To contact the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, please click "Contact Us" at the top of this page. For more information or to contact the DEP, please visit www.dep.pa.gov.
Before commenting on this page, please read our Facebook Comment Policy: We encourage the public to comment on this page and welcome all viewpoints. Comments should remain relevant to the topic at hand and participants must treat each other with respect. We review the comments posted to our page on a regular basis and reserve the right to delete comments that contain the following: • Profane and/or vulgar content; • Sexually suggestive or harassing content; • Obscene content; • Nudity in a participant’s profile picture; • Threats of physical or bodily harm; • Defamatory statements; • Disparaging language or hate speech targeting an individual’s race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, or disability; • Commercial content promoting or soliciting service or products; • Content promoting political organizations; • Name-calling and/or personal attacks; • Spam, such as the same comment posted repeatedly; • Personally identifying, sensitive and/or private information; • Language or content suggesting or encouraging illegal activity; • Information that could reasonably compromise public safety; and • Other content that the Department of Environmental Protection deems inappropriate. We monitor this page but are not responsible for content generated by users. Comments and content posted on this page may be subject to public disclosure. Communications posted on this page will not be construed as satisfying requirements for legal notice or service, shall not be considered official public comment, and shall not be construed as an official request for records pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Continued use of this page following the posting of any modification signifies acceptance of such modification. Read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s full Social Media Policy: http://on.pa.gov/social-media-policy.
Mission: The Department of Environmental Protections's duty begins of course with Article I, Section 27 of Pennsylvania's Constitution. Our mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of our citizens. We are to guarantee that all Pennsylvanians have a safe, healthy environment. We are to work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to achieve a balance in preventing pollution and protecting our natural resources, while carrying out these responsibilities in a fair and timely manner that respects both the environment and the regulated community, and is deserving of the public’s trust. DEP does that for today's generation and every generation of Pennsylvanians yet to come.
Operating as usual
The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is now accepting comments on the proposal for Pennsylvania to take part in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce climate change pollution from electric power plants. #RGGI
Learn more ➡️ dep.pa.gov/rggi
PA Emergency Management Agency
📢 PA WEATHER UPDATE 12/15/20: We're just about 24 hours away from the first flakes of this storm in Pennsylvania. 🌨️ This is going to be a high impact snow storm across the state.
❄️ Snow arrives Wednesday (12/16) midday-afternoon
❄️ Heavy snow Wednesday (12/16) evening
❄️ Snow races out Thursday (12/17) morning
🚫🚗 AVOID TRAVEL Wednesday PM through Thursday AM (12/16-12/17). #PAWX
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Voting is now open for the 2021 PA River of the Year! 🛶
DCNR and the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers recognize a waterway each year to raise awareness about the value of PA’s waterways and to increase stewardship of these important resources.
The winning river receives a grant to fund conservation, education, and recreation activities in celebration.
Voting is open until Friday, Jan. 22 ➡️ bit.ly/3nklZ4g
#PARiverOfTheYear
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
Every day across Pennsylvania, citizens, organizations, and businesses are working to improve our environment. If that's you, consider applying for the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The application deadline is December 21!
The Governor’s Award 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.
Learn more and apply:
➡️ http://bit.ly/2UIYV50
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
PennDOT is responsible for maintaining the highways and
bridges that you use every day. It is a responsibility we take very seriously. It falls on us to ensure the public’s drive is reliable and safe, no matter where you are going. That means maintaining, restoring and expanding:
🛣 Nearly 40,000 miles of highways
🌉 Roughly 25,000 bridges
As our responsibility and funding gap grows, it is clear we need to re-evaluate what transportation funding looks like in Pennsylvania. Learn more and provide feedback at www.penndot.gov/funding. #FundingFriday
Pennsylvania Department of Health
🆕 Protecting Pennsylvanians: Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced new mitigation efforts to help stop the spread of #COVID19, effective at 12:01 am on 12/12/2020 until 8 am on 1/4/2021:
▪️ Indoor dining is prohibited; outdoor dining, take-out food service and take-out alcohol sales are permitted
▪️ Indoor gatherings/events of more than 10 people are prohibited
▪️ Outdoor gatherings/events of more than 50 persons are prohibited
▪️ In-person businesses serving the public may only operate at up to 50% capacity
▪️ Indoor operations at gyms/fitness facilities are prohibited
▪️ All in-person businesses in the entertainment industry serving the public within a building/indoor are prohibited from operation
▪️ Voluntary activities sponsored/approved by school entity's governing body or administration are suspended (may be held virtually)
▪️ All sports at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and club, travel, recreational, intermural + intramural sports are paused
ℹ️: https://bit.ly/3nkeoTr
Rainwater carries litter to streams and rivers. Please dispose of masks, gloves, and other trash properly!
#MaskUpPA 😷 and #LeaveNoTrace 🚮
DYK? Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) projects promote and build markets for advanced, renewable and alternative energy transportation technologies.
Applications close for the 2020 AFIG program on December 11!
Learn more and apply today.
➡️ https://bit.ly/3a5tVTl
The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is now accepting comments on the proposal for Pennsylvania to take part in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce climate change pollution from electric power plants. #RGGI
Learn more ➡️ dep.pa.gov/rggi
📣 The deadline to apply for DEP's 2021 Environmental Education Grants Program is approaching! Applications will be accepted through December 11, 2020.
Learn more and apply today!
📚🌱➡️ https://bit.ly/2JW8t84
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority Provides $1.7 Million in COVID-19 Restart Grants to 11 Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects Statewide: https://bit.ly/3n0lqMC
Five businesses, two municipalities, two school districts, and two nonprofit organizations received grants for a variety of building and transportation projects that had broken ground or were in advanced planning stages before being disrupted by the pandemic.
Grants may support re-hiring workers or hiring additional workers to complete the project quickly, making immediate equipment payments to restart the supply chain, and, most importantly, restarting a project that otherwise likely would not have been completed due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.
The funded projects are located in urban and rural areas in eight counties, and seven are in or will serve Environmental Justice communities. The projects include innovative high-performance buildings, the first solar array to be owned by the City of Erie, energy efficiency lighting installations at businesses, and municipal electric vehicle chargers. Several projects incorporate student and public education on clean energy.
“The variety of these funded projects demonstrates the exciting potential of clean energy here and now, and reflects the growing interest that municipalities, businesses, and organizations around the state have in the benefits of clean energy,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
DYK? Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) projects promote and build markets for advanced, renewable and alternative energy transportation technologies.
Applications close for the 2020 AFIG program on December 11! Learn more and apply today.
➡️ https://bit.ly/3a5tVTl
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Join the fight to stop the spread of #COVID19.
Learn more about COVID Alert PA and download the app for your smartphone here: pa.gov/covid/covid-alert-pa
Climate change is the most critical environmental threat facing the world. Many climate-related changes are projected if we don't reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more about the impacts of climate change in Pennsylvania: https://bit.ly/2VaRPEG
📣 The deadline to apply for DEP's 2021 Environmental Education Grants Program is approaching! Applications will be accepted through December 11, 2020.
Learn more and apply today!
📚🌱➡️ https://bit.ly/2JW8t84
Pennsylvania Department of Education
DYK? Particulate matter (PM) is a type of air pollution that can cause health problems and contributes to environmental damage, such as increasing the acidity of our waters and depleting nutrients in our soil.
So what exactly is particulate matter and what can you do about it? Learn more on our blog.
➡️ https://bit.ly/3gahGpn
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
PA Emergency Management Agency
As communities across Pennsylvania increasingly experience flooding caused by intense, short-duration storms due to climate change, Governor Tom Wolf today announced executive actions that will support communities that are impacted by flooding.
“We cannot depend on federal aid as a reliable source of funding to recover from disasters, since the thresholds to qualify for assistance increase every year,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield.
“Federal data shows that every dollar spent on mitigation saves on average, six dollars in recovery, so mitigation not only saves lives and property but it’s also the fiscally smart thing to do.”
Learn more: https://bit.ly/39EXYRl
Climate change is the most critical environmental threat facing the world. Many climate-related changes are projected if we don't reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more about the impacts of climate change in Pennsylvania: https://bit.ly/2VaRPEG
Pennsylvania has seen a 10 percent increase in average yearly precipitation over the last century. By 2050, the average yearly precipitation is projected to increase by another 8 percent.
As communities across PA increasingly experience flooding caused by climate change, Gov. Wolf today announced executive actions that will support communities that are impacted.
Governor Tom Wolf
This time of year can be tough on Pennsylvanians who are trying to make ends meet, struggling with mental health, or who may need food assistance.
COVID-19 has made this even more difficult, but help is available for those who need it:
❄️️Home heating assistance: on.pa.gov/37LztOc
💡 Utility assistance: on.pa.gov/33xRpfo
🤝 Homeless Assistance Program: on.pa.gov/3f47cXU
🏠 Housing and shelter help: pa211.org/get-help/housing-shelter
🍏 Food assistance resource guide: agriculture.pa.gov/food_security
🐾 Pet food pantries: https://on.pa.gov/33xATwc
💼 Unemployment benefits guide: pa.gov/unemployment
🧠 Mental health resource guide: pa.gov/mental-health
🏥 Opioid use disorder resource guide: pa.gov/opioids
🎖 Veterans resource guide: pa.gov/veterans
Did you know some bees and butterflies can live under leaf cover throughout the winter? Fallen leaves also absorb rain and release moisture back into soil and plants as they decompose. Leave some leaves, your yard will love you for it!
Learn more 🍂🍁➡️ https://bit.ly/3f7Lr9O
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant.
Apply now and keep your home warm all winter long!
❄️🏠➡️ http://bit.ly/LIHEAPPA
Penn State Extension Renewable Natural Resources Team
Do you manage your property in a way to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution, conserve water, and provide beneficial habitat for wildlife and pollinators? Your property may qualify for a newly developed Watershed-Friendly Property Certification! This statewide certification program is a collaboration between Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards and The Nurture Nature Center and was funded by a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Grant. Check out the link for more information or tune in LIVE on Friday at 3:30 PM to learn more!
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
❄️🌬️🏠 It's getting colder and winter is right around the corner! Do you need help with your heating bills? If so, you may qualify for cash grants through the LIHEAP program.
Apply today and keep your family warm all year long: bit.ly/LIHEAPPA
The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is now accepting comments on the proposal for Pennsylvania to take part in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce climate change pollution from electric power plants. #RGGI
Learn more ➡️ dep.pa.gov/rggi
Woerth It Hollow helps veterans, rescued horses, and streams in Lancaster County. DEP was pleased to support their Veterans Day project: volunteers planted 500 trees and shrubs to reduce erosion and pollution in Coopers Run. High five for Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities!
#HealthyWatersPA
Lancaster Clean Water Partners
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Happy Thanksgiving, Pennsylvania! 🦃🍁
Making Progress on Streamside Forests
DCNR strives to support the planting of trees along streams.
Wolf Administration to Use Wireless Emergency Alert System for COVID-19 Messaging
Today, the Wolf Administration will begin using the national Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system to provide important public messages about the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
This holiday won't be the same for many of us, so why not start a new tradition and head outdoors for Thanksgiving?
Pennsylvania has more than 12,000 miles of trails to explore ➡ http://trails.dcnr.pa.gov #ExplorePATrails #OptOutside
Rainwater carries litter to streams and rivers. Please dispose of masks, gloves, and other trash properly!
#MaskUpPA 😷 and #LeaveNoTrace 🚮
PA Emergency Management Agency
The safest way to celebrate the holidays is with your immediate household.
✔ Host a virtual meal
✔ Deliver food with no contact
✔ Send recipes to friends and family
✔ Don’t gather with those outside of household
Find more #COVID19 holiday safety tips ➡️ https://bit.ly/3m1gvL5
Our mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of our citizens. We are to guarantee that all Pennsylvanians have a safe, healthy environment.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Attention Home Heating Oil Users: Check Your Tanks to Prevent Costly Leaks and Spills! ➡️ https://bit.ly/33Tz4Kn
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
"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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
We encourage the public to comment on this page and welcome all viewpoints. Comments should remain relevant to the topic at hand and participants must treat each other with respect.
We review the comments posted to our page on a regular basis and reserve the right to delete comments that contain the following: • Profane and/or vulgar content; • Sexually suggestive or harassing content; • Obscene content; • Nudity in a participant’s profile picture; • Threats of physical or bodily harm; • Defamatory statements; • Disparaging language or hate speech targeting an individual’s race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, or disability; • Commercial content promoting or soliciting service or products; • Content promoting political organizations; • Name-calling and/or personal attacks; • Spam, such as the same comment posted repeatedly; • Personally identifying, sensitive and/or private information; • Language or content suggesting or encouraging illegal activity; • Information that could reasonably compromise public safety; and • Other content that DEP deems inappropriate.
We monitor this page but are not responsible for content generated by users. Comments and content posted on this page may be subject to public disclosure.
Communications posted on this page will not be construed as satisfying requirements for legal notice or service, shall not be considered official public comment, and shall not be construed as an official request for records pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Continued use of this page following the posting of any modification signifies acceptance of such modification.
Read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s full Social Media Policy: http://on.pa.gov/social-media-policy.
Allegany County Board of Elections
8 Willets Ave, BelmontSafe Kids Western New York Coalition
818 Ellicott St, BuffaloVeterans Coalition of Orange County, NY
111 Craigville Rd, GoshenDallas Fire Station 18 A Shift
660 N Griffin St., DallasPawnee County Emergency Management
500 Harrison St #104, PawneeIII Corps & Fort Hood NCO Academy
761st Tank Battalion Avenue, Fort Hood