PA Environment Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In PA Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa July 28, 2014 Audit: Rapid Shale Gas Development Outpaced DEP’s Ability To Oversee Drilling Auditor General Eugene DePasquale Tuesday said an audit shows the meteoric growth of the shale gas industry since 2003 caught the Department of Environmental Protection unprepared to effectively administer laws and regulations to protect drinking water and unable to efficiently respond to citizen complaints.

“There are very dedicated hard­working people at DEP but they are being hampered in doing their jobs by lack of resources – including staff and a modern information technology system ­­ and inconsistent or failed implementation of department policies, among other things, “DePasquale said. “It is almost like firefighters trying to put out a five­alarm fire with a 20­foot garden hose. There is no question that DEP needs help and soon to protect clean water.”

Of the eight audit findings and 29 recommendations to improve DEP’s monitoring of potential water quality impacts of shale gas development, DEP disagreed with all audit findings, but conversely agreed with 22 of the 29 recommendations, indicating that there is some acknowledgement on DEP’s part that it must improve.

Eighteen of the 29 recommendations do not require additional funding. DEP’s point by point response to the audit is available online. The audit covered the period of 2009 through 2012 and was launched by DePasquale in

January 2013 immediately after he became auditor general. The audit’s purpose was to assess DEP’s ability to protect the water quality in the wake of greatly escalated shale gas well drilling.

The audit revealed that DEP failed to consistently issue official orders to well operators who had been determined by DEP to have adversely impacted water supplies. After reviewing a selection of 15 complaint files for confirmed water supply impact, auditors discovered that DEP issued just one order to a well operator to restore or replace the adversely impacted water supply.

DEP claims that in many cases such orders are procedurally unnecessary as well operators may have already taken steps to restore the water supply under what the agency terms “voluntary compliance.”

“When DEP does not take a formal, documented action against a well operator who has contaminated a water supply, the agency loses credibility as a regulator and is not fully accountable to the public,” DePasquale said. “When DEP has enforcement authority under the law it must exercise that authority routinely, consistently, and transparently.

“Those gas well operators whose actions cause harm to water supplies should not get an enforcement ‘pass’ just because they have convinced DEP that they will come into compliance with the law or that they negotiated a settlement with the property owner.”

Auditors also reported that DEP did a poor job in communicating its investigation results to

citizens who registered complaints with the department. The agency was not always timely in meeting statutory timeframes for response to complaints it did receive.

“For example, of the water­related complaints reviewed by auditors, the DEP Williamsport regional office responded to complaints within 10 days, 100 percent of the time, while the DEP Pittsburgh regional office responded to the complaints within the 10­day time period only 64 percent of the time,” DePasquale said. “Why would citizens in the Pittsburgh area have to wait longer for a response than people in the Williamsport area?”

Auditors also noted that DEP’s complaint tracking system, which is used to monitor all environmental complaints, including those that are oil and gas related, was ineffective as it did not provide management with reliable information to effectively manage the program.

“We could not determine whether all complaints received by DEP actually were entered into the system. What’s more, because of how DEP grouped related complaints, it is difficult to figure out exactly how many complaints were received, investigated, and resolved by DEP,” DePasquale said. “While DEP did issue a new policy related to complaint handling, for most of our audit period the existing policy was woefully inadequate. DEP must get that complaint system working.”

In the area of inspections, auditors attempted to measure how quickly DEP was in conducting its initial inspection of shale gas wells, a basic regulatory responsibility. Unfortunately, auditors were thwarted by DEP’s lack of reliable data—learning that only a “needle in a haystack” review of thousands of hard­copy files would ever yield a conclusion.

Worse, DEP uses a 25­year­old policy on the frequency of inspections, which has a “loophole,” that only requires DEP to conduct inspections as it has the financial and human resources to do so.

Auditors also found that DEP does not post to its website all statutorily required inspection information. When the data was tested for accuracy, the auditors found errors of more than 25 percent in key data fields, and that as many as 76 percent of inspectors’ comments were omitted from the online inspection reporting.

“It is unfathomable to us that for a basic responsibility of DEP ­­ inspecting oil and gas facilities – little criteria exists for when those inspections should occur,” DePasquale said. “Until DEP updates its out­of­date inspection policies, to include mandated inspections at specific critical drilling stages and during the life of the well, it will be nearly impossible to measure DEP’s performance in conducting this very basic responsibility to protect the environment.”

The auditors also noted that DEP does not use a manifest system for tracking shale gas well waste from the well site to disposal. Instead DEP relies upon a disjointed process that includes self­reporting by well operators with no assurances that waste is disposed of properly.

With respect to transparency, auditors discovered that accessing DEP data is challenging as it is a myriad of confusing web links and jargon. The information that was presented on its decades­old eFACTS database was often incomplete—requiring a physical review of hard­copy files at distant offices to verify the actual information.

“Through our audit we found that even conducting a review of hard­copy files is not a fool­proof guarantee, as we found some supporting paper files were missing and DEP was not able to produce them,” DePasquale said. “DEP must improve how it conveys reliable information to the public for an activity that is as high­profile as shale gas development.”

“There was plenty of back and forth with DEP during this audit, and in some cases we just could not agree on some findings,” DePasquale said. “What matters here is the protection of our drinking water supplies. Implementing these 29 recommendations, two of which were directed to the General Assembly, will go a long way now to protecting drinking water resources. When we look back

five years from now, I believe everyone will all agree that our environment and our quality of life are better because of this audit.”

Among the recommendations, auditors encouraged DEP to: — Always issue an administrative order to a well operator who DEP has determined adversely impacted a water supply—even if DEP used the cooperative approach in bringing the operator into compliance or if the operator and the complainant have reached a private agreement; — Develop better controls over how complaints are received, tracked, investigated, and resolved; — Invest resources into replacing, or significantly upgrading, its complaint management system; — Find the financial resources to hire additional inspectors to meet the demands placed upon the agency; — Implement an inspection policy that outlines explicitly the requirements for timely and frequent inspections; — Create a true manifest system to track shale gas waste and be more aggressive in ensuring that the waste data it collects is verified and reliable; — Reconfigure the agency website and provide complete and pertinent information in a clear and easily understandable manner; — Invest in information technology resources and develop an IT structure that will ensure its oil and gas program has a strong foundation for the ongoing demands placed upon it; and — Develop an all­electronic inspection process so that inspection information is accurate and timely to DEP—and more importantly—public stakeholders.

“Shale gas development offers significant benefits to our commonwealth and our nation, but these benefits cannot come at the expense of the public’s trust, health, and well­being,” DePasquale said. “We must collectively find solutions to this challenge so that Pennsylvania becomes a leader among states in regulating shale gas development. I am committed to working with the governor, the General Assembly, and other partners to ensure this audit begins that discussion.”

A copy of the audit report is available online. NewsClips: Auditor General Critical Of DEP Oversight Of Shale Gas Industry Auditor Cites Flaws In Gas Drilling Regulation Auditor General Releases Audit Of Gas Industry Regulation Auditor General: DEP Doesn’t Have Manpower To Oversee Drilling Audit Faults DEP Response To Drilling Water Complaints Audit Of Shale Drilling Focuses On Responsiveness DEP Struggles To Keep Up With Shale Boom Audit Blasts DEP’s Handling Of Gas Well Industry Audit Questions Whether Lawmakers Understand Fracking Letter: Patriot Editorial Is Misinformed On Shale Gas Oversight Editorial: State Late To Game On Natural Gas Editorial: Shale Watchdog Needs Stronger Bite Drilling Plans For Loyalsock State Forest Quietly Move Ahead Op­Ed: Ban Fracking In State Parks, Forests DEP: Auditor General Report Focuses On Recordkeeping, Water Kept Safe The Auditor General's Office Tuesday released the Special Audit of DEP's Performance in Monitoring

Potential Impact to Water Quality from Shale Gas Development for the period 2009 through 2012, finding no instances where DEP failed to protect public health, safety or the environment with respect to unconventional gas drilling activities.

The audit report encompasses the period of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012 and focuses largely on DEP's management of electronic data with respect to water supply complaint investigations.

Click Here for a copy of DEP’s point­by­point response to the audit. "For the past 16 months, we've cooperated fully with the Auditor General's Office and we

appreciate the professionalism shown by their staff," DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. "As we've explained to the auditors, because the report focused on the time period up until the end of 2012, most of this audit reflects how our Oil and Gas Program formerly operated, not how the program currently functions.”

Throughout the audit period until the present, DEP's Oil and Gas Program has made great strides improving the effectiveness of its regulatory efforts and its transparency to the public. Also, it's important to recognize that Act 13 of 2012, the first significant amendment to Pennsylvania's oil and gas laws in over 30 years, was enacted during the audit period, introducing sweeping changes to DEP's regulatory authority over the unconventional natural gas industry.

"We're not surprised by the results of this audit; we've volunteered to have our Oil and Gas program audited numerous times in the past by a nonprofit, multi­stakeholder organization called State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations, Inc. (STRONGER)," Abruzzo said. "The most recent STRONGER audit was in March of 2013, and they found our program to be proficient and ready to address the increase of oil and gas operations in Pennsylvania, specifically praising our hydraulic fracturing and well construction regulations that are designed to protect fresh groundwater."

"We also agree with many of the helpful recommendations in the Auditor General's report. In fact, thanks to the leadership of Gov. Corbett, the emphasis he puts on protecting the environment, and the increased protections in Act 13, many of these recommendations have already been implemented, or are in the process of being implemented," Abruzzo said.

Findings that DEP disagrees with include that "DEP did not routinely and consistently issue orders requiring oil and gas operators to restore or replace adversely impacted water supplies as required by law." In these instances, orders were not necessary. The operators in those instances had already remediated the affected water supplies without an order.

"DEP's goals are to determine if oil and gas activities contaminated a water supply and to ensure restoration of that water supply if it is warranted," Abruzzo said. "If an operator voluntarily replaces or restores an impacted water supply prior to DEP's determination, negating the need for an order, our goals are still achieved."

Further, several of the 15 cases highlighted by the Auditor General were not related to unconventional drilling activities and while some of the cases are still pending, the operators in question have been fined more than $848,000 to date.

Also, DEP does not agree with the Auditor General's finding that "DEP utilizes an ineffective complaint tracking system that does not provide management with timely and accurate complaint information related to oil and gas activities."

DEP's Complaint Tracking System (CTS) is an internal case management tool developed for and utilized by the entire Department, rather than just the Oil and Gas Program. However, with the recent expansion of unconventional oil and gas activities, DEP realized that CTS lacked some functionality with respect to tracking data specific to the Oil and Gas Program.

Due to this, DEP's Bureau of Information Technology made numerous adjustments to CTS in July 2011 and July 2012 to allow for more precise tracking of information related to water supply complaints. Consequently, many of the criticisms contained in this finding have already been addressed.

DEP does not agree with the Auditor General's finding that "it could not provide reliable assurance that all active shale gas wells were inspected timely." In fact, the audit staff acknowledged that they did not conduct a comprehensive review of the information necessary to make this conclusion.

DEP is committed to inspecting all unconventional gas wells during "critical stages" of the well construction process and DEP has significantly increased unconventional well site inspections over the past five years. In 2008, DEP conducted 1,262 unconventional well inspections. By 2012, the number of inspections increased to 12,680 and remained steady through 2013.

DEP concurs with many of the Auditor General's recommendations regarding this finding – many of which are currently being implemented, including some enacted through Act 13.

Also, in June, a fee increase on unconventional well permits went into effect, which is projected to result in additional annual revenue of approximately $4.7 million, supporting new information technology projects related to oil and gas, including streamlining electronic review, mobile digital inspections, upgrades to reporting systems and modernization of forms and databases.

The new revenue will also be used to hire additional Office of Oil and Gas Management staff for inspections, policy and program writing, and permitting.

Click Here for a copy of DEP’s point­by­point response to the audit. NewsClips: Auditor General Critical Of DEP Oversight Of Shale Gas Industry Auditor Cites Flaws In Gas Drilling Regulation Auditor General Releases Audit Of Gas Industry Regulation Auditor General: DEP Doesn’t Have Manpower To Oversee Drilling Audit Faults DEP Response To Drilling Water Complaints Audit Of Shale Drilling Focuses On Responsiveness DEP Struggles To Keep Up With Shale Boom Audit Blasts DEP’s Handling Of Gas Well Industry Audit Questions Whether Lawmakers Understand Fracking Letter: Patriot Editorial Is Misinformed On Shale Gas Oversight Editorial: State Late To Game On Natural Gas Editorial: Shale Watchdog Needs Stronger Bite Drilling Plans For Loyalsock State Forest Quietly Move Ahead Op­Ed: Ban Fracking In State Parks, Forests Groups React To Auditor General’s Report On Marcellus Shale Drilling Regulation A number of groups issued statements in reaction to the Auditor General’s report Tuesday on regulating Marcellus Shale drilling by DEP. Here is a sampling of those statements.

“While we commend the employees at DEP for their ongoing efforts to address the environmental impacts of Pennsylvania's natural gas drilling boom, it's clear that the Department is not keeping up with its statutory role,” said John Norbeck, vice president and chief operating officer of PennFuture. “The Auditor General noted in his report eight key findings that outlined, among other concerns, the Department's failure to issue administrative orders when violations occurred, effectively allowing the industry to police itself. Further, the report noted that the Department had no clear

inspection schedule for gas wells, and evidenced a startling lack of transparency and accountability. When our citizens have greater access to information about kennel inspections and restaurant inspections than they do natural gas well inspections, we have a problem.”

“DEP is severely underfunded and understaffed at a time when the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania is experiencing substantial growth,” continued Norbeck. “The Corbett administration should be increasing agency staffing, not decreasing it, and ensuring that DEP employees have the necessary tools to do their jobs. Anything less is a failure of leadership. We are again issuing the call for a drilling tax that will allow for rigorous monitoring of the natural gas industry as it makes drillers more accountable for the inevitable environmental damage that will result from this industrial activity.”

“This report could not be clearer: DEP needs additional funding, more cops on the beat, and a robust monitoring system,” said Norbeck. “While other gas drilling states are pursuing world­class inspection standards, Pennsylvania is falling short. We can ill afford to let another extractive industry run roughshod over the Commonwealth. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past, mistakes for which we are still paying dearly.”

"The Auditor General's inspection is not just a capture of deficiencies within the agency in present time but a call to the future to take actions that will improve agency policies & operations so that public confidence in the agency can be restored & we can better protect drinking water & public health", said Steve Hvozdovich, Marcellus Shale Policy Associate, Clean Water Action.

"For countless Pennsylvanians in the Marcellus and Utica, the Auditor General's findings come as no surprise. His frank assessment of the deficiencies within the DEP accurately tells the story of an agency that was unprepared to deal with shale gas development's impacts on our water supply and, by extension, our communities,” said Karen Feridun, founder of Berks Gas Truth

“The tenor of the agency's response included in the report is discouraging in its denial of many of the problems the Auditor General has cited and its misguided belief that it has satisfactorily addressed some of the other issues, particularly those dealing with transparency and public access to critical data," added Feridun.

“The Auditor General’s report is a sorely needed reality check by an independent office that knows how to perform a straightforward audit. This professional analysis of PADEP exposes the failings of the agency to effectively regulate the industry during this unprecedented shale gas rush that has gripped the Commonwealth. When you delve into the audit’s details of how and why the industry got ahead of government in Pennsylvania, lessons emerge that provide the guidance needed for critically needed reform at PADEP,” said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

"The auditor general has confirmed what Pennsylvania residents have long been saying and experiencing: the impacts of gas development are real, intense, and not being addressed," says Nadia Steinzor of Earthworks' Oil & Gas Accountability Project. "DEP and the legislature can start putting the public interest first by adopting the report's recommendations, dedicating more resources to enforcement, and working more closely with communities to solve problems than they do with industry," said Nadia Steinzor, Eastern Program Coordinator, Earthworks.

“The Auditor General confirmed what many outside observers have been saying ­­Pennsylvania residents who live in drilling areas face a significant risk because DEP, the agency tasked to protect them, is Ill­equipped to do so. Pennsylvanians deserve better,” said Tom Au, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter.

“Finally the fundamental flaws in the DEP’s management of the impacts from shale gas development have come to light. The Auditor General’s report vindicates the ever growing chorus of

voices that have been calling on the DEP for years to reform its practices, and for sufficient funding for adequate staffing. Having devoted significant resources to combat the impacts of water contamination, bureaucratic delay, and flawed information on the communities we serve, we hope this report sparks real change in shale extraction oversight,” said Nick Kennedy, Mountain Watershed Association. NewsClips: Auditor General Critical Of DEP Oversight Of Shale Gas Industry Auditor Cites Flaws In Gas Drilling Regulation Auditor General Releases Audit Of Gas Industry Regulation Auditor General: DEP Doesn’t Have Manpower To Oversee Drilling Audit Faults DEP Response To Drilling Water Complaints Audit Of Shale Drilling Focuses On Responsiveness DEP Struggles To Keep Up With Shale Boom Audit Blasts DEP’s Handling Of Gas Well Industry Audit Questions Whether Lawmakers Understand Fracking Letter: Patriot Editorial Is Misinformed On Shale Gas Oversight Editorial: State Late To Game On Natural Gas Editorial: Shale Watchdog Needs Stronger Bite Drilling Plans For Loyalsock State Forest Quietly Move Ahead Op­Ed: Ban Fracking In State Parks, Forests Add Us To Your Google+ Circle PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your Google+ page and search for DHess@CrisciAssociates.com, the email for the Digest Editor David Hess, and let us join your Circle.

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

You’ll receive as­it­happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates­­ PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced­­ Bill Calendars House (August 4): House Bill 202 (Harper­R­Montgomery) prohibiting standby water service charges for fire companies; House Bill 1684 (Everett­R­Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimum royalty payment in state law; House Bill 2104 (Godshall­R­Montgomery) further providing for consumer protections in variable rate electric supplier contracts; House Bill 2354 (Snyder­D­Fayette) requiring the approval of the General Assembly of any plan submitted by DEP to comply with EPA greenhouse emission reduction requirements­ sponsor summary; House Resolution 249 (Swanger­R­Lebanon) supporting increased development and delivery of oil from North American oil reserves­ sponsor summary; Senate Bill 771 (Gordner­R­Columbia) establishing the State Geospatial Coordinating Board. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (September 15): All bills on the Senate Calendar were Tabled as per the Senate procedure for a summer break. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committee Meeting Agendas This Week House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Pending In Key Committees Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each­­ House Appropriations Education Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Affairs Gaming Oversight Human Services Judiciary Liquor Control Transportation Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate Appropriations Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Community, Economic and Recreational Development Education Judiciary Law and Justice Public Health and Welfare Transportation Links for all other Standing Senate Committees Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House­­ House August 4 September 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 November 12 Senate September 15, 16, 22, 23, 24 October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 November 12 News From Around The State 2014 Ohio River Watershed Celebration Sept. 18 At North Park, Allegheny County The 2014 Ohio River Watershed Celebration will be held on September 18 at North Park, Allegheny County. This year’s theme is­­ Connected Through Our Streams, The Pine Creek Experience.

Come out and see a drone take water samples remotely from the lake, take a canoe ride, watch trained raptors in flight, participate in a guided tour of the watershed, or join in other interesting activities. Watershed restoration efforts throughout Pennsylvania will also be highlighted.

The event as well as parking is free; however, registration is required as space is limited for some venues.

For more information, visit the Ohio River Watershed Celebration website or email: orwc@streamrestorationinc.org. Registration for this special event will be open in August. 5 Pennsylvania Farms Receive Clean Water Farm Awards The PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. awarded the operators of five farms with the Clean Water Farm Award.

The honor is annually awarded to farmers who manage their daily farm operations in an environmentally conscious manner that helps to protect Pennsylvania’s water quality. This is the first year the award was opened to farmers outside the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

This year’s award recipients are from Indiana, Wyoming, Bucks, Clinton and Lancaster counties.

“These farming families are being honored for going above and beyond what is required of them by law to reduce pollution and improve water quality,” said PACD President Jack Tressler. “Farmers are taking proactive steps to ensure there is enough clean water for future generations.”

The 2014 Clean Water Farm Award Recipients are: — Keith George of Brookside Dairy (Indiana County). Brookside Dairy is located in Homer City and has 420 dairy cows. The farm uses no­till and installed stream bank fencing and stabilized stream crossings on the entire operation. Seven years ago they installed a manure digester and have generated more than 3­million kilowatt­hours. — John and Rick Kobylski (Wyoming County). The Kobylski Beef operation uses 600 cropland acres, 243 acres of pasture and has 300 head of beef cattle. Some of their installed practices include stream bank fencing, a stream crossing and contour strips. In 2013, the Kobylskis constructed a heavy­use area protection and manure storage facility. — Henry and Charlotte Rosenberger of Tussock Sedge Farm (Bucks County). Tussock Sedge Farm is located in Blooming Glen and includes 300 head of beef cattle. The Rosenbergers have planted riparian buffers, installed a wetland, preserved more than 400 acres of land and participate in the Forest Stewardship Program. — Elam E. Stoltzfus, Jr. (Clinton County). The Elam Stoltzfus Family Farm is located near Mill Hall. The 75­acre farm includes 40 dairy cows, 20 heifers and 11 horses. The farm purchased a no­till drill which is used to plant multi­species cover crops and new hay seedlings. Other practices include farm lane stabilization, waste storage facilities and a new heavy­use area. — Earl Ray Zimmerman (Lancaster County). Located in Ephrata, the farm raises 60 beef steers and 48,000 organic chickens. The farm is preserved through the Lancaster County Preserve Board. Practices include no­till planting, grassed waterways and diversions. Lancaster County Conservation District says, “He thinks of new and different ways to make his farm economically viable while also continuing to be a steward of the land.”

The Clean Water Farm award was initiated in 1986. Recipients of the award are nominated by their local county conservation districts. Financial support for this award is provided by the Department of Environmental Protection through the Chesapeake Bay Regulatory and Accountability Program and the Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Education Office, administered by PACD. (Reprinted from the July 24 DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy and for back issues.) Post­Gazette: 209 Water Supplies Damaged By Drilling Since Late 2007 The Pittsburgh Post­Gazette reported information from the Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday which shows 209 water supplies were affected by drilling since the end of 2007.

Bradford County had the highest number of affected wells at 48, followed by Susquehanna County­­ 35, McKean County­­ 24 and Forest County­­ 17.

DEP found 18 cases of water supply impacts in 2008, 47 in 2009, 34 in 2010, 34 in 2011, 35

in 2012, 33 in 2013 and five through May of this year out of about 20,000 wells drilled so far. DEP will post more detailed information on affect water supplies and the enforcement actions

taken by the agency to ensure water supplies are restored in the near future. DEP is voluntarily sharing this information with the public without formal requests from the news media as has been the case in the past. NewsClip: DEP: 209 Water Supplies Damaged By Drilling Since Late 2007 Hearing On Proposed Changes To Natural Gas Compressor Station In Milford Aug. 18 The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing on August 18, to discuss the Air Quality Plan Approval application submitted by Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC to modify their existing natural gas compressor station in Milford, Pike County.

The company is proposing to replace two existing engine­driven compressors with new turbine­driven compressors.

The hearing will be held at Delaware Valley High School, 256 U.S. Route 6, Milford, PA 18337 from 6­9 p.m. Representatives from Columbia Gas will also be in attendance.

“This public meeting is an opportunity for DEP staff and Columbia Gas representatives to listen to any concerns or issues residents have with the proposed changes,” DEP Northeast Regional Director Mike Bedrin said.

In addition to its publication in the Pocono Record and Pike County Dispatch beginning July 22, a public notice of this meeting is scheduled to appear in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on July 26.

Residents who are unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to participate in the department’s public comment process. Public comments on the Plan Approval must be received by 4 p.m. on August 29, and can be mailed to Mark Wejkszner, Air Quality Program Manager, 2 Public Square, Wilkes­Barre, PA 18701. Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation Awards Applications Due Aug. 1 The Ben Franklin Partnership Shale Gas Innovation Center is now accepting applications for the 2014 Shale Gas Innovation Contest until August 1. Contest winners will be announced in September.

The Contest will provide wins with $25,000 to innovative companies or individuals whose invention makes the natural gas extraction process safer for people and the environment.

Click Here for the online application. Click Here for information on past winners. NewsClip: Keystone Edge­Awarding Innovation In Pennsylvania Op­Ed: State Is Protecting Public’s Health On Shale Matters By Michael Wolf, Secretary of Health Recently published news concerning Marcellus Shale­related health questions and the work of the Pennsylvania Department of Health has included dangerous allegations that are misleading the public.

As the secretary of health and as someone who has been involved with public health reporting when Marcellus Shale­related health concerns became an emerging issue for the state, I am writing to set the record straight with the people of Pennsylvania.

The state Health Department has protocols for all public health inquiries and concerns that employees must follow. All inquiries are immediately reported to the department’s Bureau of

Epidemiology, the experts who have training in controlling and preventing the spread of disease or illness, for review and follow­up. This is a strict and standard protocol for any health report the department receives, whether it’s related to Marcellus Shale or other environmental health issues.

The process includes a review, investigation, data collection and a formal response to the complainant. The Bureau of Epidemiology works directly with the caller or patient’s physician in charge for follow­up, and any immediate threats to the public’s health found would be given a priority.

Multidisciplinary responses might, at times, be required, such as when environmental sampling is needed with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Large­scale responses can involve coordination with state and federal agencies. A log is kept of each complaint that comes in, responses are tracked and outcomes noted.

Know, too, that the department has conducted outreach on the issue. We have sent requests out through the Pennsylvania Medical Society, asking physicians to let us know if they are hearing from concerned patients. We encourage open dialogue and want to hear from individuals if they have concerns. This applies to dialogue with our employees and with the public.

The department employs about 1,300 people who are dedicated to serving the public’s health. We are mindful of time and resources when considering speaking engagements or participation in events and send out information to our employees to assist with public inquiries, as most public­service oriented businesses or organizations do.

Our goal is, and will continue to be, to provide information and a forum for discourse on public health issues. To claim anything less is a great disservice to our professionals.

The department will continue to carry out related monitoring activities under Act 13 of 2012, working with other state resources and public health stakeholders across the state in our collective efforts to better understand the potential effects of Marcellus Shale drilling.

This includes participation in initiatives such as the Marcellus Shale health outcomes study from Geisinger Health System’s Research Institute, which is a large­scale, detailed look at health histories of hundreds of thousands of patients who live near natural gas wells and facilities. The Department of Health is providing consultation and verification of data and study methodology review for this project.

We also have been working with schools of public health in Pennsylvania to further understand and study the potential health impacts of drilling.

We continue to support a health registry and are exploring public­private partnerships to help achieve our goal and develop a quality product for Pennsylvanians. As has been reported, Pennsylvania is ahead of several other states on this matter.

We might not have a multimillion­dollar health registry at the department as some have called for, but the records are kept, the proactive follow­up and coordination is happening, and we are leveraging the talents and resources we have to get the job done.

To say we are not doing anything and are turning a blind eye to this matter is degrading to the dedication of the public health employees at the department who are working on this matter on behalf of Pennsylvanians. NewsClip: Op­Ed: PA Is Protecting Public Health On Marcellus Shale PennVEST Invests $81.5 Million In Water Infrastructure Projects In 11 Counties Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced the investment of $81.5 million in 14 non­point source, drinking water and wastewater projects across 11 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

“Through the PennVEST program and its Board of Directors, we continue to make investments in water­related infrastructure improvements that protect public health, clean the environment and enhance Pennsylvania’s economic climate,” Gov. Corbett said. “Furthering these goals will continue to be of the highest priority to me and will continue to shape the focus of this program.”

Of the $81.5 million, $66.5 million is for low­interest loans and $15 million is offered as grants. The awards range from a $100,000 grant to eliminate nutrient run­off from a farm in Cambria

County in order to help with restoring the Chesapeake Bay, to a $13,785,287 loan to a community in Northumberland County to eliminate discharges of raw sewage into the Susquehanna River that occur during heavy rains.

The funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PennVEST.

A list of projects funded is available online. NewsClips: Washington County Residents To Get Public Water Refton Sewer System Gets PennVEST Grant, Loan PA American Water Gets Loan For Fairview Twp. Project Keep Bedford County Beautiful Receives Grant From REI Keep Bedford County Beautiful has received a stewardship grant award of $5,000 from Recreation Equipment Inc. The grant money will be used to assist in stewardship efforts along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and will include tire recycling, roll­off container rental, trash hauling, landfill fees, cleanup supplies and equipment, and volunteer support.

The funding will support Keep Bedford County Beautiful’s annual Stream Sweep during the 2014 low water season and the 2015 Earth Day celebration/cleanup the following spring. Low water cleanups will include targeting areas where significant numbers of tires are known to be within the stream channel.

Keep Bedford County Beautiful is expanding the target area from the traditional 13 mile segment to approximately 60 miles of river. Some of the target areas are adjacent to Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail that parallels the Raystown Branch, a state designated water trail popular with paddlers and the site of paddling events organized by the Raystown Canoe Club and others.

The removal of trash and tires will improve safety for paddlers and other water contact activities such as fishing and swimming, and will enhance aesthetic values associated with these activities as well as for day hikers and cyclists using the rail trail. These advantages are in addition to the benefits to water quality and wildlife habitat.

Keep Bedford County Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, has played a role in the annual cleanup efforts of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River since 2002. NewsClip: Pittsburgh: Hidden Cameras Catch Illegal Dumpers Clinton County CleanScapes Bald Eagle Creek Cleanups July 26, Sept. 6 Clinton County CleanScapes will hold a cleanup event on July 26 on Bald Eagle Creek and a second cleanup partnering with students from Lock Haven University students on September 6.

Other sponsors of the cleanup event include: PPL Electric Utilities and Anadarko. Click Here for more information or send email to: clintoncountycleanscapes@yahoo.com or call

570­726­3511. NewsClip: Pittsburgh: Hidden Cameras Catch Illegal Dumpers DEP: Settlement With Pittsburgh Contractor, Associated Builders, Contractors The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday said it has reached an innovative settlement with Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Pennsylvania (ABC) and R. A. Glancy and Sons, Inc. (Glancy) regarding violations of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law.

Under the terms of the Consent Order and Agreement, ABC will develop a full­day classroom style training workshop which will be offered to the group’s members at no charge. Non­members may also attend but there may be a fee.

The focus of the workshop will be educating builders and contractors on compliance with the state’s erosion and sediment regulations. The settlement stipulates that ABC provide the training for a minimum of 100 attendees.

The Consent Order also requires ABC to write and publish, in a trade newsletter or magazine, a series of four educational articles on erosion and sediment control at construction sites.

The action by DEP stemmed from violations that occurred during the construction of a headquarters office building for ABC on a two­acre site located on Venture Drive in Gibsonia. Glancy was hired by ABC to construct the building.

Seven inspections of the construction site conducted between January 24, 2012, and July 18, 2013, determined that soil at the site was not properly stabilized during construction. This created the potential for sediment pollution to Pine Creek.

As a part of the settlement, ABC will pay a civil penalty and the costs of investigations, totaling $5,769.

In addition, ABC and Glancy did not develop or implement a written erosion and sediment plan as required by the Clean Streams Law. They also failed to submit a post construction stormwater management plan and preparedness, prevention and contingency plan to DEP for approval.

The Allegheny County Conservation District assisted DEP by conducting the inspections of the building site and documenting the violations of the state’s environmental statutes. NewsClip: Pittsburgh: Hidden Cameras Catch Illegal Dumpers Aug. 26 Public Meeting, Hearing On Lock Haven Laundry Property Cleanup The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and public hearing to discuss plans to clean up solvent contamination at the former Lock Haven Laundry property on Bellefonte Avenue in Clinton County.

The public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7:30 p.m., on August 26 at Lock Haven City Hall, 20 East Church St., Lock Haven.

“Staff from DEP’s Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields program will explain the problem, review the proposed remedial solutions and answer questions,” DEP Northcentral Regional Director Marcus Kohl said.

Environmental investigations at the Lock Haven Laundry property have identified extensive soil and groundwater contamination. The most significant area of soil contamination is located northeast of

the main building and is about 50 cubic yards in volume. The contaminated area represents a risk for construction workers when the site is eventually

redeveloped, and a source for vapor intrusion from the soil into the nearby commercial buildings. Sampling at the site shows that groundwater contamination of the chlorinated solvents exceeds statewide health standards.

DEP has developed three alternative plans to address the contamination and remediate the site. The department’s preferred alternative is estimated to cost about $250,000. All three plans will be presented at the public meeting.

During the public hearing, citizens will have an opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony regarding the proposed remedial actions. Written testimony of any length also will be accepted. The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document. DEP will provide a written response to all relevant testimony provided during the public hearing.

Those who wish to present oral testimony may register that evening prior to the hearing. Persons with a disability who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aid, service or

other accommodations to participate in the proceedings should call Daniel Spadoni at 570­327­3659 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1­800­654­5984 (TDD) to discuss how the department may accommodate your needs.

Funding for the project will be provided by the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. Established under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, the HSCF is primarily funded by fees, fines and penalties, including a portion of the unconventional gas well fee established in Act 13 of 2012.

For more information, call 570­327­3636. Corbett Signs Bill Again To Eliminate Low­RVP Gasoline In Pittsburgh, No Details Offered Gov. Tom Corbett Friday ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1037 (Vogel­R­Beaver)­­ Act 50 of 2014­­ which will help lower gas prices for consumers in a seven­county greater Pittsburgh area eventually when the requirement for 7.8 RVP summer gasoline is eliminated.

“This bill works to build a stronger Pennsylvania by creating a level playing field when it comes to gas prices for our consumers,” Gov. Corbett said. “By eliminating the requirement that companies must sell a special, more expensive blend of gas during the summer months, we will lift a significant burden on the budgets of working families in seven counties and will continue to make this great region more competitive.”

Senate Bill 1037, sponsored by Sen. Elder Vogel (R­Beaver), begins the process to eliminate the mandate that gasoline sold between May 1 and September 15 in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties have a RVP (Reid Vapor Pressure) of 7.8 psi.

Gov. Corbett signed Senate Bill 1037 into law on May 14, after it passed both the Senate and House with overwhelming support.

"The RVP regulation is nothing more than a hidden tax that needlessly raises the cost of fuel for families and small businesses," Sen. Vogel said. "Motorists in a seven­county area of western Pennsylvania are forced to pay at least 10 to 15 cents more per gallon for gas than those in neighboring states and counties."

Senate Bill 1037 requires the Department of Environmental Protection to start the process for amending the State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP) within 60 days of the effective date of the act.

July 13 was the deadline for DEP to start the process, according to Act 50. No specifics were offered at the press conference Friday on the actual steps DEP took or will take to meet this deadline.

DEP must have a public comment period and hold public hearings on any SIP revision it proposes. Once the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves the amended SIP, which may take

up to 18 months, the bill directs the Environmental Quality Board to adopt a regulation eliminating the low­RVP gasoline requirement in western Pennsylvania, which may take as long as two years.

“Since 1999, gasoline has become cleaner, and there are additional cost­effective measures that we will identify to make sure that our air quality is not adversely impacted,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “DEP will work closely with EPA to implement this common­sense change in a manner that ensures the continued protection of air quality and the public’s health.”

Gov. Corbett was joined by Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R­Beaver), Sen. Tim Solobay (D­Washington), Rep. Jim Marshall (R­Beaver), Rep. Eli Evankovich (R­Westmoreland), Beaver County Commissioner Dennis Nichols and local residents. State Awards $3M Grant For Solar Energy Array For Urban Outfitters, Lancaster Gov. Tom Corbett Thursday announced the award of a $3 million Economic Growth Initiative grant to Urban Outfitters, Inc. to install a 3 megawatt solar array on the roof of its new direct­to­consumer fulfillment center in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County.

“Urban Outfitters is another great Pennsylvania success story,” Corbett said. “This new solar array will help power Urban’s new Lancaster County fulfillment center that will create at least 500 jobs.”

In September 2013, Urban Outfitters purchased a 51.9 acre tract in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County to construct on that site a $110 million direct­to­consumer fulfillment center which will measure 970,000 square feet.

The new fulfillment center will employ at least 500 employees when fully operational, joining 117 existing employees working at an adjacent distribution center.

This proposed solar array that will be built on top of the Lancaster County fulfillment center would represent the largest roof mounted solar energy system in Pennsylvania and the seventh largest energy system in Pennsylvania overall.

It will be registered with Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Systems program. Operation of this solar array will cover up to 50 percent of Urban Outfitter’s energy needs at the site.

“Urban Outfitters had many options when deciding where to locate our new fulfillment center but chose Pennsylvania because of its great workforce, the cooperation we received from the Governor's office, as well as the support of the local community including leadership at the county, local government, and school board level,” said David Ziel, Chief Development Officer for Urban Outfitters, Inc. “We recognize Gov. Corbett's personal involvement and commitment to bringing these jobs to Pennsylvania. We appreciate the support from the DCED, the Pennsylvania Legislature, and the Governor's Action Team, and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to create opportunities for Urban Outfitters and for the citizens of Pennsylvania,”

“By partnering with job creators, we are building a stronger Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. “I would also like to recognize and thank the legislative delegation from Lancaster County for their support of this critical project.”

In 2012, Corbett reformed the state’s method of funding Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program with a significant redesign, making the process more transparent and objective. Projects are now selected based upon their job­creation potential, their economic impact, as well as their viability and construction readiness.

Prior to Corbett taking office, the state’s spending and borrowing for capital redevelopment assistance had become unsustainable for the state and its taxpayers, growing from $400 million in 1986 to slightly more than $4 billion in 2010. Corbett also said that the program had strayed considerably from its intended purpose of encouraging and assisting job growth through regional economic development projects.

Last round, the Corbett administration announced 58 new Economic Growth Initiative grants, totaling more than $133 million. The announced projects are expected to create more than 45,000 jobs in 24 counties across the state.

To ensure the Commonwealth can continue supporting Economic Growth Initiative grants, Corbett continued to urge the state legislature to enact meaningful pension reform and address the current pension system’s $50 billion debt. Ballooning pension costs, which consume approximately 60 cents of every new dollar of general fund revenues, detract from the commonwealth’s ability to invest in economic development and projects that spur job creation.

“Every dollar saved through pension reform is an opportunity to support more Economic Initiative grants that build a stronger Pennsylvania,” said Corbett. “Doing nothing to fix our pension crisis fails our families throughout Westmoreland County and the state. NewsClips: Solar Panels Will Power Urban Outfitters In Gap Mall At Robinson Unveils Solar Powered Car Charging DEP Extends Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program To Dec. 31 The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced the extension of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program, which will continue to provide $2,000 rebates for 500 additional large­battery system plug­in hybrid electric and battery­electric vehicles, or until December 31.

“The Corbett administration remains committed to seeing the alternative fuels market grow,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “Our commitment represents an impressive total investment of $4.35 million towards the deployment of electric vehicles in Pennsylvania since 2011.”

Large­battery vehicles that have battery system capacities equal or greater than 10 kilo­watt hours (kWh), including models such as the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus, BMW, Tesla and Chevy Volt, are eligible for the highest rebate amount of $2,000.

DEP is also extending rebates of $1,000 for plug­in hybrid electric vehicles and battery­electric vehicles with battery system capacities of less than 10 kWh, including models such as the Toyota Prius plug­in, Ford C­Max Energi, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.

Rebates of $1,000 are being extended for natural gas, propane, hydrogen or fuel­cell vehicles, such as the CNG powered Honda Civic or any 2014 CNG powered car or pickup truck. CNG original equipment, manufacturer retrofits or certified conversions to CNG or propane are also eligible for the $1,000 rebate. A $500 rebate is available for electric motorcycles and scooters.

DEP provides these rebates as incentives to assist Pennsylvanians with the incremental cost of purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle.

To qualify, the vehicle must be registered in Pennsylvania, operated primarily in­state and be purchased no more than six months before the rebate application is submitted. The rebates are funded by the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, which is supported by a gross receipts tax on utilities.

For more information, visit DEP’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates webpage. NewsClips:

DEP Extends Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Op­Ed: Require Fuels To Use Renewables Like Ethanol On­Farm Renewable Energy Highlight Of Ag Progress Days Aug. 12­14 Energy conservation regulation, shale energy development and on­farm renewable energy sources will be featured at Ag Progress Days August 12­14.

Exhibitors and Penn State Extension educators will provide information on alternative energy markets, regulations, credits and farm energy sources with Penn State’s On­Farm Energy Team.

“This is a chance for visitors to hear about new products and system applications that provide benefits along with savings over conventional energy sources and supplies,” says Ed Johnstonbaugh, Penn State extension educator.

There will also be presentations on land management issues, easements, leasing and trends of royalty income, proposed regulatory requirements and and updates on energy policy. The presentations will take place on August 12, starting at 9 a.m. in the new Farm Family Learning Center Building.

Sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 13; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 14; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 15. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website. Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using hashtag #agprogress. Also find Ag Progress Days on Facebook. Eastern PA Alliance For Clean Transportation Electric Vehicle Workshop July 30 The Eastern PA Alliance for Clean Transportation will hold a workshop on electric vehicles on July 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the PECO Headquarters, 2301 Market St. in Philadelphia.

There will be presentations from the Department of Environmental Protection, PECO, OEMs and more, which showcase this emerging technology as a viable method of transportation especially in urban environments.

Electric vehicles will also be available on site as well as many electric charging companies to demonstrate the viability of using electricity to replace petroleum as a motor fuel.

For more information and to register, visit the EPACT Event webpage. NASA Funds Penn State Study Of Climate, Land Use In Chesapeake, Delaware Bays Responding to the impact that a growing population and changing land use have had on the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays over the past 60 years is the focus of a research project led by Penn State and supported by a $1.4 million grant from NASA.

Researchers involved in the three­year study are taking an interdisciplinary approach, using both computer models and data from NASA remote sensing satellites to understand the impacts climate change, land cover modifications and rising nitrogen levels from fertilizers have had on the estuaries and near­shore ocean waters.

The study will bring together models of the watersheds' ecosystems, estuarine water quality and shellfish, specifically oysters and Atlantic surfclams.

"Climate change is a wildcard for how estuaries and coastal waters in general might change in

the future," said Raymond Najjar, professor of oceanography at Penn State and lead researcher on the project. "If we can understand the past 50 or 60 years, where there have been trends and variability in climate that have had a big effect on water quality and ecology, then we'll be better able to make predictions about the future and develop appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies."

The Chesapeake and Delaware bays are among the most vulnerable estuaries in the United States because of the ongoing growth and development in their watersheds, as well as the climate change that is occurring there, including warming water, rising sea levels and increasingly intense precipitation, said Najjar.

More than a million people live in each of the watersheds of the two estuaries, which together are home to 8.1 percent of the U.S. population as of 2010. Since 1950, the population has climbed 138 percent in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and 41 percent in the Delaware Bay watershed.

The study will use NASA remote sensing satellites that show variations of what is in the water. The colors of the images captured by the satellites reflect what is in the water and at what concentrations. For this study, the researchers will use the NASA data to develop algorithms of phytoplankton types.

The study will also bring together existing computer models designed to look at how the landscape, water quality and shellfish respond to environmental changes.

The land, water and climate data from NASA remote sensing satellites will be used to fine­tune those models, which will in turn be tested by comparing their results to observations made during the past 60 years. The integrated model can then be run to separate the impacts of climate change, agriculture and urbanization.

Najjar said the two estuaries were chosen for the study because they offer contrasting examples of water quality and an opportunity to pinpoint what factors impact it and how ­­ providing needed insight when it comes to adapting to those changes. The Delaware suffered from low oxygen because of untreated sewage, but saw a turnaround after wastewater treatment programs in the 1980s.

"It was really a mess. It was completely dead," Najjar said. "With the Clean Water Act, improvements in water treatment came to be and the success was spectacular."

The Chesapeake Bay, by contrast, has not seen a dramatic turnaround. Instead, increases in agriculture and urbanization have led to excessive runoff of nitrogen and phosphorous and excessive phytoplankton growth, or eutrophication.

"So, we're using these two contrasting systems in how the water quality has changed. Qualitatively we understand the change, but quantitatively we don't," Najjar said.

Najjar noted that while phytoplankton growth may sound like a good thing, too much of it causes the water to become opaque, which makes it difficult for grasses in the water to grow well. Furthermore, the excessive plankton blooms eventually die off and settle to the bottom, creating dead zones.

"It's like compost," Najjar said. "Bacteria will degrade the plankton after it settles. But in doing so they remove oxygen from the water, which stresses fish and shellfish."

Along with naturally occurring fluctuations in nitrogen, runoff from farms and sewage treatment plants, lawn fertilizers and the burning of fossil fuels contribute to the problem. Pinpointing the cause of the hypoxia ­­ the lack of oxygen ­­ is difficult because of naturally occurring influences from the weather.

"Nitrogen exists naturally in the landscape and runs off to the sea," Najjar said. "If the sea wasn't connected to the land, coastal waters would have much less nitrogen. Now, with the human influence, it's sort of in overdrive."

In addition to Penn State, the project includes researchers from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Auburn University, Rutgers University, Old Dominion University and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

For more information, contact Raymond Najjar by sending email to: rjn1@psu.edu or call 814­863­1586. DEP Hosts Open House For Western PA Local Government Officials Staff from DEP's Southwest Regional Office hosted more than 30 local elected officials from Somerset, Indiana and Cambria counties on July 17.

The Elected Officials Updates are designed reach local officials and offer information and discussion about various DEP programs and initiatives.

The updates are being held quarterly so that each county in the region can be represented. DEP staff target issues that are shared by each county invited to the sessions. For the July 17 session, DEP staff focused on water questions.

Representatives from DEP's regional Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water programs answered questions from the officials and introduced new regional Oil and Gas Program Manager Eric Gustafson to the group.

The next Elected Officials Update is scheduled for October. (Reprinted from the July 24 DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy and for back issues.) PSATS Looking For 2015 Annual Conference Presentation Proposals The PA State Association of Township Supervisors 2015 Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held at the Hershey Lodge from April 19­22, 2015.

PSATS plans to offer more than 80 workshops during our 2015 Conference, which historically attracts over 4,000 attendees.

For those interested in presenting a 75­minute workshop during our 2015 Conference, the PSATS Request for Presentations (RFP) is available online.

The RFP is used to solicit workshop proposals that will be reviewed by the PSATS Conference Planning Committee in developing the educational agenda for the Conference.

This RFP is an integral step in the development of our workshop schedule and ensures that we are providing the most up­to­date and relevant workshops to all conference attendees.

If you are interested in presenting a workshop during our 2015 Conference, fill it out the RFP in its entirety and either email, mail or fax it to Carol Kilko by the close of business August 22, 2014.

Submission of an RFP does not guarantee that it will selected. The Conference Planning Committee and PSATS staff will collect all of the RFP’s submitted

and review them based on the proposed workshop content and its relevance to our member townships. Applicants will be notified of the status of their RFP by November 14, 2014. If you have any questions regarding this RFP please call Carol Kilko or Kelly Lougee at

717­763­0930. July 24 DEP News Now Available

The July 24 DEP News is now available. Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy and for back issues. 12th Anniversary Of Quecreek Mine Rescue July 26 In Somerset The Quecreek Mine Rescue in Somerset County will be remembered on July 26 starting at 10:00 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony followed by a family­style picnic at the Quecreek Visitors Center at 151 Haupt Road, Somerset, operated by the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation.

New displays in the Visitors Center will be opened for the first time showing coal mining and rescue artifacts donated by the Rosebud Mining Company from the former Windber Coal Heritage Center.

On July 24, 2002 coal miners broke through into an abandoned, water­filled mine flooding the Quecreek Mine with over 150 million gallons of water. Nine miners scrambled to safety, but nine were trapped in a pocket of air in the dark, cold, water filled mine. They were rescued four days later through the combined efforts of state and federal mine rescue agencies and hundreds of workers and volunteers.

A video produced by the Commonwealth Media Services, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2003 documented the decisions made step­by­step during the rescue effort.

Click Here to watch the video. The Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation is a non­profit charitable organization that relies on

support from the public to educate the public about the rescue and to maintain and operate the mine rescue area and a visitors center.

Contact the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation or make a donation by writing: 151 Haupt Road, Somerset, PA 15501, calling 814­445­4876. NewsClips: 12th Anniversary Of Quecreek Mine Rescue To Showcase New Exhibits Events To Mark Anniversary Of Quecreek Rescue July 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available The July 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter is now available. Sign up for your own copy at the bottom of the Resources webpage. Enhance Penn’s Woods Initiative Results In 1,700 Acre Addition To Buchanan State Forest Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti Friday announced that the department will add more than 1,700 acres to Buchanan State Forest with the acquisition of the Hardwoods Trail tract in Cumberland Valley Township, Bedford County.

This project is part of Enhance Penn’s Woods – a two­year, more than $200 million initiative

launched by Governor Tom Corbett to repair and improve Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. “Hardwood Trails connects two previously disparate parcels of state forest land, providing

connectivity of important ridge habitat that promotes enhanced recreational opportunities, improved public access and the conservation of important ecological features,” DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. “DCNR staff work tirelessly each day to protect our public lands and ensure our visitors have a meaningful and enjoyable experience. We thank Gov. Corbett for giving us the tools to be better stewards of the parks and forested entrusted to us.”

The acquisition lies near the Maryland­Pennsylvania border, and connects with Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland. It protects headwater streams and a municipal water supply.

The property is entirely forested and lies along the Evitts Mountain ridge. It is part of the watershed for Evitts Creek, Lake Gordon and Lake Koon.

The property has rocky outcrops, both gentle and steep slopes and old logging roads that can be used for hikes into the property. There are also several vernal pools on the property, which provide uncommon habitat for amphibians and host several rare plants.

The state invested about $1 million to purchase the land. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy facilitated the purchase.

DCNR compensates local governments on an annual basis as payment­in­lieu of taxes for public lands. This is meant to replace taxes that would have been generated if these land holdings were in private ownership.

For information, visit DCNR’s Buchanan State Forest, or Enhance Penn’s Woods webpages. Paddle Without Pollution Wins National Green Paddle For Conservation Award Paddle Without Pollution in Pittsburgh Tuesday announced it is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious ACA Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation Award.

Each year, the ACA recognizes a select group of individuals and organizations who have illustrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to various aspects of paddlesport.

The Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation Award is presented annually to an individual or a group that has made an outstanding contribution to paddlesport by protecting America's waterways.

Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition and recreation.

The ACA has over 20,000 members, and 300 paddling clubs and affiliated organizations. The ACA sponsors over 4,300 events each year, including 200 races. The ACA education program has an estimated outreach of 800,000 people a year.

For more information, visit the ACA Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation Award and Paddle Without Pollution webpages. PPFF Receives Grant From REI To Restore Historic Trail Shelters In Laurel Highlands

Hiking and skiing in Forbes State Forest and on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail will be a lot more comfortable thanks to two generous grants from REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), the PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced Tuesday.

The outfitter is providing funds for renovations to five Adirondack shelters on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, and rehab the Shafer Run Warming Hut in Forbes State Forest.

PPFF President Marci Mowery says, “We are excited to once again work with REI and thank them for their support and stewardship of our public lands. Their commitment to improving public lands—through volunteer time, green practices at their facilities, and financial contributions are to be commended.”

A $6,000 grant from REI will fund work to repoint chimneys and repair fireboxes at five historic Adirondack shelters found along the 70­mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT), which goes through Laurel Ridge State Park.

“Staying overnight in an Adirondack shelter is arguably one of the most unique and enjoyable experiences in Pennsylvania state parks,” Laurel Hill State Park Manager Michael Mumau says. “These timely improvements will allow us to continue to offer a high quality visitor experience for our overnight guests.”

Mumau notes that the LHHT, which begins at Ohiopyle State Park and ends at Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, attracts thousands of visitors to the Laurel Highlands region every year, serving as a spine of the Laurel Highlands and linking recreational, scenic, and historical resources found on public lands.

A total of 40 Adirondack shelters are located in eight areas along the trail, and are used by hikers, backpackers, cross country skiers and trail runners.

A $2,500 grant from REI will be used to install new metal roofs on the hut and its latrine, a new stove pipe for the wood stove and replace the huts four windows.

“Located in the heart of the North Woods Trail System, this hut is a popular stopover point for winter and summer recreationists in the Forbes State Forest,” explains District Forester Ed Callahan. “This includes cross­country skiers, snowshoers, equestrian riders, hikers, mountain bikers and users of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which is adjacent to the warming hut.”

REI is a national outdoor retail co­op committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions. Smokey Bear Birthday Celebration Kicks Off At Disney Film Debut

He saw a chance and jumped on it. Or, perhaps more accurately, into it. The limelight, that is, as Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue”—a comedy­adventure about wildfire­fighting aircraft—opened last Friday at movies across Pennsylvania. With the film focusing on wildfires, Smokey Bear made cinema appearances in no less than nine Pennsylvania cities—all the same day … Smokey Bear gives the thumbs­up sign outside the Huntingdon Cinema's Clifton 5, Huntingdon, where he appeared before the opening of Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue.” With some help from

his friends—employees of DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry—Smokey made a big hit with young movie­goers and their parents as he posed for photos, handed out fire prevention materials, and

accepted signed birthday wishes from movie­goers of all ages. Yep, that’s right. The fire prevention icon marks a milestone Aug. 9 when he turns 70. Release

of the film, focusing on animated aircraft fighting large, fictitious wildfires, dovetailed with the kick­off of birthday celebrations marking Smokey Bear’s seven decades of speaking for forest protection.

Bureau personnel accompanied Smokey to help him spread the word on wildfire prevention and facilitate youngsters and their parents in meeting him and extending birthday greetings.

Ironically, later that evening some of those same folks would answer the call to battle a monster wildfire raging outside Prineville, Ore. A 20­person, volunteer crew of Pennsylvanians flew out of Harrisburg on Sunday with fellow firefighters from Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. They are battling a more than 6,300­acre blaze believed to have been caused by lightning.

Meanwhile, here at home in Pennsylvania, 98 percent of wildfires are blamed on humans, largely through debris burning and arson. Fires scorch over 5,000 wooded acres a year in the state and cost almost $500,000 annually to extinguish.

Spreading the word on prevention, Smokey and bureau personnel made movie appearances in Harrisburg, Huntingdon, Altoona, Clearfield, Philipsburg, Selinsgrove, Frackville, Scranton and State College. (Reprinted from the July 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter. Sign up for your own copy of the bottom of the Resource webpage.) Cooperative Effort Nourishing New Woodlands At Nolde Forest Environmental Ed Center One is the forest of yesteryear; the other, the woodlands of tomorrow. Both are the products of vision taking root on hillsides just outside Reading at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.

When Jacob Nolde took ownership of his more than 600 acres, the clear­cutting that came before him had left its mark—few trees and acres and acres of rolling fields and meadows. The hosiery magnate moved decisively to change that landscape of the early 1900s, planting thousands and thousands of trees.

There were oak, poplar and ash, to be sure, but the trademark of the emerging Nolde Forest would be the conifer. White and red pine, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, and Japanese larch. In all, a total of 500,000 plantings representing 13 species were showcased in plantation­like settings that drew public visits and acclaim from far beyond the Berks County line.

But the regimented plantings and species selection of the past were ill­suited for the forestry challenges of the future. Disease, deer, invasive insects and vegetation, together they all began to take a collective toll on Nolde’s dream of a healthy, vibrant forest, planted over 400 of his acres.

When the state took over ownership in the late 1960s, that dream was in trouble; when DCNR took a hard look at those woodlands in recent years, much of it was dying.

Enter new folks with a new vision: to again surround the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center with healthy, regenerating woodlands that can resist disease and deer over­browsing and retard the invasive invasion.

New stewards now follow Nolde’s footsteps on the hills flanking Angelica Creek, folks like the Bureau of Forestry’s Rick Hartlieb Jr. and the Bureau of State Parks’ Rachel Wagoner and Lisa Miller.

Walk the center’s labyrinth of trails and roads with this trio and you comprehend the breadth of what may well be the most comprehensive forest regeneration effort involving their two bureaus.

What began several years ago as an effort to remove dead and dying trees along park roadways evolved into a cooperative, park­wide project. Downed limbs and fallen trees were dangerous and costly, to be sure, but woodlands scarred by overgrown, invasive vegetation ran counter to the very core of the center’s educational principals.

Visitors leaving the center’s mansion now are greeted by a view very different from that just a little over a year ago.

“It’s hard to visualize what was here before. The overhead canopy was pretty much gone. Trees were dead and diseased and, as a result, stilt grass and other invasives were out of control,” said Hartlieb, assistant district forester for the William Penn Forest District. “It was impenetrable, a real mess.”

“Our first step was to remove the dead and the dying trees, and treat the invasives to help the regenerative process,” said Hartlieb.

And plant new trees. Over the past two years, DCNR staff and volunteers have planted more than 1,800 seedlings. Oak, poplar, pine and larch now dot acres of cleared and herbicide­treated parkland in this far­reaching cooperative effort that required the dedication of volunteers, DCNR staff and the logger—D.F. Fleegle of Palmyra—contracted to do the salvage work.

And he did it well, said Hartlieb, ascribing strictly to the bureau’s logging practices and always remaining cognizant that trees were being cut down in a state park, one heavily visited and very much in the public eye. If they asked, visitors were told how the felled trees would be utilized: furniture, veneer, animal bedding, firewood and so on.

“From planning, to execution, to follow­up, this has been a classic example of a cooperative DCNR effort,” Wagoner said. “There have been larger timber salvage operations involving the parks and forestry bureaus, but this may well be the most in­depth, with extensive follow­up and restoration efforts.”

It’s a story Hartlieb says he enjoys telling when he conducts “walking open houses” on the park grounds.

“I always explain to visitors exactly what we did and why,” the forester said. “It was a beneficial way of the bureau tag­teaming with the park to effect improvement, and the public now is used to what they see.

“It all seemed to come together. The contractor was excellent and public meetings beforehand explained what we would be doing and why we had to do it, but if we did not have a solid follow­up plan it would have been a disaster.”

Along with answers, walking tour­goers get much more. Gleaned from the forester’s trained eye, they get interesting tidbits of Nolde knowledge. Like: ­­ How leaf symmetry of the newly planted quaking aspen gives that tree its name; ­­ The location of Kentucky coffee trees, the beans of which, Hartlieb notes, were used to dye Confederate troops’ uniforms the drab buff color; ­­ Where one can find one very healthy tree unscathed by Dutch elm disease and another so far untouched by the chestnut blight; ­­ And why always­browsing whitetails ignore seedling to hone in on felled trees’ emerging stump sprouts (“… finger­food or a steak dinner? ...”).

If those park visitors had a chance to listen to Wagoner, they’d also hear how the park resource manager sees the Nolde project as a precursor to a park­wide invasive species prioritization effort.

They also would appreciate how her bureau worked to soften contours of a utility line that tracks through the park and recently was cleared of dense Norway spruce stands and other covering

vegetation. Look up or down the line from trail vantage points and you’ll now see bee balm, black haw, sumac and other newly planted shrubs.

Park manager Miller saw that and more. Clipbook in hand, walking the Nolde Forest grounds with Wagoner and Hartlieb, she busily was jotting down notes: monitor progress of her DCNR colleagues’ tree and shrub plantings. Check. Possible enlistment of park volunteers to fence off emerging stump sprouts from deer? Check. Deer­excluding fence needing repair. Check.

Those same park visitors just might appreciate something else. From Miller, the recently appointed head of her bureau’s first environmental education center, comes expressed commitment and appreciation:

“I am really looking forward to preserving what so many worked so hard to accomplish.” For more information, visit DCNR’s Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center webpage.

(Reprinted from the July 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter. Sign up for your own copy of the bottom of the Resource webpage.) DCNR Seeking Engineering Assistance For Several Projects The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking to retain engineering assistance for several projects (PA Bulletin, page 5064). Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released July 30­­ Agenda Released. DCNR Natural Gas Advisory Committee meeting. Celebration Hall, 2280 Commercial Blvd, State College. 10:00. ­­ Update on non­surface disturbance natural gas leasing ­­ DEP: air emissions from natural gas operations ­­ Shell’s approach to site restoration <> Click Here for available handouts. August 5­­ Agenda Released. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. ­­ Report from Environmental Advocate ­­ Review of Chester listening session ­­ Discussion of amendment allow easier disposal of prescription medications ­­ Status of electronic permit availability ­­ Website migration update and mining video ­­ Environmental Justice Conference planning ­­ 2015 goals and calendar planning <> Click Here for available handouts. August 5­­ DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program hearing on funding applications. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

August 7­­ Agenda Released. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. ­­ Discussion of EPA’s proposed carbon reduction regulation ­­ Implementation of 1­hour sulfur dioxide standard & data requirements ­­ Overview of U.S. Supreme Court decision on cross­state air pollution rule ­­ Final 2014 air quality monitoring network plan ­­ Overview of U.S. Supreme Court decision on EPA tailoring rule ­­ Discussion of Lower Beaver Valley attainment demonstration ­­ Update on PM2.5 redesignation requests <> Click Here for available handouts. August 7­­ Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a public hearing on requests for consumptive water use. Room 8E­B, East Wing, Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. (formal notice) August 12­­ CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 18­­ NEW. DEP hearing on proposed changes to natural gas compressor station in Milford, Pike County. Delaware Valley High School, 256 U.S. Route 6, Milford. 6 to 9 p.m. (news release notice) August 19­­ Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. August 19­­ Environmental Quality Board holds a public hearing on proposed regulations setting emission standards from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials. DEP Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh. 1:00. (formal notice) August 20­­ Environmental Quality Board holds a public hearing on proposed regulations setting emission standards from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials. DEP Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 1:00. (formal notice) August 20­­ CANCELED. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. (formal notice) August 20­­ DEP holds a public hearing on a proposed revision of the State Air Quality Implementation Plan for the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority western regional treatment plant in Chester. DEP Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 1:00. (formal notice) August 21­­ Environmental Quality Board holds a public hearing on proposed regulations setting emission standards from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials. DEP Offices, Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 1:00. (formal notice) August 26­­ NEW. DEP hearing on cleanup of former Lock Haven Laundry Property Clinton County.

Lock Haven City Hall, 20 East Church St., Lock Haven. 6:30. (news release notice) September 3­­ NEW. DEP hearing on proposed attainment demonstration for Lower Beaver Valley Nonattainment Area for 2008 lead standard. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh. 1:00. (formal notice) September 9­­ CANCELED. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) September 10­­ DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) September 16­­ NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) September 24­­DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) October 15­­ DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Grants & Awards This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. July 31­­ Perkiomen Watershed Environmental Awards August 1­­ NEW. Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation Contest August 15­­ DEP Section 902 Recycling Grants August 15­­ PA Energy Development Authority Clean Energy Funding August 15­­ PA Housing Authority Marcellus Housing Funding RFP September 3­­ PPFF 2014 Photo Contest September 19­­ Southeast PA TreeVitalize Watershed Grants September 22­­ CFA Alternative and Clean Energy Program September 22­­ CFA Renewable Energy Program September 22­­ CFA High Performance Building Program

September 30­­ DEP Recycling Performance Grants October 23­­ PEMA Fire Company & Ambulance Services Grants October 31­­ Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Digital Photo Contest October 31­­ PRC Lens On Litter Photo Contest December 31­­ DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until they last) ­­ Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Budget/Quick NewsClips Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state­­ Quecreek Mine Rescue Transforms Life Of Farm Owner Events To Mark Anniversary Of Quecreek Rescue July 24 DEP News Newsletter July 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter Budget Op­Ed: Ban Fracking In State Parks, Forests Drilling Plans For Loyalsock State Forest Quietly Move Ahead Other Pittsburgh: Hidden Cameras Catch Illegal Dumpers Seneca Valley Teachers Win Western PA Audubon Award Environmental Groups Win Open Records Case Editorial: Release Data On Smog Plan State Reviewing Final Report On GAF Cleanup Chester Residents Air Concerns Over Covanta Trash Plan Solar Panels Will Power Urban Outfitters In Gap Mall At Robinson Unveils Solar Powered Car Charging DEP Extends Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Op­Ed: Require Fuels To Use Renewables Like Ethanol Report Critical Of State’s Longwall Mining Regulations 10 Coal Cars Derail Near Williamsport Hydro Green Energy Wants Hydro Plant On Monongahela Hiko Could Lose License For Hiking Electric Rates Making Energy Efficiency More Cost­Effective DOE Secretary Faces Questions On Nontraditional Energy Ideas Corbett’s Office Ordered To Give Air Pollution Documents To Groups Pittsburgh Coke Plants Wants To Nix Pollution Lawsuit EPA Finds No Contamination In Parks Twp. Nuclear Dump Hey Buddy! Have I Got A Sweet Bridge For You Allegheny County Warns Of Uptick In Lyme Disease Future Conservationists Help Out At Heinz Refuge

Enviro Campers Get Hands­On Experience At Presque Isle Fox Nature Center At Illick’s Mill To Close Emerald Ash Borer, Big Potential Problems Glotfelty To Head Allegheny Parks Foundation Allegheny Parks Foundation Selects Glotfelty Injured Eagle Returns To Wild In Somerset ­­ DEP’s NewsClips webpage ­ Click Here Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Marcellus Shale NewsClips Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling­­­ Auditor General Critical Of DEP Oversight Of Shale Gas Industry Auditor Cites Flaws In Gas Drilling Regulation Auditor General Releases Audit Of Gas Industry Regulation Auditor General: DEP Doesn’t Have Manpower To Oversee Drilling Audit Faults DEP Response To Drilling Water Complaints Audit Of Shale Drilling Focuses On Responsiveness DEP Struggles To Keep Up With Shale Boom Audit Blasts DEP’s Handling Of Gas Well Industry Audit Questions Whether Lawmakers Understand Fracking Letter: Patriot Editorial Is Misinformed On Shale Gas Oversight Editorial: State Late To Game On Natural Gas Editorial: Shale Watchdog Needs Stronger Bite DEP: Drilling Damaged Water Supplies 209 Times Since 2007 DEP Documents 209 Cases Of Water Contamination From Drilling Op­Ed: Ban Fracking In State Parks, Forests Op­Ed: PA Is Protecting Public Health On Marcellus Shale Editorial: Is PA’s Energy Revolution Shaping Up As You Expected? Editorial: Delaware River Basin Commission Gas Pains Drilling Plans For Loyalsock State Forest Quietly Move Ahead Air Monitors Provided To Residents Near Drilling Sites Families Sick From Fracking Turn To Concerned Scientists Executives, Fortified By Shale, Play Opportunities To Get Rich Editorial: Delaware River Basin Commission Gas Pains Keystone Edge­Awarding Innovation In Pennsylvania Amwell Drilling Wastewater Site To Be Shut Down Will Federal Agency Give Pipeline Foes Fair Hearing? Lancaster Pipeline Project To Get Federal Scrutiny Agency Reviews Environmental Impact Of Susquehanna Pipeline Gas Pipeline Issues Challenge For Producers, Users Influence Game, Shaping Railroad Safety Rules

Greene County Town Sued Over Regulating Seismic Testing Beaver County Farmer Says Compressor Threatens Farm Gas Facility Plan Divides New Sewickley Residents Editorial: Leaseholders Deserve Better From Legislators Feds Propose Tougher Rules For Moving Crude Oil, Ethanol By Rail Feds Want Oil Trains To Get Faster Upgrades Toward Greater Oil Train Safety Delta: More Crude Oil To Trainer Refinery Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Flooding/Watershed NewsClips Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state­­ Flooding Authority Meetings To Unveil Levee System Changes Other Watershed NewsClips DEP: Drilling Damaged Water Supplies 209 Times Since 2007 Editorial: Delaware River Basin Commission Gas Pains DEP Reports Oil Spill In Monongahela River Oily Sheen Investigated On Mon River Hydro Green Energy Wants Hydro Plant On Monongahela Washington County Residents To Get Public Water Refton Sewer System Gets PennVEST Grant, Loan PA American Water Gets Loan For Fairview Twp. Project Demolition Begins For Allentown River Walk Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin ­ July 26, 2014 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance & Permits The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of proposed attainment demonstration for the Lower Beaver Valley Nonattainment area for lead and a September 3 public hearing. The State Conservation Commission published notice of FY 2014­15 allocations to county

conservation districts for the Dirt and Gravel Road Program. The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of proposed additions, adjustments to the list of Wild Trout Streams and proposed changes to list of Class A Wild Trout Waters. The Governor’s Office published a new index to Executive Orders and Management Directives issued by the Governor (PA Bulletin page 5046). Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Calendar Of Events Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. July 28­­ House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 2318 (Mirabito­D­Lycoming) establishing public participation requirements before drilling is undertaken on State Park and State Forest land­­ sponsor summary. Lycoming College, Welch Honors Hall, Williamsport. 2:00. July 30­­ Agenda Released. DCNR Natural Gas Advisory Committee meeting. LTBA. August 5­­ Agenda Released. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. August 5­­ DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program hearing on funding applications. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 7­­ Agenda Released. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. August 7­­ Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a public hearing on requests for consumptive water use. Room 8E­B, East Wing, Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. (formal notice) August 12­­ CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

August 18­­ NEW. DEP hearing on proposed changes to natural gas compressor station in Milford, Pike County. Delaware Valley High School, 256 U.S. Route 6, Milford. 6 to 9 p.m. (news release notice) August 19­­ Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. August 19­­ Environmental Quality Board holds a public hearing on proposed regulations setting emission standards from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials. DEP Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh. 1:00. (formal notice) August 20­­ Environmental Quality Board holds a public hearing on proposed regulations setting emission standards from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials. DEP Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 1:00. (formal notice) August 20­­ CANCELED. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. (formal notice) August 20­­ DEP holds a public hearing on a proposed revision of the State Air Quality Implementation Plan for the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority western regional treatment plant in Chester. DEP Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 1:00. (formal notice) August 21­­ Environmental Quality Board holds a public hearing on proposed regulations setting emission standards from fiberglass boat manufacturing materials. DEP Offices, Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 1:00. (formal notice) August 26­­ NEW. DEP hearing on cleanup of former Lock Haven Laundry Property Clinton County. Lock Haven City Hall, 20 East Church St., Lock Haven. 6:30. (news release notice) September 3­­ NEW. DEP hearing on proposed attainment demonstration for Lower Beaver Valley Nonattainment Area for 2008 lead standard. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh. 1:00. (formal notice) September 9­­ CANCELED. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) September 10­­ DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) September 16­­ NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) September 24­­DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice)

September 25­­ Penn State Extension Youth Water Educator’s Summit. The Central Hotel and Conference Center, Harrisburg. October 15­­ DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011­12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. Stories Invited Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg­based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non­profit organizations. Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates­­ Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.