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Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Sept. 30 PA Environment Digest Now Available
STRONGER Review Of DEP Drilling Program: Well Managed, Some Changes Needed
A 203-page review of DEP’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Program released by the State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations (STRONGER) this week found Pennsylvania’s program is “well-managed, professional and meeting its program objectives.”
At the same time, the group said DEP needs to develop a standardized way of tracking violations and enforcement actions, should develop a consistent method to determine surface casing depths to protect groundwater and develop guidance for pre-drilling water sampling.
The STRONGER voluntary and independent review program has conducted four other reviews of Pennsylvania’s program, this most recent review was done in May by a panel including industry, government and environmental representatives.
The STRONGER report also identified several strengths in Pennsylvania’s Program--
-- Staff Resources: Commended DEP for increasing its staff and resources to address additional permitting, inspection and enforcement activities as well as noting the passage of new legislation (Act 13 of 2012) to distinguish regulation of Marcellus Shale and conventional oil and gas wells.
-- Abandoned Wells: DEP was commended for their public participation activities associated with the abandoned sites program. Public participation activities with respect to abandoned wells have been occurring for many years by local individuals and environmental groups. These groups have been especially proactive in searching for abandoned oil and gas wells. Two such groups are the PA Senior Environmental Corp, who searched for abandoned wells in Oil Creek State Park in Venango County and “Save Our Streams PA,” who is involved in finding abandoned wells in Potter and McKean Counties.
-- Radiation Study: The report noted DEP’s comprehensive study of radiation levels specifically associated with Marcellus Shale well development (TENORM study) now underway is the first of its kind in the nation.
-- Stormwater Management: Commended DEP for its stormwater management program and the adoption of a new stormwater management policy that relies on the use of Best Management Practices for the control of erosion and sedimentation at drilling and related sites.
-- Hydraulic Fracturing Program: DEP was commended for its hydraulic fracturing program. Standards for well casing and cementing require that the operator conduct those activities to control the well at all times, prevent migration of gas or other fluids into sources of fresh groundwater; and prevent pollution of fresh groundwater. The report noted the well completion report requirements and chemical disclosure requirements exceed public disclosure and reporting requirements of the STRONGER Guidelines.
DEP Reaction
“This review demonstrates that the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania is matched by world-class oil and gas management and regulations,” DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “Pennsylvanians can be assured that DEP is protecting their health and environment while oil and gas operations continue to grow.
“This STRONGER review is a very positive reflection on the shared commitment of Gov. Corbett and the members of the General Assembly who have worked hard to adopt environmental standards that are now national standards,” added Abruzzo. “DEP’s Office of Oil and Gas Management will be working to implement STRONGER’s recommendations to further protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources.”
PEC Disagrees: Drilling Industry Says Rules Are Regulations For Regulations Sake
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council takes issue with comments attributed to Katherine Klaber, outgoing president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, who was quoted as saying, "The pendulum has swung to regulation for the sake of regulation” at this week’s Marcellus Shale Insight Conference in Philadelphia. (Source: EnergyWire, September 26, 2013 article by Mike Soragham.)
The following statement was issued by Paul King, President of the PA Environmental Council--
“The idea that regulation of the shale gas industry is some sort of exercise is ill-advised and baseless. PEC and many other organizations have spent years working to ensure that responsible and effective legislative and regulatory measures are enacted that will protect Pennsylvanians and the environment.
“The development of shale gas in Pennsylvania is complicated and not only presents opportunities for economic benefits as well as some environmental benefits in fuel switching, it also directly impacts Pennsylvania’s lands, water, air and communities.
“PEC has worked with a broad array of stakeholders - including industry - over the last four years to understand and work to address the impacts of unconventional shale development. While the proposed regulations are not perfect, in fact we believe they can be further improved, they greatly strengthen Pennsylvania’s ability to manage the development of the unconventional shale gas industry. Indeed, many of the proposed regulations have been endorsed by members of the MSC through the recommendations of the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, whose report provided part of the framework for Act 13.
“Act 13 was the result of more than two years of deliberation. Enactment of regulations to realize the new protections afforded by Act 13 won't take place until two years or more of in depth collaboration and discussions after passage of the law. Industry has been heavily involved in every step of that dialog. To characterize this as an onslaught of regulation is severely misguided and not at all accurate.
“The idea of “regulation for the sake of regulation” needs to be dismissed out of hand and replaced with the understanding that the DEP and all stakeholders are working hard to develop regulations that balance the complicated and often competing demands of environmental protection and economic development.”
For more information, visit PEC’s Marcellus Shale webpage.
STRONGER Review Of DEP Drilling Program: Well Managed, Changes Needed
A 203-page review of DEP’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Program just released by the State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations (STRONGER) found Pennsylvania’s program is “well-managed, professional and meeting its program objectives.”
At the same time, the group said DEP needs to develop a standardized way of tracking violations and enforcement actions, should develop a consistent method to determine surface casing depths to protect groundwater and develop guidance for pre-drilling water sampling.
The STRONGER voluntary and independent review program has conducted four other reviews of Pennsylvania’s program, this most recent done in May by a panel including industry, government and environmental representatives.
The STRONGER report also identified several strengths in Pennsylvania’s Program--
-- Staff Resources: Commended DEP for increasing its staff and resources to address additional permitting, inspection and enforcement activities as well as noting the passage of new legislation (Act 13 of 2012) to distinguish regulation of Marcellus Shale and conventional oil and gas wells.
-- Abandoned Wells: DEP was commended for their public participation activities associated with the abandoned sites program. Public participation activities with respect to abandoned wells have been occurring for many years by local individuals and environmental groups. These groups have been especially proactive in searching for abandoned oil and gas wells. Two such groups are the Senior Environmental Corp, who searched for abandoned wells in Oil Creek State Park in Venango County and “Save Our Streams PA,” who is involved in finding abandoned wells in Potter and McKean Counties.
-- Radiation Study: The report noted DEP’s comprehensive study of radiation levels specifically associated with Marcellus Shale well development (TENORM study) now underway is the first of its kind in the nation.
-- Stormwater Management: Commended DEP for its stormwater management program and the adoption of a new stormwater management policy that relies on the use of Best Management Practices for the control of erosion and sedimentation at drilling and related sites.
-- Hydraulic Fracturing Program: DEP was commended for its hydraulic fracturing program. Standards for well casing and cementing require that the operator conduct those activities to control the well at all times, prevent migration of gas or other fluids into sources of fresh groundwater; and prevent pollution of fresh groundwater. The report noted the well completion report requirements and chemical disclosure requirements exceed public disclosure and reporting requirements of the STRONGER Guidelines.
A complete copy of the report is available online.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
PEC Disagrees: Drilling Industry Said Rules Are Regulations For Regulations Sake
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council takes issue with comments attributed to Katherine Klaber, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, who was quoted as saying, "The pendulum has swung to regulation for the sake of regulation” at this week’s Marcellus Shale Insight Conference in Philadelphia. (Source: EnergyWire, September 26, 2013 article by Mike Soragham.)
The following statement was issued by Paul King, President of the PA Environmental Council--
“The idea that regulation of the shale gas industry is some sort of exercise is ill-advised and baseless. PEC and many other organizations have spent years working to ensure that responsible and effective legislative and regulatory measures are enacted that will protect Pennsylvanians and the environment.
“The development of shale gas in Pennsylvania is complicated and not only presents opportunities for economic benefits as well as some environmental benefits in fuel switching, it also directly impacts Pennsylvania’s lands, water, air and communities.
“PEC has worked with a broad array of stakeholders - including industry - over the last four years to understand and work to address the impacts of unconventional shale development. While the proposed regulations are not perfect, in fact we believe they can be further improved, they greatly strengthen Pennsylvania’s ability to manage the development of the unconventional shale gas industry. Indeed, many of the proposed regulations have been endorsed by members of the MSC through the recommendations of the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, whose report provided part of the framework for Act 13.
“Act 13 was the result of more than two years of deliberation. Enactment of regulations to realize the new protections afforded by Act 13 won't take place until two years or more of in depth collaboration and discussions after passage of the law. Industry has been heavily involved in every step of that dialog. To characterize this as an onslaught of regulation is severely misguided and not at all accurate.
“The idea of “regulation for the sake of regulation” needs to be dismissed out of hand and replaced with the understanding that the DEP and all stakeholders are working hard to develop regulations that balance the complicated and often competing demands of environmental protection and economic development.”
The Marcellus Shale Coalition was founded in 2008 and speaks for exploration and production, midstream, and supply chain partners in Pennsylvania regarding the production of natural gas.
For more information, visit PEC’s Marcellus Shale webpage.
Marjorie Hughes Retiring, DEP Citizens Advisory Council Seeks Executive Director Candidates
Marjorie Hughes has announced her retirement as Executive Director of the DEP Citizens Advisory Council effective in January 2014.
Hughes has more than 37 years of state and local government experience in environmental and transportation public policy development and program implementation. She has served as DEP’s regulatory coordinator as well as an executive assistant and special assistant to several deputy secretaries and chief of several programs at DEP and the Department of Transportation.
Hughes is a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a multi-disciplinary bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, planning and conservation. She earned a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.
She succeeded Sue Wilson, who retired in December 2011 after serving as executive director for 19 years.
CAC Seeking Candidates
DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council has initiated a search for a new executive director. The deadline for submitting resumes and a letter of interest is October 9.
Interested applicants should submit their information to: Chairperson, Citizens Advisory Council, PO Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
The Council is a 19-member independent board responsible for performing non-partisan, independent oversight of the operations, management and policy of the Department of Environmental Protection; evaluating environmental issues and laws; participating in the development of environmental regulations; and providing advice concerning environmental matters to the Department, the Governor, and the General Assembly.
The position requires extensive knowledge of current environmental issues, the work of DEP, and the organization and function of the state executive and state legislative branches. Excellent communication, consensus building and office management skills required. Preference will be given to applicants with six years of progressively responsible experience developing, promoting and administering environmental policy and a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a field related to the work of DEP.
Click Here for the formal job announcement. Click Here for the formal job description. To submit information electronically, send email to: mahughes@pa.gov. Questions may be directed to Marjorie Hughes at 717-787-4527 or send email to: mahughes@pa.gov.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
DCNR Urges Participation In National Public Lands Day Sept. 28
Volunteers will have the opportunity to improve state parks by taking part in National Public Lands Day events across Pennsylvania on September 28, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti announced Wednesday.
“Each year National Public Lands Day brings together more than 150,000 volunteers across the nation to refurbish and restore public places,” Ferretti said. “More than 20 of our state parks will be participating as volunteers, donning work gloves and boots and tackling an array of important projects.”
Marking its 18th year and billed as the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance public lands in America, National Public Lands Day is offered by the National Environmental Education Foundation to encourage and salute public contributions in parks, forests and open lands.
“Whether it’s trail maintenance at Centre County’s Black Moshannon State Park, or tree plantings at Tobyhanna State Park in Monroe County, National Public Lands Day gives each of us a chance to contribute to the betterment of our public lands for this and future generations of Americans,” Ferretti said. “This Saturday, local volunteers will have a unique chance to give something back to their communities. I encourage everyone to consider lending a helping hand.”
This year, 21 state parks and one environmental education center will host volunteer groups as part of National Public Lands Day.
Project details, registration, participating parks, and other information can be found online.
DCNR will oversee volunteer workdays at the following participating sites in Pennsylvania:
-- Black Moshannon State Park, Centre County;
-- Chapman State Park, Warren County;
-- Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County;
-- Cowans Gap State Park, Fulton County;
-- Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon County;
-- Jennings Environmental Education Center, Butler County;
-- Keystone State Park, Westmoreland County;
-- Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County;
-- Little Buffalo State Park, Perry County;
-- Maurice K. Goddard State Park, Mercer County;
-- Nescopeck State Park, Luzerne County;
-- Nockamixon State Park, Bucks County;
-- Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County;
-- Oil Creek State Park, Venango County;
-- Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County;
-- Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Cumberland County;
-- Presque Isle State Park, Erie County;
-- Prince Gallitzin State Park, Cambria County;
-- Promised Land State Park, Pike County;
-- Ryerson Station State Park, Greene County;
-- Sinnemahoning State Park, Cameron County; and
-- Tobyhanna State Park, Monroe County.
To participate at one of the state parks, contact that park’s offices before September 28, to pre-register and inquire about possible inclement weather, starting times, meetings places and other details.
The National Environmental Education Foundation, which has managed and coordinated the annual all-day effort from its start in 1994, estimates that the volunteers’ work, along with community contributions of food, tools and equipment, will result in improvements valued at more than $8 million.
For information about volunteering in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forest lands throughout the year, visit DCNR’s Conservation Volunteer Program webpage..
For details on Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks, call 1-888-PA-PARKS between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; or visit DCNR’s State Parks webpage.
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