Authority_October_2020

14 October 2020 - The Authority Specifically, public safety project is defined as fire protection services, emergency medical services (EMS), and administrative support to coordi- nate these services. Senator Mike Regan (Cumberland), Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Commit- tee and his staff has conducted a series of roundtable discussions this summer among all interested parties includ- ing senators and staff of both parties, PMAA, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), the other local government associa- tions (Boroughs, Cities, Townships), and fire and EMS representatives to discuss the draft legislation and share ideas and concerns. PMAA supports the concept and will continue to work with all parties. CHESAPEAKE BAY UPDATE PMAA serves as an action leader for the wastewater sector and participat- ed in the following Chesapeake Bay meetings: Action Leaders Meeting On July 10th, the DEP Chesapeake Bay Program Office held a virtual Pennsylvania Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Action Leaders Meeting to review progress updates and outline next steps, action items and timelines. State Team Meeting On July 20th, the DEP Chesapeake Bay Program Office held a virtual Pennsylvania Phase 3 WIP State Team Meeting, which is open to the public. Along with action leader progress updates, presentations were given on communication and engagement as well as local action. Phase 3 WIP Newsletter The DEP Chesapeake Bay Program Office now has a new monthly news- letter to showcase progress and updates on the statewide Phase 3 WIP. The newsletter highlights activities from partnering counties, agencies, and action team leaders. PROPOSED REGULATIONS AND TECHNICAL GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS Proposed Manganese Water Quality Standard Published in PA Bulletin A proposed manganese water quality standard was published in the PA Bul- letin on July 25th. The proposal sets a new numeric human health criterion for manganese of 0.3 mg/L in Chapter 93.8 – Water Quality Criteria For Tox- ic Substances, and would delete the existing 1 mg/L standard in order to protect human health from the neuro- toxicological effects of manganese. In addition, the proposal offers two alternatives for a point of compliance with the manganese water quality stan- dard: the point of all existing or planned surface potable water supply withdrawals; or all surface waters (that is, near the point of discharge). Public comments were due by September 25th. PMAA submitted comments on the proposed rulemaking. Proposed Chapter 105 (Dams and Waterways) Permit Revisions On July 21st the EQB virtually met to consider proposed revisions to DEP’s Chapter 105 regulations, Dam Safe- ty and Waterway Management. The regulations have not been substantial- ly revised since 1991. The proposed revisions are designed to provide additional waivers, focus on the most important activities and threats to the environment and health and provide flexibility in meeting those requirements. To access the proposed rulemaking, visit www.dep.pa.gov (se- lect Public Participation, then Environ- mental Quality Board (and scroll down to July 21st EQB meeting agenda). (continued on page 55) At Knox McLaughlin Gornall and Sennett, P.C., our governmental practice attorneys know municipal, public finance and education law inside and out. We represent more than 75 local governing bodies, authorities and school districts throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you are dealing with a labor issue, a zoning matter or a financial challenge, we have the knowledge and experience to provide prompt and cost-effective service. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE State & Local Government • Education Law Public Finance • Labor & Employment Zoning & Land Use • Environmental Law Litigation • Collection • Intellectual Property Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Erie | North East | Pittsburgh | Jamestown, NY 814-459-2800 | www.kmgslaw.com