Friday, January 31, 2014

Feb. 3 PA Environment Digest Now Available

The Feb. 3 PA Environment Digest is now available.  Click Here to print entire Digest.

Growing Greener Coalition To Corbett: Protect Environmental Funding

The PA Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, Wednesday issued the following letter to Gov. Corbett urging him to protect funding for critical programs that help, protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and safeguard our historic treasures.
The text of the letter is as follows:
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, thank you for your recent announcement of more than $20 million in grants for watershed protection projects across the Commonwealth.
These grants from the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are important investments in our communities and play a significant role in combating pollution and keeping our drinking water clean.
As you prepare to deliver your budget address next week, the Coalition strongly urges you to protect funding for the Environmental Stewardship Fund as well as for other critical conservation and recreation programs.
In addition to the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, these programs include Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Heritage Areas program.
The Coalition is firmly opposed to any cuts or freezes to these programs, especially at a time when Pennsylvania needs to be investing more money to protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and safeguard our historic treasures – not less.
Consider that:
— The Commonwealth still has 19,000 miles of streams that are unsafe for fishing and swimming.
— More than 2,000 family farms remain on the statewide list for preservation.
— Pennsylvania continues to lose three times as much forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other open spaces to overdevelopment than we are able to preserve.
— Abandoned mines still scar almost 190,000 acres in 44 counties and are the cause of more than 5,000 miles of dead streams.
Also, consider that investments in conservation, recreation, and preservation bolster the economy. A Trust for Public Land study found that for every $ 1 invested in land and water conservation, $7 in natural goods and services is returned to the state of Pennsylvania.
Moreover, investments in parks and open space add billions of dollars to property values and help support Pennsylvania’s tourism and recreation industry.  A report by the Outdoor Industry Association indicates that outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania generates $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue and supports 219,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.  
In addition, conservation funding is an essential component for meeting federal Clean Water Act mandates associated with the Chesapeake Bay Blueprint and the need to reduce pollution in our local rivers and streams.  Failure to meet the requirements to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment according to the Bay Blueprints timeline opens the Commonwealth up to backstops from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  Growing Greener grants are needed for on-the- ground efforts to help meet these mandates.
Lastly, polls show strong, consistent public support for programs that improve our quality of life, boost the economy and protect the environment throughout Pennsylvania. The Growing Greener Environment Stewardship Fund – which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year – has enjoyed strong, bipartisan support from voters, legislators and governors since the beginning.
Please do not change that now.
We recognize the challenges ahead and look forward to working with you and the Legislature to ensure that funding for programs that protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support our parks and trails, and safeguard our historic treasures remains intact.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Andrew Heath, Executive Director
NewsClips:
Gamesa Wind Turbine Plant, Touted By Rendell, McGinty Closing
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DEP Issues Air Quality Action Day Alert For Feb. 1 In Southcentral, Southeast PA

The Department of Environmental Protection and its regional air quality partnerships forecast an Air Quality Action Day for fine particles for Southcentral and Southeastern Pennsylvania on Saturday, February 1.  Click Here for details.
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Governor’s Office Publishes Regulatory Agenda For Next 6 Months

The Governor’s Office published its semi-annual Regulatory Agenda for the next six months in the February 1 PA Bulletin (page 709) outlining pending and planned regulatory changes from the departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources and other state agencies.
Notable regulatory changes include--
Agriculture
-- Clean and Green, Agriculture Conservation Easement Program
-- Pesticide Program fee changes
Conservation & Natural Resources
-- Changes to Native Wild Plant species listings
Environmental Protection
-- Updating Noncoal Mining
-- Water Supply Replacement related to coal mining
-- Updating Remining Requirements
-- Federal coal mining consistency changes
-- Designating Big Run Watershed, Clearfield County unsuitable for coal mining
-- Financial Guarantees for mining reclamation
-- Handling and Use of Explosives
-- Finalizing Chapter 78 drilling regulations
-- Updating Chapter 78 regulations relating to casing, cementing and other requirements
-- Updating underground Coal Mine Safety regulations
-- Revising the Total Coliform Rule in the Drinking Water Program
-- Updating the Nutrient Credit Trading and Offset Program
-- Making changes related to sewage module approvals in HQ, EV watersheds
-- Clarify training requirements in the Sewage Enforcement Officer Program
-- Revising standards for on-lot septic systems, experimental and alternate systems
-- Setting new particulate emission standards
-- Setting new Reasonably Available Control Technology Requirements for NOx, VOC emissions
-- Eliminating the use of Stage II VOC controls at service stations
-- Updating medical and chemotherapeutic waste regulations
-- Updating cleanup standards under the Land Recycling Program
Environmental Hearing Board
-- Finalizing changes in rules of procedure
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Friday NewsClips

Who’s The Greatest Groundhog Of Them All?
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Can It Get Any Better In Pennsylvania: Groundhog Day, Super Bowl On Same Day

The two biggest events of the year will be celebrated on the same day in Pennsylvania-- Groundhog Day where Punxsutawney Phil gives his annual weather forecast from Jefferson County-- 6 more weeks of winter or 6 more weeks until spring (?) and the Super Bowl!
Interestingly, the highest ranking leaders in both the Senate and House hail from Jefferson County-- President Pro Tempore of the Senate-- Joe Scarnati (R)-- and the Speaker of the House-- Rep. Sam Smith (R).
Party On!
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Thursday, January 30, 2014

U.S. Water Partnership Seeks Applications For Water Technology Program

The U.S. Water Partnership is seeking applications for its Exemplar U.S. Water Technology Grant Program to recommend U.S. technologies to be showcased at an event at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC on March 21. Applications are due February 4.
The selected technologies will be featured in front of senior business leaders, U.S. government officials, the news media and civil society leaders through a series of “ignite” presentations and a “marketplace” exhibit.
Attending technology providers would also be offered the opportunity to consult with U.S. government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and to discuss existing U.S. government programs to support commercialization and export assistance.
Click Here for details.
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Thursday NewsClips

Snowy Owl Killed By Plane At Philadelphia Airport
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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

CBF: U.S. House Passes New Farm Bill, Good News For Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker issued this statement regarding a new federal Farm Bill, which was passed Wednesday by the U.S. House of Representatives:
“CBF commends the House for passing a new federal Farm Bill, and we celebrate its strong new conservation program, known as the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. This program will help farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed keep fertilizer on the land and out of the water. It will help them continue to implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.
“We encourage organizations that work with farmers in the region to participate in the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Under this new program, organizations will work with farmers on installing specific agricultural conservation practices that are vital to improving local and downstream water quality.
“We look forward to the Senate speedily passing the bill and particularly thank our senators and representatives in the Bay watershed for ensuring that the Regional Conservation Partnership Program will be a vital tool in reducing pollution to the region’s rivers, streams and the Bay.”
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Growing Greener Coalition To Gov. Corbett: Protect Environmental Funding

The PA Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, Wednesday issued the following letter to Gov. Corbett urging him to protect funding for critical programs that help, protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and safeguard our historic treasures.
The text of the letter is as follows:
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, thank you for your recent announcement of more than $20 million in grants for watershed protection projects across the Commonwealth.
These grants from the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are important investments in our communities and play a significant role in combating pollution and keeping our drinking water clean.
As you prepare to deliver your budget address next week, the Coalition strongly urges you to protect funding for the Environmental Stewardship Fund as well as for other critical conservation and recreation programs.
In addition to the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, these programs include Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Heritage Areas program.
The Coalition is firmly opposed to any cuts or freezes to these programs, especially at a time when Pennsylvania needs to be investing more money to protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and safeguard our historic treasures – not less.
Consider that:
— The Commonwealth still has 19,000 miles of streams that are unsafe for fishing and swimming.
— More than 2,000 family farms remain on the statewide list for preservation.
— Pennsylvania continues to lose three times as much forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other open spaces to overdevelopment than we are able to preserve.
— Abandoned mines still scar almost 190,000 acres in 44 counties and are the cause of more than 5,000 miles of dead streams.
Also, consider that investments in conservation, recreation, and preservation bolster the economy. A Trust for Public Land study found that for every $ 1 invested in land and water conservation, $7 in natural goods and services is returned to the state of Pennsylvania.
Moreover, investments in parks and open space add billions of dollars to property values and help support Pennsylvania’s tourism and recreation industry.  A report by the Outdoor Industry Association indicates that outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania generates $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue and supports 219,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.  
In addition, conservation funding is an essential component for meeting federal Clean Water Act mandates associated with the Chesapeake Bay Blueprint and the need to reduce pollution in our local rivers and streams.  Failure to meet the requirements to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment according to the Bay Blueprints timeline opens the Commonwealth up to backstops from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  Growing Greener grants are needed for on-the- ground efforts to help meet these mandates.
Lastly, polls show strong, consistent public support for programs that improve our quality of life, boost the economy and protect the environment throughout Pennsylvania. The Growing Greener Environment Stewardship Fund – which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year – has enjoyed strong, bipartisan support from voters, legislators and governors since the beginning.
Please do not change that now.
We recognize the challenges ahead and look forward to working with you and the Legislature to ensure that funding for programs that protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support our parks and trails, and safeguard our historic treasures remains intact.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Andrew Heath, Executive Director

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CBF: New Draft Chesapeake Bay Agreement Available For Comment

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President Kim Coble issued this statement Wednesday regarding a proposed new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which was released for public comment by the Chesapeake Bay Program:
“There are a number of elements to celebrate in this new draft Agreement. I am happy to see that the draft holds states accountable to the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, the plan to finish the job of restoring the Bay. However, the draft contains no specific goals to reduce toxic contamination. That is shortsighted.
“CBF is shocked that the new draft Agreement contains no specific goals to reduce toxic contamination.  Twenty years ago the Executive Council debated, then agreed to set a goal of eliminating toxic impacts in the Bay. This draft agreement moves us backward not forward with regard to stopping toxic pollution.
“We are also shocked that this draft Agreement fails to address one of the most critical environmental challenges to our planet – global climate change.  How could this be possible in 2014?
“CBF acknowledges the hard work and commitment that has led to progress in restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams during the past 30 years. There is much about which everyone should feel proud, but there is still more work to do. CBF remains an active and enthusiastic partner to ensure progress continues and the goal of a clean Bay is achieved. We will work steadfastly to ensure the new Bay Agreement enhances and accelerates Bay restoration.”
The draft Chesapeake Bay Agreement and information on how to comment are available online.
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CBF-PA Testifies At House Hearing On Importance Of Stream Buffers

Harry Campbell, PA Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Wednesday presented testimony before the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to stress the importance of streamside forested buffers as a means for improving and protecting the Commonwealth’s most sensitive and pristine waterways.
The Committee met to discuss House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton), which proposes to remove the existing riparian forest buffer requirement for land developments that require erosion and sedimentation control and post-construction stormwater permits when occurring alongside Pennsylvania’s scientifically determined Special Protection Waters.
Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams with the most outstanding water quality, reflected in both water quality chemistry and aquatic life, are afforded the greatest degree of protection, and are designated either High Quality (HQ) or Exceptional Value (EV). Collectively, these streams are often referred to as Special Protection Waters.
“The science is robust, clear, and growing—forested streamside buffers provide a myriad of functions from the protection of drinking water resources to reducing the impacts of flooding, and even support of vital habitat for our economically important game fisheries, said Harry Campbell, CBF Pennsylvania Director. “Establishing or maintaining a streamside forested buffer no less than 150 feet wide for our most pristine streams, is a critical component of reducing pollution and improving water quality.”
For nearly two decades Pennsylvania has invested in restoring streamside forests. Protecting existing forested buffers, while at the same time re-establishing lost buffers, is an integral component of Pennsylvania’s efforts under the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint.
“Without protected and restored streamside forests, the Commonwealth will have difficulty meeting targeted pollution reductions as established in the state Watershed Implementation Plan, and meeting our clean water goals will be far more challenging and costly,” Campbell continued.
Benefits of Buffers
Research has continuously indicated that forested buffers provide significant removal of nonpoint source pollution, such as nitrogen, sediment, and phosphorus—the leading causes of stream degradation in Pennsylvania and the major pollutants impacting the Chesapeake Bay.
While site-specific conditions dictate the effectiveness, many researchers have concluded that buffers can remove upwards of 80 to 90 percent of such contaminants when equal or greater to 100 feet in width.
Forested buffers also help to reduce the costs of treating drinking water. Research has shown that trees play a vital role in maintaining the quality of the water entering drinking water treatment plants and, therefore, reduce the costs of treatment. More than half of all Pennsylvania residents get their drinking water from streams, reservoirs, or lakes, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for every $1 that we invest in protecting water quality at the source – we save $27 – the cost of treating that water to be suitable for drinking.
Another cost worth considering is the real, and the human costs associated with floods. Towns across the Commonwealth have suffered the burden of costly repairs to flood protection systems, such as underground pipes and land-consuming detention or infiltration basins. They have also suffered the aftermath of catastrophic floods.
“Hundreds of small towns throughout the Commonwealth deal with these issues every time it rains,” said Campbell. “Increasing development pressures and impermeable surfaces further exacerbate the issue.”
This is where proactive planning and green infrastructure, like streamside buffers, can greatly assist communities in dealing with stormwater problems. A riparian buffer can help to prevent property damage because they capture, absorb, and store amounts of rainfall up to 40 times greater than disturbed soils, like agricultural fields or construction sites, and 15 times more than a typical suburban lawn.
Research has consistently concluded that because of these benefits, those projects which preserve and restore buffer systems often require less or smaller-sized stormwater infrastructure.
Yet one final benefit of buffers worth noting is simply the added value of having trees in our communities.
Studies have shown that the natural character of communities with trees results in increased property values. As an example, in the Pennypack Park area of Philadelphia, the forested stream buffer network was found to increase adjacent property values by an average of 33 percent, with a net increase of more than $3.3 million in real estate values.
“We believe that the forested buffer requirement under Chapter 102 is vital to assuring our most pristine streams are clean and healthy not only today but for future generations, said Campbell. “No other pollution reduction practice provides so much benefit for so little investment.”
A copy of the testimony is available online.  Click Here for more background on the issue.
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Wednesday NewsClips

Game Commission Keep Deer Hunting Seasons Unchanged
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Intern Wanted: Allegheny Land Trust Seeking Chartiers Creek Intern

The Allegheny Land Trust is accepting applications for the 2014 John Hamm Internship.  This position-- Chartiers Creek Watershed Intern-- is made possible by generous donations from the PA Environmental Defense Foundation and the friends and family of Mr. John Hamm.  Applications are due April 1.  Click Here for details.
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Delaware Highlands: Love For The Land Across The Generations

When Julie Kulak first heard about the Delaware Highlands Conservancy almost a decade ago, she knew she wanted to take action to protect her cherished family land in Wayne County, Pa.
Originally owned by her grandparents, the 86 acres is part of what once was a working dairy farm and is now healthy forestland permanently protected with a conservation easement with the Conservancy.
Julie grew up on the land and fondly remembers a wonderful childhood taking walks through the woods with her mom, field guides in hand, identifying the many different plants and animals they saw.
She remembers picking mushrooms with her dad and grandfather, learning to track animals, and playing in the small waterfall and the stream that runs through the property—a tributary of the Lackawaxen River that eventually flows into the Delaware.
Her love for the property only grew over the years, and though the family no longer lives there, she, her husband Kevin, and their two sons—currently ages 5 and 13—return for visits a few times each year.
Julie relishes the opportunity to share the land with another generation of her family, and they spend a great deal of time exploring the woods and searching for Julie’s favorite feature—the salamanders and frogs that rely on the healthy habitat provided by the stream and forests of the property.
“The thought of anybody coming in and disrupting that kind of beauty or hurting the salamanders—it would break my heart,” Julie explains.
She has worked with a consulting forester to develop a forest management plan for the property, hoping to increase tree and plant species diversity and maintain and enhance the exceptional water quality for the amphibian population and the other wildlife found there.
Just as her own family has enjoyed the land for generations, Julie’s foresight will allow future generations of children and grandchildren to benefit from its protection.
“You have more to gain by protecting the land than by letting others exploit it,” Julie asserts. “My dad had some concerns about the easement at first, but after he realized that the property stays in our name and our family, that we’re just giving up development rights that we weren’t going to use anyway, then he understood and saw it as a wonderful opportunity.”
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works with landowners and communities to protect the healthy lands, clean waters, eagles and other wildlife, and sustainable economies of the Upper Delaware River region.  
For more information, please call 570-226-3164, 845-583-1010, or send an email to: info@delawarehighlands.org.
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DCNR Offers Emerald Ash Borer Community Training Workshops

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has scheduled four Emerald Ash Borer Community Training sessions in central and western Pennsylvania.  The sessions will be held--
Local officials, urban foresters, pesticide applicators, tree care professionals, arborists, landscapers, conservationists and woodland owners would benefit from this program.
Visit DCNR’s Emerald Ash Borer webpage for more information and for tools you can use to spread the word about the Emerald Ash Borer.
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