May 8 PA Environment Digest Now Available

The May 8 PA Environment Digest is now available.  Here are just a few of the headlines--

EPA Still Concerned About DEP Drinking Water Program, Urges Temporary Funding To Hire Staff Sooner

In a letter dated April 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency responded to DEP’s plan to correct deficiencies in the state’s Safe Drinking Program by saying it is “encouraged” by the plan, but said they remain concerned about the ability of DEP to hire staff quickly enough to meet minimum federal inspection and other standards.

Bill On Senate Calendar Would Prevent Funding Crisis In Recycling Program

Legislation now on the Senate Calendar for action when it returns May 8-- Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware)-- would prevent a funding crisis in the state’s Recycling Program by eliminating the expiration date for the Act 101 $2 per ton recycling fee on waste disposed in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill Would Fill Funding Gap In DEP’s Underground Storage Tank Program

Legislation introduced last week by Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee-- Senate Bill 649-- would fill an urgent funding gap in DEP’s Underground Storage Tank Program by authorizing the transfer of an additional $4 million from the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund to pay for administrative expenses.

Sen. Martin Proposes Bill To Impose The Public Costs Of Protests Against Pipelines On The Protesters

Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) Friday announced he will be introducing legislation to impose any public costs for dealing with pipeline or other protests entirely on the individuals doing the protesting or is hosting the protest and convicted of rioting or creating a public nuisance.

Inspectors Find Most PA Farms Trying To Comply With Conservation Regs, But Not All

By Donna Morelli, Chesapeake Bay Journal

On the day of the inspection of the 350 acres he farms, Jay M. Diller drove his skid loader from the barn to meet staff from the district conservation office. The farmer pulled out large files from his desk and got ready.

Brubaker Run Floodplain Restoration Public-Private Project In Lancaster County

Oak Tree Development Group, a Lancaster-based real estate development company, is partnering with East Hempfield Township in Lancaster County on an expansive water quality initiative located within the proposed 98-acre Lime Spring Square commercial development project.

Keep PA Beautiful, Local Affiliates Recognize Outstanding Volunteers, Groups

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and its local affiliates recently recognized volunteers and groups across the Commonwealth for their dedication, commitment and exceptional contributions to keeping Pennsylvania beautiful.

Videos, Materials Available From PEC Deep Decarbonization Conference

Videos of presentations and other materials are now available from the Deep Decarbonization Conference held by the PA Environmental Council in March.

DCNR To Begin Spraying Forests In Gypsy Moth Suppression Effort In 16 Counties

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry will soon begin aerial spraying of forestlands to combat gypsy moth populations poised for spring outbreaks in the eastern and central portions of Pennsylvania, according to DCNR officials.

Share Your Opinions - Take Get Outdoors PA Usage Survey

Here’s your chance to provide suggestions and feedback on recreation opportunities in Pennsylvania by taking the Get Outdoors PA Usage Survey.  The deadline for responses is May 14.

To read the Digest, visit: www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com.  Click Here to view or print the entire Digest.

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates.

PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators'  2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

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Questions?: Send email to David Hess at: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com