NRCS-PA Invites Comments On Chester County Mushroom Composting Water Quality Plan; Oct. 15 Webinar

On September 30, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA invited Chester County residents and other interested individuals to review the draft programmatic Watershed Project Plan to address resource concerns associated with the mushroom composting (MC) industry for five watersheds in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. 

The program would allow MC operators to address existing resource concerns such as nutrient runoff to surface waters and leaching into groundwater. 

If the program is authorized, applicants would seek funds for unique, site-specific conservation practices that work in combination as conservation system(s) to address resource concerns from mushroom compost operations within the identified watersheds.

The proposed program is needed because the composting of residual substrate material can contribute to pollutant loading in downstream surface waterbodies and groundwater. 

Since MC operators typically do not qualify for traditional NRCS Farm Bill Assistance Programs, the proposed action would authorize an NRCS cost-share program to address water resource concerns from MC sites. 

The various alternatives analyzed and proposed for the potential program are described in detail in the plan.

NRCS has partnered with the Chester County Commissioners and the Chester County Conservation District (referred to as sponsors). The agency has worked with these sponsors to develop the plan to implement the program. 

The total estimated program installation cost is estimated to be $12,400,000, of which approximately $9,500,000 would be paid from the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program and $2,900,000 from local funds.

Hard copies of the Watershed Project Plan are available at the Chester County Conservation District in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and at the American Mushroom Institute, Avondale, PA. 

The plan can be viewed during normal operating hours. 

An electronic version is also posted on the Pennsylvania NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program website from now through Oct. 30, 2025.

Oct. 15 Webinar

Additionally, a virtual MS Teams meeting will be held on Oct. 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET to answer questions related to the draft document. Please contact Heather Smeltz at (717) 237-2214 or heather.smeltz@usda.gov for additional meeting information.

Public Comments

The public comment period will end on Oct. 30, 2025 and the final Watershed Project Plan should be completed by December 2025. 

Specific inquiries about this rehabilitation plan can be referred to Heather Smeltz, Assistant State Conservationist for Water Resources, by phone at (717) 237-2214 or heather.smeltz@usda.gov. 

Public comments on the Draft Watershed Project Plan and Programmatic Environmental Assessment addressing resource concerns from mushroom composting in watersheds of southern Chester County should be sent to Heather Smeltz, Assistant State Conservationist for Water Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 359 East Park Drive, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111. 

If your comments are not received by the due date, we will assume you do not wish to comment.

Click Here for the NRCS announcement.

Visit the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service-PA webpage for more information on technical and financial assistance programs.

(Photo: NPR mushroom composting operation.)

Related Article This Week:

-- NRCS-PA Announces Conservation Funding Opportunities For FY 2026, Deadline To Apply Nov. 1  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 30, 2025]  PA Environment Digest

New York Blower Company In Lawrence County Launches New Rooftop Solar Energy System For Its First Fully Sustainable Manufacturing Facility

On September 30, the New York Blower Company in Lawrence County announced it has officially made the switch to solar energy with the help of nonprofit the Pennsylvania Solar Center’s GET Solar Program, which provides free technical assistance and financial guidance to businesses and organizations looking to go solar. 

After a competitive RFP process, NYB hired local solar developer EIS Solar to complete the installation.

The 583-kilowatt solar system was installed on the roof of New York Blower’s facility and is estimated to produce about 667,000 kwh/year, which will offset 100% of the facility’s annual energy usage. 

EIS Solar estimates the system will save the company nearly $541,000 over the next 10 years.

“The New York Blower Company is proud to have had the vision and dedication to make the transition to solar energy, and we look forward to operating our first fully sustainable manufacturing facility,” said Tim Daniels, Vice President of Finance for NYB. “The increasing variability in energy costs have added additional complexities to how we operate. By investing in renewable energy, we’re ensuring stability in our energy costs for the next generation of New York Blower stakeholders.”

“It was a privilege for the PA Solar Center to help guide New York Blower throughout the solar process,” said Leo Kowalski, Director of Transformation at the PA Solar Center. “They are a perfect example of how large consumers of energy can often save thousands to tens of thousands of dollars on their annual electric bills with the help of solar. Going solar is a great way to thwart the rising energy costs we have all been facing, and if more businesses like them and other organizations went solar, we could see a net benefit for all energy consumers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, regardless of whether they are solar consumers or not.”

“Over the past several years, electricity costs have been rising at an uncontrollable rate, which can very much affect the bottom line of large businesses like New York Blower,” said Joe Morinville, President of EIS Solar. “We congratulate nyb for taking action to mitigate their expenses and for having the foresight to take their energy costs into their own hands.”

Solar energy is the fastest growing energy in the country and is saving businesses, nonprofits, communities, and residents thousands of dollars in utility bills. 

Businesses that go solar are hedging against volatile electricity pricing because the cost of solar, once the upfront equipment costs are paid, is nearly free.

Founded in 1889, the New York Blower Company carries one of the most complete product lines in the air- movement industry. 

From axial fans to centrifugal fans, rebuild or replacement jobs, we are constantly adding to our product portfolio and increasing our capabilities. 

Our extensive operations include over 630,000 ft2 of manufacturing space in the United States and the largest Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) accredited laboratory in North America.

The PA Solar Center is a nonprofit organization with the mission to expand the benefits of solar to all Pennsylvanians to ensure a resilient, sustainable, and affordable future. 

The Center offers technical assistance to more than 300 non-profit organizations, schools, businesses, and communities to help them go solar, savvy media communications and online resources for all solar stakeholders, and education for decision-makers and advocates about the benefits of robust solar policy. 

[Posted: September 30, 2025]  PA Environment Digest

Tuesday PA Environment & Energy Articles - NewsClips: 9.30.25

“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.”

-- Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution  [It’s Not A Suggestion]

House Voting Schedule

September 30

October 1, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28, 29

November 17, 18, 19

December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17

-- Committee Schedule

Senate Voting Schedule

October 3 (NV), 6, 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

November 17, 18, 19

December 8, 9, 10

-- Committee Schedule

TODAY’s Calendar Of Events 

WARNING: This Is Budget Season, Watch Out For Anything!

TODAY 10:00: House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee meets to consider House Bill 505 (Donahue-D-Lackawanna) modernizing the Act 129 electric utility energy efficiency program as part of Governor’s Lightning Energy Plan.  Room B-31 Main Capital. 10:00 a.m. Click Here to watch live.

October 1-- Postponed. House Energy Committee holds hearing on  House Bill 1539 (Madsen-D-Dauphin) establishing an Electric School Bus Grant Program. Room G-50 of the Irvis Building. 10:00 a.m. Click Here to watch live.

October 1-- House Game & Fisheries Committee informational meeting on mitigating crop damage from deer in Southwest PA.  Room 515 Irvis Building. 9:00 a.m. Click Here to watch live.

October 1-- DEP  Hearing On Title V Air Quality Permit For Vitro Meadville Flat Glass In Crawford County. DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  10:00 a.m. to Noon

October 6-- Virtual. EPA To Hold Virtual Hearing  [If Requested] On Draft Permit Renewal For A Columbia Gas of PA Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well In Beaver County 

October 6-10--  Virtual. PA Green Gov Council To Mark Commonwealth Sustainability Week With Special Webinars 

-- DEP Moves To Dismiss BCD Properties Appeal Challenging A DEP Letter Advising It Does Not Comply With Waste Regulations Allowing The Disposal Of Its Oil And Gas Wastewater By Road Dumping  [PaEN]

-- KYW: Energy Transfer/Sunoco Starts Pipeline Maintenance Work After Jet Fuel Leak Contaminated Water Wells In Bucks County Beginning In 2023 

-- TribLive Letter: Pollution Coming To Creeks Near You, New Shale Gas Drilling Permits Filed With DEP In Affecting 4 Townships In Allegheny, Butler Counties - By Eric Greisinger, Forest Steward Of Greisinger Family Tree Farm

-- The Center Square Guest Essay: The Shale Gas Solution, Protecting National Security With Domestic Energy Supply - By Lauren Jessop

  

-- Union Of Concerned Scientists Reports 16 A.I./Data Center Electric Transmission Projects In PA Imposed $461.8 Million In Costs On Ratepayers In 2024  [PaEN] 

-- WESA: Dollar Energy Fund Opens For Winter Season With $500 Grants For Heating Aid In Western PA; Peoples Natural Gas Customers Can Also Apply For Assistance

-- Capital & Main - Audrey Carleton: Is The Sun Setting On PA’s Solar Future As President Rescinds $156 Million In PA Solar Funding Blocking Power Production  

-- Utility Dive: Some State Lawmakers Urge PJM To Take Steps So Clean Energy Projects Can Meet Federal Tax Credit Phase Out Deadlines 

-- NRDC, PennFuture, EDF Challenge Order In Federal Court To Keep Aging Eddystone Power Plant Open Passed Its Closing Date In Delaware County

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Is There Opportunity For Population Growth In Pittsburgh’s Outlying Counties? [Shell Petrochemical Plant Increases In Jobs, Gross Domestic Product ‘Do Not Yet Appear In The Data’]

-- Erie Times: Oct. 8 Public Meeting On Future Of Abandoned Erie Coke [Coal] Works Property

-- Inquirer: Bankruptcy Of Re-Match Leaves 11,000 Tons Of Artificial Turf Containing PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Abandoned Across PA

-- The Center Square: PA House Passes Bipartisan Landslide Insurance Bill; State To Step In Where Insurance Companies Step Out

-- PA Capital-Star/Inside Climate News: Chesapeake Bay Program Reaches A Crossroads; PA Remains The Outlier With Decades Of Shortfalls In Curbing Farm Runoff Frustrating Other States

-- Explore Clarion: Clarion Conservation District Holds Oct. 15 Meeting On Assessment Of Canoe Creek Watershed

-- Williamsport Sun: Susquehanna TU Chapter Meeting Oct. 8 To Feature Discussion Of Trout Unlimited Abandoned Mine Reclamation Efforts

-- Morning Call: Northampton County Farmland Preservation Program Reaches 20,000 Acres

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Jeremy Cox: New Preserve, Nature Center To Offer Urban Respite In City Of Lancaster

-- WHYY: Drexel University’s Academy Of Natural Sciences Cuts Museum Hours Over Funding Concerns

-- PA Forestry Association: 139th Forest Symposium Nov. 1 In State College On Wildlife Habitats And The Game Commission  [PaEN] 

-- The Allegheny Front: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden To Use Prescribed Fire In Its Meadow, A First For Allegheny County 

-- Inquirer: PA State Parks Saw 30% Bump In Campground Reservations After President Closed Federal Recreation Sites 

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Karl Blankenship: From Forest To Furnace And Back Again: PA’s Greenwood Furnace State Park In Huntingdon County

-- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader: Improvements To The Pond At Kirby Park Are Underway

-- Inquirer Editorial: Vigilance Needed If President’s Attempts To Rewrite History Of Slavery At Independence Mall Persist

-- Williamsport Sun: How Does Low Water Impact A Fishery?  A Closer Look

-- Williamsport Sun: Reflections In Nature - So What’s The Difference Between Algae And Scum?

Clairton Coke [Coal] Works Explosion

-- TribLive: Carbon Monoxide, Gas Alarms Triggered Before Fatal Explosion At US Steel Clairton Coke [Coal] Works Facility, Authorities Say 

-- Post-Gazette - Anya Litvak: Federal Investigators Zero In On Cast Iron Valve In US Steel Clairton Coke [Coal] Works Explosion 

-- Breathe Project Response To US Chemical Safety Board’s Report On Fatal Explosion At The US Steel Clairton Coke [Coal] Works

A.I. /Data Centers

-- Scranton Times: Archbald Residents Push Back Against Proposed A.I. Data Center Zoning   [PDF of Article] 

-- WNEP: Archbald Residents Voice Opposition To Proposed A.I. Data Center Zoning Law

-- Union Of Concerned Scientists Reports 16 A.I./Data Center Electric Transmission Projects In PA Imposed $461.8 Million In Costs On Ratepayers In 2024  [PaEN] 

-- Capitol Wire: Team Pennsylvania’s Strategy For Data Centers And A.I. Promotes Regional Cooperation

-- Bloomberg: A.I. Data Centers Are Sending Power Bills Soaring, Wholesale Electricity Costs Up As Much As 267%  [PDF of Article] 

-- AP: Regulators Struggle To Keep Up With The Fast-Moving, Complicated Landscape Of A.I. Therapy Apps [PA Mentioned]

Federal Administration

-- Environmental Defense Fund: President’s Subsidies For Costly Coal Saddle Families With High Electric Bills, More Pollution 

-- AP: President’s Administration Opens More Public Land For Coal Mining, Offers $625 Million To Boost Coal-Fired Power Plants

-- Post-Gazette/Bloomberg: President Launches Broad Effort To Help Revive Flagging US Coal; Blocking Clean Energy Projects

-- US Dept. Of Energy Announces $625 Million Investments In Recommission, Retrofit Coal-Fired Power Plants  

PA Politics - Everything Is Connected

-- Tribune-Democrat: Counties, School Boards Call For End To State Budget Stalemate 

-- TribLive: Westmoreland Commissioners [Republicans] Cancel Public Meetings Amid State Budget Crisis 

-- TribLive Editorial: Irish Trip During State Budget Impasse Is Tone-Deaf For Lawmakers 

-- TribLive: As State Budget Impasse Drags On, Proposals Aim To Prevent Future Ones

-- Observer-Reporter: PA Supreme Court Rules [Against] Washington County’s Mail-In Ballot Lawsuit

-- Spotlight PA: The Group Behind Misleading Mailer Targeting The PA Supreme Court Retention Elections 

-- LancasterOnline: Millersville University, Other PA Colleges Targeted In Active Shooter ‘Swatting’ Hoax Sunday  

-- TribLive: Older, Disabled Pennsylvanians Bear Brunt Of Home Care Staffing Crisis

-- Spotlight PA/Next Generation NewsRoom: Parents In Southwest PA Worried About Rising Vaccine Exemption Rates 

-- WESA: Routine Vaccination Rates Continue To Decline Among PA Kindergarteners 

-- WHYY: Montgomery County Offers Free COVID, Flu Vaccines At Community Clinics 

-- York Dispatch Editorial: On Public Health, PA, Other States Are On Their Own [Vaccines, EPA, Education]

-- TribLive/Reuters: President’s Secretary Of Defense Denounces ‘Decades Of Decay’ In Military Caused By Policies Promoting Diversity And Inclusion  

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[Posted: September 30, 2025]  PA Environment Digest