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DEP Reports Progress on Implementing Shapiro Administration Permitting Reform, Reduces Permit Backlog by 41 Percent

To date, under the PAyback program, DEP has not had to refund a single application fee – meaning permits are getting out the door in a timely manner.

03/07/2024
The Shapiro Administration’s efforts to enhance and improve permitting are showing early success as the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) improves online permitting, online payment, and delivers on-time permit decisions.

Drought Watch/Warning Lifted for 8 Counties, All counties now back to Normal Status

03/06/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force that drought watch/warning will be lifted for the last remaining 8 counties.

DEP: Interim Report on a Full Year of Sampling Finds No Evidence of Contamination in Western Pennsylvania Related to the East Palestine Train Derailment

DEP and its independent contractor collected and analyzed hundreds of private drinking water, surface water, and soil samples

02/16/2024
Analysis of a year of sampling conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its independent contractor found no evidence of water or soil contamination related to the derailment in Pennsylvania’s private water wells, surface water, and soil. The contractor also evaluated and verified sampling data, compared data to Pennsylvania’s environmental standards, and made recommendations for additional sampling.

DEP To Host Public Hearing on Proposed Warehouse Project in Monroe County

02/14/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a public hearing for the proposed Warner Road Warehouse Project in Pocono Township, Monroe County. The hearing will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Pocono Mountain School District Swiftwater Elementary Center located at 135 Academic Dr, Swiftwater, PA 18370. Core5 Industrial Partners of Harrisburg (Core5) has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit for a discharge of stormwater from construction activities. Representatives from DEP's Waterways & Wetlands Program, the Monroe County Conservation District, and Core5 Industrial Partners, LLC will be in attendance for the hearing.

DEP Enforcement Actions Lead to Appointment of a Receiver to Manage East Dunkard Water Authority

Commonwealth Court today ordered the appointment of Pennsylvania American Water Company as receiver of the Greene County public water system

02/08/2024
As the result of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) enforcement action, a receiver will take over management and operations of the East Dunkard Water Authority’s (EDWA) non-compliant public water system. On Thursday, February 1, 2024, EDWA’s board approved a motion agreeing to the appointment of a receiver, and, today, Commonwealth Court signed an order officially appointing Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) as receiver.

DEP Begins Emergency Project to Plug Abandoned Gas Wells in Scott Township, Allegheny County

Residents may observe flaring and noise during plugging operations. The Shapiro Administration has made capping and plugging as many orphaned and abandoned wells as possible a priority, plugging 169 wells so far.

02/05/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has begun an emergency project to plug two leaking abandoned natural gas wells along Scrubgrass Road in Scott Township, Allegheny County. At Governor Josh Shapiro’s direction, DEP is aggressively working to plug leaking oil and gas wells across Pennsylvania using state and federal funds. So far, under the Shapiro Administration, DEP has plugged 169 orphaned and abandoned wells.

Shapiro Administration, DEP Requires All Fracking Companies to be More Transparent About Chemicals Used in Drilling

At Governor Shapiro’s Direction, Following Collaboration with CNX Resources, DEP Will Require Natural Gas Companies to Disclose Chemicals Used in Drilling & Hydraulic Fracturing Before They Are Used On-Site

01/26/2024
The Shapiro Administration, through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is implementing new policies that will require operators to publicly disclose chemicals they use in drilling and hydraulic fracturing earlier in the well development process. This step will cover all gas companies following the historic collaboration between the Shapiro Administration and CNX Resources Corporation.

Drought Watch Lifted for Eight Counties, Six Counties in Drought Watch, Two Counties Remain in Drought Warning

01/26/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force that a drought watch has been lifted for eight counties but is in place for six counties.

Shapiro Administration Awards Funding to Protect Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone

This year’s projects emphasize environmental education, community outreach, and continued research to benefit this critical habitat and ecosystem

01/24/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded Coastal Zone Grants totaling more than $573,000 to 10 projects in the state’s Southeast region. The grants, which are aimed at protecting and restoring the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone, will be used toward projects that will benefit this critical habitat and ecosystem.

Shapiro Administration Awards Funding to Protect Lake Erie Coastal Zone

This year’s projects emphasize environmental education, community outreach, and continued research to benefit this critical habitat and ecosystem

01/24/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded Coastal Zone Grants totaling more than $268,000 to five projects in the state’s Northwest region. The grants, which are aimed at protecting and restoring the Lake Erie Coastal Zone, will be used toward projects that will benefit this critical habitat and ecosystem.

DEP Awards $1.28 Million to Municipalities for Cleaner Fuel Transportation Infrastructure

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program provides funding to help replace older gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles with eco-friendly vehicles

01/18/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded more than $1.28 million in 2023 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) funding to municipalities and businesses to improve air quality in communities through cleaner fuel transportation infrastructure.

The Shapiro Administration Awards $101.1 Million in Grants for Environmental Restoration Projects

Millions in funding to reclaim abandoned mine land will pave the way to improving water quality and revitalizing Pennsylvania communities

01/17/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced up to $101,110,178 in funding for 16 environmental restoration projects of abandoned mine lands (AML) as a part of the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Grant Program. These projects focus on reclaiming AML, decreasing AMD, or treating AMD through the construction, operation, and/or maintenance of an AMD treatment facility. <br>

DEP Receives $3 Million From EPA to Develop Climate Action Plan, Proposes Grant Program to Reduce Emissions in Heavy Industry

DEP is asking for input on designing and implementing a new program that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Pennsylvania’s industrial sector

01/12/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has received $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan focused on reducing emissions in the Commonwealth’s industrial sector. Upon completing the plan, DEP will be eligible to apply for up to $500 million to implement it. DEP’s plan will focus on a statewide industrial decarbonization grant program, known as Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA), that will provide funding for industries to reduce carbon and benefit the health and safety of surrounding communities.

DEP Awarding $39.6 Million to Replace Aging Diesel Fleets with Zero-Emission Vehicles

The grant initiative targets diesel fleets of medium and heavy-duty freight and port drayage trucks

01/10/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is awarding 16 applicants more than $39.6 million, funded by the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for State Beneficiaries, to replace diesel-fueled fleets with modern, zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a part of the 2022-2023 Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Pilot Grant.

DEP Issues Air Quality Plan Approval for Leachate Evaporation System at Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill

After an extensive environmental review, the air quality authorization includes protective conditions and increased monitoring

01/10/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has authorized an air quality plan approval to allow an onsite leachate treatment and evaporation system to be installed at Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill, located in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County.

DEP Issues Notice of Violation to Keystone Landfill for Malodor

DEP Takes Additional Enforcement Action Against Keystone Landfill for Odors Being Objectionable and Causing Discomfort to the Public After Responding to Residents’ Odor Complaints

01/08/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Keystone Sanitary Landfill (KSL) in Lackawanna County for failing to control odors from the leachate lagoons at its facility in Dunmore and Throop Boroughs. DEP’s investigation into residents’ complaints revealed that the odors rise to the level of a malodor after being detected by DEP staff at three residences in Throop Borough.

Shapiro Administration Announces Over $2.4 Million for Conservation Projects in Northcentral Pennsylvania

Projects include streambank restoration efforts, floodplain restoration, and multi-county agricultural projects

01/05/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that 15 projects in the state’s northcentral region were awarded a total of $2,478,520 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus grant program. These projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and work to reclaim and plug abandoned oil and gas wells. This year’s awards exceed $12 million statewide.

Shapiro Administration Announces Over $1.4 Million for Conservation Projects in Southeast Pennsylvania

Projects include streambank restoration efforts, stormwater infrastructure improvements, floodplain restoration, and multi-county projects aiming to promote conservation

01/05/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that nine projects in the state’s southeastern region were awarded a total of $1,481,139 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus grant program. These projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and work to reclaim and plug abandoned oil and gas wells. This year’s awards exceed $12 million statewide.

Shapiro Administration Announces Over $2 Million for Conservation Projects in Southcentral Pennsylvania

Projects include streambank restoration, stormwater improvements, watershed restoration efforts, floodplain restoration and habitat protection

01/05/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that 12 projects in the state’s southcentral region were awarded a total of $2,051,051 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus grant program. These projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and work to reclaim and plug abandoned oil and gas wells. This year’s awards exceed $12 million statewide.

Shapiro Administration Announces Over $1 Million for Conservation Projects in Northeast Pennsylvania

Projects include stream restoration, dam modifications and agricultural conservation

01/05/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that five projects in the state’s northeastern region were awarded a total of $1,052,401 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus grant program. These projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites and work to reclaim and plug abandoned oil and gas wells. This year’s awards exceed $12 million statewide.

Shapiro Administration Announces Over $1.8 Million for Conservation Projects in Northwest Pennsylvania

Projects include streambank restoration efforts, habitat protection, stormwater improvements, floodplain restoration, and funding to address agricultural readiness

01/05/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that seven projects in the state’s northwestern region were awarded a total of $1,843,156 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus grant program. These projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and work to reclaim and plug abandoned oil and gas wells. This year’s awards exceed $12 million statewide.

DEP Seeks Project Applications for $5 Million Beaver County Environmental Mitigation Community Fund

Public Meetings, Q&A Sessions, and Virtual Office Hours Announced to Provide Information and Guidance on Projects Eligible for $5 Million Fund Secured by Shapiro Administration

01/03/2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that the Beaver County Environmental Mitigation Community Fund steering committee has finalized a protocol implementation plan, which establishes the advisory board’s role in executing projects.

DEP Highlights National Radon Action Month, Provides Free Radon Test Kits

Testing for radon is one of the easiest actions Pennsylvanians can take to keep their homes safe and families healthy

01/02/2024
January is National Radon Action Month, marking a time of increased outreach and public awareness for this serious health hazard.

Drought Watch Remains for 13 Counties, Franklin County Moved to Drought Warning

12/22/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force that a drought watch will continue for 13 counties and a drought warning will continue for Clinton and York Counties. Franklin County has been elevated from a drought watch to drought warning.

DEP Declares Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Fine Particulate Matter for Thursday, December 21, 2023, in the Liberty-Clairton Area of Allegheny County

12/21/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for fine particulate matter for Thursday, December 21, 2023, in the Liberty-Clairton Area of Allegheny County, which includes Clairton City, Glassport Borough, Liberty Borough, Lincoln Borough, and Port Vue Borough.

DEP Issues Violation Notice Against Keystone Landfill for Failure to Control Odor

DEP is Citing the Landfill for Inadequate Cover, Causing Offsite Odors

12/14/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Keystone Sanitary Landfill (KSL) in Lackawanna County for failure to control odors at its facility in the boroughs of Dunmore and Throop. The action comes after the DEP confirmed landfill gas odors numerous times in the past several months.

DEP Assists in Cleanup of Oil Spill in Penndel Borough

Severe Rain Dumped Waste Oil into Storm Drains and Tributary. DEP On Site to Oversee Clean Up Activities, and Contractor Has Been Hired to Clean Up Impacted Areas

12/14/2023
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, excessive rain carried approximately 200 gallons of used motor oil from a facility near Mill Creek in Penndel Borough into storm drains. These storm drains exit into a tributary of Mill Creek and eventually flow into the Delaware River. A resident reported the incident when they smelled oil in the area and saw it leaking into the stream.

Pennsylvania Reaches Solar Milestone – Can Now Power Residents in a City the Size of Pittsburgh with In-State Solar

State has Reached One Gigawatt of Installed Solar Generation and Rapid Growth of Solar Construction is Continuing

12/12/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced today that the Commonwealth’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) program has surpassed one gigawatt (GW) or 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy. This is an important milestone to help cement Pennsylvania’s position as an energy leader and accelerate innovation across a diverse set of energy technologies.

DEP to Hold Public Information Meeting on Permit Application for Noncoal Underground Mine in Washington County

DEP is engaging in additional public outreach for this project due to it being within an environmental justice area

12/11/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public information meeting to answer questions and provide information on the proposed Maggie Lynn underground mine. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Deemston Borough Municipal Building at 1622 Morey Road, Fredericktown, PA 15333.

DEP To Host Public Hearing on Plan Approval Application by Power Plant in Carbon County

Panther Creek Power Operating, LLC is seeking approval to burn tire-derived fuel

12/04/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting a public hearing to take testimony from the public regarding Panther Creek Power Operating, LLC&#39;s application for a plan approval to burn tire-derived fuel (TDF) as a supplemental fuel source at its facility in Nesquehoning, Carbon County. TDF is fuel made up of shredded scrap tires, and may be mixed with coal or other fuels.
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