Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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.

10/24/2020

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Today is Drug Take-Back Day.

You can help fight the opioid epidemic by dropping your unused prescription medications into a certified dropbox. Find one here: bit.ly/37ynu9S.

10/23/2020

DEP Increases Permitting Efficiency, Maintains Environmental Protection Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: https://bit.ly/3mdJzPd

10/23/2020

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 Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)'s Passive House and LEED Platinum Tower Expansion and Historical Renovation.

A new 8-story tower and renovated 8,921-square-foot historic Hickok Mansion have been integrated into PHFA’s original LEED Gold Certified building. As the agency provides tax credits to developers for Passive House affordable housing projects, the expansion goal was to incorporate these standards into its expanded building as well. Passive House design is focused on achieving the absolute minimum amount of energy use required to heat and/or cool a building (up to 90% less than a standard building of similar size), as measured on Btu per square foot. Unique design elements include: a thermal bridge free design, superior insulated windows, conditioned air ventilation with heat recovery, quality insulated facades and airtight construction. PHFA has designed two Passive House systems (one for the historic and one for tower addition) plus are also seeking LEED Platinum certification for both buildings. To date, this is a one-of-a-kind corporate project on the East Coast.

Learn more about the 2020 winners
➡️ https://bit.ly/31bFliQ

Apply for the 2021 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
➡️ http://bit.ly/2UIYV50

10/23/2020

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

10/22/2020

Rainwater carries litter to streams and rivers. Please dispose of masks, gloves, and other trash properly!

#MaskUpPA 😷 and #LeaveNoTrace 🚮

10/22/2020

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

10/21/2020

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 Borough of Indiana's 8th Street Lot Renovations Project. Indiana Borough wanted to demonstrate that parking lots can be transformed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion. First, the parking lot was repaved to fix the asphalt and prepare for the trailhead to be installed. A rain garden was installed running the entire length of the parking lot with an expanded overflow pipe underneath it. These new additions assist with managing stormwater runoff. The trailhead installed includes covered bike racks, solar-powered lighting, and a mechanical bike repair station. In addition to this, Indiana Borough installed a public-access electric vehicle charging station (with two ports) with funds awarded through the Driving PA Forward Program!

Learn more about the 2020 winners
➡️ https://bit.ly/31bFliQ

Apply for the 2021 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
➡️ http://bit.ly/2UIYV50

10/21/2020

Gov. Wolf Announces $181 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 12 Counties

Governor Wolf today announced the investment of $181 million for 16 drinking water, wastewater and non-point source projects across 12 counties.

10/21/2020

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Individuals, families or small groups can safely support our communities by picking up litter. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s PICK UP PENNSYLVANIA runs till the end of November. Go to https://www.keeppabeautiful.org/ to see how you can help. #PickUpPA2020 #ICC2020
Ocean Conservancy
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

10/20/2020

Geisinger Catawissa Solar Panel Project

10/20/2020

Grants Available to Help Farmers and Small Businesses Save Money and Reduce Pollution: https://bit.ly/3kfygVX

“This grant program was created with small businesses and farmers in mind. There are tremendous monetary savings available to Pennsylvania’s small business owners by installing energy-efficient equipment, such as boilers, LED lighting, and Energy Star certified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Pennsylvania farmers can also benefit by using these funds to undertake projects which will divert sediment and nutrient runoff from our waterways.”

Pennsylvania farmers and other small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for the grants. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects are exempt from the minimums; however, the projects must be able to quantify sediment and nutrient reductions into nearby waterways.

Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds for equipment or materials, up to $7,000, when adopting energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

10/19/2020

PA Department of State

Do you want to vote on November 3? TODAY is the last day to register to vote. PA voters applying online have until 11:59 pm: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA #TrustedInfo2020

10/19/2020

Etna Eco District

10/19/2020

PA Department of State

Today is the last day to register to vote or update your information for the November 3 general election. Those applying online have until 11:59 pm: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/16/2020

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

10/15/2020

Rainwater carries litter to streams and rivers. Please dispose of masks, gloves, and other trash properly!

#MaskUpPA 😷 and #LeaveNoTrace 🚮

10/15/2020

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's cover photo

10/15/2020

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

🛑 LAST DAY! Today is the final deadline for the #2020Census, as decided by the federal government.

Make sure your voice is heard. Fill out the census now: www.pa.gov/census

10/14/2020

Wolf Administration Announces Winners of the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, 2021 Application Window Now Open:
https://bit.ly/3iVUF9n

More than 60 applicants from across the commonwealth nominated projects on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, watershed restoration and protection, environmental education opportunities, and smart growth planning and design.

“These awards highlight the ingenuity and commitment Pennsylvanians have for protecting and improving our environment,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “The unique projects show how communities, businesses, and educational organizations can come together to meet the diverse needs of our 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.

10/14/2020

PA Department of State

Voting by mail ballot is safe, secure, and easy. As soon as you receive your ballot, follow the instructions provided to complete your ballot.

Don't wait. Return your ballot today: votesPA.com/ReturnBallot

10/13/2020

Check Your Home Heating Oil Tanks!

Attention Home Heating Oil Users: Check Your Tanks to Prevent Costly Leaks and Spills!
➡️ https://bit.ly/33Tz4Kn

10/13/2020

The latest issue of Teaching Green, DEP's Environmental Education newsletter, is out with updates on grants available, environmental education standards, water quality education resources, and more!

Read the latest issue: https://bit.ly/2GXAMS6
Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2VVRGGo

10/13/2020

PA Department of State

Whether you plan to vote in-person or by mail-in ballot, the first step is to register to vote. There are only 6 days until the October 19 voter registration deadline: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/13/2020

DEP has $400,000 in grant funding available for environmental education projects in 2021-22. Educators can learn how best to apply in a free live webinar tomorrow from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.

Learn more and register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3c83rPI

10/09/2020

DYK? 72% of PA voters support PA's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to reduce carbon dioxide pollution from power plants.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3i0ffF8

10/09/2020

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Hey, PA! It only takes a few minutes to register to vote in the November 3 general election.

☑️ Register or update your voter registration by October 19 at Register.VotesPA.com.
ℹ️ Not sure if you're registered? Check your status at VotesPA.com/Status.

10/09/2020

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

During this uncertain time, we can’t gather in large groups, but we can still make a shared and cooperative effort to improve our communities by picking up litter. Join us for Pick Up Pennsylvania Which runs now until November 30. Bags, gloves and vests will be available. Go to https://www.keeppabeautiful.org for more information. #PickUpPA2020 #ICC2020
Ocean Conservancy Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

10/09/2020

Staff from DEP's Northcentral Regional Office recently volunteered for a socially-distanced Adopt-A-Highway cleanup in Lycoming County. This year's Pick Up Pennsylvania fall campaign runs through November 30. Volunteers are needed—consider participating!

Volunteer groups who clean up roadways through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Adopt-A-Highway program are also encouraged to participate.

Registered Pick Up Pennsylvania events can get free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests!

Find a cleanup event near you or start your own.
🚮➡️ http://bit.ly/2l9ZtjP

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

10/08/2020

Rainwater carries litter to streams and rivers. Please dispose of masks, gloves, and other trash properly!

#MaskUpPA 😷 and #LeaveNoTrace 🚮

10/08/2020

Pennsylvania Department of Health

📢 Reminder! While you're out hiking and observing the fall foliage, take action to protect yourself and your family from ticks + mosquitoes. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and protect yourself: https://bit.ly/33EKDoU

10/07/2020

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Want to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19?

Here’s what to do:

10/07/2020

DEP Awards $4.9 Million in Nonpoint Source Management Grants to 23 Watershed Restoration Projects Statewide, $3 Million Still Available for Further Project Grant Applications:
https://bit.ly/3iIVBhg

10/07/2020

Happy #EnergyEfficiencyDay, PA! Taking steps to make your home more energy efficient can help you save energy and money. Visit our website to learn about financial incentives that can help!
💡➡️ dep.pa.gov/energyincentives
#EEDay2020

Address

400 Market St
Harrisburg, PA
17105

General information

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.

Telephone

(717) 783-2300

Website

http://www.dep.pa.gov/

Alerts

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.

Videos

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

Etna Eco District

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

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

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

#FightTheBite this #4thofJuly!

#FightTheBite this #4thofJuly! Take a few simple precautions to help prevent mosquito bites over the holiday weekend, and all summer long. Find more mosquito prevention tips: 🦟➡️ dep.pa.gov/westnile

Streambank Fencing

DYK? Streambank fencing has a big impact on improving local water quality. It's just one of the many things you can do to help your favorite stream. Learn about how to protect your home watershed and find more ways to help: ➡️ https://bit.ly/3gdf1u2 #HealthyWatersPA

Native Plants Help Pollinators

Native plants in rain gardens not only reduce runoff pollution, they give pollinators a place to thrive! In York County, Tom Smith turned his suburban yard into rain gardens. The trees and shrubs also help keep his home cooler on hot days. Keeping local waters healthy helps protect property values in your community and supports bird, bee, and butterfly populations. Learn more: dep.pa.gov/chesapeakebaywatershed https://bit.ly/3dxA8Fv #NationalPollinatorWeek

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 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.