| 8:00 a.m. |
Opening Session |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Welcome Remarks by Moderator
– Kevin Sunday, Director of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry |
| 8:40 a.m. |
Overview of SRBC Water Use Mitigation Grant Program
– John W. Balay, P.E., P.H., Manager, Planning & Operations, Susquehanna River Basin Commission
– Andrew J. Gavin, Deputy Executive Director, Susquehanna River Basin CommissionAn overview of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s new Consumptive Use Mitigation Grant Program, which presents a unique opportunity to fund innovative water supply, water conservation and reuse, as well as water quality and environmental improvement projects undertaken by water users. This will help to offset consumptive water use and ensure the most efficient use of the basin’s water resources, especially when faced with drought conditions. Mitigation Rule insights will be highlighted. |
| 9:15 a.m. |
Navigating Net Zero Commitments
– Josh Ennis, PE, Assistant General Manager, National Fuel Gas Company
– Wendy Merz, Principal Consultant, Trinity ConsultantsThe growing shift toward “decarbonization” and “net-zero carbon commitment” has investors pressuring companies to develop a climate strategy as part of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure practices. The new Administration has re-committed the U.S. to the Paris Climate Agreement, and 24 states along with the District of Columbia have established economy-wide GHG emission reduction targets. We will discuss:
- Key drivers for companies to develop comprehensive GHG footprints and metrics
- Strategies to increase transparency in reporting and disclosure practices
- Tips to publicly commit GHG targets and net zero emissions aspirations
- Practical roadmap for quantifying Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, as well as benchmarking emissions and establishing GHG reduction targets
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| 10:15 a.m. |
Break and Sponsor Showcase |
| 10:45 a.m. |
Learning Tracks — Choose from the following two sessions:
| WATER ISSUES |
RESIDUAL WASTE |
Hot Topics in Water Law: Regulatory Issues Affecting Permitting and Compliance
– Lisa M. Bruderly, Esq., Shareholder, Babst Calland
- We will discuss recent key federal and Pennsylvania water law developments that will affect regulatory permitting and compliance.
- Latest definition of “water of the United States,” industrial stormwater compliance, drinking water and spill prevention and response.
- Updates on case law and guidance regarding discharges to groundwater that reach surface water, as well as new water-related federal and state guidance.
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Residual Waste Compliance Strategies
– Robert Burns Jr, Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C.
- Unique to Pennsylvania, complying with the Residual Waste Law is one of the most confusing environmental laws for PA companies to understand
- Definitions of waste, beneficial use and what types of companies must comply, including a review of permits
- Recordkeeping requirements including Forms 25R and 26R
- Strategies to store, process, transport and dispose of residual waste
- Brief update on the Clean Fill compliance
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| 11:45 a.m. |
Lunch and Sponsor Showcase |
| 12:15 p.m. |
Learning Tracks – Choose from the following two sessions:
| WATER ISSUES |
CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING |
Wetland and Aquatic Resource Permitting Regulations
– Todd D. Kantorczyk, Partner, Manko Gold Katcher Fox LLP
– Diana A. Silva, Partner, Manko Gold Katcher Fox LLP
- On December 5, 2020, the Environmental Quality Board published a proposed rulemaking to amend the PA DEP’s Chapter 105 regulations, which are the Commonwealth’s wetland and aquatic resource permitting regulations.
- Many of the proposed changes will place additional requirements on obtaining the necessary approvals for affected activities.
- In addition, a primary wetland permitting vehicle used to obtain approvals under the federal Clean Water Act and the 105 program was set to change on July 1, 2021. Also, the United States Army Corps of Engineers recently announced modification and reissuance of 12 nationwide permits, plus the issuance of four new general permits
- The speaker will review all of these sweeping changes, and provide insights for companies to understand which activities will impact wetland and streams such as real estate development and linear projects including pipelines and roads, how to receive the necessary approvals, as well as the enforcement in this area.
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Environmental Permitting for Construction and Warehouse Development Projects: Tips for Avoiding Regulatory Pitfalls and Obtaining Timely Permits
– John Dixon, Attorney, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr
- Warehousing development and construction projects have boomed throughout PA in the last decade, largely driven by the growth of e-commerce.
- Complex environmental regulations create uncertainty for businesses. Environmental permitting pitfalls and communication issues with regulatory agencies can quickly take the “wind out of the sails” of project development.
- We will discuss issues relating to warehouse development and general construction projects, provide tips for navigating legal obligations and permitting compliance associated with these projects.
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| 1:30 p.m. |
Break and Sponsor Showcase |
| 1:15 p.m. |
The Inspector is Not Your Friend; What to Expect When the Inspector Calls
– Scott Dismukes, Member, Co-Chair — Energy Group, Eckert Seamans
– Michelle Skjoldal, Member, Eckert SeamansInspections continued throughout the pandemic, and now that mandatory pandemic requirements are lifted, we anticipate that inspections will be rapidly increased. We will discuss:
- How, what and whom to train and prepare for environmental inspections including virtual inspections
- How to manage and conduct the inspection
- How to prudently follow up on inspections in an effort to reduce the potential for an enforcement action or fine
- A brief discussion of case studies/stories of the consequences
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| 2:15 p.m. |
Adjourn |