Go Green for the Holidays!
Looking for ways to make your holidays more sustainable? Choose gifts that support your community, and shop safely this season!
🎁 Buy online
🎁 Use curbside or delivery services
🎁 Get gift cards
Find more tips for safe holiday celebrations
❄️➡️ https://bit.ly/3q0Y4IR
Holiday Like a Hellbender
COVID-19 cases are reaching a critical level here in PA.
Please stay safe this holiday season by staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when away from home, and not joining or hosting large gatherings.
Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3q0Y4IR
Holiday Like a Hellbender
COVID-19 cases are reaching a critical level here in Pennsylvania.
Please stay safe this holiday season by staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when away from home, and not joining or hosting large gatherings.
Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3q0Y4IR
Home Heating Oil Tips
Do you heat your home with heating oil? Whether a heating oil tank is located indoors or outdoors, aboveground or underground, spills and leaks can potentially occur during the tank's lifetime.
Be sure to inspect your heating oil tanks for potential problems to avoid leaks or spills!
➡️ https://bit.ly/33Tz4Kn
PennState Extension: Youth Agriculture Projects and the Environment
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence is open to any Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution, non-profit organization and individual that has created, or participated in, the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in Pennsylvania.
One of the winning projects for 2020 is Penn State Extension's Youth Agriculture Projects and the Environment program.
"Manure Management Planning for Youth Animal Projects" is a newly developed curriculum, written in 2018 and released for use in 2019. The curriculum is full of hands-on activities, career exploration, and more to help guide youth in proper manure management and the protection of Pennsylvania’s water resources. Additionally, the project team also held a series of trainings for facilitators and youth in 2018 and 2019. Youth raising livestock animals as part of their in-school or out-of-school programs were introduced to the new curriculum and engaged in understanding the importance of manure management and their obligations to complete a manure management plan when raising livestock in Pennsylvania.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
Learn more about the 2020 winners
➡️ https://bit.ly/31bFliQ
Apply for the 2021 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
➡️ http://bit.ly/2UIYV50
Geisinger Catawissa Solar Panel Project
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence is open to any Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution, non-profit organization and individual that has created, or participated in, the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in Pennsylvania.
One of the winning projects for 2020 is Geisinger's Catawissa Clinic Photovoltaic Project. Geisinger Medical Center commissioned its second renewable energy installation—a 39 kW, 135-solar-panel project on the roof of the Catawissa Clinic. The system will generate over half the electric for the 5,000-square-foot, 100-year-old building!
Learn more about the 2020 winners
➡️ https://bit.ly/31bFliQ
Apply for the 2021 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
➡️ http://bit.ly/2UIYV50
Etna Eco District
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence is open to any Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution, non-profit organization and individual that has created, or participated in, the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in Pennsylvania.
One of the winning projects for 2020 is Etna Community Organization's Etna EcoDistrict, a grassroots sustainable community development initiative aimed at defining and actualizing a future where everyone in Etna has an opportunity to thrive and live healthy and fulfilling lives. In November 2019, the Etna EcoDistrict became the first Certified EcoDistrict in the world!
Borough of Etna
Learn more about the 2020 winners
➡️ https://bit.ly/31bFliQ
Apply for the 2021 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
➡️ http://bit.ly/2UIYV50
Watch the full Etna EcoDistrict mini-documentary
➡️ https://youtu.be/XcG0rN1JNp0
Check Your Heating Oil Tanks
Do you heat your home with heating oil? Whether a heating oil tank is located indoors or outdoors, aboveground or underground, spills and leaks can potentially occur during the tank's lifetime. Be sure to inspect your heating oil tanks for potential problems to avoid leaks or spills!
➡️ https://bit.ly/33Tz4Kn
Check Your Home Heating Oil Tanks!
Attention Home Heating Oil Users: Check Your Tanks to Prevent Costly Leaks and Spills!
➡️ https://bit.ly/33Tz4Kn
Presque Isle Cleanup Dive
Divers Volunteer Time to Clean Up Presque Isle Waters: https://bit.ly/3cZt1a6
The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the world’s largest volunteer effort to improve the health of the world’s oceans and waterways. For the last 33 years, the ICC has brought communities together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastline.
Erie County has been involved in the ICC for the past 18 years in an effort to protect the Commonwealth’s 77 miles of Lake Erie coastline. This year’s cleanup efforts focused on 20 sites along the Lake Erie shoreline and watershed. 753 volunteers removed 2,119 pounds of trash, tires and other littered items from along the shoreline and waterways, and 209 bags of trash were collected. Cleanup efforts weren’t only limited to the land though. For the second straight year, dive teams took to the water on Presque Isle. 21 divers focused cleanup efforts in Misery Bay near Perry’s Monument and collected over 120 pounds of trash.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Divers World
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Erie County, Pennsylvania
Ehrenfeld AML Pilot Reclamation/Recreation and Watershed Improvement Project
"The aesthetic appearance of the town is being improved with the refuse material removed. It's restoring the ground back to the way it used to be. And it's safe now." - DEP Mining Engineer Manager Pat Webb on the Ehrenfeld AML Pilot Project.
DEP's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation received the 2020 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards national award for its removal of 70 acres of hazardous coal refuse piles in Ehrenfeld, Cambria County.
Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3jlnTzx
Ehrenfeld AML Pilot Reclamation/Recreation and Watershed Improvement Project
Pennsylvania Receives National Reclamation Award for Removal of 70 Acres of Hazardous Coal Refuse Piles in Ehrenfeld, Cambria County: https://bit.ly/3jlnTzx
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Here, DEP's Mining Engineer Manager Pat Webb talks about the Ehrenfeld AML Pilot Project.
Amped: The Benefits and Basics of Driving Electric Vehicles
Interested in electric vehicles? Register for “Amped: The Benefits and Basics of Driving Electric Vehicles,” a webinar series for consumers, municipalities, businesses, and fleet managers in PA. Questions welcome!
⚡🚘🔌➡️ http://bit.ly/AmpedEV
#AmpedPA #DriveElectricWeek
Amped: The Benefits and Basics of Driving Electric Vehicles
Learn the Benefits and Basics of Driving Electric Vehicles in Free Public Webinar from DEP, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and Partners:
⚡🚘🔌➡️ https://bit.ly/3mFMgtM
“The number of electric cars registered in Pennsylvania increased 50 percent in 2018. While it’s still a small number, the trend is clear: more drivers are interested in this zero-emission option,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “At the same time, research from the Drive Electric PA Coalition shows that people have a lot of questions about electric cars, and there’s a gap in the availability of public educational materials on these vehicles. We’re working to fill this gap.”
“It’s not hard to see the value of increased electric vehicle adoption,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “The potential for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the new economic opportunities are exciting, and PennDOT is proud to collaborate with DEP and stakeholders statewide to increase the acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles.”
“Driving Electric Vehicles: The Benefits and Basics for Pennsylvania Residents” will be offered live on Wednesday, September 30, from 11:00 AM to noon. It’ll be presented again as a recording with live hosts and chat on Thursday, October 1, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Sign up now for the September 30 or October 1 event.
Speakers will include electric vehicle experts and fans from DEP, PennDOT, the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation, Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, charging companies, utilities, and other organizations.
#AmpedPA
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
How to Properly Close Your Pool for the Season
DYK? Discharged pool water and waters containing chlorine or other chemicals can be detrimental to aquatic life if not handled responsibly. Learn how to properly close your swimming pool for the year:
➡️ http://bit.ly/2z1ZqtC
How to Properly Drain Your Swimming Pool
DYK? Discharged pool water and waters containing chlorine or other chemicals can be detrimental to aquatic life if not handled responsibly. Learn how to properly close your swimming pool for the year:
➡️ http://bit.ly/2z1ZqtC
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Visitors to Lake Wallenpaupack this weekend should be on the lookout for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Recent sampling shows the lake has potential for HABs to occur.
HAB advisory and watch signs have been posted at some locations around the lake, and visitors are advised to avoid swimming, contacting the water, and letting pets contact the water in areas where HAB signs are posted or where there are visual indications a HAB may be occurring.
HABs can take on a variety of appearances. Some common visual indications of HABs are water that is usually clear appearing bright green, opaque, or otherwise discolored; with a soupy appearance, paint-like streaks, surface scum, or floating mats or globs near the water surface or along the shoreline.
To report a HAB, email [email protected].
Learn more about HABs: https://bit.ly/3hGK56n
Harmful Algal Blooms
Visitors to Lake Wallenpaupack this weekend should be on the lookout for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Recent sampling shows the lake has potential for HABs to occur.
HAB advisory and watch signs have been posted at some locations around the lake, and visitors are advised to avoid swimming, contacting the water, and letting pets contact the water in areas where HAB signs are posted or where there are visual indications a HAB may be occurring.
HABs can take on a variety of appearances. Some common visual indications of HABs are water that is usually clear appearing bright green, opaque, or otherwise discolored; with a soupy appearance, paint-like streaks, surface scum, or floating mats or globs near the water surface or along the shoreline.
To report a HAB, email [email protected].
Learn more about HABs: https://bit.ly/3hGK56n
Old Pittsburgh Road Landslide
Did you know that over the last 10 years, Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mine Land Program responds to and addresses an average of 80 AML emergencies per year?
One such emergency severely impacted Old Pittsburgh Road in Shenango Township, Lawrence County, in 2019.
Watch more ➡️ https://bit.ly/32iT3jO
For more information about Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mine Land Program, visit dep.pa.gov/AML.
Help Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding
Today is #WorldMosquitoDay! 🦟 Mosquitoes breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. You can help protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by eliminating standing water from around your home. #FightTheBite
➡️ dep.pa.gov/westnile
Trees, please!
DYK? Trees are key to the survival of streams and rivers!
🌳 Trees absorb fertilizer, keeping it out of the water
🌳 Trees keep water cooler, benefiting native fish species
🌳 Trees reduce stream bank erosion, keeping too much dirt from getting into the water
🌳 Trees provide leaf litter for microorganisms in the water that become food for insects, which are then food for fish
🌳 Trees planted in buffers absorb and store carbon that helps address climate change
Learn more about trees and healthy watersheds:
➡️ https://bit.ly/2QbASHi
Learn more about streamside buffers with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources #BufferMyStream
➡️ https://bit.ly/2CKiodL
DEP's Mine Map Plan
How DEP’s Mining Program Brought Thousands of Old, Decaying Mine Maps Back From the Dead and Into the Digital Age: https://bit.ly/3f04Yr3
Cowans Gap Lake Cleanup
Recently, a group of 16 divers and two non-divers, including staff from DEP and PA Banking and Securities, volunteered their time to dive Cowans Gap Lake and clean up trash in and around the lake at Cowans Gap State Park.
The group collected 30 pounds of trash! Originally scheduled for Earth Day, the dive was postponed this year. West Shore Scuba sponsored the event.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
What is a HAB?
DYK? Harmful algal blooms (HABS) pop up every year in Pennsylvania as water temperatures rise. It’s not possible to know if an algal bloom is harmful just by looking at it.
Learn more and protect yourself and your pets from HABs!
➡️ https://bit.ly/2WquIGI
Stream Maintenance
DYK? DEP's booklet, "Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community," is a resource for understanding DEP regulations that apply when working in Pennsylvania waterways. Our goal is to help those affected by flooding to efficiently and effectively restore streams, protect property and infrastructure, and prevent future flood impacts.
➡️ https://bit.ly/3jMO2b6
"I strongly encourage everyone concerned with stream issues to review this guide and to contact their regional DEP office to discuss their specific situation and how we can help," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. "The booklet and accompanying poster have already been used by thousands of people, in many cases helping communities take quick action to begin recovery efforts after a flood while remaining in full compliance with the law."
The booklet, an accompanying poster, and more information are available to view, download, and print on DEP's website.
➡️ http://bit.ly/2ovTs1Z
Stream Maintenance in Your Community
Summer is the Season to Maintain Pennsylvania Streams, and DEP Resources Can Help Avoid a Flood of Problems:
https://bit.ly/3jMO2b6
"Streams are living, breathing things, and very tough to control," said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Marcus Kohl. "DEP has put together a really helpful booklet that helps identify the do's and don'ts for folks that have interest and concerns about streams in their backyard or in their community."
The booklet, Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community, is a resource for understanding DEP regulations that apply when working in Pennsylvania waterways. The guide uses a helpful "Red/Yellow/Green Light" list to provide a first step in determining what regulatory requirements may apply before a project is begun.
The booklet, an accompanying poster, and more information are available to view, download, and print here: http://bit.ly/2ovTs1Z.
Restoring Old Mine Maps in Pennsylvania
How DEP’s Mining Program Brought Thousands of Old, Decaying Mine Maps Back From the Dead and Into the Digital Age: https://bit.ly/3f04Yr3
On July 24, 2002, miners from the Quecreek Mining Company in Somerset County, Pennsylvania drilled into a long-abandoned adjacent mine causing an estimated 50 to 60 million gallons of water to flood the section of mine that they were working in. Nine miners were trapped underground for four days. Tragedy was averted when all were successfully rescued. An investigation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration into the incident determined that the cause of the accident was the unavailability of a certified final mine map for the adjacent mine.
While the process of restoring and digitizing mine maps had already been underway, the Quecreek incident prompted increased action for collecting, maintaining, documenting, and making available old mining records and maps.
The availability of high quality mine mapping data and information has allowed for more effective mine safety and emergency response procedures. Pennsylvania homeowners have also benefited from the mine map repository by being able to determine if underground mining has taken place beneath their property.
Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Pennsylvania Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2020, Pennsylvanians Reminded to Take Steps to Avoid Infection: https://bit.ly/2ZUy0UB
“While we encourage Pennsylvanians to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also want them to take proper precautions from mosquitoes while outside,” Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “With the first human case of West Nile Virus detected, we want people to protect themselves. Several simple steps can help protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito-related diseases.”
“The first human positive case of the year should be a reminder to all Pennsylvanians to use a personal insect repellent or stay indoors during dawn and dusk to help prevent exposure to the mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP monitors mosquito populations across Pennsylvania for the presence of disease.”
The mosquitoes that transmit WNV breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These areas can include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots and other types of plastic containers.
Simple steps to eliminate standing water around the home include:
✔️ Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
✔️ Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
✔️ Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
✔️ Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.
✔️ Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with fish.
✔️ Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.
✔️ Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
✔️ Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, hom
Lake Erie Water Levels
DYK? Water levels in the North American Great Lakes have been at or above monthly record highs for much of 2019 and 2020. Lakes Superior, Erie, and Ontario each reached all-time record levels in July 2019 and set monthly records for the first half of 2020. All of the Great Lakes remain well above their long-term averages.
While global sea levels have been steadily increasing for over 100 years, long-term water level trends in the Great Lakes are much more difficult to predict.
Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/2ZPi71P
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
DYK? Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs, occur in every region of the U.S., including Pennsylvania.
It’s not possible to know if an algal bloom is harmful just by looking at it. People can get sick when they come in contact with water or food contaminated with algal toxins by:
🔹 Participating in recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, or wading through water
🔹 Breathing in contaminated tiny water droplets or mist from recreational activities or wind-blown sea spray
🔹 Drinking contaminated water
🔹 Eating contaminated seafood (fish or shellfish)
Dogs are much more susceptible than humans to cyanobacterial poisoning. When toxins are present, dogs can be exposed to toxins by:
🔹 Drinking the water
🔹 Eating washed-up mats or scum of toxic cyanobacteria
🔹 Having skin contact with water
So what should you do if you see a HAB?
🔹 Stay out of the water
🔹 Don’t let children or pets play in HAB debris on shore
🔹 After swimming/wading in water, even with no visible HABs, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible
🔹 Never swallow untreated surface water - it may contain algal toxins or bacteria, parasites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed
🔹 Do not let pets lick or eat HAB material from their fur
🔹 Don’t drink/cook with suspected water - in-home treatments like boiling, chlorine bleach, or water filtration units offer no protection from HAB toxins!
🔹 See a doctor if you or your children might be ill from HAB toxins
🔹 Contact your veterinarian for sick pets
Learn more and protect yourself and your pets from HABs!
➡️ https://bit.ly/2WquIGI