"DEP: Some sewer hookups possible"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, April 21, 2010: "Property owners in Doylestown might now be allowed to connect to the sewer system, but property owners in Buckingham, Doylestown Township and Plumstead are still out of luck. . . ."

"Black fly spraying along Delaware"

Intelligencer, April 21, 2010:

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a black fly suppression operation beginning at 10 a.m. today, in Northampton County and continue south and east throughout the day.

Residents of Bucks County's Delaware River communities are advised that helicopter pilots may use several landing sites during this operation, including Riegelsville Borough Park, the Erwinna/Delaware Valley Fire Co. in Tinicum, and the Slack Road Farm in Upper Makefield.

The operation will include a gray (with green stripes) Bell 206-BIII helicopter with the tail number N302MG.

Pilots will be applying VECTOBAC 12AS to waterways to reduce the numbers of adult black flies that hatch from the river and streams. The product being used is a brown, slightly sticky liquid with a fish-like odor. Its active ingredient is a naturally occurring soil bacterium and not a synthetic pesticide.

It will be applied perpendicular to the stream flow in multiple locations along the rivers and streams by a low-flying helicopter. A product label is available upon request.

More info: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/blackfly and the Delaware Riverkeeper's 4/20/10 press release.

"Gas drilling debate rages in Del. River watershed"

By Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press, April 18, 2010:

Pleasant Mount, Pa. — A few hundred yards from Louis Matoushek's farmhouse is a well that could soon produce not only natural gas, but a drilling boom in the wild and scenic Delaware River watershed.

"County officials seek to push Delaware River dredging plan"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, April 15, 2010:

The Bucks County commissioners will join the county redevelopment authority in an effort to persuade the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to support dredging to maintain the Delaware River shipping channel from Philadelphia to Trenton.

"Sewer problems becoming a messy situation"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, April 5, 2010:

Property owners in four municipalities in the Doylestown area will have to go through an extended sewer usage planning process that will cost them more time and money to build or to expand or change the use of an existing building.

The state Department of Environmental Protection determined that Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority exceeded capacity at three of its treatment facilities in 2008, so owners of property that would be connected to those facilities now will have to submit full sewer planning modules.

Planning modules are typically required only for large developments while DEP and the sewer authority typically exempt smaller developments and changes in use from the months-long planning process. The DEP has decided that it will no longer grant the exemptions.

Property owners in parts of Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Buckingham and Plumstead are affected by the decision. . . .

"EPA to study natural-gas drilling's effect on water"

By Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post, March 19, 2010: "The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it will launch a $1.9 million study into how drinking-water supplies are affected by hydraulic fracturing, a method used to turn shale rock into natural gas wells. . . ."

"Vapor testing to begin April 12"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, March 26, 2010: "The EPA will test for intrusion of chemical vapors into the site of the former Chem-Fab plant and nearby buildings. . . ."

"EPA to test near former Chem-Fab plant"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, March 23, 2010:

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to soon begin testing buildings on and near the former Chem-Fab plant on Broad Street in Doylestown for "vapor intrusion" - that is, the possible leaching of chemical vapors through the soil and into the air.

"Judge rules against developers"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, March 22, 2010:

Bedminster officials were "cautiously optimistic" after a panel of Commonwealth Court judges sided with their zoning law, affirming a decision made by a Bucks County judge in August.

Two developers - Bedminster Associates and the Piper Group - had been seeking the ability to increase housing density in the township's agricultural preservation district to build a total of more than 500 homes, arguing that a 2002 state Supreme Court ruling on behalf of C&M Home Builders cleared the way for their plans.

"Aqua Pennsylvania seeks rate hike"

By Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, March 3, 2010:

A public hearing tonight in Hatboro will hear testimony concerning a proposed 11.8 percent rate increase for Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. customers in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Aqua filed the request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission last month requesting a $5.51 a month (18 cents a day) increase in rates for a typical residential customer.

The hike would raise monthly residential bills to $53.79 and, if approved, would begin in August.

In Bucks County, Aqua provides water to about 30,000 customers in parts of Chalfont, New Britain Borough and Township and Solebury, as well as in Bensalem, Bristol, Bristol Township, Lower Southampton and Upper Southampton. . . .

"Critic seeks to join sewer and water agency board"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, February 26, 2010: "Borough council's president has applied for a seat on the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority. . . ."

"Activists: No backing for natural gas fracking"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, February 26, 2010: "'Down river' residents who have great concern about natural gas drilling's effect on the environment traveled hours by bus to tell the Delaware River Basin Commission about it. . . ."

Nockamixon: "Panel to address water problems"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 24, 2010:

After rounds of detailed research on a growing water crisis in Nockamixon and the surrounding communities, scientists are ready to flush out an overview.

Scientists with the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee will have the floor at Thursday night's work session in Nockamixon, which will bring together township supervisors and planning commission members.

The committee is expected to highlight years of collected data, showing increased stress on the rural Upper Bucks region's groundwater supply. . . .

"Drilling application draws crowd upriver"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 23, 2010: "Fearing the effect on our area's drinking water supply, local environmentalists will head north to fight natural gas drilling. . . ."

"House panel to investigate ‘fracking’"

By Marty Reddington, AP/Phillyburbs.com, February 19, 2010: "An oil and gas drilling technique that is becoming more widespread is drawing scrutiny from lawmakers concerned that it may pose a hazard to human health by tainting drinking water and harming the environment. . . ."

Nockamixon: "County promises more openness on defunct dump"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 18, 2010.

"Shale group: Rendell tax unfair, Pa. laws outdated"

By Marc Levy, AP/Intelligencer, February 12, 2010: "The natural gas industry in one of the nation's hottest exploration spots is bracing for a political tussle over whether and how Pennsylvania will tax methane from the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation. . . ."

Bridgeton: "Updated regulation limits drilling for oil, natural gas"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, February 12, 2010:

Bridgeton updated regulations Thursday night, restricting oil and natural gas drilling within the rural Upper Bucks township.

The guidelines for oil and natural gas piggyback on the township's well-established regulations for mineral exploration and extraction, which have been on the books since at least 1999, supervisors said.

That ordinance restricts drilling to areas of Bridgeton designated industrial.

Those seeking to drill would also have to submit water resources and traffic impact studies if the location merited such actions. . . .

"Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct"

"Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct that can pollute drinking water, kill fish," by Marc Levy and Vicki Smith, Associated Press/Intelligencer, February 2, 2010.

Nockamixon: "Township wants answers on landfill"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 2, 2010:

There are too many things hiding in Hidden Valley, say Nockamixon officials.

Newly discovered bright orange leachate could be masking unknown and possibly dangerous compounds that might be seeping out of the landfill and into nearby waterways, according to the township's environmental advisory committee and the Gallows Run Watershed Association.

"That's part of the reason we want to talk with the county - to see what their stewardship is," said chemist Stephen Donovan, co-chairman of Nockamixon's environmental advisory committee and the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee. . . ."

"Susquehanna residents wary of gas-drilling operation"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 13, 2009.

"Pa. to hire more oil and gas drilling inspectors"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 28, 2010.

"Request to block Delaware River dredging denied"

By Marty Reddington, phillyBurbs.com, January 29, 2010.

Buckingham: "Township approves new well"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, January 28, 2010: "Buckingham will spend more than $886,000 to develop a new municipal well, which officials hope will compensate for several inadequate Furlong area wells dug by developers. . . ."

"Hilltown yanks memberships"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, January 28, 2010:

In an era when regionalization is often encouraged and cooperation between municipalities is rewarded by the state, Hilltown has taken an unusual step toward isolation.

Earlier this week, the township dropped membership with both the Bucks County Association of Township Officials and the Pennridge Area Coordinating Committee, saying the groups move government away from the people and detract from Hilltown's authority.

LWV's Marcellus Shale drilling forums

"Marcellus Shale drilling forum meets controversy," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, January 17, 2010: "The League of Women Voters meetings on Marcellus Shale held in numerous counties in Pennsylvania are being blasted by some environmentalists. . . ."

Next forum: Wednesday, February 24, 9:15 AM, Heritage Towers, 200 Veterans Lane, Doylestown. Note: This is a change of location; best to double-check the League's calendar.

"Bucks sewer rates changing "

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, January 7, 2010: "In an attempt to stabilize rates, the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority lowered rates in Central and Upper Bucks and increased them in Bensalem. . . ."

"DEP: Plant pollutes river--again"

"Briston Township officials expect to pay at least $100,000 in fines for environmental violations," by James McGinnis, Intelligencer, December 13, 2009.

"Bristol Township's Croydon sewer plant is not properly treating sewage, and discharge reports show unacceptable amounts of feces and other bacteria headed into the Delaware River, state inspectors said. . . .

"Maya Van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper: 'The fact that this pollution has been done knowlingly, continually, and that it's ongoing is almost beyond words.'"

Test results for water systems in Bucks County

New York Times' "Toxic Waters" series.

Exxon expands natural gas holdings

"Exxon's Bid Spotlights Bright Future for Natural Gas," by Katie Howell, New York Times, December 15, 2009.

Warrington: "Report advises against selling water and sewer department"

By Annie Tasker, Intelligencer, December 9, 2009: "The township wouldn't get its money's worth. . . ."

Furlong: "Deadline passes for clean water"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, December 3, 2009: "Furlong residents won't get public water because a source cannot be found. . . ."

"Leaky toilet blamed for unexpected water volume"

By Christina Kristofic, PhillyBurbs.com, November 23, 2009: "The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority indicated last week that it would allow new connections to the Harvey Avenue treatment facility if the borough conducts a systemwide test for leaks. . . ."

"Advocacy groups file suits to stop river deepening"

By George Mattar, PhillyBurbs.com, November 20, 2009: "A host of environmental advocacy groups filed two lawsuits Thursday in an effort to stop the Army Corps of Engineers from deepening the Delaware River. . . ."

"32,000 Pa. forest acres opened to gas drilling"

AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 11/11/2009:

Pennsylvania is opening nearly 32,000 acres of additional state forest land to leasing by natural-gas drilling companies. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) says the six tracts are in Cameron, Clearfield, Clinton, Potter, and Tioga Counties.

Acting DCNR Secretary John Quigley said on Monday that the acreage was picked after extensive environmental reviews and represents a sliver of the 2.1 million acres of forest owned by the state.

The plan to lease more land to drillers is part of the state's formula for balancing its budget. The lease sale requires minimum bids of $2,000 per acre, with a goal of raising more than $60 million. Prospective bidders have until Jan. 12 to submit sealed bids for the 10-year leases. The bids will be opened that day. Currently, there are 750 wells on 660,000 acres of state forest leased for gas drilling.

"Quarry expansion decision argued in court"

By Theresa Hegel, PhillyBurbs.com, November 8, 2009.

"Supervisors quash developer's request"

By Bill Devlin, PhillyBurbs.com, November 5, 2009.

Plumstead supervisors gave a prominent Bucks County developer only a little of what he wanted Wednesday night.

Richard Zaveta, president of Zaveta Construction Co. of Buckingham, had asked the supervisors to extend the five-year limit for beginning work on the project already approved by the township.

Zaveta has yet to start construction on a development, which would create a "village" mix of single homes, townhouses and stores in Gardenville.

The board's approval of the plans, which have drawn praise because of the architectural design, expires Dec. 10.

Supervisors Chairman Vince Formica told the board that he was not in favor of granting the extension, noting that since the Zaveta plans were approved, the township had made changes to its zoning and land development regulations.

Supervisor Housley Carr said he would only approve an extension if the plans were changed to conform to the new zoning and land development regulations. Carr also wanted Zaveta to reduce the number of units in project.

When Supervisor Stacey Mulholland's motion to grant the extension did not receive a second, Zaveta expressed his surprise.

"I am astonished that this (the extension) is not being approved," he told the board.

However, Supervisor Frank Froio suggested giving Zaveta some time to make the changes that would satisfy the board. Froio proposed a 6-month extension because it would allow Formica and Carr, who will be leaving office in January, to be involved in plan as well as giving Republicans Daniel Hilferty and Wayne Stork, who were elected Tuesday night, to have a say when they take their seats in January.

Froio also suggested to Zaveta that he reduce the scope of the development from 52 units to 40 units.

Froio's motion for the six-month extension was approved 3-1, with Formica dissenting. Supervisor Tom Alvare was not present.

"Stimulus money will help clean streams in Tinicum"

By Amanda Cregan, PhillyBurbs.com, November 4, 2009:

Federal stimulus money will help keep road dirt out of Tinicum's creeks and streams.

The township is poised to spend $600,000 on a new environmentally friendly technique, which grounds, compacts and applies stone gravel in way that keeps the sediment from eventually rolling into creek beds and building up in the township's watershed. . . .

Doylestown: "Mystery deluge baffles officials"

By Christina Kristofic, PhillyBurbs.com, November 1, 2009.

"Delaware sues Army Corps over river dredging"

By Randall Chase, Associated Press, PhillyBurbs.com, October 30, 2009.

Nockamixon: "Water to be tested at homes"

By Amanda Cregan, PhillyBurbs.com, October 26, 2009: "State officials are in Nockamixon this week to check for elevated levels of the cancer-causing chemical TCE. . . ."

"EPA orders Sellersville to reduce arsenic in water"

By Theresa Hegel, PhillyBurbs.com, October 2, 2009.

"How Marcellus Shale gas came to be tax-exempt in Pa."

By Mario F. Cattabiani and Amy Worden, Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/25/2009.

"Pa. Tapped, Drillers Not"

By Andrew Maykuth, Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/25/2009.

"Pa. budget cuts hamper environmental protection"

By Sandy Bauers, Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/24/2009.

"How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?"

Fresh Air, NPR/WHYY, October 19, 2009:

An estimated one in 10 Americans have been exposed to drinking water that contains dangerous chemicals, parasites, bacteria or viruses, or fails to meet federal health standards. Part of the problem, says journalist Charles Duhigg, is that water-pollution laws are not being enforced.

Duhigg reports on the "worsening pollution in American waters" — and regulators' responses to the problem — in his New York Times series, "Toxic Waters." In researching the series, he studied thousands of water pollution records, which he obtained via the Freedom of Information Act.

Nockamixon: "Funds set for water evidence efforts"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, PhillyBurbs.com, October 19, 2009: "An environmental group wants to store samples before gas drilling begins. . . ."

"Disaster for the environment"

Letter to the Editor of the Intelligencer, PhillyBurbs.com, October 16, 2009:

To the Editor:

Politicos may be upbeat about Pennsylvania's new budget, but a detailed look reveals devastating cuts to key environmental agencies and programs.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources funding was cut by 18.5 percent

The state parks budget will be reduced by 15.6 percent. Permanent closure of some state parks now appears inevitable. Goodbye Ralph Stover? Nockamixon? Tyler? Delaware Canal?

Perhaps most shocking is the $60 million loss to the Oil & Gas Fund, which was established in 1955 to fund land acquisition and other conservation priorities. The Legislature plans to replenish the fund by leasing more state forest land for gas drilling. All of which leads to more roads, forest fragmentation, noise, air and water pollution and groundwater contamination in our precious state forests.

These cuts seem huge and devastating, but they pale in comparison to the $58 million cut in the Department of Environmental Protection's funding. This reduction is so massive that the full implications are not yet clear, but it could mean layoffs for more than 300 DEP staff. With that many people gone, who would monitor all the new oil and gas drilling across the state? The combination of the huge budget cuts and massive expansion of oil and gas wells requiring permitting, inspections and enforcement appears to set the stage for the de facto deregulation of oil and gas drilling.

None of this was necessary.

Pennsylvania is the only gas-producing state without a severance tax on natural gas production. The tax is widely supported by environmental organizations, many legislators, local municipalities and sportsmen's groups. Even Gov. Rendell supported the tax until he flip-flopped in late August. The severance tax was expected to raise over $100 million for this budget year, far exceeding the $60 million to be looted from the Oil & Gas Fund.

Who do we have to thank for this? Our state senators who voted "yes" for this plunder of our natural resources and who refused to allow a severance tax on natural gas extraction. Keep this in mind the next time you wonder why our state parks are falling down and Pennsylvania's environment keeps degrading.

David Meiser
Pipersville
Bucks County Sierra Club

"Report blames fish kill on county"

By Christopher Ruvo, PhillyBurbs.com, October 16, 2009.

Nockamixon: "Candidates face budget woes, gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, PhillyBurbs.com, October 15, 2009.

Marcellus shale natural gas extraction

Radio Times WHYY, October 15, 2009: "Hour 1: The Marcellus Shale formation lies beneath much of Pennsylvania, and it's where energy companies expect to find a motherlode of natural gas. But the process and politics of removing it also extracts a cascade of questions. Joining us to help understand the issues are Abrahm Lustgarten, investigative reporter with ProPublica.org; extraction industry spokesman Lee Fuller of EnergyInDepth.org; and David Masur of the advocacy group PennEnvironment."

"Candidates: It's all about respect"

By Freda R. Savana, PhillyBurbs.com, October 14, 2009: ". . . All supported the referendum to borrow $4.5 million to purchase land to develop a multiuse park. . . ."

"Winners and losers in the Pa. budget"

By Roger DuPuis II and Robert Swift, Times-Tribune, October 10, 2009: "Losers...Environment [emphasis added]
DEP budget [Last year:] $229 million [New budget:] $159 million [Change:] -31 percent
Safe Water [Last year:] $11.7 million [New budget:] $0 [Change:] -100 percent
Flood-control projects [Last year:] $5.7 million [New budget:] $4.1 million [Change:] -28 percent"

Plumstead Supervisor Candidates' Forum Oct. 13

The League of Women Voters of Bucks County is sponsoring a forum for candidates seeking election to the Board of Supervisors, to be held in the Plumstead Township Building on Tuesday, October 13, 7:30-9 p.m. There are four candidates for two open seats: Jason Eskolsky (D), Daniel Hilferty (R), Helen Mitchell (D), and Wayne Stork (R). The term of office is six years. Housley Carr and Vince Formica are not seeking reelection.

Residents are invited to attend and learn more about the candidates. The League of Women Voters of Bucks County is "a non-partisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government." The forum will begin with several questions directed to the candidates by the League, which will also collect written questions from the public. Note: Questions must be general--addressed to all of the candidates; each will respond in turn.

The candidates' websites are http://www.plumsteadfirst.com/ and http://www.helenandjasonforplumstead.org/.

"Growth rides on new sewer plant"

By Christina Kristofic, PhillyBurbs.com, October 6, 2009: "Expansion of the Harvey Avenue sewer treatment facility won't be finished until late 2011 or early 2012, holding up construction of new buildings, expansion of existing buildings or changing use."

"Long-range plan calls for more open space"

By George Mattar, PhillyBurbs.com, October 4, 2009: "Regional planners predict an 11 percent increase in population and a 13 percent increase in jobs in the Delaware Valley by 2035."

Springfield: "Township saves more open space"

By Amanda Cregan, PhillyBurbs.com, September 23, 2009.

Plumstead: "Voters to decide on park"

By Freda R. Savana, PhillyBurbs.com, September 23, 2009: "The November ballot will have a question about borrowing $4.5 million for a multi-use park. In May, another question will ask about $10 million for open space." Bond referendum Q&A.

Nockamixon: "Forum planned for water concerns"

By Amanda Cregan, PhillyBurbs.com, September 17, 2009.

"Environmental groups worry about Pa. budget impact"

News, msnbc.com/phillyburbs.com, September 15, 2009:

Environmental advocates are opposing an evolving deal to end Pennsylvania's budget stalemate because of potential funding cuts for public-land protection and leasing of more state forest land for gas drilling. A deal supported by both parties in the Senate and House Democrats is on hold for now because Gov. Ed Rendell opposes some aspects of it. But conservation groups say the forests will suffer, as will recreational opportunities, if it passes, and gas-drilling companies that profit from the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale gas formation will escape unscathed. "The integrity of our publicly owned state forests should not be sacrificed to fill a budget gap," more than 20 conservation groups, including PennEnvironment and the Sierra Club, wrote in a letter to legislators.

Bedminster: "Development decision upheld by judge"

By Theresa Hegel, PhillyBurbs.com, September 14, 2009: "The developers plan to appeal."

Bucks County Deer Forum

"Wildlife seminar was a first for deer forum," Bucks County Herald, September 17, 2009.

Nockamixon: "Possible drinking well contamination probed"

PhillyBurbs.com: Nockamixon: "Possible drinking well contamination probed," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, September 9, 2009.

"Appreciating the river"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Appreciating the river and what it means," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 30, 2009: "Fifteen million people depend on the Delaware River for water. And this Labor Day weekend, environmental enthusiasts will mark their appreciation with a Light Up the Delaware River Party. . . . As natural gas drilling hits communities across the Northeast and sits on the horizon in Nockamixon, the event has taken on a greater significance. . . ."

"Group's lawsuit seeks to put referendum on ballot"

By Margaret Gibbons, Intelligencer/PhillyBurbs.com, August 28, 2009:

The Montgomery County commissioners will have to go before a judge and defend their unanimous decision to refuse to place a citizen-sponsored referendum question on the November ballot.

We the People of Cheltenham, a grassroots citizens group, this week petitioned the county court to order the commissioners, sitting as the county election board, to put the referendum on the ballot.

This legal action comes as no surprise to the commissioners who last week, in turning down the referendum request, acknowledged they don't know whether they have the legal authority to do what they did.

"There really is no law on this," said county solicitor Barry M. Miller.

The commissioners admitted that the citizens group, which wants residents to have more say in the development of their community, did everything right. . . .

"Mercury in fish widespread"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Federal study shows mercury in fish widespread," by Dina Cappiello, AP/Intelligencer, August 20, 2009: "No fish can escape mercury pollution. That's the take-home message from a federal study of mercury contamination released Wednesday that tested fish from nearly 300 streams across the country. . . ."

"Water 'hot spots' starting to crop up"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Water 'hot spots' starting to crop up," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 19, 2009: "Tinicum supervisors had their first look at recent groundwater reports Tuesday night. Although much of the attention has focused on Palisades High School and surrounding neighborhoods, The Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Management Committee reported some other trouble spots across Upper Bucks. . . ."

Nockamixon: "Clean start"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Clean start: Scientists are beginning to sample wells and water sources in the township. It will serve as proof if the water is poisoned by gas drilling," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 18, 2009: "If Nockamixon's groundwater is poisoned during natural gas extraction, officials will have the evidence. Scientists with Princeton Hydro, a New Jersey-based water and wetlands resource management company, are traveling throughout the township this week to sample wells, streams, creeks and aquifers. . . ."

"Sewer plant is over capacity"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Sewer plant is over capacity," by Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, August 7, 2009: "Two Doylestown property owners - and any others whose sewage would go to the Harvey Avenue wastewater treatment plant - will not be allowed to connect to the sewer system. The state Department of Environmental Protection has determined that the plant is over its annual average capacity, and says the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority cannot allow any property in the area served by the plant to connect to the sewer system. . . ."

"Conservation effort pays off"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Conservation effort pays off," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 27, 2009: "Congressman Patrick Murphy joined environmental leaders and local officials to spread the word about $700,000 in federal funding that will be spent to conserve land within the Cooks Creek Watershed. . . ."

"An 'inconvenient truth'"

PhillyBurbs.com: "An 'inconvenient truth,'" by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 3, 2009:

Spring and summer rains are simply a Band-Aid on a growing water crisis in Upper Bucks.

"We're not out of the woods by any means," said Stephen Donovan, research scientist for the Bridgeton-Nockamixon-Tinicum Groundwater Committee.

A new report outlines increased stress on ground water around Palisades High School and the surrounding region.

If levels continue to decline, it eventually could spell disaster for the school district and area homeowners, all of whom rely on private wells to pull water from the underlying rock where it is collected.

"DEP presents public water plan"

PhillyBurbs.com: "DEP presents public water plan [for Cross Keys]," by Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, July 31, 2009.

"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."