"Feds want full disclosure of chemicals used in drilling"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Feds want full disclosure of chemicals used in drilling," by Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, July 27, 2009:

Both houses of Congress are considering bills to give federal oversight of the chemicals companies use to release oil and natural gas trapped deep underground.

Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania sponsored the Senate bill, and 8th District Rep. Patrick Murphy is a co-sponsor of the House plan.

The two Democrats favor the bill, known as the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act, to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and repeal an exemption for hydraulic fracturing.

"Seeking input on plans for cell towers"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Seeking input on plans for cell towers," by Freda Savana, Intelligencer, July 27, 2009:

Cell phone companies hoping to build towers or add antennas to existing ones are reaching out to customers in a new way.

Legal ads are popping up in newspapers asking residents to comment on the potential impact of the towers on their properties.

T-Mobile has taken out notices for proposed projects in Plumstead and Richlandtown explaining their plans, detailing the height and location of the tower and offering homeowners an opportunity to voice any concerns they might have. . . .

"Part of sewer suit could soon be settled"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Part of sewer suit could soon be settled," by Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, July 27, 2009:

Property owners who have had to put building projects on hold and business owners who have had to wait to move because of the ongoing dispute between Doylestown and the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority could soon be free to grow.

The borough has allowed the authority to look at its building records and, in exchange, the authority has agreed to issue letters telling property owners whether they can connect to the sewer. The agreement was reached last month after conferences with Judge Diane Gibbons; the authority's deadline is Aug. 6.

The agreement could settle part of the suit Doylestown filed against the authority in May. . . .

"Power line approval met with disappointment"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Power line approval met with disappointment," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 24, 2009:

Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve construction of a new PPL power line along a route that's been vehemently opposed by communities in Upper Bucks County.

The plan will string power lines along seven miles of the Tohickon Creek in Springfield and Richland townships and plant a substation on seven acres of wetlands.

"States digging deep to monitor water"

PhillyBurbs.com: "States digging deep to monitor water," by David Tirrell-Wysocki, Associated Press/Intelligencer, July 5, 2009:

About a quarter mile into dense woods, geologists watch as a drilling rig twists a shaft deep into the granite bedrock of southeastern New Hampshire. They are searching for water _ not to drink _ but to watch.

State and federal agencies have been watching, or monitoring, lakes and rivers for more than a century, but less attention has gone to vast amounts of water in cracks and rock fissures deep underground, leaving a void in understanding a resource growing in importance as demands for water increase and surface water sources are being used to the fullest in many areas.

New Hampshire is drilling a series of wells to monitor groundwater in cracks in granite hundreds of feet below the surface. The goal is to allow scientists to check for contamination; learn about how long it takes for rainfall or melting snow to make its way into the supply; and keep tabs on how climate change, population growth and development affect the water.

State Geologist David Wunsch would like to share the information as part of a nationwide network.

"In the future, your water may come from hundreds of miles away, so in order to get that national picture of 'Are we depleting some area for the sake of another region?,' you need to have that national picture," said Wunsch, who represented state geologists on a national committee that has developed a national groundwater monitoring plan.

Groundwater provides drinking water for 130 million Americans and 42 percent of the nation's irrigation water, and while many states have monitored groundwater, they have done so for state-specific reasons, using different criteria. So, while groundwater supplies spread beneath large regions, monitoring generally stops at state lines.

"Some states have several hundred wells and sample them four times a year. Others have absolutely nothing," said Wunsch.

The goal of forming a network got a boost this year as Congress approved the SECURE Water Act, directing the U.S. Geologic Survey to work with states to develop a national monitoring program for underground water supplies, known as aquifers.

Water and sewer grants awarded

PhillyBurbs.com: "Region rakes in water, sewer grants," by Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, July 16, 2009:

Bucks and Montgomery counties were big winners this week as the state announced that $500 million is being distributed for water and sewer projects.

The funding, part of the "H2O PA" program, was allocated through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The authority received 728 applications from across the state totaling $2.6 billion in requests and approved $500 million for projects on Tuesday. . . .

H2O PA was created in 2008 to fund water and sewer projects, as well as storm water projects, flood control projects and dam repairs.

The funding is provided through an $800 million bond financed by 5 percent of gaming revenue deposited in the Pennsylvania Gaming and Economic Development and Tourism Fund. The bond issue is expected to be floated soon and funds could be made available by the fall.

To be eligible for funding, a project must be owned by a municipality or authority and must include local matching funds.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority evaluates applications, with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority providing technical review and assistance.

The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority is receiving $128,666 for the Plumstead surge tank.

Energy industry misleads Congress

"Energy industry sways Congress with misleading data," by Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, July 8, 2009: "The two key arguments that the oil and gas industry is using to fight federal regulation of the natural gas drilling process called hydraulic fracturing -- that the costs would cripple their business and that state regulations are already strong -- are challenged by the same data and reports the industry is using to bolster its position. . . ."

"Construction site yields safety concerns"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Construction site yields safety concerns," by Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, July 9, 2009:

TH Properties resumed work on the final five townhouses in Bedminster's Cliffside Manor development last week, leaving some residents concerned about public safety issues. . . .

Among the issues are a large mound of dirt that could adversely affect groundwater and propane tanks that are not blocked from public access. . . .

"More funds ready for open space"

PhillyBurbs.com: "More funds ready for open space," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 5, 2009:

Thanks to a federal grant, the county will now have more money on hand to purchase open space in Upper Bucks.

As part of the Highlands Conservation Act Amendment, $700,000 will go to protecting farmland surrounding the Cooks Creek Watershed.

The $2 million additional funds designated by the House doubles the Highlands Coalition allocation to $4 million in President Obama's 2010 budget.

The Senate is currently working on its own version of the bill.

"Certainly it's a priority for us in Bucks County, but to get recognized on a national level is pretty significant," said Kris Kern, open space coordinator for the county.

The Highlands is a heavily forested and mountainous region that stretches across 3.5 million acres in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey; it is nationally significant because of the species it supports and the drinking water and recreational opportunities it provides.

It cuts through Cooks Creek Watershed in Upper Bucks, which runs the length of Durham and well into Springfield. Its 30-square-mile watershed is considered a critical natural resource. . . .

"Funding will help clean up leaking tank sites"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Funding will help clean up leaking tank sites," by Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, July 3, 2009:

The state is applying for $6.1 million in federal funds to clean up 71 leaking underground storage tanks, including some in Warrington, Horsham and Springfield.

Open space funds discussed

PhillyBurbs.com:  "Environmentalists, officials discuss open space funds," by Bill Devlin, Intelligencer, July 1, 2009:

The Bucks County Planning Commission Tuesday night held what was billed as the "Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County Workshop" at its offices in Doylestown Township.

In reality, it was a night for the birds - and trees, reptiles, flowers and insects.

Representatives from environmental advisory committees, conservation groups and local government were on hand to discuss the Natural Areas Inventory, the document that guides county officials in the use of open space funds. . . .

DEP to propose public water for Cross Keys

PhillyBurbs.com: "DEP to propose installing water system at Cross Keys," by Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, June 22, 2009: "Almost 100 Cross Keys property owners whose wells are or could be contaminated with toxic chemicals could soon get public water, courtesy of the state Department of Environmental Protection. . . ."

Cure for curative amendments

PhillyBurbs.com: "Bill would strengthen townships against developers," by Chris English, Intelligencer, June 19, 2009:

Legislation that would give municipalities more power to fight development and take the sting out of curative amendments filed by builders will be introduced by state Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-31, Monday.

"Officials fear costs of runoff"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Officials fear costs of runoff," by Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, June 15, 2009: "Concerned with new regulations that could force them to clean up streams inundated with storm runoff, local governments have banded together and hired attorneys to deal with the state Department of Environmental Protection. . . ."

"Expanding flood plain worries some"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Expanding flood plain worries some," by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, June 8, 2009: "A proposal to expand the amount of land along the Delaware River that's defined as flood plain in hopes of reducing the impact of future floods has riverside property owners concerned about its impact on them. . . ."

"Open space or not?"

by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, PhillyBurbs.com, May 15, 2009: "Spending to preserve open space is a leading issue in the township's election. In Plumstead, like many municipalities throughout Central and Upper Bucks County, preserving open space is a key issue for residents. Elected officials go to great lengths to praise the rewards of preservation, despite the cost. But in today's economy, spending money on anything, even open space, is a concern for those seeking public office. The three Republicans facing off in Tuesday's primary each expressed worry over spending in these strained economic times. . . ."

New storm water management rules

PhillyBurbs.com, April 30, 2009: "Township wants help from neighbors against DEP rules: The potential impact of new storm water management rules has supervisors concerned. Concerned about the potential impact of new storm water management rules, Montgomery Township supervisors hope their neighbors will join them in expressing that concern to the state Department of Environmental Protection. . . ."

Landscape design and clean water

PhillyBurbs.com, April 26, 2009: "Design majors all about clean water: The next generation of landscape designers is stepping out of the classroom and into their local watersheds. A group of 10 environmental design majors from Delaware Valley College is touring the region this month to consult with homeowners and local organizations about riparian buffers, grassy barriers that keep sediment out of creeks and streams. . . ."

"Law would protect drinking water"

By Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, April 23, 2009:

The legislation was introduced by Bucks Republican Chuck McIlhinney.

A lawmaker, government agency and environmental group have teamed up to craft a bill to protect the state's drinking water.

State Sen. Chuck McIlhinney introduced the legislation Wednesday that requires special protection of the groundwater, rivers and aquifers that supply drinking water.

Loans for water projects

PhillyBurbs.com, April 23, 2009: "Loans target water projects: Richlandtown and Sellersville were hoping for grants to perform needed water system improvements. . . . They'll have to settle for a loan. The tiny Upper Bucks borough had applied for funding to remove arsenic from the town's drinking water. . . ."

Hybrid sewer alternative

PhillyBurbs.com, April 22, 2009: "Hybrid mentioned as sewer alternative: The system could be cheaper then what has been proposed for the Pebble Ridge area. A member of the Doylestown Township public water and sewer advisory committee has proposed an idea - a sort of septic-sewer hybrid, called a septic tank effluent pump system - that he said could address the problem of failing septic systems at a lower cost than the alternatives. . . ."

Frontline/PBS: "Poisoned Waters"

FRONTLINE: Poisoned Waters on PBS: "A far-reaching investigation into American's great waterways. They are in peril. There's a new wave of pollution that's killing fish, causing mutations in frogs -- and threatening human health."

"Springtown Water Authority honored"

PhillyBurbs.com, Intelligencer, by Amanda Cregan, April 10, 2009: "Springtown Water Authority honored. The all-volunteer agency was lauded for maintaining local control of the rural township's water system."

8 stream gauges for Delaware River

PhillyBurbs.com, Intelligencer, by Freda R. Savana, April 9, 2009: "8 stream gauges to be funded in Delaware: The U.S. Geological Survey said it will help fund the operation of at least eight stream gauges that help the National Weather Service provide flood forecasts and warnings. Last month, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced several gauges were going to be shut down to save money."

"Water monitoring will continue"

PhillyBurbs.com, April 6, 2009: "Contamination in Cross Keys has affected numerous homes and businesses. Officials have yet to identify the source. Dozens of homes and businesses in and around the intersection of routes 313 and 611, known as Cross Keys, will continue to have their wells monitored by the state Department of Environmental Protection, said a DEP spokesman, after contaminants were discovered in the water. It's been almost a year since the department learned the water was contaminated with chlorinated solvents. The area affected includes sections of Plumstead, Buckingham and Doylestown Township."

"Tinicum in epic battle with developer"

PhillyBurbs.com, April 6, 2009: "It's been five years since developers began their fight to build an apartment complex, townhomes, residential neighborhoods and a shopping center across 240 acres in Tinicum. Scores of township hearings later, neither Main Street Development nor township supervisors nor members of ECO-Bucks, a grassroots citizens group fighting to preserve the rural character of Tinicum, are backing down from the fight."

"Open house targets deer management"

PhillyBurbs.com, April 5, 2009: "Open house targets deer management: The day-long event was one of six open houses the [Pennsylvania Game] commission is holding statewide."

"Pennridge-area water safety addressed"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Pennridge-area water safety addressed," by Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, April 1, 2009.

"NYC eliminating stream gauges"

PhillyBurbs.com, Bucks County Courier Times, by Freda R. Savana, March 27, 2009: "The proposed cutbacks of the system that keeps check on Delaware River water levels have outraged some who live along the waterway."

"Officials tap ideas for water safety"

PhillyBurbs.com, Intelligencer, by Theresa Hegel, March 29, 2009: "For Pennridge area officials, the best way to keep drinking water clean, safe - and, indeed, flowing - is to go to the source.

"With the help of the Bucks County Planning Commission and a slew of scientists, they've been able to map out where each spray of your hose and dribble from your tap originated.

"The region's source water protection plan - currently in draft form - delineates those origins and identifies 'actual and potential sources of contamination,' said Rea Monaghan, an environmental planner with the Bucks County Planning Commission.

"The plan, which will be reviewed at a public meeting on Tuesday, could also be an invaluable resource in case of an emergency, she added.

"About eight years ago, the Pennridge Area Coordinating Committee began an initiative to link land development to water resources. The idea is that housing and other types of development should not exceed the capacity of area water systems.

"Water availability 'is going to be one of the most critical items that we deal with and face in the next 25 years,' said Don Duvall, a West Rockhill supervisor and PACC member." [continued]

"Quarry work surprises township"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Earth moving equipment was working on the expansion of the quarry until a cease-and-desist order was issued," Intelligencer, March 29, 2009.

"No cause for drought alarm in area - yet"

PhillyBurbs.com: "No cause for drought alarm in area - yet," by Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, March 24, 2009. "Rainfall amounts are way down in 2009, but rain is predicted later this week."

Regulations for natural gas drilling

"Environmentalists want regulations for expected increase in natural gas drilling," by Scott Detrow, WHYY News, March 19, 2009. "Pennsylvania officials are banking on a boom in natural gas drilling over the next few years. But environmental advocates say lawmakers will need to put strict regulations in place to protect water sources [emphasis added]."