasive species that degrade the quality of lakes in the Commonwealth.
A limited number of grants will be offered on a competitive basis of up to $24,000 each
to correct identified lake problems.
For more information, visit the Grant Program webpage.
Annual Pond & Lake Management Conference March 2-3, Photo Contest Entires Invited
The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society will hold its annual Pond and Lake Management
Conference on March 2-3 in State College. The theme of this year's conference is "Shoreline
Stabilization, Buffers and Lake BMPs."
The keynote speaker for this special event will be Dr. Robert Kirschner, Chicago Botanic
Garden Lake Enhancement Program on the topics of "But What Will the Neighbors Think?" and
"Creating Native Shoreline Landscapes That Are Easy on the Eye and Great for the
Environment!"
Download the Conference agenda and registration brochure.Photo Contest
Submit your favorite lake or pond photograph to PALMS' 10th Annual Photo Contest.
Winners will be selected at the PALMS Conference and announced during the general
membership meeting. Entries must be postmarked by February 22.
The first place photo will be used on the cover of next year's PALMS Conference
brochure and featured on the PALMS website. The second place photo will also be featured on
the website. Both photos will be submitted to the North American Lake Management Society.
For detail entry instructions, download the Conference brochure.
Williamsport Lycoming Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications
The Williamsport Lycoming Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its Spring
2011 competitive grant round. Letters of intent are due March 1.
Each year, grants are awarded in the areas of education, human services, youth and
recreation, economic development, arts and culture and civic projects. The Foundation typically
funds fifty percent of the requests for funding that it receives.
In 2010, the Foundation received ninety-eight requests totaling $1.5 million. Click Here
for a list of grants awarded.
The Foundation has a long partnership with the nonprofit sector, and sees these grants as
a collaborative effort to find solutions to our most pressing needs. It is our intent to be helpful
and responsive to those community needs, said Suzanne Lee, the Foundations President &CEO.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated or apply through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization that acts as a fiscal sponsor. Grants awarded by the WLCF are intended to serve the
residents of the Williamsport Lycoming area. Any organization located outside of the area must
include in their application the percentage of those served by the program who are residents of
Lycoming County.
http://palakes.org/new.aspxhttp://palakes.org/http://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/http://www.northcentralpa.com/news/2010-07-22_williamsport-lycoming-community-foundation-grants-277000-local-nonprofit-organizatiohttp://www.northcentralpa.com/news/2010-07-22_williamsport-lycoming-community-foundation-grants-277000-local-nonprofit-organizatiohttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/http://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://palakes.org/publications/2011%20PALMS%20Conf%20Brochure.pdfhttp://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/calendar.aspxhttp://palakes.org/http://palakes.org/new.aspx8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
14/42
Letters of Intent must be submitted on the organizations letterhead and should be no
more than a brief paragraph describing the program, stating the amount of funding needed and
providing an email address. Only those Letters of Intent that are postmarked on or before March
1 will be considered.
The Foundation will review the letters of intent and if approved invite organizations to
submit a full grant application. Organizations requesting less than $6,000 are not required tocomplete a Letter of Intent, but must submit an application for funding.
Complete guidelines and applications may be found on the Community Foundations
website.
Letters of Intent and Applications can be submitted by postal service to the Program
Officer, Williamsport Lycoming Community Foundation, 330 Pine Street, Suite 400,
Williamsport, PA 17701. For additional information contact the Program Office toll free at
866-901-2372.
Mine Reclamation At No Cost To Commonwealth In Westmoreland
DEP's Greensburg District Mining Office recently awarded a Government FinancedConstruction Contract to Robindale Energy Service, Inc., to reclaim 25.3 acres of abandoned
coal refuse adjacent to Loyalhanna Creek in Loyalhanna Township, Westmoreland County.
The operator will remove all marketable refuse from the site for use as a co-generation
power plant fuel. After refuse removal, the area will be regraded to blend with the original
ground contour and re-vegetated with grasses and legumes.
The project will reduce pollutional loading of acid mine drainage to the watershed. The
cost of the reclamation is estimated at $253,000.
PA American Water Accepting Environmental Grant Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 PA American WaterEnvironmental Grant
Program. Applications are due March 25.
Grants of up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities
such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer
restoration projects and hazardous waste collection efforts in the PA American Water service
territory.
"American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment,
as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs," said Debra
Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. "We are all environmental stewards in protecting
our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this
important effort."Established in 2005, American Water's Environmental Grant Program offers funds for
innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the
watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships.
For more information, download theprogram brochure and the grant application form or
contact Terry Maenza at 610-670-7789, ext. 1009 or send email to: [email protected].
Innovating Policy For Chesapeake Bay Restoration Event March 29
http://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Letter-of-Intent-Guidelines-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Guidelines-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Application-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/content/funding-opportunitieshttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantBrochure.pdfhttp://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantForm.pdfmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantForm.pdfhttp://amwater.com/files/EnvGrantBrochure.pdfhttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/Environmental-Sustainability/environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmental-grant-program.htmlhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/content/funding-opportunitieshttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Application-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Guidelines-Web.pdfhttp://www.fcfpartnership.org/sites/default/files/WLCF-Community-Grant-Letter-of-Intent-Guidelines-Web.pdf8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
15/42
On March 29 the Penn State Environment and Natural Resources Institute and other sponsors
will host a one-day Innovating Policy for Chesapeake Bay Restoration Conference in
Cambridge, MD.
The purpose of this one-day conference is to foster innovative thinking on the suite of
federal and state policies needed to reduce water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.Presenters will examine shortcomings of existing policy approaches and highlight
opportunities for correcting those deficiencies from economic, political, legal, ecological, and
policy perspectives.
The conference will also examine issues related to the pace and magnitude of the nutrient
and sediment reductions, efficient and fair allocations of load reductions between states, the
structure of interstate agreements, ecological and economic uncertainty, and adaptive
management.
The presenters are leading economic, scientific, and policy authorities on water quality
policy from academia, government agencies, and nonprofits. Conference participants will be
encouraged to engage in discussion.
A limited number of poster presentations are being accepted for review until March 1.The conference is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:
USDA ERS, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Farm Foundation, and Penn State
Environment and Natural Resources Institute.
For more information and to register, visit the Conference webpage.
Spotlight
Congress Eliminates Funding For Susquehanna Flood Warning SystemBy Paul Swartz, Susquehanna River Basin Commission
On January 5, 2011, I received news from Marylands U.S. Senator
Barbara Mikulski that Congress had blocked the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY-11)
Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Consequently, none of the congressionally
directed projects in the bill, including $2.4 million needed for the
Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System (the System), will be
funded in FY-11.
Senator Mikulski, who has been our key champion for flood
forecast funding, said: I am extremely disappointed. As a member of the
Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to provide funding for projectsthat create jobs, meet
a compelling human need, promote innovation, improve public safety or strengthen our
infrastructure. It is unlikely that congressionally designated projects will be funded in the near
future.
Those words were sobering and a clear signal to us that this vitally important activity
one that has a proven track record of protecting public health and safety is now in serious
jeopardy.
The System provides the National Weather Service the critically important data necessary
to issue flood warnings. The System is extremely cost-effective, providing a 20-to-1 benefit-cost
http://enri.cas.psu.edu/http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=c0647d08-e649-4179-b37c-f2d405c863a1http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=c0647d08-e649-4179-b37c-f2d405c863a1http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=c0647d08-e649-4179-b37c-f2d405c863a1http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=c0647d08-e649-4179-b37c-f2d405c863a1http://enri.cas.psu.edu/8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
16/42
ratio; for every dollar invested by the federal government, the System saves $20 through reduced
flood damages and reduced payouts through the federal flood insurance program.
Of particular concern is the potential loss of data critical for providing timely and
accurate flood forecasts. The System uses radar and a network of stream and rain gages to
provide the data that are used to forecast river levels and issue more accurate early flood
warnings.With early flood warnings, businesses and residents living in flood-prone areas have time
to secure their properties and get themselves to safer locations before flood waters strike. The
System was established 25 years ago because the Susquehanna River Basin is one of the most
flood-prone areas in the entire country. More than 80 percent of the basins 1,400 plus
municipalities include areas that are flood-prone.
Loss of System funding also poses the risks of additional funding being discontinued by
other System partners who currently provide support for stream gages. Those partners also rely
on the gages for their water management activities. For example, the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania relies on 13 of the jeopardized stream gages for its drought monitoring network.
Regrettably, despite the Systems irrefutable benefits, it is now in danger. In a time of
tight budgets and with the country determined to get its fiscal house in order, everyoneunderstands the need to curb spending. But eliminating funding for this proven System risks loss
of life and property and leaves Susquehanna basin residents, communities and businesses
vulnerable. Is that a prudent financial decision?
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and its partners in the System are currently
developing strategies to prevent the System from being shut down in FY-11. We are exploring
all avenues so critical stream and rain gages will not be eliminated.
With the loss of direct congressional funding in FY-11 a foregone conclusion, the
Systems future is uncertain. Like other federal agencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, which administers the Systems funding through its National Weather Service, is
currently funded under a Continuing Resolution, which allows the agency to operate at last fiscalyears funding level. However, the Continuing Resolution expires on March 4, 2011, and
without knowing what Congress decides to do about a budget for the remainder of FY-11,
funding for the System remains in question.
The Commission will be meeting with National Weather Service officials shortly to urge
their support to provide funding to bridge the System into the next fiscal year. While funding for
FY-12 is equally uncertain, we are prepared to work tirelessly with members of Congress to
restore funding. But because of the current desire to eliminate all congressionally directed
funding (earmarks), FY-12 represents yet another challenge for the System.
For FY-13, our strategy is to have funding for the System included in the Presidents
budget to avoid the need for a congressional add-on. That is exactly where funding for the
System rightfully belongs -- in the Presidents budget. Congress has carried the burden offunding the System for too long. Its time for the Executive Branch to take the lead.
Beyond the Systems many flood forecasting benefits, the stream gages that are the
backbone of the System are also relied on by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to
protect streams from water withdrawals we regulate for natural gas development in the Marcellus
Shale and other water-dependent projects.
The stream gages, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, provide flow data used by the
Commission and its regulated water users to determine when they must stop withdrawing water
8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
17/42
to prevent impacts to aquatic species and other downstream water users during periods of low
flows.
As the demand for water continues to increase from the natural gas industry, as well as
for power generation and other purposes, stream gages must be preserved not only for flood
hazard mitigation purposes, but also to protect streams from water withdrawals.
It is not a question of whether flooding will again occur in the Susquehanna River Basin,but rather when it will occur and how severe it will be. I pray it will not take the devastation of
another flood event for us to once again learn the wisdom of the adage that an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.
For more information is available at the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning
System webpage.
NewsClips: System Of Susquehanna River Gauges Imperiled
Flood Warning System Could Lose All Its Funding
Paul Swartzis Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Planting Program Seeking Applications
Applications are now being accepted by the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Planting Program from
groups interested in receiving trees for the 2011 planting season. Applications are due March 25.
The Program supports street tree, park, and riverfront plantings by supplying trees and
limited services to help prepare planting locations within the City of Pittsburgh, in City and
Allegheny County parks, and along riverfront trails.
Submitting an application does not guarantee your group will receive trees. Funding for
seasonal plantings is limited.
For more information, visit the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh webpage or call the Western PA
Conservancy at 412-586-2396 or send email to: [email protected] to discuss yourcommunitys goals and preparedness.
Hands-On Tree Tender 2011 Course Schedule In Southeast PA
The PA Horticultural Society has just released its 2011 schedule of Tree Tenders Program
workshops for Southeastern Pennsylvania.
The fee for each course is $25 and pre-registration is required. Click Here for the
complete schedule.
Ecological Landscaping: Land Ethics Symposium February 17
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is hosting a Land Ethics Symposium on February 17 at the
Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Langhore, Pa.
The Symposium focuses on ways to create low-maintenance, economical and ecological
balanced landscapes with native plants and restoration techniques.
This day-long Symposium is geared toward professionals, including landscape architects,
designers, contractors and the green industry, environmental consultants, land planners,
managers and developers, and state/municipal officials.
http://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/http://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/http://www.timesleader.com/news/System_of_river_gauges_imperiled_02-03-2011.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/6640-flood-warning-system-could-lose-all-its-fundinghttp://www.srbc.net/http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/http://pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/tree-training.htmlhttp://www.bhwp.org/index.htmhttp://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htmhttp://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htmhttp://www.bhwp.org/index.htmhttp://pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/tree-training.htmlhttp://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.paconserve.org/218http://www.srbc.net/http://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/6640-flood-warning-system-could-lose-all-its-fundinghttp://www.timesleader.com/news/System_of_river_gauges_imperiled_02-03-2011.htmlhttp://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/http://www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org/8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
18/42
The Symposium features presentations by regional and national experts. Continuing
Education Credits are available. A selection of topical books are for sale throughout the event.
For more information and to register, visit the Land Ethics Symposium webpage.
Explore The Wissahickon With FOW Trail Ambassadors This Month
Trail Ambassadors from the Friends of the Wissahickon are offering
two free nature walks in Wissahickon Valley Park in February. The
walks include:
-- February 12: Woodsy Trek to Visit Our Legendary Indian with
Bruce Wagner. 10:00 a.m. to noon. Meet at Valley Green Inn. From
there we will walk to the Indian statue. Using story and photographs
we will experience the past and present of our Wissahickon Valley,
including the Wissahickon Turnpike, the Indian statue, and Council
Rock.
Walkers will visit the Victorian stairway that marks theinclusion of the Wissahickon Valley in Philadelphias celebration of
the 1876 U.S.A. Centennial. For our return, the group will decide
whether to walk along Forbidden Drive or a woodsy path on the other side of the Creek. We are
eager to walk in the winter snows, and so this walk will take place in all but the most serious of
winter blizzards! For more information, send email to Bruce Wagner (photo) at:
-- February 19: Meanderings in the Wissahickon with Shelly Brick. 1 p.m..Enjoy the park and
share stories as you explore the Wissahickon trails for 1.5-2 hours. Pace will be set by the group.
For more information, send email to: [email protected].
Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador hikes use rocky, rugged trails that may be
wet and slippery. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Long pants are recommended for
protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Bring water and a snack if desired.
Children over seven are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are
cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions. Registration is not required, but is recommended so
that FOW can inform you of weather or other emergency cancellations.
The Trail Ambassador program was launched in 2008 in partnership with Fairmount
Park. These volunteers share their knowledge of the Wissahickon with park users and report any
problems they see to Fairmount Park Rangers.To register, contact Heather Davis-Jones by sending email to: [email protected] or call
215-247-0417.
PA-AWWA Sponsors Residential Sprinkler, Valve Workshops March 8
The PA Section of the American Water Works Association will sponsor two training workshops
on March 8 in Harrisburg on residential fire sprinkler systems and valve maintenance.
http://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htmhttp://www.fow.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.fow.org/http://www.bhwp.org/education/Land-Ethics-Symposium.htm8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
19/42
For more information, download the registration information or contact Nancy Dinger at
717-774-8870 or send email to: [email protected].
U.S. Senator Casey Returns To Senate Agriculture Committee
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced he will return to the U.S.Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Senator
Casey has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since he took
office in 2007.
I am pleased to return to the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry as the committee will begin work
on the new Farm Bill, said Senator Casey. This committee is vital to Pennsylvanias number
one industry - agriculture. I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy to promote
Pennsylvania agriculture and better help Pennsylvanias farm families.
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Casey secured victories in
the 2008 Farm Bill for Pennsylvanias specialty crops, dairy farmers and conservation programs.
From strengthening the safety net in the MILC program for dairy farmers to establishing theChesapeake Bay Watershed Conservation to help farmers meet their goals to restore the Bay,
Senator Casey fought to improve the Farm Bill so it was more fair and equitable for
Pennsylvania agriculture.
Senator Casey also worked to increase funding and commodity purchases for nutrition
programs in the 2008 Farm Bill. With one in ten Pennsylvanians receiving food stamps and
many food banks facing shortages during this economic downturn, these legislative
improvements made significant differences in the lives of many throughout the Commonwealth.
In addition to the 2008 Farm Bill, Senator Casey has also worked within his committee
role to reauthorize the federal child nutrition programs, making the most historic investment in
child nutrition programs since their inception. This re-authorization was completely paid for andreceived unanimous approval by the full Senate.
Senator Casey has received the Pennsylvania Farm Bureaus Friend of the Farm Bureau
Award and the National Farmers Unions Golden Triangle Award.
Feb. 15 PA Recycling Industries Congress Showcases Economic Importance of Recycling
Private-sector recyclers and companies that use recycled materials to make new products will
showcase their contributions to Pennsylvanias economy at the 2011 Pennsylvania Recycling
Industries Congress on February 15 in the Capitols East Wing Rotunda.
The first-ever event is being sponsored by the PA Waste Industries Association and the
Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center.More than two dozen recyclers and recycled-products companies will have exhibits and
displays in the rotunda throughout the day.
Recycling is a growing and important part of the private-sector waste industry, which
contributes $3 billion a year to our Pennsylvania economy and accounts for 31,500 jobs, said
Tim ODonnell, president of PWIA, which represents private-sector recyclers, waste haulers, and
landfill operators. The Recycling Industries Congress is an opportunity to get this message out
to legislators and the public.
http://www.paawwa.org/PDFfiles/ValveSprinklersMarch82011Harrisburg.pdfmailto:[email protected]://casey.senate.gov/http://www.pawasteindustries.org/http://www.parmc.org/http://www.parmc.org/http://www.pawasteindustries.org/http://casey.senate.gov/http://casey.senate.gov/mailto:[email protected]://www.paawwa.org/PDFfiles/ValveSprinklersMarch82011Harrisburg.pdf8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
20/42
Pennsylvania is a leading state in terms of the importance of recycling, said Michele
Nestor, chair of the RMC board. The private sector has invested more than $66 million in
recycling facilities, state-of-the-art sorting and processing equipment, and new recycling jobs in
Pennsylvania in just the past few years. This event is our opportunity to show how private
enterprise has made recycling an important part of our economy.
ODonnell and Nestor agreed that Pennsylvania state government has done a good job ofcreating a favorable climate for the development and growth of recycling but that, ultimately, its
up to the private sector to make sure recycling operates with a sound business footing and is self-
sustaining into the future.
The displays will include videos and models that explain how single-stream recycling
works and samples of products made from recycled plastics, paper, glass, and other materials.
For more information contact Natonia Samchuck, 717-232-1898 or send email to:
PROP 4th Annual Recycling FilmFest Call For Entries
The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania Fourth Annual Recycling Film Festival will be heldon July 25 in conjunction with PROPs 2011 Annual Recycling Conference in Erie, Pa. Entries
must be received by July 11.
PROP reports the first entry to the FilmFest has been received. Hempfield Area High
School, Westmoreland County, has submitted Spartan Nation Takes a Stand, a two-minute
inspirational production designed to encourage participation in the schools single stream
recycling program.
PROP is soliciting entries from other schools, colleges and universities, municipalities,
counties, municipalities, waste and recycling authorities, others in the recycling industry, or
individuals to submit similar, short video productions on any recycling or waste reduction topic.
FilmFest attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite video. The topcontender will receive a cash prize.
In 2010, the animation Dont Kill Polar Bears Recycle, submitted by The University
of Oregon, won first place honors. The Philadelphia Streets Departments suite of videos titled
Unlitter Us, placed second, and Weisenbach Recycled Products animated video Caps Can
Do, garnered third. These top contenders received recycled content plaques honoring their
achievements.
Other entries include: "Broken Bottles" by Whitney, "The City Has A Heartbeat" by
Greg, "Reconsider" by Carlo and "Philly" by Steve.
If you are interested in participating or publicizing the 2011 PROP FilmFest, please keep
the following in mind: All entries must be submitted in DVD format, by July 11 to: Amy Schirf,
Chair, PROP Education Committee, Centre County Solid Waste Authority, 253 Transfer Road,Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Entries in other formats, electronic files or web links cannot be accepted. Entries
received after July 11, will not be accepted for the 2011 FilmFest. PROP retains the right to
screen all entries for inclusion in the FilmFest. DVDs entered into the contest will not be
returned.
You can read more about the PROP Recycling FilmFest in Jill Brubaker Reighs
September 2010 Resource Recycling article, Finding Reel Inspiration.
mailto:[email protected]://www.proprecycles.org/http://tinyurl.com/uopolarbearhttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusdenisehttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruswhitneyhttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusgreghttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruscarlohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusstevehttp://www.centrecountyrecycles.com/Pdf%20Files/filmfestarticle.pdfhttp://www.centrecountyrecycles.com/Pdf%20Files/filmfestarticle.pdfhttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusstevehttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruscarlohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusgreghttp://tinyurl.com/unlitteruswhitneyhttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/capscandohttp://tinyurl.com/unlitterusdenisehttp://tinyurl.com/uopolarbearhttp://www.proprecycles.org/mailto:[email protected]8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
21/42
February Issue Of Environmental Ed Connections Newsletter From PCEE
The February 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--
Thanks To Patrick Henderson: Gov. Corbett recently named Patrick Henderson his key
Energy Executive in charge of pulling together a coherent energy policy for Pennsylvania.
PCEE Director Kathleen Paul recounts her experiences working with Henderson on
environmental education issues.
General News: Covered Devices Recycling Act to Limit 'E-Waste,' Western PA Environmental
Award Nominations Open, National Environmental Education Week April 10-16
K-12 News: 'Wind for Schools' Project Application Due March 1, Feb. 18 Deadline for Creative
Energy Challenge, NEEF Offers Cash for Winners of Green School Contest, Lehigh
Environmental Initiative Releases ELI Curricula
Higher Education News: Elizabethtown College Uses New System to Recycle Food Waste,
Chatham University Announces Plans for New Campus, National Wildlife Federation Seeks
Young Leader Delegates
Professional Development for Educators: Registration Open for ALCOSAN's Spring Educator
Workshop, Hopewell Big Woods Workshop Slated for May 2, 'Tiny Hands in Nature' Workshop
Offered at Winnie Palmer
Other Professional Development: Land Ethics Symposium Comes to Langhorne, PALTASponsors Land Conservation Conference, Farm to Table Conference Scheduled for March 25-26
Grants and Awards: PAW Sponsors 'Stream of Learning' Student Scholarships, PEST
Management Funding Available through USDA, Mini-Grants Available for 'Celebrate Urban
Birds' Events, Project Funding for Rural School Classrooms 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.
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 tospace 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.
Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation Honors Award Recipients May 3
https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102m.asphttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102_PCEE_News.pdfhttps://mail.crisciassociates.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://pcee.org/static/newsletterSubscribehttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://mail.crisciassociates.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://pcee.org/static/newsletterSubscribehttps://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102_PCEE_News.pdfhttp://www.pcee.org/http://www.pcee.org/https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCEEnewsletter/newsletters_2011/EE_Connections_1102m.asp8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
22/42
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation will hold a banquet on May 3 in Harrisburg to honor the
winners of their 2011 awards. The winners this year include:
-- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Bob Griffith, retired Executive Director, PA
Recreation and Park Society;
-- Joseph Ibberson Government Award: Forests Assessment Team, Bureau of Forestry,
DCNR;-- President's Award: Borough of Ohiopyle;
-- Park of the Year: Pine Grove Furnace State Park;
-- Forest of the Year: Susquehannock State Forest;
-- Friends Volunteerism Award: Friends of Mt. Pisgah State Park;
-- Friends Education Award: John Salvetti, Prince Gallitzin State Park; and
-- Friends Improvement Award: Thomas Scully.
Call the PA Parks and Forests Foundation at 717-236-7644 or tickets or contact Marci
Mowery by sending email to: [email protected].
PA Environment Ride From The Susquehanna To The Schuylkill June 24-26
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is sponsoring a unique
biking event from the Susquehanna to the Schuylkill River-- the
Pennsylvania Environment Ride-- June 24-26.
The Pennsylvania Environment Ride is an exciting new ride
designed to support the Pennsylvania Environment Councils extensive
trail and greenway work. On June 24, riders will embark on an
Amtrak train for Elizabethtown, PA. Upon arrival at Elizabethtown,
you will begin a three-day return journey to Philadelphia.
The route will be fully supported by a volunteer crew who will
mark the route, hand out refreshments and good cheer at rest stops,offer sweep services to riders who need a lift, and more. You will
enjoy the Amish country of Lancaster and surrounding counties, farm
vistas, covered bridges, Chester County horse country and dramatic views of the Susquehanna
River.
Nearly the entire route will be on scenic country roads and bike paths, ending in
downtown Philadelphia. The ride will feature the regions great history and bounty, treating you
to an unforgettable weekend.
The Pennsylvania Environment Ride supports development of the bicycle trails in
southeastern Pennsylvania. This vital network of trails is used extensively for commuting,
recreation and sightseeing throughout the region.
The ride is limited to 75 committed riders.For more information and to register, visit the Pennsylvania Environment Ride website.
Become A Community Greening Volunteer In Western PA
The Western PA Conservancy is now seeking volunteers for its Spring Community Greening
Projects.
http://www.paparksandforests.org/http://www.paparksandforests.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.environmentride.org/http://www.environmentride.org/http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/40http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.environmentride.org/http://www.environmentride.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.paparksandforests.org/http://www.paparksandforests.org/8/7/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 7, 2011
23/42
Over 12,000 Western Pennsylvanians helped beautify the Pittsburgh region in 2010 by
planting almost 200,000 flowers and helping tend to the beds throughout the summer into the
fall.
Volunteers range in age from 8 to 80 and come from all walks of life. They live in city
neighborhoods, suburbs and rural communities. They may come as individuals, families,
community groups or corporate volunteers. Some have never planted before; others are skilledgardeners and have been planting with us for years.
If you or your group are interested in volunteering at any of our gardens in the spring or
summer, please contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at 412-586-2324 or send email to:
Wildlands Conservancy Offers February Education Programs
The Wildlands Conservancy is again offering a series of environmental education programs for
students and adults during February.
The topics include: Den Detectives, Groundhog Wildlife Walk, Spying Without Being
Spied, Winter Survival, Adventure Allentown- Snowshoeing for Kids, Boardwalk Bird Walk andmuch more.
Check out the Wildlands Conservancy Calendarfor details.
Game Commission Board Approves Mineral Leases, Purchases
The Board of Game Commissioners this week approved a donation of land in Lehigh County,
and two acquisitions of land in Centre and Blair counties.
The Board approved accepting a donation from Leroy L. and Lola M. Spangler, of three-
tenths of an acre in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, adjoining State Game Land 217. The
tract reduces an indenture into SGL 217, and provides road frontage on Reservoir Road. Theproperty is forested with mixed oak and has mountain laurel growing in its understory.
The Board approved the purchase of 114.7 acres in Howard Township, Centre County,
adjoining SGL 323, from Howard L. Mantle for $395,000, which will be paid with funds from
the land exchange with Pennsylvania State University on SGL 176.
The purchase is subject to the approval of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Both tracts are forested and adjoin U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Foster Joseph Sayers Dam
property to the south. Right-of-way access is provided from Old Route 220/Township Route 663.
The Board also approved the purchase of mineral rights under two portions of SGL 198,
Allegheny Township, Blair County, from Christian W. Anslinger for $2,500 lump sum. The first
tract is 295.55 acres, the other is 129.05 acres. Acquiring these mineral rights will provide more
control of the surface on this portion of SGL 198.The complete announcement is available online.
NewsClips: Ronald Weaver Elected President Of Game Commission Board
Column: Game Commission Move To Reduce Doe Seasons
Link: Game Commission Proposes 2011-12 Season, Bag Limits
2011-12 Season, Bag Limits Proposed By Game Commission
mailto:[email protected]://wildlandspa.org/http://wildlandspa.org/education/ed_calendar.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__017_11.htmlhttp://www.ydr.com/sports/ci_17263843http://blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2011/02/pennsylvania_game_commissioners_move_to_reduce_doe_seasons_across_much_of_pennsylvania.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__015_11.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__015_11.htmlhttp://blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2011/02/pennsylvania_game_commissioners_move_to_reduce_doe_seasons_across_much_of_pennsylvaniRecommended