"Water authority may extend lines"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, September 27, 2010:

East Rockhill: A group of homes with shallow wells along West Schwenkmill Road may get the chance to connect to public water.

The Perkasie Borough Authority is considering extending its lines to bring public water to residents with shallow, failing wells on West Schwenkmill Road in East Rockhill.

"DEP Issues Drought Warning for 24 Counties"

"Drought Watch for Remainder of State," September 16, 2010. Bucks County is under a drought warning. View drought map.

"Dry conditions draw warnings"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, September 9, 2010:

Scott Miller is hoping for a hurricane.

The Doylestown-based landscaper says his business is down about 25 percent this summer, a direct result of a lengthening spell of hot and dry weather that has scorched lawns, triggered drought concerns, cut into local crop yields and prompted fire danger warnings.

"Precious resource needs comprehensive oversight"

Intelligencer editorial, September 3, 2010:

Residents who rely on shallow (generally speaking, less than 100 feet) private wells for their water have long been familiar with the anxiety brought on by extended periods without rain.

"Region's water supply mapped out"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, September 2, 2010:

As Bucks County planners consider future land development, water is a major part of the equation.

"We've got a limited amount of fresh water and we have to do what we have to do to sustain that as a renewable resource," Dennis Livrone, senior planner for the Bucks County Planning Commission, told the board at its meeting Wednesday.

As development and the county's population expands so does the need for clean drinking water and wastewater treatment technology, he said.

"River basin project gets grant"

By Rachel Canelli, Intelligencer, September 2, 2010:
GRAPHIC

One of the groups involved in the project would like to see a tax placed on natural gas drilling in the river basin to support restoration of wildlife habitat and towns impacted by the drilling.

The Nature Conservancy has received a $450,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund a comprehensive conservation project in the Delaware River Basin, officials said.

"Lack of rainfall, geology bring water restrictions"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, August 30, 2010:

Geology contributes to regular groundwater shortage problems in the Furlong area.

"Residents blame PBA for dry wells"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

Last month, Robert Schlitz, 75, turned on the tap at his East Rockhill home, and nothing happened.

After 42 years with no problems, his 90-foot well, which had weathered several droughts, had run dry. He spent nearly $10,000 to drill a 280-foot-deep replacement well.

"Polluted ponds drained at site of fire"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

The effort to determine the scope of water pollution in Plumstead continued last week as a contractor for the state began draining two contaminated ponds located near the site of a June 29 fire that destroyed an industrial building.

"Residents get lesson in 'fracking' dangers"

By Annie Tasker, Intelligencer, August 29, 2010:

Dozens of locals gathered in Quakertown Saturday for a discussion on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, a practice that's boomed in recent years and prompted studies on its possible impact on the Delaware River and the 15 million people who rely on it for drinking water.

"Learning the ins and outs of gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 27, 2010:

Bucks attorneys gathered Thursday to learn more about lease agreements with companies that are drilling for natural gas.

"Residents question why E. Rockhill wells went dry"

By Erin DuBois, MontgomeryNews.com, August 26, 2010:

For 40 years Robert Schlitz, who lives . . . [on] West Schwenkmill Road in Perkasie, has been able to rely on his well, even filling his 24,000-gallon swimming pool without a sputter. But that all changed July 23 when his approximately 100-foot-deep well went dry.

About the same time, . . . another West Schwenkmill Road resident, who did not wish to comment, discovered that his well had dried up; and neighbors . . . began experiencing intermittent water supply from their wells.

The growing epidemic led well owners to question whether they should blame the hot, dry summer or if a troubling coincidence was the culprit.

The day before Schlitz’s well went dry, Menlo Aquatic Center’s competition pool accidentally drained overnight. Perkasie Borough Authority used 300,000 gallons of water to refill the pool July 23. . . .

"Commissioners OK storm water plan"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 23, 2010:

The Bucks County Commissioners approved a storm water management plan for the Neshaminy Creek watershed that will allow the region to develop a coordinated approach to controlling erosion and flooding.

With the commissioners' adoption of the plan last week, 41 municipalities in Bucks and Montgomery counties within the watershed will have six months to modify and adopt a model storm water management ordinance contained within the plan. . . .

The plan is available on the Bucks County Planning Commission's website.

Wells running dry in East Rockhill

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7615278

Town Hall meeting on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas

A Town Hall Meeting Presenting Information and a Discussion on Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas
Focus on Nockamixon Township, Bucks County
Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 1:00 PM
The James Michener Free Library
401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, PA 18951-1248

"Water report nears completion"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 22, 2010:

As officials grapple with a declining supply, the goal is to translate complicated information into an understandable form.

After a decade of collecting and charting well water samples they say show a looming groundwater crisis in Upper Bucks, residents and local officials will soon have the information in hand.

"Tests of wells were wrong on benzene"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 20, 2010:

The state DEP said the tests mistakenly showed increased the levels of the chemical. A second round of testing showed acceptable levels in the water.

"Bucks could blame engineering firm"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 19, 2010:

Bucks County Commissioners will investigate whether its engineering firm may be liable for a mistake that lead to the release of sediment into two Central Bucks streams, killing thousands of fish last fall.

The commissioners on Wednesday approved settlement agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the state Fish and Boat Commission that include more than $62,000 in fines.

An investigation by the DEP found that erosion and sediment control measures were not in place when the county began to drain water from flood control basins above Robin Run in Buckingham and Little Neshaminy Creek in Warrington, according to the settlement agreements. . . .

"Board votes to approve farm preservation"

By Bill Devlin, Intelligencer, August 18, 2010:

One of Bucks County's most popular pumpkin picking patches will continue as a working farm thanks to a decision Tuesday night in Plumstead.

The township supervisors agreed to pay more than $600,000 for the preservation rights for Hellerick's Family Farm on Route 611 and Haring Road.

"Bucks faces hefty fines for fish kills"

By Peter Hall, Intelligencer, August 18, 2010:

State environmental agencies could receive more than $60,000 in fine payments from Bucks to settle an investigation into two fish kills last year.

"Tankers pump in water"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 15, 2010:

For more than a month, . . . [a Plumstead resident] was unable to take a shower at his home on Ann Drive in Plumstead after water traveled from the site of a fire and polluted his private well.

But the 34-year-old finally got to rinse off at home last week after tanker trucks were brought in to pump water into his house and other residences that have contaminated wells.

"From 'Dump the Pump' to kill the drill"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 15, 2010:

Thirty years ago, the Point Pleasant Pump motivated thousands of Bucks County residents to link arms against an energy utility and the government. As natural gas drilling looms, "the emotional components are right in place for 'Pump Two,' " says a veteran of the Pump era.

Thirty years ago, an environmental movement swept through Bucks County, uniting thousands of residents and activists against a government they didn't trust and corporations they believed sought profit over public health.

Similar forces are aligning themselves today.

This time it's not the Point Pleasant Pump, which intertwined the lives of people across the spectrum, from housewives and lawyers to social and political activists such as Abbie Hoffman.

Now, it's natural gas drilling. And much has not changed.

Nukes, yesterday. Fracking, today. . . .

"Plumstead copes with fire's environmental aftermath"

"Water samples show contamination," by Rebecca Fink, Bucks County Herald, August 12, 2010, A1.

"Residents want answers on wells"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 11, 2010:

More than 100 people packed the Plumstead Municipal Building on Tuesday night looking for answers about well water contamination that authorities say is the result of runoff from a June 29 fire that destroyed an industrial building at 5189 Stump Road.

"Water contamination linked to fire"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 5, 2010:

DEP plans to test at least 30 wells near where an industrial building caught fire. Fighting the fire apparently caused water runoff that carried chemicals into homeowners' wells.

"Resident: High benzene levels in pond at fire site"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, August 4, 2010:

Worried that their well water might have been tainted by toxins following a Plumstead industrial building fire, residents went before township officials seeking answers Tuesday night.

Instead, Plumstead supervisors were the ones getting information.

. . . [A resident] of Stump Road, and his attorney came armed with a report Tuesday from the state's Department of Environmental Protection that revealed high benzene levels were discovered in the pond at the warehouse site, located on the 5000 block of Stump Road.

"Well testing continues"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, August 1, 2010:

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has sampled well water that served a Plumstead industrial building ruined by fire as part of a widening investigation into water contamination in the township.

Samples were also taken from nearby ponds during the Friday visit from DEP, which will test the water in its Harrisburg laboratories, said spokeswoman Deborah Fries.

At least four Plumstead homes have tainted water in their private wells and additional residents are reporting possible contamination.

"Tainted water probe widens in Plumstead"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 30, 2010:

At least four homes have wells that are contaminated, and officials are concerned more wells might have been affected.

"Tests detect benzene in well"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 29, 2010:

Residents complained their drinking water had been fouled by runoff from a nearby industrial fire.

"Post-fire water woes"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 28, 2010:

Residents near last month's fire in Plumstead said their water has become too tainted to drink or bathe in.

"Federal study to tackle fracking impact"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 25, 2010: "Those who say gas drilling will poison the region's drinking water and threaten public health might finally get their wish for a $1 million federal study of its potential impact on the Delaware River Watershed. . . ."

"Summer forecast: Wilting profits"

By Colleen Boyle, Intelligencer, July 21, 2010: "Hot days and less rain have stunted some crops and may inflate prices of local produce as the summer continues. . . ."

Buckingham: "Drought warnings for township neighborhoods"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, July 16, 2010: "Buckingham has issued a drought warning with voluntary restrictions for residents in the Furlong and Cold Spring water systems. . . ."

"Hundreds say ban gas drilling"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 15, 2010: "Passions ran high at a meeting of the Delaware River Basin Commission, which is in the process of writing regulations governing drilling in the river basin. . . . ."

Springfield: "PPL power line fight continues"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 12, 2010: "Officials and residents are anxiously awaiting a court ruling on PPL's plan to string power lines and plant a substation in a rural section of the township. . . ."

Bucks County Comprehensive Plan Community Survey

Let your voice be heard! Only 9 questions: Bucks County Comprehensive Plan Community Survey http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AVGDYSWFW

"Mother Nature getting even"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 8, 2010: "The winter brought record-breaking snowfall, now we're getting hot, dry weather to balance a wet spring. . . ."

"Water supplies are safe--for now"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, July 7, 2010: "Rainfall has been below normal the last two months, but heavy winter snows have staved off drought, according to officials. . . ."

"Fish kill prompts testing of ponds"

By Christopher Ruvo, Intelligencer, July 1, 2010:

. . . As firefighters continued battling flames the day after a major blaze destroyed an industrial building in Plumstead, environmental officials tested for chemicals in two ponds at the facility where fish were killed.

Mulholland named to BCWSA board

Stacey Mulholland has been appointed by the Bucks County commissioners to a seat on the board of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, announced Frank Froio at a meeting of Plumstead's Board of Supervisors last night.

"Celebration set to welcome public water lines"

By Christina Kristofic, Intelligencer, June 15, 2010:

Township officials and local businesses will boil hot dogs and make iced tea to celebrate public water at Cross Keys.

Tinicum: "Development ruling will be appealed"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, June 3, 2010: "A Bucks judge ruled that Tinicum has gone too far in its efforts to limit development, in response to a developer's appeal of the restrictions. The township is appealing. . . ."

Upper Delaware named Most Endangered American River

American Rivers named the Upper Delaware the #1 Most Endangered River in 2010: "The Upper Delaware River provides drinking water for 17 million people across Pennsylvania and New York. However, this clean water source is threatened by natural gas extraction activities in the Marcellus Shale, where chemicals injected into the ground create untreatable toxic wastewater. Until a thorough study of these critical impacts is completed, the Delaware River Basin Commission must not issue permits that will allow gas drilling in this watershed. In addition, Congress must pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2009 to help protect all rivers within the Marcellus Shale region." [Read more.]

"Company hopes to find gas in Upper Bucks"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, May 23, 2010:

New permits have given a gas drilling company a way in. Nockamixon officials and environmentalists are taking more legal steps to keep them out.

"Gasland" at County Theater June 2

Special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. Screening
Panel discussion following the film
County Theater, Doylestown

Delaware Riverkeeper Network invites you to attend a special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox. The showing in Doylestown on June 2 will be the kick-off of a 20-stop tour of Gasland across Pennsylvania and New York in a run-up to the June 21st HBO premiere of Gasland, winner of this year’s Sundance Special Jury Prize. Josh Fox will appear at the screening and you can meet him at the reception beforehand; a lively panel discussion will follow the film. For more info: delawareriverkeeper.org. Watch the trailer at youtube. RSVP on Facebook (optional).

Letter to the Editor, May 13, 2010

State forests under attack

Intelligencer

To the Editor:

Most Pennsylvanians would be surprised to hear that our wild forests are often being sold off to the highest bidder for destructive practices that will do irreparable harm to these beautiful places.

For example, state officials have already opened up 700,000 acres of state forest lands for harmful gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region. That's more than 40 percent of Pennsylvania's state forests. This means more roads, pipelines, well pads and truck traffic in our state forests. In turn, this means further lost habitat for our state's species and more pollution in pristine streams that serve as drinking water sources for downstream communities.

Sadly, this trend may continue. Many politicians in Harrisburg only see the short-term financial gain that can be reaped from our state forest lands, profit that will go to many of the richest corporations in the world, like Exxon-Mobil and Halliburton.

Luckily, there is a proposal to halt further leases for drilling in our state forests, House Bill 2235, introduced by Rep. Greg Vitali of Delaware County. If passed, this legislation will help keep parts of Pennsylvania's state forest wild for now and for future generations.

David Masur, Director
PennEnvironment
Philadelphia
www.PennEnvironment.org

"Gas industry pumping in funds"

By Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, May 12, 2010:

GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett has received the most from the industry - $361,000.

"Court upholds Nockamixon zoning in battle with quarry"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 6, 2010:

Hanson Aggregates had challenged the validity of the township's ordinances after attempting to expand quarry operations along Route 611.

A Bucks County judge on Wednesday dismissed procedural challenges that not only would have allowed a Nockamixon quarry to expand but also would have invalidated the township's entire zoning ordinance.

Nockamixon officials said the decision vindicated everything they had been fighting for. . . .

"Tainted wells in Bedminster, Hilltown may get filters"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 4, 2010: "The DEP plans to add carbon filtration systems to 35 homes in Bedminster and Hilltown with high levels of TCE. . . . On Wednesday, the state Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing outlining its proposal to install whole-house carbon filtration systems. . . ."

"Report: A clean Delaware River is vital to area's economic growth"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, May 3, 2010:

While government officials say the economy is improving, an environmental group says officials have undervalued the importance of the Delaware River, which provides drinking water for millions and economic benefits for the region.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Bristol focuses on that issue in a new report called, "River Value - The Value of a Clean and Healthy Delaware River." . . .

"DEP sets hearing on contaminated water in Bedminster"

Bucks County Herald, April 29, 2010:

The state Department of Environmental Protection will accept public comments on a proposal to protect Bucks County residents in Hilltown and Bedminster townships from contaminated well water at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, in the Bedminster Township administration building, 3112 Bedminster Road. . . .

To present comments, register in advance by calling DEP Community Relations Coordinator Lynda Rebarchak at 484-250-5820.

DEP will accept written comments until June 18. The comments should be sent to David Ewald, HSCA project officer, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 E. Main St., Norristown, PA 19401-4915. . . .

Visit depweb.state.pa.us, or call 484-250-5900.

"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