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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa September 30, 2013
STRONGER Review Of DEP Drilling Program: Well Managed, Some Changes Needed
A 203-page review of DEPs Oil and Gas Regulatory Program released by the State Review of Oil
and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations (STRONGER) this week found Pennsylvanias program is
well-managed, professional and meeting its program objectives.
At the same time, the group said DEP needs to develop a standardized way of trackingviolations and enforcement actions, should develop a consistent method to determine surface casing
depths to protect groundwater and develop guidance for pre-drilling water sampling.
The STRONGER voluntary and independent review program has conducted four other reviews
of Pennsylvanias program, this most recent review was done in May by a panel including industry,
government and environmental representatives.
The STRONGER report also identified several strengths in Pennsylvanias Program--
-- Staff Resources: Commended DEP for increasing its staff and resources to address additional
permitting, inspection and enforcement activities as well as noting the passage of new legislation (Act 13
of 2012) to distinguish regulation of Marcellus Shale and conventional oil and gas wells.
-- Abandoned Wells: DEP was commended for their public participation activities associated with the
abandoned sites program. Public participation activities with respect to abandoned wells have beenoccurring for many years by local individuals and environmental groups. These groups have been
especially proactive in searching for abandoned oil and gas wells. Two such groups are the PA Senior
Environmental Corp, who searched for abandoned wells in Oil Creek State Park in Venango County
and Save Our Streams PA, who is involved in finding abandoned wells in Potter and McKean
Counties.
-- Radiation Study: The report noted DEPs comprehensive study of radiation levels specifically
associated with Marcellus Shale well development (TENORM study) now underway is the first of its
kind in the nation.
-- Stormwater Management: Commended DEP for its stormwater management program and the
adoption of a new stormwater management policy that relies on the use of Best Management Practices
for the control of erosion and sedimentation at drilling and related sites.-- Hydraulic Fracturing Program: DEP was commended for its hydraulic fracturing program.
Standards for well casing and cementing require that the operator conduct those activities to control the
well at all times, prevent migration of gas or other fluids into sources of fresh groundwater and prevent
pollution of fresh groundwater. The report noted the well completion report requirements and chemical
disclosure requirements exceed public disclosure and reporting requirements of the STRONGER
Guidelines.
A complete copy of the report is available online.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-92195%2F800-2100-008.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmBYXPqBx0_c2yx9Okk1gB4HoBJQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fsaveourstreamspa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYuDzCoqbMhJhGs1TcRGsESD9o1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.natureabounds.org%2FSEC.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfcneH7u7JGiZPvLoOeRZ_N_vWwghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_13&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG71wE1JHNDARvZS8zCaDDzbrz0Cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.strongerinc.org%2Fcontent%2Fpennsylvania&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG6QeRtE7Ma8mfFx16Il8FIyBdf1Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.strongerinc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqksI5dok9NFzn3gTq31_4XnWonAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstrongerinc.org%2Fsites%2Fall%2Fthemes%2Fstronger02%2Fdownloads%2FFinal%2520Report%2520of%2520Pennsylvania%2520State%2520Review%2520Approved%2520for%2520Publication.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOfdyuTd_NmRFA3h9Mu4SXOTo8Iwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstrongerinc.org%2Fsites%2Fall%2Fthemes%2Fstronger02%2Fdownloads%2FFinal%2520Report%2520of%2520Pennsylvania%2520State%2520Review%2520Approved%2520for%2520Publication.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOfdyuTd_NmRFA3h9Mu4SXOTo8Iwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstrongerinc.org%2Fsites%2Fall%2Fthemes%2Fstronger02%2Fdownloads%2FFinal%2520Report%2520of%2520Pennsylvania%2520State%2520Review%2520Approved%2520for%2520Publication.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOfdyuTd_NmRFA3h9Mu4SXOTo8Iwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-92195%2F800-2100-008.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmBYXPqBx0_c2yx9Okk1gB4HoBJQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D24468&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFR79rPCSjwAwW8FDxvmiz00PpMJQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fsaveourstreamspa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYuDzCoqbMhJhGs1TcRGsESD9o1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.orgsites.com%2Fpa%2Fvenangopasec%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFd_teHOQbt_Frr58DIZ-xlnFboVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.natureabounds.org%2FSEC.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfcneH7u7JGiZPvLoOeRZ_N_vWwghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.natureabounds.org%2FSEC.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfcneH7u7JGiZPvLoOeRZ_N_vWwghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_13&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG71wE1JHNDARvZS8zCaDDzbrz0Cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_13&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG71wE1JHNDARvZS8zCaDDzbrz0Cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.strongerinc.org%2Fcontent%2Fpennsylvania&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG6QeRtE7Ma8mfFx16Il8FIyBdf1Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.strongerinc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqksI5dok9NFzn3gTq31_4XnWonAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstrongerinc.org%2Fsites%2Fall%2Fthemes%2Fstronger02%2Fdownloads%2FFinal%2520Report%2520of%2520Pennsylvania%2520State%2520Review%2520Approved%2520for%2520Publication.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOfdyuTd_NmRFA3h9Mu4SXOTo8Iwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ7/28/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 30, 2013
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DEP Reaction
This review demonstrates that the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania is matched by
world-class oil and gas management and regulations, DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said.
Pennsylvanians can be assured that DEP is protecting their health and environment while oil and gas
operations continue to grow.
This STRONGER review is a very positive reflection on the shared commitment of Gov.Corbett and the members of the General Assembly who have worked hard to adopt environmental
standards that are now national standards, added Abruzzo. DEPs Office of Oil and Gas
Management will be working to implement STRONGERs recommendations to further protect
Pennsylvanias natural resources.
NewsClips:
Battle Brewing: Gas Drillers vs. Endangered Species
Lt. Gov. Criticizes AG For Prosecution Of Drilling Company
Plenty Of Water For Drilling Industry, PA Needs Better Rules
Connoquenessing Residents Claim Drilling Contamination
Butler Community Blames Water Problems On DrillingSite Of Fracking Spill Focus Of Fierce Legal Battle
Allegheny County Invites Proposals For Deer Lakes Park Drilling
Allegheny County Seeks Drilling Proposals For Deer Lakes Park
As Gas Well Permits Decline, Wastewater Reuse Plateauing
Range Resources Looks To Settle Townships Legal Claims
Even Without Drilling, Fracking Has Impact On Delaware
Well Pad Construction Clears Trees, But Not Making It To Market
Attorney Challenges Natural Gas Lease Settlement
Anti-Fracking Report Issued By Penn Environment, PennFuture
Groups Calculate Social Cost Of Natural Gas Boom
Fracking Begins In Old, Shallow Oil And Gas Fields
Marcellus Works Bills Still Up In The Air In Harrisburg
Clinton Task Force To Review New Drilling Regs
Natural Gas Scare At Dallas PA High School
PEC Disagrees: Drilling Industry Says Rules Are Regulations For Regulations Sake
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council takes issue with comments attributed to Katherine Klaber,
outgoing president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, who was quoted as saying, "The pendulum has
swung to regulation for the sake of regulation at this weeks Marcellus Shale Insight Conference in
Philadelphia. (Source: EnergyWire, September 26, 2013 article by Mike Soragham.)The following statement was issued by Paul King, President of the PA Environmental Council--
The idea that regulation of the shale gas industry is some sort of exercise is ill-advised and
baseless. PEC and many other organizations have spent years working to ensure that responsible and
effective legislative and regulatory measures are enacted that will protect Pennsylvanians and the
environment.
The development of shale gas in Pennsylvania is complicated and not only presents
opportunities for economic benefits as well as some environmental benefits in fuel switching, it also
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eenews.net%2Few%2F2013%2F09%2F26&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGQF0oKt2bA3QSgsPQUK3kgzILXowhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmarcelluscoalition.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGnjkaNj7HupiWhU6IzN6o0H6A36ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmarcellus.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-u0jMKSDZFREgj2ijx-xym4EnHwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2F863485%2FCommunications-failure-prompts-gas-scare-at-Dallas-High-School&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFlOgiUCgK28Xykj1gjAnKDSnuT1whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lockhaven.com%2Fpage%2Fcontent.detail%2Fid%2F547548%2FGAS-Task-Force-eyes-new-DEP-regs-for-drilling.html%3Fnav%3D5009&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFi3zAWn0raaw1whFLxpttUaGAiEghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fm.wesa.fm%2F%3Futm_referrer%3D%23mobile%2F17013&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEIammVlvi1jfVeqkpO4Zqxk6wAFAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fstories%2Fbusiness%2Fnews%2Fhorizontal-drilling-fracking-begins-in-old-shallow-oil-and-gas-fields-704396%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFH5N9ZkdmhlCA3o_0XCcT9ziGD0ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fenvironmental-groups-calculate-social-cost-of-natural-gas-boom-1.1558186&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-LT3FDmNx5XiWp-gBg_JGKm1oEQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpffacts.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F09%2Fanti-fracking-report-issued-by-penn.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmUutJwFpapKFF49BLjTHNlO_JFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fattorney-challenges-natural-gas-lease-settlement-1.1558107&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLUiJ74LJMS1hVbv51gTqT8LULyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Ftree-clearing-vast-but-some-timber-not-making-it-to-market-1.1556326&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHWhohjBQ4QW2kCJ5PFafvWH_FRgwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.delawareonline.com%2Fallgreentome%2F2013%2F09%2F23%2Feven-without-wells-fracking-has-big-impact-on-delaware-river-watershed%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2BudqLP3sdIvAyuMlyeYLySSnKghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F4757496-74%2Ftownship-range-company&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxRubTnT7y-W2rqF1TV67b_g2ImQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fas-well-permits-decline-wastewater-reuse-plateauing-1.1558890&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8P5B7BH-sVYcrrKnOh1UWPCEyLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fstories%2Flocal%2Fneighborhoods-north%2Fallegheny-county-seeks-drilling-proposals-for-deer-lakes-park-705163%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEngZ4mvpnxEVNL2b1378l3lW4O_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F4784529-74%2Fcounty-companies-environmental&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFlOr-LhT2A0INaIUvInUAjH-kSawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20130922_Pa__well_site_will_be_focus_of_fierce_legal_battle.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFM1PwwLNAjRqKYhNPb4MqwRz78dQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fstories%2Fbusiness%2Fnews%2Fwater-problems-lead-to-lawsuit-in-small-community-of-woodlands-704923%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZu48c5pco070SKN3wEtnmTqnKawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fbutler%2F4721362-74%2Fdrilling-residents-woodlands&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRWlrWPg6SZ86h0n6RYCONZKlrswhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fplenty-of-water-for-natural-gas-industry-but-pa-needs-to-refine-rules-1.1559476&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEifa1Tb9kQJ1o9ZCvojYoq3nS3dwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fbusiness%2Fhomepage%2F20130927_Pa__official_criticizes_prosecution_of_shale_drilling_firm.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEmezCqyqYq9gnLALrm-Ar6Hl3XCghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcanon-mcmillan.patch.com%2Fgroups%2Fpolitics-and-elections%2Fp%2Fbattle-brewing-gas-drillers-vs-endangered-species_3f114fcd-canon-mcmillan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEy99fIVvT9nnxbpEnHYw8xI6DvJw7/28/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 30, 2013
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directly impacts Pennsylvanias lands, water, air and communities.
PEC has worked with a broad array of stakeholders - including industry - over the last four
years to understand and work to address the impacts of unconventional shale development. While the
proposed regulations are not perfect, in fact we believe they can be further improved, they greatly
strengthen Pennsylvanias ability to manage the development of the unconventional shale gas industry.
Indeed, many of the proposed regulations have been endorsed by members of the MSC through therecommendations of the Governors Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, whose report provided
part of the framework for Act 13.
Act 13 was the result of more than two years of deliberation. Enactment of regulations to
realize the new protections afforded by Act 13 won't take place until two years or more of in depth
collaboration and discussions after passage of the law. Industry has been heavily involved in every step
of that dialog. To characterize this as an onslaught of regulation is severely misguided and not at all
accurate.
The idea of regulation for the sake of regulation needs to be dismissed out of hand and
replaced with the understanding that the DEP and all stakeholders are working hard to develop
regulations that balance the complicated and often competing demands of environmental protection and
economic development.For more information, visit PECs Marcellus Shale webpage.
NewsClips:
Drilling Conferences Bring Insight, Protest To Philadelphia
Shale Summit In Philly Prompts Clean Water Rally
Marcellus Shale Industry Conference Draws Protests
Marcellus Shale Coalition Comes Back To Philadelphia
Shale Conference Focuses On Philly As Economic Engine
Gas Companies Discuss Changes In Markets, Supplies
Shale Conference Ends With Remarks From Newt Gingrich
Northeast PA Environmental Partners Announce 2013 Award Winners
The Northeast Environmental Partners this week announced the winners of their 2013 awards who will
be honored at a special awards dinnerOctober 24 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Wilkes-Barre.
Environmental Partnership Awards
The recipients of the Environmental Partnership Awards for 2013:
-- Air Products Ammonium Bifluoride Waste Reclamation Project, Schuylkill County for
designing a process with their commercial reclamation facility to convert Ammonium Bifluoride to usab
commercial products. To date, over 18 million pounds of Ammonium Bifluoride Waste has been
reclaimed, thereby reducing the companys hazardous wastes by 24 percent.-- Blue Mountain Preservation Association, Monroe County for partnering to preserve a 354 acre
tract of land on the north slope of Blue Mountain, also known as the Kittatinny Ridge, providing habitat
for plants, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals, including some endangered species.
-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Green Lodging Partnership, Wayne County for partnering
with landowners and communities to protect the healthy farm and forestlands, clean waters, eagles and
eagle habitat, locally sustainable economies, and quality of life in the Upper Delaware River region
through the Green Lodging Project, an initiative connecting local conservation with local tourism and a
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2Fsites%2Fpecpa.org%2Ffiles%2F2013_invitation_annual_evening_for_ne_pennsylvanias_environment.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmFHXskMaGwQqUzqCGqjc-HTKgxghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fday-three-of-shale-conference-closes-with-remarks-from-newt-gingrich-1.1559182&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFT2ZOlXaAzU81OwJMXdP3qWzdKjQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fnatural-gas-companies-discuss-changes-in-market-supplies-at-shale-conference-1.1558437&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-sPp8g_CH0G5082oReqao8VoxCQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fshale-conference-focuses-on-philly-as-economic-engine-growth-of-industry-1.1558437&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH995CLh_XnzqmhYNeItKd--AZ4-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fphiladelphia.cbslocal.com%2F2013%2F09%2F23%2Fmarcellus-shale-coalition-comes-back-to-philadelphia%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHO_mqh-R1c5YU86bAqY6dTSJu98Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fphiladelphia.cbslocal.com%2F2013%2F09%2F24%2Fshale-industry-conference-in-philadelphia-draws-protests%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGeJizkEv4Bo5oZFowd7vOj1eN-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fbusiness%2Fhomepage%2F20130925_Shale_industry_and_anti-drilling_activists_set_for_Phila__gathering.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFNP6CvA5NDvxkmlA3uqhfhVi4xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F09%2F24%2Fdueling-drilling-conferences-bring-insight-and-protest-to-philadelphia%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEeAldA72KhPyT3sW7HmZHILFXowhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmarcellus.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-u0jMKSDZFREgj2ijx-xym4EnHwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D19729&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcbtnYtdJqvyVXTIdPWKHztl_NiQ7/28/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 30, 2013
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sustainable economy.
-- Earth Conservancy and PA American Water Company, Luzerne County for their partnership to
develop a composting residual waste recycling program. The project combines the residual waste
created during water treatment processing from the PA American Water Company Watres Water
Treatment Plant with compost from the Earth Conservancys yard waste composting facility to create a
nutrient-rich compost that enhances the growth potential of grasses and other planting on EC projectsites as well as on PA American Water community projects.
-- Nanticoke Conservation Club, Luzerne County for partnering with the Department of
Transportation, Fish and Boat Commission, Department of Forestry and many others to provide fish
habitat, turtle basking platforms and wood duck nesting boxes, stock trout, plant trees and provide
educational programing for our youth.
-- Pocono Raceway, Monroe County for their efforts to make Pocono Raceway one of the most
environmentally conscious NASCAR race tracks. The green initiatives underway at the Raceway
include the construction of a 3MW solar project that not only supplies the energy needs of the raceway
but also powers local homes, participation in NASCARs Green Flag Tree Planting Program which
plants 10 native trees for every green flag dropped at NASCAR races across the nation and
implementation of an extensive recycling program that provides recycling bins throughout the racewaygrounds.
-- Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County for partnering with PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation and Lafayette College to identify, map and protect streams and other sensitive
areas within PPLs transmission line corridors throughout the Lehigh Valley and model revegetation
projects on stream crossings in these corridors. Through the partnership, five (5) stream crossings were
revegetated and educational materials on the value and importance of riparian buffers were developed.
-- Catherine Hughes & Rebecca Taylor, Luzerne County for partnering with representatives from
the City of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Department of Environmental Protection, local businesses,
Wilkes University, Kings College and area non-profits to increase awareness and opportunity for public
and commercial recycling in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Emerging Environmental Leader Award
The Emerging Environmental Leader Award will be presented this year to Corey Husic,
Monroe County for his leadership and commitment to ecology and the environment. Some of Coreys
many accomplishments include activities and projects conducted at and for the Lehigh Gap Nature
Center. Corey conducted a longitudinal bird study at the Center, developed a sound field guide to the
Center and designed and created several brochures on butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies and birds
found at the Center. Corey is a dedicated and accomplished young environmental leader.
Thomas P. Shelburne Leadership Award
The Nineteenth Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award will be
presented this year to: David Buck, Bradford and Wyoming Counties.
Mr. Buck is being honored for his dedication, leadership and commitment to preserving andprotecting the environment of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For over forty years Mr. Buck has been
engaged in many community activities with missions to protect and improve the quality of life in our
communities and the natural environment.
Early in his career Mr. Buck founded the Pocono Citizens for Conservation as a grassroots
organization with a mission to protect and preserve the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, he was also one of
the founding members of the Pocono Mountains Audubon Society, Mr. Buck also served on the
Monroe County Planning Commission where he advocated for open space and greenways.
7/28/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 30, 2013
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Mr. Buck partners with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and the Susquehanna
Greenways Partnership to promote and protect the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. Mr. Buck
is a leader in the environmental arena through creating partnerships that have improved the natural,
recreational and cultural landscape of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Allison Tummon Kamphuis, Manager, Procter & Gamble Childrens Safe Drinking Water
Program will be this years Keynote Speaker. Mark Volk, President of Lackawanna College will be theMaster of Ceremonies for the Twenty Third Annual Environmental Partnership Awards and Dinner.
Dinner sponsors include: Benefactors: MT Carmel Cogen, Inc. Pennoni Associates Inc. PPL
Corporation UGI Corporation Patrons: Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services Pocono Manor
Investors, LP Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company Sponsors: Borton Lawson CAN DO,
Inc. Earth Conservancy Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau Pennsylvania American
Water Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Inc. M & T Bank and Weis Markets.
Northeast Environmental Partners include: Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania
Environmental Councils Northeast Office, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products
Company, and Wilkes University.
Click Here for information on attending the awards dinner.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a
list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
House
September 30
October 1, 2, 15, 16, 17 (Non-Voting), 21, 22, 23
November 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 (Non-Voting)
SenateSeptember 30
October 1, 2, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
November 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11
Bill Calendars
House (September 30): House Bill 302 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas
Lease Fund to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural
gas House Bill 303 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to DEP for a
competitive grant program to convert large mass transit fleets to natural gas House Bill 304
(Marshall-R-Beaver) funding conversions of transit buses to natural gas House Bill 306
(Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel
Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to natural gas House Bill 308 (Saylor-R-York)
redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions to natural gas.