April 18, 2002

The quarterly/annual meeting of the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation was called to order by LeeRoy Vatter, President at 10:12 AM on April 18, 2002 at the Best Western University Inn in Indiana, PA.

The following were in attendance:

LeeRoy Vatter-WPCAMR Henry Karki-Lawrence Co. CD

Bruce Golden-WPCAMR Janie French-CVI

Deb Simko-WPCAMR Garry Price-DEP/Harrisburg

Ellie Kokolis-WPCAMR Tom Vayansky-DEP/BWSM

Dick Smith-Beaver Co. CD Pam Milavec-DEP/BAMR

John Scherfel-Beaver Co. CD Jacqueline Schiering-Sweet Soils

Jim Eckenrode-Blair Co. CD Ann Devine-SRBC

Bob Ritchey-Cambria Co. CD Mark Killar-WPC

Tom Clark-Indiana Co. CD Greg Phillips-Westmoreland CD

Jessica Traister-Jefferson Co. CD Paul Heyworth-Westmoreland CD

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

LeeRoy Vatter asked that all attendees introduce themselves at the meeting.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

LeeRoy Vatter presented the February minutes to the Board members. A motion to accept the February minutes as presented was made by Dick Smith and seconded by Paul Heyworth. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Greg Phillips gave the Treasurer’s report. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Bob Ritchey and was seconded by Dick Smith. Motion carried.

AGENCY / ORGANIZATION REPORTS

All in attendance gave reports on activities and upcoming events in their conservation districts.

DEP BUREAU OF WATERSHED CONSERVATION 319 PROGRAM

Garry Price gave an update on the 319 Program; reported that WPCAMR’s contract is being reviewed and will be independent by July; EPA can now advance up front for top priority TMDL projects followed by impaired streams. Garry displayed a map showing which projects will be selected in the next 6-8 weeks. A discussion ensued on who determines priorities. Each individual program (source of funding) sets priorities.

DEP BUREAU OF WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Tom Vayansky outlined the new Environment Futures Planning Process that showed how DEP identifies important issues, how DEP will use watershed approach, and how public involvement is a key factor. Tom also outlined Water Resource Legislation that has a bill in the House and the Senate. Sixteen forums were held that resulted to the fact that BAMR needs a new plan to address water resource issues considering 10,000 gallons a day is registered use. There will be critical water planning areas; and a local agency will be designated to develop this plan that will include voluntary media system; provide grants to help, along with PennVest providing funding to leaking systems; and drill water wells. Tom concluded by announcing that the DEP Water Resource Summit will be May 4 at the University of Pitt – Greensburg Campus.

DEP BUREAU OF ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION

Pam Milavec reported that BAMR is getting Growing Greener / OSM funding; working with the District Mining Office on priority watersheds and local groups; and also reported seventeen projects out to bid. Pam concluded by reporting on the seriousness of the LTV bankruptcy.

CANAAN VALLEY INSTITUTE

Janie French reported CVI is participating in technical assistance to watersheds, USGS, Straud, Allarm, Schkill River Kooper through RC&D. Janie also reported the types of assistance are mentoring, study design, (QA/QC) and helping groups get good water quality data. Organizational assistance is available for smaller groups.

WESTERN PA CONSERVANCY

Mark Killar reported that WPCAMR, WPC and CVI need to work together to avoid duplication / improve efficiencies, need to communicate, need to move often in a formalized

way. Mark also reported that WPC provides assistance relative to legal issues, land acquisition, good Samaritan, grant administration, field training (riparian, technical assistance, bookkeeping), web sites, media coordination, data management / GIS, project analysis, funding source library, review grant proposals and potential partners.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

Ann Divine reported that SRBC staff are working on TMOL for Anderson Creek, Rock Run, Miligan Run, Cooks Run, Montgomery Creek; and also completed six weeks of workshops on good Samaritan. Ann concluded by stating that May is Watershed Awareness month.

JEFFERSON COUNTY “SWEET SOILS”

Jessica Traister gave a presentation to the Board on reclaiming strip mining with compost and bio solids.

DISTRICT WATERSHED SPECIALIST ACTIVITY REPORTS

Deb Simko presented to the Board an OSM handout.

RWSI GRANTS / OHIO RIVER

Deb Simko reported that the Coalition received 24 RWSI requests totaling $82,031,80 of which were all funded. The next deadline is June 30. In all, 31 new groups in four years.

REGIONAL COORDINATOR’S REPORT

Bruce Golden reported on the Media Blitz at Melcroft in Fayette County, the LTV bankruptcy, GIS Grant, TAG Grant, AMDEC, AMD Conference in June, 319 Grant, WPCAMR and WCD separation and the move to the Donohoe Center.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 2:20.

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Minutes taken by Greg Phillips

Transcribed by Sandy Dzendzel