ETC Northeast Pipeline has been Issued a $30.6 Million Fine

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

Jan, 2020

ETC Northeast Pipeline has been issued a $30.6 million fine for an explosion and fire that occurred nearly 16 months ago and resulted in widespread damage and contamination in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that it was issuing the civic penalty as part of an agreement with ETC that will give the operator the ability to resume work and correct unlawful conduct.

The fine, described by state DEP officials as “historic” because of its sizable monetary amount, is linked to an incident that occurred Sept. 10, 2018, in Center Township in Beaver County. A landslide along ETC’s Revolution Pipeline resulted in portions of the pipeline separating, which caused gas to escape the infrastructure.

On the day of the incident, the gas ultimately ignited, which resulted in a fire that burned multiple acres of forested areas.

A single-family home, a barn and numerous vehicles within the impacted area were destroyed. Six high-voltage electric transmission towers also collapsed. There were no injuries or deaths reported from the incident.

In a statement, Patrick McDonnell, secretary of the state DEP, said the amount of the fine was reflective of ETC’s failure to comply with the agency’s regulations and lack of adequately monitoring the Revolution Pipeline while it was under construction.

“DEP is committed to holding permittees accountable for permit compliance and will continue to provide active and stringent oversight over the construction of their projects,” McDonnell said in the statement. “Permittees are obligated to ensure that their projects are constructed without incident and in full compliance with permits. If a permittee fails to do so, they will be held accountable.”

The state agency’s recent news release also revealed a subsequent investigation conducted after the pipeline fire and explosion revealed ETC had not stabilized the Revolution Pipeline in multiple areas during construction and “illegally impacted” streams and wetlands in its vicinity because of inadequate stormwater runoff.

ETC, an affiliate of Energy Transfer Partners, has agreed to a number of conditions moving forward, according to state environment officials, including a provision $28.6 million of the fine go toward funds devoted to clean water and a designated oil and gas program.

The earmarked funds, according to the DEP, will help fortify some of the state’s natural areas.

Officials with ETC have not issued a formal statement on the DEP’s ruling, and an attempt to reach Energy Transfer Partners for comment this week was unsuccessful.

Moving forward, DEP officials said they will be stringently monitoring ETC’s pipeline work to ensure terms and conditions in the agreement are satisfied.

“The conditions imposed by this agreement seek to ensure that ETC will get this right,” McDonell said in the statement. “Anything less is unacceptable.”

At least one organization, the Better Path Coalition, has gone on record in opposition to the DEP’s decision. The environmental advocacy group took aim at the ETC’s track record of monitoring compliance across the state.

“Pennsylvanians jaded by the Department of Environmental Protection’s poor track record for holding polluters to account will be unmoved by the agency’s historic fine on ETC,” according to the statement from Better Path Coalition. “Instead, they will shudder at the thought that the company will be able once again to get permits for its projects.”

published here with permission of The Center Squarei

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Police Blotter: Dec. 30 – Jan. 5

Reminder for the week: Hunting guides require guide license

DOVER (Jan. 10, 2020) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 30 – Jan. 5 made 1,169 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 23 citations. Officers responded to 48 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

On Jan. 4, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Zachary Dittmar, 35, of Felton, for one count each of hunting antlered deer during closed shotgun season, failure to purchase a hunter choice tag prior to killing an antlered deer, failure to tag antlered deer, and failure to consume or utilize game animal near Harrington. Dittmar was arraigned through Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on his own recognizance, pending a future court appearance.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation:

Hunting antlered deer during closed shotgun season (1), failure to purchase a hunter choice tag prior to killing an antlered deer (1), failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to consume or utilize game animal (1), failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours (1), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (1), failure to tag antlerless deer (1), failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1), providing hunting guide services without a guide license (1), trespass to hunt (1), and hunting migratory waterfowl without required HIP number (1).

Boating & Boating Safety:

No fire extinguisher on board (1).

Public Safety:

Operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance (1), and possession of marijuana – civil (1).

Other:

Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4), trespassing after hours on a state forest (1), license forgery (1), operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), andoperating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2).

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. The Public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to

http://de.gov/ogt

, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?

All individuals receiving a monetary fee or other compensation for providing personal hunting guide services to hunters are required to have a Delaware hunting guide license. Hunting guide license holders must be 18 years of age or older. Persons acquiring a hunting guide license must not have been convicted of any wildlife or fisheries violations within the last three years prior to applying for the license.

All persons possessing a Delaware hunting guide license are required to complete and submit an annual report to the Division within seven days after the close of the hunting season to include the following information, which must be readily available for inspection by Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers: full name of each hunter; address of each hunter in the party; hunting license number for each hunter; date, number, and species of each animal harvested; location of hunts; and the name and license number of the guide. The guide must retain hunting field records for three years.

NJ American Water to Spend $300,000 in Audubon to Improve Town\’s Infrastructure

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. – JAN. 10, 2020 –

New Jersey American Water

will replace approximately 1,300 feet of aging 4-inch water main in Audubon beginning next week. The company will upgrade the aging water lines, installed in the 1900s, with new, 8-inch ductile iron main along

Cedarcroft Avenue

from Mansion Avenue to Walnut Street. The project also includes replacing two fire hydrants and 40 utility-owned service lines along the pipeline route.

This $300,000 investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for household consumption and fire protection in this community. This improvement is part of New Jersey American Water’s multimillion-dollar initiative to accelerate the

renewal of water infrastructure

that has reached the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state.

New Jersey American Water’s local, qualified contractor, Pioneer Pipe Contractors, Inc., will begin work on or about January 16 and expects to finish by the end of March 2020, weather permitting. Work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work outside of these hours is not anticipated unless required to maintain project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed by Audubon Borough.

For the public’s and workers’ safety, traffic restrictions and/or alternating traffic patterns are likely to occur during work hours. All emergency vehicles and local traffic will be allowed access during construction. New Jersey American Water values the safety of its workers and advises drivers and pedestrians to take caution in the vicinity of work sites.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. For more information, visit

www.newjerseyamwater.com

and follow New Jersey American Water on

Twitter

and

Facebook

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit

amwater.com

and follow American Water on

Twitter

Facebook

and

Philadelphia CBP K9 Proves Practice Makes Perfect with Outbound Marijuana Seizure during Training

Release Date:

January , 2020

PHILADELPHIA

– Coaches always preach that practice makes perfect and that the more you train, the better you perform.

CBP narcotics K9 Dasha

This axiom was clearly on display Tuesday when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) narcotics detector dog team in Philadelphia discovered nearly 500 grams of marijuana being shipped from San Francisco to Barcelona, Spain while practice detection skills in an air cargo hangar.

K9 Dasha caught the marijuana scent in a postal parcel manifested as “Zoomingos Monkey with Banan” that was packaged in an outbound mail container. The CBP K9 officer opened the package and noticed a silver pouch that contained a single bag with 468.4 grams, or about one pound, of marijuana.

The CBP K9 team seized the marijuana, which has a street value of about $800.

“Customs and Border Protection officers remains steadfast in our commitment to disrupt narcotics smuggling attempts, and our highly-skilled narcotics detector dog teams are on the frontline of this effort,” said Casey Durst, CBP’s Director of Field Operations in Baltimore. “Illicit narcotics interdictions is one way in which CBP contributes to the safety and safety of our communities.”

Nearly 500 grams

of marijuana destined for

Barcelona, Spain.

CBP officers screen international travelers and cargo and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

CBP seized an average of 4,657 pounds of illicit narcotics every day during 2018 across the United States. Learn about what CBP accomplished during \”

A Typical Day

\” in 2018.

Learn more about CBP at

CBP.gov

Pennsylvania Ag Republicans say debate over milk shows depth of partisan divide

By Kim Jarrett |

The Center Square

January 2020

HARRISBURG, PA–The proof that politics affects the agriculture industry is in the milk, said members of the Pennsylvania Ag Republicans at their meeting during the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

During the Obama administration, whole and two percent milks were removed from school lunchrooms across the nation. The Trump administration added some back to school lunchrooms, but whole milk is still banned.

The move has hurt the dairy industry, members of the Ag Republicans said, and it might not recover until whole milk is allowed back into the schools.

U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson has introduced a measure called “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids” that would bring whole milk back to the schools. But unfortunately, he said, the issue is not in the House Agriculture Committee but in the Education and Labor Committee.

The Food and Drug Administration is still considering changes to what can be labeled as milk, Thompson said, calling products labeled as almond milk “juice.”

Thompson and Lawrence Tabas, chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, emphasized the importance of the 2020 election on agriculture. Tabas said some of the Democratic candidates want to “completely change what it means to be an American.”

“If they don’t like whole milk, if they don’t like some of the crops you are growing, if they don’t like red meat, they can tell you that you can’t raise, produce it or sell it,” Tabas said.

Thompson and Tabas also praised the recent U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. A large portion of the exported milk from Pennsylvania goes to Mexico, said Mike Firestine, chairman of the Ag Republicans.

Thompson said a portion of a trade agreement with China could come in the next few weeks. That agreement is expected to include hardwoods, one of Pennsylvania’s leading products.

President Donald Trump won Pennsylvania by a slim margin in 2016, and Tabas predicted Trump would win again. He said Republican losses in the 2018 election were because Trump was not on the ballot.

The focus of the Ag Republicans is to get Trump reelected even though agriculture is going through a tough time right now, Firestine said. The economy, overall, is doing well, he said.

“Our stock market has been going up, even with the impeachment trials,” Firestine said.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser said agriculture is important to the nation’s economy and to the upcoming elections.

“What’s good for farmers is good for our country,” he said.

Tabas encouraged the group to place signs on their property. The state Republican Party is focusing on about 1.5 million Pennsylvanians that are not registered to vote. The goal is to get 150,000 to register, Tabas said.

published here with permission of The Center Square

SJ Gas Pipeline Nightmare Continues – Pinelands Commission Fail to Rescind Approvals

The Pinelands Commission was prepared to put a stay on the application of the South Jersey Gas Pipeline application, however they voted down a resolution Addressing the Remand of the South Jersey Gas Company Application Due to a Significant Change in Material Fact.

The final vote was 4-5.

“The nightmare continues at the Pinelands. By voting down even this weak resolution, it blocks the commission from taking final action on the SJ Gas pipeline. This means the application for the SJ Gas Pipeline still stands. This is one of the most shameful episodes that the Pinelands Commission has ever done. The BPU approval is based on the Pineland’s approval so as long as the Pinelands Commission doesn’t rescind their approval, the BPU approval still stands. Our concern is that the SJ Gas proposal could come back,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

“What the Pinelands Commission did today was the worst thing that has ever been done in the Pinelands, it goes against the CMP and the AG’s letter vacating the approval of the SJ Gas. It shows the Chris Christie Pinelands Commission is pro gas pipelines.”

South Jersey Gas plans were to build a pipeline that would go through the southern part of the Pinelands to connect into the B.L. England plant. Now that B.L. England will not be re-opened, the company continues to pursue the pipeline claiming it will improve system resiliency. In May, the Attorney General asked the Appellate Court to remand the South Jersey Gas pipeline case,

Docket No. A-3310-16

, back to the Pinelands Commission. The SJ Gas pipeline in the Pinelands was originally intended to repower the B.L. England plant. Owners of B.L. England have now closed the plant permanently, eliminating any need for the pipeline.

“We have been trying to get the Commission to rescind their approval since March, and now they sided with SJ Gas over the Pinelands. The decision made today means SJ Gas would still be able to reapply or find another buyer for B.L England. The Commission vote also goes against Attorney General Grewal’s letter to remand SJ Gas pipeline case to undo the approvals. The Pineland Commission’s approval for the SJ Gas pipeline should be revoked with prejudice because it is in violation of the CMP. Instead the most shameful episode of the Pinelands Commission is continuing. Instead of protecting the Pinelands, the commission is giving another chance for this unnecessary and unneeded fossil fuel project to be built,”

said Tittel.

“The Attorney General has already said that the SJ Gas pipeline does not meet the criteria for the Pinelands approval and has asked the Appellate Court to remand the South Jersey Gas pipeline case back to the Pinelands Commission for further action. The NJ Sierra Club also won our motion to remand the Pinelands Commission to reconsider its approval on SJ Gas. Enough is enough.”

Last spring, Governor Murphy announced that he will appoint Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Coffey to the Pineland Commission. Jessica Sanchez will be replacing Gary Quinn and Jennifer Coffey will be replacing Bob Barr. Murphy has also re-nominated Ed Lloyd as Commissioner. Governor Murphy also appointed Rick Prickett as the new chair of the Pinelands Commission.

“On the 6

Anniversary of the original denial of the SJ Gas application by the Pinelands Commission, what they did today was disgraceful. Six years ago, the Pinelands Commission denied the application, then Governor Christie stacked the commission with his appointees who are still running it. They want to turn the Pinelands into the Pipelands. We need Governor Murphy to veto the minutes of today’s Commission meeting so that this outrageous act did not happen and so that we can get a denial on this terrible project. It is better to have no resolution than a voted down resolution because then we can still work on rescinding the approval,”

said Tittel.

“The Governor also needs to fight to get his nomination through and hold the Senate President accountable and get these nominations approved.”

The Pinelands is the largest open space on the eastern seaboard and recognized for its biodiversity by the United Nations. The New Jersey Sierra Club is currently suing the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Pinelands Commission on their approval of the SRL pipeline. The New Jersey Sierra Club also filed with Pinelands Preservation Alliance requesting a motion for a stay by the Board of Public Utilities and the Pinelands Commission on the Southern Reliability Link Pipeline.

“Today, instead of protecting the Pinelands Protection Act, the commission turned into the Pinelands Permissive Act. When the Pinelands Act was passed forty years ago, one of the major reasons was to prevent pipelines coming through to connect offshore oil to refineries in south Jersey. The purpose of this pipeline was to build a natural gas plant in Cape May, now that purpose is hot air. The SJG pipeline would not only destroy the Pinelands but also impact critical drinking water for millions of people,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

“Today’s meeting shows that it is more important than ever to push Governor Murphy appointees for the Pinelands Commission through. We need people who will protect our environment and protect the Pinelands.”

Link to Pinelands Commission Meeting Live Stream:

https://www.nj.gov/pinelands/home/meetings/live/#1

Cape May Police Arrest NC Man for Pos. of Assault Firearms and other Weapon Related Charges

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Cape May City Police Chief Anthony Marino announce the arrest of Dustin A. Peters, 25 of Wilmington, North Carolina for Possession of Assault Firearms, Unlawful Possession of Handgun,

Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition, high capacity magazines and other weapon related charges.

The investigation is a joint effort of the Cape May Police Department, Coast Guard Police Department, Coast Guard Investigative Services, Cape May County Prosecutors Office, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force.

On January 9, 2020, Peters was stopped by Coast Guard Security for a routine security check on his vehicle at the entrance to the USCG Base TRACEN. During this check Peters was observed to be in possession of hollow point ammunition. As per security protocols a further investigation was initiated and it was discovered that Peters was in possession of a handgun in violation of New Jersey Statutes. At this time as per co- current jurisdiction agreements the Cape May Police Department was brought into the investigation.

Upon further investigation, Peters was found to be in possession of an illegal assault weapon, numerous high capacity magazines for this weapon, body armor, and many rounds of ammunition. It was determined during the course of the investigation that Peters came to the base to attend a graduation ceremony.

Peters was subsequently charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2nd Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun (2nd Degree), Possession of an Assault Firearm (2nd Degree), Possession of Prohibited Weapon (4th Degree), Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition (4th Degree), and ten counts of Possession of High Capacity Ammunition Magazines (4th Degree). * Peters was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending Court proceedings as per bail reform.

Members of the Cape May County Prosecutors Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force were notified and responded to assist due to the types of weapons and ammunition found and that the incident occurred at a military base.

*Any charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty.

Globetrotter makes crazy catwalk trick shot at Chase Center

(San Francisco – Jan. 2020) Prior to their debut at Chase Center with two games this Saturday, Harlem Globetrotters star Zeus McClurkin made the new arena’s first ever trick shot from the catwalk early this morning. Following the made basket from the rafters, Zeus challenged Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, stating “Alright Steph, your shot! I’m pretty sure that’s an H.” – referring to the popular basketball game of H-O-R-S-E. The video was posted minutes ago and is approved for media (courtesy Harlem Globetrotters).

Via

YouTube

(extended version)

Via

Facebook

(short version)

Earlier this season, Zeus also proved Curry’s new tunnel shot is makeable, as the trick shot artist made a no-look rainbow shot backwards (

video

The Globetrotters will make their Chase Center debut when their new “Pushing the Limits” World Tour comes to San Francisco this Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., as part of seven games in the Bay Area. The world-famous team will also return to Oakland Arena (formerly Oracle Arena) on Saturday, Jan. 18 for games at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., in addition to SAP Center at San Jose on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 20 for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee at 1 p.m.

A trip to the Bay Area has extra meaning for the Globetrotters in recent years, as the comparison between the Globetrotters and the Golden State Warriors is commonplace for media, fans and players. The Globetrotters have collaborated with the Warriors on several occasions, including a visit with Stephen Curry in 2018 (

video

) and an introduction of the Globetrotters’ 4-point shot with Klay Thompson in 2017 (

video

Michelle T. McDevitt, of Bellmawr, age 43

Michelle T. McDevitt, on January 10, 2020, of Bellmawr. Age 43. Beloved daughter of Edward and Marilyn. Loving sister of Melissa Rice (Kirby).

Dear aunt of Kirby and Keagan. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Michelle was a Lead Screener for TSA. She was a Sr. Probation Officer for the Child Support Division for the State of NJ. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania.

She was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Michelle loved to go to Cape May and was and animal lover. She loved spending time with her family, especially her two nephews.

There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm on Wednesday evening and 8:15 to 9:15am on Thursday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass 10am at St. Joachim Parish, Annunciation BVM Church, 601 W. Browning Road Bellmawr. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made in Michelle’s name to St. Joachim Parish or Homeward Bound Animal Adoption. 125 County House Road Blackwood, NJ 08012.

PET FOR ADOPTION: MEET ANDREW

Meet Andrew

Available for adoption January 16, 2020

The adoption fee for unaltered animals is $350 + plus $75 spay/neuter deposit.

The adoption fee for altered animals is $425.

Please note that we do have transportation available for most of our adoptable pets between NJ and PA locations. In most cases if you are interested in a dog listed in another location we are able to transport the puppy to a closer foster home.

Adoption Process:

Send an email to info@therileyrescue.com requesting an adoption application.

Complete the adoption application and submit it via email.

Once approved an appointment will be set to meet the puppy/dog.

If all goes well at the meeting your new pet will go home with you that same day.

All dogs and puppies have been seen at least once by a licensed veterinarian, have had age appropriate vaccinations and have been deemed healthy for adoption.

About

COAT LENGTH

Short

HEALTH

Vaccinations up to date, spayed / neutered.

GOOD IN A HOME WITH

Other dogs, children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK LINK BELOW:

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/andrew-47084368/nj/bellmawr/the-riley-rescue-nj800/