WHAT'S NEW

August 2008

SRBC Issues Report on Nutrient Pollution Levels and Sources in the Conestoga River Watershed
As part of a 5-year project from 2005 to 2010, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) released a report, Conestoga River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads Development, An Interim Data Report, on the sources and quantities of nutrient pollutants – nitrogen and phosphorus – in the Conestoga River Watershed during low flow periods. SRBC cited nutrient discharges from point sources, including wastewater treatment plants, as the dominant influence on water quality in the watershed during low flow periods, when streams are often fed largely by groundwater – a condition known as base flow. Read More Download Report

SRBC To Require All Natural Gas Well Development Projects In Susquehanna Basin To Obtain Prior Approval Regardless of Amount of Water Used
On August 14, SRBC notified natural gas operators that as of October 15, 2008 any amount of water withdrawn or consumptively used to develop wells in the Marcellus, Utica or other shale formations in the Susquehanna watershed will require prior approval from SRBC. SRBC regulations – 18 CFR, Section 806.5 – allow its executive director to make a determination when water-use activities, regardless of the amount of water, have the potential to affect the water resources of the Susquehanna basin. Read More. Download Notice of Determination. Visit SRBC’s Marcellus Shale Web Page.

July 2008

SRBC, Winner, O'Mara, Elmira Water Board and NYSDEC Mark Final Set-Up Year for Early Warning System to Protect Southern Tier Water Supplies
On July 22, SRBC was joined by Senator George Winner (53rd District), Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (137th District), Elmira Water Board General Manager Mark LaDouce and Ray Yacuzzo, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to mark an important
milestone toward the full deployment of the Susquehanna Basin Early Warning System (EWS) in 2009 for the Elmira and Binghamton public water supply systems. The EWS will help the two public water supply systems protect drinking water supplies for their 300,000 plus customers. Read More

SRBC Issues Water Availability Study for Deer Creek
SRBC today released a study projecting water use demands on Deer Creek Watershed through the year 2025 and detailing the limits of Deer Creek to meet water supply demands during low flows. The population of this rapidly developing bi-state watershed is projected to undergo another 24 percent increase by the year 2025. The increase is currently fueled by growth and development around Shrewsbury in York County, Pennsylvania, and Bel Air in Harford County, Maryland, and will be further intensified by the military base realignment plan for Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Deer Creek Availability Study is available on SRBC's web site at www.srbc.net/planning.

July 15 Free Seminar -- Local Governments and Community Interest in Natural Gas Exploration -- Set For Elected and Appointed Officials
The Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Community and Rural Development Institute are hosting a July 15 Local Governments and Community Interest In Natural Gas Exploration seminar for officials who need to know about Marcellus Shale gas leasing and drilling. SRBC is among the many co-sponsors. Persons interested in participating in the free evening seminar can join in person at the Town of Chenango building or as a webinar. For additional information on the seminar and how to register,
Read More...

Climate Change Discussed at July 1 SRBC WQAC Meeting
On July 1, SRBC convened its Water Quality Advisory Committee (WQAC) for a special-focus session entitled Climate Change and Water Resource Management in the Susquehanna River Basin. Several speakers representing non-profit, government, and academia from New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, as well as SRBC, gave very informative presentations. Click the following Read More link for the agenda and to download their PowerPoint presentations. For more information on SRBC's WQAC, contact David Heicher, Chief, Watershed Assessment and Protection Division at dheicher@srbc.net. Read More...

June 2008

Projects Approved at June 12 SRBC Meeting
At the June 12 business meeting in Elmira, NY, SRBC approved 14 applications for water withdrawals and/or consumptive water uses and two modifications to existing approvals.
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SRBC To Hold Public Meeting on June 26 on U.S. Gypsum Company Washingtonville Plant Application for Water Withdrawal and Consumptive Use
SRBC will hold a public information meeting on June 26, 2008, 6:30 p.m., at the Jane E. DeLong Memorial Hall (Community Center), 7 Church St. (corner of 3rd and Church St), Washingtonville, PA. The purpose of the meeting is to receive comments and answer questions on the U. S. Gypsum Company's application to withdraw 350,000 gallons per day (gpd) from groundwater and consumptively use up to 432,000 gpd, for processes related to the commercial production of gypsum wallboard. Read the Notice... or Read the Information sheet...

SRBC’s Marcellus Shale and Gas Well Drilling Presentation

On June 12 at SRBC’s quarterly business meeting, Mike Brownell, Chief, Water Resources Management Division, presented information on gas well drilling and development in the Marcellus Shale formation. Among the main points, Brownell described: (1) the Marcellus Shale formation and its occurrence in the Susquehanna River Basin, (2) the technology being used to capture natural gas in this shale formation, (3) SRBC’s water-use and withdrawal regulations, and (4) SRBC’s next steps regarding site inspections, Approval By Rule provision and other regulatory actions. Download SRBC’s PowerPoint in PDF format…

SRBC Notifies 23 Companies that Water Used for Developing Natural Gas Wells In Susquehanna Basin Needs Approval
On June 6, SRBC notified 23 natural gas operators currently using or planning to use water to
develop wells in the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations in the Susquehanna watershed that
they must have approval from SRBC. The process of developing natural gas wells in the two shale formations includes using water for drilling, for storage in on-site impoundments and subsurface rock fracturing (known as hydrofracing). Companies operating without prior water use approval for those and other water-related activities will be considered in willful noncompliance if they continue
to operate after receiving SRBC’s notice. Read More... Download Notification...

SRBC Commission Meeting to Take Place on June 12, 2008
The SRBC quarterly meeting will take place in Elmira, New York at 8:30 a.m. on June 12, 2008.
The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Elmira-Riverview. Read More...

Presentation at Penn State Agriculture in Balance Conference
On June 2, SRBC Executive Director Paul Swartz spoke at the Penn State "Agriculture in Balance" conference. His topic was on the current state of nutrients in the water. It includes an assessment of progress regarding nutrient discharge reductions within the Susquehanna River Basin and ultimately to the Chesapeake Bay. Read Full Remarks... or View PowerPoint...

May 2008

Opinion from Paul Swartz, SRBC Executive Director: The Farm Bill Will Help Sustain Agriculture and Environment

The passage of the Farm Bill by Congress last week truly reflects the changing face of agriculture and the ever-growing demands placed on individual farmers. In addition to filling our nation’s bread basket, we also count on our farmers to be good environmental stewards, who care about land conservation and apply practices that reduce the amount of nutrients and sediments reaching our waterways. Read More...

Draft Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

On May 19, SRBC released its draft Comprehensive Plan for the Water Resources of the Susquehanna River Basin for public comment through August 18. SRBC is required to have a Comprehensive Plan to manage and develop the Susquehanna basin's water resources and guide SRBC's programs and activities. The 2008 draft Plan represents a substantial revision of the 1987 Plan. Read More...

Consumptive Water Use Mitigation Plan Released
SRBC recently issued its Consumptive Use Mitigation Plan that documents current and projected quantities of consumptive water uses in the Susquehanna watershed and outlines a strategy for addressing impacts from increased uses. Peak consumptive uses in 2000 were 500 million gallons per day (gpd). SRBC projects an increase to more than 1.2 billion gpd by 2025. Water for power production and domestic uses will remain the top consumptive uses, with the largest increases being from power production. Read More...

April 2008

Aquatic Ecologist/Biologist Position Announcement
Aquatic Ecologist/Biologist needed to perform watershed assessment and protection work. Qualifications include a degree in aquatic ecology/biology or related field, and at least 2 years work experience (graduate work may serve as substitute for work experience). Experience with characterizing water quality impacts on biological communities required, within the context of both rural and urban settings. Additionally, strong computer, communication, and organizational skills required. GIS experience a plus. Field work and occasional overnight travel required. Send cover letter and resume to Andrew Gavin, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Position open until filled. SRBC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (www.srbc.net).

March 2008

Consumptive Water Use Mitigation Fee Increase Proposed
A proposal to increase SRBC’s consumptive water use mitigation fee from $0.14 per thousand gallons to $0.28 effective January 1, 2009 (and subject to annual inflationary adjustments) is open for public comment until May 31, 2008. SRBC is conducting a public hearing on April 23, 10:00 a.m., at PA Fish and Boat Commission, Harrisburg, PA.
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2008 Water Resources Program Released
SRBC adopted its 2008 Water Resources Program cataloging 12 identified water resource needs for the Susquehanna basin and the programs and projects intended to address those needs. SRBC is required to produce an annual water resource program consisting of programs and projects proposed in the upcoming years by SRBC, other governmental agencies, private-sector interests and organizations to address identified water resource needs.
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Projects Approved at March 13 SRBC Meeting
At the March 13 business meeting in Bedford, Pa, SRBC approved 11 applications for water withdrawals and/or consumptive water uses and 3 modifications to existing approvals.
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