Pennsylvania Environmental Solutions Conservation, Alternative Energy, Sustainability

Lead Task Force in Pennsylvania

2017-08-14T00:20:00.000-04:00

Senate Approves Resolution Creating Task Force to Investigate Threat of Lead Exposure in Pennsylvania

Senator John T. Yudichak recently announced that Senate Resolution 33 — which creates a bipartisan task force to investigate the scope of Pennsylvania’s lead exposure problem — was approved unanimously by the full Senate. The resolution had been approved unanimously by the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee at the end of April.
Senator Yudichak introduced the resolution earlier this session because lead exposure can threaten the health and well-being of every Pennsylvanian—especially senior citizens and children. “The task force report will advance cooperative efforts to arm the General Assembly with better information and best practice recommendations to develop new lead abatement programs that more aggressively mitigate lead exposure in Pennsylvania,” said State Senator John Yudichak.
The resolution calls for the Senate to establish a task force on lead exposure comprised of the chairs of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee and two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore and the Minority Leader. An advisory committee of the Joint State Government Commission will conduct a comprehensive review of Pennsylvania law and public policy related to lead exposure and abatement practices and then submit a report to the task force and full Senate within 18-months. The report must assess the age of housing and infrastructure, lead exposure threats, and identify the prevalence of lead in structures where children spend significant time.

A few key points

This is not just a drinking water issue. Lead is present in many homes and sources include old lead paint, cookware, make-up, and other consumer products.
If on city water, check piping in home for lead pipe and evidence of corrosion. Remove the aeration devices and clean and flush the water lines to remove any films and coatings.
If on city water - read the Consumer Confident Reports generated by water supplier and look for signs of corrosion.
If on well water - get your water tested.
Use are free phone App - Know Your H20 - Android / Google ; Apple

Well Water Safety

2017-08-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

Well Water Safety
If your water comes from a private well, you know that the safety of your drinking water is up to you. At the federal level and in most states there are no regulations that govern private wells, but the CDC and EPA does recommend that you test your well water at least once a year. You may want to check the quality of your water more often if there are known problems with wells in your area or if you have experienced any flooding or land disturbances near your well. Indications of a change in water quality include cloudiness, odor, and unusual taste.
You can quickly and easily test your well water for a variety of contaminants with TestAssured’s Well Water Testing Kit. This kit is a great screening test to help you determine the quality of your water.
This single kit includes all of the following water tests:

Chlorine
Copper
Nitrates & Nitrites
Iron
Alkalinity
pH
Hardness
Bacteria

Specially designed for people on well water, the Well Water Testing Kit includes 8 tests for a complete water analysis. You’ll be able to identify the presence of chemicals, metals, and even bacteria like E. coli.
These easy to use tests will give you results within 10 minutes, with the exception of the bacteria test which takes 48 hours for full results. There’s no need for expensive equipment or to mail samples to a lab. Each test is calibrated to the EPA standards. Once you have your results, compare them to the EPA recommendations and guidelines for water quality limits.

Please review and share some of our PSAs on Well Water.
Get our Educational Booklet on Drinking Water Quality for Private Well Owners.
Corrosion Index, LSI, Hardness and Alkalinity - Do you have a pro

B.F. Environmental Launches Online Training Portal Cyber Monday Sale

2015-11-22T13:08:00.002-05:00

B.F. Environmental Launches Online Training Portal

As landscape for education changes, company stays ahead with new offerings

WILKES-BARRE, PA—August 14, 2017—B.F. Environmental Consultants, an environmental consulting firm providing a range of services throughout the Northeast, announced today the launch of an online training portal designed to meet the continuing education needs of engineers, geologists, and other professionals. Through the new portal, professionals can find thousands of online classes that meet their continuing education requirements. The site is called Training Pros.

“There are a host of new educational tools available to today’s professionals, but there was no central location through which to find these offerings,” said Brian Oram, a professional geologist and soil scientist and founder of B.F. Environmental Consultants. “Now, tens of thousands of classes, workshops, seminars and other educational opportunities can be found with a simple web search on our new online training portal.”

In addition to being a working environmental professional with his own consulting firm, Oram was a university instructor for 26 years. He developed Training Pros to serve as an online university that could be an affordable alternative to the normal workshop training courses or continuing education offerings that most professionals must attend in order to maintain their professional certifications and licenses.

“Our goal is to provide a cost-effective solution for training and educating our future workforce,” Oram said. “Our library with its variety of online courses provides a comprehensive and diverse set of offerings that meet continuing education requirements for the professional, contractor, or for use as part of a company’s workforce development/ employee training programs. Conventional training programs can be expensive and time consuming. Our online training programs link the professional to appropriate educators at an affordable price to provide the necessary training in the most convenient manner.”

Training Pros can be found online at http://www.online-training-courses.info.

About B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc.

B.F. Environmental Consultants, based in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Poconos, has been providing professional geological, soils, hydrogeological, and environmental consulting services since 1985. The company specializes in the following areas: hydrogeological and wastewater evaluations for siting land-based wastewater disposal systems; soils consulting (soil scientists), environmental monitoring, overseeing the siting, exploration, and development of community/ commercial water supply sources; environmental training/ professional training courses, and other environmental services. For more information about B.F. Environmental Consultants, visit www.bfenvironmental.com and www.water-research.net.

B.F. Environmental Builds Expertise into New Water Quality Mobile App

2015-10-11T04:49:00.000-04:00

Company experts have developed a new tool that will help families stay healthy

WILKES-BARRE, PA—August 10, 2017—B.F. Environmental Consultants, an environmental consulting firm providing a range of services throughout the Northeast, announced today the launch of a new mobile app that will make it possible for homeowners to get answers about the quality of their drinking water. Brian Oram, a professional geologist and soil scientist and founder of B.F. Environmental Consultants, developed this new diagnostic tool, called “Know Your H2O?”

“Consumers have fully embraced mobile technologies. If we want to help them, we’re going to have to make our information available to them through their IOS and Android devices,” Oram said. “This new app will put actionable information about water quality into the hands of homeowners all across the country. I’m very proud of this new product.”

Know Your H2O? relies heavily upon the massive online water quality resource the company has made available through the launch of its Water Research Center website. The first version of the software helps consumers diagnose potential water quality problems by exploring aesthetic problems, physical problems, health concerns, or specific problems in their homes. The app is supported by additional content that is directly linked to the Water Research Center.

“This tool helps consumers diagnose problems, but then goes beyond that to provide recommendations for further testing or corrective action,” Oram said. “The app is based on a holistic approach and is guided by concerns about our water, homes, and health. It is a comprehensive tool that can be used by any homeowner, building inspector, water quality professional, or water treatment professional to diagnose a problem and determine next steps.”

For more information about the mobile app or to download your own free copy, visit: http://knowyourh2o.us

About B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc.

New Online Training Portal

Training Professionals

Education 2 Go (ed2go) - Six Sigma and More

30,000 + Online Training Courses and Programs (Udemy)

Online Training Courses HAZWOPER, PEC Basic Sale Land and OSHA 10 Hour

2015-09-27T14:27:00.001-04:00

Training Courses Announced (HAZWOPER and PEC Basic Safe Land)

Training Professionals Online Training Courses was developed by Brian Oram, a professional Geologist and Soil Scientist and owner of BF Environmental Consultants, Inc. As an instructor as well as professional, he understands the need and importance of ongoing education to the workforce. As one who has enjoyed the quality and convenience of online training, he saw an opportunity to share his experience though the creation of a portal to qualified online educational resources.

Training Professionals connects you to affordable alternatives to the normal workshop training course or continuing education course. Our goal is to provide a cost effective solution to training and education of our workforce. Our select online courses provide a comprehensive and diverse series of offerings to meet continuing education requirements for the professional, contractor, or workforce development/ employee training program.

The professional training courses for engineers, architects, contractors, green builders, LEED Professionals, geologists, well drillers, and surveyors have been selected to meet the training requirements for your state or other state licensing boards. Our course catalog includes training programs to meet OSHA requirements, plus includes training programs offered by the most reputable professional and service Associations and Societies.

Face to Face Courses

The HAZWOPER Course, to be held January 4-8, 2016, is based on the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

This five-day course will be held each day from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Registration deadline is December 18, 2015. Seats are limited. (Course Registration)

As a reminder, there is also a course on October 15-16, 2015 entitled OSHA 10 Hour Outreach & PEC Basic SafeLand USA to be held each day from 8 AM to 5 PM at Wilkes University.

Registration deadline is September 30, 2015.(Course Registration)

The baccalaureate programs in Electrical, mechanical and Environmental Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Wilkes University is a provider of Continuing Education in Pennsylvania through the State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

To register for the courses, please follow the links through www.wilkes.edu/continuedlearning.

Online Courses

1. Special Discount on RedVector Courses - 20% off - Use Code From our Red Vector Partner Courses - Discount Code BFENVIRO91015 – 20% off October 2015. Visit http://online-training-courses.info/index.php/categories/health-safety

2. Special Discount on RedVector- 10 hour OSHA Course (Construction) - Online

3. Full Range on Online Training Courses for Professionals

Setting Water Rates using a Free Excel-based Model

2015-07-16T15:23:00.001-04:00

Title: Setting Water Rates using a Free Excel-based Model

Date: 8/11/2015
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM EST

Description: What should your water rates be to cover all of your expenses in the next few years? This webinar will help water systems answer this question by demonstrating the Water and Wastewater Rates Analysis Model, a free basic Excel-based tool developed for small water systems by the Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Users input data on their water system’s expenses, rate structures, number of customers and customer water use. The model then projects revenues, expenses and fund balances for the next few years, giving the user the option to adjust rates as necessary to generate the revenues needed to meet financial obligations. The model helps water systems determine whether they need to adjust rates, and by how much, in order to achieve financial sufficiency. The model can be used by water systems that set volumetric charges for water as well as systems that only charge flat monthly fees.

Learning Objectives:

· Become familiar with the Water and Wastewater Rates Analysis Model
· Understand how to use the tool (including tips on how to use the tool to cater to different circumstances)
· Learn general principles of water rate setting and modeling
· Know how to get started in analyzing water rates

Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8324571126399944962
+ GOOGLE CALENDAR+ ICAL EXPORT
Details
Date: August 11
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Event Categories:
Operator Training Zone, PA-AWWA Events

More Water and Wastewater Training Courses and Operator Training Courses (Keyword Water )

Training Courses New Programs New Discounts Online Continuing Education

2015-07-02T22:29:00.001-04:00

Training Course Discounts Register for the Training Courses Now -

New Portal is Online- http://online-training-courses.info/

Visit this Portal and You will find a 30% off discount and more discounts in twitter feed.

The Rural Business, Small Business, professionals and non-profit organizations. It is the hope of B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. that the training courses will provide the rural business a cost effective means of developing education, training, and technology transfer without the cost of traveling. The evolution to senior management requires both a broad range of skills, including marketing, financial management and leadership, as well as great expertise within each area. The leader who has excelled while dealing with projects and design issues must now learn to deal with people issues and leadership challenges. In addition to specific training programs on small business, business, and non-profit management, there are self-help training programs.

New - Cyber Monday Sale -

Our Cyber Monday Sale- November 30 to December 6, 2015.
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. and Red Vector are offering a 30% discount on all training courses ORDERED during the period from November 30, 2015 to December 6, 2015. The coupon code at check - Use BFENVCYBER15 at this portal. This will give your users 30% off their entire purchase at checkout 11/30/15 – 12/6/15 at https://webdesignpros.redvector.com/

Special Discounts on Training Packages and Programs - In OSHA Courses, Underground Storage Tank Training, Real Estate, Insurance, Construction, Insurance, Food and Beverage, IT Services, Oracle, Computer Software Security, and more.

360Training- 15% Off Most Course w/ Code: INDEPENDENCE15

OSHACampus- 18% Off OSHA 10 & 30 Courses w/ Code: SAFEJULY

Learn2Serve- $30 Off Underground Storage Tank (UST) Training, Class A and Class B w/ Code: USTDISCOUNT

Learn2Serve- $2 Off TABC En Espanol w/ Code: MEZCAL

Professional Training and Certification

CPA - CPE Certification
and Continuing Education

Food Safety, Handler, and Beverage Managers

The Health Campus Dental Professionals, Nursing, Respiratory Therapists,
Radiology Technologist Long-term Care, and more

Learn Insurance for AgentsPrecertification, Continuing Education for
Insurance Professionals and Adjusters
Add Annuity Training OR Long-Term Care Course for
$3.60 w/ Ultimate Success Life and Health Prelicensing.

Real Estate Agent Multi-State Real Estate Continuing Education More States Being Added-
Enroll Now or Request Courses for Your State! Continuing Education,

Mortgate Education, Exam Prep, and Much More.

Ed2Go Course Catalog - "Highest Quality Online Continuing Education Courses"

Udemy's Featured Courses
(Personal Enrichment, Project Management Self-Help and Much More)

Other Courses

30 Hour PMI Approved Course

Certificate in A/E Project Management

Certificate in Construction Supervision

Business Management Training

University of Tennessee Certificate
in Sustainable Design & Green Buildings Level 1

Life Lock - Now the Federal Gov't Has Been Hacked !

Keystone Clean Water Team

Refracturing May be a Growing Market

2015-06-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

Refracturing Is Set To Grow From 1% Of The Current Hydraulic Fracturing Market To At Least 20% In The Upcoming Years

As IHS Energy pointed out recently, the practice for refracturing accounts for less than 1% of the overall hydraulic fracturing market today, but that percentage is set to rise to at least 20% in the coming years as operators focus on maximizing every opportunity to unlock new production.

By refracturing existing wells, operators are able to contact new rock and maximize production on an existing well avoiding to invest in drilling new wellbores, which is what makes this technique such a promising strategy for maximizing production at lower costs.

The Refracturing Optimization: Results & Technology Showcase 2015 (complemented with a one-day training course instructed by Tim Leshchyshyn, President, FracKnowledge) has been designed through an industry collaboration to bring together as much tangible results-driven information as possible under one roof, and enable operators to understand if pilot tests have demonstrated the ability to effectively isolate the zone, and if refracturing has in fact proven through production results to be more cost-effective than drilling a new well.

The Training Course will be looking at these key areas of refracturing operations and split into 9 key modules:

1: An Introduction To Refracturing

2: The Economic Proposition

3: Market Trends For Primary Completions

4: Damage Mechanisms

5: Refrac Candidate Identification

6: Refrac Market

7: Frac Modelling & Design Considerations

8: Evaluation Of Refracturing Success

9: Refracs Examples And Case Studies

July 29, 2015 |Pre-Showcase Refracturing Training Course

July 30, 2015 | Results & Technology Showcase

Houston, Texas

We are not part of the event - but seems like solid information.

NonProfit Management Training Programs

2015-05-30T21:26:00.001-04:00

Non-Profit Management Related Courses

The program offers a number of core courses that range from forming the organization to basic project management.

Forming a Non-Profit

This highly interactive, hands-on course is ideal for anyone who is interested in forming a new nonprofit, converting an informal group to tax-exempt status, or reorganizing an existing organization. It provides practical how-to information about incorporation, organization, and other issues pertinent to anyone involved with a nonprofit start-up.

No matter what level of experience you have, you're sure to find this unique course to be a valuable source of useful strategies and industry-specific advice that you can put to immediate use. This clear and enjoyable course, taught by an industry veteran, will answer your every question, providing detailed instructions describing every step you'll need to take to establish and operate a successful nonprofit.

You'll learn how to incorporate, select a board of directors, write bylaws, craft a mission statement, obtain tax-exempt status, develop a budget, create a marketing plan, explore fundraising options, and more.

The course is also supplemented with useful checklists, worksheets, reading lists, and field trips to a wide variety of online resources. By the time you graduate, you will be well-prepared to meet the challenge of starting and operating a successful nonprofit.Go to this Course- Starting a Nonprofit

Marketing The Non-Profit

This course will show you how to use powerful marketing techniques to compete more effectively for customers, donors, members, and volunteers. You'll also learn how to persuade the media to communicate your organization's message and further its ideals and goals. Go to this Course- Marketing Your Nonprofit

Raising Funds

First, you'll explore the skills you'll need to become a successful fundraiser. After that, you'll discover where the best corporate and foundation fundraising jobs are and how to apply for them. Next, you'll delve into every area of nonprofit fundraising—annual funds, special events, corporate relations, foundation relations, major gifts, and planned giving. You'll also learn about capital campaigns and find out why they're a crucial element of nonprofit fundraising.
Go to this Course-Nonprofit Fundraising Essentials

Importance of Project Management
Increase your value to your employer by discovering and mastering essential quantitative and qualitative project management applications.

A successful project begins with process definition, data collection, and the scoping of project requirements. Every project ends with a motivated project team able to accomplish objectives on time and within budget. Winning projects rely on accurate cost and time estimates, identification of the critical path, and use of tracking and control tools.
Go to this Course - Project Management Applications

Grant Writing (A Must!)
A to Z Grant Writing is an invigorating and informative course that will equip you with the skills and tools you need to enter the exciting field of grant writing! You'll learn how to raise needed funds by discovering how and where to look for potential funders who are a good match for your organization. You'll also learn how to network and develop true partnerships with a variety of funders, how to organize a successful grant writing campaign, and how to put together a complete proposal package. Go to this Course- A to Z Grantwriting

Using Social Media - Treat and Manage Like a Business
One of the biggest challenges for most business owners or organizations is to find a continuous supply of new customers or donors. Over the past decade, some have differentiated themselves by leveraging the Internet and social media to do just that. Whether you consider yourself a social media novice or a seasoned veteran, this course will give you a solid foundation and thorough understanding of what social media is and how you can use it to grow your business. Go to this Course - Using Social Media in Business

More Training Programs
Online Courses Lead by Experts Expert Instructors lead each course
Salesforce for NonProfits & NGOs
Building Your Nonprofit Board - The Smart Way

Certificate in Spirituality, Health, and Healing

2015-05-30T15:21:00.002-04:00

Spirituality, religion, and culture play an important role in health and healing. Health care systems and health care professionals must recognize and understand a variety of spiritual and religious values, beliefs, and practices and their impact on health and healing.

To meet the needs of a spiritually and culturally diverse client population, today's health care system is evolving in its approach. Knowledgeable providers who can deliver compassionate, effective care and meet their clients' and patients' spiritual needs are in dramatically increasing demand. To gain a broad understanding of spirituality, health, and healing and to stay current with emerging trends, health professionals who work with diverse religious and spiritual populations will need continuing professional education.

Program Benefits:

The Spirituality, Health, and Healing certificate program offers a multidisciplinary educational experience. Your certificate in Spirituality, Health, and Healing will distinguish you as a knowledgeable, skilled, and committed professional. This program will:

enhance your professional marketability;
build your skills and competencies;
fulfill continuing education requirements for many professionals; and
introduce you to a spiritual and multicultural perspective on health care.

Career Opportunities:

The Spirituality, Health, and Healing certificate program provides health care professionals in a wide range of careers with the knowledge and skills to effectively meet the needs of a spiritually, religiously, and culturally diverse patient and client population. Today, opportunities exist in the fields of nursing, parish nursing, teaching, hospice care, service, administration, and research. Opportunities also exist within government programs and agencies; public and private institutions that provide health, education, and social services; research centers; special interest groups; colleges and universities; and corporate human resources divisions.

Participants:

This certificate is relevant for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed vocational nurses, practical nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, administrators, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, dietitians, educators, personal care assistants, volunteers, physicians, physician's assistants, chiropractors, clergy, physical fitness professionals, and adult children of aging parents.

Learn More - Certificate in Spirituality, Health, and Healing

Other Courses and Programs on Point
Certificate in Healing Environments
Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Health: Foundations 1
Certificate in Meditation
Discover Health and Fitness courses (Reiki and More)

Residential Real Estate Environmental Hazards in Community

2015-05-07T08:28:00.000-04:00

Nationwide Program – The Keystone Clean Water Team is in pre-launch for a new USA program to help homeowners. The program helps you to identify the existing and historic environmental hazards in your community. We are working with a national environmental database search company to offer a report to help you understand your home’s or your future homes environmental health status within a community. We are doing this by taking a snapshot of the current and historic environmental concerns and hazards in the community and a review of select criminal activity.

The program, Neighborhood Environmental Report™, offers a search of over 1,400 databases and millions of records of potential land and groundwater contamination within 1 mile radius of the entered address. The report includes a search for concerns that might be dangerous to a homeowner’s family or investment such as nearby leaking underground oil tanks, leaky underground fuel tanks (LUSTs), leaky above ground tanks (LASTs), CDC Health Assessment Database, landfills, hazardous waste sites, DOD facilities, gas and radiological sources, National Wetland Mapping, Flooding mapping data, drug houses, and clandestine drug labs.

Some of the most toxic and/or costly hazards exists outside of your home. These contaminants can enter your home through direct human or animal contract or vapor intrusion into your home through the air, soil, or groundwater. These hazards pose a threat to you and your family’s health and the value of your property. Every report includes detailed information about what has been searched and identified as well as contact information for all governmental and private organizations cited in the databases.

The benefits of this report:
1. Help existing homeowners understand the hazards in their communities.
2. Aid future homeowners quickly learn about the historic hazards and concerns to conduct prior water quality, soils, or environmental testing and get the proper inspections.
3. Aid real estate professionals, investors, and appraisers evaluate the value of a home or residential property.
4. If you are selling your home, what a great way to introduce your home and surrounding community to any potential buyers, and as a home buyer, the Neighborhood Environmental Report helps provide peace of mind for you and your family.
5. For environmental groups, this is a great way to educate and inform your community about existing environmental hazards, develop local targeted sub-watershed monitoring programs, and educate children about their communities. In some cases a larger search area is needed.
6. Home inspectors, environmental laboratories, and other may find the reports useful, but in many cases some additional review or interpretation will be needed to select the appropriate testing parameters, inspections, and monitoring.

Learn More about this Nationwide Program to Help Educate the Community.

Food Safety, Beverage Server Training Programs Texas, Ilinois, Utah, and Wisconsin

2015-04-24T18:30:00.000-04:00

Special Discount Courses for Food Safety Professionals (Target Areas - Texas, Ilinois, Utah, and Wisconsin)

Learn2Serve Food Safety Manager Principles Training + Food Manager Exam
• Normally $160, currently $125, take another $25 off with code “SOUPOFTHEDAY” (expires 6/30/2015)

Learn2Serve Food Safety Manager Principles Training + Texas Food Safety Manager Exam (Texas version of the above package)
• Normally $99.00, currently $85.15, take another $13 off with code “MANAGERDEAL” (expires 6/30/2015)

Texas Food Handler + TABC Certification Package
• Normally $21.99, take another $4 off with code “4BIGGERTIPS” (expires 6/30/2015)

Illinois BASSET On-Premises Alcohol Seller-Server
• Normally $14.95, take another $3 off with code “THREEBATE” (expires 6/30/2015)

Learn2Serve Utah On-Premises Alcohol Seller/Server
• Normally $16.95, currently $15.95, take another $3 off with code “THREEBATE” (expires 6/30/2015)

Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training
• Normally $14.95, take another $3 off with code “THREEBATE” (expires 6/30/2015)
Other training programs

Professional Training and Certification

CPA - CPE Certification
and Continuing Education

Food Safety, Handler, and Beverage Managers

The Health Campus Dental Professionals, Nursing, Respiratory Therapists,
Radiology Technologist Long-term Care, and more

Learn Insurance for Agents
Precertification, Continuing Education for
Insurance Professionals and Adjusters
Add Annuity Training OR Long-Term Care Course for
$3.60 w/ Ultimate Success Life and Health Prelicensing.

Real Estate Agent Multi-State Real Estate Continuing Education More States Being Added-
Enroll Now or Request Courses for Your State! Continuing Education,

Mortgate Education, Exam Prep, and Much More.

Governor Wolf Discusses Oil and Gas Pennsylvania Severance Tax

2015-02-12T00:35:00.000-05:00

Gov. Tom Wolf's news conference was broadcast on PCN this morning and a portion of it can be viewed at:

http://www.pacast.com/

The link to a seven-minute video is the second item on this website at the present time. It does not include the questions and answers with reporters. Summary of key points, gas industry, perspective:

"He answered one question about working with the industry to accept a tax which included the statement,"The alternative is not no tax. It's no drilling, a ban like in New York." A reporter asked him whether that was a threat, and he said, "No, it is not a threat. Thank you for allowing me to clarify that."

On several occasions, he made the comment that we and other states have "natural resources," not "natural gas" that is appropriate to tax. He corrected himself at one point when he started to say "natural gas" to instead say "resource..." It will remain to be seen whether the administration advances a broader tax on "extraction" industries in Pennsylvania.

He claimed in his opening remarks that the WV tax will reach one billion/year, through the 5 percent and 0.047/MCF approach. He also said that the bill will protect property owners by not letting producers pass along the tax on royalty payments.

He said the impact fee will be rolled into this new tax so communities will continue to receive that money. The lion's share, however, will be targeted to education, with some to DEP to make sure we do this right and some set aside for investment in alternative energy.

Finally, he said the 5 percent on wellhead price plus the $0.047/MCF tax on volume will provide more predictability outside of price fluctuations, calling it a "hedge" against pricing changes. He stated that West Virginia's tax structure is a "good laboratory and it's one that works. They have a healthy industry there." Given the difference in production levels between Pennsylvania and West Virginia over the past several years, the validity of that statement is very questionable. "

My comments

1. Taking this money and pouring down the education hole in PA without addressing the need to reform education spending, pensions, etc - Is a bad idea?

2. Investing the money in just renewable energy is a bad idea? We can do better with conservation measures, energy efficiency, upgrading infrastructure - the only real reliable alternative energy in PA is biomass and groundsource. (Commercial scale solar and wind - hit or miss).

3. PADEP - needs a solid investment, but this should come from fees, fines, and the cost of obtaining and maintain a permit.

4. Sorry I think the proposal is short-cited and needs work.

5.What is next on the resource extraction tax? (Water, food, coal, Gravel, Stone, Wildlife).

6. How about no extraction tax on resources used in PA? Use this to promote PA manufacturing and energy production.

Just a thought

Brian

Pittsburgh, Pa. – Marcellus Shale Coalition president David Spigelmyer issued the following statement on Governor Wolf’s new energy tax proposal unveiled today in Thorndale, Pennsylvania:

“Governor Wolf fails to acknowledge that the natural gas industry already pays significant taxes in Pennsylvania. Natural gas operators pay the same taxes that every other business in Pennsylvania pays, which has helped generate more than $2.1 billion through 2013. Pennsylvania is the only state that imposes a special impact tax that will have generated nearly $830 million by April of this year, directly benefiting all 67 counties throughout the Commonwealth. Pennsylvanians have realized more than $700 million in royalties from energy-development on public lands. By any measure, these are significant revenues that are boosting local communities, as well as important environmental programs. More importantly, revenue estimates fail to account for the more than 200,000 hard-working Pennsylvanians who are employed by or support this industry and generate substantial revenue for the Commonwealth by paying their taxes.

“While we look forward to evaluating the policy details outlined by the Governor today, it’s clear that new energy taxes will discourage capital investment into the commonwealth and make Pennsylvania less competitive. Make no mistake, adding a five percent tax to any business sector – including the energy industry – is going to reduce capital spending and hit the supply chain, especially Pennsylvania-based small and mid-sized businesses, as well as our region’s labor and building trades.

“Pennsylvanians are looking to their elected officials to help create new jobs, not new taxes, especially during these difficult and challenging times within an industry that has reduced energy costs for every consumer and been a bright spot for the Commonwealth’s economy.”

Filed Under: Press Releases
Tagged With: Marcellus Shale Coalition, severance tax

Insurance Training Reviewing Your Property and Casualty Insurance Policy

2015-02-02T23:58:00.001-05:00

Insurance Training Career Development
Reviewing Your Property and Casualty Insurance Policy

To put it simply, an annual review of property and casualty insurance policies is necessary because insurance coverage and personal situations are constantly subject to change. This is the perfect time to start a tradition to review your policy(ies) every year to make sure that your coverage is best suited to your ever-changing needs. You should have a property and casualty insurance whether you own a property or not. Your coverage requires maintenance to address the changes that occur during the year. It is my job to determine how these changes affect your coverage.

Automobile

Did your household demographics change?

If there are changes to the number of licensed drivers in your household from the time when your present policy was assessed, then your coverage must reflect this change.

Did your situation change in such a way that affects your deductible?

If you can increase the payment of your premium, then you can reduce the amount of your deductible.

Did the factors that affect your rates change (aside from your driving records)?

The value of your vehicle?

Your credit history ?

Your civil status?

Your age ?

How much you drive and the distance you travel on a regular basis?

Home

It is in your best interest to insure your residence, whether you own it or not. Generic coverage for homeowners usually includes the dwelling and other structures on the property. It protects policyholders from situations that would prohibit the owner from using the property. Fire, theft, and certain weather conditions are common examples.

Considering the fact that certain situations are unpredictable, reassessment may be necessary for your policy. Immediate damage may be covered by your existing policy, but subsequent damage may not be included. For example, severe weather conditions and flooding caused by melting precipitation can cause damage that is not presently covered and has to be addressed in additional coverage.

Perhaps you have assumed responsibility for an additional household. When your children go away to college, they will need protection whether they live on campus or not.

These and other adjustments may affect the value and definition of your property. If any of these factors changes, then so should your rates and coverage. Belongings in your house should be covered as well. Part of your responsibility is to provide the necessary criteria to file a claim properly. Document any item for which you would potentially file a claim. This documentation should be updated as items are added or deleted from the list. This is especially important if you are renting or occupying a condominium. Your possessions require your personal attention. Establishing and maintaining insurance requires a working relationship between the insurer and the insured. We both have expectations to meet and responsibilities to fulfill. All of your policies can be reviewed at the same time to ensure appropriate coverage.

Tricia Sharpton is currently the Product Manager of Financial Service Education for Learning Insurance , one of the leading online financial services education providers. Her experience lies in day to day management of Financial Services education production, accreditation, customer service, marketing, and quarterly/yearly strategic planning, as well as identifying and establishing new business development ventures. Before joining the education team, Tricia operated her own Financial Services practice that focused on life insurance and investment planning for small business owners and families in the Austin area. Tricia holds a Texas Life and Health license, Series 6, and 63 license. Prior to Tricia becoming a licensed agent, she recruited new agents for a large life insurance company. Her expertise as an agent and recruiting agents offers her a unique insight rare to her role as a Product Manager. Tricia earned her Bachelor’s degree from Troy University with a major in Business Management.

To learn about training courses for insurance professionals, please visit - Small Business, Project Management, and Professional Training Center.

New Tracers Can Identify Fracking Fluids

2015-02-02T16:54:00.001-05:00

Alexandria, Va. — Hydraulic fracturing, the natural gas extraction method known popularly as fracking, has been controversial in large part to the concern about groundwater contamination by the fluids used in the process, especially the so-called flowback fluids that re-emerge at the surface from fracking wells and are usually disposed of by waste water fluid injection into other formations. Now, researchers have developed a geochemical method of identifying fracking fluids in the environment. The tool could be used to identify hazardous spills in the future and may even lead to better use and disposal of fracking wastewater.

Read more about how scientists came up with the new tracers and what they might mean for wastewater disposal in the February issue of EARTH magazine: http://www.earthmagazine.org/article/new-tracers-can-identify-fracking-fluids.

The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of 50 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.

Continuing Education Courses in Hydraulic Fracturing

Nitrous oxide 300 times global warming - No Whip-Its !

2015-02-02T13:18:00.001-05:00

Natural Sciences Field Research

Generate data in the field and analyze it on the spot to fast track critical environmental research. With real-time results, you will be able to identify trends faster and pursue new research questions as they emerge, without returning to the lab.

Wherever you go—from Antarctica to the Andes to the Sahara—Picarro’s rugged and compact systems measure concentration and isotope ratios for the most important molecules, with up to parts per billion resolution. You can use gas, liquid or solid samples; our handling accessories will make them work.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with approximately 300 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Therefore, understanding the sources and sinks of N₂O is important for balancing the global carbon and nitrogen cycle. In addition to the flux of N₂O from agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plants are recognized as a significant source of N₂O emissions.

Recently, Lai Peng and colleagues in Australia published their research work on the effect of dissolved oxygen on N₂O production by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. They found that N₂O production increased with increasing dissolved oxygen content. In addition, they used a Picarro G5101-i to identify the key pathways for N₂O production. By comparing the site-preference for a heavy stable isotope of nitrogen (¹⁵N) in N₂O produced by different chemical pathways relevant to wastewater treatment, they were able to determine the relative contribution of those pathways to total N₂O production. Site preference studies are possible using Picarro's core technology, Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy, because each molecule, and isotope combination, has a unique optical absorption spectrum.

I hope you enjoy reading about this novel application of Picarro's technology and how measuring N₂O concentration and isotopes enables scientists and policy makers learn more about the global carbon and nitrogen cycle.

Sustainability Training
Basic Environmental Monitoring

Anaerobic Digestion Making Biogas Making Energy

2015-02-02T07:56:00.001-05:00

The new Earthscan Expert Series book Anaerobic Digestion – Making Biogas – Making Energy by Tim Pullen is now out. It is the 12^th book in the series.

The book is an easy-read illustrated introduction to all aspects of running an anaerobic digestion plant and producing biogas, either to use directly as a gas or generate electricity for sale to the utility grid.

More information at: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415713481/

The complete Earthscan Expert Series can be viewed at http://www.greendragonenergy.co.uk/books/expert-series

"A biogas production system must be specially designed and requires regular attention by someone familiar with the needs and operation of the digester. Associated manure handling equipment and gas utilization components are also required. The digester does not remove significant nutrients and requires an environmentally responsible manure storage and handling system.

A well designed and operated digester will require modest daily attention and maintenance. The care and feeding of a digester is not unlike feeding a cow or a pig; it responds best to consistent feeding and the appropriate environmental (temperature and anaerobic- oxygen free) conditions. The earlier a problem in operation is identified the easier it is to fix and still maintain productivity." (PSU, 2014)

The following course is now scheduled:

Introduction to Renewable Energy Technologies

20-22 April 2015 in Berlin, Germany

The course will cover solar electricity, solar thermal, wind power, bioenergy technologies, micro-hydro, finance and investing in renewable energy, and the German experience with renewable energy.

Email us at info@greendragonenergy.co.uk for further information on course contents, venue details and prices.

For more books on renewable energy, Shale Gas or online training courses.

Insist on Energy Star® Qualified Windows

2015-02-02T01:09:00.002-05:00

Insist on Energy Star® Qualified Windows

Windows must meet minimum performance criteria during testing to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Whole-window U-values are one of the criteria used to label window and door products in the ENERGY STAR program. Windows with clear single-pane glass can’t achieve the ratings necessary to qualify for ENERGY STAR labeling. High-performance glass systems, which consist of double- or tripleinsulating glass, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and usually an inert gas between the glass panes, are often used to help windows to comply with ENERGY STAR requirements.

How to Compare Whole-Window U-Values
When comparing whole-window U-values, we suggest that you evaluate windows based on the sizes dictated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This ensures an accurate comparison of performance among windows. This data is available on www.nfrc.org, which provides links to NFRC data for all participating window manufacturers. If the window manufacturer you are considering is not represented on www.nfrc.org, then it is likely that the company does not participate in the ENERGY STAR® program, and that could tell you something about how energy efficient that company’s windows really are.

“R-values,” “whole-window U-values,” “center-of- glass U-values” and other window terms can boggle the mind. Confused by all the different window performance terminology you’re hearing and seeing? You don’t need to be. The information presented in this leaflet will help so that you can make educated purchasing decisions. If there’s ONE thing you should know, it’s this: When considering windows and determining the type of glass that will be used in them, the performance criterion you need to focus on is the whole-window U-value.

A window’s “U-value” indicates the rate of heat flow through a window. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the window is. Whole-window U-values are an indication of the performance of the window’s glass and its other components and characteristics. The thermal properties of its frame, spacer system, weather stripping and even grids, if the window has them, all have a bearing on the window’s wholewindow U-value. The whole-window U-value is the only form of measurement accepted by the ENERGY STAR® program for determining whether windows qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. For more information on ENERGY STAR qualified windows, visit www.energystar.gov.

Don’t Be Fooled
For an accurate comparison of windows and doors, ask to see the products’ WHOLEWINDOW U-VALUES with the particular type of glass system you are considering. Ensure that the data you are being shown is NOT center-of-glass U-values or R-values. This is important, because the more thermally efficient your windows and doors are, the more comfortable you will be in your home—and the more money you will save with lower energy bills.

For More information on Energy Efficient Windows for Pennsylvania and the Northeast Region. Check General Manager

A&B Sunroom &Remodeling

570.574.0457

a-bsunroom.com

More Energy Efficient Products
Learn About Energy Audits

The Spinnaker Group Inc. Named LEED Proven

2015-02-01T23:47:00.003-05:00

WESTON, Fla. -- Today, The Spinnaker Group announced that the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has designated The Spinnaker Group, a LEED^® Proven Provider™ for the Building Design and Construction rating system family. This designation was developed to streamline the LEED project review process for experienced organizations that demonstrate consistent excellence in administering LEED projects.
“Quality is at the core of the LEED certification process, and The Spinnaker Group has exhibited expertise in helping to bring healthy, high-performing buildings to the market,” said Doug Gatlin, vice president of program delivery, USGBC and GBCI. “The LEED Proven Provider model represents a great partnership between The Spinnaker Group and GBCI, because it allows GBCI to maintain a rigorous certification program and gives The Spinnaker Group the opportunity to deliver LEED projects to its clients faster.”

“The Spinnaker Group is proud to be chosen to this select group of sustainability professionals,” reports Rob Hink, Managing Principal. “This reflects The Spinnaker Group's continuous focus on delivering the highest level of quality to our clients.”

Read more about this release here.

Online Training Courses

Green Building
Sustainability
LEED
Project Management

Project your ID with Lifelock

Home Builders Remodeling Contractors: Energy Efficiency Is Homeowners' Top 'Unmet Need'

2015-01-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Poll: Energy Efficiency is America’s No. 1 Housing Concern

Safety, affordability and privacy were unsurprisingly some of top housing needs identified in a recent national survey of more than 10,000 households by the Demand Institute. However, the top unmet housing concern was not as easily predicted: energy efficiency. The poll was intended to define a "satisfaction gap" between what respondents actually have and what they say is important. Survey respondents were given a list of 52 housing and community concerns and asked to rank them, on a scale of 1 to 10, by how important they felt the issues were and how much their current home satisfied these needs. The result: 71% of U.S. households polled placed a great deal of importance on energy efficiency, but only 35% felt their homes were energy efficient with low monthly utility costs. Based on these numbers, energy efficiency was the housing concern with the largest gap between the rates of importance and satisfaction—beating out consumer needs and wants for storage space, safe neighborhoods, affordability, landlord responsiveness, and more.

Radiation From Fracking? Yes But Not a Big Problem (PADEP)

2015-01-27T20:56:00.001-05:00

PADEP Says Not A Problem

" While many environmental issues whirl around the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, at least we don’t have to worry about radiation.

In the most comprehensive study of the subject ever conducted, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection found that there is no concern of radiation exposure from fracking wells for oil or gas (PA DEP News Release).

Released last week, the Technologically-Enhanced Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Material, or TENORM, study, analyzed the levels of radioactivity associated with oil and gas development in Pennsylvania, particularly fracking. PA DEP Deputy Secretary Vince Brisini said the study concluded there is little potential for harm to workers or the public from radiation exposure from fracking for either oil or gas.

Only a few samples analyzed in the study were found with radiation levels above that of potato chips, which have the highest radioactivity of all foods.

Rocks, sediments and sands contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) such as uranium, thorium, potassium-40, carbon-14 and tritium (H-3) as well as their daughter products (see figure at end of post), particularly radon (Rn) and radium (Ra)."

A real problem is Radon in Air and Water in homes. Radon Air and Water Testing and Radon Measurement Training Course

Suggestions by Blog Owner.
1. Not all areas and deposits are the same and some deposits may be have high radioactivity.
2. All waste streams should be monitored and evaluated.
3. Workers protected and screened and waste streams properly managed and disposed.
4. If a beneficial use is proposed, this should require an experimental and limited permit to evaluate the risks and develop best management practices.

Courses

Get the Facts on Oil and Gas Development (Training Course- Shale Gas Development, Environmental Concerns, and Origins of Crude Oil)

40-hour HAZWOPER OSHA Certificate Training Program

2015-01-27T18:49:00.001-05:00

40-hour HAZWOPER OSHA in Wilkes Barre PA

The HAZWOPER Course content is based on the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. The standard was developed to ensure that workers working in the following areas were protected from hazards they may encounter:

1. Clean-up Operations

2. Corrective Actions at RCRA Facilities

3. Voluntary Clean-Up Operations

4. Hazardous Waste Activities at TSDs

5. Emergency Response Operations for Releases of, or Substantial Threats of Releases of Hazardous Substances Without Regard to the Location of the Hazard

Students, upon completion of the course, will receive a 40-hour certificate of completion that will meet the classroom requirements for working at hazardous waste sites plus 2, 3 and 4 above. It will also cover a portion of the requirements for 5 Emergency Responders.

5 day Course
This five-day course is entitled HAZWOPER/OSHA Certificate and will be held on the campus of Wilkes University on March 6, 7, 8, and March 21 and 22, 2015 from
8 AM to 5 Pm each day.

Topics: The course topics will include: OSHA Regulations, Basics of Chemistry, Basics of Toxicology, Sources of Information, Respiratory Protection, Dispersion of Chemicals in the Environment, Health & Safety Management, Site Control, Safe Work Practices, Confined Spaces, Excavation & Trenching, Hazard Assessment, Monitoring Instruments, Personal Protective Equipment, Decontamination, Medical Surveillance, Container Management, Emergency Response, Site Safety Plan and Other Hazards.

Instructors: Richard Hofman, CIH, CSP, CPEA (Lead) is a part-time senior safety and health consultant with High EH&S Consulting Ltd. Mr. Hofman is the Safety & Health Manager for the VA Hospital System in Washington D.C. Prior to this he was actively involved as a principal consultant and vice-president with Hofman Safety and Industrial Hygiene over 18 years. He is a board certified safety professional and certified industrial hygienist. Richard is also certified as a professional environmental auditor in health and safety. He holds a BS from Wilkes University in Environmental Sciences. He has over 30 years of experience.

Steven High, MPH, MS, CSP, ARM, CHST, EMT is the president of High EH&S Consulting Ltd. based in Lancaster, PA. Mr. High has over 25 years of experience in safety and health. He holds a BS in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College, a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins, a Masters in Safety Sciences from IUP and many other professional designations. He provides instructor-trainer programs for the OSHA Training Institute Outreach and is authorized as an construction and general industry trainer. He has held corporate positions in EH&S covering a wide range of industries.

Course will offer - 40 PDHs at a cost of $ 850.00

Wilkes University

Center for Continued Learning

84 West South Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18766

Phone - 570 - 408-5615

Email continuedlearning@wilkes.edu

www.wilkes.edu/continuedlearning

other Announcements

2015 Contractors Expo - Mohegan Sun- Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 4:30-8:30- only $ 30.00.

Online Safety Training Courses - Asbestos, Mold, Electrical, Welding and even a free Complimentary Course in Basic Construction Safety

Potential for radiation exposure from oil and gas development PA Low.

2015-01-15T16:05:00.001-05:00

Department of Environmental Protection: DEP study shows there is little potential for radiation exposure from oil and gas development.

Text of Jan. 15 press release.

"HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the results of its TENORM Study, which analyzed the naturally occurring levels of radioactivity associated with oil and natural gas development in Pennsylvania. While the study outlines recommendations for further study, it concluded there is little potential for harm to workers or the public from radiation exposure due to oil and gas development.

"The study report is the culmination of a multi-year effort and represents what we believe to be the most comprehensive radiological study of the oil and gas industry ever conducted," Vince Brisini, DEP Deputy Secretary for Waste, Air, Radiation and Remediation said. "While the recommendations for future actions contained in the report call for additional studies and efforts, we now have data to inform the management of natural gas resources and resultant wastes for environmental and health protection."

In January 2013, at the direction of Gov. Tom Corbett, DEP began studying radioactivity levels in flowback waters, treatment solids and drill cuttings, as well as transportation, storage and disposal of drilling wastes. This included a study of radon levels in natural gas to ensure that public health and the environment continue to be protected.

In summary, the peer-reviewed study concluded that:

• There is little potential for additional radon exposure to the public due to the use of natural gas extracted from geologic formations located in Pennsylvania.

• There is little or limited potential for radiation exposure to the public and workers from the development, completion, production, transmission, processing, storage, and end use of natural gas. There are, however, potential radiological environmental impacts from fluids if spilled. Radium should be added to the Pennsylvania spill protocol to ensure cleanups are adequately characterized. There are also site-specific circumstances and situations where the use of personal protective equipment by workers or other controls should be evaluated.

• There is little potential for radiation exposure to workers and the public at facilities that treat oil and gas wastes. However, there are potential radiological environmental impacts that should be studied at all facilities in Pennsylvania that treat wastes to determine if any areas require remediation. If elevated radiological impacts are found, the development of radiological discharge limitations and spill policies should be considered.

• There is little potential for radiation exposure to the public and workers from landfills receiving waste from the oil and gas industry. However, filter cake from facilities treating wastes could have a radiological environmental impact if spilled, and there is also a potential long-term disposal issue. TENORM disposal protocols should be reviewed to ensure the safety of long-term disposal of waste containing TENORM.

• While limited potential was found for radiation exposure to recreationists using roads treated with brine from conventional natural gas wells, further study of radiological environmental impacts from the use of brine from the oil and gas industry for dust suppression and road stabilization should be conducted."

To read the entire report and a complete list of its observations and recommendations, visit www.dep.state.pa.us, keyword: TENORM.

Media contact: Eric Shirk, 717-787-1323

Northeast Pennsylvania Polycythemia Vera (PV) Investigation

2015-01-15T15:44:00.001-05:00

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Northeast Pennsylvania Polycythemia Vera (PV) Investigation. Update for 2014 !

Author - Lora Siegmann Werner, ATSDR Region 3

Posted with the authors approval - "I included you on this email because you have indicated in the past you were interested in receiving updates about ATSDR/CDC’s work to study the occurrence of polycythemia vera (PV) in three northeastern Pennsylvania counties (Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill), or you are one of the researchers involved in this work. When updates are available, my goal is to share this kind of email update with you periodically. I first sent an update like this in October 2013, and most recently sent out updates in August 2014 and October 2014. This update is for January 2015.

Background

In 2004, using state cancer registry records, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) found a PV cluster in northeast Pennsylvania. PV is part of a disease group called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which is a group of slow-growing blood cancers where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

In 2006, ATSDR was asked to help study PV patterns in the area. From 2007-2008, ATSDR reviewed medical records, conducted genetic testing, and confirmed this PV cluster. In 2009, Congress funded ATSDR to continue this investigation. ATSDR is overseeing 18 projects with PADOH, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and various universities and private organizations. These projects are based on recommendations from an expert panel. The panel identified four areas for investigation; epidemiology, genetics, toxicology, and environmental studies.

In 2014, the last of the contracts for the 18 different projects ended.

Status

The graphic with this email provides a summary of the status of each of the 18 projects as of January 2015. I’ve attached this graphic both as a “snapshot” in the body of this email, as well as a pdf attachment. Projects highlighted in “green” in the attached graphic have work complete and a final product available (if applicable). Projects highlighted in “yellow” have final products in progress and undergoing clearance. Projects highlighted in “red” have final products that are anticipated but not yet started. The shapes of the projects in the graphics give you an idea of the category of work of that project, as described in the key on the graphic.

As of January 6, 2015, work is complete and a final product is available (if applicable) for 11 projects. We are happy to announce that 1 new project (#10) moved from yellow to green since my October 2014 update:

#10: “A Feasibility Assessment to Improve the Reporting of Hematopoietic Diseases“ conducted by CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. Final report and ATSDR/CDC summary factsheet on ATSDR website at:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/

The purpose of this study was to find ways to increase reporting of PV and other blood cancers to cancer registries by physicians’ offices and other outpatient facilities by working with state central cancer registries in Kansas, New York, and South Carolina. Blood cancers are under-reported because they are often diagnosed and treated in outpatient facilities. The reporting practices of physicians’ offices and other outpatient facilities can affect the completeness and accuracy of cancer registry data. The primary finding from this study was that a substantial amount of effort and staff resources on the part of state cancer registries is needed to enhance the reporting for these illnesses. Final products for another 7 projects are in progress; this includes one new project moving from red to yellow (#6, Gene Profiling) since my October 2014 update. We are happy to report that all projects are in at least the yellow stage of final product development at this time.

For more information:

Visit ATSDR’s web page on PV: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/index.html

Call ATSDR’s toll-free PV information line: 866-448-0242 or email jcx0@cdc, which will connect you to Dr. Elizabeth Irvin-Barnwell, ATSDR Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences.

Contact Lora Siegmann Werner, ATSDR Region 3, by phone at 215-814-3141 or by email at lkw9@cdc.gov. "

Comments by Brian Oram - Keystone Clean Water Team

1. Interesting pdf documents

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/docs/fact_sheet_exposure_assessment_of_groundwater_for_the_polycythemia_vera_cluster_in_northeast_pennsylvania.pdf

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/PolycythemiaVera/Polycythemia%20Vera%20Investigation%20in%20PA_HC_07-22-2014%20FINAL.pdf

2.Radionuclides may play a role -Recommend radon and radionuclide testing if you are in regions with high background.

3Booklet on drinking water quality sales support Groundwater Education Outreach in PA and Green Products for Home and Office (Conservation First).

Cut Methane Climate Action Plan

2015-01-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

FACT SHEET: Administration Takes Steps Forward on Climate Action Plan by Announcing Actions to Cut Methane Emissions

The Obama Administration is committed to taking responsible steps to address climate change and help ensure a cleaner, more stable environment for future generations. As part of that effort, today, the Administration is announcing a new goal to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 – 45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025, and a set of actions to put the U.S. on a path to achieve this ambitious goal.

U.S. oil production is at the highest level in nearly 30 years, providing important energy security and economic benefits. The U.S. is also now the largest natural gas producer in the world, providing an abundant source of clean-burning fuel to power and heat American homes and businesses. Continuing to rely on these domestic energy resources is a critical element of the President’s energy strategy. At the same time, methane – the primary component of natural gas – is a potent greenhouse gas, with 25 times the heat-trapping potential of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.

Methane emissions accounted for nearly 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2012, of which nearly 30 percent came from the production transmission and distribution of oil and natural gas. Emissions from the oil and gas sector are down 16 percent since 1990 and current data show significant reductions from certain parts of the sector, notably well completions. Nevertheless, emissions from the oil and gas sector are projected to rise more than 25 percent by 2025 without additional steps to lower them. For these reasons, a strategy for cutting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is an important component of efforts to address climate change.

The steps announced today are also a sound economic and public health strategy because reducing methane emissions means capturing valuable fuel that is otherwise wasted and reducing other harmful pollutants – a win for public health and the economy. Achieving the Administration’s goal would save up to 180 billion cubic feet of natural gas in 2025, enough to heat more than 2 million homes for a year and continue to support businesses that manufacture and sell cost-effective technologies to identify, quantify, and reduce methane emissions.

ADMINISTRATION ACTIONS TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS

Building on prior actions by the Administration, and leadership in states and industry, today the Administration is announcing a series of steps encompassing both commonsense standards and cooperative engagement with states, tribes and industry to put us on a path toward the 2025 goal. This coordinated, cross-agency effort will ensure a harmonized approach that also considers the important role of FERC, state utility commissions and environmental agencies, and industry. Administration actions include:

Propose and Set Commonsense Standards for Methane and Ozone-Forming Emissions from New and Modified Sources

In 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laid a foundation for further action when it issued standards for volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the oil and natural gas industry. These standards, when fully implemented, are expected to reduce 190,000 to 290,000 tons of VOC and decrease methane emissions in an amount equivalent to 33 million tons of carbon pollution per year. The standards not only relied on technologies and practices already in widespread use in the oil and gas sector, but also incorporated innovative regulatory flexibility. Along with a rule to streamline permitting of oil and gas production on certain tribal lands, this approach ensured that important public health and environmental protections could be achieved while oil and gas production continued to grow and expand.

Building on five technical white papers issued last spring, the peer review and public input received on these documents, and the actions that a number of states are already taking, EPA will initiate a rulemaking effort to set standards for methane and VOC emissions from new and modified oil and gas production sources, and natural gas processing and transmission sources. EPA will issue a proposed rule in the summer of 2015 and a final rule will follow in 2016. In developing these standards, EPA will work with industry, states, tribes, and other stakeholders to consider a range of common-sense approaches that can reduce emissions from the sources discussed in the agency’s Oil and Gas White Papers, including oil well completions, pneumatic pumps, and leaks from well sites, gathering and boosting stations, and compressor stations. As it did in the 2012 standards, the agency, in developing the proposal and final standards, will focus on in-use technologies, current industry practices, emerging innovations and streamlined and flexible regulatory approaches to ensure that emissions reductions can be achieved as oil and gas production and operations continue to grow.

New Guidelines to Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds

EPA will develop new guidelines to assist states in reducing ozone-forming pollutants from existing oil and gas systems in areas that do not meet the ozone health standard and in states in the Ozone Transport Region. These guidelines will also reduce methane emissions in these areas. The guidelines will help states that are developing clean air ozone plans by providing a ready-to-adopt control measure that they can include in those plans.

Consider Enhancing Leak Detection and Emissions Reporting

EPA will continue to promote transparency and accountability for existing sources by strengthening its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to require reporting in all segments of the industry. In addition to finalizing the updates to the program EPA has already proposed by the end of 2015, EPA will explore potential regulatory opportunities for applying remote sensing technologies and other innovations in measurement and monitoring technology to further improve the identification and quantification of emissions and improve the overall accuracy and transparency of reported data cost-effectively.

Lead by Example on Public Lands

The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will update decades-old standards to reduce wasteful venting, flaring, and leaks of natural gas, which is primarily methane, from oil and gas wells. These standards, to be proposed this spring, will address both new and existing oil and gas wells on public lands. This action will enhance our energy security and economy by boosting America’s natural gas supplies, ensuring that taxpayers receive the royalties due to them from development of public resources, and reducing emissions. BLM will work closely with EPA to ensure an integrated approach.

Reduce Methane Emissions while Improving Pipeline Safety

The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will propose natural gas pipeline safety standards in 2015. While the standards will focus on safety, they are expected to lower methane emissions as well.

Drive Technology to Reduce Natural Gas Losses and Improve Emissions Quantification

The President’s FY16 Budget will propose $15 million in funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop and demonstrate more cost-effective technologies to detect and reduce losses from natural gas transmission and distribution systems. This will include efforts to repair leaks and develop next generation compressors. The President’s budget will also propose $10 million to launch a program at DOE to enhance the quantification of emissions from natural gas infrastructure for inclusion in the national Greenhouse Gas Inventory in coordination with EPA.

Modernize Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure

DOE will continue to take steps to encourage reduced emissions, particularly from natural gas transmission and distribution, including:

· Issuing energy efficiency standards for natural gas and air compressors;

· Advancing research and development to bring down the cost of detecting leaks;

· Working with FERC to modernize natural gas infrastructure; and

· Partnering with NARUC and local distribution companies to accelerate pipeline repair and replacement at the local level.

Release a Quadrennial Energy Review (QER)

The Administration will soon release the first installment of the QER, which focuses specifically on policy actions that are needed to help modernize energy transmission, storage, and distribution infrastructure. This installment of the QER will include additional policy recommendations and analysis on the environmental, safety, and economic benefits of investments that reduce natural gas system leakage.

INDUSTRY ACTIONS TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS

The Administration’s actions represent important steps to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Fully attaining the Administration’s goal will require additional action, particularly with respect to existing sources of methane emissions. Several voluntary industry efforts to address these sources are underway, including EPA’s plans to expand on the successful Natural Gas STAR Program by launching a new partnership in collaboration with key stakeholders later in 2015. EPA will work with DOE, DOT, and leading companies, individually and through broader initiatives such as the One Future Initiative and the Downstream Initiative, to develop and verify robust commitments to reduce methane emissions. This new effort will encourage innovation, provide accountability and transparency, and track progress toward specific methane emission reduction activities and goals to reduce methane leakage across the natural gas value chain.

Voluntary efforts to reduce emissions in a comprehensive and transparent manner hold the potential to realize significant reductions in a quick, flexible, cost-effective way. Achieving significant methane reductions from these voluntary industry programs and state actions could reduce the need for future regulations. The Administration stands ready to collaborate with these and other voluntary efforts, including in the development of a regime for monitoring, reporting and verification.

BUILDING ON PROGRESS

Today’s announcement builds on the “Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions” released in March 2014. Since its release, the Administration has taken a number of actions to set us on a course to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and other sources:

· DOE has launched a new initiative that will make up to $30 million available to develop low-cost highly sensitive technologies that can help detect and measure methane emissions from oil and gas systems. Just last month, DOE announced the 11 innovative projects selected.

· DOE convened a series of roundtable discussions with leaders from industry, environmental organizations, state regulators, consumer groups, academia, labor unions, and other stakeholders. The meetings culminated in July 2014, with the creation of an Initiative to Modernize Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure that laid out a series of executive actions, partnerships, and stakeholder commitments to help modernize the nation’s natural gas transmission and distribution systems, increase safety and energy efficiency and reduce methane emissions.

· The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), EPA and DOE, in partnership with the dairy industry, released a Biogas Opportunities Roadmap in August 2014 highlighting voluntary actions to reduce methane emissions through the use of biodigesters.

· BLM released an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in April 2014 to gather public input on the development of a program for the capture and sale, or disposal, of waste methane from coal mines on public lands.

·EPA proposed updates to its 1996 New Source Performance Standards for new municipal solid waste landfills and sought public feedback on whether EPA should update guidelines for existing landfills in June 2014, which they anticipate finalizing this year.

Released - THE WHITE HOUSE- Office of the Press Secretary 1/14/2015

May few comments:

a. Why do we have a climate action plan before a National Energy Plan? The program is energy management, waste, meeting peak demands, poor or lack of distribution, and inefficiencies. Transmissions losses need to be minimized !

b. If the peaking and distribution were addressed, it would make renewable options even more feasible.

c. Also - methane - biggest source of methane on the planet- wetlands, cows, termites, and biological degradation.

d. Agree with climate adaptation and mitigation, but we also have to be honest we have developed in the wrong areas.
e.Hope about we stop corn based ethanol.
f. No comment on the Ozone issue.

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