Dominion Resources Accepting Applications For Environmental Stewardship Grants

Dominion Resources is now accepting applications for $1.2 million in new Environmental Stewardship Grants within its service territory.  The deadline for applications is March 2.

In Pennsylvania, the service territory includes: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Dauphin, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Tioga, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

"Funding meaningful projects that encourage the understanding, appreciation and preservation of our environment is a key focus for us," said Pamela Faggert, chief environmental officer for Dominion. "We are looking forward to partnering with even more non-profit organizations across our footprint."

Dominion will consider grant requests that focus on one or more of the following priorities: Protecting and preserving natural habitats; Monitoring and enhancing water quality; Preventing pollution and improving open spaces; Making nature accessible; and Educating the public about environmental stewardship.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available.

For all the details, visit the Dominion Resources Environmental Stewardship Grants Program webpage.

DEP Clarifies Purpose Of Feb. 25 Permit Hearing On Wellsboro Johnston Airport

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday clarified the purpose of a February 25 public meeting and hearing to discuss an NPDES permit application and site-specific approval submitted by Clean Earth Inc. for the proposed Wellsboro Johnston Airport project in Tioga County.

The public meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7:30 p.m., on February 25, at the Wellsboro Fire Department Annex, 21 East Ave., Wellsboro.

“Contrary to published reports, this meeting and hearing is not about expansion of the airport runway, and DEP’s Jan. 15 news release clearly stated that, if approved, treated drill cuttings could only be used as fill to support construction of a hanger and nowhere else on the property in this phase of the project,” DEP Northcentral Regional Director Marcus Kohl said.

Kohl added that the current site-specific DEP approval required under Clean Earth’s Research and Development General Permit is limited to that specific use.

“Any use of treated drill cuttings as fill for the runway expansion will require a separate request from Clean Earth and approval by our Waste Management program so we will not be discussing this issue on Feb. 25,” Kohl said.

If the company does make that request at some point in the future, Kohl said DEP would consider holding another public meeting and hearing so residents can provide input.

DEP said in its release, more information was available on the Northcentral Office’s Community Information webpage or by calling 570-327-3636.

Punxsutawney Phil’s Home County Joins Clean Water Counts! Initiative

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA applauds the Jefferson County Commissioners for adopting a Clean Water Counts! resolution calling on state officials to make clean water a top priority for the Keystone State.  

Since launching this initiative, Berks, Luzerne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Fayette, Cumberland, Washington, Erie, Greene, and now Jefferson counties have all joined the effort and have passed resolutions.

“Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on clean water,” said Harry Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive Director. “We applaud and thank the Jefferson County Commissioners for publicly voicing their support for clean water in the Keystone State.”

CBF embarked on the Clean Water Counts campaign in response to the Department of Environmental Protection’s most recent statewide surface waters assessment. The results show that of the 86,000 miles of waterways flowing through the Commonwealth, nearly 20,000 miles are polluted. DEP also reported that the top pollution sources are agricultural and urban/suburban runoff, and abandoned mine drainage.

Some 1,215 miles of waterways flow through Jefferson County, but unfortunately nearly 200 of those miles are polluted. The leading cause of pollution is abandoned mine drainage, polluting 173 miles of rivers and streams.

(Photo: Red lines are impaired waterways.)

Through public education and engagement, CBF is hoping to increase awareness of water pollution issues, like those in Jefferson County and elsewhere in the Keystone State. The goal is to urge state officials to make clean water a priority and commit the needed funding and programs to ensure that the waters that we rely on—for drinking and household uses, recreation, and to grow our food—all meet clean water standards.

In addition to calling on local officials to pass resolutions, CBF is asking residents to show their support by signing the Clean Water Counts online petition. It takes only a few minutes, but signatures will go a long way toward demonstrating the importance of clean water to our elected officials.

To learn more, visit CBF-PA’s Clean Water Counts! webpage.

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Somerset County Man Dies In Coal Mine Accident

Wolf Signs Order Barring Drilling In State Forests, Parks

Wolf Signs Order Banning New Drilling In Public Lands

Wolf Signs Ban On New Drilling Under State Land

PA Governor Bars New Drilling In State Parks, Forests

Drilling Ban Praised By Environmental Groups

Penn State To Host Marcellus Shale Classes In Lancaster

Farm Bill Helps Improve Water Quality In Delaware

Casey: $95M Set Aside For Delaware River Deepening

Lawsuits Take Aim At Factory Farm Air Pollution

Philly Schoolyard Becomes Model For Play, Sustainability

Living In A Groundhog’s Shadow

Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle

Click Here  for PA Capitol Digest NewsClips

Save The Date: PA League Of Women Voters Honor Franklin L. Kury April 7

The PA League of Women Voters will honor former Senator Franklin L. Kury (D-Northumberland) and author of the Environmental Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution at a reception on April 7 at the Colonial Ridge Country Club, 4901 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg.

The Environmental Rights Amendment says, “"The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people."

The amendment was adopted in 1971 by popular vote by a four to one margin.  Click Here to read a history of the amendment by Kury published in the PA Environment Digest in 2008.

Kury served in the House from  1967 to 1972 and in the Senate from 1972-1980 and his legislative career focused mainly on environmental issues, such as clean streams, air pollution, soil conservation, and waste disposal.  He stated on the House floor that “the real capital of the Nation and Our State is its God-given natural resources.”

Click Here for a summary of Franklin Kury’s book: Clean Politics, Clean Streams: A Legislative Autobiography and Reflections.

Registration information will be posted on the PA League of Women Voters in the near future.

Nature Conservancy Receives Grant To Cleanup Cumberland County Trout Stream

The PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy has been awarded a Growing Greener grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to restore water quality and fish habitat in a half-mile segment of Tom's Run.

This grant is one of more than 100 recently announced by DEP, with $23.2 million being invested in water quality throughout the Commonwealth.

Tom’s Run, a High Quality trout stream, originates in the Michaux State Forest of South Mountain and flows into the Yellow Breeches, in Cumberland County. The stream is important for its High Quality water, but this particular stretch has added historical importance as well.

"TNC and our partners would like to thank DEP,” said Sara Nicholas, Watershed Restoration Manager for TNC. “This grant will enable us and our partners to improve the overall condition of the stream, and will result in healthier fish and other aquatic species in Tom’s Run.”

Historically, many stories link back to this small area along Tom’s Run, known as Camp Michaux. The site had been used for farming and iron industry operations, dating back to the late 1700’s.

In the 1930’s Tom’s Run was diverted for daily water uses, and to fill a concrete recreational swimming pool. At that time it became the first Civilian Conservation Corp Camp operated on state land. Later, in the 1940’s, the U.S. Army converted the site and used it to house and interrogate World War II German and Japanese POWs.

Today the concrete diversion system blocks trout and other fish species from moving upstream, and the swimming pool is filled with sediment. The project work will remove the concrete structures and restore the natural channel and flow of the stream.

In addition to restoring one-half mile of water quality and fish habitat in Tom’s Run, the work will also transform the swimming pool into a two acre wetland which will further improve water quality while also providing habitat for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.

A major partner in the effort, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is providing in-kind engineering services and matching funds.  Other partners include PA Trout Unlimited, and the Fish and Boat Commission. Additionally, TNC will be working with local historic groups to develop interpretive signage that will add historic interpretation to the site.

For more information on activities in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy webpage.

Solarize Allegheny Kicks Off In Point Breeze Pittsburgh Feb. 8

Solarize Allegheny, a community-supported solar campaign, will officially launch with a kick off celebration in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Pittsburgh on February 8 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Pino’s Restaurant, 6738 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh.

Local dignitaries, including Councilman Dan Gilman and representatives from Mayor Bill Peduto’s office will be attending to show support of the program.  A brief presentation about the program will be offered along with appetizers and a cash bar.

The goal of Solarize Allegheny is to double the number of installations across the County in just two years.

In addition to a robust on-the-ground outreach campaign, Solarize Allegheny will also incorporate a valuable online tool for residents and businesses that helps them connect directly to local, pre-screened, qualified solar installers who will offer competitive bids, guidance and help them get solar on their homes and businesses.

The Point Breeze Organization is the lead partner for Solarize Allegheny’s local campaign -- Solarize Point Breeze. “Point Breeze is a gem of a neighborhood and we are now shining brighter with this solar initiative,” said Larry Gerson, president, Point Breeze Organization.

Phase 1 of Solarize Allegheny launches in Point Breeze, and will be closely followed by three other communities.  Each campaign will run for the next 20 weeks. Phase 2 of Solarize Allegheny will likely start in another four to five communities in late Spring of 2015.

The Solarize Allegheny program is an offshoot of the very successful Solarize model that the award-winning non-profit organization SmartPower has brought to other states across the country. The program has helped dramatically increase the adoption of solar in participating communities.

Financing offerings, including zero down loans, now provide homeowners with the ability to go solar with no money upfront and will save them thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system.

For those with qualifying incomes, the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority offers a 0 percent interest loan which can be used for solar and energy efficiency, which brings down the cost of solar to much less than what people are paying every month for their electric bill.

"I'm pleased to support Solarize Allegheny's effort to double the number of solar installations throughout the County," said Councilman Dan Gilman. "I'm especially happy to see Point Breeze lead the way in showing residents the true viability of solar energy."

“With homeowners facing increasingly high costs to run their homes, they are looking for ways to reduce costs and make it more affordable for them to stay in their homes for years to come,” said Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “Solar does just that – while also providing all the environmental benefits we all know so well. We couldn’t be more proud to bring the successful Solarize program to Allegheny County.”

Workshop

A Solarize Point Breeze workshop will also be held on February 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the St. Bede School Cafeteria, 690 Edgerton Ave, in Point Breeze, that will provide Point Breeze home and business owners with a chance to learn more about the benefits of going solar and to meet the selected solar installers.

Registration for both events can be found online.

Solarize Allegheny is made possible through support from the Heinz Endowments and the non-profit organization, SmartPower, as well as from volunteers from the Point Breeze Organization who are spearheading this effort in their community.

For more information, visit the Solarize Allegheny website or contact Sharon Pillar, SmartPower Vice President, by sending email to: spillar@smartpower.org.

House Schedules Hearings On State Budget

The House Appropriations Committee Thursday announced the schedule of hearings on the FY 2015-16 state budget.--

March 9-- 10:00- Independent Fiscal Office/Economic & Revenue Outlook.

March 11-- 9:30- Public Utility Commission, 11:00- PUC Consumer Advocate and Small Business Advocate, 1:00- Department of Environmental Protection.

March 16-- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 3:00- Emergency Management Agency/Fire Commissioner.

March 17-- 9:30- Department of Transportation.

March 25-- 11:00- Department of Agriculture.

March 26-- 9:30- Budget Secretary-Office of the Governor, 1:00- House Member Testimony.

All hearings will be in Room 140 of the Main Capitol. Click Here for the entire schedule.

Countdown To Cleanup: 701 Days To Meet PA 2017 Stream Cleanup Milestones

Pennsylvania has 701 days to put the best management practices on the ground needed to eliminate 10 million pounds of nitrogen and 212 million pounds of sediment from going into our rivers and streams to meet the 2017 Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones.

Last June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported Pennsylvania exceeded its 2013 Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestone for phosphorus by 242,000 pounds, but fell short in meeting the nitrogen goal by 2 million pounds and sediment reduction milestone by nearly 116 million pounds.

If Pennsylvania does not meet the 2017 milestones, EPA has the authority to impose additional reduction requirements directly on wastewater treatment plants and set additional controls on farmland and stormwater runoff.

For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint webpage.