PA Supreme Court Decision In Agricultural Case
PA Supreme Court rules that family farms do not have to comply with municipal ordinances that are stricter than state law.
Stormwater Fees Drawing the Ire of Citizens and Businesses State-Wide
Citizens are expressing their skepticism and outright anger about stormwater fees that are being assessed throughout the Commonwealth.
PFAS Takes Center Stage in Pennsylvania
PFAS chemicals, which historically had been used in products in the U.S., continue to show up in soil and water systems. Various bills are making their way through Congress and Pennsylvania is exploring the idea of setting state-wide health standards for the PFAS.
Paul J. Bruder Secures Victory for Hubley Township – Joint Sewage Facilities Plan Will Go Forward
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has reversed a decision of the Environmental Hearing Board that nullified a Joint Act 537 plan between Hegins and Hubley townships. The plan was the first comprehensive revision to either township’s Act 537 plans since 1967. In the joint plan, the townships proposed the construction of a 600,000-gallon-per-day wastewater treatment […]
DEP Provides Clarification On Reporting Requirements For New And Increased POTW Discharges
In 2010 the EQB enacted extensive changes to DEP’s NPDES regulations, now codified at Chapter 92a. Among these changes was a revision to a previous requirement to apply for a new NPDES permit whenever significant changes to influent pollutant loadings-—either the addition of a new pollutant or a substantial increase in an existing pollutant-—was projected to occur. The new regulation, now at § 92a.24(a), is a bit less stringent.
Winter Brings Familiar Dangers
It’s that time of year again. As the weather turns colder and air conditioners give way to furnaces, homeowners call their heating oil providers and say “fill’er up.” Well over 100,000 homeowners in Pennsylvania, approximately 15,000-17,000 in Dauphin County alone, heat their homes with oil, meaning that their basements are home to large (usually 150 gallons or more) heating oil tanks.
Pennsylvania to Examine Its Professional Licensing Procedures
Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered a review of the professional licensing process to examine whether costs and procedures in Pennsylvania are consistent with those in other states.
It’s Not Nice to Regulate Mother Nature
“Man proposes, God disposes.” This catchy saying references the often strange ways that man’s best laid plans can be changed by the whim of a Higher Power. In the realm of land development in the state of New Jersey, a new phrase was coined by a New Jersey appellate court: “God creates, man regulates”.
Stormwater Update –Is a “Rain Tax” Right For Your Municipality?
The potential for stormwater utility fees, or the creation of stormwater authorities in Pennsylvania, is real, and some municipalities have already put these measures in place. With increased federal and state concern over the health of the Chesapeake Bay and other impaired waters, and rising concerns over flooding, managing stormwater is becoming more complicated and expensive than ever.
The Tank Act and Indemnification Fund
The Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (“USTIF” or the “Fund”) was established within the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (the “Tank Act”). The USTIF is a special fund in the state treasury which consists of fees assessed by the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board to owners and operators of underground storage tanks.
