The conference appeared to be quite successful as shown be evaluations and word-of-mouth.

John Dawes of the Western PA Watershed Program gave the keynote address which focused on the efforts of the AML Campaign in the reauthorization of SMCRA Title IV. John was presented with the first ever Mayfly Award for his leadership efforts.

A new presentation track for vendors was added this year which also proved to be popular. Exhibiting vendors were given the opportunity to make a 45 minute presentation on their products and services. Both vendors and attendees were happy with the new format, plus those vendors participating paid an additional conference fee.

From a financial standpoint, the conference committee did well in ending up with a modest surplus. Income came from a convening grant from the Western PA Watershed Program and conference fees. Expenses were mainly from the Ramada, with the vast majority going to meals. Other expenses included program materials, conference calls, and awards. All time spent by the conference committee was an in-kind donation.

We are looking forward to next year’s conference planning to start in September. WPCAMR takes the lead role for the 10^th annual conference. Preliminarily, focus topics include new treatment technologies and preservation of coal industry history and heritage.

Amended SMCRA Title IV

Work continues on what happens in Pennsylvania now that SMCRA Title IV has been reauthorized.

I presented at the “Basics of SMCRA Title IV” at an EPA water conference in Ocean City, MD , and at our AMR Conference. We also held a panel / audience discussion on the topic at the conference.

A series of 8 roundtable meetings on the subject were held around the state that were jointly presented by Citizen’s Advisory Council (facilitating), WPCAMR, EPCAMR, and DEP. The facilitators generally directed comments around the following Target Issues:

1. What should funds be spent on - land reclamation, water supplies, abandoned mine drainage?

2. How much should we ’set aside’ (up to 30%) for AMD, and how should it be used?

3. How can we maximize our efforts?

4. Are there related issues that need to be considered (unintended consequences of other programs, future land use, economic benefits)?

Here are some general impressions from the 8 meetings:

· Audience size varied from about 15 to 35 with generally greater attendance in western counties

· The makeup of audience varied with members of watershed and conservation organizations consistently representing the majority of participants

· The tenor of each of the meetings was respectful and constructive

· DEP personnel mostly listened, but provided commentary as appropriate

· There were quite a few comments about a range of reclamation methodologies and how they should be employed

· There were quite a few comments about the value of partnerships and watershed organizations for future reclamation

The only subjects that appeared to have a general consensus were:

· On the 30% AMD Set Aside, the majority of participants appeared to favor having DEP take the full 30%

· Most participants appeared to favor the establishment of an Operations & Maintenance fund to take care of AMD treatment systems.

Two more roundtables are scheduled in September in Clearfield and Kittanning. We are assuming that DEP will also hold “focus sessions” as promised by groups having specific knowledge and interest in Title IV as part of the Department’s process. No word on those yet.

DEP Secretary Katy McGinty and Deputy Secretary Scott Roberts were sent a letter urging that a permanent advisory group be established for Title IV.

We continue to be a resource for the PA House Committee for Energy and the Environment.

WPCAMR was given special recognition at the PEC Statewide Environmental Awards Dinner for our role in the AML Campaign that was instrumental in getting the legislation passed.

We continue to develop and evaluate various options for future implementation of Title IV.

Abandoned Mine Posts

Our weekly online newsletter, Abandoned Mine Posts, continues to receive many compliments. It’s eclectic selection of subjects and friendly style are very well received. Andy, in particular, deserves much credit for this success in promoting WPCAMR.

Vacation

My wife and I finally took a week’s vacation. We camped at Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon in Tioga County as well as Watkin’s Glen and Letchworth State Parks in NY’s Finger Lake region. Those glaciers sure knew how to construct some beautiful landscapes!