DEP To Hold Nov. 19 Public Meeting On Blythe Recycling & Demolition Site Landfill Permit Renewal In Schuylkill County

On October 28, Department of Environmental Protection and its Office of Environmental Justice announced the agency will host a November 19 public meeting to answer questions from the public with concerns regarding the Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site (BRADS) in Blythe Township, Schuylkill County. 

The meeting will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Saint Clair Elementary/Middle School located at 227 South Mill St, Saint Clair, PA 17970. 

Representatives from the department will be on hand to answer questions.

BRADS is a construction and demolition waste landfill, currently operating off of Burma Road just East of St. Clair. 

Currently, the department has two applications under review for the facility. BRADS has applied for a renewal of its operating permit. 

The renewal application requests that DEP allow BRADS to continue accepting construction/ demolition waste for an additional 10 years. BRADS has also applied to increase its daily waste acceptance limit from 1,500 tons per day to 3,000 tons per day.

Those wishing to ask questions regarding the facilities are asked to submit a written notice of their questions. 

Those notices can be submitted to: Maria Ocasio, Environmental Justice Coordinator at: mocasio@pa.gov  or can be mailed to the department’s Bethlehem District Office at: 4530 Bath Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18017. 

Written notices will be accepted up until the date of the meeting.

The meeting format will take place as follows: each person will be allowed to ask two questions plus one follow-up question. 

Once attendees have been given the opportunity to ask their questions, and if time allows, each person can ask one final question. 

Individuals who pre-register to ask questions will be given priority on the agenda. 

Those who have not pre-registered to ask questions can sign up at the meeting.

Persons with a disability who wish to ask questions and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation should contact Colleen Connolly, 570-826-2511 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the Department can meet their needs.

Click Here for DEP’s announcement.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Report Emergencies, Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Related Article:

-- DEP To Hold Nov. 14 Public Meeting On 5 Schuylkill County Facilities-- Natural Soil Products, Liberty Soils, Summit Anthracite (Stavola) Mining Site, Rausch Creek Mining Site, CES Landfill  [PaEN] 

[Posted: October 28, 2024]  PA Environment Digest

Pennsylvania Office Of Outdoor Recreation Rolls Out ‘Elevate’ Initiative To Engage Outdoor Businesses; Outdoor Businesses Questionnaire

On October 28, the Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner visited Easton Outdoor Company to announce the launch of Elevate, a new business engagement initiative designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry by engaging directly with the businesses that drive it.

The Elevate initiative will connect with outdoor recreation businesses across the Commonwealth to identify barriers to growth, develop workforce solutions, and highlight Pennsylvania as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and a place where related businesses can thrive. 

Pennsylvania businesses involved in or benefiting from outdoor recreation are invited to complete a brief questionnaire.

This initiative advances Gov. Josh Shapiro's commitment to strengthening Pennsylvania's outdoor industry, delivering on his promise to make Pennsylvania a national leader in outdoor recreation, entrepreneurial opportunity, and job creation.

“Outdoor recreation is already a major economic driver in Pennsylvania and my Administration is working to grow the industry even further by connecting the dots between businesses in the Commonwealth's outdoor recreation economy so they can help each other grow and succeed," Gov. Shapiro said. “This initiative is an example of how our commitment to outdoor recreation can lift up communities, create good jobs, and fuel economic growth across Pennsylvania. Outdoor recreation isn't just about business or economics — it's about our quality of life and enjoying the incredible natural beauty we're lucky to have here in Pennsylvania."

The outdoor recreation industry in Pennsylvania employs more than 164,000 people and contributes $17 billion to the state's economy annually. Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy is vibrant and diverse — from designers, manufacturers, and retailers to distributors, experience providers, and creative professionals — each contributing to a thriving sector.

“Pennsylvania's outdoor industry is a diamond in the rough," Director Reigner said. “Elevate is a vital process that will help us engage outdoor businesses, understand their needs, and support this industry in delivering family-sustaining jobs, innovative products, and exciting services. Together, we can elevate Pennsylvania as a national leader in outdoor recreation."

Businesses benefiting from outdoor recreation include local mainstays like Easton Outdoor Company, national brands like Dick's Sporting Goods and Runner's World magazine, as well as independent guiding and artisanal ventures.

“This business is more than just a gear shop," said Adam Fairchild, owner of Easton Outdoor Company. “Our staff are ambassadors for Pennsylvania's Great Outdoors, and our storefront plays a vital role in Easton's 'Main Street' revitalization. Elevate will strengthen not only our business but also help us serve and grow our community."

“It takes a village to run a successful outdoor business," said Karen Prieto, owner of Twin Rivers Tubing. “With Elevate, we'll have the support of the entire state, making it possible to achieve even greater success for our business, community, and Pennsylvania as a whole."

“Careers in outdoor recreation extend far beyond the service sector," said Bill Strickland, Editorial Director for Hearst Publications Enthusiast Group, publisher of Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics magazines. “We employ numerous creative and technical professionals working at the cutting edge of content creation. Having abundant outdoor opportunities in Easton and the greater Lehigh Valley is key to recruiting and retaining these talented individuals."

The Office of Outdoor Recreation's Growing Outdoor Recreation for Pennsylvania report, released in January, highlighted the need to organize and strengthen Pennsylvania's outdoor industry, an objective that Elevate will address directly. 

The Office coordinates efforts with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Departments of Community and Economic Development and Health, PennDOT, and others, to create a cohesive strategy for the growth and expansion of the outdoor sector.

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting Pennsylvania's businesses and increasing the competitiveness of our industries, including the outdoor sector," said Neil Fowler, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Partnerships, DCED. “By implementing strategies outlined in Pennsylvania's Economic Development Strategy and engaging directly with industries through Elevate, Pennsylvania is empowering businesses to thrive and drawing new entrepreneurs to the Commonwealth."

"Outdoor recreation not only improves the quality of life for residents, but it also brings in tourists who are looking for new experiences," Easton Mayor Salvatore Panto said. "There's a huge opportunity to brand Easton as an outdoor destination that's deeply connected to our community and environment."

In addition, the Shapiro Administration committed the largest investment in public land infrastructure in decades and focused on making Pennsylvania's wealth of natural resources more accessible and inclusive.

To learn more about this new initiative, visit the Elevate Outdoors PA website.

Visit Pennsylvania’s Office of Outdoor Recreation webpage for more information.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

Related Article:

-- DCNR’s Erie Bluffs State Park Inducted Into National Old-Growth Forest Network  [PaEN] 

[Posted: October 28, 2024]  PA Environment Digest

DCNR’s Erie Bluffs State Park Inducted Into National Old-Growth Forest Network

On October 28, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Parks Director John Hallas celebrated the induction of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County into the national Old-Growth Forest Network, an organization that connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected forests.

Erie Bluff's woodlands are the 33rd forest in Pennsylvania to join the OGFN as it works to preserve at least one forest in every county in the U.S. that can sustain a forest. 

The network's mission is to identify forests, ensure their protection from logging, and inform people of the forest locations.

“Erie Bluffs State Park is a tremendous place to visit and I am happy to be here today to celebrate the induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network," said Director Hallas. “This beautiful, pristine park stands out among our wonderful state park system and I am grateful to the network for recognizing the importance of this unique natural space."

Erie Bluffs State Park has nearly 430 acres of forest with the older growth trees occurring near the Lake Erie shoreline and along the Duck Run ravine. 

The diverse canopy includes large oaks and sugar maples and supports other species such as red maple, black cherry, Eastern hemlock, northern red oak, black oak, American hop-hornbeam, tulip poplar, sassafras, pignut hickory, bitternut hickory, black locust, basswood, and the rare pumpkin ash. 

The park also features a rare black oak woodland/savanna, Great Lakes region sand barren ecosystems, and a forested wetland.

“Pennsylvania has a high quantity of protected old-growth forests inducted into the network and the Commonwealth shows its continued commitment to the preservation of old-growth forests and belief in their values," said Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network. “Many people will be able to come and visit this remarkable forest and appreciate its maturity and its role in a healthy regional ecology. This forest is particularly significant in that it benefits the quality of water that finds its way to Lake Erie. Healthy protected forests are closely connected to clean drinking water for the region's residents. Forests truly play a vital role in clean waterways and the water that reaches our homes, offices, and schools."

State Parks like Erie Bluffs, and nearby Presque Isle State Park, offer fantastic outdoor experiences that truly make Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway. 

In addition to its conservation value, Erie Bluffs offers a mile of Lake Erie shoreline, 90-foot bluffs, trails, and fishing at Elk Creek. It is a day-use park, with fishing and boating permitted. Swimming is prohibited at the park.

“This honor bestowed upon Erie Bluffs State Park highlights the richness of our natural resources here in Erie County," said Erie Bluffs State Park Manager Matt Greene. “Presque Isle State Park is often thought of as the place to experience unique natural phenomena. With Erie Bluffs being recognized by the Old Growth Forest Network, it shows that this park is special in its own right, with a completely different ecosystem and experience for the visitors that come here."

All forests are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but old-growth forests are particularly valuable for their unique structure. They retain more carbon and nitrogen than younger forests, improving water and air quality. For more information about old-growth forests, visit DCNR's website.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN currently includes over 257 forests across 39 states. The network also educates the public about the ecological benefits of old-growth forests and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. 

Learn more about Erie Bluffs Old Growth Forest and Old Growth Forest sites in Pennsylvania.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Related Article:

-- Pennsylvania Office Of Outdoor Recreation Rolls Out ‘Elevate’ Initiative To Engage Outdoor Businesses; Outdoor Businesses Questionnaire  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 28, 2024]  PA Environment Digest

PA Turnpike Seeks Partners For Stationary Electric Vehicle Inductive Charging Showcase At Dauphin County Headquarters

The PA Turnpike Commission recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking businesses to develop, install and support a planned stationary Inductive Charging Showcase at its Central Administration Building. 

A milestone on the PA Turnpike’s journey to becoming America’s First Sustainable Superhighway by 2040, the showcase will place wireless electric vehicle charging technology at up to 20 parking spaces, which will be located beneath a solar canopy. 

“We are excited to partner with technology leaders to reinforce the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Today’s announcement builds on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s goals of accelerating mobility and understanding charging systems to better support customers’ needs and the growing demand for electric vehicles.” 

The Inductive Charging Showcase is intended to provide the PA Turnpike with the data and technical insight on charging systems from multiple, wireless charging manufacturers to determine efficient business models, classify inductive charger types and establish best use cases for each product – before publicly testing and deploying the technology. 

Long-range plans include installing inductive charging lanes along the Mon/Fayette Expressway in 2034. 

“On a holiday weekend, the Pennsylvania Turnpike sees 3.5 million travelers on our 565+ mile roadway. You can’t make it from one end of our system to the other without stopping to charge,” said Keith Jack, Director of Facilities Operations and co-chair of the Turnpike’s Sustainability Committee. “Not every vehicle is going to be electric 20 years from now, but a growing number will be. This project provides the background and knowledge to help make our roadway as efficient as possible for our customers.” 

This is one the PA Turnpike’s ongoing investments in renewable energy solutions.

 In 2021, a solar microgrid, with backup natural gas generator, launched at the Greensburg Maintenance Building in Westmoreland County. 

The PA Turnpike aims to install microgrids throughout the system, at interchanges, service plazas and in its right-of-way to reach its goal of energy independence by 2040.  

For more than three decades, the PA Turnpike has made environmental stewardship and sustainability a top priority. 

It was the first state agency to achieve three, consecutive 100% scores from the Commonwealth’s GreenGov Council. 

Its sustainability and stormwater management programs earned two IBTTA Toll Excellence Awards for Social Responsibility. 

To learn more about the PA Turnpike’s goal of becoming America’s First Sustainable Superhighway by 2040, please visit its website. 

Resource Link:

-- PA Turnpike Releases Request For Proposals To Construct Solar Energy Facilities In Its Rights-of-Way; 7,900 Acres Have Solar Potential  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 28, 2024]  PA Environment Digest

PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Host Nov. 12 Webinar On Threatened, Endangered Species Policy Updates

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals will host a November 12 webinar on Threatened and Endangered Species Policies Updates from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

This webinar will provide an update regarding recent and upcoming policy, regulatory and legal developments relating to federal and state protections for threatened and endangered species in Pennsylvania.  

The panelists, Tad Macfarlan and Sam Boden from K&L Gates LLP, will discuss the significance of recent changes to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations implementing the federal Endangered Species Act, evolving protections for the tricolored bat and northern long-eared bat, and potential policy implications of the 2024 election.

Tad Macfarlan is an experienced environmental and land use lawyer and a partner in the firm's global Environment, Land, and Natural Resources practice group. 

Tad's practice focuses on the environmental aspects of project development, transactional, litigation, and government enforcement matters (both civil and criminal). 

His clients include developers and operators of utility-scale wind and solar projects; shale gas production, transmission and electric generation facilities; water and wastewater utilities; mine and quarry operators; hazardous waste processing facilities; other heavy manufacturing and industrial facilities; and financial entities holding or acquiring an interest in such facilities. 

Tad regularly provides advice with respect to the regulatory regimes governing air emissions (including greenhouse gases); wetland and stream protection; wastewater and stormwater discharges; water withdrawals; hazardous wastes and materials; threatened and endangered species; cultural resources and historic properties; and local land use and zoning requirements.

Samuel Boden is an associate in the environment, land, and natural resources group in the Harrisburg office. 

Sam assists a broad range of clients on the environmental aspects of project development, transactions, and government enforcement matters, with a specific focus on renewable energy. 

He counsels clients on compliance under the full suite of environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act (CWA); National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Endangered Species Act (ESA); the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); and state equivalents. 

Sam also monitors novel issues arising under environmental laws relating to solar, wind, hydrogen energy, and carbon capture permitting, regulation of emerging contaminants, and environmental justice considerations.

Click Here to register and for more information.

For more information on programs, initiatives, workshops and other special events, visit the PA Association of Environmental Professionals website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates on PAEP activities or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here to become a member.

[Posted: October 28, 2024]  PA Environment Digest