• Click here for calendars and committee meeting schedules.

Public Comments Requested

PA DEP Comment Requested

• On Nov. 1, 2013, PA DEP released the results of the fourth, and final, quarterly report detailing progress under its new Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee Policy. According to DEP, since implementing the permit improvement policies, the agency now makes 95 percent of permit decisions within the guaranteed timeframes outlined in the Permit Decision Guarantee policy. Click here for the PA Bulletin announcement. A public comment period is open through December 4, 2013, to allow feedback about the effectiveness of the new policy.  

• PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has created an all-new, online Public Participation Center, which is a clearinghouse for all information related to DEP meetings, webinars and events, as well as proposals posted for public comment. Visit www.dep.state.pa.us, and click on the Public Participation Center button to check it out! Click here to read a press release on this initiative.  

EPA Public Comment Requested

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a Proposed National Rulemaking to Clarify the Water Quality Standards Regulation. The proposed rule clarifies six key program areas in the federal water quality standards regulation which helps implement the Clean Water Act. The public comment period will close on December 3, 2013.   

• Over the past decade, a number of Supreme Court decisions interpreting the definition of "navigable waters" have removed some waters from federal protection, and caused confusion about which waters and wetlands remain protected under the Clean Water Act. The EPA draft science report released in October 2013, titled: Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters  will serve as scientific support for an upcoming EPA rulemaking to clarify the jurisdictional waters of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

EPA and the Army Corps are focusing on clarifying protection of the network of smaller waters that feed into larger ones, to keep downstream water safe from upstream pollutants. The agencies are also clarifying protection for wetlands that filter and trap pollution, store water, and help keep communities safe from floods.

The draft report presents a review and synthesis of more than 1,000 pieces of relevant peer reviewed scientific literature. EPA's independent Science Advisory Board is soliciting public comment and stated it will hold a public peer review meeting December 16, 17 and 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. Click here for more information.

Coast Guard Public Comment Requested - Deadline Nov. 29, 2013

Transportation of shale gas extraction waste water in bulk via barge on waterways - Docket number USCG-2013-0915.

"We encourage you to submit comments and related material on the proposed policy letter concerning the carriage of conditionally permitted shale gas extraction waste water in bulk. In particular, we specifically request public comment regarding the disclosure of proprietary information to the Coast Guard, and regarding the applicability of testing requirements for radioactive materials to all regions where shale gas extraction waste water may be transported by barge."

Ann Dovovan, Centre County Conservation District Watershed Specialist presents the 2013 Watershed Stewardship Award to Mike Savage. Photo provided by Centre County Conservation District.

Rush Township Supervisor Mike Savage received the 2013 Centre County Conservation District Annual Watershed Stewardship Award at the Farm/City dinner held on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, in Penns Valley.

Mike has been the driving force behind the newly formed group that launched in 2012 with WREN support and funding known as the Central PA Source Water Alliance for Protection. The new organization has worked to gather interested stakeholders and encourage water systems in Centre and Clearfield Counties to create Source Water Protection Plans through DEP. These plans provide essential information that includes recharge maps of the source water areas that feed the water systems, a list of potential contaminants in their watershed, contingency plans, and a customized set of risk reduction measures that will reduce possible threats and help ensure safe drinking water for years to come.   

To help educate the community about the need to protect drinking water sources, Mike and his team developed an educational brochure and guided over 575 fifth graders from area school districts through 6 different water stations during Clean Water Days this past April. They are hopeful to line up funding that would enable them to repeat the educational event that was highly popular with students and teachers next spring at Black Moshannon State Park. 

Central Pa SWAP members worked to strengthen emergency spill response coordination and are in the process of erecting official blue and white water supply signs to identify water supply areas and enlist motorist support to immediately report spills along area roadways. Central PA SWAP received $6,000 in funding from WREN to promote these important education activities, and is planning to launch a new website to continue their efforts.

Congratulations Mike!