The American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic has obtained a supply of radon test kits from a laboratory certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These radon kits are available only to residents of Pennsylvania. Each radon test is designed to work as an initial screening test. You should use it in the lowest lived-in level of your home. Directions are included. The test should be exposed to the air in your home for four to seven days before being returned promptly to the testing laboratory for analysis and report preparation. Postage, analysis, and a report of the results are all part of the no-fee package.
Only one radon kit is available per household. If multiple kits are requested from a single computer, only the first request will be fulfilled. Radon kits are distributed based on regional location. The regional map can be seen above at the right. Each region has a different number of kits available based on numerous factors including population and available statistics. If kits are not currently available in your area, please check back as additional kits may become available. Test Kits are available only to PA Residents. Please allow four to eight weeks for delivery.
Because supplies are limited, do not request a Test Kit unless you are sure you will actually use it. Also, if you have already tested, we ask that you leave the available test kits for others. We thank you for your cooperation.
HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection is reminding the public that small energy conservation steps taken around the home can add up to significant savings and help consumers stretch their heating budgets.
DEP Secretary John Hanger said that money-saving tips are available through the state’s “Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up” initiative.
“Water heaters consume a large portion of a home’s energy usage, yet the hot water is only used occasionally,” said Hanger. “Turning down the thermostat on your water heater will help to conserve energy and save money. For every 10 degrees you reduce your water heater’s thermostat, you could save up to five percent on your overall energy bill.”
Adjusting the water heater’s thermostat is only one step in saving energy and money. Once the water is heated, it is typically stored in a tank before it is distributed throughout the house. Non-insulated tanks and pipes allow the hot water to cool before it is used. Applying insulation to the tank and pipes allows the heater to cycle less frequently and keeps water warmer until it is ready for use. Installing low-flow faucets and shower heads also will help reduce water usage and generate additional savings.
Hanger added that drafty windows and doors rob homes of warmth. Sealing cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and vents keeps warm air inside and keeps cold air outside. Opening insulated draperies on sunny days will allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Closing the draperies at night will help retain the heat.
“These and other small steps can add up to big savings and provide an increased feeling of security and comfort, even during the coldest winter nights,” said Hanger. “Remember: the less energy you use, the more money you save.”
For more information on energy savings tips, financial help to pay heating bills, and additional resources for staying warm, visit www.TurnSealSave.org or call 1-866-550-4355.
YORK – Pennsylvanians are at lower risk of exposure to mercury as a result of the Mercury Free Thermostat Act, which took effect on Dec. 8. The law bans the sale, installation and disposal of mercury-containing thermostats and requires contractors and homeowners to recycle out-of-service thermostats.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that affects the brain and nervous system, especially in pregnant women, women of child-bearing years, and children. Mercury accumulates in the environment and can remain active for thousands of years.
“Mercury thermostats were a staple of the heating and cooling industry for decades. Millions of homes and businesses used them and continue to use them safely,” said Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Waste, Air and Radiation Protection Kenneth Reisinger. “But when out-of-service mercury thermostats are broken, disposed of in landfills or incinerated, the mercury can contaminate the air, surface water and ground water and threaten human health and the safety of the environment.
“Mercury thermostats are being replaced by more innovative and efficient models, which, over their useful life spans, can save consumers thousands of dollars in energy savings. And, thanks to the new law, there is a simple and easy method of properly collecting and recycling out-of-service thermostats.”
Under the new law, only mercury-free thermostats can be sold in Pennsylvania. In addition, manufacturers that have sold mercury thermostats in the state must collect and recycle waste mercury thermostats at no cost to contractors and homeowners.
Wholesalers located in Pennsylvania must serve as collection sites for the thermostats. The law also requires retailers and contractors to either participate as collection points or provide notice to customers that mercury thermostats must be recycled and identify locations of nearby collection points.
The new requirements will reduce the health and environmental risks associated with improperly disposing of out-of-service mercury thermostats, according to Reisinger, who spoke at Shipley Energy in York and was joined by representatives of the Thermostat Recycling Corp. and HVAC trade associations.
Shipley Energy has been recycling out-of-service mercury thermostats for its customers since 2002. Today’s event highlighted the benefits of the program and demonstrated the ease of participating in Pennsylvania’s mercury thermostat recycling program.
A single mercury thermostat contains approximately 4 grams of mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates between 6 and 8 tons of mercury are discarded improperly each year in solid waste facilities and between 1 and 2 tons are released into the air.
DEP recently approved two plans for manufacturers to establish collection and recycling programs in Pennsylvania. Thermostat Recycling Corp. is a nonprofit organization that represents 28 manufacturers nationwide that have distributed more than 70 brands of mercury thermostats. Collection sites sponsored by the organization will accept all brands of mercury thermostats.
EWC Controls Inc. recycles EWC brand name thermostats it sold through its wholesale operations.
Both companies voluntarily collected thermostats in advance of the law’s effective date. Thermostat Recycling Corp. collected 7,560 thermostats in 2008 and more than 37,000 since 2000, removing 356 pounds of mercury from the environment.
Pennsylvania is one of nine states to have passed laws governing mercury thermostats, which ban their sale and/or requires them to be recycled.
For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us. Under “Hot Topics” click on “Mercury Free Thermostats” or call DEP’s Bureau of Waste Management at 717-787-6239.
WILLIAMSPORT – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has now fined Chesapeake Appalachia LLC and Schlumberger Technology Corp. $15,557 each for a 295-gallon hydrochloric acid spill at Chesapeake’s Chancellor Well Site last winter in Asylum Township, Bradford County.
According to the DEP, the spill was quickly contained and reported thus keeping any environmental impact at a minimum. “Fortunately, this hazardous waste spill was promptly reported, which proved critical in limiting the environmental damage,” said DEP North central Regional Director Robert Yowell.
Chesapeake brought the spill to the attention of DEP on February 9. A 21,000-gallon tank containing 36 percent hydrochloric acid was leaking. The acid was used in the “hydraulic fracturing” drilling process.
When state inspectors arrived at the site last winter, it was determined that the tank had two leaks and was losing about 7.5 gallons of hydrochloric acid per hour
According to the DEP, the gas company quickly deployed emergency contractors who arrived that evening and removed free-standing acid from the ground with absorbent pads, excavated trenches to contain the acid, neutralized acid-contaminated soil with soda ash and hydrated lime, and transferred about 11,000 gallons of acid from the leaking tank to two temporary tanks.
Nearly 126 tons of contaminated soil had to be excavated and removed. More than 13,800 gallons of a hydrochloric acid and water mixture were removed from the well site.
Chesapeake Appalachia LLC is a natural gas exploration company located in Charleston, W. Va., and Schlumberger Technology Corp. is a natural gas service company based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WILKES-BARRE – The Department of Environmental Protection has assessed a $15,000 penalty against Camelback Mountain Resort water park in Pocono Township, Monroe County, for two hydraulic fluid spills that contaminated soil adjacent to the Flow Rider water ride.
DEP documented unpermitted industrial waste discharges in July 2007 and August 2009 that were the result of ruptured hydraulic hoses servicing the water ride. Hydraulic fluid was released into the ride’s pool area, which contaminated the water that was subsequently pumped onto the nearby soil.
“We were able to bring the company into compliance and have it develop procedures to prevent this from occurring again,” said Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin. “Camelback will now be able to control any future contaminated water and discharge it directly into their sewage collection system for proper treatment.”
The department required that the spill area be contained, and that the soil be analyzed and removed to an approved disposal facility.
After the 2007 release, Camelback indicated it would reconfigure the hydraulic plumbing and take additional measures to prevent hydraulic oil from getting into the water. Those measures were not fully implemented and another release occurred in August 2009.
In conjunction with the civil penalty, Camelback will extend its sewage collection system to the ride area and pump the pool water to its sewage treatment plant, which has an oil/water separator, should another incident occur.
A consent assessment of civil penalty for $15,000 with CBH2O, LP of Pocono Manor, the resort’s parent company, was finalized on Nov. 6.
HARRISBURG – Conserving energy, preventing pollution and saving money are good goals at any time of year, but especially now during the heating season.
To help make the most of these opportunities to reduce expenses, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger encourages small business owners to apply for Pennsylvania’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program.
Under the program, businesses can apply for a 50 percent matching grant of up to $7,500 for taking actions that save at least 20 percent annually in energy or pollution-related costs.
“The small business community is critical to Pennsylvania’s economic health and vitality,” said Hanger. “Well-designed energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects can help small businesses operate more efficiently and save money, while simultaneously improving Pennsylvania’s environment.”
DEP’s Small Business Ombudsman’s Office is now accepting applications for Small Business Advantage grants. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is Jan. 15 or until the funds are exhausted.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a for-profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The entity must be a separate legal business at the time the application is submitted and located within the state.
Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. The grant-supported project must be located within a Pennsylvania facility belonging to the applicant. Examples of eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery systems, waste recycling systems and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.
“This grant program is about choices and affordability,” said Hanger. “More choices than ever now exist for small business owners to conserve and save through a variety of diverse, innovative technologies. These grants make those technologies more affordable for small business owners looking to save money and become more profitable.”
Since Governor Edward G. Rendell launched the program in 2004, the Small Business Advantage Grant Program has awarded more than $4.9 million to 928 businesses across the state.
Program guidelines and applications may be downloaded at www.depweb.state.pa.us<http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/>, keyword: SBAdvantage, or by mail from DEP by calling 717-783-8411.
Applications must be mailed to the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, ATTN: Small Business Advantage, P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. Applicants must hand-write and circle the word ADVANTAGE on the back of the envelope.
Agreement Requires DEP Approval for Well Casing, Cementing
MEADVILLE – The Department of Environmental Protection and Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. have executed a consent order and agreement that will provide a long-term solution for migrating gas that has affected 13 water supplies in Dimock Township, Susquehanna County.
The affected area covers nine square miles around Carter Road.
The consent order and agreement outlines a process that will give DEP more oversight of Cabot’s new well construction work in the affected area. Prior to drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or hydro fracking, the company will submit well casing and cementing plans to DEP. Once DEP provides written approval, Cabot may proceed.
“The goal of the consent order and agreement is to ensure a long-term resolution to issues that have emerged in Dimock,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch. “The company will focus on the integrity of the wells in the affected area in an attempt to determine the source of the migrating gas.”
This past week, Cabot has provided an interim solution for all of the homes where water supplies have been affected. Cabot must develop a plan by March 31 to restore or replace the affected water supplies permanently.
Under the consent order and agreement, Cabot must additionally submit to DEP:
Information on all parties who have contacted the company about water quantity or quality issues; and
A plan that specifically identifies how the company intends to prove the integrity of the casing and cementing on existing wells and fix defective casing and cementing by March 31.
If Cabot fails to fix the defective casing and cementing by the March deadline, the company must plug defective wells or implement another alternative as approved by DEP.
In addition, Cabot paid a $120,000 civil penalty for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Solid Waste Management Act and the Clean Streams Law.
The consent order and agreement caps a DEP investigation that began early this year when numerous Dimock area residents reported evidence of natural gas in their water supplies. DEP inspectors discovered that the well casings on some of Cabot’s natural gas wells were cemented improperly or insufficiently, allowing natural gas to migrate to groundwater.
On Sept. 25, following a series of wastewater spills, DEP ordered Cabot to cease hydro fracking natural gas wells throughout Susquehanna County. The prohibition was removed after the company completed a number of important engineering and safety tasks.
Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. is a Delaware-based company with a mailing address in Pittsburgh.
For more information on oil and gas wells, visit www.depweb@state.pa.us, keyword: Oil and gas.
HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection will conduct six public meetings and formal hearings to answer questions and accept testimony on proposed critical water planning areas in Pennsylvania’s six major river basins.
Critical water planning areas encompass watersheds where existing or future water demands exceed or threaten to exceed the safe yield of available water resources. The process for designating these areas was established under Act 220 of 2002, the Water Resources Planning Act, which created the first update to the state water plan in 26 years.
Act 220 established a Statewide Water Resource Committee and six regional water resource committees tasked with updating, compiling and reviewing water-use data, taking public comment, identifying where existing and potential water-use conflicts and water quality issues may occur, and creating recommendations for the state water plan.
This is the first step in approving the planning areas. The public meetings will include presentations by DEP staff and members of the respective regional committees, followed by an informal discussion period. The formal hearings will begin immediately following the public meeting.
Meeting details for our area are as follows: Delaware River Regional Water Resources Committee: Nov. 9. Regional Committee Business Meeting at 12:45 p.m. Public Meeting at 2 p.m. Formal Hearing at 3 p.m. Roadway Inn Conference Center111 Bulldog Drive, Allentown, PA 18104
Contact: Leslie Sarvis, DEP Water Planning Office, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that Pennsylvania has received the maximum grant amount available to the state for leaking underground storage tank cleanup under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The state will use the $6.1 million in federal funding to clean up 71 tank sites in 40 counties.
“Leaking underground storage tanks create a variety of problems, from soil and ground water contamination to preventing sites from being used in a productive manner,” said Governor Rendell. “The benefits of these projects will be many: the clean-up work will create jobs for contractors; and the remediated sites will help attract developers which creates construction jobs and permanent jobs through new business opportunities.”
In July, the state Department of Environmental Protection applied for the Recovery Act funding grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean up sites where the responsible party is unknown, is unwilling or unable to remediate the site or the cleanup is an emergency response situation. In cases where the responsible party is unwilling or partially able to conduct the work, DEP will perform the remediation work and may take actions to recover cleanup costs.
“This is an example of federal money being used at the local level to put people to work and make their neighborhoods better and safer places to live and work,” said Governor Rendell. “This funding will enable us to take once productive sites and restore them to the point where they can be productive once again.”
Pennsylvania began regulating underground storage tanks in 1989. State law requires all underground storage tanks to be registered and permitted. Newly installed and replaced underground storage tanks must be double-walled and have corrosion protection and leak detection. Tank installers must be certified by the state and tanks are inspected by DEP-certified inspectors at least once every three years.
For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Storage Tanks. To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus will benefit communities across Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.
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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell’s initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a list of the 71 sites where Pennsylvania will address leaking underground storage tanks using federal recovery funding:
Adams County
Oxford Township — William McIntyre property
Allegheny County
North Fayette Township — Former Dairy Mart #1122
Oakdale Borough — Zirwas Atlantic
Armstrong County
Ford City — Tim Rusfre property
Beaver County
Freedom Borough — Pine Run Market
Hopewell Township — Mancini’s Service
Bedford County
East Providence Township — Post House Restaurant
Napier Township — Gilbert Brothers
Berks County
Saint Lawrence Borough — Saint Lawrence Citgo
Bradford County
Ridgebury Township — Al’s Mid State Market
Wells Township — State Line Coastal
Bucks County
Springfield Township — Stony Point Grocery
Warrington Township – Malcolm’s
Carbon County
Summit Hill Borough — Leonzi Property
Chester County
East Pikeland Township — Gappa
Sadsbury Township — Tim Browns Auto
Clearfield County
Beccaria Township — Slovikosky Service Station
Columbia County
South Centre Township — Jiffy Mart
Crawford County
Conneautville Borough — Conneautville Keystone
Meadville City — Kimple’s Exxon
Cumberland County
Hampden Township — Super Car Wash
Delaware County
Chester City – Dudek’s Service Center
Ridley Township — Otto’s Service Station
Erie County
Albion Borough — Povolko Citgo
Fayette County
Uniontown Borough – Trusio’s
Forest County
Tionesta Borough — Shea Auto
Franklin County
Greene Township — Scotland Fuels
Waynesboro Borough — Waynesboro Food Mart
Huntingdon County
Jackson Township — Former Bigelows Grocery
Indiana County
Indiana Borough — McNaughton Oil
White Township — Flemings Amoco
Juniata County
Mifflin Borough — Former Mifflin Service Center
Lackawanna County
Clarks Green Borough — Hawk Oil Clifton Township – Fisher’s Quik Shoppe
Scranton City — Carpentier Property
Scranton City — Diana’s Gulf
Lebanon County
Jonestown Borough — RK Tune Up 3
Lehigh County
Slatington Borough — Hilltop Texaco
Washington Township — Zeigler Property (Perkowski)
Luzerne County
Dallas Township – Besteder’s ESSO
Duryea Borough — Shock’s Service Station
Hanover Township — Domoco Gas & Oil
Lehman Township — Harold’s Garage
Newport Township — Alden Station Mini Mart
Wilkes-Barre City — Sanitary Leasing Service
Lycoming County
Jordan Township — Unity Market
Mercer County
Coolspring Township — McEwen Oil
Sharon City – Radkowski property
Monroe County
Pocono Township — Scotrun Texaco Stroud Township — North Fifth Street Texaco
Stroud Township — Weaver Property
Montgomery County
Horsham Township — Glemser Bros
Norristown Borough — OJP Auto Service Inc
Whitpain Township — Center Square Citgo
Northumberland County
Shamokin City – Shamokin City Warehouse
Perry County
Spring Township — Greenbriar Mall
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia City — Bills Auto
Philadelphia City — Ribot’s
Potter County
Harrison Township — Mill’s Country Store
Portage Township — Costello General Store
Roulette Township – Faith’s Country Store
Schuylkill County
Cass Township – Jenkin’s Property
Pottsville City — West End Cleaners
Snyder County
Spring Township — Shellenberger Agency
Sullivan County
Dushore Borough — Trapani Service Station
Susquehanna County
Little Meadows Borough – Barnum’s Gulf
Silver Lake Township — Tucker’s Store
Washington County
Smith Township – Meerdo’s Service
Somerset Borough — Yost Property
Wayne County
Salem Township — Don Frick Sheds
Salem Township – Grason’s Service Station
