WPCAMR Quarterly Meeting

Eat-N-Park, Indiana, PA

MEETING MINUTES

August 12, 2004

The quarterly meeting for the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation was called to order by Bob Epple, President, at 10:10 am on August 12, 2004 at the Eat-n-Park restaurant, Indiana, PA.

The following were in attendance:

• Dick Smith – Beaver CD
• Marty Warchol – Beaver CD
• Janis Long – Blacklick Watershed
• Jim Resh – Indiana CD
• Bernie Hoffnar – Bedford CD
• Jim Eckenrode – Blair CD
• Lisa Bennett – Greene CD
• Dennis Bachovchin – member
• Ron Horansky – DEP
• Jeff Fliss – DEP
• Bill Doney – Westmoreland CD
• Greg Phillips – Westmoreland CD
• Bob Eppley – WPCAMR, BCWA
• Bruce Golden – WPCAMR
• Garry Price – DEP
• Susan Moon – Somerset CD
• Carl Jones – Somerset CD
• Sara Tumulty – WPCAMR
• Deb Simko – WPCAMR
• Todd Beers – Jefferson CD
• John Varner – DEP
• LeeRoy Vatter – Indiana CD

Welcome/Introductions

Bob Eppley, President, welcomed all in attendance.

Review of Past Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the last meeting were distributed. A motion to acept the minutes was made by Greg Phillips and seconded by Jim Resh. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report

Greg Phillips, Treasurer, gave the treasurer’s report. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report and file for audit was made by Bernie Hoffnar and seconded by Jim Resh. Motion carried.

It was agreed that WPCAMR needs to seek outside funds to supplement the 319 grant of $125,000.

Presentation

John Varner, DEP, gave a presentation, “Remining in Pennsylvania.” John also gave an update on the I-99 project.

Old Business

2004 AMR Conference – Sara Tumulty gave an update on the AMR Conference. Over 200 people attending with the technical portion being very successful. There was still little showing from the watershed associations, however.

Decision Maker Grant – Over the past 2 years, Sara has presented to more than 1200 people including about 450 municipal officials, 11 county officials, and 550 environmental leaders. Some good successes resulted from the grant, but most important were the lessons learned. Sara reported this will be her final WPCAMR meeting as her AmeriCorp tenure has come to an end and that she is moving to Richmond, VA with her newlywed husband.

Water Resources Committee Report – Deb Simko gave an update on the Water Resources Committee. The conservation district representatives are up for reappointment. Contact John Hines for their reappointment. Public hearings will begin next year. We need to emphasize water quality not just quantity.

National Abandoned Mine Lands Conference – Deb has been accepted to present about partnerships at the National Conference in Arizona. Deb will be attending with the help of a Canaan Valley Institute scholarship.

Update on SMCRA Title IV Reauthorization – Bruce Golden reported that not much is happening with the reauthorization. Most likely, it will be reauthorized for 1 year as part of a bigger bill and we will need to tackle the issue again next year.

MRAB Report – Bruce reported several things discussed at the Mine Reclamation Advisory Board’s meeting. DEP has drafted grayfields legislation that would provide incentives and flexibility to make it easier for developers to develop on previously coal mined areas. Joe Pizarchek, DEP, is the contact. Primacy bond forfeitures will now be handled by DMO instead of BAMR because they can handle it more quickly. Don Barnes, DEP, is the contact. DEP has put out an RFP for innovative approaches to resource recovery. Packets need to be requested by August 16. Joe Schueck, DEP, is the contact.

Jeff Fliss is going to request that the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy give a presentation on Resource Recovery 2 at WPCAMR’s next meeting.

Motion

Bernie Hoffnar made a motion that WPCAMR make it a priority item to resolve the permitting problems of wetland delineation in mine areas needing reclamation. Greg Phillips seconded the motion. Motion carried.

A sub-committee was formed to research the problem and facilitate a department-wide solution. Bernie Hoffnar will chair the committee with Greg Phillips, Bob Eppley, Jim Resh, and Carl Jones participating. Other people such as Dave Steele, Steve Keppler, and someone from the game commission should also be involved.

Reports from Conservation Districts, Agencies, Watershed Associations, and Guests

Bob Eppley asked all in attendance to introduce themselves, and then each gave reports on activities and upcoming events.

LeeRoy Vatter reported that DCNR will be holding a public meeting on September 21, 2004 at the Flood Museum in Johnstown. LeeRoy will provide details. Deb Simko and Bob Eppley will attend to lobby for money for the implementation of River Conservation Plans and for AMD projects.

Dennis Bachovchin, WPCAMR member, introduced himself to the group and offered his assistance where needed.

New Business

Brochure Design – Bruce passed around the revised brochure design for board comment.

EPA Brownfields Grants – Deb reported that WPCAMR is an eligible entity to receive an EPA Brownfields Grant. It was discussed if WPCAMR should pursue a grant for gob pile assessment and possible pass through to watershed groups. Bernie Hoffnar made a motion that WPCAMR staff look into the feasibility of an EPA grant and the benefits of such a grant to WPCAMR. The results will then be evaluated by the executive committee and a decision be made. LeeRoy Vatter seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Format of Quarterly Meetings – It has been suggested that the board consider a new format for the quarterly meetings. There is no official format in the bylaws. WPCAMR staff will send an evaluation to member conservation districts as to their preferred format.
Strategic Plan Draft – The strategic plan was distributed to attending districts. It will be emailed to all other districts. Members are to review the plan and send comments to Bruce.

Open Discussion/Comments

Bob Eppley opened the meeting for open discussion.

Adjourn

Jim Resh moved that the meeting be adjourned. LeeRoy Vatter seconded. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15.

Meeting minutes taken by Sara Tumulty.