WPCAMR Quarterly Meeting

Eat-N-Park, Indiana, PA

MEETING MINUTES

May 13, 2004

 

 

            The quarterly meeting of the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation was called to order by Bob Eppley, President at 10:10 AM on May 13, 2004 at the Eat-n-Park Restaurant, Indiana, PA.

 

The following were in attendance:

 
  • Michael Barrick – Westmoreland CD
  • Diane Neukum – DEP
  • Greg Phillips – Westmoreland CD
  • Jeff Fliss – DEP
  • Dave Mankamyer – CDA
  • Lance Bowes – Venango CD
  • Jim Resh – Indiana CD
  • Bob Eppley – WPCAMR
  • Pam Meade – CCWA
  • Dennis Hawley – Armstrong CD
  • James Eckenrode – Blair CD
  • Dave Minnear – LR Kimball & BCWA
  • Carol Crawford – WPCAMR
  • Bruce Golden – WPCAMR
  • Deb Simko – WPCAMR
  • Sara Tumulty – WPCAMR
  • Dennis Beck – Cambria CD

 

 

 

Welcome/Introductions

            Bob Eppley, President, chaired the meeting.  Bob welcomed all in attendance.  The minutes from the last meeting were distributed.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Jim Resh and was seconded by Greg Phillips.  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 Pam Meade and seconded by Jim Resh.  Motion carried.

 

Presentation

            Dennis Beck, vice chair, WPCAMR, presented “Wetlands Malfunction or Mother Nature”  where he reported findings on a 5 acre impoundment formed by beaver dams that backed up water from abandoned mine discharges.  The “natural” system did an amazingly good job of abating pollution, but curious results were reported concerning the heavy metal manganese.

 

Regional Coordinator’s Report

            Growing Greener Grant Submittals - Bruce Golden reported that WPCAMR submitted 3 Growing Greener Grants.  The first grant will provide a system and funding for watershed groups to sample treatment systems.  The second application requests funds to be available as a quick-response to treatment system failures.  A third application was submitted in coordination with Rick Herd to reclaim abandoned mine lands and use the land for carbon sequestration points.

            Governor’s “Quality of Life” Proposal - Bruce reported on the Governor’s Quality of Life program which is estimated at $1.4 billion dollars.  An $800 million bond is proposed for Growing Greener 2.  $100 million would go to AML and $20 million to brownfields.  He recommended checking the AMRClearinghouse website for more information on the project.  There is a link to be able to give an endorsement on line.

            Dave Mankamyer advised that this bond issue is required to be put on the ballot.  The legislators have to move on it by the end of June to get it on the ballot.  They are dragging their feet on it because it is not being pushed by those concerned.  So far the Department of Agriculture has received only 4 endorsements.  They need at least a dozen endorsements.  Dave gave an e-mail address for endorsements: sfelker@state.pa.us.  She is the point person in the governor’s office for this bond referendum.  Another web site for information is www.keepgrowinggreener.org.  There was discussion about a perception that only $1 out of $9 would be going to Growing Greener and $8 to the general fund.  Industry sees it as a business tax.  Greg Phillips made a motion to support this bond issue.  He moved that a letter be sent on Coalition letterhead to the sponsoring representatives with a copy to the Governor’s Office.  Dennis Beck seconded the motion.  The motion was carried.

            Update on SMCRA Title IV Reauthorization - Bruce next gave an update on proposed legislation to continue SMCRA.  A bill has been submitted by Congressman Peterson and Senator Specter  that would favor PA.  Other bills have been submitted by other legislators that are less supportive of PA.  It is currently stalled in committee.  Tim Sheaffer, PA Environmental Council is the lead person on this.

 

Watershed Coordinator’s Report

            Monongahela & Allegheny Rivers named 5th Most Endangered River - Deb Simko reported on the press conference that was held jointly with American Rivers on April 18 to report the 20 worst rivers in America.  The Monongahela is one of those rivers.  The press conference was well attended although the governors and DEP Directors of PA and WV were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.  Press coverage was very good.  Deb also reported contacts she had from environmental lawyers in other locations so the information was well disseminated. 

            Deb will be going to Washington, DC on May 25 to lobby Congress to support SMCRA.  They are targeting western states and giving them an informational report.

            Water Resources Update - A state committee has been formed on Water Resources.  There are regional committees formed under that.  Susan Fox is on the state committee.  The next meeting will be June 14 in Knox, PA. Dave Mankamyer reported that it is not yet funded.  He also discussed the farmer’s concern and their lack of support.

 

2004 AMR Conference Planning

            Sara Tumulty gave an update on the Conference which will be held at Indiana University, June 9-12.  There will be two days of conference focusing on technical issues and two days focusing on watersheds.  There will also be a field training at the Yellow Creek Treatment System.  Registration is due by May 19.  More information is on the WPCAMR website.

 

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 in their conservation districts.

 

New Business

            Report on ASMR/WV Surface Mining Task Force Conference - Bruce Golden gave a report on recent conferences that he attended.  The biggest was the ASMR Conference in Morgantown, WV.  Many papers were presented.  Deb Simko attended this one, also, and reported that PA has received more of the remaining projects than WV.  The focus is on reclaiming the land.  ASMR is looking for ways to reach out to Watershed Associations.  They want more to attend their meetings.

            Bruce said attended an EPA Listening Sessions on Coal Combustion Ash used in reclamation projects in State College.  The attendees were almost all industry people who were in favor of using Coal Combustion Ash for reclamation;  much talk was on the safe use of the product.

            In a second EPA Listening Sessions on Coal Combustion Ash presented in Hershey, Bruce related a very different experience where a busload of people came to express their general opposition to coal combustion.  This groups’ contention that the material was either not safe or not proven to be safe and should therefore not be used until definitive proof of its absolute safety under all conceivable conditions could be guaranteed.

            Report on CCB Conference - Bruce also attended a conference in Harrisburg where a great deal was presented concerning the placement of CCB ash.  A comprehensive document on CD on Coal Combustion products has been prepared by DEP.  Contact him if you would like a copy.  An update will be available on the website.

            DEP Marketing Mine Pools - DEP wants to market mine pools.  Water is available but is polluted.  Industries such as pharmaceuticals can use the water but it must be treated.  Future steps will be taken to officially encourage use of mine pool water.

 

Open Discussion/Comments

            Bob Eppley opened the meeting for open discussion.

            Greg Phillips reported that Bill Doney will be replacing the late Paul Heyworth as Westmoreland CD’s delegate.  Greg also requested that the long-range plan be discussed at the next meeting.

           

Adjourn

            Dennis Beck moved that the meeting be adjourned.  It was seconded by Jim Resh.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 pm.

 

Meeting minutes taken by Carol Crawford.