Saturday NewsClips

Rendell's Planned Cuts Include Basic Education Spending
Federal Aid Could Help Avert State, Local Layoffs
Researcher Says Marcellus Shale Drilling Poses Risk To Air
Marcellus Shale Coalition Hires Ridge As Advisor
Ex-Gov. Ridge To Aid Gas Drilling Industry Group
Ridge To Promote Benefits Of Natural Gas Drilling In PA
Medico Taps Into Gas Boom
Pocono Raceway Unveils Solar Energy Project
Racing With The Sun At Pocono
PPL Expands Fluorescent Bulb Discount To Businesses
Roderick Wildlife Preserve Offers Undisturbed Beauty, Quiet

August 2 PA Environment Digest Now Available

August 2 PA Environment Digest now available. Click here to print this Digest.

Rendell, Legislators To Map Plan On $850 Million In Cuts Needed To State Budget

Gov. Rendell, Senate and House legislative leaders will meet Monday to discuss options for dealing with what is now almost certain to be a $850 million hole in the state budget as a result of Congressional inaction on additional Medicaid funding for states.
After he consults with legislative leaders, Gov. Rendell said he would announce his plan the week of August 9 detailing the specifics on what line items he would cut and the number of state worker he would furlough to make up for the lost funds. Click here to read more....

Friday NewsClips

Tension Builds In Marcellus Shale Drilling Debate
Mineral Oil Spill Leads To Bradford, Wyoming Road Closures
Federal, State Bills Target Fracking Safety
Lawrenceville Residents Say No To Marcellus Shale Drilling
Editorial: Marcellus Shale Shill
Lehigh Valley Chamber Electric Program
Employee Dies In Sewickley Sewage Plant Accident
Camp Hill Wastewater Plan Upgrade
Birdsboro Reservoir Watershed To Grow Into Recreation Area
Editorial: State Has Glut Of Municipal Fiefdoms
Lackawanna Trail Group In Works
Sisters Begin Nature Program In Midstate
Eureka! Audubon's First Engraved Illustration Discovered

DEP Launches Marcellus Shale Examiner On Twitter, First Issue Online

The Department of Environmental Protection has expanded its new weekly e-newsletter on Marcellus Shale natural gas issues called the Marcellus Shale Examiner on to Twitter. The Twitter account for the Examiner is MarcellusExmnr.
The first issue of the Examiner is now available online.

Thursday NewsClips

Corbett Reiterates No Tax Promise
State Parks To Stay Open, Agency Head Says
Drilling Goes Deep In Susquehanna County
Different Towns, Different Rules For Gas Drilling
What To Do If A Drilling Company Comes Calling
Fish Commission Wants Chunk Of Any Marcellus Tax Revenue
Casey Slips Fracking Rules Into Energy Bill
Casey Moves To Step Up Federal Oversight Of Drilling
Murrysville Support Marcellus Moratorium
Atlas Pipeline Sells Unit To Focus On Marcellus
Op-Ed: Collaboration Is Essential To Delaware Watershed Conservation
DEP Expects No Long-Term Problems From Juniata Fuel Spill
Swimming Advisories Decline At Presque Isle
Bucks Preserves Part Of Watershed
House Hearing Takes On Energy Future Of PA
Editorial: DEP Must Stand Firm On Stump Dump Removal
Mundy To Introduce Drilling Wastewater Tracking Bill
Damascus Citizens Intervene In Federal Drilling Case

Thursday 9 a.m. WITF Radio SmartTalk: Regulating Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Extraction

There’s gold in them thar hills! Well, okay, not gold, but natural gas has become a cash cow for some citizens of Pennsylvania, who are leasing their land to companies drilling deep below Marcellus Shale formations and collecting the natural gas trapped underneath.
There are, however, a number of concerns about the environmental effects of the drilling procedure known as hydrofracturing. There’s compelling financial incentive for the state to allow this drilling to continue, but recent incidents and a new documentary have cast further doubts on the safety of this “fracking” process.
We’ll discuss the findings of a Pennsylvania Environmental Council report, and consider what regulations are – or should be – in place to ensure safe extraction of natural gas.
Tune into WITF 89.5 in Central PA or Click Here to listen online.

Wednesday NewsClips

$850 Million In Cuts Inch Closer To Reality
Company In Gas Well Fatal Blast Fined Before
In PA Fate Of Fracking Depends On What River You Live Near
Column: Fracking Really Isn't The Problem
Talisman Earnings Soar On Gas Prices
Range Resources Hikes Spending For Marcellus Activity
Marcellus Freakonomics
Environmental Groups Urge NJ, PA To Consider Drilling Impact Studies
Drilling Ordinance Moves Forward In North Strabane
Drilling Company Sues Damascus Twp. Over Case And Desist Order
NW PA Landowners, Drilling Company In Tentative Settlement
Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Drilling Drives Economic Growth
Op-Ed: Property Tax On Natural Gas A Simple Matter Of Fairness
DEP, Local Officials Differ On Amount Of Fuel Spilled Into Juniata
PA Towns Get More Time To Develop Stormwater Plans
Editorial: Lawmaker Wants To Simplify Municipal Map
Straub Brewery May Nix Returnable Bottles
In Solar Energy, PA Sees Neighbors Pull Ahead
College Will Be Hub For Gas Job Training In Williamsport
Day In The Life Of Game Commission Supervisor
Cabot Drilling Planning Big Picnic
Editorial: More People Need To Recycle
Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition Meets Aug. 17 In Dallas Twp
Wyoming Valley Explores Drilling Wastewater Treatment Facility
Two More Gas Wells Coming To Wayne County
Use Of Susquehanna River For Fracking Water Discussed

Public Invited To Be Part Of State Forest Sustainability Certification Audit

SmartWood, an organization accredited to offer independent, third-party certification of environmentally responsible forest-management practices, is inviting the public to submit comments in August during its review of Pennsylvania's 2.2 million-acre state forest system.
The assessment will evaluate the ecological, economic and social performance of the Bureau of Forestry according to forest management guidelines established by the Forest Stewardship Council. The council was formed in 1993 by environmental, social and forest-products industry representatives to establish guidelines for sound forest-management practices.
DCNR Secretary John Quigley has expressed concerns recent Marcellus Shale natural gas leasing and drilling in State Forests may jeopardize the sustainable forest certification. (3/1/10 Pa Environment Digest)
"This certification process helps us see our management plans and practices through a different set of eyes, and lets us know how we can improve to ensure that we are doing everything we can to manage the state forest system for its varied values and uses, and protect its long-term viability," State Forester Dan Devlin said.
A SmartWood project team of foresters and forest ecologists will visit Sproul, Susquehannock and Tioga state forests from August 4-5, meeting with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials and stakeholders.
The team will score woodlands on timber-resource sustainability, forest-ecosystem maintenance, financial and socioeconomic considerations and other categories.
As a part of the process, certification auditors invite stakeholders to offer comments either publicly or confidentially, and provide feedback on DCNR's forest management.
To schedule a meeting with auditors or provide feedback, stakeholders should contact Steve Grado with SmartWood send email to: sgrado@hotmail.com or call 662-617-3691.
SmartWood is recognized as the world's leading Forest Stewardship Council forest management certifier. The certification assures consumers that wood products from the state's public forests come from a responsibly managed system, which helps Pennsylvania to compete in the growing niche consumer market for certified label wood products.

U.S. Senator Casey Chairs Hearing On Emergency Response in the Marcellus Shale Region

U.S. Senator Bob Casey Monday chaired a field hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Pittsburgh entitled “Emergency Response in the Marcellus Shale Region.”
At the hearing, Senator Casey heard from panelists testifying on current emergency response procedures and whether there is a need to increase regulation over emergency response procedures. Senator Casey also sought input on legislation he plans to introduce to improve emergency response at oil and gas wells.
“Because of the recent incidents at several gas well sites, I have called this hearing to investigate the current emergency response procedures and determine where we need improvement,” said Senator Casey. “We are currently recovering from an economic recession and the Marcellus Shale provides an excellent opportunity for job growth and economic prosperity in the region. With that said, we must ensure that we do not waste this resource by endangering workers and our environment. I firmly believe we can extract the natural gas in a safe manner that does not harm our workers or our environment.”
During the hearing, Senator Casey discussed legislation he plans to introduce to improve emergency response at oil and gas wells. The Faster Action Safety Team Emergency Response (FASTER) Act of 2010 provides the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with the ability to draft regulations that will enhance emergency response procedures at oil and gas wells.
Specifically, the Act provides OSHA the power to draft regulations that will require operators to:
-- Have an employee, knowledgeable in responding to emergency situations, present at the well at all times during the exploration or drilling phase;
-- Make available a certified response team, within one hour of ground travel time, if an emergency situation arises;
-- Contact local first responders within 15 minutes of the commencement of an emergency situation;
-- Contact OSHA within 1 hour of the commencement of an emergency situation;
-- Contact the National Response Center within 1 hour of the commencement of an emergency situation;
-- Provide communication technology at the well site (e.g.., mobile communication or satellite phone);
-- Provide annual training to local first responders on the hazards of a well site and proper emergency response techniques; and
-- File an annual report with OSHA that names the certified response team assigned to each well of the operator.
OSHA will have 18-months to finalize the regulations under this Act. The Act will allow OSHA to define the term ‘emergency situation.’
Senator Casey also introduced the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act (S.1215) to repeal an exemption provided for the oil and gas industry and would require the disclosure of the chemicals used in their hydraulic fracturing processes. Senator Casey is pushing to include these provisions in energy legislation the Senate is slated to consider.
At the hearing, Senator Casey heard testimony from Robert French, Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Anthony Iannacchione, Associate Professor and Director of the Mine Engineering Program at the University of Pittsburgh, Nicholas DeIullis, President and Chief Operating Officer of CNX Gas Corporation, June Chappel, a resident of Hopewell Township in Washington County and Ralph Tijerina, Chairman of the Safety Committee for the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association and Health, Safety and Environmental Director of Range Resources.
NewsClips:
Casey To Introduce Bill To Improve Response To Gas Well Accidents
Casey Introduces Another Bill On Gas Drilling Safety
Casey Seeks Input On Marcellus Shale Bill
Oil, Gas Safety Legislation Expected
Families Take Marcellus Shale Concerns To Lawmakers

Tuesday NewsClips

Rendell Not Optimistic About FMAP Funding, Thousands Of Layoffs Forecast
Rendell: State Worker Layoffs Still Coming
Op-Ed: Rendell- Rebuild Our Infrastructure
Amid Gas Boom, Experts Doubt PA's Water Watchdog
Casey To Introduce Bill To Improve Response To Gas Well Accidents
Casey Introduces Another Bill On Gas Drilling Safety
Casey Seeks Input On Marcellus Shale Bill
Oil, Gas Safety Legislation Expected
Families Take Marcellus Shale Concerns To Lawmakers
Man Burned By Gas Flash At Water Well In Butler County
Dead Workers' Firm Fined Twice
Increased Electricity Use Could Mean Higher Bills
Sand Replenishment To Close Presque Isle Beaches
Work Nearly Done On Millvale Bike Trail Segment
Editorial: Point State Park Fountain Unkept
Federal Bill To Save More Parts Of White Clay Creek
Bucks School Getting $12.7M In Green Improvements
Should Scales Weighing Recyclables Be Certified?
Drilling Company Releases Brochure On Operations
Philipsburg Works To Keep Runoff From Sewer System
Ryerson State Park Lake Dry For 5th Year
New High-Tech Longwall Coal Mining System Delivered

Allegheny Conference: 70 Percent Of Marcellus Shale Workers From Out-Of-State

Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development stated recently that 70 percent of six of the high priority occupations in the drilling workforce are not local to Pennsylvania. According to DEP, there was an average of 112 wells drilled per month in 2010.
Penn State's State Cooperative Extension Division says that it takes approximately 400 individuals to drill a well. Based on these statistics, one can easily estimate that there are easily over 10,000 gas workers in Pennsylvania from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming.
More drilling rigs are coming to Pennsylvania.
According to individuals at the Northern Tier Marcellus Expo, companies will be bringing considerably more rigs to Pennsylvania for drilling. While the gas companies have tried to hire local Pennsylvanians, they met with limited success for a number of reasons. Look for more gas workers to come into the state in the next year.
"PAGasDirectory.com was developed to meet the needs of the gas workers coming into Pennsylvania," stated Joe Barone, President, PAGasDirectory.com
"Our online directory is uniquely positioned to service the gas workers and their families already in the state as well as new ones coming into Pennsylvania in the next year," he further added.
PAGasDirectory is the leading online directory that connects the natural gas industry with local Pennsylvania businesses.
The directory has over 116,000 Pennsylvania businesses organized on a county by county in the 53 counties in the Marcellus Shale area. It is the website where gas workers, their spouses, and families find local Pennsylvania businesses.
For more information about the website, contact Joe Barone, 610.764.1232 or send email to: jbarone@pagasdirectory.com or visit PA Gas Directory.

DEP's Dan Griffiths Retiring, Andrew Place Named Acting Deputy

Daniel Griffiths, Deputy Secretary for Energy and Technology Deployment, announced his retirement this week from the Department of Environmental Protection.
Griffiths served in the position since June of 2008. Prior to his appointment as deputy he served as Director of the Bureau of Energy, Innovations and Technology Deployment.
Before arriving at DEP, Griffiths worked for nearly seven years as a senior analyst with the state's Office of Consumer Advocate. There, he represented consumer interests in cases before the electricity grid operator PJM and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He also helped develop policies on renewable energy, distributed energy, and demand-side management, and analyzed energy supplies, prices and markets.
From 1979 to 1997, Griffiths worked with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in roles of increasing responsibility, starting as a research analyst and later as the manager of planning and research in the Bureau of Consumer Services. During his last seven years with the PUC, he served as the energy assistant to then-Commissioner David W. Rolka.
Griffiths worked as a senior level executive in the private sector after leaving the PUC. He served as vice president for corporate development at New Energy Ventures, the director of operations at the Energy Cooperative Association of Pennsylvania, and as a senior consultant for Customized Energy Solutions.
Andrew Place
Andrew G. Place was named Acting Deputy Secretary for Energy and Technology Deployment at the Department of Environmental Protection. He is responsible for developing state energy policies; for supporting economic development initiatives related to energy; for providing technical advice related to electricity, fuels and climate change; and for supporting energy aspects of Pennsylvania’s emergency management operations.
Prior to this, he served as Special Assistant for Energy and Climate Change to Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.
Before entering public service in 2009, Mr. Place was a Research Fellow in Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Engineering and Public Policy with a research interest in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Innovation. He earned his B.A in economics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

DRBC Approves Two Additional Natural Gas Exploratory Wells

Delaware River Basin Commission Executive Director Carol R. Collier today announced she has amended her June 14 supplemental determination to allow two additional natural gas exploratory wells in Wayne County, Pa. to proceed.
Both Hess Corporation vertical exploratory wells, known as Davidson 1V and Hammond 1V, are proposed to be located in the north-northwest portion of the county. Collier already publicly announced her intention to take today’s action at last week’s July 14 commission meeting.
In June 2010, Collier modified the provisions of her original May 2009 determination to extend to exploratory wells the requirement that DRBC approval be obtained for natural gas well projects in shale formations within the drainage area of Special Protection Waters.
However, Collier allowed an exploratory well to proceed if the applicant had received a state natural gas well permit for the project on or before the date of her June 14, 2010 supplemental determination announcement.
The Davidson 1V and Hammond 1V wells received Pennsylvania Erosion and Sediment Control General Permits (ESCGP-1) prior to June 14, but the company’s well drilling applications already filed with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection were still under active review by PADEP and awaiting a permitting decision on that date.
Today’s amended supplemental determination covers only the Davidson 1V and Hammond 1V exploratory wells, both of which remain subject to all applicable PADEP regulatory requirements, including state well drilling permits.
The state-approved Erosion and Sediment Control General Permits provide specific information regarding siting of these exploratory wells and set forth in detail the erosion and sediment control measures to be implemented during and after their construction to protect water resources.
All other aspects of the May 2009 and June 2010 determinations remain in full effect. Exploratory wells may not be fractured or otherwise modified for natural gas production without prior DRBC approval. Commission consideration of natural gas production projects will occur after new DRBC regulations are adopted. Draft natural gas regulations are expected to be published by the end of summer 2010, with a public rulemaking process to follow.
Any person adversely affected by this action may request a hearing by submitting a request in writing to the commission secretary within 30 days of the date of this amended supplemental determination in accordance with the DRBC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The DRBC is a federal/interstate government agency responsible for managing the water resources within the 13,539 square-mile Delaware River Basin. The five commission members are the governors of the basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and the Division Engineer, North Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who represents the federal government.
Visit the Natural Gas Drilling in the Delaware River Basin webpage for more information.
There is no relationship between Hess Corporation and the author of this blog.

PEMA Outlines Challenges Facing Emergency Responders From Marcellus Shale Drilling

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert P. French today outlined the new challenges facing his agency and emergency responders statewide as a result of sharply increased natural gas drilling activities.
"There are substantial benefits of natural gas production for our commonwealth and its citizens. However, Marcellus Shale drilling is an industry that does have inherent risks, as demonstrated by the recent blowout at a well in Lawrence Township, Clearfield County, and a fire at a separator tank in Susquehanna County," French testified at a hearing today in Pittsburgh.
In the past year alone, there have been at least 47 incidents at natural gas operations that required an emergency response by the Department of Environmental Protection, French noted.
As the industry has expanded in Pennsylvania, French said PEMA has had to elevate its efforts, as well. Among other things, the agency conducts tabletop exercises and roundtable meetings with industry and local officials, and assists county 9-1-1 centers with their concerns on how to identify drilling sites - often in very remote locations - so first responders can more quickly react to emergencies.
French said PEMA will continue working with state and local partners in emphasizing a culture of "safety first" within the industry to minimize the number of incidents that would require an emergency response.
Adding to concerns are budgetary constraints at all levels of government, French noted, which can impact training and emergency response capabilities.
Gov. Rendell has proposed that a portion of a severance tax the General Assembly has agreed to enact by Oct. 1 be dedicated to local governments and emergency responders to support planning, training and equipment.
French reminded Pennsylvanians of available resources that can help them prepare for and respond to any emergency. Materials such as home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates are available online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA.

Monday NewsClips

Gas Well Safety Hearings Today In Pittsburgh
Culm Bank Removal May Have To Protect Ice Cave
Prescription Drug Cleanup August 7 In Harrisburg
Don't Dump Fast-Growing Pacu In Waterways In Erie
Kayaking Trip Down Susquehanna Raises More Than $15K
Op-Ed: A Plan For The PA Gas Rush
Column: Drilling Safety, Public Opinion And Marcellus Shale
Editorial: Conserving Power Costs Less Than New Systems
Energy Saving Home Improvements Pay Off
Drillers, Residents Keep Eye On Harveys Lake

REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credits Apps Accepted Starting August 2

The Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for the first-come, first-served Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Farm Conservation Tax Credits on August 2.
$4.5 million was appropriated for credits in the FY 2010-11 budget, down from $10 million in FY 2008-09.
Eligible applicants may receive between 50 percent and 75 percent of project costs as state tax credits for up to $150,000 per agricultural operation. The amount of tax credit available to a recipient is dependent on the type of BMP implemented.
Tax credits for 75 percent of eligible costs include the following: Nutrient Management Plan, Ag. E&S Plan and/or Conservation Plan development. BMPs for ACAs and barnyard runoff, stream bank fencing with 50 foot forested riparian buffers, and 50 foot forested riparian buffers.
Tax credits for 50 percent of eligible costs include: Any Commission approved BMP or equipment necessary to reduce existing sediment and nutrient concerns, such as: manure storage systems, alternative manure treatment practices, filter strips, grassed waterways, management intensive grazing systems and no till planting equipment. Stream bank fencing with 35 foot riparian buffers (grassed or forested).
For more information, visit the REAP webpage or contact Mary Bender at 717-787-8821 or send email to: mabender@state.pa.us.

Sunday NewsClips

Gas Wells' Safety At Issue After Indiana Township Blast
Friday Gas Well Blast Second Since June
Some Think Commission Should Oversee Ohio River Basin
DEP Gives Cabot 60 Days To Fix Water Issues
Gas Drillers Finding Eco-Friendliness Best
Gas Rights To Massive Wyoming County Property In Dispute
Natural Gas Companies Turn To Ridge To Fuel Drilling Efforts
Federal Study To Tackle Fracking Impact In Delaware Watershed
Conewango Creek Watershed Group Receives $25K Grant
Blog: Watershed Alliance Of York
Tunkhannock Celebrating What The River Offers
Op-Ed: Three Rivers Run Through Us
Concerns Raised Over Reopening Limestone Quarry
Massey Energy's Foray Into PA Causes Worry
Flight 93, Quecreek Turned Somerset Into America's County
Museum To Tell Drama Of Quecreek Mine Rescue
Quecreek Recognizes 8th Anniversary, Partners With Flight 93
Mine Rescue Site Marks 8th Year
Historical Groups Left In Lurch By Funding Cuts
Column: A Positive Outcome For A PA Box Turtle
Part 10 - How Do I Get Hooked On Fishing In PA? (Online Video)

Somerset Holds 8th Anniversary Of Quecreek Mine Rescue, Flight 93 Rememberance

On July 24 the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation hosted the 8th Anniversary of the Quecreek Mine Rescue at the rescue site on the Arnold Farm in Somerset County.
This year the anniversary linked two extraordinary events that happened in Somerset County just months apart-- the crash of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 and the Quecreek Mine Rescue in July of 2002.
(Photo: new Visitor's Center (rear) and rescue shaft (foreground))
"These two events-- the tragic crash of Flight 93 and the miracle of rescuing nine trapped miners at Quecreek-- represent the extremes of our human experience," said Bill Arnold, President of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation. "The loss of innocent life, but the heroism of the passengers as they fought for their lives. The shock of the accident that flooded the Quecreek mine and the miracle of the rescue."
"It is amazing to me these two events happened just miles apart in Somerset County and the public has the opportunity to learn about them both at our Anniversary this year," said Arnold.
The anniversary program began at 9:00 a.m. with a presentation by Jeff Reinbold, Project Site Coordinator for Flight 93, at the Flight 93 site. Reinbold presented an overview of plans for the Flight 93 Historic Site and took visitors on a special tour of the site.
Participants then moved to the Arnold Farm and the Quecreek Mine Rescue site at 11:00 for the mine rescue portion of the program.
Bill Arnold reported the outside of the Visitors' Center was just completed this week and they and volunteers plan to begin the inside in the coming weeks. He noted that Somerset Trust pledged a significant amount of funding to help complete the Center.
Sponsors of the event include: Somerset Trust and the Somerset Daily American.
“The rescue was a miracle, there’s no other way to describe it,” said Arnold. “People from all over the world have come to learn about the rescue, what coal mining is all about and how everyone worked together to save the lives of the miners.”
On July 24, 2002 miners broke through into an abandoned, water-filled 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.
“The first year after the rescue we were overwhelmed by all the interest—we just ran a dairy farm before all this,” said Arnold. “We are grateful for all the help we receive from the public, our community and many public and private agencies to present the site to the public.”
Now more than 10,000 visitors a year visit the rescue site looking to learn more about the "Quecreek Miracle." The site became part of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Historical Marker Program in 2006.
"We were very pleased this year to become an official affiliate of the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh," said Arnold. "It gives us connections to the largest history museum in Pennsylvania and the potential of telling our story of the miracle at Quecreek to many more visitors."
Contact the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation or make a donation by writing: 151 Haupt Road, Somerset, PA 15501, calling 814-445-4876 or by visiting www.9for9.org.
NewsClips:
Flight 93, Quecreek Turned Somerset Into America's County
Museum To Tell Drama Of Quecreek Mine Rescue
Quecreek Recognizes 8th Anniversary, Partners With Flight 93
Mine Rescue Site Marks 8th Year

Saturday NewsClips

Gas Well Blast Burns For 10 Hours, Kills 2
Spewing Gas Leak, Fires Contained
Public Packs Meeting On Marcellus Shale Drilling
EPA Considers Risks Of Gas Extraction
USGS Water Study To Target Drilling In Delaware Watershed
Reusable Shopping Bags Can Recycle Bacteria Study Says
Ceremony Marks Rewatering Of Delaware Canal
Cottages Being Built Into Hillside Above Fallingwater
Eco Park Would Link River, Easton Neighborhood
Op-Ed: Me And My E-Bike Go Everywhere
Part 9 - How Do I Get Hooked On Fishing In PA? (Online Video)
Quecreek Mine Rescue To Be Featured On Biography Channel

U.S. House Panel Approves Study Of Fracking Impact On Water Resources In Delaware

Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA), along with Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), and Rush Holt (D-NJ) announced Friday they have secured approval from a key House panel of $1 million for the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a cumulative impact study on water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing of Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in the Delaware River Basin.
The House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies this week approved the funding for the study, which would be conducted in partnership with the Delaware River Basin Commission.
“There is extraordinary economic potential associated with the development of Marcellus Shale resources,” said Cong. Sestak. “However, as the oil spill in the Gulf and the recent explosion in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania reminds us, there is also great risk. One way to ensure proper development is understand the potential impacts. That is why I supported the funding of the cumulative effects of drilling and operation of gas wells on the water supply in the Delaware River Basin. With information from the study, we can make educated decisions on how best to minimize the impacts of drilling, while enhancing the benefits.”
The study will evaluate the cumulative impacts on water supply and resources from additional water consumption for hydraulic fracturing, landscape alteration due to gas well pad development, and changes in water quality resulting from water discharges within the Basin.
Over 15 million people, including New York City and Philadelphia residents, depend on the water resources of the Delaware River Basin. While property owners and local businesses could benefit economically from drilling activities in the Basin, the study is necessary to ensure that these individuals as well as other stakeholders throughout the Basin are not adversely impacted by any Marcellus Shale natural gas development and that the region's water resources are fully protected.
The cumulative impact analysis will help to inform and guide DRBC management policies and practices that both enable economic progress and also ensure protection of public health and the environment. The DRBC has regulatory jurisdiction over all water withdrawals and discharges for Marcellus Shale drilling in the Delaware River Basin.
Congressmen Hinchey and Holt currently serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Delaware River Task Force, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives from all four basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) that coordinate congressional efforts to promote the restoration and vitality of the Delaware River Basin and its communities.

July 26 PA Environment Digest Now Available

July 26 PA Environment Digest now available. Click here to print this Digest.

Gov. Rendell Anticipates 700 State Worker Layoffs Resulting From Budget Cuts

Gov. Rendell this week said about 700 state workers will have to be furloughed as a result of the cuts to the FY 2010-11 budget, down from 1,000 he anticipated earlier.
Where the state worker cuts will happen has not yet been decided.
During FY 2009-10, 147 employees and vacancies were eliminated from the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources and eliminate another 186 full time vacant positions for a total reduction of 333 positions. (11/23/10 Pa Environment Digest)
In addition 1,131 seasonal workers at DCNR had their positions eliminated or hours reduced in State Park and Forestry operations-- 240 seasonal positions were eliminated over the last year and 891 seasonal workers had their hours reduced.
Since 2002-03, DEP has lost nearly 20 percent of its staff and positions due to budget cuts, but the number of laws it has to enforce and its program responsibilities have not been reduced. Click here to read more...

Sen. Baker Opposes Forced Pooling Of Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Rights

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) put out a statement today saying she will "vigorously oppose" efforts by the natural gas industry to gain the power referred to as “forced pooling.”
Industry representatives have identified pooling as a primary objective they are seeking to achieve during the debate over a severance tax.
In her statement, she said her reasons for opposing pooling are:
"Across the Marcellus Shale portions of Pennsylvania, there is a lot of acreage potentially available for deep well drilling. Certain sites may be more attractive to drillers, but no single site is essential. People should not be forced by state law to accept drilling beneath their property if they do not want it. Such a requirement is not right, is not necessary, and is not acceptable.
"There are a variety of good reasons why an individual or a family would choose not to sign a lease, and we should respect those decisions. The economic interests of gas drilling do not override the fundamental rights of property owners. There is no public purpose here that could justify taking people’s property rights.
"Under a system of forced pooling, only the gas companies win. There is a misconception that this change in law would adversely affect just the property owners who do not want to lease their lands. By giving the companies the ability to compel some instead of having to negotiate with all, forced pooling would diminish the value of leases for every property holder.
"Pennsylvania should decide the question of imposing a severance tax on its merits, without trading away people’s rights."
NewsClip: Sen. Baker Opposes Pooling By Gas Companies

New DEP Marcellus Shale Examiner Newsletter

The Department of Environmental Protection is launching a new weekly e-newsletter on Marcellus Shale natural gas issues called the Marcellus Shale Examiner. The following is from the sign-up webpage just put online--
In the past three years, Pennsylvania has become the epicenter of natural gas exploration with dozens of companies seeking to capitalize on the abundant natural resources in the Marcellus Shale formation. The consequences of this rapidly growing industry affect us all.
In the coming months, policy makers will be working on important issues related to drilling in Pennsylvania. From enacting a severance tax so large drilling firms pay their fair share, to writing laws that could affect landowners’ rights when it comes to drilling on or under their property, there will be a tremendous amount of focus on drilling-related issues.
To follow all of these developments, register now for the Marcellus Shale Examiner. This weekly e-newsletter will chronicle the latest news on Marcellus Shale activities, including:
-- How county and local governments and emergency responders are handling the drilling rush taking place in their backyards;
-- How state agencies are working to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources and keep communities safe;
-- How the public and landowners are responding to pressures to lease their land or tracts in their neighborhoods for drilling;
-- How drilling companies operating in Pennsylvania have received billions of dollars from foreign nations and large multinational corporations that are anxious to get a piece of the action; and
-- How state officials are addressing the issues associated with drilling.
Whether you are a citizen, public official, business leader, environmentalist or emergency responder, it's important that you understand the impact drilling into the Marcellus Shale has on our communities today and what it will mean for our state tomorrow.

Friday NewsClips

Debate Sharp On Gas Wells, Water
1,200 Hear Marcellus Shale Debate
EPA Hearing On Gas Well Fracking
Forum Discusses Gas Industry Money Impact On State Policies
Sen. Baker Opposes Pooling By Gas Companies
Landowners Settle With Marcellus Shale Driller
Natural Gas: Economic Boom Or Environmental Bust?
Susquehanna Marcellus Stream Gauge Monitoring
Penn Waste Single Stream Recycling
Medication Clean Up Day August 7 In Harrisburg
PPL Secures Lower Power Prices For 2011
Fayette Urged To Update Zoning For Renewable Energy, Wells
Discover Presque Isle Provides Extras State Doesn't Fund
Fish & Boat Commission Unveils 5-Year Plan

Trout Unlimited Stream Surveillance Training For Members In Marcellus Shale Region

Trout Unlimited and its Pennsylvania Council have initiated a new program to train Pennsylvania volunteers to use stream surveillance activities that monitor the impacts of Marcellus Shale development on streams where gas drilling is occurring.
Aimed at monitoring water quality in rivers and streams throughout Pennsylvania’s Marcellus region, the program will train volunteers to become part of its Coldwater Conservation Corps, a group that will serve as stream stewards.
They will conduct routine surveillance and monitoring of local waters by taking water samples, measuring stream flow and conducting visual assessments.
“Protecting coldwater fisheries is an integral part of TU’s mission and with over 11,000 TU members in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to take an active role in stream surveillance activities throughout the Marcellus Shale region,” said Elizabeth Maclin, TU’s Vice President for Eastern Conservation.
“As gas drilling activities increase, so does the potential for accidents and errors. It’s important to train anglers and other sportsmen and women to be the eyes and ears in their home waters,” Maclin said.
TU will conduct a series of these trainings throughout the Marcellus region. The first training for TU volunteers was held on July 17 in Emporium, Pa. Additional trainings will be scheduled this fall.
Rivers and streams face numerous risks from drilling and extraction of gas, including increased erosion and sedimentation, water quantity and quality impacts due to water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing and potential contamination problems associated with wastewater.
“We want to ensure that sportsmen and women play an integral role in preventing the destruction of important headwater habitats—the places where we fish and hunt,” said Dave Rothrock, president of TU’s Pennsylvania Council. “We must make sure that these rivers and streams remain healthy for future generations.”
TU is piloting the program in the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed through a grant from the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council and its Sinnemahoning Watershed Grant Program.
Additional funding provided by The Heinz Endowments will allow TU to implement the program statewide. The Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.
For additional information about the TU CCC program, contact Deb Nardone at 814-359-5233 or send email to: dnardone@coldwaterheritage.org.

Thursday NewsClips

Rendell May Flex Highway Funds To Save Transit Systems
Rendell Urges Adoption Of New Tax On Oil Companies
Cabot Receives 60 More Days To Fix Tainted Water
State Lifts Some Sanctions On Cabot Drilling
Range Resources Proposes $29 Million Settlement With PA Leaseholders
Multi-State Study: Marcellus Shale Could Generate $1B In Taxes, 100K Jobs
Economist Defends Method Used To Extract Natural Gas
Blog: Defending PA's Authority Over Marcellus Shale Drilling
Editorial: More Transparency Needed By Gas Drillers
Editorial: Empower PUC To Regulate Pipelines
Second Lancaster Leacock Watershed Targeted
Eat'n Park To Open Green Restaurant In Pittsburgh
Lower Swatara Twp. OK Installation Of Solar Panels
Editorial: Mudslinging Over PennFuture Doesn't Help State
Drilling Underway In Luzerne County
PA Environmental Groups Won't Sue Over Power Plant
Part 8 - How Do I Get Hooked On Fishing In PA? (Online Video)

EQB Holds 4 Hearings On Oil And Gas Well Casing Standards Starting Today

The Environmental Quality Board is inviting the public to comment on proposed regulatory changes that will substantially improve the safety of oil and gas wells across Pennsylvania and protect the state’s water resources from contamination.
The proposed rules would amend state regulations for casing and cementing wells. The Department of Environmental Protection proposed the rule changes to strengthen construction standards for oil and gas wells. A properly cased and cemented well is critical to keeping gas, oil and other fluids contained inside the well bore and away from fresh groundwater.
The more rigorous standards are intended to prevent gas from migrating from a well, where it could contaminate a water supply or possibly enter a home and reach combustible levels. Among the new standards would be requirements for pressure-testing those casings used in Marcellus Shale wells, for using oilfield-grade cement, and for using blowout preventers.
The new regulations will also require well operators to inspect all existing wells quarterly to ensure each is structurally sound, and report the results of these inspections to DEP. The amendments would also clearly define a drilling company’s responsibility for responding to gas migration issues.
To comment or present testimony on these proposed amendments, members of the public can attend one of the following four public hearings:
-- July 21 -- 7 p.m. Lycoming College, Heim Science Center Building,
Room G-11, 700 College Place, Williamsport;
-- July 22 -- 7 p.m. DEP Northwest Regional Office, 1st Floor Conference Room, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville;
-- July 22 - 7 p.m. DEP Southwest Regional Office, Waterfront Conference Room A and B, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh; and
-- July 26 -- 7 p.m. DEP Southwest Regional Office, Waterfront Conference Room A and B, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh.
The public comment period will remain open through Monday, August 9.
If unable to attend a meeting, members of the public may mail comments, suggestions or objections to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477 or to Rachel Carson State Office Building, 16th Floor, 400 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.
Comments may also be e-mailed before the deadline to RegComments@state.pa.us. A subject heading of the proposed rulemaking and a return name and address for any response to comments provided must be included in each e-mail.

EPA: Farmers In PA Need To Comply With Federal Clean Water Rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today called on Pennsylvania farmers to comply with federal and state regulations designed to protect water quality or face federal inspections.
EPA is joining the Lancaster County Conservation District in urging farmers in the Muddy Run Watershed and throughout the County to take steps to reduce groundwater contamination and the discharge of manure to streams.
“EPA expects all farms in the Commonwealth to comply with state and federal law,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “We anticipate that the majority of farmers in Muddy Run will use this opportunity to voluntarily evaluate their operations to ensure they’re in compliance.”
The Agency recently notified farmers of the applicability of the requirements, both by mail and at a public meeting convened by the Conservation District July 8. Baseline compliance with Pennsylvania regulations requires farmers to implement a plan for controlling erosion and sedimentation, and a plan for managing manure.
Farms in the Muddy Run watershed that do not have these plans in place by December 3, 2010 will be given high priority for inspections by EPA and may be designated as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), subjecting them to much more stringent permitting requirements. In the meantime EPA will continue its compliance assurance activities, including inspections and enforcement, throughout the State and County.
“Some farms may already meet or exceed baseline requirements, yet lack the proper documentation,” said Don McNutt, District Administrator of the Lancaster County Conservation District. “Other farms may need to implement additional best management practices to meet baseline compliance.”
Farmers can receive assistance from the Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and private consultants to develop the required plans and implement the best management practices needed to meet water quality protection goals. These practices may include cover crops, proper manure storage, stream fencing, riparian forested buffers, gutters, and restricting winter application of manure.
In a previous round of evaluations in the Watson Run watershed, EPA found that 85 percent of the farms were not complying with the state requirements, resulting in contamination of streams and groundwater.
Muddy Run is a tributary of the Susquehanna River and is located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This initiative is part of EPA’s multi-state, multi-media effort to implement President Obama’s Executive Order for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and a compliance and enforcement strategy to improve water quality in local waterways and the Bay.
More information on the EPA Chesapeake Bay Initiative is available online.

DEP Gives Cabot Oil & Gas More Time To Fix Water Supplies In Susquehanna County

The Department of Environmental Protection today gave Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. another 60 days to permanently fix the water supplies that were affected by the company's natural gas drilling operations in Dimock, Susquehanna County.
This follows a series of enforcement actions over the last 10 months where DEP has been trying to get Cabot to correct water supply issues over 9 square miles affected by its drilling operations. (9/28/09 Pa Environment Digest)
The directive is part of a modified consent order and agreement between the agency and the company that requires Cabot to continue providing temporary water services until the permanent solution can be implemented.
The 60-day timetable represents an extension that was made necessary when residents in the affected area objected to the company's previous proposal to fix the water contamination issue.
"This week's modification to the consent order and agreement gives us more time to find a water supply solution that will address the needs and concerns of residents," said DEP Secretary John Hanger. "Our goal is to find a permanent solution that will be agreeable to all parties."
In April 2010, DEP and Cabot entered into a modification of the original consent order and agreement that was executed in November 2009. One of the provisions required whole-house water treatment systems to be installed in 14 homes as a permanent water supply resolution.
After the document was signed, several of those residents expressed dissatisfaction with whole-house treatment systems. DEP met with a number of them in May to discuss their concerns.
Due to the resident reaction, Cabot requested an extension of the consent order and agreement time frame to install a permanent solution. DEP agreed to delay enforcement of that provision to allow for additional discussions with residents. Meanwhile, several residents in the affected area appealed the April modification to the consent order and agreement to the Environmental Hearing Board.
Also in April, DEP suspended its review of Cabot's pending permit applications for new drilling activities statewide until the company fulfilled its obligations to plug and repair the wells that caused the gas migration, which caused the water contamination.
This week's modification acknowledges Cabot's progress to date under the earlier agreement. In particular, Cabot has plugged three gas wells, as required, and has made repairs to another well. As a result, DEP will resume reviewing Cabot applications only for permits to drill gas wells outside of the affected area in Dimock Township.
Except for the permanent water supply and permit application review provisions, all other terms and conditions of the November 2009 consent order and agreement and April 2010 modification remain in effect, including the restrictions on drilling and hydrofracturing within the affected area.
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. is headquartered in Houston, Tex. with a mailing address in Pittsburgh.

Wednesday NewsClips

Pittsburgh Council Wants State Moratorium On Marcellus Drilling
Gas Drilling Moratorium Requested In Harveys Lake
DEP Investigates Diesel Spill At Cabot Well Site
Scranton Forum To Focus On Gas Drillers' Political Donations
EPA To Again Review Drilling, Fracking Issues
EPA Takes New Look At Gas Drilling Water Issues
Marcellus Shale Task Force Begins In Fayette County
Drilling Spurs Plans For 2 Hotels
New York Governor Signs Law Requiring Cleaner Heating Oil
DEP Criticized Over New Power Plant Discharge Permit
NY, PA Officials To Sue Homer City Power Plant
Executive Director Is Leaving Post At Ned Smith Center
Part 5 - How Do I Get Hooked On Fishing In PA? (Online Video)
Part 6 - How Do I Get Hooked On Fishing In PA? (Online Video)
Part 7 - How Do I Get Hooked On Fishing IN PA? (Online Video)
Pittsburgh Limestone Producer Marks 150 Years
Op-Ed: A Plan For The Pennsylvania Gas Rush, Don Welsh
Kittatinny Canoes Holding River Cleanup
Drill Rig Set To Go At First Well In Luzerne County
New Report Ranks Brandywine Stream Project Priorities
Berwick Nuclear Plan Could Be Down For Extended Time
DEP To Investigate Culm Bank Removal In Hazle Twp.
Paralyzed Man Warns Of Quarry Risks
Sustainable Agriculture On Rise In NE PA
DEP Regs On Drilling Not Strong Enough
Business Goes Green To Save Green

Wilkes-Barre Growing Greener Application Meeting July 28

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a Growing Greener Program application meeting on July 28 from 10:00 to noon at DEP's Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre.
This session is for individuals and groups interested in applying for Growing Greener Grants this year.

Tuesday NewsClips

Rendell Lowers Projection Of State Layoffs To 700
State Employee Layoffs Loom, 700 Workers Targeted
Rendell: Hundreds Of State Worker Layoffs On The Way
Rendell Calls On Lawmakers To Act On Road Maintenance
Rendell Seeks Special Session To Fill Road Funding Gap
Residents Urge Stricter Controls At Hearing On Gas Regulations
SRBC Watchful Of Possible Drought Conditions Along Susquehanna
NFWF Funds Conservancy's Work In Delaware River Basin
Nature Conservancy Gets Funding For Delaware Basin Restoration Initiative
States Sue To Keep Asian Carp Out Of Great Lakes
Flooding Shuts Down Berwick Unit 1
Midstate Eco-Community Marks Two Milestones
Scranton Looks To Reduce Energy Costs
Residents Want Carbondale To Control Gas Industry Rail Yard
Residents On Mission To Protect Harvey's Lake
Gas Company To Maintain Lehman Twp. Roads
Black Fly Spraying Helicopter Crashes Into Susquehanna

Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hearings Set On Water Withdrawal Rules

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is reminding the public of two hearings to be conducted on July 27 and July 29 to explain and receive public comments on proposed regulatory revisions to clarify projects that require SRBC review as well as other substantive and administrative changes.
The two public hearings will be held on:
-- July 27, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Arena, 2-8 Hawley Street, Binghamton, N.Y.
-- July 29, 10:00 a.m., Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, Pa.
Persons planning to present oral testimony at one or both public hearings should provide prior notice, if possible, to Richard Cairo, General Counsel, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102, Phone: 717-238-0423, ext 306, Fax: 717-238-2436, E-Mail rcairo@srbc.net.
The proposed regulatory revisions relate to: projects requiring SRBC review and approval; the Approval-By-Rule provision related to consumptive water uses; transfers of approvals; public notices of applications; diversions into the Susquehanna basin; and other provisions including administrative appeals.
The proposed changes and a summary of the changes are available on SRBC’s website. The changes are open for public comment through August 10. Written comments can be submitted on or before August 10 to Richard Cairo.

Reservations Now Open For Port of Pittsburgh-Ohio River Watershed Celebration

You can now make reservations for the 9th Annual Port of Pittsburgh-Ohio River Watershed Celebration set for September 15 in Pittsburgh, reserve your spot now online.
You can also nominate individuals, groups and local governments for the annual awards program by sending an email to Tom Grote at: tfgrote@verizon.net.
Act now before the boats fill up! Click here to see a summary of last year's events.

Monday NewsClips

Foundation Alleges PennFuture Crosses Line From Educating To Lobbying
Legislative Leaders See Passage Of Gas Severance Tax By Oct. 1
Gas Lease Records A Flash Point
Gas Drill Fees Help Luzerne County's Coffers
Problems Arise At Area Drill Sites
Column: River Basin Protection From Drilling Still Under Water
Expert: Wind Turbines, Disease Cutting Bat Totals
Some Local Officials Oppose Municipal Consolidation Bill
Appalachian Trail Museum To Add Exhibits
Miller Bros. Installing Solar Panels To Heat Building
PEEC Instructor Finds Health In Natural World
Defining Route To Gas Drilling
Mountain Comes Back To Life As Nature Center
Editorial: Stroudsburg Residents Get Help With Rain Gardens
Aug. 11 Workshop-- Interpreting Gas Drilling Water Test Reports
July 27 Marcellus Shale Fracking Forum
Deadline Looming For SE Stormwater Consortium
Gas Lease Records Part Of Right-To-Know Controversy
Questions Remain On Removal Of Culm Bank
Editorial: Flushing Opportunities To Cooperate On Sewers Down Drain

Sunday NewsClips

Control Of House Up For Grabs In Fall Election
Noxen Residents Ready To Embrace Gas Drilling On Their Terms
Drillers Press DRBC To Reconsider Moratorium
Editorial: Must Police Drilling
Editorial: Prohibit Drilling Shortcuts
Farm Group Endorses Holden Chesapeake Bay Bill
Funding Cut For West Nile, Black Fly Programs
Bug Camp Kids Learn About Rachel Carson Homestead
Editorial: Middle Schoolers Rally For The Environment
Wildlife Art At Audubon Fest In Mill Grove
Op-Ed: The Greenest Man Alive Is Mike Duke Of Wal-Mart (Solar Power)

Saturday NewsClips

State Layoff Prospects Look Worse For State Workers
State Drilling Rule Targets Chloride Levels
Editorial: Let Gas Severance Tax Help First Responders
43 Illegal Dump Sites Found In Lebanon County By PA CleanWays
EPA Identifies 29 Schnecksville Homes For Cleanup
$17.5 Million For Steel Heritage Sought
Editorial: Bridge Is Down, But Trail Option Should Stay
Op-Ed: Confessions Of A Bleeding Heart Tree Tender

July 19 PA Environment Digest Now Available

July 19 PA Environment Digest now available. Click here to print this Digest.

DEP Accepting Growing Greener Applications For Remaining Watershed, Flood Project $$

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Projects designed to reduce pollution in watersheds impaired by nonpoint source pollution. Applications are due September 17. (formal notice)
With the Growing Greener II bond funding now spent, the competition for funding will be intense. $6 million will be available for Growing Greener Watershed Projects, $3 million in federal 319 watershed funding and $500,000 for flood control projects.
One example of a special priority area is the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution. Click here to read more...

PA League Of Conservation Voters Told To Stop Soliciting Donations

The Department of State this week published notice in the PA Bulletin directing the officers, principals, employees and contractors of the PA League of Conservation Voters to stop soliciting for donations.
Although the formal notice says "Conservative" Voters, the Department of State confirmed that was a typo and should have been "Conservation" Voters.

DEP Accepting Growing Greener Applications For Remaining Watershed, Flood Project $$

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Projects designed to reduce pollution in watersheds impaired by nonpoint source pollution. Applications are due September 17. (formal notice)
UPDATED: With the Growing Greener II bond funding now spent, the competition for funding will be intense. $6 million will be available for Growing Greener Watershed Projects, $3 million in federal 319 watershed funding and $500,000 for flood control projects.
One example of a special priority area is the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution.
Examples of eligible projects could include reducing nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired; integrating stormwater management and flood protection into watershed management; encouraging the beneficial use of abandoned mine pool water; and water conservation strategies, and projects that will help reduce Total Maximum Daily Load pollutants.
Flood Protection
Through the same application process, applicants can also apply for funding through the Department's Flood Protection Grant Program and Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant. Flood protection grants are for communities that operate and maintain State and Federal flood protection projects. Section 319 Grants focus on funding similar projects to Growing Greener but with special emphasis within targeted watersheds.
UPDATED: PA Environment Digest has posted a copy of the application online.
DEP said it would post more information on the 2010 application process on its Growing Greener webpage.

DEP Soliciting Proposals For Two Alternative Fuel Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the Alternative Fuel Transportation Technology Grant Program. Applications are due August 27. (formal notice)
The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the retrofitting of diesel-powered transit buses in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties under the PA Clean Diesel Grant Program. (formal notice)

Friday NewsClips

Westmoreland Authority To Discuss Gas Well Safety
Editorial: Penalties For Gas Well Blowout Sends Message
Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Wells Are Well Regulated
Natural Gas Driller To Disclose Chemicals Used At Well Sites
Landowners Could Reap $22 Million In Driller's Settlement
Companies Look To Hire As Gas Drilling Take Off
PennDOT Shuts Down Unauthorized Gas Access Driveway
Zoning Needed To Prepared For Natural Gas Drilling
Summer Program Teaches Erie Students About Service, Environment
Academy Of Natural Sciences Helps Study Impact Of BP Spill
Derry Seeks Input For Proposed Parks Project
State Game Lands Dedicated To Heroes Of Flight 93
Event To Link Quecreek Mine Rescue, Flight 93
DRBC Approves Stone Energy Drilling Water Withdrawal
Drilling Discussion To Be Streamed Live Online Today
Drilling Opponents Plan Environmental Awareness Concert, Festival
Homeowner Puts Sun To Work In Warminster
Drought Warnings For Township In Bucks
Neshaminy Creek Pollution Raises Ire Of DEP
Commissioners Approve Schuylkill Burning Ban
Turning Waste To Green
Warren County OKs Stormwater Plan

Somerset Holds 8th Anniversary Of Quecreek Mine Rescue July 24

On July 24 the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation will host the 8th Anniversary of the Quecreek Mine Rescue at the rescue site on the Arnold Farm in Somerset County.
This year the anniversary will link two extraordinary events that happened in Somerset County just months apart-- the crash of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 and the Quecreek Mine Rescue in July of 2002.
"These two events-- the tragic crash of Flight 93 and the miracle of rescuing nine trapped miners at Quecreek-- represent the extremes of our human experience," said Bill Arnold, President of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation. "The loss of innocent life, but the heroism of the passengers as they fought for their lives. The shock of the accident that flooded the Quecreek mine and the miracle of the rescue."
"It is amazing to me these two events happened just miles apart in Somerset County and the public has the opportunity to learn about them both at our Anniversary this year," said Arnold.
The anniversary program will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a presentation by Jeff Reinbold, Project Site Coordinator for Flight 93, at the Flight 93 site. Reinbold will present an overview of plans for the Flight 93 Historic Site and offer a special tour of the site.
Participants will then move to the Arnold Farm and the Quecreek Mine Rescue site at 11:00 to begin the mine rescue portion of the program.
Sponsors of the event include: Somerset Trust and the Somerset Daily American.
“The rescue was a miracle, there’s no other way to describe it,” said Arnold. “People from all over the world have come to learn about the rescue, what coal mining is all about and how everyone worked together to save the lives of the miners.”
On July 24, 2002 miners broke through into an abandoned, water-filled 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.
“The first year after the rescue we were overwhelmed by all the interest—we just ran a dairy farm before all this,” said Arnold. “We are grateful for all the help we receive from the public, our community and many public and private agencies to present the site to the public.”
Now more than 10,000 visitors a year visit the rescue site looking to learn more about the "Quecreek Miracle." The site became part of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Historical Marker Program in 2006.
"We were very pleased this year to become an official affiliate of the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh," said Arnold. "It gives us connections to the largest history museum in Pennsylvania and the potential of telling our story of the miracle at Quecreek to many more visitors."
Contact the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation or make a donation by writing: 151 Haupt Road, Somerset, PA 15501, calling 814-445-4876 or by visiting www.9for9.org.